with the Vicar of Christ APRIL General: That in the many rapid changes taking place in today's world the importance of the family may be recognised in its fundamental vocation as cradle of life and school of faith and right values. Missionary: That, sustained by the heroic testimony of the martyrs of our time, the ecciesial communities may announce Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of humankind, with renewed courage.
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Pages 8&9
MIDLANDPRAYER SAVES CHILD By Neil Smith
The prayers of a congregation of more than 100 worshippers at a special Mass at St Brigid's, Midland. on Friday. April 5, had an immediate response when a woman seeking an abortion changed her mind. The Archbishop of Perth, Barry Hickey and four priests concelebrated the Mass to mark the Annunciation - the anniversary of the day the Virgin Mary conceived Jesus Christ. Later, more than 60 of the worshippers marched with the Archbishop through the streets of Midland reciting the Rosary, to a women's clinic, where they knelt on the street verge and mounted a vigil. praying for mothers and their unborn children. The woman saw the worshippers kneeling in prayer when she arrived to inquire about an abortion, and it convinced her to change her mind. She told organisers of the vigil their prayers had inspired her to keep the baby. The woman - whose identity cannot be revealed to preserve her anonymity and privacy - left without entering the clinic. Earlier, Archbishop Hickey during the Mass said special prayers for the Australian and state governments, and the Prime Minister, John Howard, who announced the previous night that stem cell research on
"surplus embryos" had been Friar Raphael and Archbishop Barry approved in Australia. Archbishop Hickey giving Communion at the special Hickey condemned governments Mass for the Aanunciation at St Brigid's, and a society who placed so little Midland, on Fdday, April 5. value on human life. Many people accepted pamphlets He prayed for all mothers and their handed out. Later at the vigil, the unborn children, and urged society worshippers lined up in orderly to ensure protection of the innocent. fashion along the verge in front of Many pregnant mothers, other the clinic. mothers and infants and grandparCare was taken to avoid interfering ents attended the Mass that was con- with pedestrians or people entering celebrated by Friars Raphael and or leaving the clinic and neighbourElias, and Fathers Paul Carey and ing businesses. However, a woman Stephen Casey who announced herself as the office Nuns of the Sisters of the Immacu- manager of the clinic said she had late led the congregation in hymns called police. for the Mass. She was particularly concerned Archbishop Hickey said the birth that photographers may have taken of Christ and the Resurrection were pictures of the clinic's clients, which symbols of hope "for us and the she said would be a breach of the world." He attacked the secularisa- Privacy Act. Gavin Statham, of the tion of society, saying it was a dan- Insurance business next door also ger to humankind. complained the vigil interfered with It was only by following God's Will his clients entering his premises. Vigils are held every Friday mornand God's Word that there was hope ing outside the clinic, with a procesfor the future. As the worshippers marched sion also on the first Friday of each through the streets of Midland, they month. A vigil-keeper, top picture, carries an image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn, in the pro- recited the Rosary that was beamed Reaction to Stem Cell decision cession. Later, Archbishop Barry Hickey lead prayers in the vigil outside the clinic. - Page 3 Photos. Nest Smith out through portable loud speakers.
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11 April, 2002
Rieord
A most significant change - Archbishop T
IE introduction of MercyCare is a most significant occasion in the development of fundamental Catholic services in the community, Perth Archbishop, Barry Hickey said. Archbishop Hickey was presiding over a ceremony on March 19 held at the Catherine McAuley Family Centre in Wembley. initially built as a Monastery by the Benedictine monks in the late 1840s.
