Praying with the Pope
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Vocations come Will John Paul II in answer to new be the yardstick for future popes? group's prayers - Pages 8&9 - Page 16
Responding to the abuse controversy - Pages IO&II
Pope in cyberspace By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) Although pain caused him to cancel another parish visit and ecumenical tensions keep him from visiting Moscow, Pope John Paul II gathered young people from Spain to Russia to pray the rosary with him via satellite. The pope's brief remarks in Russian to students gathered on March 2 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Moscow were followed by four full minutes of applause. Pope John Paul thanked the Russians for their participation and told them. "We remain always united in faith and in service to the Gospel." Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz. head of the new Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow. almost shouted over the applause. "Holy Father, we are waiting for you in Moscow." The recitation of the rosary, which the pope led from the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall. marked the first European University Day sponsored by the European university chaplains committee and the Diocese of Rome. In addition to some 8.000 university students and professors at the Vatican and hundreds in Moscow, the satellite hookup included gatherings in Valencia. Spain: Vienna. Austria: Athens.
ed. "Giovanni Paolo" ("John Paul"), he jokingly chastised them for their alternative to prayer, saying, "This is not found in any litany." But in a clear sign that his knee still was hurting, the pope did not use the kneeler in front of his chair for the recitation of the rosary. Speaking at the end of the prayer. the pope said the bond of faith in Jesus, which unites students of different cultures across the continent, is a source of hope for the church and the world. "The Gospel and cultures have journeyed together" ever since the earliest days of Christianity in Europe. he said. "I ask you. dear young people. to promote in your universities a dialogue between faith and culture so that the Gospel leaven will stimulate and support the spiritual and moral quality of university studies and research," he said. The pope told them that, through baptism. "the Holy Spirit has made us witnesses of the love of God, artisans of communion. brotherhood and peace." The new life that flows from the baptismal waters, he said. includes new ways of thinking, of making choices and of interacting with others. Guatemalan Catholics burn incense as they process through the city of Antigua on March 3. The residents of JocoteWith that new life and new way nago went to Antigua as pad of a Lenten pilgrimage to the site. of acting, the pope said. Christian Greece: Budapest. Hungary: and announced the pope would post- in his knee, the pope seemed in young people can renew their cultures and history itself. Strasbourg. France. Although the pone his March 3 visit to a Rome good humour with the students. Continued - Page 2 As the Italians repeatedly chantVatican press office already had parish because of continuing pain
Lent around the world
Monsignor O'Shea's not retiring, just shifting HQ By Bronwen Clone
Monsignor Sean O'Shea, inset, will be permanently based on Rottnest Island and minister from Holy Trinity Church.
After 40 years of racing between churches to celebrate Mass on Rottnest Island Monsignor John O'Shea will now be permanently based there from this weekend. "A good job for an old priest like me," Mgr O'Shea said. But he doesn't plan on taking a holiday with the intention of celebrating Mass daily and making his services available to schools and visitors that come to the island all year round. With 400,000 visitors to the island annually Mgr O'Shea said there was now a need for a permanent priest on the island. One of the first changes will be the Sunday Mass times. Mgr O'Shea will now celebrate Mass at 9am instead of 1lam and will possibly introduce a vigil Mass. "That just gives people on holiday more of an option." Mgr O'Shea said. Mgr O'Shea said the original time of Mass at 11am was always a bit contentious because it used to coincide with the drinking session at the Rottnest Hotel. "I'd always get requests from the men
to give a quick sermon, so they could head on down to the pub and catch the end of the drinking session" he said. The Catholics were affectionately known for their dusty knees from kneeling down in the island's old picture theatre, before the church was built. "Apparently the cry used to go out at the hotel to hold on to your drinks fellas because the Micks. with their dusty knees, were coming and they would grab any drink they could get their hands on," he said. Mgr O'Shea's first appointment was with the Seafarer's Centre in Fremantle, a role that included celebrating Mass every Sunday at Rottnest Island. When he was moved to Mosman Park he continued his trips to the island. He was also responsible for building the Holy Trinity Church on Rottnest, which was built to blend in with the other buildings already there. So after 40 years of hopping on and off ferries he now takes up the permanent Rottnest chaplaincy. Visitors to the island can contact Mgr O'Shea on 9292 5052.
Welfare lobby welcomes Vanstone move Catholic Welfare Australia has welcomed some of the initiatives announced by Minister Vanstone aimed at protecting vulnerable job seekers from the devastating impact of Social Security breaches and penalties. National Director of Catholic Welfare Australia, Mr Toby O'Connor said, "It is encouraging to hear Minister Vanstone's recognition that current arrangements are too tough on the most vulnerable. "The Government should be supported in reforms that improve the system's treatment of disadvantaged job seekers and ensure breach penalties are not imposed without good reason" While welcoming some of the
Minister's key proposals, Mr O'Connor called for further detail. "A key problem with the current system is that a majority of job seekers are penalised for failing to attend initial interviews with Centrelink or Job Network providers. "The Minister's proposal for the temporary suspension of payments until clients attend will be worthwhile only if flaws in the current referral process are addressed and subsequent interviews with clients genuinely take into account their circumstances," said Mr O'Connor. "It would be totally unacceptable if this proposal worsened the already high levels of breaching because the needs of vulnerable job seekers were not properly
How to Make and How and Why to Pray By Brian Peachey manual on how to make Rosary beads. But it is much more than that; it gives a brief history of the Rosary, its intrinsic value, power and efficacy and tells how and why we should pray it. What the critics say: "I am sure The Gift of the Rosary will inspire many people to love and pray the Rosary." - Most Reverend Barry lames Hickey, Archbishop of Perth. "Phenomenal! A 40 page religious booklet without a word of waffle... It contains exquisitely readable mini-homilies on aspects of Mary's prayer. " - Leo Madigan Fatima. "The chapter. How to pray the Rosary. not only contains all the prayers, but a commentary on all 15 mysteries, an extract from Scripture and a short meditation, which will aid those who find the Rosary difficult to pray." Marian News Letter. "It has a beguiling Chestertonian ring about it, with many of the elements of balance and harmony of Christian Life." Barry T Morgan. AD 200a Price S3 plus Gsr Available from Catholic book shops or by mail order plus postage from 48 Carrick Street Woodlands WA 6018 Telephone (08) 9446 3266
Vatican's nod to building halt of Israeli mosque VATICAN Crry. MARCH 4, 2002 believers." He said the Vatican hopes (Zenit.mg).- The Vatican expressed its that "the traditional harmonious coexissatisfaction today with the Israeli gov- tence between Muslims and Christians ernment's decision to halt the construc- in Nazareth, endangered by a provocation of the controversial Nazareth mosque. tive initiative, will be restored with the Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro- contribution of the authorities and the Valls published a press statement whole population." explaining that with this measure, the It "is easy to understand that this is not executive re-establishes "the legality, a decision against the Muslims. the respect for Holy Places, and considera- majority of whose religious and political tion of the respective communities of authorities - in the region and the world
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Toby O'Connor
statement says. Experts in bioethics, law, natural moral law" are not to remain simscience, medicine, philosophy and the- ply as good intentions, "they need the ology met to address the topic "Nature law to recognize and protect them in and Dignity of the Human Person as social life," the academicians added. Foundation of the Right to Life: Chal- Professor Michel Schooyans of the Unilenges of the Contemporary Cultural versity of Leuven. one of the participants Context." in the meeting, talked to ZENIT about Over three days, members of the acade- the reasons for the academy's conclumy stated that "one of the challenges of sions. the present cultural context is the lack of "The Universal Declaration of Human recognition (by some currents of Rights gives a dear definition of the right thought) of a universal human nature to life." he said. "However. in the second from which the natural moral law stems," half of the 20th century. legislation has the final text states. been approved in favor of abortion and. For every one of man's rights to be more recently, of euthanasia, which respected. it is indispensable to recover explicitly violates the right to life." the sense of the "natural moral law." Monsignor Schooyans, a leading spewhich they defined as "the light of intel- cialist in the relation between demograligence infused in us by God." phy and development. said he believes "Thanks to it, we know what must be the right to life will be increasingly condone and what must be avoided. God fronted with the "worrying tendency that has given us this light and law in cre- favors and justifies artificial inseminaation," they explained. tion for eugenic ends." Yet, if "the exigencies that arise from the
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 4, 2002
(Zenit.org).- The right to life is non-negotiable, the annual assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life said in a final statement published today. The "fundamental rights of man (as the history of nations demonstrates) are inviolable and non-negotiable; hence, they can never be at the arbitrary mercy of any social pact or majority consensus," affirm the academicians, who met here Feb. 25-27. The assembly of the academy stated that part "of our contemporary culture, exaggerating the right to individual rights, claims that the state should approve, decriminalize and allow the free carrying out of attacks against human life (especially the unborn and terminal)." The object of these currents of thought is that they hope that "such actions will lose their 'criminal' character in the collective conscience and, paradoxically, assume the character of a 'right,- the
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and their families remain at risk of being pushed further into poverty. "Much more needs to be done to improve the conditions and prospects of vulnerable job seekers. "Clearly, something is wrong with a system that continues to reap massive budgetary savings of over $200 million each year through the application of breach penalties at the same time as it has been proven that well under 0.1 per cent of income support recipients are actually rorting the system." Mr O'Connor concluded, "I urge the Minister to remain open to the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of Breaches and Penalties that are due for release next week."
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taken into account." -Also welcomed is the reduction of penalties for clients who fail to attend interviews. "In the past job seekers could incur a penalty of up to $1,400 for missing an interview or arriving late. Under new arrangements, people in this situation will face a lesser 'administrative' breach penalty of around $300." However, Mr O'Connor added, "While these reforms are an improvement to current arrangements, even the slightest reduction in payments will continue to cause significant hardship for recipients who are trying to make ends meet on poverty level payments. These vulnerable individuals
Continued from Page 1 tation or at least the consent of Russian After the satellite link-up, Archbishop Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow, Kondrusiewicz told Avvenire, the Italian head of the nation's largest church. Catholic newspaper: "I am not able to But relations with the Orthodox hit a describe the joy in my heart. For the first new low in early February when Pope time, the Pope was with us, even if it was John Paul created four Catholic dioceses only on TV In Russia, a move the Orthodox claimed "Now we are awaiting him for real," the was part of a plan for Catholic expanarchbishop said. sion. The Moscow archbishop said he does The archbishop told Avvenire he did not know how or when it will happen, but he is sure Pope John Paul. will visit not think the position of Patriarch Alexei was an insurmountable obstacle: "Alex one day. The Pope has been waiting for an invi- el is great, but God is greater."
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- expressed their opposition to the project, which wounded the sensibility of the Christian world and pilgrims," Navarro-Valls said. Yasser Arafat himself publicly opposed the plan. On Sunday, the Israeli government accepted the conclusions of an inter-ministerial commission, which voted 5-1 to halt the construction work completely and proposed seven alternative sites for the mosque.
REFUGEE SEMINAR CHANGE OF VENUE The Jesuit Lenten Seminar - "Australia's Refugee Policy acts, Needs and Limmits-, to be presented by Frank Brennan SJ and Mark Roper SJ on Monday 18 March, 7.30pm has moved from the James Nestor Hall at the CEO to the new venue of Mercedes College in Victoria Square. Perth Same time, same speakers but a new venue - Mercedes College.
THANK YOU! Fr Gerard Moran and the Infant Jesus Parish of Morley would like to warmly thank all those who volunteered as helpers during the three days of the visit of the relics of St Therese to the parish. The involvement of parishioners from all over Perth helped to create a wonderful atmosphere which was appreciated by all our visitors. A Thanksgiving Mass and celebration will be held for all volunteers after Easter. Please watch out for more details in the "Panorama" in this newspaper.
Lay an appointed to Council Pope John Raul II has appointAllan's appointment is related ed Allan Panozza, Melbourne to his position of President of leader of Catholic Charismatic International Catholic CharisRenewal, as a member of the matic Renewal Services (ICCRS), Pontifical Council for the Laity. which is based in Rome. The appointment was The position is on one of the announced on 25 February. Councils of the Roman Curia, Allan's appointment is for a peri- which 'assists the Holy Father in od of five years. the exercise of his office for the He will continue to reside in good and the service of the uniMelbourne but will be meeting versal Church and the particular annually in Rome. Churches relating to the promoHe joins some 30 other mem- tion and coordination of the lay bers including Cardinals, Bish- apostolate and the Christian life ops and an equal number of lay of lay people.' men and women, nine each. Pope Paul VI instituted the Other appointments include Council in 1967, and it has grown Cardinal Dias from Bombay, Pro- in stature over the years, with the fessor Carl Anderson, Supreme increased recognition of the role Knight of Columbus, USA, and of lay people in the Church. members from Russia, Mexico, Pope John Paul II describes the Philippines, Croatia and Mauri- role of the Council as: tius. 'On the one hand, through us-
telling and dialogue, you must be particularly attentive to aspirations, the needs and challenges present in the lives of lay people.... On the other hand you must evaluate the varied experiences of the laity in the light of Revelation and of the Church's Magisterium.' To those who know Allan Panozza, the appointment does not come as a surprise. A life-long daily communicant, he has been the full time Executive Director of Charismatic Renewal in Melbourne for 16 years, the chairman of the National Service Committee of CCR, and the President of the International Council of ICCRS Melbourne's Allan Panozza, now a member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. for three years.
Second print run for Tall Order book The book depicting the mission work became so much in demand since its of Fr John Lisle in the Bahamas and South launch in November last year, it sold out Africa has sold out and is having a new in just a few months. print run. Fr Lisle's life had remarkable parallels Fr Lisle is "the ringleader" of the three with that of Dean John Hawes, the Germarried Anglican priests in Western Aus- aldton priest-architect and missionary tralia who made history when they who won renown and world acclaim for became the first married Catholic priests designing cathedrals, churches and for ten centuries when they were church buildings. The pair became firm friends when ordained as Catholics in 1969. He was serving the Mount Barker they served together as missionaries in Anglican parish when he approached the Bahamas. Mr Logan said the launch of the new Archbishop Sir Liuncelot Goody... then the Bishop of Bunbury ... about becom- print run would be associated with Massing ordained Into the Catholic clergy. . . es in Northam . . . one of the Catholic and brought the other two Anglicans parishes Fr Lisle served . . . on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17. with him. All proceeds from the $25 cover price The book of his life as an Anglican Missionary and later his conversion to the of the re-run of the book will also go to Catholic Faith. Tall Order, written by the Catholic Mission. kVest Australian journalist. John Logan, Mr Logan said the response to the first
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Easter Services at Moora, Jurien Bay With an influx of visitors expected over the Easter break Father Stephen Giles of Moora has advised The Record of Easter service times. "I am already receiving queries from Perth from people who will be in Moore and on the coast over Easter," he said. -There is a rock concert in Moora and traditionally many visitors to Jtuien and Cervantes." The times and places are as follows: Holy Thursday Commemoration of the Lord's Supper, Moore, St John the Baptist Church at 7pm. Holy Thursday Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion for the Commemoration of the Lord's Supper, Jurien Bay. CWA Hall at 7.30pm. Good Friday Commemoration of the Lord's Passion. Moora, St John the Baptist Church at 3pm. Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Jurien Bay, CWA Hall at 3.00pm. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Bindi-Bindi, St Bernadette's Church at 6pm. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil. Moore. St John the Baptist Church at 8pm. Easter Sunday, Badgingarra Rec Centre, 8am. Easter Sunday, Jurien Bay, CWA Hall at 10am. Easter Sunday, Moora. St John the Baptist Church at Mam.
