Issuu

F-

ocal actions with a global spirit preparing for Lent with Project C ompassion - Page 4

Perth: February 14 2002 Price: Si

Have we thrown marriage in the dustbin of history? - Page 10

ecord The

John Paul II calls all to discover the mighty power of prayer - Page 12

DI HIM

One priest, two deacons, ordained for Perth- Page 8

Little Flower captures the South St Therese was given a Police escort into Bunbury and a big welcome at St Patrick's Cathedral last Thursday. There were about 300 people on hand when the relics were welcomed by Bishop Holohan at 11.30am. Parish administrator Deacon Wick Sorensen said that workers in their lunch break lifted the crowd to 500 by the time Mass started at 12.05. There was

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Five year-old Michael Eatfour, who suffers from cerebral palsey, is held up to the reliquary by his mother Regina, when the relics visited the Discalced Carmelite monastery at Gelorup last weekend. His brother Francis looks on. Many sick people came to pray and venerate the relics believing St Therese can help them.

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a steady stream of people attending for silent prayer and veneration of the relics during the afternoon and about 200 people attended the 5.30pm Mass. Good attendances were maintained during the evening and throughout Friday. with a total of about 700 people attending Mass at 7am. 12.05pm and 5.30pm. He estimated total attendance was about 2000. A further 800 to 1000 attended when the relics moved to the Carmelite Monastery at Gelorup, with the church's capac-

ity of 100 reached or exceeded for each Mass. The crowds included contingents from Albany, Katanning, Bridgetown. Donnybrook. Busselton and Collie. "There were many touching moments throughout the periods of veneration and it was a very blessed time for all who attended," Rev Sorensen said. More photos of Bunbury and Gelorup visit - Page 9 Last stop: Nedlands, report and pictures - Page 16

A Discalced Carmelite nun of the Gelorup monastery, seen through the protective cover of the reliquary, venerates the relics of St Therese. The relics' final stop after Bunbury and Gelorup was at the Nedlands Carmel.

Archbishop presents youth with 'papal' gift

The two students are Chris Harrison, 17, of Hillman, and Kerryn Smith, 16, of Port Kennedy, who are respectively President and Secretary of the School Council. Both have attended Kolbe Wigs since Year 8.

rchbishop Barry Hickey has published a new book for youth and has given a copy to every Year 12 student in the Catholic schools of the archdiocese. Entitled "Pope John Paul II Speaks to youth", the hook is an encapsulation of many of the Pope's addresses to the youth of the world between 1985 and Jubilee Year 2000.

Archbishop Hickey visited Kolbe College in Rockingham on lliesday last week to make the first presentation of the books to Year 12 students. He has offered to make himself available to all schools for similar presentations or to discuss the messages with students after they have read the book. Continued page 2

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I. want more parishes to adopt the RCIA W

hile the central themes of Lent are prayer, penance and almsgiving, there is also a very strong link between Lent and Baptism. Our Baptism is, in a very real sense, our experience of Easter, in that we received at Baptism the new life of the Risen Lord. Lent is a journey towards Easter. It is therefore a time when we should renew our own baptismal commitment to Christ, culminating in the renewal of our baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday itself. The origin of Lent was closely linked to the catechumens preparing for baptism. Even the readings for the Sundays of Lent, especially Year 1, form the basis of a catechesis for those to be baptised at Easter.

The Church restored the link between catechumens and Easter shortly after the Second Vatican Council by restoring the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA for short. Many of our parishes are actively involved in RCIA. Last week I went to a home in Armadale to meet a group of catechumens candidates and preparing for Easter. It was a joyful and inspiring night because Imet ten people on the last stage of their journey towards baptism and full entry into the Church. They were excited at the prospect and eager to tell me about the gift of faith that they had received. They were accompanied by their sponsors, parishioners who had volunteered to accompany

them on heir journey of faith, and truths of the Faith but the witness their catechists who had taken of their love and active faith. This Sunday I will have the pleathem through the weekly meetings and the stages of formation. sure of meeting all the catechuThe parish priest was also pre- mens and candidates from our sent, very happy to see the Holy parishes in St Mary's Cathedral to Spirit so obviously at work among conduct what is known as the Rite his people. of Election. Lent marks the last The gift of faith is a mystery. We stage of preparation of the elect" cannot control it or force it. It is before their baptism or full entry into the Church at the Easter VigiL a pure gift from God. This is grass roots evangelisaYet the ground can be prepared to receive the seed of faith. The tion. I wish more parishes would hearts of people can be properly disposed to receive the Word of adopt the RCIA as a very effective, God especially when surrounded official Rite of the Church, by prayer and people of strong because it brings the Good News to people in their area and welfaith. This is why a parish is ideally comes them into the parish at placed to sponsor the RCIA Easter. This Lent, please pray for those because enquirers are accompanied along the way by believing about to find Christ in our parish people who offer not only the communities.

the world in communication with youth. "Young people have turned out In their millions on all continents to listen to his call," he said. "More than anyone else, he has been able to speak to the idealism and search for the truth which characterises youth, and they in their turn have acknowledged him as 'one of us', someone who understands and believes in their aspirations. "(This book) is presented to Western Australian youth in the sincere hope that it will help them to discern the standards and goals they wish to live by as they move from school to full adult participation in church and st:iciety." Speaking with the students at Kolbe College, Archbishop Hick-

ey reinforced the Pope's message that the peace of the world and the future of humanity depend on the fundamental choices the young generation make. He urged them to listen to Jesus as they shaped those decisions in their own lives. "Jesus speaks to you in the Gospels, in silence, in prayer and whenever you seek to know right from wrong," he said. "Jesus is with you in your difficulties, so don't be afraid and don't give up the struggle to be good. -Jesus can be a friend - and a demanding friend, as all good friendships are. Accept him and know him in your life, your joys, your work and your suffering, and, especially, know him in Holy Communion. "He is listening to you and taking you seriously because he has a plan, a

Archbishop's

Perspective

Archbishop presents youth with 'papal' book gift Continued from pagel The Archbishop said the book had been several years in the planning and preparation and paid tribute to Fr Larry Reitmeyer for his assistance in compiling the text from the Pope's many addresses. He had produced the book to give young West Australians the chance to absorb the Pope's inspiring messages about peace, freedom, love and service. He hoped they would read and reread the book in the context of their faith education in their final year at school. In his dedication of the book as a gift of hope to young West Australians, Archbishop Hickey said Pope John Paul II had proved himself the leading voice throughout

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Manager Family Centre Palmerston Applications are invited for the position of Manager from persons with relevant qualifications/experience. The position requires management of the Society's Family Centre at Palmerston, Northern Territory. Consideration would be given to job sharing to a management couple. Applications must be in writing and should address the Selection Criteria. The Selection Criteria and Job description can be obtained from: The Secretariat St Vincent de Paul Society GPO Box 740, Darwin NT 0801 Phone: (08) 8941 0502, Facsimile: (08) 8941 2809 Email:svdpnt@austarnet.com.au Written applications close 22 February 2002 The Record, February 14 2002 Page 2

vocation, for each of you whether in marriage, in single life, in the priesthoo(1. or in religious life." He told them that only recently a young man from Port Kennedy (one of the parishes served by Kolbe College) had enquired about the priesthood, and last year six young women from the archdiocese had entered religious life, after there had been no such vocations for a number of years. Echoing the Pope's call to young people to serve others with open hearts and open minds, the Archbishop reminded the students that Jesus identified himself with others, so what they did for others they did for Jesus. Finally, he urged them to be part of the Church, part of the great community of the baptised trying to follow Jesus. This was one of the great inspirations experienced by young people who went to Rome for the

international youth gathering, many of them sponsored by their parishes. Here in Australia they struggled to be good practising Catholics with many people trying to drag them away from their faith, but they arrived in Rome to find two million people just like themselves with hearts on fire with love for God and his Church. "Over and over they have told me how inspiring and uplifting it was to know they belonged to such a Church. It is up to you to support one another in participation in the life of the Church. "Many parishes (including Port KenmAy) are again sponsoring young people to go to Toronto for the youth rally this year and I am looking forward to going with them because I am certain they will enjoy the same inspiration as they experience the truly catholic nature of the Church which loves Jesus and is Jesus."

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Shopfront opens for business On Tuesday 29 January, The Shopfront was filled with people who had come along for the official blessing followed by supper. Archbishop Hickey officially opened The Shopfront in Maylands. Located at 198 Whatley Crescent (opposite the Maylands Train Station) The Shopfront is a place where anyone in need of help is welcome to come and receive assistance in a homely and friendly environment. The initiative began last year when several of the agencies of the Archdiocese located around the Cathedral realised the growing number of people in need coming to them for assistance. Aware that they were ill-equipped to deal with many of the issues presented, Julie Williams and Derek Boylen approached the Archbishop looking for some way to address the issue. It was the Archbishop's dream that there be a place in the Archdiocese where people in need could come and receive help and assistance rather than being shuffled to the next welfare agency. It was his desire that it would be free of much of the bureaucracy and paper work of many of the government institutions.

Office manager Julie Williams, centre, and Derek Boylen, Youth ministry coordinator at right, enjoy the proceedings. Shopfront, and to his staff, Donna Steele,

Amanda Gradisen and particularly Jason Armstrong who has given many hours of his time decorating and equipping the Doug Williams, Archbishop Barry Hickey's master of ceremonies, chats with the Archbishop at the Shopfront. She thanked Allen Browne. opening. Sonshine Radio Careline Coordinator, for His Grace desired a place run by ordi- and equipment as well as their time as vol- allowing access to their resource database nary volunteers genuinely wanting to help unteers to get The Shopfront up and run- to assist us in helping visitors to the ning. Shopfront. Thanks to Tara Blanchard, PhD those in need in a spirit of solidarity. In particular he mentioned the work done psychology student, for updating the SonAt the official opening the Archbishop said that many of the people who would by Julie Williams and her commitment to shine resource database and running a visit The Shopfront may come from trou- The Shopfront initiative. Julie Williams is workshop for volunteers. Also to Sr Kerry bled backgrounds and may be experienc- the Office Manager for several of the agen- Willison for preparing the Liturgy for the ing many difficulties in their lives. Some cies in the Archdiocese. Julie thanked the blessing. She thanked Sr Claude McNavisitors may not be easy to deal with but Archbishop for initiating the Shopfront. mara, a Mercy Sister, who has will be manthey are all in need of someone to listen to and the local parish priests for their sup- aging The Shopfront in the afternoon on port. She also thanked Derek Boylen. weekdays Finally, she thanked all the volthem and help them. The Archbishop also said that there will Director of Catholic Youth Ministry for his unteers and everyone who had donated be many people who are lonely and will assistance and support in establishing the items to the Shopfront. find The Shopfront a place where they can go and be welcomed, sit and talk to someone over a cup of coffee. He also acknowledged the his beautifully illustrated book The catechism is 196pp and measures support of so many people in is an introduction to the basics 2 1Orrun by 148nun. the community who have of the Catholic Faith and is The first part of the book is based upon made The Shopfront possible. addressed above all to families, but the Apostles Creed. Each article of the Since its beginning many could also serve as a basic text for is explained in a separate chapCreed people from the parishes in laity, priests and religious involved in Archbishop Hickey officially opens The Shop illustrated with examples from and ter Perth have donated furniture publication religious education. The

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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.

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CARITAS: Project Compassion 2002

World Caritas head appeals to Think globally - act locally Canberra for asylum-seekers Duncan MacLaren, head of the Caritas Internationalis aid organisation appealed on February 12 to the Australian government and people to uphold the rights of asylum seekers. Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 154 Catholic overseas aid and development organisations worldwide. Ills the world's second largest humanitarian organisation. Australia must 'work to make sure that the rights of migrants and asylum seekers are upheld and that something like Woomera never happens again', Mr MacLaren said in his address at NSW Parliament House today. Speaking at a Parliamentary lunch hosted by Premier Bob Carr in support of Caritas Australia's major fundraising appeal, Project Compassion, Mr MacLaren focussed on the detention of children, saying that we have to work towards a more compassionate

solution instead of detaining chil- response of international aid dren.' Congratulating the Aus- agencies', said Mr MacLaren. tralian church on its 'Over half of Caritas Internationcompassionate stance towards ails funding of disaster response asylum seekers, Mr MacLaren is spent on refugees.' said 'I salute Archbishop Pell and Caritas Australia has been a the other bishops here for their leader in responding to refugee compassionate stance on the asy- issues in the region. Caritas Auslum seekers - they with many tralia led Caritas Internationalis other protesters have partially response to the refugee crisis in regained Australia's reputation as East Timor, and has also provida place with a commitment to a ed assistance to displaced popufair go for everyone." lations in the Solomon Islands Western nations are not ade- and Bougainville and more quately responding to the needs recently refugees from the Goma of refugees, as the 'hard won con- volcano disaster in the Congo. ventions to guarantee rights for Caritas Australia is the official refugees are constantly being overseas aid and development undermined' said Mr MacLaren. agency of the Catholic Church in 'The very states that signed the Australia, supporting self-help conventions that do exist to make programs in over 30 countries our society more humane now worldwide. Copies of Mr feel free to flout the law to wage McLaren's speech can be 'war on terrorism'.' obtained from Caritas Australia. 'The displacement of people Information about Project Comworldwide leads to dehumanis- passion is available on: www.caring poverty that requires the itas.org.au.