"This is a most significant occasion in the development of fundamental Catholic services in the community" commented Archbishop Hickey. The ceremony publicly proclaimed the formation of MercyCare as a Public Juridical Person, an official institution under Canon Law within the Catholic Church and Archdiocese of Perth. This day also celebrated the formal transfer of ownership of the Health. Aged and Community Care services and the associated property from the Perth Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy to MercyCare Ltd. This is the first such occasion in Australia where a religious Congregation of Sisters have passed on the responsibility of their service ministries to a group of lay people constituted as a new body of the Catholic Church for this purpose. In November 1999, MercyCare was instituted by the Perth Con-
Care they come together. The ters, in return, received symbols works of service, the works of love of the MercyCare logo, the Merfor the poor, the works of love for cyCare Mission Statement and a people generally in all their ribbon with the names of all Staff needs, will be carried on, firmly and Volunteers as a pledge by the linked to the inspiration, the one People of MercyCare to keep safe the traditions and spirit of the SisSpirit, the one Lord." During the ceremony, Sr Maura ters of Mercy. In her closing remarks, Sr Maura Kelleher. Congregational Leader, spoke of how the Sisters of Mercy referred to Pope John Paul's chal"have consistently promoted the lenge in his Papal Encyclical for devolution of responsibility to the the new millennium, when he laity within their own Institutions invited the people of God -to and beyond as a way forward for remember the past with gratitude, the future". She added that she live the present with enthusiasm spoke "for the majority of Sisters and look forward to the future when I say we rejoice and give with confidence because Jesus thanks that this Ceremony brings Christ is the same yesterday and together the culmination of the today and forever." work of the Sisters for the last 155 years." n recognition of this, Sr Maura and members of the Sr Maura Kelleher, congregational leader of the Sisters of Mercy, Perth; Mr Congregational Council Ken Lawrence, Mrs Jane Pilkington and Mr Brian Pan)'. offered the Board of Governance gregation of the Sisters of Mercy, urn through the transfer of their symbols of transfer the Gospels, by merging their incorporated responsibility for these ministries a spherical candle to symbolise the completion of the work of the organisations of Mercy Hospital over to MercyCare". and Mercy Community Services. The Members of the Board of Sisters, an olive tree, the cornerThey appointed a lay Board of Governance of MercyCare Ltd stone to symbolise a new beginGovernance with a mandate to have accepted responsibility for ning, the Certificate of Title. and carry on their work in the fields the stewardship and mission of Covenants symbolising the of Health, Aged and Community MercyCare. The Chairperson of enduring relationship of the Sisservices. the lay Board of Governance, ters of Mercy and the People of s the Group Chief Execu- Maria Harries, publicly acknowl- MercyCare. tive Officer, Mr Michael edged a "ground-breaking step for Maria Harries, in accepting eutens, explained, this the Congregation and an historic these symbols on behalf of the "would ensure that their Journey step for the Church". Archbish- Board of Governance, promised of mission and service ministry op Hickey told the gathering that to honour the meaning of the begun in Perth in 1848" would "there is a secular society; there is symbols and the heritage of the Ms Maria Harries addresses the "continue into this new millenni- a religious society. But at Mercy- mission of MercyCare. The Sis- gathering.
I
Church hierarchy travelling overseas
Priest jams mobiles MORAIRAN, Spain (CNS) - A ing system,Ican be sure the conCatholic priest in Spain has duct of religious rituals takes become the first to install jam- place in an atmosphere of ming devices in his church after prayer," he said. The priest said parishioners complained that the ringing of phones had Masses were being "reduced to "caused chaos" at the town's chaos" by the constant ringing Church of the Forsaken and of mobile phones. "seriously disturbed the atmos"Of course. I've nothing against phere of meditation and conmobile phones - I understand centration." they're useful gadgets, which Father Llopis said he believed are needed for work and urgent It was important to "maintain a messages." said Father Francis- sense of dignity" in public co Llopis. rector of the parish in places, adding that the use of the southeastern Spanish town mobile phones were "as disrupof Morairan. tive at Masses as in classical "But whenIturn on this block- concerts."
