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Faith helps keep 'Official Catholics' Olympic winner's One priest tells of feet firmly on the his unique role in ground - Page 9 - Page 8 China
The Devil, more dangerous when unseen: - Page S Pope
For our 1( s Bishops to visit for Sproxton ordination
Photo Bronwen Owe The singing of the National Anthem opened a community rally to protect marriage and family life at Parliament Mouse on Tuesday. At least 2000 people attended a sion. sent a message of support in your efforts to maintain the provide both a father and a mothrally at Parliament House at which drew loud applause when rights of the family and to protect er for every adopted child, and lunchtime on Tuesday to reaffirm read out by organiser and chair- our young people. urge them to defend marriage and to the Government and the Mem- man. the Rev. Dwight Randall. "Please tell the Government to family life, the backbone of socibers of the Legislative Council "Sorry I can't be with you today." protect our young people from ety. their strong opposition to the Fam- the message said. "1 support you sexual exploitation. Tell them to "Tell the Government to withily Court Amendment Bill and the Acts Amendment (Lesbian and Gay Law Reform) Bill. The rally was organised by the same coalition of Christian ir Parliamentarians have recommenced the to every person. There are other legal rights that Churches which organised a simdebate about changes in the law regarding undermine the special status of marriage, expose ilar rally last November under the the rights of homosexual and de facto relation- children to sexual exploitation, and deny newborn banner Standing Together. ships. I ask Catholics to pray that our representa- babies a father and a mother. I hope that those Archbishop Barry Hickey. who tives rise above party politics and follow the moral who represent us in Parliament consider these addressed the November rally but lax% in these matters. There are rights that belong matters under God. - Archbishop Barry Hickey was unable to attend on this occa-
Archbishop's call for prayer
O
Purslowe Funeral Homes thank the Catholic Church and Community for entrusting them with the relics of St can turn to the Therese during their visitation in WA. You peopk, at Purslottv
Four Archbishops and 13 Bishops are due to be on hand to welcome Bishop Donald Sproxton into the Episcopate when he is ordained in St Mary's Cathedral on Thursday night. Ten of them are visitors from other States: the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Canalini. Archbishop Hart of Melbourne. Archbishop Wilson of Adelaide, Bishop Crenin representing Archbishop Pell of Sydney. and Bishops Hurley of Port Pine, Jarrett of Lismore, Mayne of the Military Ordinariate of Australia. Putney of Townsville, and Walker of Broken Bay. and Bishop-Elect Finnigan who is to be Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane. The West Australian Episcopate will be headed by Archbishop Hickey and will include Bishops Holohan of Bunbury. Bianchini of Geraldton and Saunders of Broome, and Emeritus Bishops Healy, McKeon and Quinn. The ordination of Bishop Sproxton will take place after The Record has gone to print. A full report with pictures will be published next week. draw its legislation and consult widely with the community about what is reasonable and acceptable." The Rev. Dwight Randall set the tone for the rally with an opening speech in which he focused on five major problems with the Government's legislation which has passed through the Legislative Assembly and is about to be dealt with in the Legislative Council. Continued on Page 2
For information and advice about all aspects of funeral arrangements please contact any of our branches at North Perth. Fremantle. Midland. Northam. Victoria Park or Vongara. Or visit our web site at: AWW.purslowefunerals.com.au
Welcome change for asylum seekers possible p
erhaps it is a reaction to Slowly but steadily matters got "queue jumpers", as hatred built voices in the community, worse. Fences were built, securi- up in the community towards perhaps, more cynically, it ty tightened, guards were brought them. is for some political advantage, in. More and more it became like This was not the way the Interbut a small change in the way a prison, then a maximum secu- national Convention on Refugees detained asylum seekers should rity prison. Interpreters were expected us to behave, nor did it be treated appears possible. scarce, applications for asylum reflect the Vatican's Statements I have been a close observer of took ages to process, rumours on refugees, which asked for them the treatment of asylum seekers abounded in the Centre for lack to be treated with dignity. by different governments since of information and the psychoNow there appear to be cracks the Centre at Port Hedland was logical state of the people deteri- in the policy endorsed by both opened in the eighties.I was Bish- orated as they found themselves, Government and Opposition. op of Geraldton then, and saw a children too, behind security wire Whatever the motivation, I sinhumane way of dealing with boat for two, three, four years and cerely hope that this new develpeople, then mainly Asian, more. opment will lead to real change. through a welcoming Reception The issue is the treatment of I protested to the Minister for Centre in Port Hedland. Immigration about the way peo- those waiting for a decision about For a while it worked. I visited ple were treated. So did others to their refugee status. Certain the Centre on a number of occa- no avail. changes are possible and should sions and was well received. The Almost weekly new laws were be considered. Centre was low security, open to passed with uncritical support of Detention is only necessary for Chaplains, teachers, lawyers and the Opposition, turning the asy- as much time as is needed to other supporters. The town of lum seekers from people fleeing establish identity, conduct health Port Hedland welcomed them. persecution to "illegals" and and security checks and to submit
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Australian Tour - March 2002
THE NEW HOLINESS Meditation and Spirituality of Our Times Lawrence Freeman OSB
Director - World Community for Christian mediation
Public Talk and Meditation Thursday 21 March, 7-9.30pm Social Science Lecture Theatre University of WA, off Hackett Drive, Hackett Entrance No 1, Car park No 3 Registration required. Cost $15 per person. Forms available from Christian Meditation Community (WA) PO Box 323, Tuart Hill WA 6060 or phone/fax 9444 5810 Email:samuel@intemetexpress.net.au>
Meeting with Clergy ( All Christian denominations)
Friday 22 March, 9.30-11.30am
St Cecilia's Church Parish Hall, Floreat ( contact: Fr Paul Fogarty, PP, Phone 9387 1158 or CMC WA, Phone/fax 9444 5810 Cost: Donation
CMC (WA) Group Leaders and Community Lunch and Meeting
Thursday 21 March, 1-3pm.
St Cecilia's Parish Centre cnr Grantham St and Kenmore Cres. Floreat. $10. Inquiries: Ph 9444 5810, a/h 9242 2830
The Record, February 21 2002 Page 2
an application for a Temporary Visa. On release the asylum seekers could report, even daily if necessary, to representatives of the Immigration Department. Children should not be left in detention. They and their families should be allowed to live in the community, with appropriate reporting obligations. This has worked well, without incident, in the township of Woomera. Processes for deciding about refugee status should be completed without delay. This should not take years, as can happen now. Irepeat, the issue is the humane treatment of asylum seekers. Iam not suggesting that all who come should stay. We need a process to establish whether or not they are fleeing from persecution. Now that some movement
Archbishop's
Perspective seems possible at last, I sincerely hope we can adopt sensible measures that befit human dignity.
Study finds abortiondepression link By Brnnwen Clune This week's British Medical Journal has published a study that shows that women i.vho abort a first pregnancy are at greater risk of long term clinical depression compared to women who carry an unintended first pregnancy to term, it has been reported on the Internet based Pro- Life Infonet In an article mailed to its members the Infonet said that data from a national study of American youths, begun in 1978, was used to conduct the research. In 1992. a subset of 4,463 women were surveyed about depression. intendedness of pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. A total of 421 women had had their first abortion or first unintended delivery between 1980 and 1992. From this sample it was shown that an average of eight years after their abortions, married women were 138 per cent more likely to be at high risk of clinical depression compared to similar women who carried their unintended first pregnancies to term. Among women who were unmarried in 1992, rates of high-risk depression were not significantly different The Infonet quoted the authors of the study as suggesting the lack of significance in unmarried women may be explained
by the higher rate of nonreporting of abortions among unmarried women. Compared with national averages, unmarried women in this study report only 30 per cent of the expected abortions compared with married women, who report 74 per cent of the expected abortions. This may make the results for married women more reliable. Another explanation is that unmarried women who are raising a child without the support of a husband experience significantly more depression than their married counterparts. Since shame, secrecy and thought suppression regarding an abortion are all associated with greater post-abortion depression, anxiety, and hostility, the authors of the research conclude that the high rate of concealing past abortions in this population (60 per cent overall) would tend to suppress the full effect of abortion on subsequent depression. Unreported abortions would result in women who experience depression following an abortion being mi.selassified as delivering women. Dr David Reardon, the director of the Elliot Institute in Springfield, Illinois, that conducted the research says in the British Medical Journal that the study's findings are consistent with other research that has shown a four to six fold increased risk of
suicide and substance abuse associated with prior abortion. He says the findings are also important because this Is the first national representative study to examine rates of depression many years after an abortion. on average eight years later. The data set used was the same as that used by feminist psychologist Nancy Russo of Arizona State University whose examination of self-esteem scale revealed no significant difference beh,‘ aborting women and women who carried to term. Russo concluded the absence of difference in self-esteem scores in this large national set proved that abortion has no "substantial and important impact on women's well-being." According to Reardon, Russo's muchpublicised study has frequently been used to support the claim that, on average, abortion has no significant effect on women's health. The Elliot Institute's new analysis reveals that significant differences do exist. "The most serious flaw of the Russo study is that the authors did not even comment on the extraordinary high rate of concealment of past abortions in this sample." Reardon said. "Women who do not want to mention a past abortion are most likely the ones who will have unresolved feelings of shame. guilt or grief."
Demonstrators mass at Parliament House Continued from Page I He said his main concerns with the Government's "anti-children and antimarriage reforms" were: • The lowering of the age of consent for sodomy from 21 to 16. • The promotion of homosexuality in primary and secondary schools. • Granting adoption rights to homosexual couples. • Granting IVF rights to single women and lesbians. • Legally recognising homosexual relationships as true marriages. • The Government's argument that its reforms were based on justice were fallacious. Justice required that equal things be treated equally. Homosexual sodomy could never be equated to heterosexual intercourse; homosexual relationships were not equal to marriage; and homosexual parenting was not equal to the natural needs of a child for a mother and a father. John Gilmour QC argued that the Government's legislation was flawed in every aspect, including the way it was created. He quoted Premier Gallop's own words on the importance of community consultation in democracy and asked: "What other group of citizens would be allowed to stack a government committee, put up
affront to democ acy to force Labor MPs to vote for laws iney could not accept in their own conscience. Australian Family Association President John Bark. I pointed that the Government's claim that WA was Just catching up with other States was spurious. He pointed out that no other State allowed homosexual adoption and no other State gave homosexual relationships access to the Family Court. The enthusiastic crowd applauded all speakers vigorously, but they gave a particularly enthusiastic round of applause when Dwight Randall introduced Fr David Watt and condemned the ECU's dismissal of its Catholic chaplain after he Demonstrators express their opposition to the supported an advertisement announcing the November rally. Gallop Government's plan. 6-onwen The University wrote to Archbishop its own legislative wish list, and have it Hickey almost immediately, terminating accepted without other input or public Fr Watt's chaplaincy because he had discussion?" identified himself and his employment He challenged the Government over its in the advertisement. silence on the serious public health After being roundly condemned in ParIssues associated with homosexual liament and in the media for its unprinbehaviour and asked why parents were cipled behaviour, the University claimed not being asked whether they wanted that the written reasons given for distheir primary and secondary school chil- missing Fr Watt were not the real readren to be taught that homosexuality was sons for their action, but they have made an acceptable lifestyle. no attempt to explain what the new reaHe rejected the Government's claim to sons are or why they wrote such a misa mandate for its laws and said it was an leading letter in the first place.
Archbishop welcomes 95 at Cathedral The Catholic family in the Perth archdiocese is set for another growth spurt this Easter after 95 people from 18 parishes were received by Archbishop Barry Hickey in the annual Rite of Election ceremony in St Mary's Cathedral last Sunday afternoon. There were 56 catechumens those who have not been baptised - and 39 candidates those who have been baptised elsewhere and now want to enter full communion with the Catholic Church. Priests, sponsors, family, and RCIA team members swelled the crowd so that the Cathedral was almost full. The catechumens and candidates will be received fully into the Church in their own parishes on Easter Saturday night. In the meantime they will continue their program of study and prayer with their parish RCIA teams and will appear before their local congregation during the ceremonies of Scrutiny on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent. During Sunday's ceremony Archbishop Hickey welcomed all of them and commended them for responding to the call of Jesus. He told them that the call and their response were the assurance that the grace of God would continue to be available to help them on to the Easter Sacraments and beyond into the joy of the life of the Church. After formally questioning
The Archbishop welcomes a sponsor and one who will eater the Church at Easter. Sponsors and those who will enter the Church at Easter stand In the sancQraphs Sintsa Zerectuary of the cathedral.
godparents and sponsors about the preparation and commitment of the catechumens and candidates, Archbishop Hickey stood at the top of the sanctuary steps and was introduced to each one of them as they went forward two-by-two to gather around the altar. A number of catechumens and candidates expressed their surprise and joy at the solemnity and warmth of the ceremony. In his column in The Record last week Archbishop Hickey expressed his desire that more parishes would adopt the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) because of its value to people enquiring about the Catholic Faith. Details of the program can be obtained from Sue Larsen at the Liturgy Office on 9221 1548.
CHURCH MUSICIAN Please contact Fr John Ryan Phone 9341 1124 Fax 9245 4066
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.
MEN OF HOSPITALITY Two people come forward to be we!coined by the Archbishop.
Alpha all set for Subiaco S
t Joseph's Church in Subiaco is holding an untrue or irrelevant?" is being held on "IbesdaN.. Alpha evening in its parish centre after the February 26 at St Joseph's parish centre at 8.30pm. Give Niko or Maureen a call on (08) 9381 4498 huge success of the course held at the you would like to attend. if Litic. Maureen and Niko of home A large banner proclaiming that "Alpha builds faith and friendship** has been hung in the church to bring people's attention to the benefits of attending an Alpha evening. The Alpha course, has been instrumental in bringing a lot of people to a better understanding of their faith and has also helped those who have lost their beliefs and would like to return to the church. An Alpha evening begins with a light dinner, so that people can get to know each other informally and is followed by a video by speaker Nicky Gumbel and group discussion. Some participants in previous courses described the video as inspirational. "I loved listening to Nicky Gumbel's talks and at a the manner in which he presented them ... and I longed for each week's session to come." one parSeminar ticipant said. "His talks are refreshing, simple and down to 1.30-4.30pm Saturday March 23 earth." Kalamunda Learning Centre. Topics include "Why did Jesus die?" "Why and Crescent Rd, Kalamunda how should I read the Bible?" and "How can I resist evil?" Each topic is followed by a group disInquiries: Martin 9291 3229 cussion with an emphasis on no pressure and the at the Well of Blessing, Kalamunda freedom to discuss anything. The introductory night, "Christianity - boring,
Relax 44
Training in Tranquillity
Set My People On Fire
LIVING AND PROCLAIMING GOD'S HOSPITABLE LOVE. ...the suffering ofmy neighbour breaks my heart..." (St. John of God. 15.1o) Our core of Hospitality compels and urges us to depth our relationship with God, ourselves and with those whom we share our lives. community and ministry.
As lived out by St. John of God over five centuries ago. our vocation is to give of ourselves completely and freely: to be a Brotherly presence: a symbol of hope for our world: proclaiming God's Hospitable love to all. We are called to a charism of Hospitality and love that promotes healing. advocacy and reconciliation for those most marginalised by our society.
