The Record Newspaper 31 January 2002

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Faiths join Pope Thousands protest at Assisi to pray the ongoing evil of for peace in the abortion in the US world: Pages 8&9 - Page 12

By Bronwen Clune The intimidation campaign against former brothel madam and anti-prostitution crusader, Linda Watson. took a serious turn last Monday night, when shots were fired at her house in Cannington. Ms Watson has become the victim of a string of serious threats since setting up Linda's House of !lope and undertaking her Ca 11paign against the legalisation of prostitution. Linda's House of lope is supported financially by the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. The latest incident happened on Monday 21 January at around apm. after Ms Watson went outside to have a cigarette. Ms Watson said she had only just sat down to light up when she heard a gunshot. She looked up to see two men dressed in black standing at the fence of an adjoining vacant block One of them appeared to he holding something, which police later suspected was a revolver. Another two shots were fired as she ran inside to raise the alarm. Her neighbour Leo Joyce also heard the shots and ran out to see what was going on: both he and

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Midlanders celebrate 100 years - Page 16

olts 11 d Photo fkonvion Pune Linda Wilson kticais wart Ike am was seinati aim Soy bed the shots. Ms Watson saw the two men for sure whether the men were have been waiting for her to come jump a fence and fire more shots bikies, hut that they did appear outside. "It was literally as 1 sat down that that way. None of the shots actubefore running off. Mr Joyce said he recognised the ally hit anything and police were the shot was fired." she said. '1 didn't even have time to light unable to locate the bullets. Ms distinct echo of a revolver. Ms Watson said she couldn't say Watson believes the men must my cigarette when 1 heard this

'almighty bang.'" She believes their vision would have been partly obscured by a wall, although they were definitely looking in her direction when the shots were fired. The property where the incident occurred forms part of the Catholic Church-funded refuge for women trying to escape the slavery and abuse of prostitution and is used as the initial assessment centre. Another building, located in the same street and used as a refuge. was firebombed three weeks ago causing $20.000 worth of damage. In October the front windows of the assessment centre were smashed and she also suspects a fire in a vacant block behind her was deliberately lit. She said police had found two gas cylinders in an abandoned shed on the block where the fire was. Mr Jayce said there had never been any trouble in the area and that all this had started happening a few months ago. "Before all of this it was a very quiet neighbourhood so it's certainly very suspicious that it all seems to be happening right here where Linda lives," he said. Continued - Page 2

Archbishop urges abortion effects study Coolg die Archbishop Barry Hickey has urged the committee conducting a review of the Acts Amendment (Abortion) Act 1998 to take a broad approach to the practice of abortion in Western Australia. drawing on all available information within this society nationally and internationally. The deadline for public submissions to the review was Friday January 25. Accepting that it was not the role of the Review to examine the rightness of Par'lament's decision, the Archbishop argued that for this reason the Review was in a position to examine the effects of abortion in our society across a broad front and with rigorous intellectual discipline. "Where adequate information is not available, the Review should ream-

mend that Parliament and Government set in place the appropriate mechanisms for gathering and analysing such information on an on-going basis," he said. 'Abortion is not a simple medical procedure with minimal consequences or after-effects. It is not in the category of pulling a tooth or excising a skin cancer. 'Abortion has profound effects on sodety. marriages, families, and individuals, including a great many who are only peripherally involved in the immediate act. "It affects the fertility rate of our society, which is currently well below replacement rate. It affects relationships within marriage and outside marriage. it affects relationships within families, particularly

between parents and children, both existing and subsequent. It affects the physical and emotional health of women who undergo abortions, and in many cases the men who are involved or excluded from the process. "We are now acutely aware of the effects of abusing children. We need to be equally aware of the effects of our choice to end the lives of more than 8000 children each year who are otherwise safe in their mothers' wombs. 'A society that is committed to making abortion virtually free and almost unconditionally available has good reason to ensure that it accumulates the widest possible knowledge of the subject. Continued, more reports - Pages 21ir 3

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Time to proclaim the good of marriage

W

e celebrate World Marriage Day on Sunday 10 February. It is an initiative of Worldwide Marriage Encounter which has done so much to enrich marriages here in this Diocese and throughout the world. With marriage so much under pressure at present front many quarters, this is a time for us to recall that the ideal of true Christian marriage is a gift front Christ, through the Church, to the world. The teaching of Christ on lifelong faithful marriage was new in his own day, and is even more relevant for the world today. We have seen the erosion of marriage and the steady increase of marriage breakdown over the past 40 years or so, so much so that many young people are fearful of committing themselves for life to one spouse, preferring either not to marry or to enter

short-term or de facto unions that in the long run are harmful spiritually, socially and personally. Now is the time to proclaim to the world again Christ's own vision of faithful, loving and fruitful marriage. No secular model of marriage has worked yet. In fact, the forces of secularism that take God out of human affairs, have damaged even Christian marriages by promoting self-fulfilment above marital fulfilment, the prevention of birth by artificial means, and serial marriage. What does the Church, in its role as custodian of the Good News of Jesus Christ, teach about marriage? Marriage is a Sacrament, a holy, graced union blessed by God, symbolising the union of Christ and the Church. Couples pledge fidelity for life, unconditional love for each other and openness to children, the fruit of their love. The grace of the

Sacrament perfects the couple's love and strengthens their indissoluble unity. It helps them face and overcome difficulties that arise, and strengthens both spouses in helping each other to attain holiness and to welcome and educate their children. Married people have a special mission in the Church, to be signs of love to the world, to bear children and educate them to be good citizens and good members of the Church, and to be a "domestic" Church where God is honoured and loved. This is surely good news to the modern world. The Holy Father has come under attack for recent comments he made to lawyers and others at a special audience. He asked them not to surrender to the divorce mentality, to avoid cooperating with divorce, and to seek opportunities for reconciliation. He wanted to reinforce the teaching

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Perspective will stand by them and help them recover. There are many happily married couples too in our parishes who need to be affirmed and supported in carrying out their God-given essential role in society and in the Church. Marriage celebration looms Page 11; Pope to lawyers - Page 5

US cell discovery By Bronwen Clune

A researcher at the University of Minnesota has discoverixl a stem cell found in adults that can turn into every single tissue in the body. If the discovery proves to be correct it would make embryonic stem cell research obsolete. The breaking story is reported on the New Scientist.com web site, which claims the cell might turn out to be the most important ever discovered. The finding has strong ethical Implications because! until now only embryonic: stem cells were thought to have such properties, the reason mans scientists have used to justify their work. If the research is found to be accurate it would mean that embryonic stem cell research and "therapeutic" cloning are no longer justifiable. NewSdentist.com reports that the cells were found in the bone marrow of adults by Catherine Verfaillie at the University of Minnesota. The reputable magazine claims that it has seen patent applications that show the extent of the experiments carried out on the cells. "These confirm that the cells dubbed multipotent progenitor

cells, or MAPCs - have the! same Father Walter Black from the potential as ECSs," the article Centre for Bioethics in Perth said. said there is no need for scienIt quotes Irving Weissman of tists to destroy embryos in their Stanford University as saying. research. The findings. if reproducible, He said even prior to the! latest are remarkable." discovery, embryonic stein cells The! article goes on to say that were available! from the! placenalthough Verfaillio's team is the! ta after childbirih and also from first to carry out the key experi- foetuses, which had spontaments needed to back up the! neously miscarried. claim that these cells are as verMere is definitely no longer satile as ESCs, there has been any need for researchers to harother recent research that vest human embryos, especially points to a similar conclusion. now that they have discovered At least two other labs claim to these cells in adults." he said. have found similar cells in mice.. "I have a lot of documents and one biotech company. Mor- which show that harvesting phoGen Miami (line:As of San human embryos for stem cell Diego, says it has found them in research is not necessary." skin and nmscle as well as NewScientist.Com quoted human marrow. Richard Doerflinger of the L IS The news could not come any Conference of (*.Mitotic Bishops sooner as more governments as saying that many lawmakers allow stem cell research to con- felt compelled to cross the moral tinue. line in backing the ES( research In the US federally-funded because they believe it's the researchers were given govern- only way to get the full benefits. ment approval in November to Obviously the new research work with 72 embryonic stem would change their position. cell lines. All the cell lines are NewScientist.com also said derived from 64 embryos. the discovery could affect the In the UK, government fund- cloning laws been drawn up ing is available for generating around the world. and working on new stem cells. While banning reproductive In Australia laws vary from cloning, countries such as state to state. but some stem cell Britain have permitted theraresearch is carried out in Victo- peutic cloning because doctors ria. (-Amid use it to obtain ESCs.

Shots fired near women's refuge

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of the Church that marriage was a lifetime commitment, and that divorce could undermine the indissolubility of marriage in the minds of many. The Pope's warning is timely. Easy divorce can lead to a lessening of the strong commitment that lifelong marriage requires. Lawyers, and all those who deal with marriages under stress, should always encourage reconciliation as a first step. Divorce is seen only too often as the answer. The break-up of marriage is always a tragedy, the end of dreams, the pain of unresolved conflicts, the desolation of the children. Children are affected perhaps even more than the parents. There are many people in our parishes who have suffered the pain of separation and divorce. They should know that they are part of a loving community of brothers and sisters who

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The Record, January 31 2002 Page 2

Continued from Page 2 Ms Watson believes the same people, probably with bikie links, are behind all the attacks. Ms Watson said the people behind the threats wanted to stop the campaign against legalisation and also prove to her that although she had left the industry they were still in control. "There are some heavies behind the brothel industry, as well as some big business people," she said. "Bikies use the brothels like chemists and make the amphet-

amines which they then trade through the brothels. "Girls get given drugs and get hooked ... so that is what I am fighting, it's not just the damage to the girls, it's about what's behind - that criminal element. "Legalising prostitution would free them from that police control, once it is legalised it would become a lawful business." Ms Watson said it was thanks to the Archbishop Barry Hickey and her faith that she had the courage to continue her work *Without the support of the Archbishop I don't know where

I would be," she said. Archbishop Hickey said the latest incident was very disturbing and that Ms Watson was a brave woman who had committed herself to a very good cause. can only think that this intimidation comes from somebody somewhere who wants her to abandon her work." Archbishop Hickey said. "We will continue reporting it to the police and hopefully those who are behind these incidents will see that they are wasting their time."

Archbishop calls for effects study Continued from Page 2 "Many of the on-going effects of abortion are not obvious. As in much of human life, the cause-effect principle is not easy to identify. Human responses to serious events are usually complex and seldom

immediate and easy to define. However, these are not reasons for ignoring the subject. hut rather they are reasons for continuous studies of the issues at stake. "The current review should interpret the words "operation and effectiveness" in the broadRead The Record

est possible way. Our society needs to understand the effects of the law and its operation in the greatest possible depth. If sufficient knowledge is not available now, we must make it our business to accumulate it." The full text is available on www.perth.catholic.org.au

Abortion in WA

'Lack of support big proble

Speaking from the steps of Parliament House In Perth during the abortion debate in 1998, Archbishop Barry Hickey addresses pro-life opponents of the legalisation of the killing of unborn children.

Lack of support for women "There is a certain futility in to which the fathers of intended wanting to keep their babies in examining the effectiveness of abortion victims are offered coundifficult circumstances was the counselling services and provi- selling, take up counselling, or are biggest deficiency in the opera- sions for informed consent if the ignored," he said. tion of WAs abortion laws, Arch- counsellors, the doctors and the With regard to the Act's provibishop Hickey said when dealing mothers are all sitting there look- sions for magistrates to give perwith some of the specific terms of ing at a blank wall with a sign say- mission for abortions to be reference for the review of the ing 'there is no other way'. performed on minors without "operation and effectiveness" of "There needs to be a serious their parents' knowledge, Archthe law. examination of the support ser- bishop Hickey said it was impor"The most obvious deficiency in vices people need to feel free to tant that there be on-going reports the system established in WA to refrain from killing their babies, to Parliament about the number allow the abortion of more than and a serious attempt made to of these cases, the reasons given 8000 babies a year is that there is provide those services." by the minors (or those repretoo little support for women and With regard to Government- senting them) for seeking a nongirls who do not want to kill their funded counselling services, parental permission, and the baby but do not know how to cope Archbishop Hickey called for reasons given by magistrates for with the immediate physical, eco- careful analysis of the perfor- granting such permission. nomic and social difficulties relat- mance of each agency "If Parliament is going to take ed to the pregnancy and birth of "In particular there needs to be over the responsibility of parents the child," he said. very careful study of how people and hand it to magistrates, Parlia-Throughout the entire abortion seeking post-abortion counselling ment must maintain on-going surdebate. I doubt that any MPs regard their pre-abortion coun- veillance of the outcome of its expressed themselves as actually selling in the light of their subse- decision," he said. in favour of abortion, but whether quent experience," he said. On the question of "informed by design or accident the Gov"This study should focus on the consent" Archbishop Hickey ernment has set up a system extent to which people were truly raised questions about the qualiwhich favours abortion over the counselled about all the options ty of the information provided by choice not to kill the baby. and the assistance that could be the Health Department to doctors, -The Catholic Church provides available to them if they did not including the link between aboremotional and material support proceed to abortion. tion and breast canmr, and asked (including accommodation) "It is also important to know, in the Review to address the issues through Pregnancy Assisrelation to each service, the extent impartially and comprehensively. tance and is well aware that Government agencies refer people to Pregnancy Assistance because they have no SEAFARERS CENTRE PORT HEDLAND capacity to offer help themselves. "The majority of members of the 1998 Parliament professed to be pro-choice, but to date there has been no assistance offered to the choice for life. A Manager is required to administer the Seafarers' Centre. to work as