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The Christian Centre for Action has Social announced arrangements for a fast - beginning and ending with a meal - as part of a Project Compassion campaign. The fast at the Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth begins with a shared meal at 6pm on Saturday, March 16. and finishes at 7pm with a simple rice meal on Sunday. Participants will camp out in the monastery Fr Mark Raper and a refugee grounds and are urged to friend. bring tents, sleeping bags, torches and bathers. Bringing musical instruments is also encouraged. There will also he an opportunity to meet and talk with recently arrived refugees at 4pm on Sunday, and a short address by Fr Mark Raper, the former head of the Jesuit Refugee Service. Those under 16 need parental permission to participate. Further details are available from Peter Stewart, at work on 9472 4227 or Fr John Hodgson. on 9328 6600.
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rim of the book was remarkable. Many buyers paid $10 to S20 more than the cover price, treating it as a donation to the missions. He added there had been great interest in the book in Sydney, and the Mission office there would be undertaking their own distribution. The Catholic Education office in Perth was also interested in distributing the new print run to school students. The book is concise, running to only 130 pages, but presents a deeply etched picture of mission life with all the assodated pathos and humour, and is suited for a broad spectrum of Christian and non-Christian readers. Printed by Access Press, it is available through the Catholic Mission office. - Neil Smith
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finding unity with the brethren on the way to God ... If you would like to know mom about life as a Nor-
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Fr Peter J Stiglich, 0.Praem. St Joseph's Priory PO Box 354 Cannington WA 6987 Telephone: (08) 9458 2729 Email: norbert@iinet.net.au
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Guided tours will commence at: 8.45am, 11.00am, 1.30pm from the Administration Building, Beaufort Street. It is necessary to make a tour booking. Tel: 9271 9000 Fax: 9271 9663 Email: prinsecOchisholm.wa.edu.au Tour boolanp close on Friday, 8 March 2002.
News of the Church - from the parish to the nation to the world. Find it in The Record The Record, March 7 2002 Page 3
CARITAS: Project Compassion 2002
Helping Filomena face her tragedy Homes were destroyed and lives devastated across East Timor in September 1999. The East Timorese have been rebuilding in the two years since this violence with determination and hope. Filomena is one of these people. Pro-Indonesian militia destroyed Filomena's home in September 1999. She was forced to flee from her village in rural Oecussi into West Timor. Filomena lost much more than
with Tony Evans
her home. Filomena's husband was a leader in the village. He supported independence from Indonesia. On September 8, 1999, Filomena's 15 year old daughter watched her father being killed by proIndonesian militia. Filomena was heavily pregnant in September 1999. Her son, Armando, who was born in a West Timor refugee camp, is named for his father. Filomena and her children spent
Think „ globally - act locally Graham Greene
G
raham Greene was a celebrated and most admired Catholic writer of his time, a convert to the Faith. Although his private life caused grief and scandalised many Catholics, his powerful novels grappled with the great mysteries of good and evil, and the possibility of redemption from sin through God's Grace. There are those who have argued that Greene was a renegade Catholic, but who are we to judge? If the following remarkably honest confession is considered. Greene, like St Paul, certainly kept the Faith: "I think one has to distinguish between faith and belief: belief I think comes from an intellectual argument, from rational feelings. and I have less and less belief, but my faith remains, and my faith tells me that I am wrong. and that it is probably my fault that I am wrong."
World must choose: Pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Saying humanity must choose between love and hatred. Pope John Paul II asked political leaders of every country in the world to promote dialogue, forgiveness and concord. The pope made his request in a letter marking one month after a January 24 day of prayer for peace in Assisi. Italy. attended by 200 representatives of a dozen religions. Along with the letter, the pope sent world leaders the religious gathering's "decalogue" commitment for peace, saying he was "convinced that these 10 propositions can inspire your government's political and social action."
Pictured in Oecussi in East Timor in January are Br Peter Harney form Notre Dame University's Edmund Rice social justice centre together with East Timorese friends Vero, left, and Luija.
six weeks in squalid refugee camps in West Timor. In these camps, the people of Nibin lived under tarpaulins and did not have enough food and water. Many villagers became ill while they were in the camps. When Filomena and her family finally returned home, the Nibin community found nearly all of their houses destroyed. They were helped by Caritas Australia. Caritas Australia provided 105 shelter kits to the community to enable them to rebuild their homes. Filomena and her children received one of these kits. Each of the kits consists of strong wooden posts for the frame, and roofing timber so that their houses can be rebuilt in traditional style. Filomena's neighbours helped her to rebuild her house. The village community has worked together to make sure that all families, even the most vulnerable can rebuild their homes. The Nibin community works together in other ways. They have been working together on the creation of a community garden, which Caritas Australia supported through the provision of tools and seeds. Filomena and the people of Nibin still feel the pain of everything that they lost. They say that there is still much suffering and sadness in their village because of the violence of
Filomena with her son A rmando, named for the father who was killed in the 1999 militia sponsored violence in East Timor. Photo: CriliTemby
two years ago. Filomena's son Armando, named for his father, represents the hope for the future of the people of Nibin. They are building a new life from the pain of the past. Caritas Australia - providing a place to call home. Donations to Project Compassion can be made by calling 18(X) 024 413 or send your contribution to Caritas Australia, GPO Box 9830 in your capital city or visit our website www.carita .ora.au
Play to relive story of St Therese relics Hundreds of Perth people made themselves familiar with the story of St Therese after the recent visit of her relics. Now comes the theatrical pageant "A Shower of Roses" - a modern look at this cherished saint and the reasons behind the Impact she has had on so many people worldwide. Sponsored by the Infant Jesus Parish in Morley, director Ilario Colli has assembled a 25-piece orchestra. St Mary's Cathedral Choir and a band of enthusiastic actors to put on the production. "A Shower of Roses" was first presented in Ireland when the relics toured that country and was a huge success. The play was described by noted scholar of St Therese, Fr Eugene McCaffey, as a stroke of genius. The author, Martina Lehane. has been so impressed with the dedication and effort of the Perth cast that she is travelling to Perth for the opening night. WA Carmelite priest. Fr Gerard Moran, came up with the idea to stage the play here after he saw it
!brio Colli, director. A band of enthusiastic actors will play in "A Shower of Roses"
presented in Ireland. Ilario described the play as a modern take on the life of St Therese. "Martina wrote the play at the bedside of her ill mother," Ilario said. "She didn't draw the content from any writings on St Therese, but rather wrote it as a general impression of who she thought
Therese was and the kind of person she would be in today's world." He said the play succeeded in bringing St Therese out of a nineteenth century Carmelite convent and into a modern context. "The play not only raises questions about who she was back then, but who she would be in
today's society," he said. "It isn't a traditional view of Therese's life and seeks to represent her life in a series of sketches inter-woven with dance choreography and music and drama." Tickets for the production are available from Infant Jesus Parish Office, 47 Wellington Road. Morley or by phone on 9276 8500 between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. They cost $20 for adults and $15 for concession.
Web site launched to help Catholics get answers on faith By Dana Wind DURHAM, N.C. (CNS) Half way through the live chat session, moderator Father Joe Vetter, campus minister at Duke University, found himself on the receiving end of a stumper. If the Catholic Church does not regard a marriage as valid unless it is consummated, and Mary remained ever virgin, does that mean the marriage between Mary and Joseph was invalid, a chat participant wondered. It was not a Scripture scholar who asked the question.
Instead, it was a college student who went by the online name "Jacko." A new Catholic Web site at www.CatholicQandA.org is the brainchild of campus ministers from the Diocese of Raleigh. It debuted in January and is open to anyone interested in the Catholic faith. Visitors can post questions and receive e-mail replies, but the real attraction is the Tuesday evening live chat sessions with a priest or campus minister. No topics are barred. "The site is useful because Catholicism is the least
The Record, March 7 2002 Page 4
understood Christian religion. It's not even understood well by Catholics!" said Scott Hajek, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has participated in the chat session several times. "This site offers the chance to clear up some thingsIdon't understand," he told the NC Catholic, newspaper of the Raleigh Diocese. "The chat forum allows me to keep anonymity." About three years ago Father Phillip Leach, diocesan director of campus ministry, conceived of an idea to
p...grhowl re oraweP.m.*.ssimproprommtamwe use the latest technology to 3 It ,4 III ti reach Catholic students. "My perception," he said, "is that the Web has been miniCal holictist god Com mally employed by mainline Catholicism. The Catholic "It's not a theological site," said Father Leach. "It is an Oluostion and Answer attempt to give (visitors) the Auditorium very best presentation of For College and what the church teaches that is commensurate with interUniversity Students est that students have." And in answer to the question about Mary and Joseph, Father Vetter said: "The Catholic Church certainly The home page for new Catholic Web site which can be considers Mary and Joseph to found at www.CatholicOandA.org. The site is the brainbe a married couple." child of campus ministers. j *Vieff
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Pope urges help for couples By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - For the good of Argentine society, as well as the good of the nation's Catholic faithful, Argentina's bishops must give greater emphasis to educating engaged couples and supporting traditional families, Pope John Paul II said. Church leaders must not be tempted to admit defeat in the face of "the spreading crisis in marriage and family life," he said, but should be motivated to "proclaim with pastoral firmness, as an authentic service to the family and society, the truth about marriage and family established by God." Pope John Paul made his remarks in a March 5 message to a group of bishops from Argentina making their "ad limina" visits to Rome. When a first group of bishops from Argentina met the pope in mid-February, the pope focused
on the ongoing economic crisis Karlic told the pope. Pope John Paul's speech to the Argentina is experiencing and on the church's role in promoting sol- second group focused on the idarity, justice, charity and other importance of parish communivalues needed to rebuild the ties and on the need to support traditional family life, threatened economy and social life. During the second meeting, the economic crisis and a culturArchbishop Estanislao Karlic of al shift. Not to be firm in defending marParana, president of the nation's bishops' conference, thanked the riage and family life "would be a pope March 5 for his concern for serious pastoral omission which the nation and for his call for a could lead believers to error" and renewal of moral values as part of confuse lawmakers called to promote the common good. the recovery process. The truth that the family is "Justice is not enough to build a nation," the archbishop told the founded on the unbreakable marpope. "It is also necessary to have riage bond between a man and a friendship, which is nothing other woman open to having and eduthan mutual love and a reciprocal cating children "is valid not only for Catholics, but for all desire for good." As many protesters have shout- men and women without ed, "'We want a nation,' a nation distinction," the pope said. "Marriage and the family whose identity is truth and not lies, love and not hatred, work and are an irreplaceable good bread, not unemployment and for society, which cannot hunger, the family and not sad remain indifferent in the solitude, freedom and justice, sol- face of its degradation and idarity and peace," Archbishop loss of identity," he said.
Pope John Paul encouraged the bishops to help their married faithful accept their responsibility to be models and witnesses of "the greatness of conjugal and family life founded on mutual love and fidelity." Marriage preparation courses must not simply outline "the anthropological aspects of human love, but also the bases for an authentic conjugal spirituality, understanding marriage as a vocation, which allows the baptized to incarnate their faith, hope and love in a new personal, social and religious situation." As children mature, he said, they,
Twice the Dealer- Twice the Service
Mr Denis McInerney cordially invites the Catholic Religious Orders and WA:s Catholic Community to contact our representative, Mr Paul Zappia, for your next new vehicle.
Irish vote 'confused' on abortion By Cian Molloy DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) - Irish bishops told Catholics that the Vatican supported the bishops' call for a "yes" vote in this week's referendum on abortion. Cardinal Desmond Connell of Dublin and Bishop John Magee of Cloyne made their statements In pastoral letters released on Monday. A mid-February poll showed that 14 percent of the electorate was so confused about the referendum that they said they would not vote. Pro-life campaigners were divided as to whether the proposal should be supported or
not. As a result, contradictory campaign posters appeared side by side or on the same lamp post: "Defend the unborn - Vote Yes" read one poster; "Babies will die - Vote Pro-Life - Vote No," read another. poll mid-February The showed that 29 percent of voters decided to vote in favor of the government's proposals to tighten Ireland's anti-abortion laws; 27 percent are against the proposals, with another 30 percent undecided. Some predicted voter confusion would lead to a low election-day turnout. The result was unknown when The Record went to press.
Mr Paul Zappla
Residents walk past dozens of abortion posters in Dublin. Voters viewed the referendum with confusion. (CNS photo from Reuters)
too, need to be educated about the importance of marriage and the dignity of human love. The development of education, the pope said, has ensured that many Argentine children have acquired more knowledge than their parents did, but in many cases this has not corresponded with a greater formation in Christian life." The problem, he said, is not just "a serious religious ignorance among younger generations, but what is much sadder is a certain moral vacuum and a marked lack of understanding the transcendent dimension of life."