WE ARE THE
"BROTHERS OF ST JOHN OF GOD"
WILL YOU ACCEPT GOD'S INVITATION TO A LIFE DEDICATED TO HOSPITALITY? Br John Clegg (OH) Vocations Director PO Box BN 1055 Buz-wood North, N.S.W. Telephone: (02) 9747 1699 Fax: (02) 9744 3262 Email: provincial@stjohn.com.au Website: www.stjohn.com.au
7.45pm Each Wednesday evening from 20th February to June 2nd 2002.
ll be received. e 15 Weekly sessions 3 weekends - a small registration fee will apply.
St. Joachim's Parish Hall. Cnr. Harper St. and Shepperton Rd. Victoria Park. Phone: Flame Ministries International (08) 9382 3668 WEEKLY BIBLE SUBJECTS INCLUDE: Knowing the Love of God. Jesus is Lord. Healing through forgiveness. The Holy Spirit & His Gifts. Be filled vv,th the Holy Spirit (Why Tongues?). The Blood Covenants. Divine healing belongs to you. Bible foundations of prayer. Break open the Word. Your Righteousness in Christ. The authority of the believer. Spiritual Warfare. Praying effective prayer. The Motivational Gifts. Discerning Charismatic Gifts. Faith+Works=Results. God's angels in your world. Overcoming the kingdom of darkness. people. Your victory in Christ. In the world not of the world. Turn the world upside-down with faith in the name of Jesus. Intercessory Prayer. Practical soutwinning for practical in God and keep it. The Great Commission. Branches bearing fruit. The Fruit of the Spirit. Three dimensions of man. The Four Loves: Agape, Eros, Storge, Philea. How to raise your vision
The Recorg, February 21 2002 , Page 3 - -
CARITAS: Project Compassion 2002
Refugees have no-one but Caritas is there
G
ubay is a refugee. He lives in the Dome refugee camp in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. In this camp live children who have known no other home. Caritas Australia supports our partner in West Papua in trying to find solutions to the problems faced by refugees in this area. Refugees from West Papua have been living in camps on the PNG/West Papua border since 1984. Most of these refugees were supporters of the movement for an independent West Papua. The PNG government has not officially recognised these people as refugees. This means that they are illegal Immigrants and are restricted in their movements and their political and social rights. Several thousand West Papuan refugees live alongside Gubay in the Dome camp, on the Fly River,
Gubay and the other children in downstream from the Ok Tedi the camp must walk for half an mine. Some of these refugees arrived hour to attend a school that is only recently, after clashes located in the next camp. Caritas Australia is supporting between pro independence supporters and the Indonesian work to respond to the needs of authorities. Indonesian police these refugees. We have supportand military forces have been ed an assessment of their needs, accused of harassment, torture which included discussion with and imprisonment of people in local government officials, NG0s, the camps. church workers, local people and Life is especially hard for the the refugees themselves. Caritas Australia is also supchildren of these camps. The community in the Dome camp has no porting an income-generating access to running water. project for young people, in There are no educational facili- Niogambin, another of the camps ties in this camp. In Western Province. There is a brand new school in This project will make an extrathe village beside the camp but ordinary difference to the lives of the villagers will not let the the refugees. refugees have access to the Through this project, the young school. people are building a boat that The refugees are also not will be used to transport people allowed access to other facilities from camp to hospital when they including the health clinic, com- are sick. The boat might also open munity centre and water supply. up other opportunities, such as
access to markets. Caritas Australia also supports a local nongovernment agency in monitoring human rights violations in West Papua and providing this information to the international community. Publicity of human rights violations can contribute to stopping them. Caritas Australia is committed to addressing human rights violations in West Papua. All of the work that Caritas Australia supports in West Papua aims to ensure that these refugee communities live in safety and security while they are so far away from home. Caritas Australia - providing a place to call home. Donations to Project Compassion can be made by calling 1800 024 413 or send your contribution to Caritas Australia, GPO Box 9830 in your capital city or visit our website www.caritas.ora.ati
Gubay lives in a West Papuan refugee camp, without running water or any educational facilities.
Think globally - act locally Germany honours Bishop Jobst
n, to Pete, Caritas Australia communications coordinator, Kate Temby
'At the end of the day, we make a difference' jungle." Ms Temby said there was no one on the island who hen Caritas communi- hadn't been affected by the concations coordinator flict so there was a lot of trauma Kate Temby arrived in and suffering there. "Our project is just a small step Bougainville to help set up and in mending that," she said. run a rehabilitation program she Their work was aided by the was met with a community that had been devastated by ten years fact that Caritas is well recognised on the island. partly of war. She and a colleague returned because the church has a big to Bougainville in September last influence on the island as a year, one year after the original result of its of its missionary hisCaritas program became sus- tory. Caritas works by employing pended when the island became local Bougainvillians to run the unsafe again. The original conflict between projects. Its role is to administer and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and PNG lasted ten years oversee the project. while up until the end of 1998 and encouraging local people to get plunged the island into a state of involved. Ms Temby said although their chaos. "Although there is effectively work was just a small step in peace in Bougainville now, the healing very deep wounds, their effects of the conflict are still felt presence on the island had been well received. today," Ms Temby said, "At the end of the day, you can "During the war the island was completely cut off to the point see that the work we are doing where the island was blockaded makes a difference," she said. so that no medical supplies or "Here you have a community food got in or out for ten years. that has been through a terrible "There was no education for crisis coming together and workten years and people hadn't lived ing together, for everyone's benin their homes for all that time efit which they had never done because they were hiding in the before." By Bronwen Clune
W
From the parish to the nation to the world News of the Church in The Record The Record, February 21 2002 Page 4
FRANKENBERG/V1ENNA - A special honour was bestowed on Bishop Johannes Jobst by the German Government just before his 82nd birthday. On January 14 the legendary former Bishop of Broome was presented with the Order of Merit First Class of the German Federal Republic by the German Ambassador in Vienna, Wiltrud Holik. In her talk the Ambassador underlined the special services Bishop Jobst provided for the Aboriginal communities in Australia. Bishop Jobst was surprised and overwhelmed to receive this award, but said that without the help of his many friends, organisations and financial help from Germany he could have never handled the gigantic work. "To receive this award is an experience I'll never forget, especially since the work was not done in the public limelight but far away in a quiet and very distant part of the world, without newspapers and big headlines." Bishop Jobst said: "80 per cent of
Bishop Jobst with German Ambassador in Vienna, Wittrud Nola.
my work was development aid and 20 per cent was teaching the faith. "I could have never succeeded without the financial support from Germany, because the local government [in Australia] was not interested in the Church and the Catholic Church is not as rich as
in Europe." It was a gigantic effort that was asked of Bishop Jobst: to evangelise his vast diocese with the three existing stations. "I am very grateful for the help I received from Germany but I can assure you that the money has been well spent." he said at the presentation.
Students urged to live Gospel life Archbishop Barry Hickey told senior students at Ursula Frayne Catholic College last week that he had three expectations of Catholic youth approaching maturity. • The first was to know Jesus Christ and to follow him. • The second was to become full members of the Catholic Church and to live its life. • The third was to live according to the Gospel. The Archbishop was speaking In St Joachim's Church. Victoria Park, at the College's Mass for the opening of the school year. He also presented to Year 12 students his gift of the book Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth which he published and is presenting to every Year 12 student in Catholic schools. Expanding on his three expectations or challenges for young people, the Archbishop said: "Get to know Jesus as a friend, a deep and true friend, and get to know him as your lord and saviour. When we say he is risen, we mean he is here living with us, offering us his friendship and salvation. "He wants us to get to know him in the Gospels where his unique teaching is made known to us. in a very special way in the Mass where he continues to offer himself to the Father for us, and in Holy Communion where we can
The Archbishop with Ursula Frayne senior students last week.
receive him who is the bread of our life. "Take your place in the Church and be part of its life. This requires you to attend Mass every weekend because without this basic thing we ask you to do you will drift away and become isolated from a life-giving community. Know your parish priest and feel at home in the Church. "Live the Gospels because they offer you standards that are different from those of the world. standards that are more in keeping with the ideals of youth and maturity. Know those standards
and live by them. Say yes to things that are true, just, honest, loving and compassionate. "When you do these things. you will have peace in your heart and joy in your daily living," Archbishop Hickey said. "With those gifts you can approach life with confidence and speak honestly with God if you think he is calling you to the priesthood or to religious life as a nun or brother. "We need young people to serve God and his Church. and you can be sure he will give you the strength if you respond to his call."
Senate President backs AFA over dirty tricks email
The AFA's John Barich
Senate President, Senator reply paid facility was an Margaret Reid, has support- inappropriate use of parliaed the Australian Family mentary facilities." The Senate President said Association in its complaint about the tactics used by Sen- she had asked Senator Greig ator Brian Greig to try to gen- not to repeat this kind of erate a huge postage bill for activity. Mr Barich said he was still waiting to hear from the Association. Senator Greig used his par- Democrats' Leader Senator liamentary e-mail facilities to Natasha Stott-Despoja as to urge fellow homosexual or whether she supported her other activists to overload the party colleague's misuse of AFAs reply-paid service by parliamentary facilities. Mr Barich added that Senasending bricks, telephone books, empty envelopes and tor Greig's action was anothother materials to the reply er demonstration of the homosexual lobby's determipaid address. The reply paid service had nation to silence its critics. In a further move, three tins been organised as part of the AFtVs campaign against the of paint had been poured Gallop government's Family over a billboard headed "GalCourt Amendment Bill and lop's Gay Agenda Did He Ask its Lesbian and Gay Law You?" which urged people to ring the Premier and tell him Reform Bill. Senator Reid has written to their thoughts on legalising AFA President John Barich to sodomy with 16-year-old say that she has told Senator boys, homosexual adoption, Greig his action in urging IVF for lesbians and promotpeople to send false mail to ing homosexual behaviour in the AFA to overburden its schools.
Beware the less visible Devil: Pope VATICAN CITY. FEBRUARY 17, 2002 (Zenit.org).The devil is more effective when he goes undetected. John Paul II reminded the faithful today as he pointed out the weapons a Christian has for combating temptations. "Every man, in addition to his own concupiscence and the evil example of others, is also tempted by the devil, especially when least aware of it." the Holy Father said from the window of his study before praying the midday Angelus. Addressing the thousands of pilgrims who had gathered in St Peter's Square below. the Pope ',lid: "How many times [man' easily gives in to the false enticements of the flesh and the evil one, and then experiences bitter disappointments." On this First Sunday of Lent. when Mass-goers heard the Gospel passage on the temptations of Jesus. the Pope called for vigilance "to react promptly to every onslaught of temptation." The Holy Father pointed out the weapons a Christian has "for the daily combat against evil suggestions": "prayer, the sacraments. penance, careful attention to the Word of God, vigilance and fasting." These ascetic means. inspired by the very example of Christ. are still indispensable because "the devil, ruler of this world, continues his deceitful action even today." the Holy Father said. The Pope encouraged Christians "to undertake the penitential Lenten journey with greater determination, to he prompt in defeating every seduction of Satan and arrive at Easter in the joy of the spirit." Before bidding the faithful farewell. John Paul II asked the Catholics of the world to pray for him and his collaborators, who this week are doing their annual retreat, the Spiritual Exercises. The prayer of the faithful can help to make these days "fruitful," not "only for those who participate, but for the whole Church." the Pontiff said.
1Wo clergy changes have been announced by Archbishop Barry Hickey. Fr John Piumatti has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Carlisle from 25 February 2002. Fr Giosue Marini has been appointed Priest-in-charge of Mirrabooka. replacing Bishop-elect Sproxton.
Maranatha Institute for Adult Faith Education Archdiocese of Perth Catholic Education Centre, 50 Ruislip St, Leederville Do you want to Know more about your faith? Confirm your adult understanding of Catholic belief and practice? Take a guided tour through the Old or the New Testament? Discover the links between self-knowledge, personal growth? Develop your personal skills for listening and helping others? If so Maranatha offers 16 courses in 2002. TERM 1 COURSES Beginning Tuesday 26 February 9.30am-i2pm The Mass - What we do and why we do it. Sr Elizabeth Murray SGS, 7 weeks. Cost S40 1-3pm Myers Briggs Sr Anne Noonan RNDM. 7 weeks. Cost S40. Beginning Friday 1 March 9.30am-12pm Jesus the Pastor. Sr Mary Berry RSM. 7 weeks. Cost S40 1-3pm Pastoral Care in our Multicultural Church and Society. Sr Margaret Ng RSJ. 4 weeks. Cost S25 Enrolments or information phone 9212 9311. Tuesday, Thursday. Friday 9am- i.30pm and we will send you a Course booklet.
NOR ERTINE CANONS ORDER OF CANONS REGULAR OF PREMONTRE
living the tradition of the 'Acts of the Apostles' ... If you would like to know more about life as a
fellowship
Norbertine priest or brother. please contact:
worship 4 "3 •
service
rc*..c•c>./ '
Fr Peter J Shack ()Proem. St Joseph's Priory IN) Box 354 CannIngton INA 6987 Telephone: (08) 9458 2729
Email: norbertgiinethelau
Havvest Piievtimages ÷ HEALING ON HOLY iGROUND r
44 GRACES OF FRANCE Departing 11 Apr 2002
ALONG THE PATHWAYS OF ST PAUL - Featuring Pentecost in Ephesus Departing 17 May 2002 with Fr Wahid Riad & Sr Margaret Scully
reith Fr Julian Wellspring
Paris • Lisieux Chartres • Nevers Paray le Monial • Taize Ars • Rocamadour Lourdes • 14 days
Kusadasi • Ephesus • Pamukkale The Churches of Revelation Assos • Troy • Canakkale • Gallipoli Kavala • Thessaloniki • Kalambaka meteora • Patras • Athens • 16 days
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Pathways of St Paul also departs 19 Apr 2002 with Fr Matt Doges
Pope John Paul II holds his staff during the ordination 0( 10 bishops at St. Peter's Basilica on January 6. Celebrating the feast of the Epiphany, the pontiff asked the new bishops to take the lead in evangelising the world Pnoto CN&Reutefs in the third millennium.
John Paul H began the retreat at 6pm. The preacher is Franciscan Cardinal Claudio Hummes, archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The theme of the retreat is "Always Christ's Disciples." It ends Saturday morning.
Coalition issues anti-marijuana call The Coalition Against Drugs (WA) has called for the Government not to decriminalise marijuana under any circumstances. The Coalition, representing 13 community groups and WA parents, heard from Dr John Anderson at a Sorrento School on 16 February 2002 that marijuana's 400 or more chemicals are robbing Australians of their mental and physical well being, fertility and their lives. Dr John Anderson. a Consul-
Perth Clergy Changes
tant Psycho-physiologist is a nationally acknowledged expert on the effects of illicit substances on the brain. He described the behaviours and diseases that followed when marijuana interacted with the chemical processes in the brain, liver and reproductive organs. With one of the highest male suicide rates in the world and the second highest rate of marijuana use, criminal sanctions need to be maintained, with
infringements leading to education, detox and family rehabilitation. The protection of our youth population was considered to be of critical importance by the Coalition. The Coalition Against Drugs has called for the Government not to repeat the failed toleration policies of South Australia. where a marijuana growing industry has sprung up controlled by organised crime.
a.
(11:1-yi Encounter the lives of Vincent de Paul, Catherine Laboure, Therese of Lisieux, Margaret Mary Alacoque & Bernadette of Lourdes - some of our greatest saints!