Archbishop urges new approach to sexuality and health education Society needs to re-examine its • No risk of sumialll, transmit- ness that our society's current approach to human sexuality ted disease. approach is not working. and sexual relationships, both in • No risk of pregnancy and -The evidence-based social sciterms of public health cam- subsequent temptation or pres- ence data show that married paigns and general education. sure for abortion. people live longer, are healthier. Archbishop Barry Hickey said in • No need for girls to drug happier and more economically his submission to the abortion themselves every day to avoid secure than single people. and law review. that stable marriages provide the pregnancy. • No risk of promiscuit!, with best environment for children. Our young people deserve to he given a better and broader Its deleterious impact on the -All of these are good secular education about sexuality and ability to develop and sustain reasons for society to promote human relationships than is cur- deep personal relationships. marriage and the pre-marriage rently offered.' he said. This is particularly true for boys training that increases the He was dealing with the and young men whose aggres- chances of successful marri,li f review's term of reference con- sive and irresponsible sexuality and family life. 'Many teenagers complain that cerning the availability of pre- is a real social problem. • Improved capacity to devel- the condom and disease-based ventive education and general evidence-based research infor- op friendships based on respect programs and messages th, now encounter debase the, . mation for medical practitioners for human personality. • Ultimately, better prepara- sense of the quality of human and the community From an entirely secular point tion for marriage and better sexual relations.' he said. -This awareness is based partof view, the most obvious infor- chances of maintaining a marmation about sexuality and riage (the personal relations goal ly on the natural desires of the health was that people who were of the vast majority of young peo- human heart and partly on their experience at home of the abidchaste before marriage and faith- ple). ing mutual love of their parents. "The fact that the great majorihil within marriage had very few 'They also complain that curty of people want a partner for sexually transmitted diseases. life in a lifelong marriage, with rent programs tend to give highIt was also a fact, acknowl- lifelong commitment to one er status and a sense of edged by 'Talking Sexual another and to their children Inevitability to sexual activity, Health" (the national guidelines (and grandchildren) is sufficient and in doing so they reinforce for secondary education) that the reason to plan and fund educa- the position of those who are trymajority of secondary students tion (both school and public ing to pressure others to become are not sexually active. health) in support of that goal." sexually active. But there was virtually no edu- Archbishop Hickey said. "Girls. in particular, suffer from cational support given to rein'The fact that increasingly large this effect. but it is true that both forcing the advantages of the numbers of people are not girls and boys suffer greatly. . . . choice made by the majority of achieving that goal is sufficient from premature and inappropristudents. Those included: reason to be open to the aware- ate sexual experience.'

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The Record. January 31 2002 Page 3

Big convention gives youth an experience to remember

Youths from Perth and Bunbury got into the spirit of things at the Catholic Youth and Young Adult convention, which saw over 700 young people get together and celebrate their faith.

Aiy

were amazing, and we did amazing things." This statement from one of the theme songs encapsulates the Catholic You and Young Adult convention "Dangerzone." From the 13th -18th of January Aquinas College in Manning played host to this remarkable event which attracted over 700 people fmm both the Perth and Bunbury Dioceses throughout the week. making it the largest gathering of Catholic youth in Western Australia in the past year.

Organised by Foundations Catholic Ministry, the experience was deemed an overall huge success by both participants and event organisers. We have worked tremendously hard over the past two years to put on this event but no one expected the Convention to impact the young Catholics who attended from around Western Australia as it did", said Bruce Downes. the Director of Foundations Catholic Ministry. 1 have had little involvement with this age group over the past

four years and what is significant are the shifts both faith wise and culturally that have occurred in this time. If the Church is to be effective in ministry to young people we certainly do need to be adapting our approach in presenting the Catholic: message. Catholic: retreats such as this are vital in the evangelisation of young people," he said. Twenty-five Catholic high schools from the Perth metropolitan area were represented. A significant number of Perth's Parish Priests and Councils sup-

Fr Tony Chiera from the Bunbury Diocese and Bruce Downes, Foundations Director, at the youth convention.

ported y ming parishioaers to attend the convention through financial sponsorship. The amvention was structured in such a way that each delegate actively participated in the community life of the live-in event. The six nights and five days were spent together, in community groups of about thirty people. in discussion groups and in personal reflection. In essence. the event was a retreat for young people presented in an age appropriate, naxlern and contemporary approach. The most frequent comment from delegates was the amazing effect of the community on the funning of new friendships with people with whom they could share their faith. The Catholic Youth Convention featured a broad range of elements including the daily celebration of Mass with Parish Priests from around Perth. Daily sessions were held by speakers such as Fr Tony Chiera Vicar General of the Bunbury Diocese, Bruce Downes - Director of Foundations Catholic Ministry. .\aron Peters - Prendiville Catholic College religious education teacher. Tam Peters and foe Tedesco. Fr Tony observed even on the first day of the convention that This event is a significant contribution to the evangelisation ministry of the Western Australian Church. After 24 hours here I am "You were amazing, and we did amazing things," were the words to one of the songs, which summed up the weeconvinced there is something keend for many of the young people that attended. happening that is worth celebrating. supporting and informing others about. There is a story taking shape here that the wider Church would benefit from." Delegates participated in three

There was plenty of singing and dancing at the convention, which aimed to get youths involved in their faith. The Record, January 31 2002 Page 4

streams through the course of the week. The Leadership Stream, which a large proportion of schools had subsidised their /lead Boy and Head Girl. Student Representative Council members and Prefects to attend. The Creative Arts Stream covered the areas of dance, drama, literature, art and Additionally. the Community Action Stream operated front both a practical and self reflective medium. accompanied by a panel interview comprising members of the professional and volunteer community such as representatives from Crisis CAM Holy Spirit of Freedom and Young Vinnies. Each stream incorporated personal development and the identification and nurturing of spiritual gifts. Foundations Catholic Ministry operates within the Archdiocese of Perth seeking to present the Catholic message to people of all ages in a modern and contemporary ministry manner. This is conducted in conjunction with priests and the broader Church. An event such as the Catholic Youth Convention is one of a broad range of activities catering to all age groups in the Church. As Fr Tony commented. "The greatest thing that the Foundations Community has to offer is. you remind me of the Early Church. When people looked at the early Christians they said look at this crowd, they really love one another. That's my lasting lingering memory of Foundations." The next youth event is the Catholic Youth Festival to be held from July 16 - 19.

A group of young people who attended the convention.

.• McGinty censorship criticism

Lawyers must not take divorce cases: Pope Fr Peter Bianchini NCP chairman By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II said Catholic civil lawyers must not take divorce cases lithe client's intent is to break the marriage bond. Speaking on 28 January to the Roman Rota, a Vatican tribunal that handles annulment appeals, the pope said the church must oppose divorce in society by promoting a *mentality, social custom and civil legislation in favour of indissolubility." Pope John Paul said Catholic Judges might find it impossible not to take divorce cases, but they "must find effective means to promote matrimonial unions, above all through a wisely conducted work of reconciliation." But he said Catholic lawyers who are free to choose their cases -must always decline the use of their profession for an end that is counter to Justice, like divorce." "They can only collaborate in such an activity when it, in the client's Intent. is not aimed at the breaking of the marriage, but to other legitimate effects," he said. According to the "Catechism of the Catholic Church." separated couples are permitted to obtain a civil divorce if it is "the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance." Pope John Paul called divorce a "plague" with devastating consequences for society and said the church unwaveringly must defend marriage's permanence - which he said was ordained by God - and oppose alternative kinds of unions,

like gay "marriages." "It could almost seem that divorce is so rooted in certain social environments that it is almost not worth continuing to combat it," Pope John Paul said. "But it is worth it!" he said. The pope warned church marriage courts to shun a "divorce mentality" in deciding annulment cases, saying It clouded the church's valuable message to society about the indissolubility of marriage. In recent years some church tribunals had 'more or less openly rel. ativised" the meaning of marriage. the pope said, by too easily handing down annulments. a Judgment that the apparent marriage was null from the start. "The injustice of a declaration of nullity. opposed to the truth of the normative principles or facts. is particularly serious, since its official link to the church promotes the diffusion of attitudes in which indissolubility is supported with words but obscured in life." he said. The pope said tribunals should be guided by a "presumption" of indissolubility. "which obviously (iSles not mean prejudice against just declarations of nullity. but (rather) a working conviction regarding the good at play in the process, united with ever-renewed optimism that comes from the natural character of matrimony and from the Lord's support for the spouses." Even in CAWS where the apparent marriage is determined null, whenever possible the couple should consider validating the union, which, even if not yet matrimonial. "contains elements of good for them and for the children." he said.

The decision by Attorney-General Jim McGinty to abolish the State's Censorship Advisory Committee and hand its powers to the Commonwealth has been condemned by the State Opposition, the National Viewers and Listeners Association of Australia, and the Australian Family Association. Mr McGinty announced his decision at the same time as he announced that he had banned a number of paedophile magazines. He said the Commonwealth would do the same things the State would do and surrendering the State's power was expected to save the tax-

payers S27,000 a year. His critics Hotchkin, said the WA office expressed the view that it was a was specifically designed to protect children, but could also Poor trade. Opposition spokesperson be used if the police found mateCheryl Edwarcles MLA, a former rial that incited, promoted or Minister responsible for censor- instructed in terrorism. WA had shown itself more ship, said the issue was not about the right of adults to see effective than the Commonwhatever they liked, but about wealth and in cases where the community's right to protect immediate action was needed, relying on the Commonwealth its children. Over the last 29 years, both was unworkable. AFA president John Barich Labor and Liberal State Governments had proved them- said censorship was most effecselves more effective in this field tive in control of paedophilia, than the Commonwealth which bestiality and incitement to terhad often followed WAs exam- rorism, all of which made the timing of Mr McGinty's action ple. Paul most inappropriate. NVLAA president,

Fr Peter Bianchini, Shenton Park parish priest is the new chairman of the National Council of Priests. The NCP boast over 1500 clergy members who pay an annual membership fee to join the 32 years old association. "Among other services the NCP sponsors an Australia wide conference every two years. The next conference is in Broken Bay diocese NSW from July 30- Friday August 2. "Parish Councillors would do well to encourage their priest to attend the conference as too often priests feel they should not leave their duties." The theme of the conference is 'From Goodwill to Faith' but what is far more important is the informal discussions that take place when clergy gather from different diocese in the one place. The Conference enables priests froni opposite ends of

brother priests. "Clergy issues and concerns resonate best with fellow priests," he said. "The NCP is keen to encourage priests to meet and experience the brotherhood that exists." "The NCP executive meets regularly with the Australian Catholic Bishop's Conference to raise the latest clergy concerns." Peter Bianchini has been involved with the NCP since 1988 when the conference first came to Perth. He has been an executive member for 6 years and its treasurer. The NCP publishes the Official Directory of the Catholic Church in Australia which is soon to go 'on line' and also a quarterly newsletter. The Fr Mar Ilatdial Swag'. that is mailed to every the country to gather. to be cleric in Australia and many in themselves, sound off and share New Zealand. - Fr John Jegorow ideas and frustrations with

"IBelieve"—A Little Catholic Catechism k l

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his beautifully illustrated book is an introduction to the basics of the Catholic Faith and is addressed above all to families, but could also serve as a basic text for laity, pnests and religious involved in religious education. The publication of this hook is a response to the 'grossing demand' for a compact introduction to the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book has met with 'great interest' among the faithful and is aimed at young people Ind adults. Inspiring illustrations give this catechism an added dimension to help convey the spint of the Gospel along with its message.

Ihe catechism is 19tvpp and measures 2 lOrtun by 148mm. The first part of the book is based upon the Apostles Creed. Each article of the Creed is explained in a separate chapter and illustrated with examples from the Bible. The second part is devoted to the Sacraments, the life of Jesus and an explanation of the Lord's Prayer. The book is based on the universal Catechism and has been approved by the Catholic Church. A lovely gift idea and every copy you buy enables us to send MOM COpiCS overseas to those who are hungry for the Word of God."

BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED THROUGHOUT

Just '5" a copy An og (richt-lining in Australia with the first release of 9,000 COPIC5 selling out in less than three months success

Pepe John Paul II arrives at St Peter's Basilica for New Year's Mass on 1 January.

+ 4--lavvest PilstAimages

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2002 : THE JOURNEY CONTINUES... + PILGRIMS ROAD + CATHOLIC • Lisieux • Chartres • Nevers HEARTLAND ParayParisle Monial • Taize • Ars • Rocamadour C zestochowa • Krakow • Auschwitz Turzovka Shrine • Prague • Glendalough Waterford Limerick • Knock • Croagh Patrick Dublin • An 18 day pilgrimage Front Poiand and the Czech #14* Republic to beautiful Ireland, sc,nir of the roorld's most ,a,red citei await us.