Perth woman Monica Mulcahy and children in a village of Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia, Monica writes: "I've travelled to a lot of developing countries on my own and with Caritas to the Philippines, India and Cambik• dia. Nepal and India are part of this year's Lenten story. Funds are going to Goa and the Congo from Caritas too - I was there in 1990." Monica is a member of the Perth Archdiocesan Committee of Caritas, the Think Globally Act Locally Committee and visited Nepal in 1988 and Cambodia in Jan 2002.

Mother honoured with Papal cross Arrangements

Vicky de Haas, recipient of the papal Croce pro Ecelesia et Pontifice, with Archbishop Barry Hickey.

Pastoral Associate For the Parish of

Maria Regina Avalon

In the Diocese of Broken Bay NSW Ile Parish community of Maria Regina Avalon requires an energetic and committed Pastoral Associate who will work collaboratively with the Parish Priest. Pastoral Council and various Parish groups including the Schools. The Avalon Parish is a shared parish with Mona Vale. This position however, refers only to Avalon. Responsibilities will include a range of pastoral concerns with a focus on coordinating the Parish by organising, supporting and developing existing groups and new areas to be developed under the Parish Pastoral Plan. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create open communication and coordination to facilitate inclusive participation of parishioners in a harmonious community. The position requires flexible hours and will include some evenings and weekends. Closing date for applications is February 25,2002 and commencement date will be negotiated. A car will be provided and run. Accommodation is not included. To apply or to request further information please contact: Andy Meagher President, Parish Council 7 Central Road, Avalon NSW 2107 Ph: (02) 9974 2543 Fax: (02) 9974 2432 The Record, February 14 2002 Page 4

Papal award recipient Vicky de Haas says she was 'overwhelmed" and 'humbled' by the acknowledgement which was presented to her last Friday February 8 as part of the i.d.entity.wa 25th anniversary celebrations. Id.entity wa hoard of directors nominated Mrs de Haas to receive the Croce pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, a special cross for service to the Church and the Pontiff, which was presented to her by Archbishop Barry Hickey at a special mass at St Mary's Cathedral. Mrs de Haas said it was fitting that the Archbishop presented her with the award because he was one of the original supporters of i.d.entity wa, formerly known as Catholic Care. The mother of five said she was only now 'coming back down to earth' after receiving the award which was approved by the Pope. Mrs de Haas, who still looks after her youngest child Gerard at home, said she was proud to have made a difference to the lives of parents with children with intellectual disabilities. 'So much has changed since Catholic Care was started.' she said. 'Twenty five years ago

Gerard could not attend a Catholic Primary School or receive his sacraments - particularly Eucharist and Confirmation.' she said. 'I am proud that I have been able to make a small difference in that respect,' Mrs de Haas said. Among those at the special Mass at St Mary's were Sister Bernadene Daly. Father Rodney Williams and Father Pat Cunningham who were all early supporters of the organisation. 'It was also great to see Sister Maureen McCarthy at the Mass because she was involved in the early days and a great tower of strength as her own sister Kathleen Bowskill had a child who was born with spina bifida.' Mrs de Haas said. 'Sister Maureen McCarthy and Kathleen Bowskill also had a sister who had Downs Syndrome." 'Bishop Healy also attended the service and that was very special to me as it was he who performed Gerard's confirmation.' But perhaps the most significant guest at the Mass was Mrs de Haas' late husband Arnold who she was sure was 'watching from above'.

for ordination

The ordination of Bishop-Elect Don Sproxton on 21 February 2002 will be one of the biggest events witnessed in St Mary's Cathedral for many years. The ordination of the Bishop is a rare event in the Archdiocese of Perth. The last ordination of a Bishop in our Cathedral was 27 years ago - the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Healy in 1975. The Cathedral Bishop-elect Donald Sprorton will he filled to overflowing with invited guests. As well as the BishopElect's family members and friends, those attending will include the Apostolic Nuncio, some of the Bishops of Australia, priests and Religious, Heads of Churches, parish representatives and Heads of Catholic Church agencies and organisations. All seating is reserved for invited guests. Other members of the Catholic community are welcome to join in the celebrations of this joyous occasion and to use the grassed areas around the Cathedral where the ceremony will be televised on screens.

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Group to make CHURCH MUSICIAN extra submission over rape case

Scarborough Parish is seeking someone to play organ or other suitable instrument and lead singing for Saturday 6.30pm Mass and/or Sunday 9.30am Mass.

Please contact Fr John Ryan Phone 9341 1124 Fax 9245 4066

The Coalition for the Defence of Human Life will seek to make a late supplementary submission to the abortion law review following a court case in Bunbury last week in which it was revealed that a 12-year-old girl had an abortion after being raped by her stepfather. Coalition secretary, Dr Ted Watt, said a formal complaint would also be made to the Police about the abortion. Dr Watt said that reported testimony in the case showed what it was like in practice for a young girl who became pregnant after rape by her stepfather. This case reveals more detailed information about how the abortion conveyor-belt works in practice and how deeply KEMH is implicated in it." Dr Watt said. "With abortion now so readily available, the rapist and anyone else who wants to cover up the rape, can hustle the victim off for an abortion even against her De Watt said the girl reported-

ly told the District Court in Bunbury that she was put under extreme pressure by being told she had to have the pregnancy terminated, though she did not want an abortion 'because it's just cruel to kill people, living things'. He said the girl's mother had reportedly made it clear where the pressure came from: 'We thought it would be better because if she had to go through all that there would have been talk at school and different things like that would have made it worse for all of us' - a very telling admission. The Crown Prosecutor had told the Court that the decision to terminate the girl's pregnancy was made at KEMH in liaison with welfare officials. A welfare officer said the girl would have had the 'central decision' but acknowledged that someone so young was very vulnerable and easily influenced by the situation. Dr Watt said the conflict between the KEMH statement

and the girl's testimony showed that KEMH was part of the process of pressure on a girl to have an abortion she did not want. "Who stood by a 12-yearold violated girl against the crowd of voices all calling for her child's death'?" he asked. "No one. She and her child were alone." The girl's mother was reported to have said: "I'm just glad it's over." But Dr Watt said that while it might be over for her grandchild it was not over for her daughter. "Every abortion carries significant risks, including risks of of miscarriage infertility, through cervical incompetence. and psychological damage. For a girl as young as 12, those risks are far higher. Was she told of these risksr Dr Watt said that because this information was not available by January 25. the dosing date for submissions for the review, he hoped the committee would accept a late supplementary submission.

Catholic hour on Channel 31 The Eternal Word Television press, enabling them to distribNetwork is living proof that ute the books worldwide. Requests to Mother Angelica Divine Providence has His way even in the artificial world of to fulfil speaking engagements led to a video series taped at a television. Now showing on Access 31 in local television studio. The prospect of a blasphePerth on Sundays from 1pm to 2pm. Global Catholic Network mous movie being shown on the is part of the worldwide reach television station prompted the of EWIN which began as a US construction of their own stucable network in Birmingham, dio. What started as a garageAlabama. On August 15, 1981. It now provides programming turned-studio quickly devel24 hours a day around the oped into America's first world, including a 24-hour Catholic cable network and Spanish language feed for Cen- then into an international success. all funded by gifts from tral and South America. and families It has been a spectacular individuals, growth story which began with groups. As well as 24-hour telea Franciscan nun named Moth- vision programming. the network also offers shortwave and er Angelica. In the early 1970s she began to AM-FM radio coverage worldwrite spiritual books. As the wide. EWTN Online Services propopularity of the books grew. the nuns at Our Lady of the vides television and radio feeds Angels monastery bought and 24 hours a day 365 days a year operated their own printing to anyone with Internet access

St Mary's Cathedral Choir has five places available immediately for boy trebles who are presently in years 4 to 7 Auditions are also being conducted for next year's Choir, open to boys presently in years 3 to 6. The Cathedral grants a half-scholarship to boy choristers, payable to whatever school a boy may attend. (Most boys attend Trinity College, but boys from other schools are also admitted to the Choir.) There are also openings for men to sing in the bass, tenor, and countertenor sections on a voluntary basis. Choristers rehearse every week. sing the 10am Sunday Mass at the

6954.

Weekly program information Is available on the RCTA website: http://vvww.cathworld.ot worlds/org/rct. Click on programs in Australia. then on Perth.

Cathedral (except some Sundays during school holidays) and also provide the music for major feasts and events of the Archdiocese. In 2000. the Cathedral Choir made a tour of England. Italy and Austria, with the highlight being invited to sing for a Papal Mass in St Peter's Square which was attended by hundreds of thousands of people. In July 2002 the Choir will go to Singapore. For more information or to apply for an audition, contact: Fr Timothy Deeter, Master of the Choristers on tel: 9294 4427: fax: 9294 4627: email: c.asapgf@iinet. net.au Vespers in the Cathedral - Page 11

C HRISTIAN C HANTELLE M OUSE

Archdiocese of Perth

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(http://www.ewtn.com). The website includes a large number of Catholic documents in searchable digital libraries and online experts to answer questions about the Faith. Global Catholic Television found its way into Australia through Brisbane and is now screened in Perth on Access 31 through the generosity of Brisbane people. Local organisers say that it is time for the generosity of Perth people to take up the task that Brisbane is now doing for us to keep EWFN on air. Donations can be sent to Rosary Christian llitorial Association. PO Box 1270 Booragoon

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ALONG THE PATHWAYS OF ST PAUL - Featunng Pentecost in Ephesus

Departing 17 May 2002_ with Fr Wakid Riad & Sr Margaret Scully K usadasi • Ephesus • Pamukkale T he Churches of Revelation A ssos • Troy • Canakkale • Gallipoli K avala • Thessaloniki • Kalambaka Meteora • Patras • Athens • 16 days Pathways of St Paud atso departs ep 19 Apr 2002 with Fr matt 0.99es

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The Record. February 14 2002 Page 5

Lent brings temptation Peter Dwan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday's Mass. This week, the First Sunday of Lent

A Layman 's Meditation

he first Sunday of Lent always Then the serpent said to the woman: focuses our attention on the "No you will not die. God knows in fact temptations of Christ, as lent is a that on the day you eat it your eyes will time when the Devil works overtime be opened and you will be like gods." trying to make us break our good The Devil lied to Eve. Our Lord called Lenten resolutions. the Devil "the father of lies". We need to realise that temptation He wanted Eve to disbelieve God's isn't sinful in itself - Christ was tempt- warning that they would die if they ate ed and he was sinless. the forbidden fruit. Sin only enters the picture when we In tempting us, the Devil often tells yield to temptation. lies. During Lent this year the Sunday Old He will tell us not to do what we have Testament readings recall the history of resolved to do for Lent, but to wait for salvation, marking out significant other opportunities later. stages. He will tell us to doubt the church's In today's first reading (Genesis 2:7-9, teaching that artificial contraception is 3:1-7) we hear how our first parents lost wrong. god's friendship by yielding to the He will make empty promises to us Devil's temptation and eating the fruit like he made to Eve. of the tree of knowledge of good and He promised that if they ate the formil. bidden fruit they would be like gods. Eve made the fatal mistake of entering Adam and Eve were like god in that into conversation with the Devil. they had the gift of immortality, a gift The Devil asked her "Did God really they lost by eating the forbidden fruit. say you were not to eat from any of the Yielding to temptation is never in our trees in the garden?" best interests. Eve replied: "We may eat the fruit of In the second reading (Romans 5:12the trees in the garden. But of the fruit 19) St Paul reminds us that sin entered of the tree in the middle of the garden, the world through one man and through God said: 'You must not eat it or touch sin death It under pain of death'." The Glenstal Bible Missal (p96) comEve made God out to be stricter than ments: "At the root of sin and death, we He really was. find the first Adam: at the root of forWhile they were forbidden to eat the giveness and life. Jesus, the new Adam." fruit, they weren't forbidden to touch St Paul says" Adam prefigured the One the tree. to come, but the gift itself considerably The scrupulous, by considering God outweighed the fall.., as by one man's stricter than He is, despair of pleasing disobedience many were made sinners, him. so by one man's obedience, many will