EASTER IN MEDJUGORJE
tOtat a way to celebrate Easter! Take this special opportunity to journey to the grace filled village of Medjugorje. Come, be a pilgr:— ".
Altotting (2 nights) • Medjugorje 8 night stay Departing 25 March 2002 with Fr. Steve Fletcher MGL Ask about Rome extension Depart early for Lourdes 'Queen of Peace'
Also departing: 30 Apr - Fr Greg Neville, ‘4E 30 May - Fr john Baldaccinno at $3495.
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VISITATIONS OF MARY Through the rich faith heritage of Portugal, Spain & France, toe lourr,--. to some of the most venerated Marian shrines of the world.
Lisbon • Fatima • Avila • Santo Domingo de Silos • Loyola • Lourdes A 15 day journey with an optional Medjugorje extension prices from Departs 17 March 2002 with Fr Bernard Marvell )1116
(pictured) & 9 May with Fr Bob Matthews
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Paris • Lisieux • Chartres • Nevers Paray le Monial • Taize • Ars • Rocamadour Lourdes • Montserrat • Santo Domingo de Silos • Santiago de Compostela • Fatima A 23 day journey
Departs 11 April 2002 with Fr Julian Wellspring
fully inclusive at
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The Record. February 21 2002 Page 5
tiny word that Transfiguration can give hope Acauses a lot of Peter Divan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday's Mass. This week the Second Sunday of Lent
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oday's readings focus on transfiguration. Today's first reading (Genesis 12:1-4) relates the call of Abraham, the father of believers, a call which transfigured history. The reading says: "The Lord said to Abraham: Leave your country, your family and your father's house for the land I sill show you." In God's first attempt to renew his dialogue with mankind, He called Abraham to abandon all human security. Abraham was a pagan when called by God. At the time he was living in Haran in northern Mesopotamia; his father Thare had come there from "Ur of the Chaldees". God's command to leave his country couldn't be considered today to be easy to fulfil; in Abraham's day, to leave one's tribe and one's relatives was to risk one's life, yet Abraham was commanded to emigrate to some foreign land, the very name of which was kept secret from him. Fr Kevin O'Sullivan OFM says: "God's mercy and love for us men is the first lesson the call of Abram should teach us...; Another lesson which every Christian should learn form the call of Abram is that each and every one of us, no matter what our state in life may be, is called like Abram to preserve the knowledge of God in our own life and to do all in our power to bring that knowledge to our neighbours.: Such knowledge transfigures lives. The first Christians lived in a selfish era.
A Layman's Meditation Yet they lived unselfish lives, provoking the comment form their contemporaries: "See how these Christians love one anther." In the second reading (2 Timothy 1:810) Paul exhorts Timothy and us: "With me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News." In the preceding verses, Paul had reminded Timothy of the gift, the power, God had given him through ordination. He must use this gift for the spread of the gospel. We need to remember that we must spread the gospel despite the sufferings this may cause us. We must be prepared to make the financial sacrifices needed to transfigure Australia from a godless society to a militantly Catholic one. The gospel (Matthew 17:1-9) is St Matthew's account of Christ's transfiguration. While the previous two readings have reminded us of the necessity of suffering (Abraham leaving home to go to live among strangers and Timothy being reminded of the necessity of suffering for the gospel, if he is to preach it effectively) today's gospel is, instead, a source of encouragement - an incitement to be willing to suffer for a short period because of the glory which will be ours later on. This should encourage us to persevere with our Lenten penances. In Matthew 16:21-25 Jesus has warned his disciples that Christ must suffer and be humiliated. This was something they couldn't easily accept. In order to strengthen
TO JESUS THROUGH MARY
them for the scandal of he cross, and his apparent failure, Christ now gives his leading apostles, Peter, James and John a brief glimpse of his future glory and this was meant to be a source of strength for them in the Garden of Gethsemane. The transfiguration probably took place on Mount Tabor. The description, "His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light," is an attempt to describe a heavenly vision, a divine revelation. Moses and Elijah appeared. These two great men of the Old Testament, represent the law and the prophets, testifying that Christ is the promised Messiah. Peter as yet not overwhelmed by the vision said "Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here." Wanting the vision to be prolonged, he suggested setting up three tents in which Christ, Moses and Elijah could sojourn. While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them. God the Father was in the cloud, and the apostles heard him say: This is my Son, the beloved, he enjoys my favour. Listen to him." This was a repetition of the words heard at Christ's baptism: "Listen to him." Christ is the new Moses, the revealer of the true message of salvation. When the apostles fell on their faces in fear, Jesus said: "Stand up, do not be afraid: The vision had ended, and when they were coming down from the mountain Jesus ordered them: "Tell no one about the vision until the son of Man has risen from the dead." May thinking about the transfiguration strengthen us as it strengthened the apostles.
A COLUMN OF MARIAN DEVOTION
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et us not forget that, for Luke. Jerusalem is always seen as the city of the passion. Here we note that the rite of the mother's purification has no value whatsoever; instead the offering of her son has enormous importance: it is a true sacrificial offering, to which Mary associates herself understanding its significance even if she would have understood only vaguely that it was a foretelling in anticipation of an entirely different offering, that of the cross. The cross will he the salvation of all humanity. It is interesting to note that, in this passage, Jesus is already proclaimed the "light to the Gentiles: In fact, at this point a detail is introduced into the narrative that completes and fully explains the sacrificial offering that has just taken place: the encounter with the aged Simeon. This pious Israelite had received a promise from the Holy Spirit: "You will not die without first having seen the Messiah." It is the Spirit who i nspires him to go to the Temple on that clay and it is the Spirit who, in the midst of the usual comings and goings of the Temple, causes him to approach the young couple. He addresses the mother who is taken by surprise to ask a favour of her: he wants to take the baby in his arms, he wants to look closely at him, to pronounce a stupendous prayer which will let the holy couple know that the Lord had revealed to him the true identity of that child. It is a prayer that is repeated every evening by those who recite Compline or Night Prayer, and it can be summarised in this way: "Now. 0 Lord, you can take me to yourself in peace because you have given me the joy of seeing the Saviour as you promised." Then he exalts the baby, calling him the "light of the Gentiles" and the "glory of Israel: But at this point the meeting with the saintly old man takes another turn. The face of Simeon may well have darkened as he directly addressed the mother, the true mother, with a double and sorrowful prophecy: one for the baby and one for herself who would be so
closely and fully associated with the mission of her son. Who knows how his heavy words must have fallen on the heart of Mary: "He is destined to bring about the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will he opposed." His were dreadful words which weigh on each one of us who will he judged on the basis of our acceptance or refusal of Jesus and his teachings. On our response and our coherent behaviour will depend whether Jesus will be for us salvation or ruin. No less grave are the prophetic words addressed to the mother: "And a sword shall pierce your own soul, so that the
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thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." The prophecy regarding Jesus shows clearly that no one can remain indifferent before his person. He himself will say: "Whoever is not with me is against me: Here on earth we delude ourselves if we think we can more or less assume this attitude: "Lord,Ihave nothing against you,I respect you, but leave me in peace; that way we will both be OK: As if we did not totally depend on God. "in whom we live and move and have our being," as St Paul stated in his discourse to the Athenians. As if we had not been created by God
The Record, February 21 2002 Page 6
in view of Christ and for Christ; because of whom. if the Lord did not sustain us, we would immediately fall into nothingness. As if we could treat God as an °quill. imposing our conditions on him. It is more difficult to explain the prophecy regarding Mary. Why is it necessary that a sword pier -e her heart, that is to rend and divide her whole life, in order to reveal the most intimate thoughts of the hearts of men? We see in these words a union between the sufferings of Mary and the sufferings of her son, and a hint of the final separation which will take place at the judgment. At this point, with Joseph and Mary being in a state of wonder, the presence of the elderly Anna must have come as a welcome balm. She was also full of the Holy Spirit. showing that she had also received full enlightenment regarding the true identity of Jesus for which she praises the Lord and speaks of the baby, pointing him out as the Saviour of all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem She speaks to the little ones, to those who have a heart open to the designs of God and await their unfolding with confidence. Reflections About Mary - More than ever we see her in the posture of offering: she offers not only herself, but she offers the son which is hers, but which is not for her. She offers him to the Father for the salvation of humankind from their sins. The wonder with which, together with Joseph, she assists at these events, tells us how the Lord is preparing her little by little, by means of the difficult walk of faith. The prophecy about Jesus is twofold: it is one of joy and one of sorrow. But the prophecy regarding her is only a promise of continual suffering. About us - Who is Jesus for me? How can I seek to know him that I might be able to obey him? Am I aware that his sacrificial suffering is for my salvation, but that it depends on me whether or not it is applied to me for my redemption? From The Gospel of Mary, by Fr Gabriel Amorth SSP, St Paul Publications. RRP $23.50
steam whenever we talk about it
With Paul Gray
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t's just a teency-weency little word - but "sin" still gets a lot of people mighty hot under the collar. Not surprising. perhaps. "God" is also a three-letter word, but look at the pain and division caused in the world by people holding differing conceptions of who and what He is. Then again, it would be silly for us to try never to think about God or mention His name, just because people have different opinions about Him. Well, isn't it just as silly to avoid thinking hard about sin, and talking about it to see whether it means anything in our lives? When Christians these clays discuss the word "sin." certain issues always arise. Many believe that too many of their fellow Christians have an unhealthy attitude towards sin. The classic case for discussion is the devout Christian person who is obsessed by unhelpful guilt over his or her own sins. Priests who have heard confessions for years are more aware than anyone of this very real human problem. Here is an analysis that may help us find a way out of the seeming conundrum. The real pastoral problem for the churches today is not that people lack a "healthy" attitude to sin. The fact is, you can't have a healthy attitude to sin - it's a disease. We don't speak of having a "healthy" attitude to gastroenteritis, after all - other than trying to avoid it. So with sin. Where there is a problem for many Christians,I believe, is that they don't have a healthy enough attitude towards God, or even to prayer. Too often, we think thoughts like these: "God won't forgive me for what I've done wrong." Or even worse: "God CAN'T forgive me for what I've clone wrong: These thoughts are major errors, tantamount to heresy. lb put it at its simplest. they are a massive under-selling of God's infinite love of his power and his willingness to forgive. Compared with the love of God, our sins are very small beer indeed. I'd go further still. Thoughts like these - of EXCESSIVE unworthiness before God - are a kind of selfishness. In a subtle way. they signal that we are greater than Him. It's the oldest of errors - the pride that caused the Fall - in a new form. A further danger is that the Christian turns away from prayer whenever he or she feels guilty But surely, one of the hallmarks of the Christian is to pray constantly - not EVEN. but ESPECIALLY when sin's an issue. This analysis leads us to realise that a lanquage of sin is still relevant today. In itself. p eitking of sin is not a particular problem because it is unrelated to the real problem so often blamed, mistakenly, on the word itself. The real problem is a theological one. Many people simply have not yet taken on board the basic Christian premise that God's saving power of love for every human being is far, far greater than we'll ever comprehend in this life. The contemporary rock group Caedmon's Call have a beautiful way of expressing what I would call a "healthy" attitude towards God - one that embraces the concept of our sinfulness, hut puts it in the necessary context of God's overwhelming love - in their song T ankful "For I am just Lazarus: the song says. "I turn to You and rub my eyes/ Because I have no choice." It's a powerful Biblical image. Like Lazarus, we are called from death (or sin) by Jesus, and though we have a choice to return to sin (and do, from time to time) the fact remains that God is far more powerful than the grip sin holds us in. Liberation from sin is the core of the Christian message. Clearly, that little word, "sin," should not be over-emphasised at the expense of the other little word, "God." We need both words. And we need to remember that the second is greater than the first.
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Is it media tolerance, and nothing but?
n recent years there has been a sustained campaign in the secular media to abandon the moral law, and even the idea of a moral law, in favour of a form of universal tolerance which, ills proposed, will remove conflict and bring us the sweet light of reason. One would have to be altogether too tolerant of most of the banal commentators to imagine they were working to a coherent philosophy on which they all agree, but there can be no doubt there has been a moderately consistent pattern of support for tolerance in almost all matters of immorality. We are required to be tolerant of those who are too intolerant of one another to stay in their marriage and care for each other and their children; we have to be tolerant of those who are so intolerant of a baby in the womb that they want to kill it; and tolerant of anything else the self-appointed would have us be tolerant about. One of the fruits of this philosophy of tolerance is that a particular belief sincerely held becomes unacceptable because, by definition, it cannot be sufficiently tolerant of the nonsense against which It is designed to defend us. This is another way of saying that freedom of religion cannot be tolerated because religion insists on the authority of God and the reality of the law he has created in our nature.
=(Z'Ouno Different take on Therese or those who were responsible for the F visit of St Therese to Western Australia, I would like to thank you for the opportu-
The Record PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au
The ease with which secular humanist commentators can slip from tolerance to tyranny has been particularly evident in recent weeks. The troubles of the Governor-General are enough to provoke sympathy because the worst thing he has been accused of is not having done his job very well as Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane. The most amazing of the criticisms levelled against him is that he allowed another Bishop to keep working after he learned that as a young man he had had a sexual encounter with a 14year-old girl 40 years earlier. It seems that the philosophy of tolerance requires that you tolerate the sin, but never forgive the sinner. Closer to home, we have had the case of Kingsway College and the dark labyrinths into which religious freedom Is being led in the discussions about the College's rules on marriage. The West Australian's religious affairs writer, the ever-so-tolerant Gavin Simpson, unsheathed the knives when he said "we taxpayers provide Kingsway
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And for those who are interested in the great Catholic and Christian writers of yesteryear whose wisdom is ever-fresh, see our new regular column Words of Wisdom with TONY EVANS on Page 10.
worship. "God is onl \ one, not two. I offer respects to the forms I see here and pray to the Lord in this form that he increase my love for the Lord in my own accustomed form. These who do not follow this procedure, and criticise other systems of worship are foolish. The more they indulge in useless quarrelling, the more they betray the very goal of their religion." So with a spirit of goodwill. I would like to express my appreciation for the time spent meeting and praying to a visiting saintly soul, and thereafter reading her personal account of the meticulous yet uniquely spontaneous execution of her own devotion, and how she developed her path of love and full submission to Jesus which removed all fear. Thus she is able to inspire faith in so many people throughout the world. I also felt inspired and grateful, willing to continue my endeavours with greater enthusiasm. Thank you for that gift. May God bless us all. Jagattarini dasi Bedford
nity that you gave to visit her relics. I am not a Catholic, not even a Christian. althoughI was raised in the Christian faith. My destiny took me toward Eastern spirituality and in 1971 1 became a member of the Flare Krishna movement, accepting initiation vows which I have followed since then, to remain, vegetarian, no intoxication, including tea of coffee, no gambling and celibacy within marriage unless for conception. My parents were open handed and open hearted while our religious cultures differed, we remained close and firmly affectionate. When my husband and I read about St Therese's visit in our local paper. out of curiosity we decided to pay a visit, and in total we visited her in three different churches. Although my own faith is firm.I appreciated the universal appeal of saintliness. I was once told that a serious religionist will hanks for the exclusive content of your always appreciate another serious reli- T I special edition of The Record on St gionist. even if in another tradition. Therese. It rekindled my devotion to the Within our tradition we also have our saint. saints. After they leave this world, their The child holding the fathers hand as it bodies are placed within what is called a goes through life is the spirituality God samadhi. obviously wants us to adopt. Wherever their samadhi is situated visiFlint Florin tors will experience a similarly transcendental presence. and pray to that person Kununurra for their blessings. So I welcomed this chance to visit a travelling `samadhi" and a Catholic saint to Ienjoy reading The Record on a regular receive her blessings in a similar way. I I basis. The one thing I would like to see One of our spiritual predecessors, Sila Is answers to questions on dogma and Bhaktinnode Thakura's words came into Church laws; do you think this would be my thoughts when I was visiting your possible? churches. Interestingly he lived and wrote Peter Grogan these words in India at the same time as St Redcliffe Therese was writing her inspirational autobiography in France. He says... "We see differences among the religions of different countries. If you exam- Iwould like to add the following to your ine different religions you will notice difrecent article, Ireland abortion referenferent rituals and discover different dum (The Record 14/2). conceptions concerning the object of worIhave recently returned to Perth from Ireship... yet it is detrimental to argue over land and I have followed closely the ongothese differences. ing debate surrounding the forthcoming "If I go to someone else's place of wor- referendum on abortion. ship, I should think.., the people are worIt may interest your readers to know that shipping my Lord but in a different way. the proposed amendment offers no proBecause of my different training I cannot tection to the unborn prior to implantation comprehend this system of worship, how- In the womb. There are many other disagreeable eleever, through this experience, I can deepen my appreciation for my own system of ments in the amendment, including
Thanks for edition
A desire for questions
Irish referendum
...(with money) ... so "one would expect that we ... should be able to have a say in who it enrols and who it doesn't and why." So much for freedom of choice! It is significant that Simpson introduced this little plug for tyranny with the universal "us and them" distinction of the rabble rousers he purports to disapprove of. "We taxpayers" is a blatant attempt to bring everybody else into the group while isolating those wicked taxpayers who send their children to Kingsway. Simpson went on to say: "Maybe it's time all privately run schools were brought to account for not only whom they enroll and why, but what they teach....." It seems we are all to be brought to worship at the altar of a common deity approved by the State (or possibly by The West Australian). This is the antithesis of the pluralism. multiculturalism and tolerance that Simpson and the paper espouse whenever it appeals to them.