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The Record, January 31 2002 Page 5

Lowly high in God's esteem Peter Dwan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday's Mass. This week the Tird Sunday of Ordinary Time

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oday's readings invite us to consider whether we are living according to the spirit of the Beatitudes. The theme is introduced in the first reading (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13). The prophet Zephaniah was one of the twelve minor prophets, who preached during the clays before King Josiah (640-609) introduced a religious reform into Judah. Under Manasseh and Anion (687-640) God was abandoned and almost forgotten by the leaders of he Chosen People. And even by very many of the ordinary people. But the day of the Lord" was coming, the clay when God would come to punish not only the pagan nations, but also Judah for her pride and rebelliousness. However, a remnant, a small percentage of God's people, would survive the clay of wrath, if they continued to be humble and obedient to God's commands. It is this section of Zephaniah's prophecy that is read today. The reading begins: "Seek the Lord all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands. Seek integrity, seek humility." The people in high positions, and the rich merchants had forsaken their God (Zephaniah 1:1-18) and would suffer for this. Here the prophet turns to the poor, "the humble of the earth, who obey his commands", and exhorts them to continue to be faithful - to keep on seeking God in lustice and humility. Zephaniah prophesied that the rem-

of worldly standards. The wise ones of this world, that is, those who use all their intellectual and other gifts to acquire power and privilege for themselves here below; the strong ones of this world who lord it over others; the nobles (in their own esteem) who nant would keep God's commandments despise those of lower rank - all of these and be honest and truthful. are already surpassed and left behind The reading concludes: "But they will (put to shame) by the ordinary people be able to graze and rest with no one to whom God has chosen as his own." The disturb them." Sunday Reading Cycle A p87. God will be their shepherd; he will These ordinary people are the poor in pasture and protect them, as a true spirit. shepherd provides for and protects his Today's gospel (Matthew 5:1-12) is St flock Matthew's account of the beatitudes. God provides for the humble and the The first beatitude is: "How happy are poor in spirit. the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom The late Mother Teresa of Calcutta of heaven." was humble and detached from the It is surely no coincidence that this is things of this world, prescribing strict placed first on the list, for if we think poverty for her Missionaries of Charity, about it, a person who is poor in spirit who give wholehearted free service to will practice the other beatitudes, while the poor for life. on the other hand, someone who isn't However, Mother Teresa received a poor in spirit won't. number of large awards, including the Unless we are detached (poor in spir1979 Nobel Peace Price and her Order it) we won't practice the works of mercy, has been blessed with numerous voca- and one beatitude is: "Happy are the tions. merciful, they shall have mercy shown The second reading (1 Corinthians them." 1:26-31) is St Paul's reminder to the Mother Thresa's life exemplified the Corinthians and to us that few to whom beatitudes. God gives the gift of faith are wise in the She was poor in spirit, but she was ordinary sense of he word, few are influ- also merciful, having her nuns serve the ential or come from noble families. poorest of the poor. Most of St Paul's Corinthian converts Many people helped in various ways came from what the world would con- her mission of mercy; from those girls sider the lower classes, but they were who joined the Missionaries of Charity, high in God's esteem. to the ci i-workers who helped with their St Paul says: "No, it was to shame what services, prayers and donations, and is strong that he chose what is weak by other helpers. human reckoning; those whom the However, Mother Thresa received world thinks common and con- much criticism for her strong oppositemptible are the ones that God has tion to abortion. chosen - those who are nothing at all to Yet another beatitude says: 'Happy show up those who have everything." are those who are persecuted in the Fr Kevin O'Sullivan OFM comments: cause of right, theirs is the kingdom of 'God's standards are the very opposite heaven."

1Layman's Meditation

TO JESUS TIIROUGH MARY

A COLUMN OF MARIAN DEVOTION

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ne sure reason for which he had been chosen, a reason mentioned by the angel in the annunciation to Mary and by the angel who appeared to him in a dream: he was a son of David, a member of the house of David: and it is through him, by reason of his marriage to Mary. that the Messiah would fulfil the prophecy of his belonging to the family of David. It may seem very little to us; it might even seem better to us had Mary belonged to the house of David. Instead it was not to he. We must remember that often the messianic prophecies are generic and that God in fulfilling them takes great liberties. From the beginning, when the prophet Nathan promised David an enduring house (2 S 7:14). it was natural to think of a royal dynasty lasting for an indeterminate period of time. Instead. the Dmidic dynasty ended with the deportation to Babylon. Upon their return from exile, the sole important personage among the descendants of David is Zerubbabel: but he lived nearly five hundred years before Christ. From then on the house of David no longer had any political importance, and the words of Nathan came to always he

Madonna deft Tenda (Raffael 1483 - 1520)

interpreted in a messianic sense. God fulfilled them through the marriage of Mary and Joseph. But Joseph understood something far more important: he understood who his spouse was and who the baby she had conceived truly was. Mary was the long awaited woman prophesied in Genesis; she was the virgin mother predicted by Isaiah Advertisement as a sign of salvation: the son, Message from Our Lady, conceived by the working of the Holy Spirit, was the very Son of Queen of Peace, given to God himself, who had God as his Marija Pavlovic Lunetti for the Father. village of Medjugorje and the He understood that the silence of Mary served a dual purpose: world on January 25, 2002 to safeguard the secret of the "Dear Children! Identity of that child, a secret At this time, while you are still looking back to which Jesus himself would the past year I call you, little children. to look reveal little by little and with deeply into your heart and decide to be closer great discretion; and she was to God and to prayer. Little children, you are still silent in order not to reveal her attached to earthly things and little to spiritual personal identity as Mother of life. May my call to you today also be an encourGod. agement to you to decide for God and for daily Ibelieve that this is the moment conversion. You cannot he converted, little chilin which Joseph seriously dren if you do not abandon sins and do not decide for love towards God and neighbour. reflected on himself, realising how much God must have Thank you for having responded to my call." expected of him by entrusting (It is aarpted that the final authority regarding apparitions of (lur Lady at Mediugorie rrsts with the Holy See of Rome) Jesus and Mary to him. Joseph is truly the first great devotee of

The Record, January 31 2002 Page 6

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Mary most holy. But there is more. In the first centuries of Christianity the figure of Joseph was studied and known better than it is today. I think, for example, of the great ark covered with mosaics in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, dating back to the year 432 in remembrance of that day in Ephesus when Mary was proclaimed Mother of God. Observing the various scenes, we see that Joseph stands out in four of them: he is seen as the head of the Holy Family and of the Church. representative of the bishop, witness and custodian of the virginity of Mary. protector and educator of Jesus. Regarding Jesus himself, the secret which Joseph along with Mary kept in their hearts, is the divine identity of their son. But the secret also involved the mission of that child which the angel had revealed to him in the words: "You will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins." Joseph himself would he in charge of the human formation and education of the Son of God in order to prepare him for his mission. His marriage would be different from that he had imagined and looked forward to. but it was to be immensely greater. When God calls someone to an extraordinary mission, he always asks the renunciation of their human plans and ways of looking at things. So it was with the prophets (it's enough to think of Amos) who expected simply to carry on the work of their fathers; so it happened with the apostles, when he Invited them to leave all to follow him. And thus he continues to do with whomever he calls to a total dedication to him.When. on December 8, 1870, Pope Pius IX proclaimed St Joseph patron of the universal Church. it seemed to many that he was invoking one protector too many at a time in which the temporal power of the popes was coming to an end. It was rather the recognition of an evangelical fact: by entrusting the person of Jesus to Joseph. God also entrusted to him his mystical body. the Church.

WA homosexual law reform shows up some peculiarities

John Barich, Australian Family Association

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he current debate on homosexual law "reforms" has highlighted some peculiar features. Catholic MP's propose homosexual adoption. IVF for lesbians, lowering the age of consent for sodomy below the protective age of 18 and equating defacto and homosexual relationships to legal marriage. A born Catholic Attorney General writes unsolicited to the AFA saying his Government supports the uniqueness and dignity of marriage and yet proposes that other relationships be given equal standing with marriage by amending some 100 pieces of legislation. Thk results in marriage losing its privileged position. At least two male members of Parliament disclose that their attitudes to the reforms are influenced by the fact that they were molested by homosexuals when young. In response a Government Minister is reportPli as saying that personal dramas cannot be t aken into account. Where was she when a myriad of personal dramas were used to push t hrough liberal abortiim legislation? The West Australian has run letters on the matter of Democrat Senator Brian Greigg abusing his Senate position to make mischief for Australia Post despite the paper not having reported the story which was given as an AFA press release to the whole media. The same paper on at least three different occasions has not told its readers that the Family Law Court Bill will give not only de-fados (which they did report) but also same-sex couples access to the Family Court thus giving them recognition as families, an unprecedent1,(1 development in Australian law. nu! AFA. according to the homosexual lobby, has been found guilty of vilification' despitf. the fact that the finding applies to one advertisement which both The West and the Sunday Times ran after amendments pmposed by The West to make the copy less combative. The verdict was given by a nameless kangaroo court without much due process, without a right of appeal and by ignoring a key element in the advertisement. Now this finding is being used to attack the Governor General because he addressed last year's national conference of the AFA. which was also addressed by Archbishop Bathersby. the former president of the RSL Digger lames and the Chief of the Army Lt General Pffirl ( :Osgmve.

Fr David Watt was sacked from his chaplaincy past by Edith Cowan University for daring to oppose these reforms on the pretext that he referred to his position in a newspaper adveriicement. \lost University people who appear in the media are given their official titles without inviting the sack Support for our side of the f I (,hate has been marvellous. Ordinary Australians have sent money and written letters to the press for the first time. The 3000 strong rally for children and the family at Parliament House showed a broad spectrum of opposition to some aspects of the reforms. One weakness has been the lack of involvement of some elements of the Church in support of Fr David Watt and the stand taken by Archbishop Hickey and Bishop Holahan. The process employed by the government was tainted at its source. We know that up to six ALP members of Parliament feel their conscience has been violated by the rigid government discipline. Given this, we hope that the Upper House will at least refer the two Bills to a Committee which would consider the views of the majority of voters. All the above, and there is more, tell us a lot about the way some of the key elite in our society view anything which may be based on natural law principles. The secular humanists have convinced themselves that they are the vanguard of the future and they will brook no opposition.

We cannot, and will not, stop talking about it E

The Record

vents in the last week have focussed some attention again on the one subject that most Western Australians feel most uncomfortable with. Archbishop Barry Hickey has delivered PO Box 75. Leederville, WA 6902 his own submission to the Committee Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 reviewing the operation and effectiveness cathrec@iinetnetau of the first three years of WAs abortion legislation. Only shortly before, the archdiocesan world, governed by uncivilised governIf this were the sole truth one would be Pregnancy Assistance agency, which offers ments. But we should not be depressed by justified in adopting a more or less perassistance to women facing what are this as life has rarely been much different manent state of pessimism about the termed 'crisis pregnancies,' also made its It is simply a testimony to the sheer igno- world and life in general. But the deeper truth is that when we are rance and culpable indifference of those own submission. On the other side of the world, on 22 Jan- who rule over us, especially those who prepared to accept responsibilities with the rights we demand - either as individuary, tens of thousands of Americans con- actively support legalised abortion. The fact that the unrestricted killing of uals or as a society - then we are capable verged on Washington to commemorate the 29th anniversary of one of the most unborn children for little or no reason is of achieving amazing acts of generosity, infamous decisions taken by their democ- primarily a phenomenon of the affluent and even heroism. As The Record is one of the tiny minorracy, the US Supreme Court's effective societies of the world should not surprise legalisation of unrestricted abortion. us. (Here in WA an unborn child has no ity of publications in Australia that regulin nearly three decades now, millions legal rights; an abalone - a bivalve mol- larly and explicitly opposes abortion it of Americans have refused to accept the lusc - is protected by harsh penalties may occasionally seem that we are too fixcodified lunacy of the Supreme Court on amounting to tens of thousands of dol- ated on this issue. But The Record here announces its phithis issue, indistinguishable in many ways lars). However highly we may esteem our own losophy on this subject and with no apolfrom the proposition that some people are somehow less than others because of the technological achievements and imagined ogy to anyone. No matter how tired people superiority the fact remains that we may be of hearing us say it we will concolour of their skin. The closeness of the Australian and US human beings often seem to remain inca- tinue to announce this truth: that to kill a events is entirely coincidental but it pable of collectively acting for our good or child in the womb is an evil act, regardreminds us of another uncomfortable fact: the gcmd of others, when to do so involves less of the degree of comprehension or understanding of those who participate in that we live in an increasingly uncivilised personal or collective sacrifice.

71-aae..