TO JESUS THROUGH MARY

be made righteous." Our Lord obeyed his father in all things, never yielding to temptation. The gospel (Matthew 4:1-11) is St Matthew's account of th3e temptations of Christ. After Our Lord had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, He was very hungry, and the Devil tempted him saying: "If you are the son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves." Satan was tempting Jesus to use his power for selfish ends. Jesus replied: "Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." We need to remember that we don't live on bread alone. We should spend some of our money on spiritual reading and maybe shout others a subscription to a Catholic magazine. Christ overcame the temptation of the flesh. The Devil then took Christ to Jerusalem and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. "If you are the Son of God" he said "throw yourself down; for Scripture says: He will put you in his angels' charge, and they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone." Jesus said to him: "Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test," thereby overcoming temptation to worldly power. The Devil promised Christ all the kingdom of the world if He would worship him. Our Lord replied: "Be off Satan! For Scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone." May we overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh and the Devil by Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

A COLUMN OF MARIAN DEVO I ION,

verywhere he went, the great faith in Jesus Christ would be negated. preacher St Bernardine of Siena Further, it would shut off, in one blow. distributed leaflets and signs to the evangelization to all peoples. The attach to the doors of one's house or to apostles, enlightened by the Holy Spirit. have engraved on the molding above the said that Paul was right: no more cirdoor bearing the image of the radiating cumcision, it no longer served. sun in which were written three letters: Thus the definitive break between the 'HS "Jesus Hominum Salvator," Jesus Synagogue and the Church came about: Savior of Humankind. we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, the When he preached in a city, he wanted one who reconciles in himself the peoevery family to put this sign on their front ple of the Old Covenant and the new door to remind them of the name that People of God. Later on the Church knew saves. other analogous problems, even if not so We understand very well that the name tragic as that first dilemma; problems of Jesus has extraordinary power, but it nonetheless which, poorly understood is not a magic word. and poorly resolved, blocked the evanThe power comes from the faith of the gelization of the world. one who invokes the person of the Lord One thinks, for example, of the incomand calls upon him in that name which prehension of the Chinese and Malabar indicates his mission, having been made Rite Christians at the time of Benedict flesh "for us men and for our salvation" XIV. There were times in which it seemed as we repeat in the Creed. that it was necessary to become Western Those who believe that they can obtain in order to become Christian. A painting of SI Paul preaching some effect by calling on the name of The decisive opening, even if still not Jesus mechanically, without a profound total, took place at the Second Vatican Notice that circumcision brought with faith in the divine person, will not obtain It also the obligation to observe in all its Council, especially in Gaudium et spes, anything. details the law given to the Chosen Peo- where respect for all cultures, in which But the episode on which we are reflect- ple. it is necessary to value all that is coming contains yet another truth of excepIt was the first great difficulty confront- patible with Christianity, is proclaimed. tional importance. In this singular ed in apostolic times. Later on it will be occasion, in which the circumcision took said: the world was ready to become Reflections place (membership in the Jewish peo- Christian, hut it would never have About Mary - At his circumcision, the ple) and the imposition of the name of accepted to become Jewish. Virgin saw the first blood spilled by her Jesus (he who saves), a new reality is Paul saw the gravity of the danger when son and his first suffering, and perhaps coming into being, turning everything he began to preach that circumcision no she saw in it something prophetic. She upside down, an authentic break longer had any value, because salvation had the joy of calling Jesus by his name. From that moment on salvation no depended on faith in Jesus Christ. signifying that mission of which she had longer depends on circumcision but on benefited in anticipation. already He was hotly contested everywhere he the name of Jesus. She also understood that that name went by the Jewish Christians, that is, by Today we find it hard to comprehend those Christians who had come over would resound in benediction for all the the almost tragic difficulty in which the from Judaism. earth. first Christians who were pious Jews, About us - Let us reflect on our Baptism, The matter was referred to the apostles and very observant ones at that, came to in Jerusalem: it is called the First Coun- given by the will of Jesus in the name of find themselves. the Trinity, which makes us members of cil. There was a hot debate. They continued to go to the Temple We have to take into account the men- the new People of God, participants in every day and to very faithfully observe tality of those Jews who had become the divine nature, members of Christ, the laws which God had given to their Christians: they saw in the faith of their united to his priestly, prophetic and kingforefathers. Fathers the promises which were ful- ly mission, and which confers on us the But the difficulty arose when pagans filled in Jesus who was a Jew. circum- Holy Spirit. began to be converted and it exploded in cised, observant of the law, even if he did Let us invoke the name of Jesus with all its crudeness when Paul and Barn- place emphasis, not on the letter of the faith, deepening our appreciation of its abas began to preach with so much suc- law but on its substance. power. cess to the Gentiles. Here then is the From The Gospel of Mary. by Fr And we must understand the theologiproblem: Did these converts have to sub- cal difficulty: if circumcision was neces- Gabriel Amorth SSP. St Paul Publicamit to circumcision or not? sary, salvation which depended solely on tions, RRP $23.50 The Record, February 14 2002 Page 6

Either you are mad, orIam mad, or we are all mad together....

With Peter Rosengren

he sudden plummet in sales of The Record that our market research department - headed by Mr Darby has tracked to the appearance of my photograph in the paper last week has been identified and will cease from this point henceforth. I apologise to our many readers, especially those in Peru, to whom I had inadvertently given the impression that I was the most handsome man in the western hemisphere. This was a typographical error. But I digress. When I first came to Perth I soon began to doubt the sanity of Western Australians. After a month where the temperature did not fall below 20-something degrees at night and seemed to hit 35 by seven o'clock every morning, I thought that people in Perth were mad. But when in the middle of this we got three days in a row of 44 degrees I was convinced they were stark-raving loony. However my opinions on this have moderated. Or Ihave joined the madness. It is impossible to tell. Strange as it may seem, my wife and I do not yet have air-conditioning in our house. Soon. we hope to have a ceiling fan above our bed to help us get through those nights when it seems impossible to sleep. For gardeners, summer presents the most difficult challenge of the year. Perth winters, or what they call winters here. are laughable to ex-Victorians. But summers here are an intimation of hell, or at the very least. Purgatory. The problem, quite simply. is keeping a garden alive. Allow me to share a suggestion. Get hold of some old felt underlay, the sort that normal! \ is put down first before a carpet is laid. Spread this out on the ground. preferahl \ two layers thick Place any pot plants on top of this in an area that is going to he in shade for as much of the day as possible. When you water your plants you will also he wetting the underlay which, long after the heat has dried up wet patches of water on the ground, will continue to allow moisture to evaporate and keep your plants in a more humid atmosphere. Another method which works well is to get shallow plastic containers one or two inches high and to fill them with coarse pebbles or washed river sand. Fill these with water and then place your pot plants on top. The same thing will occur as with the underlay every time you water. but beware of mosquitos using these as breeding grounds. In summer, the keys am water and shade. The hot easterlies that come down out of the hills not only provoke bar-room brawls and make meek little wives finger the edge of their carving knives as they study the backs of their husbands' necks, as Raymond Chandler once wrote, they also shrivel deciduous trees to a crisp. Beside my desk there is a window and looking out of it I can see the lawn which, when I moved in. was three-feet high or above. Now it is an undulating carpet of green following the contour of the holes dug by a former occupant's dog, with only a few patches here and there. Judging by the size of the dog door at this end of my house, the dog was half-elephant. But Ilike the slightly offbeat lawn that I have instead of the flat, featureless suburban pool table that most other people have. AsIlook at the growing carpet of green I can see that my efforts are beginning to pay off. I can also see the Hotel Darby which faces the lawn and the cacti section. Both Misters Darby are sitting at the end of the aviary, not fooled for a moment by glass reflections in the window, and looking straight hack at me. In any staring game with them I always lose. Smart birds.

This Lent, give until you glimpse what it's like J The Record

n Australia we live a comfortable life in a comfortable society where our usual daily concerns do not, as is the case throughout much of the rest of the world, revolve around staying alive. PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Here in a land of plenty we do not have Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087 to worry about the premature loss of famcathrec@iinet.net.au ily members as a normal expectation, we do not have to worry about losing life or limb because of landmines, we do not turned away by prospective refuge after comfortable shackles which bind us and have to worry about earning as much prospective refuge. the deepening of personal character that money in a month as someone in anothIn our comfort we might not like to think makes us into better human beings. To er country does in an hour or a day. about such things. judging by appear- practise self denial is to draw closer to Nor do we have to worry about diseases ances one might say that when we do God and this, ordinarily, is called holiness. that are the result of grinding poverty often think about them, as a nation, it is often One of the main and best ways we can do created by the oppression of other indi- with a view to getting rid of the problem this is by choosing to forego our own comk iduals or governments, or by an econo- in a way that involves little or no sacrifice forts for the benefit of others. my that is totally geared towards on our own part. The causes of this attiThe wisdom of the ages and the liberatrewarding the rich. We do not have to risk tude might variously be labelled as self- ing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ life and limb to walk the length of a con- interest, hostile indifference or (perhaps concur in this. On the Australian Catholic Church scene tinent merely to end up in a camp in which most generously) ignorance. e will be marooned indefinitely - someWhether we want to think about these the annual appeal known as Project Comthings very much is really a minor issue. passion is supported by the nation's bishtimes for decades. As a general rule we do not have to bury The fact that such experiences as those ops as a key way in which Catholics from a third or a quarter of our children, do not sketched out above constitute the usual every background are invited to do somehave to fear bombs raining down on us elements of daily life for millions through- thing which will directly benefit others in and do not have to worry about when the out the world is something that should need. Although Project Compassion's organisshock us into reality in much the same next rains will appear. er. Caritas Australia, does its best to report Nor do we have to worry about our chil- way as falling suddenly into icy water. But things can change. We are now in on where and how our donations are dren being sent to work in faraway cities and ending up as slaves in the sex trade. the season of Lent and one of the key spent most of us will probably never expeWe certainly don't have to worry about themes of Lent is the self-denial that leads rience precisely what effect our giving has, fleeing terror or oppression and being to increasing spiritual freedom from the particularly if the best indicator of effect

_ rouno 1.Ae7a4fe. Priorities need straightening t is surely about time for Catholics to get I our priorities right, lift our gaze from I the so-called corrupting influences of Harry Potter's magic spells, and look instead at the torture that is being inflicted on our fellow Christians, both Catholic and Protestant. in China. Latest reports in The Times of London describe how there has been a crack-down on Christian Churches resulting in officially sanctioned imprisonment. rape. beatings and medieval-style torture. Leaked documents give graphic testimony from the prisoners themselves. One woman signed her secret testimony with a bloody fingerprint. She says she was seized from a bus and forced to kneel for hours in a prison cell before her interrogation began. She was handcuffed and was beaten. Another woman's fingers were bent out of position and she could not straighten her legs. Another, when crying out in pain. had an electric prod thrust into her mouth. According to the report. police chiefs are ordered to keep such atrocities strictly secret from the Western media. For this reason the true extent of the abuses is difficult to quantify but one figure quoted gives 129 people killed for the Faith. and another 208 crippled by torture. We should he praying daily for our tortured brethren in China. What better reason to have a national day of prayer? Apart from the spiritual comfort for the persecuted that would result, such a public Christian response might prick the consciences of our sporting "heroes" who intend marching off proudly to the Olympias to claim their gold medals in Beijing. Tony Evans

Fremantle

Secular hype on priests Ifear that Raymond de Souza. who wishes to "find a solution to the problem of paedophilia in the priesthood", has allowed himself to be carried away by the hype of the secular media. I am sure that Mr de Souza must realise that a large portion of the secular media love to present the Church and its Priesthood as something ugly. Unfortunately, his campaign to "restore confidence in the clergy" could in fact he reiterating, in the minds of the faithful, the impression that our state's daily paper tried to leave a couple of weeks ago - that many priests are in fact paedophiles. So, in other words, Mr de Souza could be achieving the

•

is an expression on the faces of a family or a village. But that is not important. What is important is the knowledge that we live in a land of plenty and that having been given much means that we are expected to share much. In this regard those who give generously to Project Compassion and other appeals for the sake of people overseas, swim against the tide of materialism that is increasingly a hallmark of Australian society. When we give to Project Compassion and deny our own comforts we do something which is fundamentally important, something which goes against the grain of an affluent, comfortable, and, in some ways, opulent society that appears to be held in the grip of self-introspection: we are, whether we realise it or not, taking the better part. This Lent we should just give to Project Compassion, and we should give until it hurts. And when it hurts, when we are experiencing in a very small way what is a daily fact of life for millions throughout the rest of the world, then we will know that we are probably on the right track. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