In case we thought he was not serious, Simpson finished with the threat: "If they don't want to do this then maybe they should forego the luxury of taxpayers' funds." Luxury, indeed! Why is it that a man who chooses the godless education system provided by the State is automatically entitled to the cost of his children's education from taxpayers' funds, but his brother who chooses another school has a shaky call on the "luxury" of about hall the cost of his children's education from "we taxpayers"? This is an extremely divisive and intolerant approach to the equality of Australian citizens and the acknowledged right of parents to decide on their children's education. However, we should not be surprised that the secular humanist philosophy flounders every time it is required to be tolerant instead of imposing tolerance on others. The answer is to be found in the opening lines of the responsorial psalm this weekend: "For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted." Anything less, and particularly anything which opposes his word and rejects his works, is bound to fail. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.
Lellers lo lAe C(filar
endorsing the right to travel to have an be the object of homilies, discussion groups and workshops in every parish, so that conabortion. Support for the referendum by the Irish crete projects of Catholic Action may be bishops and indeed certain elements of the set in motion to return this de-Christianised catholic press in Ireland has created a good society back to its Christian roots. deal of confusion among the voting public, Education in the Faith is a priority numas the proposals are at odds with the Mag- ber one for the laity, especially the young. isterium of the Church on this issue and They need to hear the word, loud and are considered by many to be a pro-life clear, in order to become doers of the word. disaster. May I extend a warm invitation to Fr I trust and pray, that with God's help, the Richard, and to the vast majority of the people of Ireland will reject this amend- clergy in Perth, to participate in at least one ment and continue to fight to have the life of the Sunday evening discussions in the of the unborn from the moment of fertili- Layman's Hour. sation, protected by law. One or two priests at a time would be a great way for them to reach an added audiAldan Holohan ence of people who will listen to their mesBeaconsfield sage. Thank you again Fr Richard. and God bless. ev Fr Richard Rutkauskas is to be con- Raymond de Souza gratulated for his excellent letter in Forrestfield defence of the honour of the Catholic Clergy, and, by inference, of our Holy Mother Church (Record 14 February). erry Quinn (Letters 7 February 2002) I am sure that Record readers were most 1 is right on many points. The dignified. encouraged by his saying that "What needs to be stated is that the vast majority of we sacred and social aspects of the human priests are good men trying our best in person are interconnected. sometimes difficult circumstances". These connections spring from theology This statement must be proclaimed from and are about justice. the house tops, both in the Catholic and Theology is meaningless if God does not secular media, papers and radios, in order exist. The acceptance of God's existence. to help undo the malignant influence of the 11-acey Rowland insists, is an intellectual secular media. exercise. The denial springs from apathy Unfortunately, unlike Fr Richard, the and intellectual laziness. same vast majority of priests are regretOur institutions too are interconnected. tably conspicuous by their silence, when it An injustice in one gives rise to an injuscomes to defending the honour of the tice in another. Church in general, and of the clergy in parAbortion, ills claimed, is "the justice issue ticular, when they suffer attack by the sec- of our era". Laws which encourage aborular media. tion on demand must be unjust. Laws Fr Richard mentioned my efforts to which positively discourage women from "restore confidence in the clergy". giving birth must likewise be unjust. May I respectfully point out that this The religious right, in the USA. vote for would be achieved in a much greater and the party with a pro-life stand. more effective manner, if the same majorThe principle of subsidiarity is a "fundaity of Catholic priests were to follow Fr mental tenet of social philosophy" Richard's own good example, and speak (Quadragesimo Anno). up in defence of what we hold sacred. The Church teaches about the rights and The Catholic laity needs an immensely responsibilities of private property. Supmore active leadership from our clergy to port for the one is negated by the neglect guide us in the defence of the Gospel of of the other two. Our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of conWe have forgotten the essentials of crete works of evangelisation. Under the present "rules" nothDemocracy The 10-point plan laid out by Archbishop ing can or will change for the better. Hickey is an excellent starting point. Truly independent representatives must We also need active leadership in fight- be elected if this change is to occur. The ing the structural sins that afflict our sociChurch frequently reminds Christians to ety. i.e., pornography, prostitution, abortion. politically responsible. be paedophilia, euthanasia, homosexuality, faith we accept the mystery of Through contraception, divorce - in a word, everyour intellect we see that Through Christ. thing that militates against and mutilates for others is an integral part of freedom Family. the Church the domestic freedom. real The Holy Father's Encyclical Letters EvanLetters continued on Page 11 gelicum Vitae and Fides et Ratio ought to
Response appreciated
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Right, in many ways
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7 The Record, f,ebruary 21 2002 Page ,
Features
"Living within the key with C seminarians Being one of the few foreign priests allowed to teach in Chinese seminaries is no easy task, but that is just what FATHER HUBERT VOGT has been doing for the last eight years. BRONWEN CLUNE caught up with him in Perth last week, while he was here visiting friends.
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. ranciscan Father Hubert Vogt has one motto he lives by when it conies to training Catholic priests in the People's Republic of China under the central government's watchful eye. if you can stand the heat, you stay in the kitchen," he says. In 1994, he was invited by the People's Republic of China to teach in four of their major seminaries, a post he accepted without reservation. He said he qualified for the job on two counts. Firstly, because of his ability to speak fluent Mandarin and secondly, because the central government had determined he was of "suitable character" - that is, one who will operate within its boundaries. While living as a Catholic priest under the terms of the Chinese
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A Chinese seminarian attends Mass at St Francis Seminary in Jilin City, China, where he is studying to enter the priesthood. Photo. Sed
government might seem daunting to some, Father Hubert takes it in his stride and has earned a deep respect, while still adhering to his faith. He explains, almost matter of factly, how he is able to do so. if you go there as you are and you are a hundred per cent under their control and they know what your position is, then they respect you," he said. "The reality is that [the seminaries] are directly under the control of the government. . . . because each seminary is under the education department. There are government representatives at the seminary each day always "correcting"". "As well as my teachings, the students also have political classes corrective thinking, call it what you may - so that is the context that I teach my stuff." Father Hubert says the communal way of thinking is deeply embedded in Chinese culture dating back 5000 years ago, long before communism. "You can forget about anything that looks like individual conscience in Chinese society. "Eighty per cent of China is rural and they are used to this way of thinking for over 2000 years." It is this ability to adhere to this foreign environment that has allowed him to continue his work under the government approval for all these years. But. Father Hubert is not the only priest in China. Hundreds of priests and nuns work in China as teachers every year without any Church association. "They go on their own, not in a Christian identity, and they teach English," he said. "But if they have a hidden agenda. if they dream and think they can use these English classes to teach a Christian message, they are immediately asked to leave. "The government knows all about them and if they are prudent, they are all right." According to Fr Hubert. the Chinese refer to those who come into the country hoping to influence and change their society as having "tricky agendas" and behav-
Franciscan Father Hubert Vogt holds a copy of his book on the Old Testament published by the Publishing House for Religion and Culture of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China. Photo Lironwun L.:tune
ing in the "old colonial way." Part of Fr Hubert's role in overcoming this problem, is to train gifted young men in the seminaries to "carry on the torch" and go on to teach others in the priesthood." "[The Chinesej want selfrespect. They want help for selfhelp. "What we are doing is helping them to get on their own two feet. They have had a disruption of 40 years due to the Cultural Revolution and they want to pick up the ends and get on their feet again." He estimates that in the time he has been in China he has seen about 900 priests ordained. "We
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have 160 seminarians and every year 30 or 40 of them graduate, and within their year they are a deacon." he said. "And if they catch the point of what Iam trying to tell them about the exegesis of the Old Testament. that it is not bygone stuff. it's Christocentric. then slowly it trickles down through their communities." Sisters also come to the seminaries for basic training, where Fr Hubert has trained as many as 600 sisters. "They usually later work in clinics, where they have close contact with the people and they are actually the best evange-
hina's Communist regime expelled all foreign Christian missionaries from the country in the early 1950s. Since then the government has tried to force Catholics to break their allegiance to the pope. In 1957. the Chinese government organised the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. Its bishops are appointed not by the Vatican but by the government, which maintains strict supervision and control of the clergy. An underground church in China professes loyalty to the pope. Tbday. in a country of 1.2 billion citizens, there are an estimated 10 to 12 million Catholics. Of these it is estimated by observers that 5 million have ties to the underground church, while the other half is affiliated with the patriotic association. At the parish level, there is some mingling of the two, and up to two-thirds of government-approved bishops are said to have secretly reconciled with the Vatican.
"Busted Halo" aims to fix youths' faith new Web site with the unlikely name of Busted Halo is aimed at Catholic young adults in search of spirituality and deeper meaning in their lives. The brainchild of Paulist Young Adult Ministries in New York and built in collaboration with Paulist Media Works in Washington, the Web site offers features such as "Chilling out about prayer" and "A man's view of 'Sex and the City,'" as well as opportunities to take a quiz about "Looking for love in all the wrong places." In addition to forums on relationships, spirituality and work lives, young adults - loosely defined as those aged from 1839 - have a chance to learn more about Scripture in the virtual Bible Boot Camp, look at Catholic practices in Tradition
uses," he adds. But one of his biggest achievements to date has been the publication in Mandarin of all his teachings on the Old Testament. What makes this all the more remarkable is that it was the Chinese government that approached him and told him they had assembled all his lectures and writings and would be publishing them in two volumes. He holds up the first volume and translates the Chinese characters on the cover. "The Publishing House for Religion and Culture of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China, published January 1, 2002, Volume I of a two volume old testament studies." "Volume one is old testament background," he explains. The first part is history of ancient Israel, the second part is introduction to the Old Testament and part three is Ancient Israel's liturgy: Sacred times and sacred places. "And there is now in print and will be out after Easter, Old Testament Exegesis." Father Hubert won't be drawn into a discussion on the relationship between the Church and the Chinese government, describing his situation as "too delicate." "I just say the facts, I don't infer anything," he adds. Ile thumbs through a copy of his published work and reads from one of the passages there. "Here for instance, to show you an example of Imw tolerant they are, he said. "In the last paragraph on page 42, I had said in 1994. April 15, Our Holy Father Pope john Paul II invited the three monotheistic: religions or their representatives to spend the last night of 1999 and wait for the new millennium on Mount Sinai in order to show to mankind the legacy of the Ten Commandments. [The authorities' not only did not cancel it, they kept it word for word. And they themselves put a picture of Mount Sinai on the front. *They printed the whole thing. that Our Holy Father wanted to underline the legacy of the bible in general and the Sinai covenant and the ten commandments in particular. They even put the place where Mohammad went into heaven, and where Abraham sacrificed Isaac. And here on the side they put a picture of the cross." Even more remarkable says Fr Hubert is that all of this was done without his consultation. While Fr Hubert has spent the last few weeks relaxing in Perth. he returned to China last Saturday. where he will be continuing his work "in the heat of the kitchen."
Bytes and explore awe-inspiring venues for getaways and prayers in Sacred Spaces. The site at www.BustedHalo.com also features an opportunity to read about historical and contemporary religious figures and vote on whether they are "Saints or Ain't" and a chance to challenge one's knowledge of church history in Trivia Inferno. "While there are other sites aimed at young adults, there are no others that are focused on spirituality in such a dynamic way," said Paulist Father Brett Hoover, director of Paulist Young Adult Ministries. "People are finding us through search engines and word-of-mouth, and through some Internet and print advertising we've done, and they're pleased with what they see."