Brothers of St John of God
PRINCIPAL
YIDARRA CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
are men of hospitality
Yidarra Catholic Primary School is a co-educational two-stream primary school located in the southern suburb of Bateman. The school motto Towards God reflects its focus on spiritual growth and combines with the school's name, which translates from the Noongah language as 'in the act of going upward". Since its beginnings in 1985, Yidarra has placed emphasis on the concept of developmental education. This emphasis has assisted in the school's adoption of the Curriculum Framework. A strong tradition at Yidarra is that of community support. Close links exist between parish and school with the St Thomas More church sharing its site with the school. The School Board and P & F Association have worked enthusiastically to provide the children, parents and staff with the best facilities passible. The commencement date is negotiable with the successful candidate taking up the position no later than the commencement of 2003. Applicants need to be actively involved in the Catholic Church and be experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification and will have completed Accreditation B or its equivalent. A current Australian Federal Police Clearance must accompany the application.
who have for over five centuries given themselves to be a brotherly presence; a symbol of hope for the world, proclaiming God's hospitable love to all. Their core value - hospitality - compels and urges them to depth their relationship with God, and with those marginalised by society.
Are you interested in a life dedicated to hospitality? Br. John Clegg Vocation Director PO Box BN 1055 BURWOOD NORTH NSW 2134 Tel: 02-97471699 Fax: 02-744 3262 Email: jclegg@stjohnofgod.org.au Website: www.stjohnofgod.org.au Page 2
Archbishop Barry Hickey and Midland. From Korea, ArchbishBishop Don Sproxton have both op Hickey flew to Rome where he been overseas this week. Is participating in a special meetArchbishop Hickey flew to ing about the future activities of Korea last Saturday to participate the International Catholic Migrain the ordination of Fr Demetri tion Commission which is based Roh on Monday April 8. in Geneva. Fr Demetri did all of his priestly The meeting is for heads (or studies in Perth and was ordained their delegates) of Bishops' Cona Deacon by Archbishop Hickey ferences around the world, and last December. While in Seoul, Archbishop Hickey is representArchbishop Hickey also met with ing the chairman of the Australian the families of Deacon James Lee Catholic Bishops' Conference. and Deacon Benedict. both of Archbishop Francis Carroll. whom are continuing their studAfter he completes his work in ies at St Charles' Seminary. Rome, Archbishop Hickey will fly James is working in the to.England for a memorial service Armadale parish and Benedict at for his brother-in-law. Ron Clear,
lirestern Australia
Lessons from the ark One: Don't miss the boat. "P.m Remember that we are all in the same boat. Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Four Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Sbc Build your future on high ground. Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs. Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Nine: When you're stressed, float a while. Ten: Remember. the Ark was built by amateurs: the Titanic by professionals. Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God. there's always a rainbow waiting.
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who died a few months ago. The Archbishop's sister, Judith Clear, and her four adult children, David. Tim, Sue and Naomi and their families will also attend the service at Arundel. Bishop Sproxton also left Perth last weekend. initially to attend the ordination of Bishop Brian Finnigan who is now the Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane. Following the ordination, Bishop Sproxton flew to Malaysia for a meeting of Bishops involved in developing the Neo-Catechumenal Way. which Bishop Sproxton used successfully while Parish Priest at Mirrabooka.
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11 April, 2002
Rescord The Nation in brief
Protest Approval The actions of almost 1000 people who travelled to Woomera over Easter have been praised by Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn Pat Power who said the protest rightly drew attention to Australia's cruel treatment of asylum-seekers. Bishop Power said in the case of Woomera, "conscientious acts of civil disobedience may be warranted -even morally required". Meanwhile Immigration Minister Mr Ruddock said he had just received immigration intelligence from Indonesia suggesting asylum-seekers saw the protests as a ground swell in support for their arrival in Australia and people smugglers were using it as a selling point. While Bishop Power said many Australians would have been concerned at scenes of some protesters pulling fences down and allegedly assisting detainees to escape last weekend, not everyone involved in the protest had taken such action."We also need to keep in mind that the damage done to property was minor compared to the damage done to vulnerable people who have been locked up without breaking the law." He urged the Government to be compassionate in the aftermath of the protest. "Iam concerned at reports that many detainees who did not escape were shackled. And I am concerned that some protesters have been charged with serious offences carrying long jail sentences. "Even those clearly `guilty' of unruly behaviour, or of assisting detainees to escape, need to he treated fairly and with an appreciation of what they were trying to achieve. Being charged with crimes disproportionate to the actions involved would hardly be consistent with democratic principles," he said.