&Hers /0 //le Cchfor

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Opposite to what he wants, although unin- wards to fly, to organise their bedroom with Bill, which nobody but a tiny minority of tentionally. What needs to be stated quite incantations and gestures, and to enter highly vocal homosexual activists asked clearly is the fact that the vast majority of other worlds by stepping through a chim- for, has the full support of Mr Gallop. priests are NOT paedophiles and think of ney sweep's chalk drawings on the pave- Despite more than 8,000 objections to lowthis evil as an aberration, no matter who ment. Was I a had Catholic for watching ering the age of consent for homosexual activity to 16, and a pro family rally outside Mary Poppins? commits this crime. My concern about the Harry Potter dis- Parliament House in November of more What needs to be stated is that in the 170 year history of the Church in Perth only cussions in The Record is this: I do not dis- than 3,000, the ALP is determinedly pushone priest has been convicted of this crime pute the right of parents to watch over and ing ahead to impose this regressive legisand. I have it on good authority, that there even censor what their children read and lation upon the community. Not content with this the government has are no such cases under investigation in watch, but there seem to be some who think that anyone who would read or watch opened a second front in its war upon parthis Archdiocese at the present time. What also needs to he stated very clear- something like Harry Potter is not a good ents. Now despite the overwhelming evidence against the drug. it intends to ly is that the vast majority of we priests are Catholic - or is, at least. misled. Let me mention now that for nine years I decriminalise cannabis. There is no justifigood men trying our best in sometimes difwas the official exorcist of my former dio- cation for this: the jury is already in, and ficult circumstances. in America. and I performed five has been for years: cannabis is a highly cese Bless God exorcisms in that time, and I also toxic substance with severely damaging solemn Fr Richard Rutkauskas witnessed and participated in a number of effects upon its users. Parish Priest. Highgate exorcisms performed by other priests. I Dr Gallop talks about allowing personal know well the power of the Devil. and I do possession of 25 grams and the growing of not believe that Harry Potter is a manual two plants for personal use. What he doeshe volunteers and organisers who for occult practices. Magical fantasy, yes: n't tell us, is this has already been tried: worked like clockwork while the relics but not Satanism or the occult. South Australia legalised cannabis in1987 of St Therese were at the Infant Jesus The distinction must be made. On 31 Jan- and it was a disaster. Church in Morley need to be commended uary. 100 magicians were presented to the There, it has led to a highly sophisticated for their tireless contribution to the hun- Holy Father during an audience in Rome, crime network involving bikie gangs, an dreds of people who walked through the and they gave him a 'magic wane Fur- explosion of hydroponic stores from three doors to venerate and pray to the 'Little thermore, they asked the Pope to name St in 1990 to 96 last year, most of them owned Flower'. John Bosco as patron of magicians. This by bikie gangs, crop raids involving shootI visited the church on several occasions was not a surprise to Vatican officials: it ings and murder, and of course the logical and was always greeted and made wel- was announced several days beforehand in consequence of all this, increased demands Vatican and Roman news services. The upon an already overburdened police force come by the volunteers on duty It was lovely to witness the patience of the point was made that these people were and health system. That will be the outcrowds as they queued in anticipation for magicians in the sense of being illusionists. come of what Dr Gallop and the ALP want and not occultists. their chance to view the holy relics. to impose upon us. Fiction, and movies based on fiction, are Just like the legalisation of prostitution: Marie Borona not real: they are illusions. As Fr Falcioni another obsessive fantasy of theirs, its conWoodville also said to me. "If we banned things like sequences make the situation worse, not Harry Potter, we would have to ban a large better. part of the world's literature, from the Of course by the time the results of these egarding the reaction to Fr Gabriele mythology of the ancients to Balaam's talk- appalling changes are being felt the politiAmorth's comments on the "Harry ing ass, from the great fairy tales of Europe cians involved won't be worried. They will Potter" novels and film: to our modern fairy tales like Superman". have moved on to greener pastures. As Some readers seem to have the impresNo, the Devil's name in this whole Harry usual it will be up to the rest of us to endure sion that Fr Amorth's opinion is definitive, Potter controversy is not "Satanism": it is. the consequences and try to pick up the since he is exorcist for the Diocese of Rome. rather. "Division". pieces. This is not true: his office is only for the Fr Timothy Deeter Barry Morgan Diocese of Rome. not for the universal Greenmount Samson Church. And it is an office of service only. not of teaching or jurisdiction. While I was in Rome for 10 days in Janun the recent state election the first pref- Iwish to submit the following in support ary doing some work for the Congregation erence vote for the ALP was a mere 37 for the Causes of Saints, I had lunch daily of Bishop Holohan's comments in The with Fr Davide Falcioni OSA. who is the per cent; hardly an overwhelming man- Record this past Sunday. exorcist for the Vatican's parish church of date for the ghastly legislative reforms the Bishop Holohan. thank you for speaking St Anna. Ihave known Fr Falcioni for some Attorney General, Mr McGinty is so hasti- out about refugees who yearn to live in a ly doing his best to ram through Parliament just society with neighbours of peace. Trag10 years and value his opinion highly. We had several discussions about Harry with the minimum of discussion or debate. ically. many Australians stereotype them as It was the second preferences of the "illegal immigrants" reducing them to politPotter and related subjects. About the furore over the books and film, he smiled Greens and Democrats that just got them ical litter without voice or vote. and said. "As Shakespeare said, it is 'much over the line and enabled Geoff Gallop to It is encouraging to hear from one who form government. ado about nothing.'" the privilege of the pulpit. speaking has The support of the minor parties obviThe other night I watched a replay of people on the margins. The quesabout "Mary Poppins" on TV Unlike Harry Pot- ously came at a price. and now we, the fam- tion is. "Do we really recognise that Christ an with paying are ter author J.K. Rowling. who is a Christian, ilies and community. lives in a detention centre in grave need?" Mary Travers, the author of "Mary Pop- avalanche of disastrous social policies that Thank you. children's, will wreak havoc on our, and our pins", was a known occultist. Jane Anderson, I was interested to note that the film lives. Mr McGinty's Homosexual Law Reform Albany shows Mary Poppins teaching her young

Thankyou, volunteers

Fr Amorth's comments

What mandate?

Thankyou, Bishop

The Record, February 14 2002 Page 7

Features

We want to serve Him Photographs: Fr Patrick Lim

As other priests wait their turn Fr Michael Separovlch prays over the newly-ordained Fr Donald Kettle in St Mary's Cathedral on Saturday.

The candidates for ordination prostrate themselves as the Litany of Saints, an ancient prayer asking the aid of the saints in heaven, is chanted.

n what Archbishop Hickey described as a time of toy for the Church, a priest and two deacons were ordained in St Mary's Cathedral last Saturday. 9 February. Don Kettle, who had been ordained deacon in Rome last Easter by Cardinal Cassidy, was ordained priest by Archbishop Hickey. The youngest of five children. Fr Kettle was born in Belfast in Ireland. but came to WA at a young age and was educated at Aquinas College. He was proprietor and co-director of Quality Packing Pty Ltd before beginning his seminar studies which he completed at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. Since his return to Perth, he has been chaplain at Hollywood Private Hospital and assisted at St Aloysius Parish, Shenton Park. He has now been appointed to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Rockingham. Ordained as deacons were the Rev Corran Pike and Rev Joseph Lee. Corran Pike is the youngest child of Mrs Patti Pike and the late Hon. R.G.Pike, a Minister in the Court and O'Connor Governments in the early

theology at Notre Dame and will take up an appointment at Whitfords Parish next month. The eldest of five children. Joseph Lee was born in Seoul. Korea, and is the second Korean to be ordained deacon by Archbishop Hickey in recent months. He is a sixth-year student at St Charles' Seminary and

will take up a pastoral placement at Armadale Parish in March. Bishop Gerard Holohan. of Bunbury. Emeritus Bishop Robert /le*, Bishop-Elect Don Sproxton and a large gathering of priests concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Hickey before a big crowd of family and friends.

80s.

Educated at Newman College, he completed a business degree at ECU before entering St Charles' seminary in 1996. He is currently completing his Masters degree in

Fr Tim Corcoran, Rector of St Charles' Seminary in Guildford, at left, with new Deacons Pike and Lee, together with Archbishop Hickey.

Archbishop Barry Hickey presents Deacon Pike with the Gospel.

The Archbishop prays over and lays hands on Deacon Kettle. The Record, February 14 2002 Page 8

The newly-ordained Fr Kettle prays over Archbishop Hickey after the ceremony.

Deacon Lee, at right, with the Archbishop and family members from Korea.

Features

South-west turns out for Therese

kiiiss is concelebrated in St Patrick's Cathedral, Bunbury.

Discalced Carmelite nuns from the Gelorup monastery, just outside Bunbury, farewell the relics.

uring the two days thc relics of St Therese were in Bunbury organisers estimated several thousand people had turned out to venerate them. On their return to the Carmelite monastery in Nedlands at least another 2,000 people came to see them for their final day in the West. The tour has become one of the biggest events to be experienced Among those who came to pray at the relics was by the Church in Western former Bishop Myles - Photographs: Renee Deilys McKeon of Sunbury. Australia.

5 We are approximately 5.000 1 , priests & brothers worldwide. We see ourselves as an .2 international family. t We have given ourselves to God for the most abandoned. * We are involved in a variety of missionary works in Australia and throughout the world. • parishes • education g • overseas missions 4 • youth 3. • prison chaplaincies • hospital chaplaincies t • social welfare We are the

Oblates of :2 t Mary Immaculate

Dardanup Parish Priest Fr John Darbyshire displays his own relic of St Therese while visiting the Gelorvp Carmel.

Who are you? Are you. also. out of us in spirit? For further information please contact d 1 Vocations Director St Mary's Seminary 62-94 Jacksons Road .4- Mulgrave. Vic 3170 Ph. (03) 9795 3535 Z Fax. (03) 9701 0222 Eil

Just some of the many Bunburyites who came to venerate in St Patrick's Cathedral during the relics' tour.

[Sunbury priest Fr Tony Chiera distributes Communion as the relics are displayed in front of the attar in St Patrick's.

Faithful in St Patrick's ask St Therese in Heaven to intercede for their intentions as they pray at her relics.

vocations@oblates.com.au The Record. February 14 2002 Page 9

Book Review

Vision of marital ruin might yet help lay foundation for future

e common habit of aying that marriage is in crisis needs to be abandoned in favour of recognising that society is in crisis, and Maley provides the material to help people make this change. .

annual number and crude rate (per1,000 mean population)

annual number

f our society is ever going to re-examine the importance of marriage and family life from an entirely secular point of view, Barry Maley's book. Family andMarriage in Australia, would be a good starting point. After 40 years of family destruction the need for such an examination is now urgent, but the motivation for it still appears to be lacking in our community. Perhaps there are too many people enmeshed in divorce and remarriage, and certainly there is an immense amount of almost superstitious fear that there might really be a moral law built into human nature. Maley's book, published by the Centre for Independent Studies, might well provide the motivation and the opportunity for people to get past entrenched positions to examine marriage from new perspectives in relation to the benefits it can give to adults, children and society. The common habit of saying that marriage is in crisis needs to be abandoned in favour of recognising that society is in crisis, and Maley provides the material to help people make this change. In an introduction aptly entitled 'The revolution that ate the children', Maley observes: "For Australian society, the manifest decay of family life has reverberations - in welfare costs, in rising crime. in suicide, in illness, in disorder and violence that go beyond the distress and disappointment of those directly affected by the falling apart of a family." The author examines the personal and social aspects of the problem from diverse viewpoints such as the so-called sexual revolution, the rise of divorce, the rise of cohabitation, the suffering of children, and the perversity of the taxation and welfare systems which have undermined family life.

60,000

3.0

50,000

40,000

2.0

30,000

20,000

1 0,000

1885

1895

1905

1915

1925

The Record, February 14 2002 Page 10

1933

1943

1953

1963

number (WS)

in Australia

Barry Maley

00 1971 1983

1993

2000

rote (RHS)

Source: J. Buckingham et al., State of the Nation 2001 (Sydney: The Centre for Independent Studies, 200 1 ), 30. children is nominally acknowledged in financial terms, but the duty we have to do our utmost to maintain a two-parent environment for their full development is treated with total (lisregard. There is simply no other relationship in which we can ask for and exercise so much influence over the course of another person's life. hut in Australia this is the one relationship we can walk out of without warning and without any social or legal sanction. It may be that it will require a child to sue one or both of his or her parents for breach of duty of care or for failure to give them an equal opportunity in life for society at large to wake up to what is happening. Statistics do not apply to individuals, but the evidence of overall harm to children is now so great that it would be hard to mount a defence against such a case. However, it is not only adults whose behaviour has contributed to such much pain in our society. As earlier revealed by WA academic Alan Tapper in his book The family and the welfare state and updated by Lucy Sullivan, also of the Centre for Independent Studies, the taxation and welfare systems have been manipulated in ways that have been seriously detrimental to families raising children. The first two figures below show that in 1960 the family taxpayer supporting three children paid virtually no tax and had a considerable tax break on child-free earners, but by 1997 the advantage was gone.