T Arounr

fellers Jo IlSe Cclifor

And another verse, too

What to use for animals posed quite a are disregarded. Sometimes they are indeed frivolous (though a school story problem for a while, but was solved by in which everyone always obeyed the t he inspiration of another neighbour rules would be pretty boring), but on who hought a cute little toy lamb espeother cxxxisions there are circumstances cialh,- for the purpose and who ilk() which extenuate or even justify the rule- donated the donkey from her children's breaking. and Harry himself agonises 'pin the tail on the donkey' game. Mounted on cardboard it succeeded onsigiior keating's letter on a final over the moral dilemmas involved, verse of the National Anthem, as weighing up the risk of expulsion in looking quite authentic. Pottery and plastic gold angels comextracted from Pastoral Liturgy. had against what he feels he has to do. If all portrayal of magic in literature is pleted the scene for this year. drawn attention to a Christian verse. The whole thing looked so beautiful at There is also a more generic verse. to he outlawed as 'a turning to the devil', combining recognition of God and this that would knock out The Magic Pud- night lit up with the loan of another ancient land with a summons to unity, ding The Wizard of Oz. virtually all neighbours' spotlamp that Leslie. one of fairy stories such as Cinderella and The several children in the cul-de-sat the words of which are as follows: Sleeping Beautt many of E Nesbit's sto- expru.ssed the wish to sleep in it! 0 Gcxl. who made this ancient land ries, and even the Narnia stories of C S And set it round by sea Leading up to Christmas Eve the I.mvis, who calls the chapter where the empty manger la straw-filled basket1 Sustain us all who dwell herein Christ-like Asian returns to life "Deeper provided a focus for both adults and One People. strong and free. Grant we may guard its generous gifts Magic from before the Dawn of Time'. children as they waited for our humble Why is it that Lewis and Tolkiem who re-enactment of the birth of the ChristIts beauty rich and rare. In your great name, may we proclaim both portray the use of magic, both good child an event which changed the world and bad, in their books, should be not 2000 years ago. Like everything spirituAdvance Australia Fair. only tolerated but praised. while J K al, the planning and construction of this With thankful hearts then let us sing Bowling is condemned. and even simple crib has brought my husband Advance Australia Fair. accused of taking dictation from the and me great joy and peace. Fr Brian O'Loughlin PP devil, when she has herself declared It has also served as a gentle but powClaremont that she believes in God and not in erful reminder to everyone who has magic? I find it very puzzling. seen it. especially those who for whatever reason seldom hear the words of Janet Kovesi Watt Natta ( The Record. fan 24th) Claremont r Christ. what Christmas really means. is dismayed that I should have proibediia This message of peace. mercy and love moted in The Record books which have has sadly for most people. become just been described by the Pope's exoralmost obliterated by our society's ramue to the combined effort of my pant commercialisation of this holy fescist as hiding the signature of the devil husband and me and the encour- tival. and presenting a disordered morality in which lying is justified and rules bro- agement and enthusiasm of good neighThe Crib provided an opportunity to bours we erected a lovely crib this escape from that and reflect, for a few ken. Amorth declares that there is no dis- Christmas on our verge in the cul-de- precious moments, that the birth of God tinction between black and white sac where we live. in a stable at Bethlehem is still someMy determination to have a Christmas thing worth believing in and a reason to magic, and that all magic involves a turning to the devil. This, of course, is crib where it could be seen arose from live for. profoundly true in our real world. But the sheer frustration of seeing a variety Next year. [God willing] we hope to the Harry Potter stories take place in an of Santas in our area during the previ- add a few shepherds and wise men to imagined world, where at one moment ous Christmas and not a single Crib. complete the scene. Clearly it was our Christian duty to do the children lean how to turn mice into We may even have a Santa kneeling snuffboxes. and at another they are something about it. the Crib. This brilliant idea of the before Santa does have his place at Christtaught in deadly earnest how to defend suggests a truer perspecFranciscans themselves against the dark arts of mas of course, but not to the exclusion him sticking out of a having than tive which Christmas of meaning true Voldemort. the unmistakable Satan-fig- of the a durmy or sitting in in sitting chimney is powerfully symbolised in a Crib. ure of the books. of an esky or with a front in garden the Where to start was daunting. As the unexamined life is not worth hand. his in bottle beer How could a Crib be constructed living, so the unread book should not he accepted or condemned merely on the which was both affordable and eye- Patricia Halligan Mandurah say-so of somebody else, whether me or catching? A timely trip last July to a local opporFr Amorth. I do wonder whether Mrs Natta has herself ready any of the Harry tunity shop which I am sure was guidPotter books. If she has, and is making ed by the Holy Spirit produced hankyou to Raymond and Theresa a personal judgement. then I apologise ready-made figures ideal for Mary and deSouza on The Layman's Hour for to her. If not.Ibeg her to read one of the Joseph. interesting and informative promost a Dressed with suitable scraps of matebooks and form her own opinion. of Catholic apologetics each gramme What I am promoting is an objective rial and using wool for hair and beard Sunday. and unprejudiced reading of the books, they managed to look quite presentable The topic last Sunday on priestly paeand a straightforward appraisal of the when finished. was a particularly sensitive dophilia Local bushland produced the dry kind of magic performed. by which was openly yet respectfully but issue, characters, under what circumstances bnishwood and straw for the stable and Congratulations from an discussed. was collected by my husband and a or provocation, and for what purpose. listener. Similarly. I advocate an objective neighbour who willingly volunteered to ardent assessment of the circumstances under help construct the simple wooden Deirdre Lyra Forrestfield which school rules and teachers' orders frame for the branches.

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It one, then all must go

A real decoration

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it. As such it is nothing less than a blight on our society which also makes us, while we tolerate it, a nation of hypocrisy. Yes, this is strong language, but strong language is reserved for great evils - even if their true nature is partly obscured by the fact that we are so used to their existence in our midst because they are so regular and so pervasive. Abortion is also the fundamental social justice issue of our era as, quite simply put, from this one great evil and its accompanying mentality many more spring forth. The ever-present threat of the push for euthanasia's legalisation is but one example. Those who believe they are spokesmen and spokeswomen for social justice inside and outside the church - would do well to reflect on this fact and incorporate it into their wider philosophy of social justice concerns. Until this problem is eradicated, it is really quite unbalanced to act and worry about other things as though they are somehow more important. That is why we say this issue will not go away, and we will not stop talking about it. • The opinions expressed in this editorial. and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

Website claims Pope as Third Order Carmelite By Andrew Babel

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ith much attention on the visit of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux to Australia. a lot of interest has been slum n In Carmelite spirituality According to one website located by The Record the most famous practitioner of this has been none other than our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The site offers the text of a letter dated 14 September 1981 and reported to be from the Pope to Cardinal Ballestereo (X.:11 where he said: 'From childhood we have been so closely linked with the sons of the admirable St Teresa [of Avila] that we became a Carmelite tertiary." The biographies of the Pope by George Weigel and others, it is often mention how he wished to enter the Carmelite monastery at Kalwaria in his native Poland. but was convinced by his local bishop to become a diocesan priest. Prior to this. however, he had become a member of the Third Order of Carmel. A photo is shown on the website of Karol Wojtyla, as a young factory worker, with his upper torso bare and wearing his brown scapular. Last year in a letter sent to the Carmelite family in their Marian year to celebrate the 750th anniversary of Our Lady giving the Brown Scapular to St Simon Stock. the Holy Father said: "I too have worn on my heart, and have for a long time. the Carmelite scapular." Sr Lucia, the famous seer of Fatima. (also a Carmelite nun) once said: The Rosary and Scapular are inseparable." Pius XII said that the wearing of the Brown Scapular was the badge of one's consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The information can be seen on the wehsite at: Imp: hometown.aol.comiocdscarmercarmspecial.html

Ardent listener

Carmelite tertiary? Pope John Paul II greets Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew on board the train taking religious leaders to Assisi, ttaty, for a major spiritual summit for peace an 24 January.

The Record, January 31 2002 Page 7

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A ssisi Day of Prayer for Peace

1 Pope for peace at Assisi FaIlls Jo-11

Members of the Tenrikyo faith pray in Asshd daring the spheral summit for peat& latinbers of difPress Moro Photo CNSIAJeserecM c ferent religions prayed according to their OWN traditions.

"You should tell your people and we should restores damaged human relations," the Pope said. Pope John Paul also said it was tell ours. all of us - all of us - to question essential that the religious leaders clearly whether land or places are more important proclaim their common conviction that than people's lives and, until we learn to do "whoever uses religion to foment violence that, there will be no peace." the rabbi said. contradicts religion's deepest and truest History. he said, has shown that despite beautiful religious exhortations to be a force inspiration." Patriarch Bartholomew. the first of 11 reli- of peace, -the reality has been that, in pracgious leaders to speak. told the gathering. tice, religions have served to foment scores bday. once more. following horrendous of horrendous and bloody wars. l holocausts and the slaughter of so many "We must remember that in no religion are innocent victims, it is our duty to acknowl- we commanded to kill indiscriminately, and edge the spiritual conditions for peace on those who have taught otherwise have done earth, and not merely economic or other fac- so by hijacking and distorting the religions Members of the Assisi peace IMIeting called leave lighted oil lamps as a sign of solidarity and hop* 1er peace. Fifteen Christian denominations and 11 tors. in whose name they speak" he said. ..ws other religions were repress:OE at the spiritual summit in Italy. Pope John Paul ll presides at the spiritual peace summit in Assisi, Italy, 24 January 2002. The pope said religious leaders would do their part to fend "These conditions include righteousness Sheikh Mohammed Tantawi of al-Azhar -; "the dark clouds" of terrorism, hatred and amid conflict and respect for the sacredness of the human University in Egypt and spiritual leader of own prayer service: the Zoroastrians lighting huge rainbow-coloured banners that read. studies in Rome, said relations with Muslims for one's neighbour and for his free- the world's Sunni Muslims sent a message a fire in the courtyard: the Muslims kneeling "Peace!" and chanted in Italian. "John Paul!" in his country were good "at the level of person. guages. recited it) commitments they all said he and other leaders of the world's reliBy Cindy Wooden dignity." the patriarch said. and dom to the gathering thanking the Pope for his ini- on rugs in the annex to the Friar Elijah Standing at the edge of the crowd, a priest words." but in the government's treatment of promised to fulfill to help bring peace to the gions share the anxiety of many of their faithKul.. in God to turn "We repent must and tiative and explaining Islam's fidelity to God. Chapel, built in 1230. The Franciscans had from majority-Muslim Sudan watched the Christians 'there is a lot of force that pushful, hut they also share a firm belief that God aying religious leaders wanted to do world. obediand in will holy his of full awareness its precept of respect for "all monotheistic removed crucifixes and everything else from enthusiasm with a sombre expression on his es toward Islam." The Rev. Konrad Raiser, secretary-general can grant the world peace. their part to fend off "the dark clouds ence to it. Only then will God hear our religions revealed by God" and its emphasis the vaulted rooms, except for a large wood face. He said he hoped the "academic" interrelithe about fate of Council the anxiety times of n read I greater the of Churches, World of terrorism. hatred (and) armed contrue mankind all and us grant and prayers commitment of the kssisi gathering gious difbringing of to on moral values. "This shows the possibility sculpture of the Nativity firmly attached of the world, we sense more clearly than flict," Pope John Paul II led an interreligious first pledge in German: earth," on said. he peace would filter down to local realieventually Romeo Father together," Buddhists. the by religions used room that ferent preac.h the of religions wall the monotheistic our personalthe ourselves proclaiming to the ever "All duty to commit "We commit ourselves pilgrimage to Assisi, birthplace of St Francis. described who Gasseto, Chief Amadou take time, and it won't be permay It ties. realithe support law and Hundreds of people, mainly Italian reli- Todo said. "but it is a far cry from The winter sky above Assisi was leaden Finn commitment that violence and terror- ly to the defence and promotion of the fun- himself as the high priest of followers of the human being should away. but I am optimistic," the right fection ground." the proprietors on ty legitimate the of the hack gious and lay people, filled the with thick clouds 24 January. 2002, but the ism are incompatible with the authentic spir- damental good which is peace." he said. Avelekete Voodoo in Benin. echoed the patri- justice, restoring his reference tent to pray with the leaders. Some waved TM°, a priest from Khartoum who priest said. making Father said, he every rights." leaders Assisi. their the and, to to condemn we as welcoming it religion of Pope and more than 2(X) religious leaders behaviour and to tensions in the Holy Land obvious by The Pope and his guests arrived in Assisi arch's point about personal were protected from the cold wind and the recourse to violence and war in the name of its decisive role in creating peace or conflict. thanking the Vatican for its "honourable supto ourselves commit we God religion, or a a train, by after jourtwo-hour pilgrimage afternoon rain by a huge tarp and plastic "We must begin by achieving mastery over people." sheeting that turned lower St Francis Square doing everything possible to eliminate the ney that began with an "all aboard" at the ourselves so as not to speak words which port of the Palestinian terrorism." of causes root "testimonies for peace." Vatican's seldom-used train station. the sharing After into a tent. lead to feelings of opposition, exclusion or The leaders also promised to educate their Pope John Paul and Patriarch Bartholomew Patriarch violence." he said. Orthodox Ecumenical "Violence never again." the Pope said at the faithful to respect others, to foster dialogue. led the Christians from 17 Orthodox churchof Bartholomew spiritual Constantinople. end of the afternoon meeting. Rabbi Israel Singer, secretary general of the es and 14 Anglican and Protestant commuto defend each person's right to live a decent leader of the world's Orthodox, as well as World Jewish Congress followed little of his "War never again. Terrorism never again." life, to value differences, to he voices for the two other Orthodox patriarchs, representa- prepared text, instead telling Pope John Paul. nities into the lower basilica for an he said. poor and defenceless and to promote friend- tives from 14 other Christian denominations prayer service. "Only you can make this happen." and telling ecumenical "In the name of God. may every religion ship among peoples. and 11 other religions, accepted the Pope's the other leaders that only by fostering comFranciscan friars escorted members of the bring upon the earth justice and peace. forOrthodox Bishop Vasilios of Trimithus on invitation to come to Assisi. into their huge convent religions 11 other mitments to peace among their faithful can giveness and life, love," the 81-year-old Pope the divided island of Crete read another Pope John Paul offered a special greeting to religions turn their potential for peacemak- complex where, in separate places around said before his guests set lighted glass and pledge: "We commit ourselves to forgiving Edward Egan of New York. "the city ing into a concrete reality. the cloistered courtyard. each faith held its terracotta oil lamps on a large table as a sign one another for past and present errors and Cardinal affected by the tragic events of terribly so of hope. prejudices ... and to learn from the past that September 11." During the brief afternoon service. 10 reli- peace without justice is no true peace." The cardinal told reporters on the train that gious leaders, reading in 10 different IanAt the morning gathering. Pope John Paul the Assisi meeting was the Pope's attempt "to bring various faiths together in order to alert the world to the need to put an end to the conflict that is troubling us right now." In his morning address, the Pope said. "We are here as representatives of different religions to examine ourselves before God concerning our commitment to peace. to ask 1 ,4011, him for this gift. to bear witness to our shared longing for a world of greater justice and solr,yolot idarity." A niwol Listening to one another is the first step in . I ,10i0 1 peacemaking. he said, because it "serves to Alt ! 4i4tiol1, scatter the shadows of suspicion and Ink understanding." Pope John Paul and the other leaders who spoke at the morning session in Assisi repeatedly underlined the need for justice and the respect of human rights in building peace. "It cannot be forgotten that situations of oppression and exclusion are often at the source of violence and terrorism." he said. summit in Assisi, Italy. MetroBut religious leaders also know that forRussian Orthodox Metropolitan Pitirim talks with German Cardinal Walter Kasper before the start of the religious peace Kasper is president of the Cardinal present. not was who Moscow, of ll Alexei Patriarch Orthodox Russian of request the at attending Well-wishers wave to Pope John Paul ll as he heads to Assisi by train. He gathered with represerrta- politan Pit' irim was Assisi, the home of St. Francis and location of the 2002 day of prayer for peace led by Pope John giveness is part of peacemaking because it Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. "heals the wounds of the heart and fully fives of the world's religions at a spiritual summit in the home of St. Francis, Photo CNSReute's Paul II, is situated on a mountain in the Italian province of Umbria. Graphtc CNS Artho-y The Record. January 31 2002 Page 9 The Record, January 31 2002 Page 8 1,010