Middle East monitors Having watched with horror the escalating cycle of aggression and retaliation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the Australian Catholic Social justice Council added its voice to calls for international intervention in the Holy Land. They have supported calls from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN's Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for an international presence to prevent greater tragedy in the Holy Land. The purpose of such an international presence, either in the form of UNmonitors or sponsored peacekeepers. would be to reduce violence, to restore respect for human rights, and to work towards the creation of conditions in which negotiations could he resumed.The council condemned unequivocally all acts of terrorism, and of state violence against civilians. Its members are appalled at the suicide bombings and the massive military retaliation to them and said they were deeply saddened by the acts of violence recently directed at sacred symbols and places in the Holy Land.
Life not means to an end life," Archbishop Hickey said. "I am pleased the members of The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard's decision support- the Federal and State parliaments ing stem cell research is a victory will have conscience vote on this for those wanting to put self inter- legislation. "We will continue to pray that est above dignity and the protecMPs will ensure they have a welltion of human life. formed conscience and follow it," The Archbishop of Perth, Barry Archbishop Hickey said. Hickey said the compromise of He welcomed the requirement permitting experiments on existing embryos - and not those fer- for parental consent. "It is yet another reminder we tilised in the future - was an are dealing with human lives, and admission the practice is wrong. Delivering one of the Catholic I pray that parents will think carefully about their decisions," Archresponses to the bishop Hickey Federal Governsaid. ment's decision, "We will He also welArchbishop Hickey continue to pray comed the continsaid Catholics ued ban on must insist greater human cloning. that MPs will impetus be given to Archbishop Pell morally sound research on stem ensure they have urged ethicallyFrancis Sullivan Archbishop George Pell sound ways be cells from the plaa well formed developed to con- utmost respect and protection. centa or the duct the research, "Harvesting the stem cells from own patient's conscience and rather than claim- early stage human embryos blood, brain or ing its benefits destroys the embryo. bone marrow. follow it" produced a so "This practice is ethically abhorArchbishop called "balance." rent under any circumstances." George Pell of SydHe said reports of a cure for a Mr Sullivan said John Howard ney said all sides of the debate agreed on the desirability of 16-month-old Welsh boy, Rhys had given in to the ruse of eleresearch to discover new forms of Evans - a boy without immunity ments of the scientific communitherapy and to relieve human suf- to infection - by using his own ty that this action was necessary, fering. But human life should stem cells was another example when - to date - "the case has never be used simply as a means of the potential of using "adult" been flimsy indeed." stem cells, rather than the embryProponents of stem cell productoward an end," Dr Pell said. tion claimed research benefits Those claiming it was common onic. It had raised the question just might lead to advances in agesense or that it was choosing "the enlightened road" were using whose interests were served by related disease management. "Yet these people are prepared rhetorical devices merely avoid- current under-reporting of gening the hard ethical issues for the uine alternatives to embryonic to destroy one stage of human life to bestow possible advantages on sake of talking up the local stem cells research. "I call on the Commonwealth those at some later stage." Mr Sulbiotech industry, Dr Pell said. Archbishop Hickey said he and NSW Governments to com- livan said. appreciated the pressures and dif- mit significant money to adult The Prime Minister's position ficulties facing Mr Howard with stem cell research. on