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Olympic star no Cafeteria Catholic (and he prays the Rosary each night too)
By Jesuit Father Matthew Gamber
W
hile the Olympic focus was on the controversy surrounding the pairs figure skating gold medals, Timothy Goebel was attending Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, where he asked Bishop George Niederauer of Salt Lake City to bless his Olympic bronze medal. "I never say it's my medal or it's my success, because so many people contributed to this: parents, coaches and for me, especially, the contribution of my faith," Goebel, 21, said in an interview on February 17, three days after winning a bronze medal in men's figure skating. "My faith is a reality check." he said. "People in high-profile sports get involved in superfluous stuff, being a star. I'm really grateful for the gifts I have been given. It's good to realise why we are really here." He added that there were 2,500 athletes at the games, "with all the physical ability in the world. but there are also a lot of unfortunate people in the world." He said he keeps in mind that skating Is not all there is. "In the grand scheme of things," he said. "what's more important, winning an Olympic medal or being a good person?" Goebel's faith has been nurtured by his parents. Richard and Ginny, since the day they adopted him through Catholic Charities of Chicago. on the couple's 10th wedding anniversary in 1980. He attended Catholic primary school. St Colette's in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, until the fifth grade. He started skating when he was 5 years old, and by the time he was 11, his parents and teachers realised he had great potential. That prompted a move to Cleveland, to be closer to his skating coach, and a search for a new parish. Tim and his mother met Father James Viall, pastor of St Rose Parish, and hit it off. "Father Viall was very strict. He wanted us to know what it really means to be a Catholic If you lose one part, then it all falls apart." Goebel said. "He trained us not to be 'cafeteria Catholics.'" Richard Goebel, meanwhile, stayed behind in Chicago to continue his work as an engineer. "Father Via11 provided a wonderful experience of the Catholic faith to Tim. He really took him under his wing," said Richard, who is a member of the United Church of Christ, but attends Catholic Mass with his family. Ginny Goebel said people often ask her If it is a huge sacrifice to raise an Olympic skater. "It's a big commitment, but not a huge sacrifice," she said. "We derive great joy from Tim's skating. It's a two-way street." She added that Tim has been a gift to the couple. Cecil Bleiker. the Olympic Village press secretary for Team USA. said, "So many athletes forget their roots and where they came from. Tim hasn't. "For other athletes, sports is their god," said Bleiker, a 25-year-old Catholic from Texas. "You can tell Tim is Catholic by the way he treats people in the Olympic Village." Goebel said he has not met much opposition to visible expressions of his faith, though he did recall an instance when a skating judge told him to remove his cmcirix, because it was "a distraction" to her. Goebel said he told her, "I'm not taking it off. You will have to deal with it." He prays the Guardian Angel prayer • before he skates, and for nine days before his Olympic competition, he said, he prayed the novena to St Therese of Lisieux, which he learned from 1998 Olympic gold medalist Tam Lipinski. Goebel prays the rosary each night and
wears a crucifix and a medal from the jubilee year in Rome that is emblazoned with the image of Pope John Paul II. Although he has never met the pope, he attended an outdoor Mass in St Peter's Square after a skating competition near Rome. He said he attends Mass at least twice a week, often more, and goes to the sacrament of reconciliation weekly. He said he has been able to find a Catholic church in most countries, although some places do present a challenge. All in all, for Goebel, skating is more than a career - it is almost a calling. "I love skating. I'm very happy," he said. "I don't think you can do anything at this level if you don't love it. With the training, the travelling, the long days and the injuries, this experience makes it all worthwhile." Today Goebel lives and trains in Los Angeles, where he takes classes at Loyola Marymount University. He hopes someday to have a "real job" and live in Europe or New York. In the meantime, he does not plan to go professional, instead opting to prepare for the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. Italy. He wants to continue training in his faith. too. "I want to read more books and really learn more about my faith and lives of the saints." Goebel said. "I really don't know as much as I should." Page 16 - Where's Tara Lipinski now? Right Timothy Goebel, winner of the Olympic bronze medal in men's figure skating, discusses his win after attending Mass on February 17 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. The young athlete attributes his win to his parents, coaches and faith. Below: Bishop George H. Niederauer, left, of Salt Lake City blesses the Olympic bronze medal won by Timothy Goebel, right, after Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine February 17. Goebel took the bronze medal for men's figure skating in the Winter Olympics.
The Record, February 21 2002 Page 9
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The meaning of meaninglessness
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Meaninglessness by Dr Michael Casey, published by News Weekly Books, tel (03) 9326 5757 RRP $33.00 plus postage & handling
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with Tony Evans This week The Record begins a new regular column by Tony Evans, which looks at great Christian writers of yesteryear whose words continue to inspire.
0
ne of the best-sellers of the 1930s was the collected correspondence between self-proclaimed philosopher-atheist, Dr C.E.M. load and the celebrated convert to Catholicism, Arnold Lunn - famous for, among other things, pioneering skiing holidays in Switzerland. Each of foad's nineteen letters posed difficult and oft-stated objections to Christianity. In the letter of 13th July 1932 load listed the many instances in history of Christian wars and unspeakable cruelty arising from Christian intolerance - the Crusades. the Inquisition, the burning of witches, the Protestant martyrs, and so on: objections which are still raised today in the media recently and notably by the journalists Phillip Adams in The Australian. and Gavin Simpson in the West Australian. Lunn's answer to Joad was a fine and most thorough refutation, as useful today as when it was written on 17th July 1932. Only Lunn's summary is possible here. (Incidentally, the life-long, public atheist. Joad. was received into the Church before he died). iilit is time to define what we iimean by Christianity. Christianity is not the same as Christendom, nor can we equate Christianity with the actions of Christians. Christianity is the revelation of God. through his Son Christ. It is a light which lighteth the darkness, the darkness of human passions, cruelty, greed, selfishness and vice." "Sometimes the light gains and the area of darkness ebbs back; sometimes the darkness gains. There is no warrant in the gospel for any belief in the inevitable triumph of Christianity." "We leave to the moderns that belief in inevitable progress for which there is no scrap of evidence, theological or scientific." "Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" "All we know is that the Church will survive to the end, but whether the Church at the second coming will be the Church triumphant, or a church which has returned to the catacombs we cannot tell." (From: Is Christianity True? London. 1933).
TONY EVANS is a former TV and radio journalist, and biographer of Monsignor John Hawes, John Boyle O'Reilly and CY O'Connor.
etters, thinking
By Andrew Rabe'
ast year in both Melbourne and Sydney, a book entitled Meaninglessness was launched, written by Michael Casey, private secretary of Archbishop George Pell. The book critiques the theories of Friedrich Nietzche, Sigmund Freud, and contemporary American philosopher, Richard Rorty. Casey traces the collapse of our sense of value and transcendence from the eighteenth-century challenge to religious accounts of these things, through the nineteenth century project of substituting for these with secular and ultimately anti-religious foundations such as reason, history, and nature, to the twentieth century breakdown of these alternatives and the consequent chaos in which we find ourselves in the twentieth century. He hones in on two men who taught modernity in different ways as how to regard the human will: Nietzche who would have us glorify our own will and sacrifice absolute values on its altar, and Freud who preaches the repression of human will and instinct by therapy and the hope of a more our age that we can hope for. rational, religion-free future. According to Casey, "With NietThese gentlemen, misty figures zche and Freud, Rorty holds that now from more than a century life is essentially meaningless. It ago, have taught whole genera- makes no sense to ask about the tions to accept that life is not real- meaning of life because there is ly for anything and that we must no answer to the question. Of live with this strange truth-either course, people who feel the need gloriously, in Nietzche's version, for some sort of meaning in their or anxiously. as in Freud's. lives, are free to make up (what This is the best, according to Rorty calls) a story for themselves these intellectual grandparents of about the value and significance
of their personal experiences, but there is no overarching. universal or transcendent meaning which can pull all these personal ( Aptriences together and give them coherence and validity. In response to a question as to why this book was written, Casey says, "Originally it was the topic for a PhD Thesis. But I was inspired to write this after reading the Holy Father's landmark vol-
ume Crossing the Threshold of Hope, where he calls for religious sociologists to explore the sorts of issues mentioned in my book. I was very grateful to Professor Michael Novak in the US, who eventually provided the necessary funding' According to the introduction by Dr John Hirst, of LaTrobe University in Melbourne, "far from being some futuristic fantasy, the ideas of these philosophers represent the culture of the present. ...This has been called the so-called neopagan project by Archbishop George Pell of Sydney." Asked about what is the solution to the vexing problem of despair and meaninglessness in people lives, Casey says, "it is the Christian message of hope, which has its foundation in the love God has for all men, best illustrated by Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection. God has shared our human nature with us, so through that meaning can be found in the nature of suffering and the human condition" Casey said also "love is of the very essence of God, as God is love. If people love others in an unselfish manner, often this can be the door to the acceptance of the truth on these transcendent questions." He said that King Charles II of Great Britain. was a great historical example of a man who while having a bawdy outlook on life, (which would not have the disapproval of men like Freud, for example) was nevertheless very loving to those around him, particularly his many illegitimate children which he fathered! Perhaps this was the reason that made him, ultimately except religious truth, and become a Catholic on his deathbed. For further information, see www.meaninglessness.org
Winning film writer "won't touch" adultery By Maria Luisa Torres
A
uthor Nicholas Sparks is thrilled with the positive reception moviegoers were giving to A Walk to Remember. This was, after all, his story being conveyed on the big screen. "Iloved this film: I'm very proud of it." Sparks told The Tidings, Los Angeles archdiocesan newspaper, in a phone interview from his home in New Bern, North Carolina., where he resides with his wife, Cathy, and their five children. "This film was something unique and wonderful on a number of levels. It's not only a different type of teen movie, but it's also a very well-performed, well-structured and very enjoyable movie." he added. And also very spiritual - much like Sparks himself. A selfdescribed "cradle Catholic" and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he still holds a track and field record, Sparks continues to support his alma mater as well as several Catholic organisations. "My wife and I were married in a Catholic church and our kids go the Catholic school," said Sparks, who attends Mass weekly at St Paul Church with his wife; three sons, 10-year-old Miles, 8-year-old Ryan, 2-year-old Landon; and infant twin daughters. 5-monthold Lexie and Savannah. "Our faith," he added, "is a very important part of our lives." Faith is an important element in A Walk to Remember as well. The film focuses on faith, acceptance
The Record, February 21 2002 Page 10
Mandy Moore and Shane West star in the coming-of-age love story "A Walk
to Remember."
Mandy Moore stars in the movie. and high school sweethearts. Singer-actress Mandy Moore portrays Jamie, a senior in a small North Carolina town. Quiet, conservative and "uncool," Jamie isn't afraid of letting people know that
Photo: CNSWamer Brothers
her faith is the most important part of her life - even if it means potentially deterring an unexpected romance with Landon (Shane West). "Spirituality was a very key factor, both in the book and in the film," said Sparks. "'A Walk to Remember' is about the power, beauty and innocence of first, young love." In keeping with his chosen theme, explained Sparks, there was no premarital physical intimacy between the main characters. "Yet you never doubted that Landon and Jamie were very much in love," he said. "It added a different aspect to the characters." A Walk to Remember, which grossed US $30.3 million in its first three weeks of release, is classified A-II - adults and ado-
lescents - by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting. This was not the first Sparks book turned into a movie. In 1999, his Message in a Bottle starred Kevin Costner, Paul Newman and Robin Wright-Penn. Other published works by Sparks include the novels A Bend in the Road (published in 2001), The Rescue (2000) and The Notebook (1996). All of his books, he explained, deal with the theme of love, each from different perspectives. For example, The Notebook addresses everlasting love and Message in a Bottle (inspired by his father after the death of his mother) is about finding love after grief. Spiritually speaking, there's at least one love-related topic Sparks won't touch. "I refuse to write a story about adultery," he said. "I just don't find it romantic." "WhenIwrite a book." he added, "I want to write something that's enjoyable for the audience.Ihope they finish reading one of my books thinking it was time wellspent, or walk out of the movie theatre saying, 'I'm glad I went.' And if people also happen to draw a wonderful message from my work, then that's great." For those disappointed with the paucity of faith-filled films available to moviegoers, Sparks offers this bit of advice: "Support the movies out there that do portray spiritual characters in a wonderful light." Such as A Walk to Remember? "With this particular movie," said Sparks, "I promise they won't be disappointed."
Stories and Letters
CWL executive installed Members of Catholic Women's League Australia and invited guests travelled from many states of Australia recently, to St Francis Xavier Cathedral Wollongong NSW for the Mass and Installation Ceremony for the new National Executive of CWLA which Is under the leadership of NSW for the next two years. The Executive is headed by President Mrs Peg McEntee DAM, Vice Presidents Mrs Margaret Bartley and Mrs Daphne Peterson, Secretary Mrs Gladys Meaney Budd, Treasurer Mrs Roseleen GoIdle, Publicity Officer Mrs Doreen Ford who also coordinates a Publicity/Promotions team consisting of Ms Noeline Kelly (Official Photographer) and Ms. Margaret Bouffier and Monsignor Vince Redden is the National Chaplain. They have chosen for their theme "Launch Into the Deep". Reaching out from the National Executive to the State CWL organisations which in turn connects with CWL in each Diocese and then into the parishes and with a history of 89 years of activity by Catholic women CWLA has achieved by God's grace and persistent effort, extraordinary results and made a wonderful contribution of goodness both to the Church and to society at large. They support the new Commission for Australian Catholic Women set up by the bishops to ensure the role and the voice of women is promoted and heard
Procession from the Cathedral led by Mrs Peg McEntee OAM, President, holding the CWA banner. and implemented in the Church community, through its membership of the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations (WUCWO) it has a voice at the Vatican and the United Nations and importantly, provides a Catholic viewpoint on legislation at a federal, state and local level. CWLA was one of the few Australian non-government organisations to send a representative to the Women's Conference in Beijing in 1995. CWLA Is hoping to broaden its appeal and attract younger and working women and aims to expand its role looking to women taking leadership roles in the Church and the community.
Priests suspended in US Diocese MANCHESI ER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (CNS)- Saying no priest who has sexually abused a minor can be placed in active ministry, Bishop John McCormack of Manchester announced on February 15 that he has put one parish priest on leave and has barred six retired or sick priests from all ministry because of "credible allegations" against them. The bishop also released the names of seven suspended or retired priests who have been banned from active ministry since the time of sexual abuse allegations against them. He said the alleged occurrences date from 1963-87, but he did not release specific dates or details. Bishop McCormack - who also chairs the US bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse was the third New England bishop in two weeks to follow the lead of Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law in tightening up diocesan rules against priests accused of having sexually abused minors. His action was part of a new zero-tol-
erance policy in Manchester on behalf of the bishops on Febregarding sexual misconduct ruary 19, Bishop Wilton Gregory with minors and a review of all of Belleville, Illinois, said such priests accused of such miscon- abuse is a reality against which we must be ceaselessly on duct. In late January and early Feb- guard." "We understand that your chilruary the Boston Archdiocese also turned over to county prose- dren are your most precious gift," cutors lists reportedly containing he said. "They are our children as 87 names of priests whose per- well, and we continue to apolosonnel records showed allega- gise to the victims and to their tions of sexual abuse of minors parents and their loved ones for some time in the past 40 years or this failure in our pastoral responsibilities." more. He acknowledged that there At a press conference announcing the new policy in Manches- were "cases of priest abusers that ter, Bishop McCormack said that, were not dealt with appropriatecontrary to past advice allowing ly in the past" but said the bishsome priests who had abused ops have been working hard to minors to return to ministry, "it is take corrective measures and now clear to me that any credible protect children. "Iam very heartened by the proallegation of sexual misconduct with a minor by a priest means fessionals who work with both that he cannot return to pastoral victims and abusers who encourage us in this work because, they ministry." • The president of the of the US tell us, there is not another instiConference of Catholic Bishops tution in the United States that is expressed "profound sorrow" for doing more to understand and the sexual abuse of children by address the horror of sexual priests. In a two-page statement abuse of minors," he said.
'Enron collapse a globalisation scandal' people and to the market system. Its human costs - including finanvATIcAN un(cNs)- The scan- cial damage and job losses dalous collapse of Enron Corp. extend around the world and will marks the "globalisation of fraud" become fully apparent only in and illustrates the need for effec- coming months, he said in an editive controls on capitalism, a top torial commentary On February 19. "It's one of those calamities with official of Vatican Radio said. Jesuit Father Pasquale Borgomeo, a planetary impact, even if this is Vatican Radio's director-general, not immediately visible," he said. "Our society should not give said Enron was an example of the "unbridled capitalism" that can room to or feed this type of monbring catastrophe to millions of ster, this globalisation of fraud, with By John Thavis
irounof1.1;e U Continued from Page 7 Linking responsibility in modern religious ethics also requires the use of our intellect. Such ethics must encompass our moral. economic and political life. In the world today the trashing of truth is now endemic. Christians therefore need, urgently, to establish and implement the true nature of responsibility. John McKay Swan View
Also distressed at plight of persecuted ike lbny Evans (The Record 14/2)1 am L extremely distressed and angry at the silence surrounding the plight of fellow
Catholics and other Christians who are daily undergoing active persecution and terrible tortures for the faith. Despite the lifting of the Iron Curtin and the fall of the Berlin Wall religious persecution is alive and well, especially in countries under the control of militant Islam (viz the Churches in the Sudan) or hard-line communism - particularly in China. A dreadful aspect of this persecution is that it continues unabated, is increasing in ferocity and is not protested against by Catholics or Christians in the free world. Shades of the Communion of Saints, in Church. at each Sunday Mass, we proclaim our belief. These people need our prayers. Why not have our martyrs prayed for publicly at Mass every Sunday? Yes I certainly support the idea of a national day of prayer for our martyrs. (Miss) Diana E Fox Bicton
Elation for Fr Sproxton y wife and I were among the man parishioners of St Gerard Majella M Parish of Mirrabooka who had accepted
our parish priest, Father Don Sproxton's, invitation, given at all week-end masses, to
all its cruel and inhuman aspects," he said. Father Borgomeo said it was dear that the Enron case was "a giant exploit of economic criminality" that has already spurred some legislative measures to prevent similar situations in the future. Using accounting techniques to shift debt, the company appeared to thrive, but last year it was forced to reveal that it had over-reported earnings for four years and that it owed nearly $3 billion to partners.