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Movie Reviews

Some good, some not brilliant, Shipping News has its moments By Anne Navarro

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irector Lasse Hallstrom captures the stark beauty of Newfoundland but never gets to the heart of the story in the uneven drama The Shipping News. Adapted from E. Annie Proulx's overstuffed novel, the languid, episodic film feels compressed. Screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs struggles to cram in as much as possible, but the ungainly result is a film that loses its centre as it takes its time to reveal its characters. However, the Newfoundland scenery is spectacularly haunting - gray, bleak and unforgiving - and becomes as much a part of the story as the characters. After the death of his brazen, adulterous wife Petal (Cate Hlanchett). (Kevin Quoyle S )acey). a sad sap of a man, sets off from New York to his ancestral home Of Newfoundland with his young (laughter Bunny (played by triplets Alyssa. Kaitlyn and Lauren Gainer) and his (misty Aunt Agnis (Judi Dench). Quoyle's story is one of rebirth as well as his discovery of self-worth. But Spacey plays Quoyle as such a dreadfully pathetic man throughout the

film that his bland performance doesn't resonate in the hearts of viewers. Quoyle's inevitable transformation doesn't feel triumphant, as it should. The film ties Quoyle's image problems to his abusive father who, when Quoyle was a mere boy, threw him into a lake in a sink-or-swim lesson. It is only after the father's death (an offscreen assisted suicide) and an unexpected visit front Aunt Agnis, who has her own disturbing past to deal with, that Quayle is pushed to make a change. Once in the snowy fishing hamlet of KiIlick-Claw, Quoyle lands a job reporting for the local weekly newspaper. Here he is forced to report on all the things he hates car crashes and water - as he covers auto accidents and the shipping news. But as he settles into life, he finds romance with the widow Wavey (Julianne Moore), the mother of a brain-damaged child (Will McAllister). Things seem to happen to and amund Quoyle. so as a protagonist, he has little to do. Although these little side stnrieS In the hook served to create a mom interesting image of the person. in the film they don't work as %yell, only occasionally capturing the tones

of absurd tragedy and comedy in Quoyle's life. Everyone in the town is a colourful character, including Brit Beaufield Nutbeem (Rhys lfans), a reporter at the newspaper, and Tert Card (Pete Postlethwaite), the paper's contentious, insecure editor. And the townsfolk are a deep font of knowledge, whether it be past secrets or juicy gossip, which they willingly tell in between spouting platitudes about life, loss, and fishing. Though both roles are small, Blanchett as the trashy wife and Deitch as the stoic aunt are eminently watchable. Deitch is particularly good in a marvellously quiet scene with Spacey where her granite emotional boundaries break down. And there is a noticeable deflation when, after only about 15 minutes into the film, Blanchett is gone. Though a bit on the weak side overall, The Shipping News has Its moments, and its sombre setting keeps it front slipping too far Into trite sentimentality. Due to a sexual encounter, an off-screen aSSiSted suicide, brief violence, minimal rough language and profanity. the US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is Aill - adults,

Actor Kevin Spacey, in a scene from the new Miramax film, "The Shipping News."

Blanchett a bland role The horror of Somali debacle in disappointing flick can soldiers and even less in the Somaliwarriors, lack Hawk Down is an Efficient title cards at the film's intense war drama that start lay out the essential backstrikingly represents the ground of the story [IS forces are barbarity of battle in inescapable in the East African country- as part terms. By film's end, audiences of a UN peacekeeping mission. are likely to feel exhausted after Warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid being immersed in its relentless has massacred several Pakistani combat scenes. members of the multinational Working from journalist Mark force and is keeping a tight rein Bowden's best-selling account of over his starving country by snarthe 1993 fiasco on the streets of ing relief packages for himself Mogadishu. Somalia. director killing anyone who attempts to Ridley Scott's sombre picture tells collect them - and thus allowing the true story of an American over 300.000 Somalis to die. squad of soldiers whose dangerThe mission of the US' elite ous mission cost the lives of 19 Delta Force and Rangers is to Americans and several hundred abduct two of Aidid's top lieuSomalis. But while the grim film tenants as part of a strategy to places the viewer smack in the quell the civil war. middle of the action, it is severeBut what begins as a surgical ly lacking in clear character devel- strike turns into a harrowing resopment. investing very little cue mission once an American emotional capital in the Ameri- Black Hawk chopper goes down By Anne Navarro

By Anne Navarro

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irector Gillian Armstrong has stripped the World War II drama Charlotte Cray of any suspense, urgency or passion. The bland film, which unbelievably turns spying into mundane work cannot even be helped by the usually good Cate Blanchett in the lead. Blanchett stars as Charlotte Gray, a Scottish woman living in London who, because of her fluency in French. is recruited by the French Resistance. When her pilot-boyfriend Peter (Rupert Penny-Jones) is shot down over France, she is doubly determined in her duties, wildly believing that she will somehow be able to locate and rescue him. These early scenes rush through Charlotte and Peter's romance. They meet at a fancy book party one night, and the next minute am madly in love, romping in bed. And in even more truncated scenes. Charlotte goes through basic training, her hair colour is changed and she assumes the name of Dominique. Moments later she parachutes into rural France, almost landing on two little Jewish boys who figure prominently in the plot. She is met by her contact. Julien (Billy Crudup with a disappearing French accent), a communist who instructs her that she will be installed as a servant in the dilapidated house of his gruff father. Levade (Michael Gambon. the only interesting person onscreen). Trying to save themselves from the fate of their fellow countrymen, the townspeople cooper-

ate fully with the Germans, which means not just handing over Jews, but rooting them out. When the parents of the two tittle boys are taken away Levade hides them in his house. Charlotte's involvement in saving the boys' lives becomes the focus of the story. Based on the novel by Sebastian Faulks, the picture is surprisingly dull, lacking many of the delicious period details Faulks included in his tome. The film also makes leaps in its story-telling. expecting audiences to fill in the blanks and poorly developing the characters as well as their motivation. Blanchett. who is supposed to carry the film, offers a very mediocre - even disappointing - performance. There is no sense of transformation in her character as one initially thinks there might be. But most of the blame can be attributed to the uneven adaptation by screenwriter Jeremy Brock, whose changes from the hook have added little to the story's substance, only making things confusing and less interesting. Strangely enough, in this small town of Lezignac in Vich‘ France. everyone speaks English with a wide array of accents. There's nothing inherently wrong with this, except that the film is supposed to identifx mightily with the French people, and Charlotte's ability to speak the local tongue is crucial to her survival. Due to an implied sexual encounter, some war-related violence and fleeting rough language, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification Is - adults.

The Record, January 31 2002 Page 10

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and hostile Seniali street fighters close in. Unexpectedk the hourlong task changes into an 18-hour struggle with flying debris, twisted metal, angry mobs and detached limbs seemingly everywhere at once. The disaster forces the Rangers. whose motto is "leave no man behind." to rescue their fallen comrades while fighting off snipers on every rooftop and gangs of enraged locals who feel the Americans have no place In their country's civil war. Though the American soldiers are presented as brave and heroic- the film is careful not to paint the Somali warriors as purely evil. Due to fierce, graphic war violence. several gory images and Intermittent rough language with some profanity, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is AIV - adults, with reservations.

The grief is worst in the bedroom

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film of uncommon insight and emotional power. Todd Field's accomplished directorial debut. In the Bedroom, tackles grief without a hint of weepy melodrama as a middle-aged couple is forced to cope with the sudden loss of their only son. Carefully crafted and deliberately paced. In the Bedroom is a film likely to win kudos from most adult audiences, but some may find its slow tempo a distraction. Imbued with the heady atmosphere of Maine's brief summer. the film's images are replete with details of workaday life, especially the canning and lobster-fishing industries of the area. And Field displays a gentle confidence as he dwells on domestic routines and commonplace occurrences while building tension. Mature for his

age and a potentially promising architect. Frank Fowler (Nick Stahl) spends the summer dating high-spirited Natalie (Marisa Tomei), a woman 10 years his senior with two children and a pending divorce. Dr Matt Fowler (Tom Wilkinson). the town's genial doctor and his wife, Ruth (Sissy Spacek), are worried about Frank's involvement with Natalie, but don't really interfere since Frank is such a terrific kid that there's little doubt he'll do what is right. It is a rare film that respects a mature audience's intelligence and attention span as well as one that places a well-adjusted, loving family at the centre of a drama. So It is genuinely upsetting when young Frank is brutally killed by Natalie's enraged. jealous, soonto-be-ex-husband. Richard. Shak-

en from their cozy, upper-class milieu. Matt and Ruth grieve in such differing manners that it threatens to tear them apart. Soon they become married strangers occupying the same house. Field takes his time with the Fowlers' grief, letting it set in, then fester into a complex mess of pent-up resentment. In this slow, aching period of the film, Wilkinson and Spacek show off their phenomenal acting muscles. By underplaying their roles and letting the silences tell more about their connection than their words, they each speak volumes about parental grief mixed with bitterness and seething anger. Due to a few scenes of violence with some profanity and rough language, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is AIV - adults, with reservations.

More WA and other News

More than a millennium of Catenian marriage Recently the Como Circle (branch) of the Catenian Association celebrated the 60th wedding anniversary of one of its long time members Frank Scanlan and his wife Eileen. In view of the long-term marriages of other members it was decided that a photo of all members with wedding anniversaries in excess of 40 years should be taken for Circle records. Somewhat to their surprise the Circle committee discovered that no less that 26 of its members had been married for a total of 1216 years - an average of 47 years.

Accordingly, the photo at right was taken was taken at the Christmas 'Ladies Night' Dinner. The Record congratulates the Circle on this achievement, particularly at a time when legislation before the State Parliament about to be enacted places 'marriage' in the position of a secondclass position in our society. The Catenian Association is a non-political organisation which was founded in England in 1908. It has as its principal aim the support of Catholic in the practice of their Faith.

Salvatorian visitors discover a whole new scene "I'wo Salvatorian priests from the Order's General Council in Rome completed their formal parish visitations last week with a gathering of all the State's Salvatorians at their Community House in Currambine. Fr Bronislaw Jakublec SDS and Fr Dennis Thiessen SDS, are General Consultors to the Superior General of the Order, Fr Andrew Urbanski, and were carrying out the visitation, which is required every six years, on his behalf. It was the first visit to Australia for both men, hut each man found his experience vastly different from the other's. Fr Dennis is from northern California and said he found the climate, the terrain, the people and even the open spaces very similar to western USA. IT /Iron'slaw is from southern Poland and said he found everything "exotic, very exotic. Nothing is like my home country." "I very much like the people here in Australia." he said. They are very open. kindly, wonderful people." The two priests visited the Salvatorians in Broken Bay Diocese in NSW and then visited the parishes at Carnarvon/Exmouth.

Esperance, Nlerretiiii, Bruce Rock. Greenmount. Balcatta, and Ocean Reef which are staffed by priests from the Polish Province of thc Society of the Divine Saviour. Fr Laurence Murphy SDS. parish priest at NoDamara. is from the British Province. The Salvatorian presence in WA was first established by the British Province in 1961, but from the late seventies on. the Polish Province has taken over most responsibility. Their presence in Broken Bay (at Pymble) was established from WA. Fr Dennis said that he and Fr Bmnislaw had been impressed by the pastoral sensitivity of the Bishops in all the dioceses they visited. They were also very happy with feedback from the parishes, with people being very supportive of the Salvatorian way of ministry. Other 1)ositive features included the way the Salvatorians had integrated with the diocese in general and diocesan priests in particular. During their final visit to St Simon Peter parish in Ocean Reef - where Fr }frontslaw (Bronek) Pietrusewic2 SDS is parish priest

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Salevirden community at the community hoes* in Currambine. and diocesan priest Fr Phong a German priest. Fr Francis Mary Thanh Nguyen is assistant - Fr of the Cross Jordan. His inspiraDennis told the congregation that tion came from these words of St the Society of the Divine SavioUr John's Gospel: "Eternal life is this, was founded in Rome in 1881 by to know you, the only true God,

and him whom you have sent. Jesus Christ" and the task he gave the Society was to take this salvation to all people "by being one with those we serve".