stem cell research clearly "As a small gesture of support demonstrated he regards some the states threatening to go it alone on the research. However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Syd- human life as more important Archbishop Barry Hickey his decision was extremely disap- ney would be prepared to donate than others. pointing and would only give a $50.000 to such a project." Arch"Embryonic stem cells are avail- committee. Dr John Fleming. said few scientists their way with bishop Pell said. able in quantity from samples of the deliberate destruction of The chief executive officer of umbilical cord blood, which is embryonic human life to extract human lives in the early stages of Catholic Health Australia, Francis banked specifically for research stem cells was an affront to development. human dignity. Dr Fleming said "It is a victory for those who put Sullivan, said: "Early human life, of the type proposed." their own self interest above the even from the first cell, is unique. Mr Sullivan said further." If we he recognised conditions insisted dignity and protection of human irreplaceable and worthy of the are to be consistent about the on by John Howard were far more value and worth of human beings, restrictive than any other proposwe cannot permit research that als advanced. "However, having crossed the effectively devalues early human life and in the process seeks to moral line that says thou shalt not capitalise on the commercial kill an innocent human being, we Hundreds of people packed St gains of such practices while pur- cannot ultimately prevent the creMary's Cathedral in Perth last porting to be in the best interests ation of new embryonic human Sunday afternoon for the celebeings to destructive research of life itself." bration of Divine Mercy Sunday. Southern Cross Bioethics Insti- purposes." Dr Fleming said. Every available space in the Leading Catholic Doctor tute director and a former memcathedral - including the bellspeaks out - Page 11 ber of UNESCO's bioethics tower - was taken by priests hearing confessions for an hour or so before Mass was concelebrated at two o'clock in the afternoon with Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton. Appmdmately 11 priests participated in the afternoon's ceremonies. In his homily Bishop Bishop Sproxton Sproxton said he had been struck by the "enormous num- lives of those who follow Jesus. ber" of people who had turned and this is what can convince out for the day. His first thought them of God's love and mercy on seeing the large turnout, he for them, he said. Therefore, he said, had been to see those pre- urged, "let us put ourselves at sent as "an army" who have the disposal of Our Lord this received a conversion and can Divine Mercy Sunday." bring the good news of the Meanwhile, in a message to all Gospel to other people in their the bishops of the world Pope lives. Divine Mercy Sunday is a John Paul H had asked the bishStart spreading the Word. new celebration in the life of the ops to call on all the faithful to Church and takes place on the pray for peace and reconciliafirst Sunday after Easter. tion in Israel during the current It was introduced by Pope John crisis. Therefore just as those Paul II at Easter in 2000 after the present were participating to canonisation of the founder of offer the prayerful occasion to the Divine Mercy devotion, the Lord. in thanks for the mercy Saint Faustina Kowalska. and conversion at work in their The devotion emphasises trust own hearts, he was asking them In the love and mercy of God. to pray also "for the situation in The Archdiocese of Perth pilgrimage to WYD Bishop Sproxton urged those Israel and Palestine, that our accompanied by Archbishop Barry Hickey present to bring the Gospel first brothers and sisters who believe Toronto • Canada • July 2002 to their own family members. in the one God as we do.... will Such people can see God's find a way that they can speak You are the salt of the earth.. the tight of the world. (Mt 5:13-141 mercy and love at work in the and work for peace," he said. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL It 08 9221 5904 By Neil Smith
Divine Mercy Sunday
WORLD YOUTH DAY IS COMING.
. .... .