The next two figures (below) show that when tax paid and welfare received are calculated together, the 1960 three-child family was a net recipient from the community up to more than 150 per cent of average weekly earnings, but by 1997 they became net contributors at about 85 per cent of AWE and had little advantage over child-fre(' , ,arners by MO per cent of AWE. Figure 4a. Net Tax Payable 1960 a AWE 1.20c 1.000 BOO 60C ICC 200

0r 200 L 50

•

100

•

120 earnings oat AWE

150

27'7

pc/ekes. ord •

Figure 4b. Net Tax Payable 1997

20.000 7 0000 , _

10.000 2acco

100 120 earneras oat AWE

—0-- h.* p delovn aged 12,15.181

Figure 3a. Tax Payable 1960 Family and Child-free Earners a AWE

Source Lucy Sullivan, Taxing the family 'Sydney. The Centre to, Independeru %dies. 2001). 34-5

There was never, during the years 19609z any reasonable debate, or any debate at

80,

He examines the way the law and culture have withdrawn their support from marriage and family in the name of individual freedom and shows the folly of this in the strange mutation by which cohabitation is steadily being moved to a marriage-like state with the law intervening in it increasingly almost in proportion to the way it has abandoned its protection of marriage. The failure of this particular generation to show the commitment needed to sustain marriage is starkly revealed in the graph on divorce from 1885 to 2000. Despite the certainty of swimming against the modern tide. Maley insists "the key to finding the meaning of marriage lies in taking the ethical character of marriage seriously in custom, behaviour and law." In an age in which "duty of care" is becoming an expanding branch of law in some very strange ways, the State, the culture and a great many individuals have adopted the view that we are not to be held responsible for the lifelong duty of care freely undertaken when we enter marriage. The duty of care each of us has to our

Family Marriage

Figure 1. Divorces 1885-2000

Family and Marriage in Australia by Barry Maley, published by The Centre for Independent Studies, PO Box 92. St Leonards NSW 1590 Reviewed by Hugh Ryan

60" 40, 200 ie----- • 100 120 eormags as 's, AWE

150

200

',vette (3 children aged <17)'

Figure 3b. Tax Payable 1997 • .

100

•

120

1 5C

earnings os % AWE forrely (3 children aged 12, 15, 18)

.ece Lucy Sullivan, Taxing the Fornity fSydney- The Centre for Independent %dies. 2001), 30-1

about why the rearing of society's greatest asset, children, should lose most of its recognition in the taxation and welfare systems, but that is what happened. There were negative influences such as feminism which tended then, and now, to see value for women only in being economic units. and there was a political belief, expressed as early as 1966 by thethen Federal Liberal Government, that the economy would collapse if we did not get more women into the workforce, but there was no coherent debate about the introduction of these anti-family movements in taxation and welfare. Maley looks at these changes and at the effects that high and continuing levels of unemployment are having on the ability of many males to form families and care for them. There is a valuable adage about public policy which says that whatever you subsidise you will get more of, and whatever you penalise you will get less of. Families and children have been penalised for the last 30 years (with slight improvements under the Howard Government). but families which put their children out to be cared for by strangers, families which fracture, and single parenting have all been subsidised compared with the self-caring family. We are getting more of what we favoured and less of what we penalised. but the results are anything but what we wanted. The WA Branch of the Australian Family Association has proposed to the As.sociation's national executive that there should be a thorough national inquiry into the status of marriage. Barry Maley's book Family and Marriage in Australia ought to be enough to persuade the executive, and the Federal Government which will eventually be asked to conduct the inquiry, that the inquiry is urgently needed to prepare the way for the reforms which are needed - at least sonic of which Maley also proposes. It would be helpful if all Members of all Parliaments in Australia opened their minds and hearts by reading Family and Marriage in Australia. Until that blessed day arrives, the more people who read the book and convey their views on it to their MPs, the better chance Australia and its children will have of a better future.

Older than law, wiser than a tree of owls

atholic readers - or The Church had its oriothers who might gins and early developwant to minimise ment basically in two Catholic commitment to communities. Jewish and marriage - could be mis- Roman. and both had led by the statement on strong marriage traditions, page 16 of Family and with the Romans having a Marriage in Australia: "In particular emphasis on the the West, it was not until freedom of consent to the 11th century that marry. The Church simply Canon Law came to incorporated prevailing embrace the custom of customs. marriage and to regulate Writing about 110 Al), St to be followed, ultimately, Ignatius of Antioch said:it by state monopoly of fam- is proper for those who ily law." marry to be united with The statement is true, but the consent of the bishop, It should not be under- so that the marriage may stood to mean that this was he according to the Lord the Church's first involve- and not according to lust." ment in marriage. Some time after 220AD

Tertullian wrote: "How shall we ever be able to describe adequately the happiness of a marriage which the Church unites, which the oblation confirms, upon which the blessing sets a seal, at which angels are present as witnesses, which the Father ratifies." In the early days there were three sins that absolutely required the Sacrament of Penance for reconciliation with the Church community - murder. apostasy (of great importance during the centuries of persecution) and adultery.

More WA News

Gingin opens Marian shrine By Bronwen Clune It was only just over six months ago that Gingin reopened it's newly refurbished St Catherine's Church under the direction of Father Paul Fox. But the Gingin/Chittering parish priest is fast gaining a reputation as a man who doesn't sit on his laurels with the opening last weekend of a Shrine to Our Lady. Despite the near 40C heat, a crowd of around 300 people gathered in the picturesque bush outside the church to spend an afternoon of devotion to Mary and to witness the official opening of the shrine by Archbishop Barry Hickey. Local materials were used to build the shrine, which was made possible by donations from pilgrims to Gingin. It was only in early December that Fr Paul decided we would like to build a shrine in honour of Our Lady. And much to the local parishioner's surprise and delight he has achieved what he set out to do in a very short time. "When I proposed the idea, a lot of the locals thought it couldn't be done," Fr Paul said. "But I said to them that if it is God's will, it would be done." Archbishop Hickey referred to the opening of the shrine as a "historical moment". It feels like I was here not too long ago

The finished prided, kat NIS donations from pilgrims te en*. Father Paul Fox leeks on as Archbishop Hickey addresses the crywd. Photographs Bronwen Clone

at the opening of the refurbished Church and now, in a very quick time, this grotto has been erected from local materials and by local workers," Archbishop Hickey said just before blessing the shrine. In his homi-

ly Archbishop Hickey said that it was wonderful the shrine had been erected in Gingin because so much of the building these days went on in the city. He congratulated the Gingin parish on having achieved so much in such a short time. "Next time I come here who knows what I will find," he said. Fr Paul's enthusiasm has seen the small parish grow from four

or five parishioners to as many as 35 in the 20 months he has been there. He hoped the shrine would be used by people visiting the area as well as the local parishioners. "Gingin is a very picturesque little town and I would be happy to say Mass for people who want to come up here on a pilgrimage from time to time."

The ancient and solemn beauty of Vespers beckons Fr Timothy Deeter, Master of the Choristers of St Mary's Cathedral, extends an invitation to all who would like to rediscover an ancient musical tradition of great beauty in the Church - the Office of Vespers.

espers. the Evening Prayer of the Church, is sung at St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday evenings during Advent and Lent, as well as on some major feasts. With the arrival of Lent. the Cathedral will again see Catholics from around the Archdiocese meeting at 4:30 pm for the sung Vespers. A small schola cantorum ('school of singers') leads the singing, and all in attendance join in as well. The entire Cathedral Choir will participate on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), when the liturgy is celebrated more solemnly. So what is Vespers, and how is it celebrated? The Latin word vesper means 'evening'. In Jewish homes, from antiquity to the present day, lamps are lit when the light of day fades, especially on the Sabbath. The Jews have a blessing prayer for this, and early Christians continued the ancient custom. Thus the lucernarium, a preliminary rite of lamp-lighting, lent its name to the prayer service that followed. Vespers has also been called 'the evening sacrifice', a counterpart of the sacrifice of incense offered every evening in the Temple at Jerusalem and alluded to in Psalm 141:2: 'Let my prayer arise before You like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening offering.' The Fathers of the Church regarded burning and sweetsmelling incense as a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ, who stretched out His arms on the cross and celebrated the first Vespers of the New Covenant at the hour of the evening sacrifice. Thus the Church has made Ves-

Fr Deeter takes the men and boys of St Marrs Cathedral Choir threegh their paces in a practice session.

pers her evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, recalling with lights and incense, with psalms and hymns, with scripture reading and communal prayer, all the benefits of creation and redemption. The Jews have had a long-standing tradition of prayer at various times of the day. and from this developed the Christian custom of the Liturgy of the Hours prayer at dawn, mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon, evening, and night, as well as an extended period of prayer and spiritual reading. This round of daily liturgical prayer is still kept in many convents and monasteries throughout the world; many more priests, religious and laity pray parts or all of this 'Divine Office' individually or in small groups. This daily liturgical prayer is part of our Catholic heritage. The 1st-century Didache (a manual of teaching and liturgical directives) exhorted Christians to pray the Our Father three times a day. In the 3rd century. Tertullian asserted that morning and evening prayer were obligatory prayers. Fifteen or so years later, another book of directives, the Apostolic Tradition described a communal

evening service that consisted of present shape in all its essentials. a lucernarium, the singing of What are those essentials? First, there is an introductory psalms, and an agape or community meal afterward. The Alleluia call to worship adapted from Psalms it mentions are still among Psalm 40:13: 0 God, come to our the group of psalms reserved for aid. 0 Lord, make haste to help us. Next comes a hymn to celeVespers. The work of converting these brate the feast or season. During primitive evening prayers into the this hymn candles may be lit (altar set form of today's Vespers was candles. Paschal candle or. during done mainly in the 4th. 5th, and Advent. the Advent wreath can6th centuries. Cathedral churches dles). This preserves the tradition and monastic communities were of the ancient Lucernarium. The body of the liturgy is the chiefly responsible. The Divine Office described in the Rule of St psalmody. Two psalms. plus a Benedict was basically the Roman New Testament canticle, are Office of the 6th century. It shows chanted along with antiphons that Vespers had then reached its which introduce and conclude

The choir sings Christmas carols in the Hay Street Mall in Perth.

each psalm or canticle, relating the psalms to the day's feast or season. At the Cathedral, the schola c.antorum or the Choir alternate verses with the congregation. Then a short reading from the Scriptures is proclaimed. This may be followed by a period of reflective silence, or sometimes a short homily. A brief sung response follows. All then stand for the highpoint of Evening Prayer, the Canticle of Mary or Magnificat. Since Vespers is a liturgy of praise and thanksgiving, the Church from earliest times has used Mary's song of praise as its own for this service. When Vespers is celebrated communally, and especially on great feasts, the altar and the participants are solemnly incensed, thus continuing the Jewish tradition of the evening sacrifice of incense. Like the other psalms and canticles, the Magnificat is introduced and concluded with an antiphon which again highlights the feast or season being celebrated. Afterwards, general intercessions (similar to those used at Mass) are offered for the needs of the Church, concluding with the Lord's Prayer, again continuing the early Christian tradition mentioned in the Didache. The concluding prayer is the same as that of the day's Mass, thus completing the union of Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours. A blessing and dismissal bring the service to an end. At St Mary's Cathedral. Vespers begin at 4:30 pm and end at 4:50 pm (4:55 when the entire Cathedral Choir sings). in time for those who wish to attend the 5 pm Mass. Printed programmes are provided to facilitate participation. All are welcome to join in this evening sacrifice of praise, continuing the tradition of prayer which goes back to Jesus, Mary and Joseph lighting the lamps and praying the psalms each evening in Nazareth - and beyond their time, to those ancient Jews who sang these words: Evening, morning, noonIpray: the Lord will hear me calling (Psalm 55:18); Seven times daily I praise You for Your righteous rulings (Psalm 119:184).

The Record. February 14 2002 Page 11

International News

Pope's call: discover Civil talk on religion the power of prayer In Brief

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life held a panel discussion focusing on the increasing prevalence of a still-forming civil religion in America following Sept. 11. Panelist Majit Singh, executive director of Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, summed up the concept of civil religion. 'Civil religion is nothing more than the invasion of civil society by religious groups,' he said. Father Richard John Neuhaus, a panelist and New York archdiocesan priest jean quoted Jacques Rousseau: 'Any nation, any society, and any sense of peoplehood requires a sense of 'religare' -- that is the root of 'religion' - that binds together, and holds together an identity and a purpose and a direction.