&Pliers fo f1e Colifor
join him in evening prayer of the church on Wednesday December12, the start of the year in which he would be celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. We have been to many such mile-stone celebrations: this one seemed to be a little different. In the few days from the weekend masses to Wednesday, the rumour mill had come alive: questions were rife: 'has he been transferred?' is he unwell?' 'have you heard anything?' 'is he being shiftedr. Them was a sense of excitement as we arrived at the church. The appearance of a number of priests from other parishes, of the most recently ordained young priests accompanied by seminarians from Redemptorist Mater Seminary. added to the excitement. The entrance hymn, Will you give me your life forever.., seemed to me to have symbolism of things to come. Following the first of the prayers, Father Michael Moore. moved to the lectern and said he was about to read a letter from the Pope's personal representative in Australia, Archbishop Francesco Canalini of Canberra. addressed to Father Don. There was a tense silence whilst the preamble was being read, but when Father Michael read out, "His Holiness the Pope. has appointed Father Donald Spmxton as Auxiliary Bishop of Perth," a sustained burst of applause greeted the announcement and the congregation rose as one and the acclamation continued. I could see just one person remain seated, Father Don, on his chair in the sanctuary, head bowed as in prayer all the while as the applause continued.
Got something to say? Then put pen to paper. Maybe your letter could make it onto the letters page.
I could not contemplate what might be going through his mind as his congregation gave demonstration of their love and affection for him, but I remembered that the Portuguese navigator and explorer Ferdinand de Quiros had named our country "the Great South Land of The Holy Spirit." A later clergyman. Smith Wigglesworth, had predicted that these Island._ Australia and New Zealand, would be the last great movement of the Holy Spirit. Here we sat in the suburb of Mirrabooka - the name the Aborigines gave to the Southern Cross constellation which is also symbolised in the windows of our church. We. the parishioners have twice gathered to witness the consecration of our parish priest to the bishopric, for it is not yet 40 years gone since our first parish priest. Father Peter Quinn, was also appointed to the office of Bishop. We look forward to February 21st. in Saint Mary's Cathedral, when along with many of our fellow parishioners we will bear witness to Father Don's Episcopal Ordination. N.T. O'Neil Nollamara
like my own 'will miss out on reading a few books. No big deal. really. Unfortunately, if Fr Amorth is right, the results could be more serious. Thank you very much Tony Evans for bringing common sense back into the debate. I urge all loyal Australians, as far as you are able, to buy Australian-made and boycott everything 'made in China' including the Olympics. Theresa de Souza Forrestfield
Avoidable criticism am sure Gavin Simpson "Belief and Beyond" 16 February would not have criticised Archbishop Paul Cordes if he had read Ecclesiasticus 38:15 when the prelate was commenting on lifestyle and sickness. Nor would he have been critical of St Therese of Lisieux if he had read 4 Kings 13:21 when the corpse came to life after touching the bones of the prophet Eliseus. Perhaps he would be less critical after reading Acts 5:15 or Acts 19:12. Harry Miller Wattle Grove
Science proves God I agree! Mr Evans et the book. Darwin's Black Box by Tony Evans in his wish Ifully agree withshould get our priorities GMichael Belle. from your library or
I that Catholics I a Professor of Bioright, lift our gaze from Harry Potter, and bookshop (Behe is USA. The book Pennsylvania, in chemistry being is that torture look instead at the 11 anyone chapter but reading, easy isn't inflicted on our fellow Christians in Comfollow). can munist China. Read the page 21 article in Readers I couldn't agree with him more. Why? February 2002. Reading these, you'll Digest, Because, unfortunately, the debate on science has proved that God exists. realise minda into degenerated has Potter Harry we told this before? weren't Why scattering exercise. I firmly believe that to created - leaving tell-tale who God the Is with level same the on place Harry Potter - the same God existence his of evidence characters like Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Commandments Ten the gave who further any or Superman does not deserve obeyed? them wants consideration. Many people, including scientists, wish Let us hope that the chief exorcist of the a God didn't exist. Having tranquilised such diocese of Rome, who has performed over and got comfy in disobeconsciences, our 40,000 exorcisms in his life, was totally thing we want is havlast the ways dient Potter "Harry that said wrong when he by the facts. spoiled illusions our ing hides the signature of the devil". jago Arnold loss great no be In that case, there would to anyone, except to those children who - Mildura The Record, February 21 2002 Page 11
nternational News
In Brief Synod proposition VATICAN CITY (CNS) Seven cardinals and six archbishops met at the Vatican in early February to examine the results of October's world Synod of Bishops. The 13 members of the synod council focused specifically on the 67 final propositions approved by the nearly 250 bishops from 110 countries who participated in the synod, according to a February 14 Vatican statement. The synod focused on the role and identity of the bishop. The synod council, composed mainly of bishops elected by synod participants, began studying the propositions with the aim of offering Pope John Paul H suggestions for an eventual apostolic exhortation, the statement said.
No absolutes WASHINGTON (CNS) Most Americans believe moral truth "always depends upon the situation" and reject the Idea of unchanging "moral absolutes," according to two llama Research surveys. Teenagers and young adults were the most likely to reject moral absolutes and to say their own moral decision-making is based on feelings or self-interest rather than a set of principles, said a February 12 report on the results of the surveys. Only 13 percent of all adults and 7 percent of teens said they relied on prindples from the Bible as the main basis for their own moral decisions.
Dominican honour VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II told leaders of the Dominican order that what he learned in two years of doctoral studies at their Angelicum University in Rome "has always accompanied me in my pastoral ministry." The future Pope left his Polish homeland for Rome shortly after his ordination to the priesthood in 1946. Under the guidance of the Dominicans. he prepared his doctoral thesis on the Spanish Carmelite mystic St. John of the Cross, and completed his degree in 1948. The Pope said his time at the Angelicum "was a very fruitful period for my theological formation, thanks also to the qualified contribution of prestigious and unforgettable Dominican teachers."
Restoring justice NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -The Catholic bishops of Louisiana, which has the nation's highest Imprisonment rate, have called for a new approach to crime and punishment focusing on "restorative justice." Besides appropriately punishing the offender, the concept of restorative justice focuses on offering the chance for rehabilitation and atoning for the harm done to victims. The bishops made their call in a statement, published in hooklet form by the Louisiana Catholic Conference, the bishops' public policy agency
Pray for vocations: Pope By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) Catholics must not accept the argument that a scarcity of priests is a blessing in disguise because it increases the involvement of lay people in the church, Pope John Paul II said. We all know how necessary vocations are for the life, witness and pastoral action of our ecclesial communities," the Pope said, February 14, during his annual meeting with pastors of Rome parishes and representatives of the city's clergy. Pope John Paul said a decrease in the number of vocations to the priesthood and religious life frequently is the "consequence of a lessening of the intensity of faith and spiritual fervour." -Isherefore, we must not be content with the explanation that the scarcity of priestly vocations will be compensated by the growing commitment of the lay apostolate
or even less that it could be desired by providence in order to favour the growth of the laity," the Pope said. Pope John Paul said it is obvious that in Rome and in many parts of the world there are social obstacles to making a lifelong commitment to celibacy, the priesthood and religious life. Many people today have difficulty even thinking that they could make a commitment for life that "absorbs them not in a partial and provisional way, but fully and definitively," he said. It is even more difficult for them to realise that such a vocation is not the result of their choices or talents, the Pope said, "but is born of a call from God, from the design of love and mercy which he, from eternity, has for each person." Because a vocation flows from God, it is not enough for a diocese to have a good recruitment plan, he said. "The first and principal commit-
ment for vocations cannot be anything but prayer," he said. "Praying for vocations is not and cannot be the fruit of resignation, as if we think we already have done everything possible with little result and therefore there is nothing left to do but pray," the pope said. "Prayer, in fact, is not delegating something to the Lord so that he will do something in our place," he told the priests. Rather, he said, praying for vocations means trusting in God, "putting ourselves in his hands so that he, in turn, will make us trusting and open to carrying out the works of God." Pope John Paul also told the priests that their good example is essential in helping young people accept the vocation God has in mind for them. "If teens and young adults see priests busy with too many things, easily upset and complaining,
US cloning debate sharply divided WASHINGTON (CNS) - The head of the President's Council on Bioethics said that the debate on cloning human embryos should not he linked to controversies over abortion. "We must not think of human cloning as the tail on the abortion dog," said chairman Leon Kass at a February 14 council meeting in Washington. An extra corporal embryo does not involve risk to women." said Kass. a bioethicist at the IIniversity of Chicago. Another distinction is that a central question in embryo cloning is whether these are useful in medical research, he said. Kass asked the 10-member council of lawyers, philosophers, bioethicists. scientists and medical doctors to weigh what society owes to cloned embryos against what society owes to patients suffering horrible diseases. Members disagreed sharply (luring the public round-table discussion. Arguing against using cloned embryos for research was Dr. Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post columnist and a psychiatrist, who is paralysed because of spinal cord problems. "I'm one of those patients that's
Tae Young and Mark Westhusin of Texas A&M University NMI CC, the first cloned cat, at the school in College Station, Texas. Photo CNS Reuters
suptiowd to be helped." said Krauthammer. "But I'm also a father. We want to bequeath our children a world in which we want them to live, not one where there is a cavalier breaking of traditional moral rules just so I can walk." Alfonso Gomez-Lobo, Georgetown University philosophy professor, also argued against research cloning. He said that the
embryo is in the early stages of a human organism that will become a human being having a unique genetic identity. "Do I have any reason to deny this embryo adulthood? I don't think I can do it, he said. President Bush formed the council last year to advise him on bioethical issues. It plans several more meetings this year before drafting recommendations.
Catholic-Orthodox relations sour
Cardinal Kasper spoke to Vati- of religion. But it's not our intencan Radio on February 15 • two tion," he said. He said he hoped VATIC. \ N CITY (CNS) - The Vat-. days after the Russian Orthodox to get the dialogue back on track ican's top ecumenist, Cardinal asked him to cancel a planned through more personal meetings Walter Kasper, said he hoped to ecumenical visit to Moscow on and an emphasis on the many travel to Moscow sometime this February 21. things Catholics and Orthodox year to begin mending the "seriCardinal Kasper said he still have in common. He said the ous damage" to Catholic-Ortho- hoped to make the trip, "not this biggest obstacle in Catholicdox relations. month, and perhaps not next Orthodox relations was lack of Cardinal Kasper said the Russ- month. but during this year." trust, not faith issues. ian Orthodox Church's reaction The establishment of dioceses "The Orthodox are closest to us, in mid-February to the Vatican's was sharply criticised by the and we must go on in dialogue establishment of four dioceses in Russian Orthodox Church, which with them. There is no alternative Russia showed that the Orthodox saw the move as another step in to ecumenism," he said. have a "big misunderstanding" of Catholic expansionism in what it Vatican spokesman Joaquin Catholic intentions. considers Orthodox territory Navarro-Valls said, "It seems to Meanwhile, a Vatican Cardinal Kasper said the me the basic question is whether spokesman said the Orthodox episode marked an ecumenical they want to accept and protect reaction raised the question of setback the fundamental rights of the freewhether Orthodox leaders really "It's a serious damage, I think dom of conscience and freedom want to respect the religious but it's not for eternity," he said. of religion, which are at the founrights of all believers. "I think it will change again, dation of every form of civil and And in a statement from because this is a big misunder- pluralistic harmony. Moscow. Archbishop Tadeusz standing of the Moscow Patriar"These rights mean that every Kondrusiewicz accused the Russ- chate," he said. "We don't want to religious group be recognised and ian Orthodox of interference in proselytise, we want to care for respected in its specific identity, Catholic affairs and challenged our Catholic people in Russia. avoiding religious-based discrimthem to prove their allegations "When one or two Orthodox ination between citizens, as is that the Catholic Church was people want to become Catholic, guaranteed by civil law in the proselytizing among the Ortho- we have to recognise it, that's free- Russian Federation." the Vatican dox. dom of conscience and freedom spokesman said.
The Record, Oebruary 21 2002 Page 12
By John Thavis
careless in their prayer and in the tasks proper to their ministry, how can they be fascinated by the life of the priesthood?" he asked. "If, instead, they experience in us the joy of being ministers of Christ, generosity in serving the church, ready to take responsibility for the human and spiritual growth of those persons entrusted to us, they will be prompted to ask themselves if perhaps this would be the 'better part' for them, the most beautiful choice for their young lives," the pope said. Speaking off-the-cuff at the end of the audience, the Pope said the local seminary is the "pupil of the eye of the bishop," because through the seminary "he sees the future of the church." "I say this with the experience I have had of being a bishop for many years, first in Krakow, then in Rome: in Krakow for 20 years and in Rome already for 24 years," he said.