Page 3
11 April, 2002
Raord
Two speakers visiting Perth with a different focus on Asia A Perth missionary worker captured and held prisoner in Afghanistan told how she and fellow prisoners prayed while bombes fell around them. Diana Thomas was addressing a breakfast meeting of the Catholic Association for Nurses at the Matilda Bay restaurant on Friday, April 5. She said a friendly Afghan had given the mission worker-prisoners a satellite telephone. "The theory was the Americans could use the phone to identify where we were. "They could then isolate us from other targets and the bombs would miss us." she said. But they still seemed awfully close,"she said. Not all of the Afghanistan jailers were unfriendly. She and the other women prisoners befriended one jailer, who was pregnant. "She was scared - probably more frightened than we were -and we thought the baby was coming at one stage. "We had already been providing her with medicines - and then we thought we might have to be midwives too." But it had been a false alarm. "We later heard that she was alright," she said. Diana Thomas talks to Perth Catholic Another time their captors had demanded a $US5 nurses. million dollar ransom. We eventually told them we would agree to put their demands if they would give us a satellite phone to transmit the demands to US authorities. The prisoners had been moved about from prison to prison and they saw the satellite phone as a way of alerting the Americans to their whereabouts and that they were still alive. "We never thought at any stage anyone would pay the nurse, doctor - everything." very kindly to the captives, but ransom," Miss Thomas said. The country and its people at least one jailer she said was She said she had been work- had suffered from revolution. very cruel. ing in Pakistan for a number of civil war, invasion by the Sovi"The man in charge of the years prior to going to ets and long hardships from pregnant warder was particuAfghanistan. droughts, she said. larly bad." The mission in Afghanistan But the bombing just before "In Afghanistan. women was simply an extension of their release seemed inces- don't say they are pregnant. their work in Pakistan. sant. "All mention of pregnancy Israeli-born Miss Thomas It was then that the Afghans was prohibited by the Taliban was raised in Western Aus- kept moving them around. - it Inferred sex. tralia and graduated from the There seemed much confu"Instead, women would say Bible College in Perth after sion - and people were fright- they were sick." Miss Thomas studying nursing. ened. said. "In Afghanistan we were Some of the people had been
Prayers as bombs fell on Taliban
-13
eople with schizophrenia needed to bond with someone in order to see their way through their distress, a visiting therapist said in Perth last week. Father Hank Nunn, a Canadian-born Jesuit priest working in Bangalore. India, was visiting a nephew in Fremantle and took the opportunity to raise awareness on his therapies at public meetings at Notre Dame and in North Fremantle. More than 400 people attended his lecture in the Foley Hall at Notre Dame on Tuesday night, April 2. He said the bonding process for people with mental illness was vital to their recovery. Through bonding it was possible to convince the sufferer from mental illness to seek recovery "for the person to whom they bond." This is contrary to most accepted practice where therapists in Perth insist that patients must work to their recovery for themnselves." However, Fr Nunn said his clinic at Bangalore was achieving remarkable success rates. The clinic accepts 24 people at a time, who work in structured groups. The people are assessed on what levels they are at - ranging from dysfunctional, requiring constant care and supervision, through to people who can he responsible for themselves, and who are permitted to go outside the clinic and visit shops or the neighbouring village. The large percentage of people at the clinic are Indian. but it does accept people from many parts of the world. One recent American had been referred by the Mayo Clinic, which had admitted it was powerless to help her. But after treatment at Bangalore, she had returned to a professional career and taken her placed back in society, Fr Nunn said. Australians could be treated at the clinic for a fee of $600, which covered their therapy, food and Father Hank Nunn SJ talks about his clinic in accommodation for a month. Bangalore.
Patients have a need to bond in therapy
Awareness workshops arranged A brighter Sunday afternoon
Father Justin Belitz OFM. a well-known Franciscan presenter of seminars linking personal awareness and spiritual growth, is returning to Perth this month after an absence of several years. Fr Justin has spent the last 12 months on sabbatical in Rome. He will present two workshops at the retreat centre Peace Be Still, Lot 100 Chittering Road, Lower Chittering and at The first, on April 20-21, will be based on the labyrinth, a kind of meditative walk which is both a symbol of and an aid to understanding the various layers or levels of human nature and personality. In the Christian context, and particularly as expressed in various cathedrals and churches, the labyrinth can represent either the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus or Mary carrying the Lord of the Universe in her womb and then being taken body and soul into heaven. For the individual, the labyrinth is sym-
bolic stepping out of the ways of the world while the retreat or workshop leads to greater awareness of the problems of the false self and the journey towards the true self, the individual passing over or journey into spiritual growth. Fr Justin's labyrinth workshop can be taken as a two-day, live-in experience or as a one-day workshop on Saturday April 20. Bookings can be made with Wendy Gellard at Peace Be Still on 9571 8108. The Success:Full Living seminar is being presented at St Catherine's College at UWA by the UWA Extension Service on April 27-28. This seminar is based on Fr Justin's book of the same name which has been translated into six languages. On Thursday April 18, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Fr Justin will give a lecture entitled "A contemporary Approach to Responsible Spirituality". Both the lecture and the weekend seminar require bookings through the UWA Extension Service on 9380 2433.