239 Walter Rd, Morley (opposite KFC) Phone 9275 1222
website: www.mford.com.au
Refugee treatment lamentable
email: fordsales©mford.com.au A/Hrs 9275 1531
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By Jonathan Luxmoore OXFORD. England (CNS) - French church leaders have criticized their country's "lamentable" treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers. "In our society, the poor par excellence are the asylum-seekers. those whose lives are destroyed by misery, violence and uncertainty." said three bishops' conference commissions in a joint declaration. The bishops said the complicated nature of French immigration procedures violated asylumseekers' rights guaranteed in the Geneva Convention. The late-February statement said hopes of better protection for asylum-seekers under a 1998 law had been "quickly disappointed" and described current asylum conditions as "lamentable." "Amid the conflicts currently perturbing the An Afghan girl carries her share of food with care at a world, Europe exerts a powerful attraction - but food distribution center in the Maslakh refugee camp the figures by themselves cannot recount the per- outside Herat, Afghanistan, Januar 31. Caritas Internasecutions, menaces and dangers each person has tional are among the agencies providing food and other experienced." read the statement, co-signed by assistance to displaced people and Afghan refugees. Bishop Olivier de Berranger of Saint-Denis, Aux- (CNS photo from Reuters) iliary Bishop Jean-Luc Brunin of Lille and Bishop Lucien Daloz of Besancon, who head the church's Union, where 350,000 applied for asylum in 1999, social, migration, and justice and peace commis- a 17 percent rise over 1998 figures. Among recent incidents, up to a dozen asylumsions. "While waiting for their cases to be heard, asy- seekers from camps in northern France were lum-seekers live uncertainly and dangerously. killed in 2001 while attempting to cross to Britain Having left their countries in the face of threats, in the Channel limnel on foot or on the roofs of they gain no more than cut-rate protection when trains. The French bishops said conditions were "particthey get to France," the bishops said. deplorable" for unaccompanied minors, ularly The declaration was issued as official figures confirmed an increase in asylum requests in France many of whom had "fallen easy prey for illegal - from 17,500 in 1996 to 48,000 in 2001,11 said pre- labor and prostitution networks." liminary hearings for temporary stay requests "We address ourselves above all to political currently took up to 10 months, and a final ruling authorities who have left humanitarian groups two years, during which asylum-seekers were alone with the task of easing these difficulties." awarded the "derisory sum" of about $245 monthly for all needs. "Having no right to work, asylum-seekers are driMANNING & ASSOCIATES ven into debt and dependence on compatriots or forced to seek clandestine work." the document said. "Today's apparatus is totally unadapted and insufContact Lens Consultants ficient. ... People cannot wait two to three years Mark Kaliienas (B. optom) without food, accommodation or work." the bishops said. Grove Plaza, Cottesloe Church leaders repeatedly have urged humani9384 6720 tarian treatment for refugees in the European
OPTOMETRISTS
+ -Harvest Pilgrimages + 44 OUR LADY OF THE
± PATHWAYS OF ST PAUL
AMERICAS
K usadasi • Ephesus • Pamukkale A ssos • Troy Canakkale • Gallipoli K avala • Philippi • Thessaloniki Kalambaka • Corinth • Athens
Departing 14 June 2002 with Fr Francis Merlino
A 16 day pilgrimage journey walking in the footsteps of St Paul through Greece & Turkey. Departing 19 April 2002 accompanied try Fr Matt Digges
Niagara Falls Mexico City - Our Lady of Guadalupe Montreal • Quebec 13 days
(also departs 17 May)
fully inclusive
459
REDISCOVERING THE SPIRIT CELTIC Betws-y-Coed • Dublin • Thurles
London • Chester • Ballinasloe • Belfast • Glasgow • Oban • Isle of Islay Departing 1 September 2002 for 25 days with Fr. Fintan Creaven Sj & Sr Marita Mullins RSM We have much to learn from our Celtic forebears, from the care of our world to the integration of prayer and faith into our daily lives. Come on a pilgrimage of 7995 discovery into Celtic Spirituality.
VISITATIONS OF MARY Sr-
Through the rich faith hen tage of Portugal, Spain & France, we journey to some of the most venerated Marian shnnes of the world. Lisbon • Fatima • Avila • Santo Domingo de Silos • Loyola Lourdes • A 15 day journey with an optional Medjugorje extension Departs 17 March 2002 with Fr Bernard Maxwell 9 May with Fr Bob Matthews & 9 June.
± EASTER IN MEDJUGORJE
I,Vhat a way to celebrate Easter! Take this special opportunity to journey to the grace _filled village of Medjugorje. C.cmie, be a pilgrim of peace. Hong Kong (1 night) • Medjugorje (8 nights) Departing 25 March 2002 from ‘. with Fr. Steve Fletcher MGL Also departs (with Altoffing itinerary): 30 Apr - Fr Greg Neville, 30 May - Fr John Baldacchino, 15 June (Medjugorje Anniversary) with Fr Leo Rourke (with Rome and Dubrovnik itinerary) Ask about Rome extension • Depart early for Lourdes 'Queen of Peace
3145
Flightworld Travel (08) 9322 2914 • Inter Travel (08) 9409 1080 1 800 81 9 1 56 AUSTRALIA WIDE FREE CALL ' The Record, March 7 2002- Pa4ge 5
See things as they are Peter Dwan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday's Mass. This week the Fourth Sunday of Lent
T
oday's liturgy highlights the eye of faith. The gospel (John 9:1-41), St John's account of the cure of the man born blind, shows the pharisees' spiritual blindness, an poses the question: Are we spiritually blind?" In the rust reading (1 Samuel 16:1, 6Z 10-13) we have an account of how Samuel anointed David as king to replace Saul. The reading begins: "The Lord to said to Samuel: Fill your horn with oil and go.I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons." Anointing with olive oil had a special significance among the Jews, ever since the Exodus. The Flight Priests were consecrated to God's service in the Temple with this sacred anointing (Lev 8:12). The kings, beginning with Saul, were anointed to signify that they were God's anointed, and now invested with a sacred character. They were henceforth called God's anointed and were revered by all. When Samuel reached Bethlehem and saw Eliab, he thought he was the chosen one, but the Lord said to Samuel: "Take no notice of his appearance or his height for Ihave rejected him. God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart." Samuel knew that Jesse's next six sons weren't chosen by God. Asked whether he had any more sons, Jesse called David in from the fields where he was minding sheep. God told Samuel to anoint David king.
A Layman's
Meditation This was an important stage in salvation history for Christ was to be a descendent of David. In the second reading (Ephesians 5:814) St Paul says: "You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light, for the effects of light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth." The majority of the new Christians at Ephesus were converts from paganism. Paganism was darkness not shedding any light on man's purpose in life. The pagan knew not whither he came from, where he was going, or how he could get there. This has all changed for the converts. They have the truth of the Lord, the true facts of the incarnation, and are free from spiritual blindness. The miraculous cure of the man born blind took place in Jerusalem, and so dramatically told by St John, brings out the merciful kindness of Jesus "the light of the world," who gives to a blind beggar not only his bodily light or eyesight but also the light of faith. It also shows the stubborn pride of the spiritually blind pharisees which prevented them, not only from seeing in the humble "son of man" the longexpected Messiah, but made them incapable of seeing a miracle which was evident to everybody else in the neighbourhood. The Glenstal Bible Missal says (pp 122-123): "The healing of the man born blind is a major text on Christian initiation. Christ, the Light of the world, is a sign of contradiction; those who proud-
TO JESUS TI !ROUGH MARY
W
e usually refer to this episode
ly proclaim to be able to see, lose themselves in the darkness; those who humbly accept that they are blind, come to the light. They are gradually introduced into the mystery of the One sent by the Father the man called Jesus, a prophet, a man of God, and finally the son of man." Before curing the blind man, Jesus tested his faith and obedience. He made a paste with clay and spittle and put it over the blind man's eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. This was an unlikely cure for blindness, yet the man did what he was told and returned from the pool seeing. God will work wonders for us after testing our faith and obedience. Following his cure, the blind man had two discussions with the pharisees. In the first discussion, some pharisees said: "This man cannot be from God, he does not keep the Sabbath." Others said: "How could a sinner produce signs like this?" Disagreeing among themselves, they asked the blind man: "What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes?" "He is a prophet" the man replied. In the second discussion with the Pharisees, when they claimed not to know where Christ came from, the blind man said: "Now here is an astonishing thing! _If this man were not from God, he couldn't do a thing." The pharisees said: "Are you trying to teach us..." and they drove him away. Hearing the pharisees had driven the blind man out, Jesus found the blind man and said to him: "Do you believe In the Son of Man?" "Sir", the man replied, "tell me who he is so that I may believe in him." Jesus said: "You are looking at him." The man said: "Lord I believe", and worshipped him.
A COLUMN OF MARIAN DEVOTION
could know how to respond so wisely to "But why were you looking for me?" It's as "the finding of the child Jesus the questions which were asked of him. not easy to understand a question that in the Temple". . . . It is unthinkable that he would have answers another question. Perhaps he is Let us pause over some details. The demonstrated any kind of originality; making reference to when his parents scribes and the Pharisees, in the areas more likely he would have incited admi- had offered him to the Father, with an adjacent to the Temple, show themselves ration on account of his love for the word oblation to which Mary was fully associvery welcoming towards the young men of God and for his zeal in interpreting it ated. who had come up to Jerusalem on the in a way that conformed more to its spirEven more mysterious is the other occasion of the Passover. it than to its letter. interrogative: "Did you not know that I It was for these young men a precious The fact that he remained in the city had to occupy myself with the things (or occasion to approach those great experts without his parents being aware of it is the house) of my Father?" of Sacred Scripture on whose study and easily explained if one thinks how travHere there are three clear antitheses: preaching they dedicated their lives. el in caravans took place: everyone left the house of his Father and the house of Often there were famous personages, in stages toward the first fixed stop; the his parents; obedience to his Father and whose judgments were referred to even youngsters could go with whomever they obedience to his parents; the person of In the most widely scattered villages. wanted. his true Father with respect to his Davidic But in Jerusalem were to be found those Only when the stop was reached did father who is not humiliated but remindwhom we would call the most famous the families get together again, and when ed of his own role. theologians or university teachers. the last group arrived they realised who It is an answer that remains obscure to The intelligence of Jesus and his was missing. Thus after the first day of Mary and Joseph. so much so that the responses are the object of wonder. It's the journey from Jerusalem and the sec- Gospel affirms: "They did not underhard not to think what his teaching will ond with another caravan going back to stand." They knew the joy of finding him one day be, "given with authority." the city, finally on the third day the par- again, which is a prelude to the joy of It is most probable that the doctors and ents found their son, where they cer- Easter. those present were struck in seeing how tainly must have thought he might be. But the observation of Isaiah almost this youngster from Nazareth, that is, There is no doubt that the importance spontaneously comes to mind: "You are from a city of no importance whatever is heightened by the question of Mary, a mysterious God" (Is 45:15). It is perhaps and deprived of a rabbinical school, still centre stage, and the mysterious a veiled preparation for the many sufcould have so much zeal and such knowl- reply of Jesus. ferings that Mary will undergo without edge of the word of God, and how he "Son, why have you done this?" Per- at once understanding. Advertisement haps, given the knowledge that Even for her there are some "why's" the mother had of her son, the that have no answer here on this earth, Message from Our Lady, question might have included as there will be for Jesus himself, when several explanations - "Did you he will cry from the cross: "My God, my Queen of Peace, given to have some particular decision in God, why have you abandoned me?" Marija Pavlovic Lunetti for the sight on the eve of your becom- The answer will come only after, and ing an adult, at 13? Jesus himself will give it to the disciples village of Medjugorje and the Are you already putting your on the road to Emmaus: "Was it not necprogram into execution? Have essary that the Messiah suffer all these world on February 25, 2002 we failed you in some way? Is things in order to enter into his glory?" "Dear Children! your life about to take a new (Lk 24:26). In this time of grace,Icall you to become friends turn?" The answer does not come from the of Jesus. Pray for peace in your hearts and work The sorrow suffered by them in cross and death, but from the resurrecfor your personal conversion. Little children. those days lovingly bursts from tion. only in this way will you be able to become witnesses of peace and of the love of Jesus in the her lips: "Your father and I have world. Open yourselves to prayer so that prayer been searching for you with becomes a need for you. Be converted, little chilgreat anxiety." With great anxidren, and work so that as many souls as possiFrom The Gospel of ety: Luke uses the same words to ble may come to know Jesus and His love.I am Mary - a month with the Indicate the pain of hell. And for THE dose to you and I bless you all. these holy parents these truly GOPEL Mother of God by Fr Thank you for having responded to my call." Gabriel Amorth SSP, St have been three days of hell. And OF (It is accepted that the final authority regarding apparitions of Paul Publications, RRP now we hear the very first words MAY Our Lady at Mediugorie rests with the Holy See of Rome) $23.50 of Jesus reported in the Gospels: The Record, March 7 2002 Page 6
There's a certain consolation in the rock of the Vicar of Christ
With Bronwen Clime
A
group of Catholic theologians has got together and come up with the conclusion that the future of the Church
looks very much like the present (see page 8 and 9 in this issue).
Not that this should be much of a surprise to most of us - after all we are talking about a Church that has remained relatively unchanged for the past 2000 years. But there seems to be a continual push from some quarters to have the very things that make our faith such a solid foundation overturned in favour of more a liberal and 'progressive' approach. Ican already hear some of my friends mumWing something about "living in the dark ages", being "outdated and out of touch" in response to the latest news. I remember a young Catholic woman coming to give us a talk while at school, who had worked overseas with some Catholic aid groups. "What we are waiting for," she told us. is for the current Pope to die so that we can have some positive changes on things such as contraception and other women's rights issues." The fact that somebody could publicly talk about the Pope like that was a bit of a shock to me. Not because I had any great sense of loyalty to him at the time. I was more interested in the things that captivate the minds of most sixteen-year-olds, but because I had a sense then that it just wasn't right. It was only later on in life when I reflected on the fact that somebody, who claimed to be a young practising Catholic, said this to a group of naive and impressionable young women really made me uneasy. One thing that distinguishes us Catholics from so many other Christian religions is our loyalty to the Pope - loyalty that brings with it a very solid foundation to our religious life. It is not a little task to be a good Catholic in today's society. There are so many temptations around us. But in many ways our understanding of our faith is made so much easier by the presence of the Pope. He is there to offer us guidance on issues of morality, spirituality and all other aspects of our faith. When we are confronted with moral issues In our lives we have that guidance to rely on and trust. For me it is a real consolation that the very foundations that my faith is based on are to remain as solid in the future as they have for all these years. When it comes to the fundamentals of Catholic teachings, at the end of the day rights don't become wrongs and wrongs don't become rights. Principles don't change with the times. just because society sees euthanasia and abortion as inevitable steps in a 'progressive" society, that is not to say that they are acceptable. They will always remain a sin - under the current Pope or the next. Contentious issues such as contraception will always be unacceptable because they are based on the fundamental principal that human life is sacred. Pope John Paul II has been strong on this issue and other related ones such as abortion. not simply because he thinks they are wrong. but because they are wrong. The difference is subtle maybe, but so important.