Join with us in celebrating World Marriage Day - Feb 10 By George & Monica Holmes WA Unit Co-ordinators Worldwide Marriage Encounter

World Marriage Day. which is celebrated around the world on the second Sunday of February, honours husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulne&s, sacrifice and joy In daily married life. The day elevates public awareness of the positive aspects of marriage. The idea of celebrating marriage began in Los Angeles. in 1981. when couples encouraged the Mayor. the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim St Valentines Day as "We Believe in Marriage Day". The event was so successful, the Idea was presented to and was adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter's US national leadership. By 1982. 43 Governors officially proclaimed the day and celebrations spread to US military bases in several foreign countries. In 1983. the name was changed to "World Marriage Day," designated to be celebrated each year on the second Sunday in February. In 1993. his Holiness, Pope John Paul II, imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day. Celebrations for World Marriage Day continue to grow and spread. The World Marriage Day Symbol speaks readily of the role and values of marriage. A couple, seen symbolically as two candle-like figures, reminds us that married

George and Monica Holmes love calls us to help enlighten the world. The couple is joined by a heart, focusing on love as the power that fosters unity within the couple and generates the capacity to be life giving and inspire others to fruitfulness and unity. Worldwide Marriage Encounter's theme for World Marriage Day has been permanently adopted as "Love One Another". This phrase is the commandment given to us by Jesus in John 15:12. It speaks to us in a simple but challenging way of how our Father wishes us to live. Loving one another is a daily decision, simple but challenging. Worldwide Marriage Encounter began 34 years ago and has grown rapidly within the Catholic

Church and spread to many other faith expressions. It has touched the lives of millions of couples and presently exists in 83 countries around the world. It fills a very real need for an experience that c.an renew and enrich good Christian marriages. We - George and Monica - had the opportunity to attend the Marriage Encounter weekend in 1995 and it was the most significant experience for us as a couple, The weekend was a gift to us and our marriage and we have since been offering this gift to other couples. The Weekend is a time away from the distractions of the world. It is a time to rediscover each other and to enrich our relationships. Christian marriage is a sacrament and is blessed by God and it is our dream that if enough people experience and recognise the beauty and importance of their marriage, the world will become a better place for us and our children. Marriage Encounter in WA therefore plan to set aside World Marriage Day, as the day to recognise our great sacrament of Marriage and the loving relationships of married couples in our Archdiocese. Archbishop Barry Hickey has pledged his support to help us celebrate World Marriage Day and we hope to do this every year. This year the Sunday liturgy at most parishes will give prominent attention to Christian marriage at the weekend Masses. In some parishes, couples that have attended the Marriage Encounter

weekend will be sharing their experience at Mass Talks and inviting couples to renew their sacrament of marriage by attending the weekend. Marriage Encounter weekend dates for 2002 are: 24-26 May. jarrandale: 16-18 August, Pemberton: 18-20 October, Jarrandale. Interested couples may telephone

Joe & Margaret Cordina on 9417 8750 for more information or visit

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coil Girls College in Ranchi. Syd was a member of the Luchnow Ryles and also held a commission in the Defence force during World War II. He was the recipient of a Military medal after surviving the bombing of Yizazaparam Port by Japanese aircraft in 1944. Merlyn was a Montessori Froebel-trained teacher in India. They have one daughter. Marilyn and two grandchildren. Tamara and Gahin.

the web-site: www.vicnetnet. aw -marriage World marriage day honours the lifelong commitment of husband and wife so join us and celebrate marriage on February 10. Good luck and Happy World Marriage Day!

Couple mark 60 years

ydney and Merlyn Middleton of Carlisle, Holy Name parish. celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 28 January. They were married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Charardharpore in India in 1942 and migrated to Australia in 1969. Sydney has served on several parish Councils and Committees in India and Australia. Syd was educated at La Martiniere College in Luchnow and his wife Merlyn at Bishop West-

The Record, January 31 2002 Page 11

Roe v Wade - 29th Anniversary

Americans hear abortion truth By Willy Thorn WASHINGIUN (CNS) - In the shadow of the Washington Monument, tens of thousands of marchers gathered to hear a diverse collection of political and religious leaders focused on one goal: We are here to tell America the truth about abortion," said Nellie Gray, founder of the annual March for Life. At the 29th annual observance of the U.S. Supreme Court's dedsions legalizing abortion, President Bush spoke to the marchers via telephone from West Virginia, where he was visiting a manufacturing plant to talk about the economy. . "This marks 30 years of marching for life," he said, "a great example of an inspiring commitment." "Everybody there believes, as I do, that every life is valuable," he continued, "that our society has a responsibility to defend the vulnerable and weak. the imperfect and even unwanted: and that our nation should set a great goal that unborn children should be welcomed in life and protected in law. "Life should never be used as a tool or a means to an end," he said. "I'lw president spoke of legislation he has backed and point-

Young people make up the front line of the national March for Life in Washington. The annual march marked the 29th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalised abortion in America. Photo. CNSiltarbn Luc,

cal actions he had taken to further the pro-life cause. But he drew the loudest applause when he reconfirmed his commitment to banning human cloning. Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York was among the major religious leaders who addressed the pro-lifers gathered on the monument grounds before they began their march to the Supreme Court. "We all are a mirror held up to

divinity, made in God's likeness. How then can we tolerate the snuffing out of even one being?" he asked. Other Catholic leaders present included Cardinals Anthony J. Bevilacqua of Philadelphia, who Is chairman of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee, Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington. Bernard E Law of Boston and William I. Keeler of Baltimore. Gray, noting that "the Catholic

bishops have been involved in the pro-life movement for as long as it's been around," also introduced 24 bishops and auxiliary bishops, who offered their support to marchers with the joint declaration, "We will march with you as long as it takes." Among the eight members of Congress who addressed the crowd was Rep. Chris Smith, RN.J. A Catholic and long-time supporter of the pro-life movement, he spoke forcefully and emotionally about abortion. "If any of us," he said, "thinks we have done enough to counter the culture of death, we are only kidding ourselves. By our inaction we have become enablers. Abortion is child abuse in the extreme. It is violence. It is barbaric. If the president and pro-lifers in Congress really believe and understand this - it would radically change our agenda. -We must demand that all that can be done now be done by the president and Congress to protect life," he said. "Without delay. Without any more excuses. The future can he different. America can yet embrace a culture of life where even so-called unwanted children are loved by someone ... and protected by law. tie concluded. 'With God's help - the

future will be pro-life." Others who spoke included three Orthodox clergy, four rabbis, an archbishop from the Charismatic Episcopal Church, a United Methodist minister, the director of the Family Research Council. a nurse from the National Council of Pro-Life Nurses, a member of University Faculty for Life and a representative from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest Irish Catholic lay organization in America.

Pnoto. CNSUoanne geen•Car StUddlaft mei pm-ft pamphlets at

Washington's pro-life march.

"Christians" cannot be pro-choice Young and old commit to fight "murder" By Carol Zimmermann

Thousands of pro-life citizens march up Constitution Avenge on their way to the US Supreme Court 22 January. The annual March for Life attracted more than 100,000 people. ,hoto CNS. Reuters

By Mart Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) - Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua of Philadelphia told an overflowing crowd at the fan. 21 Vigil Mass for Life in Washington that "neutrality is not an option" and "silence is not a choice" in the ongoing "crisis in the defense of human life." In his homily, Cardinal Bevilacqua said. "To be Christian means that no disciple of Christ can responsibly take a 'pro-choice' stand when the 'choice' involves the taking of innocent human life." Using "more direct language." he added, "it must he said that no one can consider himself or herself a true Christian who consciously supports abortion or euthanasia." The vigil Mass, held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is held the night before the annual March for Life, which itself is held to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 22, 1973, Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion virtually on demand. Cardinal Bevilacqua. who is chairman of the U.S. bishops' pm-

life committee, told the story of Kitty Genovese, a young New York City woman who was fatally stabbed near her home in the early morning hours of March 13. 1964. as neighbors ignored her cries. 'turned out their lights and slammed their windows shut." Genovese's name "would stand for Americans who were too indifferent, frightened or selfabsorbed to 'get involved' and help a fellow human being in trouble. Thirty-eight neighbors witnessed the attacks. but did not come to her aid or even call the Police." Cardinal Flmilacqua said he told the Kitty Genovese story "because when we are not vigilant and do not act in time of crisis, history repeats itself." He asked. "Will we be like those people who turned out their lights and slammed their windows shut when they heard the cries of dying Kitty Genovese? What is at stake is not the life of one person, precious as that one life is. but of millions. Where is the outcry?" This was the 22nd year of the annual prayer vigil at the shrine. Shortly after the Mass started. Cardinal Bevilacqua paid tribute

The Record, January 31 2002 Page 12

to Sally Reynolds. the woman who came up with the idea of a prayer vigil the night before each march. Reynolds died on Christmas Day, but family members were at the Mass to hear the tribute. In 1981. the first year of the vigil. "fewer than 50 people" came to the basement church at the shrine. Cardinal Bevilacqua said. "They stayed awake all night praying for an end to abortion." This year. thousands filled the shrine, straining its capacity. Many of those at Mass were staying overnight at the shrine to pray or sleep. At the end of Mass, Tim Goeglein, a special assistant to President Bush. read a greeting from the president to those assembled at the Mass. "During these extraordinary times, we realize more than ever the beauty of life, the blessings of family and friends. and the enduring resolve, generosity, and compassion of Americans," Bush wrote in his message. dated 18 January. His message received applause. This was believed to be the first time a sitting president's remarks had been given during a Mass.

‘VASIIINgrON (CNS) - When Jack Zilliox, a 71-year-old from St. Bede's Parish in Williamsburg. Va.. starts talking about abortion. he gets pretty fired up. The World War II veteran stood in the muddy grass at the foot of the Washington Monument Ian. 22 wearing a blue knights of Columbus cap and holding a red umbrella to shield him from the bright sunshine. He said he had come to the March for Life for most of the past 10 years protesting the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalised abortion if for no other reason than to say publicly. "You cannot murder." in society. if you say this kind of stuff people say. 'You're nuts. You're wacko.'" he told Catholic News Service. But coming to the annual rally and march to the U.S. Supreme Court. as he did this year with a busload of more than 50 people. confirms for him that 'you're not alone. The street is filled from kerb to kerb" with people who feel the same way about one of today's hotly debated issues. For him, the thousands of marchers are like *bricks and mortar" accomplishing together something that none of them

could do individually. March for Life organizers estimated the 2002 crowd at more than 100.000. Jess Cavanaugh, a ninth-grade student at Our lady of the Sacred Heart in Coraopolis. Pa., likewise was inspired by the crowds at the 29th annual march, particularly since the median age seemed to be about 15 on this spring-like day in Washington. I t's reassuring to see 's00000' many young people fighting for a cause." she told CNS before the rally began. Cavanaugh. attending her third march. said the growing numbers of youth participants "makes a statement." They might not change anyone's minds. but they show that young people care about this issue and can get across their message without violence. said Erin Skvarca. a senior from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. A general calm seemed to follow the marchers as they made their way from the Washington Monument down Constitution Avenue toward the Supreme Court. At the beginning of the mute, a heckler tried to get a reaction from the crowd. but did not get much of a response from marchers, many of whom were praying the rosary or shouting chants of "Roe vs. Wade has got to go!"

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Orthodox Jews display anti-abortion placards at the March for Life.

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International News

_ _et' great tool Psanyesslltse 1ND4131 ai odt aresign s a but no substitute for living church By Lisa Genies

By John Mavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Internet presents "magnificent opportunities" for evangelisation, but it never can replace the deeper religious experience offered by living church communities, Pope John Paul 11 said in a message for World Communications Day. The pope urged the church to strike a balance in using the Internet, exploiting its communications possibilities but recognising that it tends to deliver information, not values. It was the first papal message dedicated entirely to the Internet and its potential for the church's evangelising work. The text was The Vatican website: Pope John Paul II has underscored the Internet's potential for good, but also reminded Catholics of its limitations. made public on 22 January. World Communications Day the real world of (:hristian com- and damaging ways. He said pubwill be celebrated by most dioce- munity," he said. lic authorities have a responsibilses this year on 12 May, the SunOne excellent opportunity ity to curb such use. day below Pentecost. In the past, Vatican officials have offered by the Internet is in delivThe pope said Internet technol- ering the resources of religious denounced pornography and ogy should be viewed as a "deci- education, especially to parts of paedophilia-related activities on sive gateway" of opportunity for the world where Christians live in the Web. the church, one that holds an unsupportive culture, he said. The pope said it should be asked promise as well as some dangers. The pope made some critical whether the Internet will end up "For the church the new world observations about the Internet, aggravating existing inequalities of (1,-berspace is a sununons to which he said provides an "almost in the world as the information the great adventure of using its unending flood of information, gap widens between rich and potential to proclaim the Gospel much of which passes in a poor countries. message." he said. lie said another decisive quesmoment." At the same time, he said. "elecHe said this ephemeral nature tion was whether the Internet. tronically mediated relationships of the Web Increases the modern first conceived in the context of can never take the place of the focus on 'what is tangible, useful military operations, can now direct human contact needed for and instantly available," while serve the cause of peace. genuine evangelisation" and will "the stimulus for deeper thought The church believes it can, he never substitute for the "profound and reflection may be lacking." said. experience of God which only the The church's main task. he said. The pope said the church recogliving. liturgical and sacramental nises that inner quiet and con- it to make the Internet a more genlife of the church can offer." templation are necessary to reach uinely human space that leaves The Internet is above all a good understanding and wisdom. mom for Christ. place to provide an initial which "do not come from a mere "The Internet causes billions of encounter with Christianity, espe- accumulation of facts, no matter images to appear on millions of cially among young people who how interesting." computer monitors around the increasingly use the Web as a "Moreover, as a forum in which planet. From this galaxy of sight "window on the world." he said. practically everything is accept- and sound will the face of Christ But these electronic contacts able and almost nothing is lasting, emerge and the voice of Christ be need personal follow-up by the the Internet favours a relativistic heard?" he said. The Vatican's Pontifical Council way of thinking and sometimes church, the pope said. it is important, therefore, that feeds the flight from personal for Social Communications has the Christian community think of responsibility and commitment." been preparing two documents on the Internet: One will investivery practical ways of helping he said. He said it was clear to all that, gate ethical issues and the other those who first make contact through the Internet to move from despite its potential for good. the will explore evangelisation the virtual world of cyberspace to Internet can be used in degrading opportunities.