Priest abuse BOSTON (CNS) -- The Boston Archdiocese Feb. 7 suspended six priests from all ministry for past allegations of sexual abuse of children. Five days earlier two pastors were removed for the same reason. In a news release Feb. 7, archdiocesan spokeswoman Donna M. Morrissey said five of the newly removed priests were involved in ministry and the sixth was employed in a Parish in a nonministerial role. She said their names were among those on a second round of lists submitted to law enforcement authorities as part of the archdiocese's thorough review of personnel files going back more than 40 years. The first lists were sent to county prosecutors Jan. 30.

NFP sex ed VENICE. Fla. (CNS) -- Not only does natural family planning improve communication between a couple, it is an effective way for parents to teach their teen-agers about chastity, said an expert on the birth regulation method. Stella Kitchen, a member of the natural family planning advisory board for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. spoke to a group of women and priests from the Venice Diocese, addressing their questions and concerns about the method. Kitchen is also director of the natural family planning program of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Pa. Kitchen explained that many people only see the negative in the church's teaching against artificial birth control and they do not know the many positives that go along with a lifestyle that includes natural family planning.

Call for peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) - As 600 U.S. soldiers began a mission in the Philippines to help fight a Muslim extremist group, Pope John Paul II encouraged the Philippine government to pursue nonviolent solutions to the conflict. the Pope said peace could only be built on justice and forgiveness.

By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - For as long as his closest aides can remember, Pope John Paul II has risen each morning and spent the first hour of the day on his knees, praying privately before a crucifix. Now the 81-year-old Pope would like the rest of his church to follow suit and rediscover the power of prayer. Pope John Paul recommends all kinds of prayer, stand-up or sit-down, in church or on the subway, including such varied forms as quiet invocation, the reading of Scripture and personal "conversations" with God. In recent months, the Pope has been beating the prayer drum louder. Prayer is as necessary and basic as breathing, he said, no less so in the modern world. When terrorists attacked New York and Washington Sept. 11, the Pope went to his chapel and prayed for hours. With the winds of war blowing in October, he asked Christians around the world to pray the rosary daily. In December, lie called for a worldwide day of fasting and prayer among Catholics, and in January convened interreligious leaders to pray for peace in Assisi. Italy. Sometimes these acts have a political significance, as in A.ssisi, where the Pope wanted to illustrate that for true religion violence and intolerance are incompatible

with prayer. But at a deeper level, the Pope believes that prayer is the place where people can begin to make sense of their own lives and to right the evils in the world. "To pray is not to escape from history and the problems which it presents. On the contrary, it is to choose to face reality not on our own, but with the strength that comes from on high, the strength of truth and love which have their ultimate source in God," the Pope told fellow religious leaders in Assisi. A year ago, the Pope said he was convinced the church needed to deepen its "art of prayer" in the third millennium. Since then he has dedicated his weekly general audiences to the Psalms, saying they were the best place to start. He has encouraged lay people to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the official cycle of church prayers sanctifying the parts of each day. Reciting the morning, daytime and evening prayers may be easier than many people think, he said. Jesuit Father Gerald O'Collins, an Australian theologian at Rome's Gregorian university, said the Pope has tapped into a movement that has been building for some time among Christians around the world. in recent years a good number of Catholics actually recite part or all of the breviary (Liturgy of the Hours) the priest uses," Father

Pope John Paul II waves to those attending Mass inside St Peter's Basilica.

O'Collins said. The complete Liturgy of the Hours is four volumes, but publishers have brought out abbreviated versions of morning and evening prayers that have proved very popular. "These are lovely little books that you can slip in your pocket. People can manage morning and evening prayers: it's about five or six minutes for each of them," Father O'Collins said. He noted that in some cities contemplative orders that recite morning and evening prayers in churches increasingly are joined by lay people. At the same time, lay movements - such as Rome's Sant'Egidio Community - have

made daily evening prayer a part of their spiritual identity. Father O'Collins said that, when the Pope says prayer is as necessary as breathing, he is expressing an ancient Christian idea. "Prayer is like the air you breathe. If you don't breathe you die, and if you don't pray you die spiritually," Father O'Collins said. A prayer book is not essential to prayer, and the Pope also has encouraged what he calls "freer expressions" of personal prayer. In the past, he has praised the Eastern traditions of "prayer of the heart" in which the individual meditates in deep silence in order to listen to the voice of the Holy Another productive Spirit. method is the "small prayer," a short invocation repeated frequently, he said. The Pope sees the main purpose of regular daily prayer as a way for the individual to sanctify the day's activities. But in his view, it Is not a one-sided exchange: God listens. And when listening to heartfelt prayer. "Can God remain silent?" the Pope asked in a recent audience talk. "Of course not!" In fact, the way the Pope explains it. God is prompting the dialogue from the beginning. We begin to pray, believing that it is our own initiative that compels us to do so. Instead, we learn that it is always God's initiative within us," he once wrote.

Americans split on cloning research Ireland By Agostino Bono WASHINGTON (CNS) - Panelists at a Senate hearing on human cloning agreed that the federal government should outlaw cloning for reproduction, but they split on the issue of cloning human embryos for research. Supporting a total ban was Jesuit Father Kevin FitzGerald, chairman of Catholic health care ethics at Georgetown University's Center for Clinical Bioethics. Government regulation of scientific experimentation on humans Is nothing new. given "the wrongs done in the name of science." and is needed to safeguard respect for human life, he said. Other panelists argued that stem-cell experimentation using cloned human embryos held promise for major breakthroughs in curing diseases. The February 5 hearing called by the judiciary Committee was held as the Senate prepared to debate human cloning. Awaiting Senate action is a bill passed by the House of Representatives last year that would outlaw all human cloning. Several senators have proposed their own bills. All would ban reproductive cloning but several would allow cloning human embryos for research. President Bush has said he favors a total ban. Father FitzGerald said public policy should not be subordinate to scientific criteria. "When facing the unknown or the uncertain, the answer of science is always to do the research. This is perfectly good science, but it may not be good public policy or the ethical thing to do," he said in prepared testimony. "We Americans know from our own history with eugenics and

The Record, February 14 2002 Page 12

with research on minorities, the "What happens if you create a mentally disabled and even our human with a green glow, when own military forces, the tragedies you merge human cells with that can occur when public poli- chimpanzee cells?" he said. The cies concerning human experi- ability to do these things "is not mentation are shaped according evil." Father FitzGerald said. to the dictates of science," he "What we do with these abilities could be evil. added. "We have to integrate this new "Our society has chosen to limit what experiments can be per- scientific information into our formed on human beings. even concepts. This integration causes though these limits may slow sci- a re-articulation and hopefully a better judging and understanding entific progress," he said. Banning human embryo cloning of how we want to go forward and would not curtail research into which direction is forward," he medical cures. "considering all said. Supporting cloning of human the basic research that still can be done using animal models. embryos for research was Irving human tissue culture and adult Weissman. developmental biology professor at Stanford Universistem cells," he said. In response to a question by Sen. ty. "Stem cells derived from a Orrin Hatch. R-Utah, Father body cell or a disease cell of a FitzGerald noted that advances in patient who had inherited the risk biotechnology are causing a for that disease could be powerrethinking of the traditional ter- ful tools for medical research and minology arid concepts used by lead to improved therapies," said Weissman, who chaired a Nationethicists. al Academy of Sciences panel that "Many concepts pre-date the biological information coming to advocated research cloning of us" and new ways of saying things human embryos as national pollhave to be found to bridge the Also testifying was Rep. David gap, he said. Weldon, R-Fla., who co-sponsored When asked after the hearing to elaborate, he said that traditional the anti-cloning bill passed by the concepts of what it means to be House. Weldon, a physician, said human or to be a human embryo the House vote transcended the current divisions over abortion. are being challenged. "Many pro-choice people voted With cloning, the traditional forfor the ban," he said. mula of "human life begins at conBishop Michael A. Saltarelli of ception" has to be changed, he Wilmington, Del., urged the four said. senators from Delaware and "We have to respect human life from the moment it begins," he Maryland to vote for a total ban on human cloning. said. In cloning life begins when "The creation of human clones the nucleus from an adult cell is for scientific experimentation is transferred into an egg and then an abomination and morally the egg is shocked to stimulate unacceptable - as is, of course, divisions, he said. any desecration of the sanctity of "We have the traditional concept all human life from conception to that a human being looks like you natural death," the bishop wrote. and me," he said.

abortion referendum

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) - Ireland will hold a constitutional referendum to amend its abortion laws March 6. The referendum will mark the third time in 20 years that Irish citizens have voted on abortion: the issues surrounding this referendum involve closing loopholes that would allow abortions in certain drcumstances. such as when the mother is threatening suicide. The proposed constitutional amendment would outlaw abortion in most cases but would allow it to protect the life of the mother. If approved by the Irish electorate, the amendment would take effect only if specific legislation, the Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy Bill. were enacted within 180 days of the referendum vote. Otherwise the amendment in its entirety would he nullified. Irish citizens passed a constitutional amendment outlawing abortion in 1983. A 1992 Irish Supreme Court ruling allowed for abortion in certain cases when the mother's life was threatened, but confusion remained over when it was ethical. The Irish bishops have expressed support for the referendum, saying in a December statement that the proposed amendment would "ensure that more protection is offered to the unborn."

International News

Franciscan priest sees peace hope in Israel By John Norton BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) - Compassion is the key to a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, said a Dutch Franciscan priest who spent three months in the Bethlehem area as part of a civilian observation team. "I think there is a solution, but you have to keep the history of the place in mind, and both sides need to have compassion for the pain of the other." said Franciscan Father Louis Bohte, 55, of Heerlen, Netherlands. "There is distrust and disappointment. They have to take time to listen and care and not be afraid If they say something critical that they will provoke a reaction from the other side," he told Catholic News Service. Father Bohte arrived in October with a group of eight European volunteers from United Civilians for Peace to provide an international presence among the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem. Some volunteers also worked with Israeli peace groups. They completed their stay In January. United Civilians for Peace, founded in September. is a Dutch Initiative made up of several Dutch church-linked organizations and nongovernmental organizations working in cooperation

Photo Debbe ht, CAIS

Franciscan Father Louis Bohte shares breakfast with the Alazah family in Bethlehem's Azzah refugee camp.

with Israeli and Palestinian refugee camp, often visiting the groups. In the Netherlands, it family after battles between coordinates its activities in part Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen.Idiscovered that it was with Pax Christi. Father Bohte helped prepare so important for the people here Christmas Eve midnight Mass in to see that there are people who Bethlehem and played Santa care for them as human beings," Claus for the children at the Holy said Father Bohte. He said the daily struggle of the Family Orphanage in Bethlehem. He also befriended a Palestinian people to survive amid mounting family in Bethlehem's al Azzah violence motivated him to visit

the area. "More and more I discovered that there is a lot of fear here," he said. "On the Palestinian side there is fear of (actions) from the Israeli side, and on the Israeli side there is fear of suicide bombers. Both parties do not feel safe," he said. Father Bohte said there will be peace in the Mideast only when

"the life of a Palestinian is as precious as the life of an Israeli." "The life of a Palestinian suicide bomber is also precious. Young people here in Palestine don't see any future. They see themselves struggling against the occupation, looking for a way to live their lives, and they see only a few possibilities: continue struggling, emigrate to Europe or the United States or destroy themselves show their anger against the political situation," he said. "There won't be any more suicide bombings if Palestinian life is valued." he said. He said he came to learn from both sides and maintained a "multilayered partiality," even though the majority of his time was spent with Palestinians. "You can't be neutral if you view the suffering of the Palestinian experience," he said. Still, he said, he would like more contact with Israelis during his next visit. "You can't build a bridge for peace from one side," he said. "You have to do it from both sides." He said he planned to talk to people about his experiences and write a review of the things he learned and saw in the Middle East. "It's not a matter of blame," he said of the current political situation. "It's a matter of discovering how to ... steer people in the direction of peace."