Looking for news of the Church? And it in
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W
You've got friends in high places
ith St Patrick's Day falling on a Sunday this year - next Sunday, in fact - there is a slightly better chance that it will receive a little more spiritual attention and a little less spirituous indulgence. Perhaps we will even hear once more the words of the formerly well-known hymn "Hail, glorious St Patrick, dear Saint of our isle..." There may be enough Irish migrants and older Irish-Australians left to give the old song a rousing chorus. The desire for the feast day of the Apostle of Ireland to be revitalised is not, however, a nostalgic desire to revive the days when Australian Catholicism was profoundly influenced by Irish Catholicism. It is the desire to revive our awareness of the importance of all saints, ancient or modern. Saints are such an important part of the truth and reality of the Catholic Faith that it is hard to imagine how, in the space of a generation, we allowed them to go out of favour, out of our consciousness and out of our devotion. The Nicene Creed we say every Sunday affirms our belief in "one, holy catholic and apostolic Church". The saints embody the "holy" among those four great qualities of God's Church and ours. The Creed reminds us that the Church produces holiness in fallen humanity, pro-
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duces wholeness, or the fullness of life as Jesus described his purpose: I came that you might have life and have it to the full. The saints are those who lived life to the full here on earth and whose miracles assure us that they are enjoying the even greater fullness of eternal life. They are an assurance that holiness is available to all of us (even if we are reluctant or afraid to pursue sanctity) and that eternal life is real and worth the effort. The Apostle's Creed, which we say each time we say the Rosary and hopefully in morning or evening prayers, affirms our belief in "the communion of saints", a belief which constantly reminds us of the union between the saints in heaven and we struggling souls on earth. It is a belief which reminds us that we have friends in high places, and reminds us that as Catholics we belong to the one great institution which lives simultaneously in time and eternity. The saints are also an interesting and exciting way to teach children
D
uring the past week! have observed the ugly, media-led frenzy consuming the Governor General, Dr Peter Hollingworth, with increasing repugnance and a growing suspicion that there is more to it than an alleged cover-up of child abuse. Since most of those baying for the blood of the Governor General are strangely silent when it comes to the ultimate in child abuse . . . abortion . . . then how does a thinking person avoid reaching the conclusion that their concern about the abuse of children in our society is hypocritical? I suspect that such blatant selectivity about the abuse of children has more to do with their own political goals. Only a person who loves evil would condone the abuse of children, sexual or physical. The Governor General has admitted he could have managed the cases of child abuse better when he was Archbishop of Brisbane. I would also remind people that there isn't a person alive who couldn't have managed their chosen responsibilities better with the benefit of hindsight. However. his admission is not enough for those determined to use him as a scapegoat and at the same time discredit the office of the Governor General and the Government who appointed him. If a society really valued the rights of children we would start at the very beginning by defending their right to be born instead of ignoring or condoning the thousands of abortions annually which are done for mostly selfish reasons. Only then can we retain any credibility as a society that says It believes in children's rights. If the Governor General, or any member of society for that matter, fails to help God's precious infants who without doubt suffer terrible abuse, they will have to answer to God for their failure. Meanwhile the Governor General does not deserve to be cruelly persecuted by those who are far from innocent themselves. Mrs Patricia Halligan Mandurah
God in state schools Iwas encouraged by Harry Mithen's letter (Record February 28). Where are the godless State Schools? Harry's experience as a teacher is an excellent testimony to God's working in them. God works through 100 Catholic volunteers who visit State Primary Schools every week around WA alongside other Christian teachers to give the gift of basic information about the Christian faith. Because
1297).
St Margaret of Cortona lost her mother when she was seven and was badly treated by her stepmother who, as many would say today, severely damaged her self-esteem. As a young woman she caused considerable scandal in Montepulciano by living unmarried for nine years with a young gentleman and their son. After her "de facto" died she took her son to Cortona and with help from the Franciscans began a life of repentance which led to remarkable sanctity (and to her don becoming a Franciscan). She became to the Third Order of St Francis what he himself and St Clare were to the Franciscans and the Poor Clares. The body of this saint remains incorrupt (without embalming) in the basilica at Cortona just to remind us, as all saints do, that God loves us then, now and always.
about the reality of the spiritual dimension. They led fascinating lives, they had intense friendships with Jesus and Mary, many of them performed extraordinary miracles during their life on earth as well as afterwards. They are the most natural counter to the prevailing materialism which, quite unconsciously in many cases, leads us to believe that the only things that matter are the things of matter. The lives of the saints put the truth of miracles in a natural and continuous context and, even more importantly, they demonstrate that a life of goodness is a life of God-ness which is far more fulfilling than any other. One has to stubbornly and steadfastly ignore a vast amount of evidence to ignore the reality of prayer and the fidelity of God. Children who are introduced to the lives of the saints (or • The opinions expressed in this editorsome of them, at least) are forever ial, and any other Record editorial, are not blessed by that knowledge. necessarily those of the Roman Catholic There is an endless variety of saints to choose from, they come from every age in Archbishop of Perth.
T Arounof Feeding frenzy on the GG
the Church's history and most of them have had life experiences which are relevant to the modern world. One who is living proof that nothing can prevent the grace of God entering our lives if we want it to is St Margaret of Cortona (1247-
CJeffers fo of the efforts of these volunteers, 40,000 children (40 per cent of the population of State Primary schools) hear regularly about God, about his Son Jesus, and about the ongoing mission of God in his people the Church.% These volunteers are administered by The Churches' Commission on Education, which has always been robustly supported in its work in State Schools by Catholics since its inception in 1971. Iam not a Catholic. But my experience of these Catholic volunteers working in State schools is of an extraordinary generosity in their enthusiasm for God and the Church. They are not there only for the 50 per cent of Catholic children who attend State Schools, but to provide a godly example to all the children and to work towards the extension of God's Kingdom. As Harry Mithen says, God's presence in State Schools through God's people makes them far from godless places. Ted Witham Executive Director, The Churches' Commission on Education (Inc.) editor's note: Thank you for your letter and your wonderful work for children. The expression godless education system' used in the editorial did not refer to the teachers, the students or even the cleaners who work in them. God is present in all of them. It refers to the fact that, of itself the State system does not undertake to teach children about God. ff it did, there would be no need for your great work and the other 60 per cent of pupils would also learn about God.
A poem and thanks nclosed is my poem, inspired by the visit of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux to Perth. Reading it to a friend this morning she stated it should be sent to The Record, so here Ills. Your beautiful coverage of St Theresa's visit is an inspiration in itself. Thank you and God bless. Mrs Barbara Miller Kalgoorlie Love is like a red, red rose That falls from heaven above, Love is like a little child Who shows us of God's love. Love indeed the Little Flower An instrument of God's great power of Love. She comes to visit here on Earth To touch our spirits and give new birth To teach us to love through her little way To bring us to Christ through her sweet bouquet Her relics leave but she is here With our Jesus Lord forever near. Oh beloved Therese of Lisieux Of the Infant Jesus and the Holy Face By thy love in the heart of the Church today May we find and follow thy little way.
Only Jesus is leader e don't hear much about statesmanW ship, responsibility or service in politics these days (never mind morality) but
we do get a lot about so-called leadership. Whilst politics has its place - fallen sinners need laws etc - we Christians can only ever acknowledge one leader our divine redeemer Jesus Christ, the eternally-begotten son of God: "You have only one leader, the Christ," and "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." The Pope, of course, is Christ's vicar (deputy) on earth: "When Rome speaks, Christ speaks." The role of bishops and priests in society Is of vastly superior importance to that of politicians: so much so, in fact, that it can only be very humbling for the former, while they can hardly afford to be reeds bent over by the hot air of the latter and their idolatrous devotees. Whilst "the servant is not greater than the master," only one master can be served. And that applies to all, politicians included. since Satan plays God and moral guidance is necessary. The pagans will automatically look to false 'messiahs,' like sundry politicians and gurus (and ultimately Lucifer), in a vain attempt to fill that interior spiritual vacuum which only Jesus, the one, true messiah, can fulfil: "and our hearts are restless til they rest in thee." We must bear witness to the light during these dark days, with the worst of evils and depravities promoted as 'human rights' and 'social equality' etc, in-part by openly refusing as leaders those whom the pagans do at any time (even if they hold an office it is not sinful to accept) and openly proclaiming that we will never recognise as our leader anyone but Christ. St Maximilian Kolbe is a very pertinent exemplar. However, there will be "the reign of Christ on earth" - let us pray it not be self-devastated first to be suitably purified - through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the grace of the Holy Spirit; it will be a spiritual (not political) reign in A number of letters received in recent weeks have asked if a new section answering reader's questions on the faith of the Church could be introduced. The Record is happy to do so. but only if people write in with questions first so that we can gauge the level of interest. We also suggest that, to make it interesting, readers ask the most difficult questions they can think of. Letters should be addressed or emailed to Questioned Record The at the address found above in the editorial column.
Ccitior
hearts, minds and souls (and therefore people will not be greedy and unjust). Our steadfast witness in acknowledging Jesus as our leader during these current times is crucial to bringing this about, even if we are persecuted for a short time. As the First Commandment states: am the Lord thy God, and thou shalt have no other gods before me." "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and love of God and neighbour is its fulfilmenL Trevor Boardman North Perth
Readers' right to know
Ibelieve RecordReaders have the right to know that, after the success of the Harry Potter fad. a University course on witchcraft is now being promoted at the Adelaide University Centre for Professional and Continuing Education. According to The Advertiser (Friday February 15). "It's every Harry Potter fan's dream - a university certificate in Sorcery. Witchcraft. Shamanism and Healing. The popularity and commercial success of the boy-wizard has prompted one of South Australia's most prestigious universities to offer just that. "For 12 weeks, about 20 students will study seances, witchcraft. exorcisms, ritual magic and African witchdoctors." Lecturer Dr Kingsley Garbett said that "The course would study real-life spiritmediums, witches and related matters rather than mythical creatures. The interesting thing is why things like Harry Potter have stimulated the attention it has among young people. ... There was a lot modern society could learn from topics like witchcraft and sorcery." The course will cost $495 and subjects covered include "The training of a modern witch and the performance of ritual magic." Our worst fears have been confirmed, once again: the Harry Potter fad acts as an instrument of initiation into witchcraft. The great St Thomas wrote once: Contra facta non valent argumenta. Ills useless to argue against the facts. It remains to be seen if supporters of Harry Potter will open their eyes to reality: the Chief Exorcist of Rome was right. A millstone around the neck by the seashore would be a lesser evil to those who scandalise little ones who believe in Jesus, and turn away from Him towards the enemy of our salvation. In the old days, the devil had to pay you a lot of money for your soul: today, through a university course, you are the one who has to pay hard cash for the devil to take you... How times have changed! Raymond de Souza The Layman's Hour The Record, pairy.t?
.Page 7 , 7,, 2002
Features
Father Karol Woityla Is pictured reading In a kayak in 1955. Three years later during a kayaking trip, bs was called to Warsaw for the announcement that he was to be made a bishop. In 1978, then -Cardinal Wojtyis svas Aided pope 11111ble the name John Paul
Pope John Paul H's coat of arms. The bottom right-hand section carries the letter 'M' to signify John Paul li's strong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.
A young Karol Jozef Wojtyta, the future Pope John Paul II, is pictured with his father, also On* in a photo taken in the mid-1920s. Wife and mother Emilia died when Karol was 9. His older brother, Edmund, died of scarlet fever three years after their mother's death. Photo CIV&Reuters
A
The Pope in Maximilian Kolbe's death cell, Auschwitz, June 7, 1979.
The Record, March 7 2002 Page 8
Photo: L'Osservatore Romano
s Pope John Paul II's based Ethics and Public Polpontificate approa- icy Centre. ches the start of its "We're looking at the work 25th year, one group of the- he'll leave the rest of us to ologians and Catholic intel- do, building on the foundalectuals has begun setting tion he has laid." Weigel priorities and mapping out said. He said developing this directions for the church's pope's teachings calls for coming decades. new theological creativity, In their view, the church's which is already surfacing. future will look a lot like the Weigel presided over a present. In fact, the focus February 21-22 conference and touchstone of their the- in Rome to discuss the main °logical agenda is the teach- theological and moral chaling of the current pope. lenges of the new century It by "This has been such a rich was co-sponsored pontificate in ideas, and it's Rome's Regina Apostologoing to take the church rum University: a follow-up another generation at least conference is scheduled for to absorb those ideas and April. develop them and give them Speaking on the theme, pastoral impact." said "Pope John Paul H and the George Weigel, a papal Christian Proposal in the The Pope in Brisbane, November biographer and senior fel- 21st Century," participants 1986. Photo LOsservatore Romano low at the Washingtonranged far and wide over
this Pope's teaching legacy, Including his Christocentric emphasis on personal conversion and his strong moral pronouncements on the sanctity of life. If the topics were sometimes complex, the subtext was dear. Those expecting big changes in church directions when a new Pope is elected should think again. "I am very struck as I've gotten around to universities (in the United States) with how much this pontificate is now a reference point In theology" Weigel said. Indeed, some young Catholic scholars now call themselves part of the "[PII generation." This Pope is the only Pope they have known, and he has exercised a strong influence on their thinking. That doesn't mean dissent in the church is disappearing. Weigel said. "But I think some boundaries have been established, particularly in moral theology And I think we are now going to move beyond that." he said. The conference identified present and future challenges to Catholic theology and suggested how the Pope's teaching could be applied or deepened. They included: - The religious relativism dominant in many Western cultures versus the church's renewed insistence on the universal validity of Gospel values and basic moral truths. The Pope has dedicated much of his teaching ministry to this question, defending the concept of universal truths in an age of doubt. - The church's relationship with biological sciences and medicine has reached a crossroads, with utilitarianism clashing with the teaching on the dignity and value of every human
life. The pope repeatedly has engaged in dialogue with the scientific community while spelling out the ethical and moral responsibilities on such questions as fertilisation, In-vitro euthanasia and embryonic research. Dominican Father Michael S. Sherwin, a U.S. theologian. said he thinks scientists are moving away from an understanding of nature as strictly "quantifiable" and seeking deeper answers. He said this presents the church with an opportunity for dialogue with scientists, with a view toward reaching a "holistic, sacramental notion of the natural world." - The church's own shifting demographics have shown it to be a "world church" in the true sense, raising a host of new Issues. including interreligious relations where the church is a minority In those places, the pope has emphasised an approach that values dialogue but still presents evangelisation as the overriding task for all Christians. Weigel pointed out that some of the most vibrant Catholic communities in the world are those in Asia and Africa, while Catholicism in its historic centre of Western Europe is "on life support." He cited China as potentially the "greatest field of Christian mission since the European discovery of America." - Communicating with the Catholic faithful, especially on some of the more difficult moral teachings. According to Father Sherwin. "there are educated, sincere Catholics who have a hard time understanding aspects of Catholic moral teaching, so we have to renew the language of moral theology" to make it more comprehensible. He said Catholics are not
Ptxto: CNS/Reuters
necessarily looking for easy answers. "I come from the land of the lotus-eaters out in California, and I think the faithful there are really thirsting for an educated reflection on the challenges that face us. "They want a theology they can understand, but they don't want any more bucolic Jesuses. ... They want
something they can sink told the conference that one Issue tirelessly promoted by their teeth into," he said. Father Sherwin said the the Pope, but with little echo church can often effectively so far, has been the idea that teach the truths of the faith moral theology and personthrough analogies that are al holiness go hand in hand. Father Williams said that. more readily grasped, and through the actual lives of when moral theology was saints and others - includ- separated from spiritual theology centuries ago. there ing theologians. Thomas D. came "an unfortunate Father Williams, a U.S. member of emphasis on obligation, perthe Legionaries of Christ, mission and prohibition as
the fundamental categories of moral life, while the pursuit of excellence was consigned to the domain of spiritual theology." He said one of the major challenges facing theologians today is teaching that the essence of the Christian moral life is "not merely the avoidance of sin, but the perfection of love for God and neighbour."