BOSTON (CNS) - Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston said he will not resign in the wake of current struggles over past sex abuse by archdiocesan clergy, and his remarks were met by a standing ovation from his fellow priests. "My resignation is not part of the solution as I see it. With your help and support, however, and with the help and support of those within and outside the church. I want the archdiocese to become a model for how this issue should be handled. I want you to know that with every fibre of my being. I am going to try to see that that Cardinal Bernard Law celebrates Mass at the closing of an archdiocehappens," the cardinal said. More than 500 priests from san convocation of priests on Januacross the Archdiocese of Boston ary 24 in Boston. gathered with Cardinal Law on be done to ensure the confidenJanuary 23 and 24 at the Boston tiality of the victims, the cardinal Park Plaza Hotel for an assembly added. of priests. The convocation was Currently, Massachusetts law an opportunity for the archdioce- does not require clergy to report san priests to pray and discuss incidents of child abuse. In late various issues with the cardinal. January the Senate approved a The gathering was the third in provision which would include Cardinal law's tenure and took clergy on the list of mandatory more than 18 months of planning. reporters. With the recent conviction of The cardinal also released a letformer arc:hdiocesan priest John ter addressed to the faithful that Law restated the remarks he made to Cardinal Geoghan, addressed the issue of sexual the convocation. It was read by abuse of minors by clergy in his parish priests at all Masses from opening remarks to the assembly. January 28-27. He restated his apology to the vicAfter two clays of prayers, distims and families and said mis- cussions and a closing liturgy. takes had been made by himself Cardinal Law spoke to the media and the archdiocese. on January 24. "In retrospect. I '1 wish it were possible to go know that I've made mistakes in back in time and to undo some of the assignment of priests." he said. the decisions that Imade.' the car- "I have come to see that our polidinal said. al now see that these cy was flawed. were wrong decisions. What I The fundamental flaw was the "T have come to learn with a much assumption that a psychological more vivid clarity during the past evaluation after treatment could weeks is that our singular focus he relied upon to reassign a must he the protection of chil- priest." he added. 'I have come to dren." recognise that it is simply not Geoghan has been accused of appropriate to assign a priest abusing 130 children while he guilty of such an act to a parish or was serving as a priest in the arch- any other assignment. Our diocese over the past 30 years. He revised policy reflects this condiwas finally sacked as a priest in tion." He once again affirmed "There 1998. The cardinal went on to is no priest known to us who is announce his decision to report guilty of sexual abuse of a minor retroactively any clergy sexual holding any positions in this archabuse within the archdiocese diocese.' In conjunction with the retroacwhile still respecting the confitive reporting. where names of dentiality of the victims. "We have determined to go to priests will be given to public public authorities with the names authorities, a group of doctors and of all priests who have been found educators will guide the cardinal guilty of the abuse of minors: In developing a strategy to protect Cardinal Law said. "I can't say all children from sexual abuse. The panel. consisting of experts how many but every one of them from Boston-area universities and will he brought forward." The archdiocese is now in the medic.al schools, will assist the process of deciding how that will cardinal with the initial phases.

Catholics can model happy death for terrified culture: Jesuit By Kristen N. Roberts TUCSON. Ariz. (CNS) - Catholics can model a "happy death" for a culture terrified of dying by properly treating pain and caring for the entire person who is suffering, said the keynote speaker at a Catholic end-of-life conference. "We have the ability to really change things on a national scale." said Father Myles Sheehan. a Jesuit priest and medical doctor at Loyola University. Chicago. He addressed about 200 health care professionals attending a 22-24 January conference on "Recovering Our Traditions: A Catholic Perspective on End-of-Life Care." Father Sheehan said the dying fear being alone and miserable, in uncontrollable pain. "That is the big lie," he said, explaining that almost all pain can be controlled by adjusting a patient's medicine. He also urged caregivers not to see death as a failure, but to remember that everyone dies and ask. "When is it that the end is clearly in sight and I need to adjust my therapeu-

tic goals?" He said that when medical professionals successfully treat a patient's series of setbacks, they sometimes fail to recognise that the overall health of the person is steadily worsening. "Let people know what's happening to them." he urged. Many times, patients have unrealistic expectations and struggle with the ambiguity of the end of life. If patients perceive that a relative had a horrible death or that the- are going to die In agony as if on a soap opera. then "they're also terrified of what we'll do to them." he said. "(Dying) is not like going to a party. but neither is it being in hell." he said. "We would like our dying to he as decent as possible." The Catholic tradition about death often has been oversimplified as only opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia. Father Sheehan said. "Quite frankly. it's easier to kill someone than to care for them," he said. "We really are people who are for something" - Chris-

tian love amid a culture of death. Specifically. the Catholic community can care for the dying by providing comfort. practical support and the sacraments, and by emphasising that life on this earth is not an ultimate reality. but the preparation for eternal life with Jesus. he said. "Suffering is part of our human reality: he said. "We really don't recognise how the Lord remains in our lives at this time." One participant asked how to comfort suffering patients who do not believe in God. Father Sheehan advised health care providers to show such patients that they are valuable to those caring for them and then leave them in the hands of God. It is a different focus from that of the Hemlock Society and others who seek to control death, he said. Catholic health care providers must strive instead to relieve the pain of all life-threatening illnesses, make hospice care a priority and better educate doctors and nurses. Father Sheehan recommended advanced directives outlining a patient's desires for

treatment, which can open communication between patients. their families and doctors. "We are not obligated to submit to every form of tec.hnology: Father Sheehan said. The directives governing US Catholic hospitals state that Catholics can refuse treatment that has little chance of benefit. is burdensome or excessively expensive, he said. Preserving life at all costs is the flip side of the extreme of assisted suicide, he said. He also pointed out that none of the last three popes died in a hospital. Calling pain "useless," he said that uniting one's anguish with Christ's can be redemptive. When a patient's pain is controlled, the person is able to receive the spiritual goods available at the end of life. he said. Quoting the hospital directives, he said. "Medicines capable of alleviating or suppressing pain may be given to a dying person even if this therapy may indirectly shorten the person's life, so long as the intent is not to hasten death." The Record, January 31 2002 Page 13

Asian Catholic News —

Church requires independence and autonomy

Vietnamese Catholics congregate outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Hanoi. Vietnamese bishops were allowed to leave their country for the first time for their "ad limina" visits to Rome.

VATICAN CITY (UCAN) -- Pope John Paul II stressed the importance of the Church's 'autonomy and independence' in serving Catholics and society in his address to all 34 bishops from Vietnam on their ad limina visit. In order to carry out its mission, the Church expects from the political community 'total respect for her autonomy and independence,' the Pope said 24 January, 2002, on the last day of the Vietnam bishops' 10-day visit to the Vatican. The Church believes in 'a healthy collaboration' with governments to work toward the building of a just society for the benefit of all citizens, conducted 'in a spirit of fraternal dialogue.' he said.'The Church does not identify with any particular political system ,' he added. The Holy Father stressed that the religious freedom claimed by the Second Vatican Council and

by international conventions is for the benefit of the individual as well as religious conununities At the individual level, the Pope explained, religious freedom guarantees the rights to profess and practice a given religion without constraint, to receive an education based on a certain faith, to follow a religious call and to make public manifestation of one's relationship with God. At the level of a religious community, he said, religious freedom includes the community's rights to autonomous management, to public worship, to teach its religious tenets, and to engage in educational, cultural, charitable and social work in accordance with the demands of its faith. The Pope expressed 'great joy* that for the first time all the bishops of Vietnam were present for their ad limina visit. On their last visit five years ago, only 14 bishops received government permis-

sion to make the trip. According to canon law, local Church ordinaries make an ad limina visit every five years. During the visit they offer detailed reports on their diocese to the Pope and meet with Vatican officials. Turning to the Catholic community in Vietnam, the Pope expressed great appreciation for the 'vitality and courage of the laypeople called to live and celebrate their faith under conditions which are often difficult.* He also lauded the flourishing number of vocations to the consecrated life, especially among female religious congregations. According to the latest statistics of the Vietnam Bishops' Conference, the total number of clergy in the country is 2,405. There are 9,758 women and 1.524 male Religious. Catholics constitute 8.78 percent of Vietnam's 79 million population.

Pro-life gets multicultural backing "Laity Cluster" gets priority in Philippines

Once COLOMBO (UCAN) students of different ethnic and religious backgrounds in Sri Lanka expressed their views on 'Right to life' in their winning essays of a Church-organized writing competition. Some 5(X) students participated in the competition in three different languages. The awards ceremony was held 8 January in Colombo. The winner of the Sinhalese category, Dilrukshi Vinodanie, a Buddhist, expanded the scope of right to life to include plants and animals. noting that 'violence against nature' also threatens humans. Vinodanie, a college student from Uva province, south-central Sri Lanka. denounced ecological havoc caused by technology and industrialization. She also expressed the need for humans to return to nature. She cited access to food, clothing, housing, health and education facilities as basic elements of a human's right to life. Kathiravelpillai Sivaveni. who comes from an area afflicted by

an 1H-Near war between the government and Tamil rebels fighting for an independent state, won the 'Multi category. She emphasized the importance of the right of every person to be loved, accepted. understood and respected. Good governance, she added, must begin at the grassroots level and not he limited to law and policy making. like Vinodanie, she also cited food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance as basic needs to ensure the right to life. Rebecca Flemming, winner of the English category, said that right to life ranks first in the order of rights as it gives people access to other rights. 'It is pointless to talk about other rights when the right to life is violated.' explained the Christian college student from Colombo. At least 20 students received cash awards, certificates and gifts at the award ceremony by the Social and Economic Development Centre, the coordinating body for development work of the

Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka. The students cited abortion, drug trafficking, suicide bombings, insurgency and HIV/AIDS as some contemporary forms of threats to life. In the keynote address. Nalin Suwaris, director of Sri Lanka's chapter of Asian Human Rights Commission, highlighted the importance of religious leaders in upholding the right to life. Leaving food, housing, clothing and health facilities in the hands of profit-oriented market forces is in itself a grave threat to life. Suwari,, said. Bishop Vianney Fernando of Kandy. chairperson of the Catholic National Commission for justice. Peace and Human Development, chaired the ceremony. Lamenting the prevalent 'culture of death.' the bishop emphasized that students have an important role in building up a society where the culture of life reigns.

Deviant evangelists given warning KOCHI. India (UCAN) - CardiSome retreat groups and evannal Varkey Vithayathil of Ernaku- gelists use their own methods and lam-Angamaly has called on work parallel to the Church, propCatholics in India to be vigilant agating spiritual missions such as against charismatic groups that healing the sick, driving out evil deviate from Church teachings. spirits and offering Sacraments In a pastoral letter, the head of independently, he said. the Sym-Malabar Church (SMC) SMC spokesperson Father Paul warned the Church members that Thelakat said that the cardinal's some evangelists across the coun- pastoral letter aims to help peotry are indulging in anti-Church ple understand the charismatic teachings. movement and the Catholic The letter was read during Sun- Church's decision to ban some day Mass 20 January, in the near- retreat groups in Kerala. ly 2,500 parishes of SMC's 24 In June and October last year. dioceses. The Oriental Church, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' based in the southern Indian state Council banned two charismatic of Kerala, has 13 dioceses in Ker- groups for organizing spiritual ala and another 11 outside the revival meetings that centered on state. While lauding the charis- misplaced Catholic beliefs and matic movement for its spiritual theological positions. renewal of the Church, the cardi"The SMC bishop's synod authonal expressed regret that some rized the major archbishop to groups are deviating from Church explain to the people about the teachings. distortions that have crept into the The Record, January 31 2002 Page 14

charismatic mowrnent in recent years." Father Thelakat told UCA News. In response to the ban, some evangelists who run retreat groups in various dioceses got together to send an explanatory letter to the bishops in Kerala. Jose Anathanam. founder of the Upper Room charismatic retreat group, circulated an eight-page letter arguing that the ban on him is unethical, uncalled for and against the Church's own teachings. Anathanam. a Catholic who was banned after he was found baptizing people in rivers, said in his letter that he has a right to baptize his followers for Christ. He also criticized the Church practice of child Baptism, saying it should not be done at an age when one cannot make a commitment to Jesus.

MANILA (UCAN) -- Catholic bishops in the Philippines have highlighted family, development of the Church's office on women and formation of new bishops for discussion during their upcoming twice-yearly meeting. The 'laity cluster' is the *highest priority' of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in preparation for international and Asian Church meetings, said Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi of Caceres, vice president of the conference. He told UCA News that CBCP president Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato introduced clustering of episcopal commissions with related concerns to help bishops plan and work together between the meetings. The Commission on Laity is grouped with the Commission on Family and Life and the CBCP Office on Women. Archbishop Legaspi noted. He said the bishops' conference is likely to focus on laity and family values until the president's term ends in December 2003.