Pro-lifers win right to licence plates Communion and Liberation commended By Thomas R. Papeika

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Communion and Liberation, like other new lay movements, is a sign of the vitality of the Catholic Church and of the Holy Spirit's presence among its members. Pope John Paul Ii said. The pope marked the 20th anniversary of Vatican approval of Communion and Liberation with a Feb. 11 letter to Italian Msgr. Luigi Giussani, the movement's founder. "The strength of the Spirit of Christ never ceases to overcome, almost to break, the schemes and sedimentary forms' of faith, giving rise to new energy and ways to meet new human needs, the Pope said in the letter released on 12 February at the Vatican. Communion and Liberation, founded in Milan in 1954. now has members in 70 countries. Pope John Paul said one of the most striking things about Communion and Liberation is its commitment to 'listening to the needs of man today.' 'Man never stops searching: when he is marked by the drama of violence, by solitude and insignificance as well as when he lives in serenity and joy, he continues to search,' the Pope said. Communion and Liberation offers modern men and women what they are searching for: a personal encounter with

Christ. which is not irrational or sentimental, but shows them that Christ gives real meaning to their lives, the Pope said. Pope John Paul also praised the movement's members for their conunitment to bringing their faith to bear on their activities in the fields of culture, clarity, education and politics. • The Vatican plans to publish two new documents on the Internet in late February one a reflection on ethical issues and the other an assessment of online pastoral opportunities. The documents have been under preparation for more than a year. A press conference to present the documents is tentatively scheduled for late February. The document on 'Ethics and the Internet' was expected to address cultural and philosophical issues raised by the online revolution, as well as traditional concerns like pornography. privacy and intellectual property rights. It is expected to take an overall positive approach to the Internet as a powerful means of global communication. At the same time, it is expected to probe the question of values -or lack of values — on the Internet, and discuss the risks of culand tural domination homogenisation that has accompanied the new technology

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (CNS) The West Virginia House of Delegates voted 78-20 on 30 January to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special licence plates with a pro-life theme. Proponents of the plate say the bill's passage is a victory for free speech. The measure was introduced by Democratic Delegate Barbara Warner of Harrison. who is chairwoman of the House Committee on Roads and Transportation. Delegate Rebecca Mathews. a Democrat from Kanawha. said Pro-life advocates should be allowed to pay extra for a plate supporting their views on abortion. Warner said the pro-life plate

would add S45.000 to state revenues. West Virginians are able to choose from a wide variety of specialty plates, touting everything from one's veteran status or college allegiance to plates that read "West Virginia Bowler" and "West Virginia Square Dancer." Opponents of the bill argued that they were forced to vote against other proposed specialty plates for veterans. Bronze Star recipients, volunteer firemen, and plates with patriotic themes because of the pro-life plate's inclusion in the bill. "Those of us who intend to vote against the bill are not disparaging in any way against veterans," said Delegate Bonnie Brown, a Democrat from Kanawha.

A faction led by Democratic Delegate Carrie Webster of Kanawha County would have erased the language creating a pro-life plate. "I believe this body debated this issue ad nauseam last year." Webster said. "We really should not get into the issue of sanctioning religious or political speech." Webster argued that if a pro-life plate is offered, then a "prochoice" plate should be offered as well. Otherwise, she said. "We're saying. 'Hello, sue me!'" But the House rejected the idea. The bill must now go to the Senate, where a similar bill died in the final minutes of the regular legislative session last year. when paperwork in the Senate disappeared the night before the final vote.

Rwandan priest surrenders to UN By Cindy Wooden VAIR \ \ CITY (CNS) -A Rwandan priest accused of participat-

ing in genocide pleaded innocent after he voluntarily left Italy and surrendered to the U.N.'s International Criminal llibunal for Rwanda. Since 1997 Father Athanase Seromba. 38. had been living in Italy, which refused to extradite him to stand trial before the U.N. court based in Arusha. Tanzania. The priest arrived in Tanzania 6 February. turned himself over to the court and immediately was placed in the U.N.'s detention facility, reported Fides, the news

agency of the Congregation for invited ethnic Tutsis to take refuge in the compound of his parish in the Evangelization of Peoples. The U.N. tribunal has accused Nyange. Rwanda. When ethnic the priest of actively participating Hutu militias attacked, up to 2.000 in the 1994 genocide that left hun- people were hiding in the church. dreds of thousands of people The court claimed that Father Seromba ordered the church to dead in Rwanda. The court's chief prosecutor be bulldozed, killing almost asked Italy to arrest and extradite everyone inside. The priest has the priest. but in July 2001 the Ital- proclaimed his innocence and ian government refused, saying it said he left Rwanda 10 days did not have an extradition treaty before the massacre occurred. Archbishop Salvatore Pennacwith the Arusha court and was not convinced of the evidence chio, the Vatican nundo to Rwanda. told Fides that he admired against Father Seromba. The priest had been serving in a Father Seromba for turning himsmall parish in the Archdiocese of self in. "It is an act of responsibility and Florence. According to the court's accusations, Father Seromba courage," the archbishop said.

Vatican backs Sudanese woman accused of adultery under Islamic law By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A Vatican cardinal called for U.N. action on behalf of a young Sudanese Christian woman condemned to death by stoning for alleged adultery. Italian Cardinal Roberto 'Ricci said the case was a blatant example of applying Islamic law to a non-Muslim and the latest in a long series of actions by the Sudanese

government against the Christian minority. "Why doesn't the United Nations intervene? The U.N. Human Rights Commission is looking into the case, but maybe this should be backed up by a real international campaign that can shed light on the situation in Sudan." Cardinal Tucci told Vatican Radio, 7 February. Cardinal 'Ricci. who helped organize a brief visit by Pope John Paul II to Sudan in 1993, said Sudan's Islamic government was

carrying out "a real persecution against the people of the South," who are mainly nonArabic and follow either Christianity or animist beliefs. Human rights organizations have urged Sudan not to carry out the death-by-stoning sentence, which was handed down by a criminal court 8 December. According to the organization Human Rights Watch, the convicted woman, Abok Alfa Akok. an 18-year-old unmarried Christian from the Dinka tribe, was pregnant at

the time of her conviction. She did not have legal representation during the trial, which was conducted in Arabic with no translation available. Other details about the case were sketchy. Some reports have said the woman is unmarried, and that she may have been the victim of sexual coercion. The man with whom she allegedly had sex was not tried, because the court lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute him. The case was being appealed.

The Record. February 14 2002 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Catholic publication gets go-ahead in Vietnam HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (CNS) - Catholic bishops in Vietnam have resumed publication of an information bulletin, suspended for more than a year, after the government gave it a permit to publish on a limited scale. Father Antoine Nguyen Ngoc Son, secretary of the Vietnamese bishops' conference and chief editor of the bulletin, said that at its meeting late last year, the conference's standing committee decided to relaunch "Communion." "The publication will serve as a bridge linking all members in the local church," Father Son told UCA News, an Asian church news

agency based in Thailand. After the bulletin's 10th issue was published in December 2000, the Ministry of Culture and Information asked the bishops to suspend publication, pending the approval of a permit from the ministry's Press and Publishing Bureau and the appointment of a bishop to be in charge of the bulletin. A church source told UCA News that the permit was granted last July, but the bishops debated publishing the bulletin under the provisions specified in the permit. The new provisions say that the bulletin can be published every

two months, its size limited to 50 church publication. A local pages and its circulation to 100 church observer told UCA News copies, because "the government that "it does not (matter) if the offiunderstands that the publication cial permit allows 100 copies or is intended only for internal cir- only a single copy, as people here culation, among the bishops and have their own means to make more copies. The point is how some clergy," the source said. Dominican Sister Marie Pham Interesting and helpful the conThi My Tuu, editorial team mem- tents are." The relaunch issue, dated 15 ber, said that 1,200 people subFebruary, carries the proceedings scribed to the previous issues. "Now with only 100 copies, how of the conference's eighth genercan we satisfy their needs?" she al assembly in Hanoi last September, the bishops' 2001 pastoral asked. She said the bulletin also was letter and the statutes of nine episduplicated by several dioceses copal commissions. It also includes news about the and religious congregations in response to their need for such a Vietnamese bishops' visit to the

Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses, Asian churches and church activities in the country's 25 dioceses, and the fall Synod of Bishops at the Vatican. Based at the Catholic Center in Ho Chi Minh City, the editorial team includes a priest, a nun, a sem inarian and a laywoman. Except for the bishops' information bulletin, the church in Vietnam is not allowed to publish any newspaper, but some church groups have launched their own Web sites to help Catholics involve themselves in the church's pastoral and apostolic activities.

Hong Kong religious Pope encourages leaders call for peace Taiwanese Bishops onwards By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II told Taiwan's bishops he was sure their work to promote reconciliation with the divided mainland Chinese church would bear fruit. "Your efforts are aimed at promoting mutual understanding, reconciliation and fraternal love among all the Catholics of the great Chinese family." he said on January 29. am confident that these efforts. carried out in communion with other particular churches and the see of Peter. will help to overcome the difficulties of the past, so that ever new opportunities for dialogue and reciprocal human and spiritual enrichment may arise," the pope said. Taiwan's bishops were in Rome for their "ad limina" visits, which bishops make every five years to report on conditions in their dioceses. In their talks with Vatican officials, the bishops detailed their educational and financial assistance to other Asian churches. particularly in communist mainland China. Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi of Kaohsiung said contacts between Taiwanese and

Pope John Paul ll blesses those gathered for his general audience at the Vatican.

mainland Chinese Catholics had increased in the Iasi two decades. "We have published liturgical books together. (and) church documents translated in Taiwan are used in China." he told Fides, the Vatican's missionary news service. "But our efforts are mainly for reconciliation. Both branches of (mainland China's) church have suffered persecution, and they share the same faith." said the cardinal, president of the Taiwanese bishops' conference. China's Catholics are split between a "patriotic" church -

‘N, ith government-appointed bishops - and an underground church that is loyal to the Pope. Over the years, China also has demanded as a condition to improved relations that the Vatican cut its diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Cardinal Shan predicted that China's change of leadership at a Communist Party Congress later this year would temporarily halt prospects for an improvement in relations between the Vatican and China. "I fear we will have to wait two or three years before we see any sign." he said. "The new leadership must be formed and its power consolidated." The Pope told Taiwan's bishops not to lose hope in the face of challenges to their ministry. including the "increasing secularisation" of their society. "The conviction that has accompanied me throughout my pontificate is this: 'The absolute and yet sweet and gentle power of the Lord responds to the whole depths of the human person, to his loftiest aspirations of intellect. will and heart."' the Pope said. He said the bishops' work would bear fruit if they fostered a spirit of prayer and tirelessly proclaimed Christ and the Gospel.

HONG KONG (UCAN) Catholic and other religious leaders in Hong Kong urged local residents and the government to rekindle hope in these times of economic difficulty in their Lunar New Year message this year. In the annual message to all religious followers and people of Hong Kong, Cardinal John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung of Hong Kong and five leaders of Buddhism, Confucianism. Islam. Protestantism and Taoism urged all people to join hands in working for a free and congenial sodety. The 15 January, message noted that 2002 is the International Year of Ecotourism. and camd on everyone to nurture spiritual wholeness, protect the physical environment, and shun killings and wars to build a world of peace. The religious leaders also called on the government to take concrete measures to ease the difficulties of the unemployed, the poor and the needy in these times of economic anxiety. They urged local people to persevere and pray that they will acquire the wisdom to face the challenges of daily life, to be generous, mutually supportive and resilient for a brighter future for all. They also encouraged education authorities to foster sound moral development based on positive Chinese values and traditions among the youth. The message stressed the need to instill in youth a sense of

direction in life, n eagerness to learn and sha, •, and a keen sense of discerim mt, and to guide them in 'I is tge of information techno.ogy and materialism. leaders The reIi so is appealed to the r ,;, mocha to be aware of the., impact on children and youth. and to exercise prudence in tht ir rept, -Ilng and broadcast programs. The government has to strengthen its moni;oeing and legislation against chit I pornography, the message &kid. , titling that adults need to set good examples in order to be a positive influence in the development of children. The Lunar New Year for the Year of the Horse falls on Feb. 12 this year, one day before Ash Wednesday that marks the beginning of Lent. In the pastoral letter for Lent issued on 2 February, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Cardinal Wu emphasized the need to help the weak anti marginalized at this time of economic hardship. He noted in particular the injustices faced by some overseas domestic helpers and the mainland-born children of Hong Kong residents who failed o obtain official recognition of I. leir right of abode. l'he cardinal also called for re.vect for life, especially that of the unborn, the sick and the weak He reminded the faithful that science and technology cannot replace God, who is the master of life and death.

Kidnapping doesn't stop Controversial Bishop dies at 93 Sacred Heart priests MANILA (UCAN) -- Sacred Heart priests resolved to continue their mission in the southern Philippines as they prayed for the fate of their kidnapped confrere during their annual gathering, At the assembly in January. the 13 priests agreed that 'it wouldn't be the right moment' to change their mission while kidnapped Father Giuseppe Pierantoni's situation was 'not clear,' Father Jeremiah Sheehy told UCA News. Gunmen kidnapped Father Pierantoni from his residence on October 17 at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Dimatalin. Father Sheehy, head of the Sacred Heart of Jesus priests in the Philippines, said his confreres agreed on the need to have discussions with the local bishops,

priests and laypeople 'to know what is the best way forward.' The priests work in four parishes in Zamboanga del Sur provinc, and in Cagayan de Oro itself, where they have a formation house. The order also has a formation house and residence in Manila. At their meeting the missioners shared reflections about Father Pierantoni's kidnapping and captivity. Most of them are 'quite calm, quite at ease, with no particular fear at the moment,' Father Sheehy reported. Despite rumors of the Italian priest's death, his fellow missioners believe he is still alive and being held in Lanao del Sur, by the Pentagon group, a criminal group.