Cardinals sunvund Pope John Paul II during his weekly audience at the Vatican February 27. He apposted in good humour despite Photo CNS Reuters having pain in his right knee days before that forced him to cancel a visit to a Rome church.
The Record, March 7 2002 Page 9
Focus
Church helps victims first With the current controversy surrounding sexual abuse allegations against members of the clergy THE RECORD takes a look at how the Church in WA is responding to the crisis.
T
he controversy surrounding Gover- victims become abusers, but there are nor-General Peter Hollingworth's many other factors in the lives of these peohandling of sexual abuse allega- ple which may be stronger causal influtions against others when he was Anglican ences. People who are carrying the burden Archbishop of Brisbane, the court charges of abuse do not deserve to carry the addilast week against Bunbtuy priest Fr Adrian tional burden of a misplaced expectation Van Klooster, and recent gratuitous insults that they will abuse. While the specific causes and the capacby Premier Gallop about "the churches" and their handling of such cases call for an ity to predict the likelihood of the problem explanation of the Catholic Church's remain shrouded in our ignorance, much attention can be given to precautionary response to such events. Well publicised problems in Boston and measures, swift responses, and on-going other US dioceses, and media reports last support for victims and their families. In week of widespread allegations of abuse these areas, the Catholic Church in Ausby people in UN agencies and NGOs in tralia is well advanced. Africa attest to the universal nature of this In December 1996, the Australian reprehensible behaviour. Catholic Bishops' Conference and the AusThe tendency to sexually abuse children tralian Conference of Leaders of Religious Is recognised as a serious psychological Institutes published a booklet Towards deficiency, but the ability to predict such Healing: Principles and Procedures in behaviour in an individual is limited and responding to complaints of sexual abuse treatment is uncertain. against personnel of the Catholic Church It occurs most frequently within families In Australia. This was a more complete and, proportionately, is many times more development of an earlier document publikely if the male in the family is not the lished in 1992, which itself was the result father of the child and not married to the of extensive work by the Church in collabmother. oration with relevant professionals. On current evidence, it occurs less freThe booklet points out that the ACBC and quently among clergy and religious than the Leaders of Religious Institutes have among the general population, but 'priests' jointly established a National Committee (unfortunately) tend to he given a collec- for Professional Standards to oversee the tive blame which is not allocated (fortu- development of policy, principles and pronately) to other groups such as teachers, cedures in responding to complaints of sexdoctors, social workers, police officers or ual abuse against Church personnel judges. (clergy, religious, employees or volunteers). People who have been abused as chilEach province of the Catholic Church in dren may have a statistically higher ten- Australia maintains a Professional Standency to offend as adults, but it is unsafe dards Resource Group which consists of at to make generalisations about this. The least one priest, one religious and up to ten highest estimates are that 20 per cent of other people, both men and women, of
diverse backgrounds, skilled in the areas of child protection, the social sciences, civil and Church law, and industrial relations. Contact details for the Resource Group and the National Committee are widely distributed through Church agencies, schools and parishes. The principles and procedures to be adopted whenever a complaint is received are spelt out in detail in the book which is also widely dispersed within the Church. If the complaint concerns a matter that may be a criminal offence, the complainant is immediately advised of their right to complain to the Police and are offered assistance to carry that out. No Church assessment of the complaint Is carried out in such a manner as to interfere in any way with the proper processes of civil or criminal law, whether they are in progress or contemplated for the future. Any State of Territory law regarding the reporting of knowledge of a criminal offence must be observed. No interviews are undertaken with child victims without the written consent and in the presence of the parents or guardian, and interviews with children are to be conducted only by personnel who are professionally recognised as skilled practitioners in interviewing children. From the time of the first complaint, a vic-
tim support person is appointed to assist the victim throughout the process, however long it takes. In the event of proven guilt - whether through admission of the offender, through the findings of a civil court, or through a Church assessment - a Facilitator is appointed who seeks to know the ongoing needs of the victim, the victim's family, and the community in whose midst the abuse occurred. Facilitators also convene meetings between victims and relevant Church authorities to determine what can and should be done to assist the victim. The actual process in each case will depend on such things as the nature of the offence and whether it is current or decades old, but in any event, as Archbishop Hickey said recently in a public statement: "The entire process is designed to help the complainant immediately and for as long as necessary or desired." In both civil and Church law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but a person who denies guilt may nevertheless be required to stand down from their office while a matter is pending and will be required to stand down if there is deemed to be any risk of harm to any other person or scandal to the community. Such a decision does not imply guilt and, in the case of an employee, for example, they would be entitled to full pay until the matter is resolved. If the Church is satisfied that a cleric or religious is guilty of sexual abuse, they will never again be given back the power they have abused, and they may be asked to apply for a return to the lay state, or there may be a penal process initiated under Canon Law. "lbwards Healing" also specifies extensive preventive strategies including in-service training, selection and formation of clergy and religious, and stringent checks in relation to transfers between dioceses.
Priests called to have courage and not be "victims"
C
hild sex abuse by some priests has made all Priests sad, angry and ashamed, a priest-psychologist and the head of the National Federation of Priests' Councils said on February 28 in open letters to all US priests. They wrote to encourage priests in the face of widespread news reports on clerical sexual abuse of minors. The heavy news coverage was sparked in part by the recent criminal trial of a defrocked priest in Boston who allegedly molested more than 130 children and in part by new policies announced by several dioceses, including decisions in some to suspend from all ministry any priest who ever abused a child. "There are few things more horrific than the sexual abuse of a child; yet some of our brother priests have done this," wrote the NFPC president, Father Robert J. Silva. "On hearing such things, our priestly hearts break," he added. "We love our people, our broth- Ukrainian seminarians join in afternoon prayers in the chapel of St. Josaphat Seminary in Washington in April last ers, our sisters in Christ, especial- year. Twenty-four young men are studying for the priesthood there and may eventually serve Ukrainian Catholic parishPhoto CNS/Nancy Wtechec ly the little children in all their es in the United States. innocence who cry during our inclination is to hide." The two "First, there are enough victims embarrassed." He said priests homilies and who yell out 'Hi, writers called on their brother to go around," he said. "We do not must also "name the problem. We God,' when they see us. ... When priests to have courage. need to see ourselves as victims, have to talk about it and listen to someone hurts them, they hurt Father Silva said he had met, vis- caught helplessly in the fray of what our people have to say. ... us." ited and prayed with priests in six media frenzies. But we do need to The more we learn, the better our In a parallel letter Father states in the past five weeks, and make the words of the psalmist policies, the stronger our proceStephen J. Rossetti, president of everywhere "the fervour of their our own: 'Have mercy on me, dures." St. Luke's Institute in Silver faith, the vitality of their faith Lord,! have no strength; Lord, heal Father Silva also called for a Spring, Md., said, "I hesitate even communities and the quality of me, my body is racked." hard look "at the system in which to write this letter. I know that care for the poor attest to their Restoring trust in the priesthood we live.... Is how we live truly supmany of you feel like the entire strength, their maturity, their lead- has to start with priests trusting portive of our priesthood and our presbyterate is being tainted by ership, their prayer and their love. "that our God is with us even now ministry? Is there a more effective the scandal; we are all suffering Everywhere there are priests who and that our God will lead us way to deal with the long hours, for the crimes of a few." are good, holy and loving pastoral onward. "Second, rather than the loneliness, the celibacy, the Priesthood "seemed to us to be leaders." withdrawing from our people, we criticism, the frustrations? ... Facile something sacred; God called us," He offered several suggestions must bond more closely with responses that place blame - e.g., he said. "Now, priesthood feels for meeting the challenges of the them," he said. "We cannot stop blame it on celibacy - are not sullied and we are ashamed. Our child molestation scandal. loving because we are afraid or helpful. In the context of prayer, Thej3etord;_titerch 7,21;002.:Page.10
Intense discussion and study is called for." Father Rossetti. whose institute treats priests and religious suffering a wide range of addictions and psychological problems, said the scandals have tainted the institute as well. "Only a small number of our residents have molested minors. Yet our residents feel as if they are branded as child molesters and. at times, the institute is labeled unfairly as a program for paedophiles." he wrote. "The institute Is so much more; the priesthood is so much more." "Many priests can recall former days when society placed priests on a pedestal. Priests were thought to be better than others," Father Rossetti wrote. "Now, a few people have gone to the other extreme. They suggest that priests as a group are more disturbed than others. But we ought to recall that celibacy is not a factor in someone being sexually attracted to or acting out with minors; in fact, most people who sexually molest children are, or will be, married. "Similarly," he continued, "a few have implied that a celibate priesthood attracts deviant men. Ills difficult for people to find a middle ground, to understand that priests are people just like themselves, with all their strengths and virtues as well as their weaknesses and problems." Father Rossetti challenged the accusations that bishops have been callous, secretive and more concerned about the church's reputation than protecting children. From years of working closely with bishops, he said, he knows they are "bright and hardworking men.
Focus
Bishops act on sex problem given the circumstances. Early in
By Bishop John Kinney, Chairman Emeritus of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, US National Conference of Catholic Bishops
T
1993, a "think tank" was held,
he Catholic Bishops of the United States are deeply sorry for what has happened to innocent children due to the abuse perpetrated by some priests. The Church's commitment to the sanctity of the family and to the care, nurture, and education of children comes too near the heart of what we are all about to feel anything but regret that a single child should be harmed by Bishop John Kinney someone serving In her name. The steps taken by the bishops lives, teachers, counsellors, and, sometimes priests. to respond to abuse cases have sadly, learned that even those We been these: self-education in the priests who seem to their congreproblem; development of effec- gations, their fellow priests, and tive diocesan guidelines and pro- their superiors among the most cedures; support sought and dedicated and pastorally sensitive received from Pope John Paul II can be abusers. Their pathology about the problem; and the work enables them to develop highly of the ad hoc committee of the effective strategies to conceal bishops' conference set up to deal their desires and behaviours. with this matter. In many ways, 1992 was a waterSince the mid-1980s, when pub- shed year in this learning process. lic attention became intensely It was then that the case of James focused on paedophilia, we bish- Porter received a great deal of ops began to educate ourselves public attention. He had abused about the problem of sexual numerous children and continabuse with the help of experts. ued to abuse after he had received We found ourselves learning, treatment, left the priesthood, and along with the rest of society and, married. By then, he faced sometimes, along with the charges in three states. experts, that child sexual abuse is It was also in 1992 that the presmore widespread than most peo- ident of the bishops' conference ple realised. announced the actions which we One important lesson has been considered basic to shaping our that abusers are sick people dri- independent diocesan policies: to ven by compulsions which can be suspend a priest from his duties immediately and investigate, treated but not eradicated. Another was that abusers are when there is a well-founded allenot an identifiable class of peo- gation of abuse; to extend pastoral ple, easily distinguished by suspi- care to the victim and the victim's family: to cooperate with any cious behaviour. Nor are they limited to one investigations by civil authorities group of people or one profes- that might arise; and to deal with sion. They can be parents. rela- the matter as openly as possible.
under the auspices of the bishops' Committee for Priestly Life and Ministry, to gather as much information as possible from experts and victims about how to deal with the problem in all its dimensions. Then, in March of that year, the bishops' conference president decided to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to draw together information on how the dioceses were dealing with the abuse problem and to offer recommendations on enhancing the Church's response. In June, Pope John Paul responding to the concerns brought to him by the U.S. Bishops, wrote a letter expressing his support of the bishops' efforts and establishing a commission to consider temporary relief from some provisions in the Church's canon law as a help in dealing with the problem. Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Committee gathered and studied diocesan policies and offered additional recommendations in a 1994 report, "Restoring Trust." The Committee found that some dioceses were already on their second generation of policies, refining those established several years before. Many had also developed a variety of mechanisms both for handling allegations and for offering support to victims. This report made clear that Catholic dioceses have been as quick as most other religious and professional groups in developing guidelines and taking action to deal with sexual abuse. As time passed, the nature of the challenge changed significantly. At first, dioceses were dealing with relatively clear-cut, current cases of abuse. Often the priest admitted his behaviour, or an investigation by the civil authorities established
the facts. Then a shift took place will be closed. In one sense it in which most cases began to never will be, because we have involve allegations of a wide vari- experienced a sinful and predatoety of behaviours going back quite ry aspect of human nature against a few years, even decades. which we have to be permanentIt was no longer as easy to estab- ly on guard. lish the facts. However, in the sense that the Even with these cases, where Church is fully alert to the probthere is often no criminal or civil lem and committed to preventing, liability remaining, we bishops as far as humanly possible, the feel the moral obligation to deal future admission to her ministry of potential abusers, a page has with them. Some wonder when this diffi- been turned and a new chapter cult chapter in the Church's life begun.
80 Priests Accused of Child Abuse in Boston— And New Soul-Searching Across America
The cover of the March 4 edition of Newsweek features a photo of Cardinal Bernard Law with a story on Boston archdiocesan priests accused of child Photo CNSIReutef, abuse and the church's response.