In early 2000. the Pontifical Council for the Family designated the Philippines to host the Fourth World Meeting of Families in January 2003. Pope John Paul II plans to visit Manila for the event. Auxiliary Bishop Socrates Villegas of Manila is to report to the CBCP on the archdiocese's preparations for hosting the meeting. Opus Del Father Roberto Latorre. former CBCP Research Office director, told UCA News that Asian bishops have asked the conference to study the state of families in Asia in preparation for their eighth plenary assembly in Korea 2004.

The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences selected the 'Asian Family' as the meeting's general theme. Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of San Fernando said the family and life commission he chairs has organized talks by an Amer-Scan doctor who used to perform abortions in the United States. Doctor Bernard Nathanson. who previously lobbied for legalizing abortion, will speak on the sanctity of life in countrywide talks beginning in February Meanwhile, the CBCP Office on Women resolved to pursue its lobby against anti-family bills in the country's parliament. This year's plan to be presented to the CBCP meeting includes programs for women in prison. Zenaida Rotea. executive secretary of the women's office. told UCA News that her office would also propose establishing a women's desk in every diocese and expanding its board of advisers from 25 members mostly from Manila to 50 from across the country. The CBCP plenary meeting beginning fan. 28 will be followed by a seminar on the 10th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops held in Rome last October. Archbishop Legaspi, who attended the synod, expressed hope that the paper he has prepared will elicit dialogue that will help the 'young bishops.' 'Bishops need more than just updating and seminars,* he said, adding. 'We need programs that will help a bishop develop the skills to be a pastor for priests and laity.' Nine of the 13 bishops appointed last year are attending their first CBCP plenary assembly as bishops.

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Catholic Education Regional Mass: John XXIII College - Archbishop Hickey G reenmount - Bishop-Elect Sproxton Mass in honour of St Therese. Morley - Emeritus Bishop Healy

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Reception of the Relics of St Therese of Lisieux followed by Mass, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey

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Presentation of - Youth Book - to Year 12s at Kolbe College A rchbishop Hickey

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Meeting of RCIA Candidates and Catechumens, Armadale Parish A rchbishop Hickey

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Meeting of the Council of Priests, Glendalough A rchbishop Hickey

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Mass in celebration of 25th Anniversary of i.d.entity.wa (formerly Catholic Care), St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey. Bishop -Elect Sproxton. Emeritus Bishop Healy

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Ordinations to Priesthood and Diaconate. St Mary's Cathedral A rchbishop Hickey. Bishop-Elect Sproxton. Emeritus Bishop Healy

10 Mass in celebration of 25th Anniversary of Religious Profession of Sr Joseph. North Beach - Archbishop Hickey Mass and Blessing of Shrine at Gingin. Archbishop Hickey 1 2 Heads of Churches meeting. Wollaston College A rchbishop Hickey 1 4 School Opening Mass, presentation of "Youth Book - to Year 12s. Ursula Frayne Catholic College, St Joachim's - Archbishop Hickey Opening Mass for St Charles' Seminary - Archbishop Hickey

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Phone: (08) 9227 7080. Fax: (08) 9227 7087 e-mail: cathrectgiinet.net.au Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth. Publisher The Recoryi. established in 1874. is distributed to Catholic churches. presbyteries. religious houses and subscribers throughout the Archdiocese of Perth and the Dioceses of Geraldton. Bunbury and Broome. Advertising rates Display: $6.60 col cm (GST included) $3.30 a line (GST included) Classifieds: Editorial: Deadlines: Tuesday. first mail. Advertising: Booking: Monday midday. Copy: Tuesday midday. Member: Aust Catholic Press Association: Aust Religious Press Association. The Record follows the Holy Spirit's teaching at the Second Vatican Council on the role of the Catholic print media. The Record will not return copy or photographs submitted for publication unless specifically requested in writing upon submission. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted and to edit such material for clarity and brevity without recourse to the author.

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Archdiocesan Panorama CENTENARY OF ST MARY'S CHURCH. C OOLGARDIE

1 7 Feb. 10am at the Coolgardie Shire Park. Principal celebrant: Bishop Robert Healy. All priests, R eligious and previous parishioners are invited to join us. Picnic BBQ and light entertainment a fter Mass. Inquiries: parish secretary Lorraine Hall 9021 2100, fax 9021 2748. email: stmarys emerge.net.au THE LAYMAN'S HOUR -YOUTH FORUM On Sun 3rd Feb at 7.30pm switch on to Radio Fremantle (107.9 FM) and listen to The Layman's Hour with Raymond and Theresa de Souza in The Youth Forum. Hear young people sharing news a nd views on their apostolic efforts: Joanne Leach from True Love Waits (Sydney): Ben Smith ( Launch into the Deep Forum): Natasha Couto (calling from Malaysia), Sheryl Lyra (working with Mother Teresa in Culcutta), etc. Listen to The Youth Forum on the first Sunday of every month. S witch on, and phone to ask a question or make a comment. Ring 9494 2100. LINDA HOUSE OF HOPE Why are the slavedrivers of the prostitution industry bent on destroying the work of Linda Watson? How can prostitutes be rescued from t he tyrannic control of the brothels? How can Catholic families help? Switch on to The Layman's Hour with Raymond and Theresa de Souza and hear Linda Watson. a former brothel madam, speaking on her crusade to fight prostitution. Radio Fremantle, 107.9 FM, on Sun 10th Feb at 7.30pm. Ring 9494 2100 and have your say! CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Perth Chinese Catholic Community invite you and your family to join in their Chinese New Year Mass on Sun 17 Feb, 5.30pm at Holy Family church, Como, cnr Thelma St/Canning Highway. Main celebrant: Archbishop Barry Hickey. Chinese Dinner in the restaurant afterwards. Anyone interested in attending the dinner, please ring Mrs Tsang 9383 7442, mob 0411 056 095 or Sr Margaret Ng 9477 4192, ANNUAL BOOK SALE Catherine McAuley Family Center. 18 Barrett St, Wembley, Fri 22 Feb. 5-9pm; Sat 23 Feb, and Sun 24 Feb. 9am-5pm.Thousands of books at bargain prices. Free parking: Fri until 6.15pm from Mercy Place, off Ruislip St, from 6.15pm Fri, Sat and Sun in the Centre car park. A LAN AMES IN WANNER00 Alan will be speaking of his conversion experiences at St Anthony's Church.15 Dundebar Rd. Wanneroo. after 7pm Mass on Mon. 18 Feb. Talk and healing prayers will follow. All welcome. Incl. Loretta 9444 4409 or George 9275 6608. HOLY FACE OF JESUS PRAYER GROUP 9-day Novena starting 3 Feb at 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church. 8 Burnett St. Embleton. Exposition and prayers. hymns. Stations of the Cross. Tues 12 Feb. Mass at 7.30pm. Infoliliana 0404 006 818. ST CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. GINGIN

Please send notices for the Archdiocesan Panorama as early as possible, at least two weeks before the event.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Sun 10 Feb. Program: 1pm: Holy Rosary. Exposition. hymns. Benediction and blessing of the Sick. 2.30pm:

Procession to Our Lady of Lourdes grotto for opening and blessing of the new grotto and statues by Archbishop Hickey. 3pm: Con-celebrated Mass at the grotto. Coaches depart St Mary's Cathedral, Victoria Square for Gingin 10.30am. R eturn 6.30pm. Bus bookings: Francis Williams 9459 3873 or mob 0404 893 877. Cost per person S13.50 (return). BYO lunch, tea/coffee provided. Details: Margaret 9571 3387. or Sheila 9575 4023. or Fr Paul 9571 1839. PASSIONIST PARISH MISSION DIANELLA Our Lady's Assumption Church, 356 Grand Promenade, Dianella. Sun 10 Feb: 'Jesus Who is He really?' Tues 12Feb: 'Jesus, Law & Conscience-. Wed 13 Feb: *Human Growth & Faith Growth', Thurs 14 Feb: 'Jesus, Church & Community'. Fri 1 5 Feb: 'Jesus, Forgiveness & Reconciliation'. Session times: Sun 7-8.45pm, Tues to Fri 10am t o 12 noon, 7.30-9.30pm (repeat of the morning session). Daily Eucharist (Tues-Fri at 9am). FAREWELL MASS AND GATHERING FOR SR BRIDIE O'SULLIVAN Old friends and former students are invited for Mass and gathering for Sr Bridie O'Sullivan (formerly Sr Bernadine) as she prepares to return to Ireland after 40-year service in Australia. Join us on Sat 9 Feb for Mass at 6pm at St Andrew's Primary School, Victorsen Pde, Clarkson, followed by entertainment. BULLSBROOK HEALING MASS WORLD DAY OF THE SICK Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation. 36 Chittering rd, Bullsbrook. Holy Mass is celebrated for the physical and spiritual healing of the sick on the second Sunday of each month. The next Mass is on 10 Feb. Reconciliation and Holy Rosary in the Shrine commencing at 2pm: Mass at 2.30pm, followed by the blessing of the sick and the anointing of the seriously ill with the Sacrament of the sick. Inquiries: SACRI 9447 3292, A N EVENING AT THE GROTTO Our Lady of Lourdes, Embleton Church. 8 Burnett St. Embleton. Sat 9 Feb, 6pm. Outdoor Mass in front of the Grotto in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes followed by healing service. Tea and c offee in the hall afterwards. All welcome. Inquiries: 9271 5528 (presbytery). ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE K nights and Dames are reminded of the Chapter Meeting 12 March at St Mary's Parish Centre. Franklin St. Leederville, TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES Fri 8 Feb with Rosary and hymns around Lake Monger. congregating at the north-west corner at the park end of Dodd St. Everyone is invited.The paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Contact: Judy Woodward 9446 6837. ST BRIGID'S MIDLAND - CHURCH/SCHOOL CENTENARY All former parishioners and students are invited to attend Mass at 9.30am and refreshments in the hall afterwards. on Sunday 3 Feb at St Brigid's Church. St Brigid's Place. Midland.

The Record. January 31 2002 Page 15

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FEBAUARY 8, 1902

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other missionary just arrived in an eternal inheritance. When they had been present in a pillar of fire. on Mt. Sinai, 'cal—the Rev. Fr. McDermott grew stronger the Bishop would and had descended that the believe they to W ere Midland -would open that evening at here administer to them the sacra- crucifixion had exhausted his Church, mani7.30 p.m. The choir, we may ment of confirmation, to enable festations? The preacher went on Junction. add, kindly agreed to defer their them to withstand the assaults of to argue from the VI. Chap. of St. return to Perth until after the the flesh and the allurements of John's Gospel in support of he fall doctrine of the Real Presence —showThe opening of this church, evening ceremonies, at which also the world, and. should they would were retheir valuable services bonds ing how the fulfilment of the promise their into sin, here which is dedicated to Almighty rehad taken place at the last supper on be quested. The missionary said would they and broken, be God under the patronage of St. t he night before the crucifixion. sacrament he had witnessed that, from what the by stored grace to Brigid, Patroness of Ireland, took after W hat had been then done had been place on Sunday in presence of a last year at Guildford, when the of penance. Here, Sunday from Midland Junction had Sunday, the sacrifice of our done at the Mass at which they had crowded congregation, the build- people be to-day been present in this church. ing, which has seating accommo- walked long distances to be pre- Lord Jesus Christ would give One stood at the altar and repeated dation for about 800 people, being sent, he had no doubt that the offered up, and this would t he words, and the Lord had been All the mission in their own church would God more homage than all the present there. This remained the filled to overflo wing. saints. central point of church building. It seats were packed, and many be well attended. There would prayers of angels and drew was this that animated the minds of Mass aud a short instruction death be of coldness When the people were obliged to content the Catholics all the world over. He morning and sertabernacle at 6.30, every from this near, themselves with standing or kneelevening the ),L , pre cher) was sure that sweeten mon and devotions in the to come would Lord the he Nokz-Ag uncle are

A

pening of St. Brigid's

Celebrations are in order

By Hugh Ryan Pictures by Renee Denys t Brigid's Parish in Midland will celebrate on Sunday, February 3. the centenary of its first Church which was opened by Bishop Gibney with a large crowd in attendance on February 2. 1902. The celebrations will take the form of Mass at 9.30am. followed by brunch in the parish hall. Parishioners will be given a booklet compiled by Angela Moore outlining the history of parish. its churches and schools, and a laminated bookmark carrying a photo of the old church, and St Brigid's blessing and (TOSS. Midland was part of the Guildford parish at the time the first church was built, and remained so until 1922, a fact which has confused many family historians looking for pre-1922 baptismal records. The original building has had a chequered career and is still giving the parish good service as a hall. It began as a combined

Them bell

church and school, with the sanctuary separated from the classrooms by a curtain and the classrooms separated from each other by partitions so that the whole building could be opened up for Mass and other parish functions. During the lunch which followed the 1902 opening, Bishop Gibney announced that he had given permission for parish socials in the building - but not

dances. The parish priest was Fr Morris and the Sisters of Mercy ran the school, originally walking from East Guildford and later travelling by train each day. When a new school was built. the original building became a church only, and when a new church was built in 1969. it reverted to being three classrooms for the growing school population. Finally, when another new school was built in 1992. the old building was renovated and is now in regular use as a hall and social centre. The most renowned ex-pupil of the old school is fames Knox who. after gaining his secondary education at St Ildephonsus' College. New Norcia. became a priest and eventually the State's only Cardinal.

The original church which was opened on February 2. 1902. .

. and the new church built in 1969

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The Record. January 31 2002 Page 16

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