The Record, February 14 2002 Page 14

INDORE, India (UCAN) - Mis- ing golden jubilee celebrations sioners in Indore diocese have this year. "He was always conmourned the death of Divine cerned about the welfare of the Word Bishop Frans Simons. the diocese even after he resigned," first bishop of the central Indian Bishop Anathil told UCA News. diocese, who resigned 30 years An obituary note from the dioago. cese says that with Bishop Bishop Simons died 28 January Simons' death, "the saga of the at the Divine Word Mission house pioneering Divine Word Missionin Teteringen, the Netherlands, ers who came to begin the Indore where he led a retired life follow- mission comes to an end." ing a dispute with the Vatican. He The late bishop arrived in was 93. Indore as a priest two years after "As the first bishop of Indore, he the mission was opened in 1932, built up the diocese and placed it and worked there for 37 years, the on a sound financial basis," said note said. Divine Word Bishop George Born in 1908 in Venlo, the Anathil of Indore, who succeeded Netherlands, he joined the Divine Bishop Simons after the Dutch Word Society as a high school missioner bishop resigned in student and was ordained in 1932. 1971. He went to India after receiving a Bishop Anathil said the diocese, doctorate in theology from formally established in 1952, had Rome's Pontifical Gregorian Unibeen looking forward to Bishop versity. Simon's presence at the upcomBefore becoming bishop in 1952,

he had worked in several remote villages. He resigned and returned to the Netherlands when the Vatican asked him to withdraw his book "Infallibility and Evidence." published in 1968. The late prelate also wrote on birth control and other related subjects, the obituary note said. It added that when the Vatican objected to his book on papal infallibility, he resigned rather than withdraw it. Divine Word Father Deepak Sulya said Bishop Simons was "non-compromising in his convictions and did not bother about power and positions. This was evident when Rome asked him to make retractions of his statements in his book" Diocesan Father john Vazhapally found the late bishop "a man of prayer, very approachable and a friend in need."

Official Engagements

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Laughter in Paradise Grandma loves visiting the Church. To pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament gives her the strength to cope with all the big and little problems. One day she is looking after her four year-old grandson, and, as usual they go for a walk that leads past the Church. Grandma takes the boy Into the Church and he sits quietly, while Grandma presents all her problems to the Good Lord. But on this particular day, there must have been many problems and the little boy is getting bored."Grandma" he says, if that red light in the front turns green, can we go home?"

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18 St John of God Health Care Seminar - Archbishop Hickey 19 Corpus Christi College Community Mass - Archbishop Hickey 21 Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-Elect Sproxton. St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey. Bishop Healy 22 Clergy Reception for Bishop Donald Sproxton, St Thomas More College - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Healy E cumenical Service celebrate the 20th Anniversary of opening of Chapel at Fremantle Hospital - Rev Fr Anthony Colbert OMI 24 Mercy College Opening Mass - Bishop Sproxton 26 Presentation of Youth Book to Year 12s at Sacred Heart College. Sorrento - Archbishop Hickey

Archdiocesan Panorama FROM VIOLENCE TO WHOLENESS Queen of Martyrs Parish, 77 7th Ave, Maylands offers a five part program. exploring the spirituality and practice of non-violence, beginning Tuesday, 19 Feb, 7pm in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. Cost S5 per session. Information: Sr Maureen Bellevi lle 9271 0597 or Judy Bartlett 9271 7101. C ARITAS -THINK GLOBALLY. ACT LOCALLY Queen of Martyrs Parish Hall, Maylands, Sat 2 March. 10am. Lenten breakfast with speaker recently returned form Caritas projects in Cambodia. $2 admission at door. 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION St Michael 's Catholic Primary school. Brunswick Junction, invites former staff, students and parents to celebrate on Sun 10 March, commencing with Mass at 9.30am. celebrated by Bishop Gerard Holohan, followed by a 'Get together in the school grounds. BYO Picnic lunch. Details: St Michael's 9726 1317. A LPHA AT ST JOSEPH'S. SUBIACO Meeting commences Tues 26 Feb. 6.30pm. Enjoy dinner, Christian teaching in a humorous and interesting style. with no pressure and freedom to discuss. Phone Nick or Maureen Litic 9381 4498. (no charge, donation box). BENEDICTINE OBLATES Interested inquirers and visitors are welcome to share our Benedictine spirituality at the next chapter meeting at St Joseph's Convent, York St, South Perth on Sun 17 Feb at 2pm. Next year we c elebrate our 45th Anniversary of foundation f rom New Norcia Abbey and would welcome more members.There are no fees. A retreat weekend is held annually at New Norcia Abbey. Information Adrienne Byrne 9388 3026. VOX POPULI. VOX DEI - Voice of the People. Voice of God- is a monthly feature in the Layman's Hour with Raymond and Theresa de Souza.This Sunday 17 Feb switch on to Radio Fremantle (107.9 FM) at 7:30 PM and hear the valiant grandmother Mavis Power calling from Toowoomba (Old) regarding her collection of 20,000 letters from laypeople addressing the Australian Bishops' Conference about the loss of faith of young Catholics - and how you can participate in this life-saving effort. Hear also Peter Rosengren, the new editor of the Record newspaper, on the future plans to expand Catholic media in Western Australia.

please write to: The Rosary Christian Tutorial A ssociation. PO Box 1270, Booragoon. 6954. R emember that it will not be possible to keep this T V program without your support. Please send a donation, however small. to the above address. SEEKING CLEAN MEDIA AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN The National Viewers and Listeners Association o f Australia are to hold their AGM on Wed 20 Feb a t 7.30pm at the Country Women's Association building. 1174 Hay St, West Perth. Here is an opportunity to learn of effective means of registering complaints and other measures for combating the cultural pollution to which we are subjected. All welcome. S AINTS ANSWERS TODAY A n opportunity to share the joy of a Lenten Pilgrimage to God's Farm-Gracewood. 25km north of Margaret River. Fr Brian Morgan will speak on t his topic and direct the prayerful weekend retreat. Bus leaves Perth 8am. Sat 2 March. bound for God's Farm. Retreat starts at 11.30am and finishes Mon 4 March at 2pm. Suggested donation S85 includes all meals. Bus details Yvonne 9343 1119. Retreat bookings Betty Peaker. PO Box 24, C owaramup 6284. Phone/fax 9755 6212. R ECRUITING ADULTS FOR YOUTH MINISTRY On 23 March Catholic Youth Ministry will be conducting a special workshop. at the Morley Parish Centre. on how to find and look after the adults you would like to run your youth programs. This workshop is for anyone in a youth movement. doing youth ministry or running a youth group. Info: Catholic Youth Ministry 9221 5904. MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE WORD OF GOD The Bible Society in WA, with the Royal School of Church Music (WA Branch). is presenting a ' Musical Celebration of the Word of God' to be held on Sat. 13 April, at 7.30pm at St Andrew's Uniting Church, corner of Pier St and St George's Terrace. This musical extravaganza will feature a combined churches choir, readers, vocal and organ solos. Admission is free, but there will be an offering towards providing Bibles for Sudan. ANNUAL BOOK SALE Catherine McAuley Family Centre, 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.

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It's war on spiritual lukewarmness and intellectual mediocrity. Archbishop Barry Hickey's first point in the 10-point plan for the next decade is the pursuit of personal holiness. What is it? How is it achieved? What for? On the fourth Sunday of the month (24 Feb) switch on to Radio Fremantle (107.9 FM) and participate in the panel discussion on personal holiness. The panel is composed of (at least) a priest, a member of the Knights of the Southern Cross (Cathedral branch) and one young person - facilitated by Raymond and Theresa de Souza. Join us for the family Rosary at 7.30pm. Ring 9494 2100 for your comments.

Planning the Liturgy Principles and Resources. This workshop is an opportunity for all Parish Musicians to renew their strategies for planning music for liturgy. Agenda: Basic principles for planning Eucharistic liturgies: who sings what and when: developing a parish repertoire: & resources. When: Thursday 28th February. Where: St Mary's Parish Centre. 40 Franklin Street, Leederville. Register by Monday 25th February. Archdiocesan Liturgy Office. GPO Box P1217. Perth WA 6844. Phone: 9221 1548. Fax: 9221 3694. Email: litrcia@nw.com.au.

CATHOLIC TV PROGRAM Tune in to Access 31 at 1-2pm every Sunday for a feast of inspiration based on the truth and beauty of our faith. The program for Sun 17 Feb. will be one of the Household of Faith series: The Lamb's Suprier : Discovering the Lamb of God at Mass. If yt I have any queries about EWTN.

FREE CATHOLIC BIBLE COURSE Set My People On Fire Bible seminars begin on Wed 20 Feb at 7.45pm and continue weekly to 2 June at St. Joachim's Parish Hall, Cnr. Harper St and Shepperton Rd. Vic Park. There are 15 weekly sessions and three full weekends included. A small registration fee will apply for the weekends. Info: Flame Ministries International (08) 9382 3668. E-mail: fmi@flameministries.org.

The Record. February 14 2002 Page 15

The Last Word

Pray-ers venerate the reliquary last Sunday evening.

Not tired of'it, Perth people return •

JacintaJakovcevic, ewcaring a rose in honour of St Therese, watches as pray-ers come forward to venerate the requary in the Carmelite hapel at Nedlands.

bout 2,000 people, many of theni making a return visit to the relics of St Therese, passed through the main gate of the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Nedlands last Sunday. The relics had left Perth for the Bunbury Diocese some days earlier and were welcomed back to the Nedlands monastery at approximately 11.45 am on Sunday. Rosemary Hill, a member of the Nedlands parish organising committee for the visit of the relics told The Record late on Sunday evening that approximately 350 people had turned up at the monastery to welcome them back to Perth. Organisers had estimated a crowd of approximately 1.000 people had attended the outdoor mass in the grounds of the monastery on Sunday evening. But there had also been a steady stream of visitors to the monastery church throughout the day since their arrival. "There's not been a time when I've looked out the gate and not seen someone coming in through It." she told The Record. The Mass in the monastery grounds had been concelebrated

by Bishop Justin Bianchini of Geraildton, Emeritus Bishop Peter Quinn of Bunbury and 15 priests. Bishop Bianchini had accompanied a busload of pilgrims from Geraldton for the day. Ms Hill said her impression of visitors to Nedlands on Sunday had been that apart from the parish's own visitors, many were from other Perth parishes who had already visited the relics elsewhere hut were taking this last opportunity to make a final visit before they left for the eastern states of Australia. About 150 people filled the small monastery church to join the Carmelite sisters there for evening prayer at about 9pm on Sunday. The church was filled to standing room only for the occasion. A lot of those who had come throughout the day were young people, she noted. Asked if this had surprised her she said: 'Yes, because it's usually older Catholics who know the tradition of relics in the Church." "The visit has brought a greater awareness of the Carmelite Order and the monastery, and there's a sense of renewal which I've got just from listening to and watching the people who have visited."

she said. One visitor, Iacinta fakovcevic, told The Record she was making a Last visit to farewell the relics. "I though I'd just stop by and say 'goodbye— said the organist who plays regularly in St Mary's Cathedral in Perth. She had worn a rose at that morning's Mass in St Mary's Cathedral but kept it on for her final visit to the relics later that evening.

A program for the visit lies on the altar rail of the Nedlands monastery.

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Carmelite nuns at Nedlands gather in prayer during the visit of the relics to their chapel last Sunday.

Photo Renee Denys

Ladies of Perth (and their jewellry) came to rescue for a reliquary

hile the recent tour of St Therese's relics drew huge crowds, most people are unaware that St Mary's Cathedral has a first-class relic of St Therese of its own. But what makes this relic so special is the story behind it. The relic was acquired by Archbishop Patrick Clune, shortly after St Therese was canonised in 1925. At the time Archbishop Clune was building St Mary's Cathedral and the people of Perth asked that he build a chapel in honour of St Therese, which he did. He then requested a firstclass relic of St Therese. which is a relic from the saint's body, and was granted a peace of St Therese's bone. But it was the time of the Great Depression and money ran out for a suitable reliquary. Archbishop Clune then asked the ladies of Perth to donate items of jewellry to adorn the reliquary and was i met with an overwhelming I response. , The jewellry was melted i and made into a fitting reliquary for one of the world's I most cherished saints. The relics are displayed every year at the Cathedral 1 on her feast day, 1 October, ' in the chapel to the right I hand side of the altar, which The reliquary in St Mary's Cathedral as i was built in her honour. it is today.

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