International News
Pope calls for immediate cease-fire in Holy Land By John 'anis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - With the death toll mounting in the latest wave of IsraeliPalestinian violence. Pope John Paul II called for an immediate cease-fire and respect for international law in the embattled region. The pope spoke at a noon blessing March 3 after a week of deadly events in Jerusalem and the West Bank. On Feb. 28, Israeli troops struck two Palestinian refugee camps in search of militants and killed 23 people, including several civilians. More than 20 Israelis were killed in two Palestinian attacks that followed, including a suicide bombing in a Jewish neighborhood of Jerusalem. "The latest news from Jerusalem saddens me deeply," the pope said from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square. "The violence, death and reprisal can only push civilian populations, whether Israeli or Palestinian, toward desperation and hatred. May an immediate cease-fire, together with a renewed sense of humanity and the respect of international law, silence the weapons and allow peace to be heard in the region," he said. As he has done many times before, the pope urged prayers for peace in the Holy Land. The Israeli incursions marked the first time ground troops had entered the refugee camps. Israel said it took the action to find Palestinian militants and prevent them from carrying out further attacks.
Palestinian leaders denounced the suicide bombing in Jerusalem and said they were against violence against civilians, but they said the escalation of Israeli military strikes in Palestinian territories has pushed Palestinians to extreme measures. The Associated Press reported that, with the latest attacks, the Palestinian death toll surpassed 1,000 since the fighting broke out in September 2000. During the same period, more than 280 Israelis have died The director-general of Vatican Radio, Jesuit Father Pasquale Borgomeo, said March 5 that the international community was showing negligence in failing to deal decisively with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The Holy See has pointed to the need for a form of mediation to resolve the conflict. But in the face of this daily horror, where are the United Nations, the United States and Europe?" Father Borgomeo said in a commentary. He noted that a failure to offer assistance to victims of crime or accident is considered a crime in many countries and asked how that could be forgotten by countries that "proclaim they are fighting terrorism." In the Holy Land, he said, the civilians on both sides are the victims of the violence. Father Borgomeo said Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat have shown clearly that they are unable to resolve the conflict and have allowed the violence to escalate out of control.
Keep talking about the Gospel By William R. Genelio SCRANTON, Pa. (CNS) - No matter how complicated the world becomes, the church must continually talk to it and remind it of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington. Cardinal McCarrick said Christ's message should resonate with every activity that affects the human person, including diplomacy, politics, the economy, the environment and respect for life. "We must always advocate for the good, proclaiming the good news," he said. Cardinal McCarrick was in the Diocese of Scranton Feb. 26 to give the Moreau Lecture on national and international affairs at King's College in Wilkes-Barre. In an interview with The Catholic Light, Scranton's diocesan newspaper, the cardinal said that, contrary to the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, a person cannot be separated from his or her calling to carry forth the teachings of Jesus. "We all have to listen to the voice of Jesus," he said, especially on matters of morality, justice and respect for the human person. Cardinal McCarrick noted that the church has many ways to deliver the message. starting with Pope john Paul II through his encyclicals and frequent exhortations. "Our Holy Father is always reaching out to people and governments everywhere, calling us to holiness and grace," the cardinal said. The various orga-
nizations and councils of the Curia, along with the papal nuncios throughout the world, carry the message far beyond Rome, he noted, adding that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops addresses many issues through its committees. On a wider scale, Cardinal McCarrick stressed that every parish and every Catholic has a responsibility to speak to the issues of justice and human rights. "And we have to remember that our neighbors are not just down the block but throughout the world," he said. When asked about the Catholic perspective on the war in Afghanistan, the cardinal said the reasons for beginning the war seem to satisfy the criteria for a just war - including the right to protect innocent people and to destroy "the apparatus of those who would fry to destroy us." But, he added, "we can't say 'It's a just war' and walk away from it. We must continue to observe and evaluate the effects. We must be constantly watching what form the struggle takes to ensure that the means we take are proportionate." While conceding that some of his actions have political implications, Cardinal McCarrick said his principal role is as pastor of the church in Washington. notwithstanding the fact that some among his flock happen to be administration officiaLs and members of Congress. "My role is to take care of all my people," he said. "My greatest challenge is to stir up the faith in myself and in my people." The Record, March 7 2002 Page 11
International News
Simple approach brings Ban on cloning call youths to priesthood In Brief
UNITED NATIONS (CNS) In a speech to a UN committee, a Vatican representative called for a worldwide ban on all human cloning, whether carried out for human reproduction or therapeutic purposes. Human cloning violates the right to life and the status of the human embryo as a free individual, Archbishop Renato R. Martino said February 26 at U.N. headquarters in New York. "The Holy See firmly supports a worldwide and comprehensive ban on human cloning, no matter what techniques are used and what aims are pursued: he said. 'Its position is based on biological analysis of the cloning process and anthropological, social, ethical and legal reflection on the negative implications that human cloning has on the life, dignity and rights of the human being,' he said.
Pray for guidance
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Saying he asks God to guide the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches beyond their current tensions, Pope John Paul II wished Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow a happy feast day. The Vatican said March 1 that he Pope had sent a short telegram to the patriarch for the feast of St. Alexei of Moscow, the patriarch's patron saint. 'I ask the Lord to guide us beyond the difficulties we are experiencing: the pope wrote in the telegram February 23, less than two weeks after he elevated four Catholic Church jurisdictions in Russia into dioceses.
No evil in Potter ROME (CNS) -- The most Important power connected with the Harry Potter books is their power to get children to read, said an influential Italian Jesuit magazine. La Civilta Cattolica, a magazine reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State before publication, presented what it described as a calm reflection on "the Harry Potter phenomenon' in its early-March edition. The magazine said the only remotely troubling thing about the books is that, unlike most magical children's literature, Harry Potter's magic is being exercised in the real world of modern-day England. The possibility of confusion for young readers should not be 'undervalued, nor blown out of proportion,' the magazine said. A bit of parental guidance should be enough to let children know that Harry Potter's magic is fictitious, it said.
Media important VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II asked Catholic communications professionals to make sure the Gospel and the church's voice are not sidelined in modern media. Speaking March 1 to participants in a plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, he called engagement with the world of media *a vital part" of today's church efforts.
By Tim Fitzgerald COVINGTON, Ky. (CNS) Sometimes less is more. The vocations office in the Diocese of Covington is testing this belief with an ad campaign that invites young men ages 18-24 to consider the priesthood. In sharp contrast to most television ads, its simple message is delivered in stark black and white, without sound. Since Vocations Awareness Week in mid-January, the ad has run on selected northern Kentucky cable channels. Insight Communications data identified those channels that are most watched by the target group, such as ESPN and Comedy Central. Father John J. Sterling, director of the diocesan Vocations Council, said he has been pleased with the results. He is receiving two to three calls a week from young men who report they've seen the ad. In a typical month, Father Sterling said, he might receive one such phone call. Two donors came forward in December. They offered to pay for the ad production and airtime costs until June 30. The donors' generosity sparked an idea that had been bouncing around in Father Sterling's mind for months.
IF YOU'VE RUN LOOKING FOR A SIGN
THIS IS IT
ME AS A DIOCESAN PRIEST
Eor More Information Call HAVE THE COURAGE TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT PATH
Fr. John Sterling Director of Vocations
859-283-6300 i*terlingoldiookowky.org
The ads created by the Diocese of Covington, Ky., promoting the vocation of a priest The ads are generating two to three calls a week to the director of vocations.
Meanwhile, he was gathering "The big talk at the national vocations directors' conference Ideas about what media work for was that we have to get into the young people from a variety of media, to reach the young people high school and college-age stuwhere they are, the Web sites, TV, dents he met in school visits radio stations," he told the Mes- around the diocese. senger. Covington's diocesan Sixteen-year-old Robert Clague, newspaper. a Covington Latin junior, came up Soon after, along with many with some compelling arguments other northern Kentuckians, he for a "less can be more" approach. saw the vocations ad on television A member of the diocesan Youth sponsored by the Archdiocese of Commission and a media hobbyist, he volunteered to serve on the Cincinnati.
Princess wanted to be a Catholic By Simon Caldwell I.ONDON (CNS) - Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, had seriously considered becoming a Catholic, a new book said. Noel Botham. in his book. "Margaret: The Last Real Princess," claims that Princess Margaret, who died 9 February at age 71. did not convert to Catholicism out of a sense of loyalty to her sister. Princess Margaret was a highchurch Anglican and a member of the most pro-Catholic faction of the Church of England. Botham said Princess Margaret was also a close friend of Derek Jennings, a senior civil servant in the British government' who had converted to Catholicism from the Church of England and later became a priest. In his book, published in late February, Botham said Father Jennings was convinced that Princess Margaret wanted to become a Catholic According to the book, Princess Margaret first became attracted to Catholicism when she had begun to tire of the high-society party scene. She married the Earl of Snowdon in 1960 and their
Britain's Princess Margaret, right, appears in this December 2001 photo with her sister Queen Elizabeth, left, and their aunt, Princess Alice. A new book claims Princess Margaret wanted to convert to Catholicism. ovto
marriage had also run into difficulties. "In the turbulent 1960s, when she realised that her marriage was such a calamitous mistake and her pride and confidence had taken a dreadful battering, the princess relied on the power of prayer to bring her safely through the darkest days with her spirit intact," Botham said in his book. Princess Mar-
.;aret. who divorced in 1978. became the focus of press attention because of her high-profile love affairs. In 1955, she decided not to marry Royal Air Force Group. Capt. Peter Townsend because he was a divorcee. In January 1994, her cousin, the Duchess of Kent, became the most senior British royal to convert to the Catholic faith.
TV & film industry rethinks its values By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The U.S. film and television industry has undergone a "revolutionary" shift toward programming with positive values since the September 11 terror attacks, said Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles. "September 11 had a very important impact on segments of the film and TV industry in our country," said the cardinal, whose diocese includes Hollywood. "Because of the shift in concerns and interests on the part of people - a lot more toward God and prayer and spiritual matters -
, The Recostd, March 72(702 Pagt
there was a dramatic shift in what Is going on" in the film and television industry, he said. The cardinal made the observations in an oral report February 26 at the annual plenary meeting of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. He summarised his remarks in an interview with Catholic News Service. As an example of the entertainment industry's new sensitivity, he pointed out the postponed release of Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Collateral Damage," about a firefighter whose family is killed by international terrorists. He said he'd learned from talks
with film and television producers that "they are really, really rethinking a lot of the programming in light of September 11, and in fact have rejected a huge number of scripts that they just feel people don't want to see anymore. "It isn't just a negative thing - trying to get rid of the violence -but they're looking for programs that do have some positive contribution to make," the cardinal said. "That's kind of revolutionary in that industry to see that." Cardinal Mahony said he had noticed an increased interest in programming about people who help other people.
diocesan vocations council. Clague recommended the ad be a "silent commercial" because young people have so much noise coming in that when the screen goes silent, they look to see what's wrong. As to a colour scheme, Clague said, "I thought one of the most effective ways ... was to do it in black and white, kind of symbolising the priest's garments." Another piece of advice Father Sterling gathered was "it needs to be simple. If it's from God, it doesn't need to be some actor telling them what to do." In an era of $2 million Super Bowl ads, the diocesan media campaign is tiny, said Father Gerald Reinersman, diocesan chancellor and former vocations director, "Like everything else, it is one piece of the puzzle It is not a silver bullet, the panacea. ... It's never one thing. It's a part of the overall picture." But Father Sterling does have a larger target than just young men. "I think one of the main responsibilities is to convince everyone in the diocese that we all are vocations directors," he said. -I'm hoping that this commercial doesn't go just to those who might want to he a priest, but also to their parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters.
US Marians merge DAY1UN, Ohio (CNS) - The Society of Mary, a religious order of priests and brothers also known as the Marianists. announced that its plans to merge its four U.S. provinces into one will take effect July 1. The merger will combine the provinces of Cincinnati. St. Louis, Pacific and New York. in which nearly 500 Marianists serve in more than 30 dioceses. The new unified province, which will have its headquarters in St. Louis. also includes about 200 members of the religious order who work in India, Africa, Korea and Mexico. There are more than 1,500 members of the Society of Mary worldwide in 40 countries. *To many, it appears like a corporate downsizing, to use a business term," said Brother Stephen Glodek, provincialdesignate of the new Province of the United States of the Society of Mary and current head of the New York province. "But it's an attempt by us to simplify our governing structures so we can look more closely at the U.S. culture and look at our priorities for ministries," he said in recent remarks at the University of Dayton, which is run by his order. "What is it we as Marianists should be doing in the new century?" He said all the current provincial buildings in the United States would be kept for at least a year "so the new provincial council can assess what facilities are needed for the future." The new province's assistant provincial will be Marianist Father James Fitz, who is leaving the University of Dayton.
nternational News
Mother Teresa "kept smiling" despite the pain God existed and had a plan for her life, even if she did not feel his VATICAN crry (CNS) - As Mis- presence, the priest said. sionaries of Charity Father Brian "Everyone wants to share, to talk Kolodiejchuk pores over the let- about things, to be encouraged by ters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta others," he said, but Mother Tereand the reports of her spiritual sa, "hurting on the inside, kept directors, he is increasingly struck smiling, kept working, kept being by the enormous difficulty of all joyful." she accomplished. In a 1961 letter to the MissionThe priest, who is in charge of aries of Charity, she wrote, "Withpreparing material for Mother out suffering our work would just Teresa's beatification, is not sur- be social work. ... All the desolaprised by the effort it took to open tion of poor people must be houses for the dying, the sick and redeemed and we must share in the homeless. The surprising it. aspect is how much she did Father Kolodiejchuk, a 45-yeardespite feeling for years that God old Canadian ordained in the had abandoned her, he said. Ukrainian-Byzantine rite, was Her letters to her spiritual direc- among the first members of the tors over the years are filled with Missionaries of Charity Fathers. references to "interior darkness," Members of Mother Teresa's to feeling unloved by God and order often heard her refer to Sepeven to the temptation to doubt tember 10, 1946, as "Inspiration that God exists. Day," when on a train in India she She wrote to her spiritual direc- experienced a call to live and tor in a 1959-60 spiritual diary, "In work with the poor. Mother Teremy soul. I feel just the terrible sa had described the call as "an pain of loss, of God not wanting order, a duty, an absolute certainme. of God not being God, of God ty" that she must leave the Sisters not really existing." In another let- of Loreto and move into the slums ter she wrote that she wanted to of Calcutta to devote herself comlove God "like he has not been pletely to the poor. loved." and yet she felt her love "We thought that in some way, which she never explained, she was not reciprocated. In the context of Mother Teresa's experienced Jesus' call." Father life, the thoughts are not heresy. Kolodiejchuk said. But now, from reading her corbut signs of holiness, Father Kolodiejchuk said in a late-Febru- respondence with her spiritual director, he said, it is clear she ary interview. Mother Teresa was convinced experienced what theologians By Cindy Wooden
Mother Teresa is seen smiling in an undated file photo. Mother Teresa had Pnoto CNS/Re various spiritual struggles.
call an "interior imaginative locution" - she distinctly heard a voice In her head tell her what to do. "And it continued for some months," he said. "The call was so direct that she knew it was the right thing despite this darkness she experienced for many years, at least until the 1970s," the priest said. At one point, a former arc.hbish-
op of Calcutta wanted to share some of her letters with a struggling founder of another religious congregation. Father Kolodiejchuk said. Mother Teresa begged him not to and asked that all her letters be destroyed. Father Kolodiejchuk said she told the archbishop, "When people know about the beginning,
they will think more about me and less about Jesus." Does Father Kolodiejchuk worry that he is betraying her wishes by publicising the information? "I think her perspective is very Father now," different Kolodiejchuk answered. The investigations into her faith life are not idle prying, the priest said. Beatification and canonisation are recognitions not of a person's life work - which is obviously praiseworthy in Mother Teresa's case - but of holiness. While some people may be surprised or even shocked by Mother Teresa's spiritual struggles, he said he hopes it also will help them come to "a fuller and deeper appreciation of holiness, which Mother Teresa lived in a way both simple and profound: she took what Jesus gave with a smile and stayed faithful even in the smallest things." The feeling that God is far away or even nonexistent is a common spiritual experience, he said. "Maybe we won't have the same intensity of experiences, but most of what she did was very ordinary - it just became extraordinary when it was all put together," Father Kolodiejchuk said. Mother Teresa died in Calcutta in September 1997 In 1999, Pope John Paul II waived the rule requiring a five-year wait before a beatification process can begin.