Love is like salt TERNI. Italy (CNS) 'frue love is more like salt than the chocolates that have become a standard Valentine's Day gift, said the Bishop of Terni. the Italian city St. Valentine served as Bishop at the turn of the third century. 'The love of St. Valentine resembles the salt which gives taste to one's entire life more than a chocolate which gives satisfaction bra nmment, then disappears.' said Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of Terni. Narni and Amelia. during a February 14 celebration in "Ii!rni's Basilica of St. Valentine. The Bishop made the same point during the February 10 Mass he celebrated in the basilica for hundreds of engaged couples in anticipation of Valentine's Day. 'Valentine's love is more like salt than chocolate: he told the couples. 'Salt, as you know, not only preserves food but gives it taste. And salt does not exist for itself: it exists to give flavor. 'Love is like that: he said. 'Love gives flavor to one's life. every day, everything we do. Love forgives and love overcomes obstacles we think are inAirmounta e. 'We are all forcibly and usually unconsciously students in the school of selfishness: making it easy to react with violence, to put oneself first, to offend, to hate and to betray, he said. But love takes effort and may cost, the Bishop told the couples. 'Love is tenderness for the one near you, Ills passion to make the world more beautiful, it is compassion for the poor and weak and it is an alliance to make the work more just and peaceful,' he said. Each year, couples gather at St. Valentine's burial place north of Rome to promise their love to each other and to pray for God's blessing and help in keeping their love alive. Valentine was bishop of Terni in 'very difficult years for Christians. who repeatedly endured persecution," the Bishop said.
nterna iona
News
Pope to open WWII archives to end speculation By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican announced it would open ahead of schedule part of its 20thcentury archives, including new documents on Vatican-German relations and Pope Pius Xll's efforts to help prisoners during World War II. The Vatican described the move as an "exceptional gesture" by Pope John Paul II that should help put an end to "unjust and thankless speculation" - an apparent reference to accusations, strongly rejected by the Vatican, that Pope Pius XII and others did not do enough to stop the Nazi rise to power and the Holocaust. The announcement came in a Iwo-page statement on 15 February by officials of the Vatican Secret Archives and the Secretariat of State. For years, Jewish scholars in particular have pressed the Vatican to open its archives so experts could examine a more complete historical record from the period. The Vatican usually makes the archival material of an entire pontificate available. This is done only after the passage of many years,
Pope John Paul II receives ashes from Cardinal Josef Tomko at Rome's Basilka of Santa Sabina February 13.
in order to respect the rights of the people involved and to allow the material to be organised. In 1984, Pope John Paul ordered archival material opened from the pontificate of Pope Benedict XV, who reigned until 1922. At the same time he ordered archivists to start organising material from
Italian Bishop leased prison camp for Jews
the reign of Pope Pius XI, who died in 1939. In its 15 February statement, the Vatican said cataloguing the documents from the pontificate of Pope Pius XI would take another three years to complete. But in the meantime, starting in 2003, it will make available to scholars some
"This further opening of the Vatican Archives is very important to the Holy Father, considering that during the pontificate of Pius XII the Second World War took place and with it the deportation of the Jews and the tragedy of the Shoah," the Vatican statement said. Meanwhile, it said, the Vatican would take the unusual step of publishing archival documents relating to World War II prisoners. It said this was possible because the Vatican's material on prisoners has been kept relatively intact and complete. The intent is to "bring to the awareness of historians the great work of charity and assistance carried out by Pius XII regarding numerous prisoners and other victims of the war, of whatever nation, religion or race," the Vatican said. The Vatican said its decision to make the 20th-century archival material available in stages could bring some pitfalls for scholars. A historian researching VaticanGerman relations, for example, might want to extend his research to other areas of the archive that remain closed.
Catholic Bishops post sex abuse site By Jerry Fitteau WASHINGI"ON (CNS) - Amid new national attention to the issue of sexual abuse of minors by priests, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops posted a series of articles on the topic on its Web site February 13. The articles can be accessed at www.usccb.orgicomm/restoretru st.htm. They include: - The text of "Walk in the Light: A Pastoral Response to Child Sexual Abuse." a 1995 collaborative statement of the bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church and Committee on Marriage and Family. - An interview with Dr. Frederick S. Berlin, a leading expert on sexual disorders, concerr ing peadophilia, sexual abuse of minors and related issues. - An overview of U.S. diocesan policies to prevent sexual abuse of minors and to deal with it when it occurs. - A statement of five principles that have guided dioceses in deal-
aged in bombardments. He thus ended up living for several ROME (CNS) - An Italian Bish- months need to the concentration op rented out a wing of his dioce- camp, which was encircled by san seminary to house a barbed wire and protected by concentration camp for Jews dur- armed guards. ing World War II, according to The Jews shipped to Auschwitz documents recently placed on from the camp included 36 forexhibit in Italy. eigners. Shortly before the war Camp survivors recounted that ended, the remaining prisoners in the Bishop helped make sure con- the camp were freed. ditions there were not harsh. He Luciana Rocchi, the historian visited prisoners and used his who researched the episode for Influence to have some of them the Grosseto branch of Italy's HisBy Cindy Wooden sent home for health masons. But toric Institute of the Resistance, 46 of the prisoners eventually said the historical evidence was ROME (CNS) While Mother were deported to the Nazi death unclear about Bishop Galeazzi's Teresa of Calcutta consciously camp at Auschwitz. motives in renting out the church avoided any involvement in politics, her life and work had and The story was reported in detail property continue to have political impliby the Italian newspaper Corriere "The written record shows he della Sera in mid-February: it was clearly accepted the camp on cations, said participants in a based on evidence uncovered for church property. On the other Rome conference. ▪In the history of the church, the an exhibit to commemorate war hand, according to oral testimony, victims in the Tuscan city of Gros- he carried out charitable actions charitable activity of saints always seto. there." she told Catholic News had and always will have political dimensions, at the very least by Among the documents on dis- Service February 14. pushing others to look at the play was a 1943 lease agreement Interviews with camp survivors between then-Bishop Paolo indicated the Bishop used his needs around them,' said Bishop Galeazzi and local fascist leaders, influence to alleviate the prison- Gianni Danzi, a Vatican official. Bishop Muni, secretary-general who were seeking a place to ers' suffering and to have some of the governor's office of Vatican intern the 148 Jews of the region. dismissed from the camp for The contract, signed by the Bish- health reasons. Rocchi said. The City State, worked closely with op, leased a wing of the seminary Bishop was said to have visited Mother Teresa in opening a soup for use as a "Jewish concentration frequently, bringing gifts and kitchen and shelter for the poor inside the Vatican. He spoke at a camp." playing with the children of the February 13 conference in Rome The diocese was to receive 5,000 camp. titled, 'Mother Teresa of Calcutta: lire a month - a notable sum at Rocchi said that after the Allied Is Charity Political?' The founder the time - and local nuns each liberation of Italy, Bishop Galeazzi of the Missionaries of Charity were to be paid 300 lire a month said that if he had not willingly died in 1997 for service in the infirmary and leased the church property to the Pope John Paul II waived the women's quarters. fascists it would have been requi- five-year waiting period, allowing The seminary was located about sitioned. But she said her own the process for her canonisation 20 miles outside Grosseto, but the research into documents of the to begin. Missionaries of Charity bishop had to move there after his period, including those of the dio- Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, prodiocesan headquarters was dam- cese. showed no evidence of that. moter of her beatification cause, By John Thavis
of the documents - those that relate to Vatican-German relations in 1922-39. The documents are considered especially sensitive because they cover a period in which Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, the future Pope Pius XII, served first as nuncio to Germany and then as secretary of state. In 1999, the book "Hitler's Pope" accused Cardinal PaceIli of having pro-German sentiments that coloured his World War II policies as Pope - an accusation Vatican historians rejected as slanderously false. The archival documents to be made available are contained in more than 600 folders that came from the Vatican Secretariat of State and the apostolic nunciatures in Berlin and Bavaria. The Vatican warned scholars, however, that many other documents of the Holy See were destroyed in Germany during the wan The Vatican said that once the entire archives from Pope Pius XI have been opened - in about three years - Pope John Paul wants archival documents dealing with Vatican-German relations under Pope Pius XII to be made available on a priority basis.
ing with the issue over the past decade. - A lengthy chronology of discussions and actions by the bishops' conference over the past 20 years to help bishops combat clergy sexual abuse against minors. - An op-ed piece, "Restoring Trust: The Response to Sexual Abuse," by Bishop John E Kinney of St. Cloud, Minn., who headed the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse from its formation in 1993 until 2000. The recent criminal trial of John J. Geoghan, a defrocked Boston priest who allegedly molested more than 130 children during 30plus years as a priest, generated new public attention to the issue. National media interest in that and other Boston cases grew rapidly in January and February as Cardinal Bernard E Law of Boston, in a series of actions within a few weeks: - Publicly apologised to those harmed by Geoghan and acknowledged he had made mis-
takes in giving Geoghan pastoral assignments before 1994, when he removed him from priestly ministry. - Announced that from now on, no priest of the archdiocese who was ever found guilty of abusing a minor will be allowed to remain in active ministry. - Removed eight priests from assignments or ministerial activities because of past allegations of child sexual abuse. - Reported scores of past allegations of clergy sexual misconduct with minors, some going back 40 years or more, to local prosecutors. - Established a blue-ribbon task force to critique archdiocesan policies and advise him on future handling of sex abuse allegations. The five guiding principles for the U.S. church's response to sexual abuse were enunciated at the bishops' general meeting in June 1992 by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilzarczyk of Cincinnati, following a daylong session on various aspects of clergy sexual abuse.
Mother Therese's charity lives on
told the conference, 'From the the obligation of faith and what beginning. Mother Teresa insisted society must do in order to grow she and her sisters would never in its humanity.' Antonio Marzano. an economist enter into a political debate; this and Italy's minister of production. would ensure their complete free dom to care for the poorest of the told the conference that no govpoor. Yet, what she did gave rise ernment and no economy are per'There always are to questions of a political nature,' fect. inefficiencies and injustices: he he said. One of the highest obligations said. The free-market economy 'is a of a go-verrunent based on the rule of law and democratic principles contest and there are winners and is to guarantee justice for its citi- losers. There are handicaps zens, giving each person his or which prevent some people from participating at all ... and this is her due, the priest said. 'But justice cannot always be where Mother Teresa comes in; Marzano said. Mother Teresa and given in our world,' he said. Charity, as lived by Mother Tere- people like her are reminders of sa and espoused for all Christians, 'the obligation of solidarity,' he goes beyond justice, giving peo- said, an obligation that governple not just what they are owed, ments as well as individuals have. Sen. Nicola Mancino, former but what they need, Father president of the Italian senate, Kolodiejchuk said. Whereas justice is motivated by said Catholic social teaching a recognition of the humanity of rightly raises concerns about a the other, charity flows from the government that relies almost knowledge that the other is a exclusively on a free-market econbrother or sister deserving of love, omy to provide for the well-being of its citizens:The state is obliged he said. Mother Teresa, he said, 'was not to provide protection for citizens just someone to admire and per- living in situations which are not haps help when we had time, but completely resolvable by market she was someone who taught us forces," Sen. Mancino said. The Record, February 21 2002 Page 13
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Asian Catholic News
Asian youth flock to WY Day By Gerard O'Connell, Special Correspondent in Rome VATICAN CITY (UCAN) - More than 1,700 young people from 10 Asian countries have registered for the World Youth Day (WYD) "and very many more are expected to sign up," according to the chief organiser of the event. Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, a Canadian and WYD chief organizer, told UCA News in Rome that by February 1, some 110,000 young people from 122 countries have signed up for this awesome event" to be held July 18-28 in Toronto, Canada. So far the largest number of Asians come from the Philippines with 832 delegates, followed by China and Japan with 205 and 200 delegates respectively. Some 170 Koreans have signed up, as have 169 from Pakistan, 106 from India, and smaller numbers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Singa-
pore. Father Rosica said that Chinese and Korean versions of the WYD website can be accessed through the Internet at http:// www.wyd2002.org. The priest said he expects halfa-million young people in Toronto for the event, but they are preparing for up to two million, the number that came to Rome in the year 2000. The largest gathering ever was In Manila in 1995, when 4.5 million people came together. Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presented the event at a February 5 press conference hosted by the Canadian Embassy to the Holy See in Rome. He said the WYD theme is taken from the words of Jesus, "You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world." He listed the main challenging Issues which he hoped young people would tackle at Toronto -
bioethics, globalisation, hostility between men and women, the meaning of freedom, violence and war, peace and reconciliation. Father Rosica said that WYD participants would seek to emphasise that the WYD is the antithesis of the events of Sept. 11 and their tragic aftermath characterised by "monologue, tyranny, oppression, an unequal distribution of the world's goods, terrorism, darkness and poverty." The WYD "flies in the face of the tyranny of monologue and oppression, and exclusion and domination," he said. "It's about the fundamental message of the beatitudes. It's a story about what the Church represents at her best, about universality." World Youth Day is about "bringing people together for the sake of peace, in the name of Jesus Christ, and giving the world a counter-sign," he said. "It will be a real school of peace,
Indon-Catholics urge freedom JAKARTA (UCAN) - Catholic leaders during a courtesy visit to Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz urged the government to guarantee the right and freedom to fully practice their religion. Chris Siner Key-Timu, on behalf of 280 members of the group that called itself the "Catholic Community," read the group's recommendations to the vice president. "The government must guarantee the right of the citizens to freely observe their respective religious activities and build infrastnictures for their activities," he said. Bishop Benyamin Bria of Denpasar told Haz at the February 1 meeting that since the riot in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara province. in 2000. "Christians have been prohibited from holding prayer meetings in their homes." The Timorese Bishop denounced the move as religious Intolerance. "We need to mutual-
ly respect each other's freedom Islamic teachings, but we do not and beliefs," said the bishop of want the law of a certain religion the diocese that serves the pm- to be applied as a basic law binddominantly Muslim province of ing all the citizens in the country." West Nusa Tenggara and pre"Harmonious life among people dominantly Hindu province of from different religious traditions Bali. Vice President Him a Mus- will be harmed if Islamic law is lim and concurrently chairman of applied in the secular country." the Islamic Union of Development said the Bishop whose diocese is Party, told the 280 Catholic repre- 945 kilometres east of Jakarta. sentatives. "The government will Key-Timu told UCA News that seriously consider the concerns he appreciated the Bishop's and aspirations of the Catholics." courage in voicing the concerns "Religious laws are needed to of the Catholic community. counter the national moral decaHowever, he said. "I feel disapdence nowadays." he said. pointed with the dialogue However, he acknowledged that because the vice president alwriN each religion should have "a avoids questions from the audisense of responsibility" not to ence on religious freedom." make people of other religions Among organisations represent"afraid and restless." ed during the visit were the Commenting on their visit, Bish- Indonesian Catholic Intellectuals op Bria told UCA News, "The Association, Catholic Women of meeting was okay in the sense the Republic of Indonesia, that the aspirations of the Catholic Youth. Forum of the Catholics could be heard direct- Indonesian Catholic Community, ly." and the Union of Catholic UniOn Islamic law, the Bishop said. versity Students of the Republic "We respect Muslims' rights and of Indonesia.
Dominicans take studies seriously HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (MAN) - Dominican scholastics in Vietnam have been urged to take their studies seriously and make full use of new study facilities their predecessors had to do without. "If young Dominican friars do not take their formation seriously, their future ministries will be less effective vice provincial Father Dominique Dinh Viet Tien said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Dominican house of studies in Ho Chi Minh City on January 28. Father Joseph Nguyen 11-ong Vien, director of the formation house, told UCA News, "I rejoice at seeing younger brothers in the (Vietnam) province benefit from better material and spiritual conditions, but I am also worried." He explained that compared to older Dominicans who underwent many difficulties during their formation, the younger generation may take for granted the resources provided for them and even become overly dependent on the congregation. The house of studies is a singlestory building with well-equipped classrooms and workshops on a 7,600-square-meter land plot that includes sports grounds and a four-story residence that can house 100 students.