Pro-lifers dismayed at report Sexual tourism on the By Paulinus Barnes MANCHESTER. England (CNS) - British pro-lifers and church leaders were dismayed by a that recommending report human embryo cloning be permitted. The report was published February 27 by a special committee of the House of Lords. The committee said research on human embryonic stem cells should be allowed under strict regulation. Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow. Scotland. said that the report by the House of Lords committee showed evidence of disregard for human life at its earliest stage. The Archbishop said cloning represented "gross and unjustified interference in the natural processes of human reproduction." "Human life is not a commodity: a baby is not a product; an embryo is not a cluster of exploitable cells but a potential human being." said the Archbishop, a member of the England and Wales bishops' conference's bioethics committee.
The report said scientifit advances using adult stem cells held great promise. In order for the therapeutic potential of stemcell research to be realised, some use of embryonic stem cells is likely to be necessary, the report said. Anglican Bishop Richard Harries of Oxford, a House of Lords member, said the committee did not feel a comprehensive ban on embryonic stem-cell research was necessary. "We were satisfied on the basis of the scientific evidence that as yet research on adult stem cells has not, as some claim, made research on embryonic stem cells unnecessary," said Bishop Harries, who chaired the committee. Archbishop Conti disputed the committee's findings, saying that recent research showed that adult stem cells were as potentially therapeutic as embryonic stem cells. The British government now will consider the report and its implications, before further discussion of the issues in Parliament. A Catholic member of the House
of Lords, Lord Alton of Liverpool. a noted pro-life campaigner, said the committee's findings were "disappointingly predictable." He said the report was "bereft of any new insights, ethically compromised, and already being eclipsed by exciting new scientific developments in adult stemcells research." He said that the committee's work had been "one-sided" and excluded people who had spoken in Parliament against the use of human embryos. He also criticised the appointment of the Anglican bishop to chair the committee. "The appointment of a senior cleric who had spoken in favour of embryo experimentation and therapeutic cloning as its chairman only adds to the general sense of cynicism. This was designed to give a cloak of respectability to a process that diminishes humanity and wantonly destroys life," Lord Alton said. The pro-life charity LIFE said the report was" another step down the road to the trivialisation of human life."
increase: Vatican official By John Thavis
vvrtc:Ax CITY (CNS) - In a new book. a Vatican official has denounced the increasing forms of "sexual tourism" that exploit more than a million children around the world. Msgr. Piero Monni said he wrote the book. "The Archipelago of Shame: Sexual Tourism and Peadophilia." to draw attention to the great numbers of minors who are "exploited for sexual or pornographic ends. and bartered or sold as slaves" on every continent. Msgr. Monni is the Vatican's permanent observer at the World Tourism Organisation, and is a former professor of bioethics and law at a papal university in Rome. In an interview with Catholic News Service, Msgr. Monni said the forms of sexual exploitation of minors have changed somewhat over the last decade, but it continues to thrive as a "busi-
ness." For example, he said, many European countries have cracked down on travel agencies that once offered tours to Asian countries that included sex with minors as part of the package. That move came after an important Europe-wide conference in 1996. But at the same time, the illegal sexual exploitation of children has boomed in places like Eastern Europe and southern Africa in recent years, he said. He said it was a growing global business, which today lies firmly in the control of organised crime. According to Msgr. Monni, accurate statistics on sexual exploitation of minors are hard to obtain. But he estimated there adult 50.000 are about peadophiles engaging in various forms of "sexual tourism." and more than 1 million children - mostly between the ages of 6 and 14 - exploited for such activities around the world.
The intemet a way of communicating with all Church members By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Calling the Internet "an opportunity and a challenge and not a threat," the Vatican issued two documents encouraging the church to embrace the technology and help guide it to benefit all humanity. The documents said the Internet's interactive nature could help the church achieve the Second Vatican Council's vision of communication between its members, moving away from the "one-way, top-down communication of the past." Among practical responses to potential ethical and social problems related to the Internet, the documents recommended more
industry self-regulation, a voluntary church "certification" of sites that call themselves Catholic, and careful supervision of children's Web surfing. The two 27-page documents, "Ethics in Internet" - a reflection on ethical issues - and "The Church and Internet" - an assessment of online pastoral opportunities - were released at a February 28 Vatican press conference. The documents were prepared by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Russell Shaw, a U.S. journalist who serves on the council, headed the drafting process. The Internet ethics document emphasised the technology's
tremendous power and opportunities, saying it could help bring together every person on the planet in a "world governed by Justice and peace and love." "Today it takes no great stretch of the imagination to envisage the earth as an interconnected globe humming with electronic transmissions - a chattering planet nestled in the provident silence of space," it said. "The ethical question is whether this is contributing to authentic human development," it said. Beyond obvious Internet problems like pornography, hate sites, and computer hacking, the document said areas for concern included: - The "digital divide" between
those with Internet access and economic competitiveness and those without. It said ways must round-the-clock nature of Interbe found to make the Internet net journalism "contribute to senand rumour accessible to less-advantaged sationalism groups, and called on public insti- -mongering, to a merging of news, tutions to establish sites that pro- advertising and entertainment, vide comprehensive information and to an apparent decline in seriresources free of charge and in ous reporting and commentary." The document also called for conmultiple languages. - The potential for cultural dom- tinued study of the Internet's posination, especially by Western sible effects on psychological development and health, "includsecular culture. - Defending freedom of expres- ing the possibility that prolonged sion and exchange of ideas. It con- immersion in the virtual world of demned authoritarian regimes cyberspace may be damaging to that block access to information, some." "Fundamentally," the document but also wealthy politicians' privileged access to media in democ- said, "we do not view the Internet racies and the reduction of issues only as a source of problems; we see it as a source of benefits to the to sound bites. - The effect on journalism. The human race." The Record, March 7 2002 Page 13
Asian Catholic News
Priest attacks strate AHMEDABAD, India (UCAN) The book popularly known as A Jesuit priest has termed as fun- Gita (the song) is part of the epic damentalism a western Indian Mahabharata. Considered a state's insistence that schools in sacred text of Hinduism, it contribal areas spend a part of their tains Lord Krishna's advice on state aid on Hindu texts. how to carry out one's duty with The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, justice and righteousness. Indian people's party) that runs The circular also said the govGujarat state asked in February ernment aim was to improve the for details from the schools on character and moral standards of their progress in implementing a students by imparting the values circular it issued earlier. of Hindu scriptures. The August 2000 circular from Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash the state's Commissioner of Trib- alleged that the strategy was to al Welfare asked the schools, the "Hinduize" tribal children by pormajority of them missionary-run, traying Hinduism as their relito use the fund to buy Hindu reli- gion. gious texts. The circular also "There is nothing wrong in asked the schools to buy the imparting good values but it abridged Bhagavad Gita (song of should be from all religions and the lord) from the grant allotted to should not be forced on children," them. said Father Prakash, who wants
to Tlinduize' children
people to view the government plan against the backdrop of right-wing Hindu groups' attempts to make India a Hindu nation. The priest noted that the Indian Constitution guarantees a secular state and therefore the Gujarat circular "is not only illegal but also an infringement of the secular nature of the country." Copies of the 246-page pocket edition of Gita, costing 20 rupees
(41 US cents) per copy, were sent
to the schools two days after the circular was issued. The cost was cut directly from the state aid to the schools. Father Prakash said the schools had no option but to accept the books, but the choice to distribute them among the students was still
with the schools. He added that some schools have not yet received the circular or the books leading to suspicion that the move was an "experiment to see the reactions." Some administrators of Catholic mission schools, which reportedly received the books, were not available for comment. Father Prakash said the Church would have objected even if the government had propagated Christianity or Islam without giving a choice to the students. "We should keep in mind our nation has a secular constitution and the children studying cannot be compelled to study one or the other religion," he added. However, some Hindu leaders maintain that the book is equiva-
Japanese mothers sig or tneoiogy
TOKYO (UCAN) - Mild Tokiko wanted to know more about God. However, the Catholic mother of two says courses for mothers once a month and listening to nuns were not enough for her. Mild is one of several Catholic mothers in japan studying theology at the Jesuit-run Sophia University in Tokyo. "My experiences in life can enrich this study. Theology is equally open to us," says Mild, a full-time undergraduate student at the university's theology department. Nearly half of her classmates of 126 are women. seven of whom are mothers. For Miki's fellow student Takamizawa Kimiko, theology has brought her joy in life. "I was bound bN stereotypes on what a father. mother and daughter should do. But studying and seeking for the essence in life here.I became free from those restrictions and now I am happy," she told UCA News. Takamizawa's husband was afraid that the family would he a victim of her determination to study. "I discussed a lot with him for one year and in the end without reaching an agreement.I took the entrance exam. It was only after seeing me become more cheerful that he finally understood me." she said. Takamizawa's non-Christian husband said he initially regarded Christianity as subjective and exclusive. However, with his
Toshie Kanda offers a prayer on the 56th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing at Hiroshima, Japan, Japanese mothers are among the growing number of women studying theology. wife's continued efforts to explain her faith, he said. "I don't think I will get baptised, but the teachings of the Catholic Church are good." Jesuit Father Yamaoka Sanji, dean of the university's Faculty of Theology, welcomes the trend. "It started a few years ago. Ills a good sign that theology is coming closer to laypeople. Theological education should not be considered the privilege of the clergy anymore," the priest said. He noted that most of the
women attending the theology classes had studied at their parishes or community colleges before they came to Sophia University, which charges about US$7,500 per year for its course. For Nakamura Noriko, studying theology has not only brought about a change in her life but also in her family. "What we learn in class can be instantly put into practice." she said. She cited as an example that "a meal can become a Mass - eating together and forgiving each other.
My children can understand the Importance of such education." she added. Nakamura also said. "Theology taught me how to accept realities and find joy in prayer. It's widening my view." Osone Erni a young woman studying theology along with the mothers, said. 1 am amazed by their hard work It encourages me to study harder.... and makes me reflect more deeply." Yamauchi Totsuka. a seminarian, said that having mothers in the class has deepened his faith. remember one mother recalling her experience of giving birth where she risked her life. It was a story of pure love which made me understand that love is not a concept or thought but an event of this world." he said. According to Father Yamaoka. "These mothers calmed the atmosphere of the whole department." He said. "Talking with older people helps get rid of young students' fear of the future." The mothers are eager to share their knowledge and help deepen the spiritual life of laypeople in their parishes but opportunities are few. Takamizawa once had the chance to talk on the historic background of Jesus in a parish group meeting. She said people were happy to know what she had studied. "In reality, though. there are very few opportunities for theologically educated laypeople. But I believe that there will be."
Indonesian youths come together 'as a family' JAKARTA (UCAN) - Indonesian youths of different religions who participated in dialogue training say they have learned that tolerance and mutual respect are needed to counter conflict and fanaticism. Some 30 Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Confucian, Bahai and Sundanese Karuhun tribal students from boarding schools participated in a live-in at Assiddikyah Islamic Boarding School in Tangerang, 40 kilometres west of Jakarta. "We lived together for three days discussing, dialoging, sharing and praying together," said Bernardus Agus Rukmono, an Oblate deacon on a pastoral apprenticeship in a Jakarta parish. "As a Catholic, especially a seminarian, we must learn a lot from other people and their differ-
ences," Rukmono told UCA News Protestant participant, said the February 16. activity was exciting because it He said that by participating in brings people from different relithe group, he realises the impor- gions to live together. tance of developing brotherhood "We gained an understanding to through continuous interfaith dia- be able to look at each other as logue. one," said the student of the JakarMeryam S.V. Nainggolan, facili- ta-based School of Theology. "It tator and head of the Jakarta- also helps the youths to see other based Panca Dian Kasih (five people as family," Wagimin lamps of love) Foundation that added. "We were touched by our promotes interreligious coopera- faith that made us not discrimition, said the training was organ- nate against each other. We were ised with help from several NGOs also able to accept other people's and religious schools. way of praying without losing our "Every month, about 20 to 35 own religious identity." youths between 18 and 30 years Kholidah, a Muslim participant. of age, gather to live together for told UCA News that the training three to six days," she said, helped enrich the participants' expressing hope that through knowledge of other religions. training, the youths would "In the past, we were always susbecome mediators in their own picious and closed ourselves off community. from other religions, which preJesaya Abraham Wagimin, a vented us from communicating.
The Record, March 7 2002 Page 14
The presence of people from other religions helped us understand our strengths and weaknesses, as I experienced in this training," she said. "Ialso found many common values in our normal life, which erase our fanaticism," said the student of Assiddikyah Islamic School. Kiai Haji Nur Iskandar, head of the Assiddikyah Islamic School, said, "Studying other religions is not enough. The most important thing is to learn how to live together concretely with other religions." He told UCA News that the program aimed to make youths "agents of peace" and to "overcome crisis between religions, especially conflicts." The differences between religions are not supposed to be a problem, nor a threat, he said.
lent to the more advanced moral science text books in city schools and has nothing to do with any particular religion. Ramesh Patel, an education department official in the state capital of Gandhinagar, said their aim is to impart culture. "Good values from any scriptures are good as long they do not teach hatred," he said. In January 2001, the education department had asked all schools to subscribe to a right-wing organisation's journal, but had to retract the request following opposition from secularists and Church leaders. The government also withdrew its August 2000 circular that sought Information on foreign funds the schools receive.
Lower retirement age stirs clergy ILOILO CITY, Philippines (UCAN) - A central Philippine bishop's circular lowering his priests' retirement age and limiting their term in a parish hasmet opposition from some clergy. Nineteen priests or lam
archdiocese accused Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jan) of going against canon law for stipulating the changes in his Circular Number 44, issued in January. The circular said priests (ire to retire at age 65. Archbishop Lagdameo also prescribed a six-year term for the priests parish assignments. 'The Archbishop by this decree is deviating from the universal law? read a statement the opposing priests gave reporters February 17 in Jam. 450 kilometres southeast of Manila. The priests cited paragraph 3 of Canon 538 stating that a parish priest is requested to offer his resignation after reaching the age of 75 to his bishop, who may accept or defer it. The reshuffling of parish priests forces elderly priests into 'early retirement,' the statement noted, adding that Archbishop Lagdameo was splitting the old and young clergy. Monsignor Nemesio Espinosa. parish priest of Santa Barbara, said that during clergy meetings priests are grouped according to age. He claimed that Archbishop Lagdameo has played favourites, while Monsignor Enrique Perez. pastor of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, said young priests wanted to take over the archdiocese. On February 22, Archbishop Lagdameo told UCA News that his circular's 'overarching vision is renewal of the local Church: He explained that the six-year assignment allows parishioners to benefit from the services of other priests and prevents a pastor from staying 'too long' in a parish. Archbishop Lagdameo noted that some pastors in Jam parishes have been in a parish for 15-20 years,. and stressed that "the parish is not a personal possession of the parish priest!
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When singing opens doors By Marylynn G. Hewitt and Father Joe Horn DETROIT (CNS) - As a little boy in a New Orleans housing project, Aaron Neville learned early that singing opened doors. He would stand at the door of the movie theatre and sing until they let him in to see a film. He would stand at the door to the basketball arena and sing until he was admitted. Lots of doors opened later in life as Aaron and his three brothers, performing as The Neville Brothers, sold more than 25 million albums and earned several Grammy Awards.
But it wasn't until the doors of their record label closed that Aaron. a Catholic, was able to release his first fully religious album. "Devotion." in 2000. Neville, 61, has begun work on a second.
Throughout his career, which included the blockbuster 1960s single "Tell It Like It Is." he would include one religious song per album. He wanted to do more, but "the record company wasn't ready for it," he said. "That's why I asked to do at least one gospel (song) on
each of my solo albums." One of the
rust was "Ave Maria." recorded with
Linda Ronstadt. That song, he told The Michigan Catholic, Detroit's archdiocesan newspaper, "is one of my favourites.Ilearned it at Catholic school as a kid and sang it to myself. It's refreshing and uplifting." It also is a song close to his heart since his wife learned it on the piano and plays along as he sings. After 43 years of marriage, he said, it is their favourite song. The two met as young teens. "We raised each other." he said, recalling their first meeting. "She was getting her prom dress altered." He wasn't her date for the evening but they have been dancing together since. "We've had our ups and downs." he said, noting a time they were separated. "But we still came out on the up." Their marriage has endured some tough spots, and so have other aspects of his life. And many of the rough times were his own doing. The drug use - "heroin, marijuana and whatever," Neville said - were vices he sought out on his own. "1 was inquisitive." he recalled.
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ALL areas. Mike Murpny 1800 016 310 (free call).
St Patrick's Day Mass, Fremantle - Emeritus Bishop Healy
Archdiocesan Panorama MENTAL HEALTH The meeting for those with mental health concerns and carers will be on Monday 11th March at 7.30pm in the parish centre. Our Lady of Lourdes, 28 Marda Way Nollamara.This month's meeting will include concelebration of the Eucharist by the chaplains for Mental Health. For details please call Pat 9275 2809. C ANDLELIGHT WALK FOR PEACE In the wake of grieving the catastrophic events that have threatened our world, al l people are invited to symbolically carry a light into our darkened world by walking the sacred path of the labyrinth for personal healing and world peace. This evening will be accompanied by spiritual music and readings of the great peacemakers. Become an instrument of peace and reconciliation. Fri 22 March, 7.30 - 9pm Our Lady of Grace Pastoral Centre, Kitchener St, North Beach. Donation only. Socks are requested for walking the labyrinth. Inquiries: Angela King 94478130 DIVINE MERCY RESIDENTIAL RETREAT The Divine Mercy Apostolate invites all to a weekend of prayer and reflection at the Epiphany Centre, Fifth Ave. Rossmoyne from Fri evening 22 March, 6.30pm to Sun 24 March, 4pm. Program: Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Prayers, videos. Benediction. Several priests will give talks. Main celebrant: Fr Marcellinus Meilak OEM. Inquiries: John 9457 7771. GARAGE SALE Little Sisters of the Poor, Glendalough. Furniture. bric-a-brac, books. 16 March. Enter by Leeder St (near the bike track). DAY OF PRAYER FOR YOUNG MEN On Sat 23 March Fr Hugh Thomas will lead a day of prayer and reflection on vocation for men aged 17-50. Place: Redemptorist Monastery. 190 Vincent St, North Perth. 9am to 5.30pm. Inquiries: 9328 6600. HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS Sat 23 March at the Redemptorist Church, North Perth, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
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room, John XXIII College. Mt Claremont. Details: Murray Graham 9383 0444. PRAYER SERVICE A Prayer Service against sickness and evil is held every second Sunday of the month at St John's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth. Service includes Exposition of the blessed Sacrament. Benediction and Rosary. Next service: 10 March, 2.30-4.30pm. All are welcome. M AKING OUR LENTEN JOURNEY WITH CHRIST R edemptorist Retreat Centre. Vincent St. North Perth, 16,17 March. Conducted by Fr Hugh Thomas. Registration at 8.30am. Sessions begin a t 9am. Cost: Non-resident S35. resident S45. R emember to bring your Bible. Rosary and writing materials. Information: Rita 9272 1765. Gertrude 9455 6576 (after 6pm). GOOD FRIDAY - DESOLATA On Good Friday night. the Servites. Order of Servants of mary, remember the pain and anguish of the Mother of Jesus as she watched him die and be buried. Servite Friar. Era Leo will continue the ancient tradition at the Desolata Serviced in St Denis Church, Joondanna. at 7.30pm. Fri 29 March. All are welcome. Please be seated early because the Church will be in semi-darkness. ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION - FREMANTLE 17 March. Day starts with Holy Mass at 11am in St Patrick's Basi l ica. The parade begins at 12.30pm from Ellen St. followed by free family c oncert at the Esplanade Oval. All are welcome. MUSICAL CELEBRATION OFTHE WORD OF GOD The Bible Society in WA, with the Royal School of Church Music (WA Branch), is presenting a ' Musical Celebration of the Word of God' to be held on Sat, 13 April. 7.30pm at St Andrew's Uniting Church. corner of Pier St/St George's Terrace. PRAYER VIGIL A peaceful prayer vigil with Rosaries and hymns is made outside the abortion clinic at 2 Cleaver Tce Rivervale every third Sat of each month. 11am to 12 noon. The next vigil will be on Sat 16 March. Please join us. Inquiries: Colin 9409 4543.
7 CHURCHES WALK - DAY OF PENANCE
R ECRUITING ADULTS FOR YOUTH MINISTRY
Join us for a walk around 7 Churches on Sat 16 March. Start: St Mary's Cathedral. Confession at 9am. Mass at 9.30am. Churches: Pro-Cathedral, All Saints' Chapel, City; St Brigid's. West Perth: Redemptorist Monastery: Melkite Church. Perth: Sacred Heart, Highgate: St Mary's Cathedral. BYO lunch in Hyde Park. Two Stations prayed in each Church. Recite Rosary while walking. Led by Fr Doug Harris. Inq: Fr Harris 9223 1350.
On 23 March Catholic Youth Ministry will be conducting a special workshop. at the Morley Parish Centre. on how to find and look after the adults you would like to run your youth programs. Information: Catholic Youth Ministry 9221 5904.
DISCOVERING THE SPIRIT OF MARY WARD A day of reflection. Sun 17 March, 10am-3.30pm. Mary Ward Spirituality Centre. Loreto Nedlands. Webster St. Facilitators Margaret Finlay IBVM. Margaret C. Honner IBVM. RSVP 13 March. Phone 9386 7206. Or email: finlaymarg@hotmail.com. B YO lunch, tea/coffee pro' led. TALK ABOUT PARENTING Parenting: forming stronger bonds with our children by understanding better their moods. Presenter Lyn Young (Psycho-Therapist). $5 (donation unwaged).Tues 12 March. 7.30-9.30pm. Multi-purpose room. John XXIII College, Mt Claremont. Details: Murray Graham 9383 0444. FORGIVENESS AND GUILT Presenter: Ean James (Clinical Psychologist) Thurs 14 March. 7.30-9.30pm. Stella Mans Seafarers Centre. 12-16 Queen Victoria St. Fremantle. Cost S5 (donation unwaged). Details Murray Graham 9383 0444. 1GNATIAN SPIRITUALITY ' Why is my spiritual well sometimes empty? Presenter Murray Graham. Donation for Inigo Centre. 11am-1pm. Sat 16 March. Multi-purpose
GOOD FRIDAY CEREMONIES AT BINDOON Catholic Agricultural College 12 noon - Stations of the Cross. 2pm - Performance of Passion Play, 3pm - Solemn Ceremony - The Lord's Passion. Confessions from 10.30am and after Stations of the 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. THE LAYMAN'S HOUR Radio Fremantle. 107.9 FM. on Sun 10 March at 7.30pm..Hear Wanda Gawronska. the niece of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, phoning in from Rome in an interview with Raymond and Theresa de Souza. Hear all about the young man whom Pope John Paul II called, 'The Man of the Eight Beatitudes', a true role model for the youth of today. Also: Dominic de Souza (14 y.o.) and Silvana Scarfe (12 y.o.) featuring a 20-question test on the Catholic Catechism and Sacred Scripture. On Sun 17 March at 7.30pm hear Jean du Buisson Perrine discussing euthanasia. Also, find out how much your children have learned and 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.
-Thet.ReccirlkAfatthi 7 C2002. Pige .15
The Last Word
Sister MagdaIff Bolduc of the Community of the Beatitudes in Denver prepares a lesson in early February on the Jewish roots of Catholicism.
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By Ilexame King
Catholic community in Denver includes lay and religious men, women and even a family - who are striving to emulate the early Christians. The Community of the Beatitudes has seven adult members, and is the only one of its kind in the United States. Its members, from France, England, Poland and Canada, arrived in Denver more than two years ago at the invitation of Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput. Now the community is beginning to attract its first US aspirants. The group's leader, 49-year-old Christian Meert, said the community was asked to serve the archdiocese in three areas: providing opportunities for prayer, working with families and youth, and Leaching the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. "We are a house of prayer." Meert told the Denver Catholic Register, the archdiocese's newspaper. "We share with the people, whoever wants to come, our prayer time. It's open to everyone as an oasis of peace and prayer." Every day, community members pray the Liturgy of the Hours, expose the Blessed Sacrament and pray the rosary. Visitors join them most frequently for vespers - and for a potluck dinner and Jewish dancing on Saturday nights. The community plans liturgies and exposition for parishes, youth groups and conferences and offer retreats for all ages. To support
marriage and family life, Meert and his wife, Christine, 46, both natives of France, teach marriage preparation for the Denver Archdiocese. Community members also host numerous youth events, including monthly "Hike and Praise" days spent in the mountains. Sister Magdalit Bolduc, a Sister of the Community of the Beatitudes, teaches the Jewish roots of the Catholic faith. A native of Canada, Sister Bolduc spent 12 years in Israel and now offers a five-week course called "The Hebrew Experience." The Community of the Beatitudes was founded in France in
1973 by two Protestant couples who desired to live as the first Christians did. The primary founder, Gerard Croissant, was a Protestant minister who became a Catholic and was ordained a permanent deacon in 1978. That same year, the community was granted canonical recognition as an association of the faithful. The unique community includes people from all stations of life: single and married people, priests, and religious brothers and sisters. Members share everything in common and commit to a life of prayer, poverty and obedience. Today some 1,600 members live in 83 houses in 32 countries.
does have its challenges. The greatest one for her has been balancing the demands of family and community. Three of the couple's daughters, ranging in age from 7 to 18, live at home while their two adult daughters live away from home. Christine Meert assists her husband with organisation and office work, and brings in income by selling ornaments she makes out of bread dough. Laughing, she said that after 12 years she is dose to achieving the balance she desires. "It's not easy living in community - it's a call." she said. "It's like a bigger family, but we all have the same goal. It's like a school of love." But the rewards of loyal fraternal support and profound spiritual growth also have been magnificent, she said. "The times of prayer are really strong and powerful - that's why I entered and what's brought me the most joy," Christine said. The community's first American aspirant, a young woman, began living with the community in January. Two other women plan to stay with the community soon. Three men, including one seminarian, have expressed interest and a married couple from California has just completed a weekend discernment visit. "This year is the year for American vocations. The first two years we had to get used to the country." Christian said. "We started to Religious, lay members and visitors pray together at the Community of the Beatitudes in northwest Denver in early pray for vocations in September. February. Begun in France with an aim to live as early Christians did, Beatitudes communities now number about 83 It's like the Lord is just sending worldwide. The Denver house is the first in the United States. Photo CNS/Jarnes 8acaiDenver Catholic Register the people." - CNS
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The Denver community was established in August 1999. The Meerts, the lone family in the Denver community, live in a brick home near the community's main building - the convent. Their decision to sell their home and live a communal life consecrated to God, was one they did not make overnight, but after several years. In 1990, Christian Meert gave up a successful career with an international irrigation company and the couple sold their home and belongings and joined the community. "We've never regretted the choice." Christine Meert said. "Never." But, she added, community life
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