The construction of the new facility, located next to the Dominican-run Man Coi Parish in Go Vap district of Ho Chi Minh City, cost about 8 billion dong (US5533,000). According to Father Vien. the Dominican house of studies "had to move" 17 times in the last 67 years, including a period at the Albert Institute on Rosary Hill in Hong Kong from 1951 to 1959. He recalled that due to adverse historical circumstances, former students spent up to 10 years to finish their studies as they had to make a living while studying. Some even spent several years in re-education camps, he added. Some brothers had to swim across a river to get wine for their community Mass and others had to drive pedicabs to make their presence felt in society, he recalled. He added that many young aspirants had to hide when police raided their house to check residential certificates. He said older Dominicans valued these difficulties, which they saw as "dark spots" in the order's history, but which also taught them useful lessons. "In a sense, sharing the changes and the losses with the nation has been a spiritual value that empowers the order for the future," he said. Brother Pierre Dinh Quang
The Record; February, 21 2002. Page.14
Manh Hung. a first-year theology student. told UCA News after the Inauguration, "I always appreciate our predecessors' sacrifices and achievements. I try to learn from their loyalty and perseverance." About 60 Dominicans and other priests concelebrated the inaugural Mass and blessing of the new facility. Echoing Father Tien's view, Father Joseph Do Ngoc Bar!, one of the councillors of the order's Vietnam province, said, "Now that the infrastructural facilities and living environment have been in place, the greatest concern is how to provide adequate formation to young brothers. If our young brothers do not invest their time and energy seriously in their studies and research work, they will fall behind other people in today's rapidly changing society," he said. The mission of the order demands that they respond creatively to the people's needs, he added. During the inauguration, about 500 publications - research by Dominicans over the last 60 years in the fields of theology, faith inculturation and social issues were displayed to the public. Since 1991 the Dominican house of studies has also served scholastics from 13 other men's religious congregations.
a laboratory of peace, as the pope called it." The event, he added, will have an ecumenical and interfaith dimension particularly in the area of social justice, because "you cannot do anything without reference to other religious groups." He noted that young people will be housed among families of different religions in Toronto. Though the international gathering remains an explicitly Catholic project, "we're excluding no one," he emphasized. Pope John Paul ll gives World Youth Day his personal attention, Father Rosica said. "It makes him tick, it keeps him alive," he added. "When you mention the WYD he completely lights up," the Canadian priest said, adding that even though his body "is broken now and tired," nevertheless "inside that old man is a very young heart, and a young spirit."
The Pope is "an old man who has a tremendous vision," he said. "I think that is his appeal to young people; he is giving them a reason to hope and to believe, and he shows them what commitment means." "He is the father that many of them do not know. He is the grandfather most of them never had the privilege of relating to. This is not Pope-mania, but this is the love of a human being who keeps them going just as much as they keep him going," he added. Pope John Paul will attend the World Youth Day celebration July 25-28, before flying to Mexico to canonise Blessed Juan Diego. He is also expected to make a stopover in New York and pray at Ground Zero, the site of World Trade Centre towers that collapsed due to terrorist attacks, but the Vatican will not confirm that until the last moment, sources said.
Flooding in Jakarta kills 16 leaves others homeless
Victims of flooding in Jakarta, Indonesia, reach for food handouts 15 February. Health workers said at least 16 people, mostly children, had died as a result of diseases brought on by recent downpours.
Muslims and Christians agree to end conflict JAKARTA (UCAN) - Muslim and Christian representatives involved in a bloody three-year conflict have reached an agreement to end the fighting and restore peace in Maluku province. eastern Indonesia. The peace agreement, "Malino II Declaration," was signed by 70 members of the two warring groups at the end of a February 11-12 meeting at the tourist resort of Malino, east of Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi province. Those present comprised 35 Muslim and 35 Christian representatives, 10 mediators and 20 observers. In the peace agreement, the two sides resolved to end all conflicts and said that all armed militias must be banned and their weapons confiscated. They agreed to establish a national independent team to probe the roots of conflicts that erupted in January 1999. They also agreed to reject all separatist movements and forced conversion to other religions, saying faith propagation must be carried out in accordance with the law to maintain harmonious relations. They said that all displaced people should now return to their respective place of origin.
and they asked security authorities to remain neutral in their efforts to maintain order and security. The accord said the government will be asked to help fund the rehabilitation of all damaged economic assets, public facilities and people's housing. and to remove all obstacles that hamper moves to restore economic and social life. Among the Christian delegation. seven were Catholics, including Sacred Heart Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Amboina. Jesuit Father Ignatius Ismartono. executive secretary of the episcopal conunission for interreligious affairs, attended the meeting as an observer. Bishop Mandagi expressed optimism that the talks would he effective in ending the conflict. "I am very hopeful that it will be adhered to. There is no other alternative except peace to end the conflict," he told the press. According to the Catholic prelate, the fate of the talks would depend on the supporters of both sides and on government law enforcers. "The situation in Maluku will return to normal if the two sides phase out their suspicion and accept the accord." he said.
Official Engagements
Record EYEiiiCATCHER
FEBRUARY
22 Clergy Reception for Bishop Donald Sproxton, St Thomas More College - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Healy Ecumenical Service to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of opening of Chapel at Fremantle Hospital R ev Fr Anthony Colbert OMI 24 Mercy College Opening Mass - Bishop Sproxton
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S/C RECENTLY renovated farm cottage on working farm 9 kms from Narrogin. From S88/day 10°.'a discount 3 days or more. Phone/fax 9881 5864 Email loxley@westnet.com.au
CARPENTER Renovations, all your carpentry needs, Graham 9300 4296, mob 0417 900 054 PLUMBING and gas fitting contact Paul Clark 0408 202 655. LIC. PLUMBER/gas fitter, Contact John on 9457 7771, Mobile 0412 185 209. BRICK re-pointing. Phone Nigel 9242 2952 ELECTRICIAN, Power/light points from $50 each. Rewiring our speciality. 0418 941 286, 9279 5008.
NEED additional income? Work from home. Ring independent distributor Mark Norman 9487 1787.
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26 Presentation of Youth Book to Year 12s at Sacred Heart College. Sorrento - Archbishop Hickey MARCH 3
Annual Harvest Festival Procession and Open-air Mass, Pickering Brook - Archbishop Hickey
6
Mass for Curtin University Students and Confirmation A rchbishop Hickey
ALL areas. Mike Murphy 1800 016 310 (free call).
[
Archcliocesan Panorama A DAY WITH MARY FOR YOUTH
Sat March 2. 9am to 5pm. Aquinas College, 58 Mount Henry Rd. Salter Point. A video will be shown at 9am. A powerful day of prayer and instruction based upon the message of Fatima. Solemn Mass, Reconciliation Eucharistic Procession and Adoration, two talks. Meditations on t he Cross. Wanna sing? Practise Thurs Feb 28, 6.30pm in Aquinas Chapel. There will be a skateboard exhibition. All are welcome. Please BYO. Inquiries: Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate 9574 5204. MINI LENTEN MISSION St Jude's Parish, Lynwood/Langford, wil l be holding a Mini Lenten Mission guided by the Redemptorist Fathers, on Mon March 4, Tues March 5 and Wed March 6 from 7.30 to 8.30pm. There will be a Second Rite of Reconciliation on Wednesday. Participants are cordially invited to celebrate the c onclusion of the Mini Mission in the adjoining Parish Centre. Please bring a plate of finger food. For further details please contact 9458 1946. HEALING MASS IN WILLETTON Held in honour of St Peregrine, patron of cancer sufferers and helper of all in need at the church o f SS John and Paul, Pinetree Gully Rd, (off South St)Willetton on Thurs March 7 at 7pm. Veneration o f the relic and anointing of the sick. Information: Noreen Monaghan 9332 8292. STATIONS OF THE CROSS Followed by Holy Mass in the traditional rite will be celebrated every Friday in Lent. at 6.30pm, in St John's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth. Inquiries: Fr Christopher Dowd OP, 94,44 9604. COUNTRY DAY OF RELFECTION The first Country Day will be held at St Joseph's Church, Northam on Mon 18 March, commencing 10am (Morning tea 9.30-10am). Rosary, talks C onfession, concluding with Holy Mass at 2pm. B YO lunch, tea/coffee supplied. Contacts: Northam 9622 5963, Metro 9446 1935. CROSS OF GLORY PRAYER GROUP If you have a heart for intercessory prayer and would like to join with others, you are most welcome. We meet south of the river every Wednesday morning at 11am. Info: Kath 9314 3122. BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Organised for those who have experienced loss through separation, divorce or the death of a partner. The theme of the weekend is to close the door gently on the former relationship in order to begin a new life, Fri 8 to Sun March 10 at St Joseph's Convent, Safety Bay. Information: Diane ( weekend coordinator) 9301 0525. Lynda 94445539. Lynn phone/fax 9402 0100. PERSONAL HOLINESS What is it? How is it achieved? What for? On Sun Feb 24 switch on to Radio Fremantle (107.9 FM) at 8pm and participate. The panel is composed of (at least) one priest, a m^mber of the Knights of the Southern Cross (Cathedral branch) and one young person - facilitated by Raymond and Theresa de Souza. Ring 9494 2100 for your comments. Sponsored by the Cathedral Knights. CHILDREN'S CATECHISM ON AIR Have your children's and students' knowledge of R.E. tested in a radio broadcast...! Find out how much your children have learned. Let them hear a short story on the life of a saint whose feast is celebrated during the week. Join us for the Family Rosary at 7.30pm (Radio Fremantle, 107.9 FM). The Catechism will follow at 7.45pm. Children's Catechism on Air will be broadcast every Sunday from 24 Feb. WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION The next First Saturday Mass, procession and Rosiry Vig'' will beheld on March 2, commencing with Mass at 8.30am at St Anne's Church,
Hehir St. Belmont. We proceed prayerfully to the R ivervale Abortion centre and conclude with R osary. Please join us to pray peacefully for the c onversion of hearts. Inq: Francette 9279 3934. PRO-LIFE PROCESSION MIDLAND The first Friday mass, procession and Rosary vigil will be held on March 1. commencing with Mass celebrated at St Brigid's Church, Midland. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate will lead us. All are invited to witness for the sanctity of life and pray for the conversion of hearts. PILGRIMAGE 2002 AND ANNUAL FRUIT HARVEST FESTIVAL Held in honour of Our Lady of Grace at the Catholic church grounds. Merrivale Rd. Pickering Brook. to be celebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey. Sun March 3. Procession 4.30pm. Open A ir Mass 5pm. followed by barbecue, dancing. entertainment and children's games. All welcome. GOOD FRIDAY CEREMONIES AT BINDOON Cathoic Agicultural College 12 noon - Stations of t he Cross. 2pm - Performance of Passion Play, 3pm - Solemn Ceremony - The Lord's Passion. Confessions from 10.30am and after Stations of t he Cross. All are welcome. Transport departs St Mary's Cathedral 10am for Bindoon. Return journey via Our Lady of Lourdes shrine, Gingin. Cost S15 per person (return). For bookings contact Francis Williams 9459 3873, mob 0404 893 877. Details: Fr Paul 9571 1839, Francis 0404 893 877. C ROSS ROADS COMMUNITY: HEALING MASSES AND ACTIVITIES Fr Paul Baczynski conducts on the first Monday of the month a Healing Mass at East Fremantle church at 7pm. On the second Monday of the month. Healing Mass at Munster/Spearwood church at 10am. On the third Monday, Healing Mass at lnnaloo church. At Cross Roads Community, there is a Support Group for families and f riends of substance abusers on Wed, 7-8.30pm. Fri at Cross Roads, 2-3.30pm support and growth group for substance abusers. Fri at Cross Roads a t 7.30pm Holy Mass followed by fraternity. prayer and guest speakers on occasion. All are welcome. Inq: Cross Roads 9319 8344. EMMANUAEL CENTRE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Emmanuel Centre needs two or more people to help out in a mosaic project on a Tuesday morning from 9.30 am to 12 noon. No experience needed. The job is to assist people with limited movement skills to grow in ability. Another need is for someone to teach basic music keyboard skills.The days and times are very flexible including weekends as a possibility. Please contact Barbara Harris at Emmanuel Centre 9328 8113. S ACRED HEART HIGHGATE FRIST COMMUNION 1950 A reunion is to beheld on Sun April 14 for students who made their First Communion at Sacred Heart Church. Highgate in 1950. Names include: Trevor Little, Ted Hodgkinson.. John Black, Gaye Downey. Susan Tonkin. Doreen Pensini. Patty Felton, Maxine Joyce, Maureen Ferguson and Catherine Welsh. Ring Joan Manns on 9447 0005 for details. ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS ALL NIGHT EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will commence at 9pm with Holy Mass on Fri March 1 at Our Lady of Mercy, Girrawheen. Concludes with Mass at 7.15am. (Hourly prayers, hymns, reflections and refreshments during the night). All are welcome. WORKSHOP FOR PARISH MUSICIANS Thurs Feb 28. St Mary's Parish Centre, 40 Franklin Street. Leederville. Register by Mon Feb 25. Archdiocesan Liturgy Office, phone: 9221 1548, Fax: 9221 3694. Email: litrcia@nw.com.au.
The Record, February 21 2002 Page 15
Little
inspi skate By Jennifer Del Vechio hen former Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski skates these days. she does so in tribute to St Therese of Lisieux. Lipinski. 19. is the youngest gold medal winner in Winter Olympic history. She was 15 when she took first in women's figure skating at the 1998 games in Nagano. Japan. "Without St Therese I would have never won the Olympics," Lipinski told The Criterion, newspaper of the Indianapolis Archdiocese. "I focused on St Therese and she gave me the strength to do that." Lipinski now skates professionally in the "Thrget Stars on Ice" show. alongside Olympic champions Kristi Yamaguchi, Katarina Witt and Ilia !Wilk. She made the comments in a phone interview with the paper just prior to performing in Indianapolis in early February with the show, which is on tour through April. The 61 US cities on the tour include Milwaukee. Cleveland, Detroit. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Lipinski normally performs a solo number called "The Colour of Roses" during the Target production as a dedication to the saint known as the "Little Flower." The skater wears a St Therese medal and carries a small statue of the saint wherever she goes. She was 14 when a Pittsburgh diocesan priest, Father Vince Kolo. first told her about St Therese
- who, according to tradition, gave roses to those who prayed to her. St Therese of Lisieux was born in France in 1873. She said she wanted to spend her heaven on earth doing good deeds. A mystic, St Therese entered the Carmelite order at the age of 15 despite strong resistance. She died in 1897 and was canonised by Pow: Pius XI in 1925. She was declared a doctor of the church by Pope John Paul II In October 1997. Lipinski told The Criterion that her family was not overly religious when she was growing up, but her parents were good role models and taught her right from wrong. Over the years. God and St Therese "have kept me going no matter how bad things were." said Lipinski. who lives in Houston. A native of Texas, she spent many of her training years in the Detroit area. "Of course. I've been through a lot with my skating and dealing with doubt," she added. She also watched the strain her ice skating put on her parents. who lived apart during much of her amateur skating career. Her father stayed at home in Texas while she travelled with her mother. She said St Therese always has come through for her, and feels the saint has given her small signs that things will be all right. She recalled getting a knock on her door one day: It was someone delivering a rose necklace, but there was no note. Another time, recuperating In the hospital after hip
As she is today: Former Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski's skating repertoire includes her standard tribute to St Therese of Ueteux, skated to the song 'The Colour of Roses. ' Photo: Barry Mittan/CNS
surgery, she was working on a crossword puzzle, she said. when 'I looked at 12 down it said: 'the saint of the little flower.'" Lipinski said that after praying for help during difficult times, she has often received roses she believes to be from the saint, and has tried to return the favours. For example, she has dedicated her skating program to St Therese. even publicly acknowledging her devotion to the Saint after winning the Olympic gold medal. She also has done charita-
ble works, such as establishing a playroom at a Detroit hospital in honour of the Saint "She's really special to me," the skater said in a phone interview with The Catholic Voice, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Nebraska, another city on her tour. "I'm attracted to St Therese because of her young age, her 'little way,' and not being perfect but still trying." She added, "Faith is what you turn to and what gets you through no matter what. It plays a huge role in my life."
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The Record, February 21 2002 Page 16
Tara Lipinski, pictured here when she becam. the youngest-ever gold medal winner in Winter Olympics history. Tara credits St Theresf •. with her win.
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