Brighten up your Sunday afternoon by attending a concert presented by the Savoy Singers. A provocative mix of Gilbert & Sullivan and hits from the forties provides an admirable pre-ANZAC Day program. And the venue couldn't be better, Langley Hall, Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek Drive, Bull Creek. Proceeds will benefit the Archdiocesan HIV/AIDS Pastoral Care Centre, a project supported by the Sisters of St John of God and Ufelink. So, enjoy yourseff and support a worthy cause and be there at 2.00pm, Sunday 21 April, 2002. Ticketing is being looked after by the Knights of the Southern Cross so give Bernadette or Donata a ring on 9225 6011. Prices: $15, concession (seniors & students) $10, under 16 years of age $5.
Courses for parish nurses
The Peace be Still retreat centre at Chittering with labyrinth laid out.
Page 4
A four-day introductory course to prepare Registered Nurses to serve as Parish Nurses will be offered in WA on June Z 8, 10 and 11. The course will be provided by the Australian Faith Community Nurses Association, and will be led by Dr Anne van Loon, a nurse educator who is currently a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University, Adelaide. It will he held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Morley. Throughout the four days, a variety of presenters will lead sessions on topics such as the role of a Parish Nurse, pastoral care, counselling and advocacy, ethics, docu-
mentation, and working with volunteers. The course is being sponsored by a grant from the Fellowship of the Least Coin - an inter-national Christian women's movement working for social justice and improved conditions for women worldwide. While the course is aimed particularly at Registered Nurses, other interested persons are welcome. Further details about the course are available from Dr Anne van Loon, Phone: 08 8278 8274; Fax: 08 8278 8287; Email: Antonia. VanLoon@flinders.edu.au
11 April, 2002
Re'Cord
Catholics at Perth Muslim peace rally At the invitation of the Muslim Community Service of WA, Father Brian Gore, Justice, Peace and Ecology spokesman for the Columban Fathers and Catholic Social Justice Council Executive Officer. Terry Quinn. spoke at a Rally for Peace and Justice in Forrest Place Perth last Saturday. At the commencement of the rally Sheikh Omran led prayers and said that the escalation of violence challenged the very foundations of human dignity. The Perth rally was peaceful Fr Gore speaks at the rally for peace, with a Musand orderly. While there lim cleric in the background.. were attempts at disruption If there were no detention camps by a small minority the Muslim there would be no violence among organisers controlled the situation asylum seekers at Woomera or elseby applying the Rally Rules calling where. Fr Gore also denounced the for respect and calm and published arms build up. Governments spend beforehand. One of the Rally Rules billions on arms making yet nothing was "Hold your anger. Repel evil on peacemaking. he said. with good: you will turn an enemy Referring to the Israeli assault on into a friend." the infrastructure of terrorism", Mr In his address. Terry Quinn quoted Quinn said that it is. in fact, a blanPope John Paul's Easter homily, "No ket destruction that included innopolitical or religious leader should cent people and essential services remain inactive." Mr Quinn added such as water and power for ordithat in the face of this violence no nary civilians and families trying to one should remain inactive. Fr Gore live an ordinary life. It is as if, 'War spoke of the spiral of violence and had been declared on peace', as pointed to the initial violence that Pope John Paul said at Easter." Finalcreated violent reactions. He said ly, quoting the Latin Patriarch of that it was the initial violence that Jerusalem. Michel Sabbah, Terry we must concentrate on. Fr Gore Quinn said, "The key to peace lies in gave an example of the Australian the end to Israeli occupation of the detention camps for asylum seekers. West Bank"
Chinese communists release bishop Bishop Julius Da Zhi Guo of Zhengding in northern China, was released after three days in isolation, but warned by police not to celebrate the rites and Masses of Holy Week and Easter. 67 year old Bishop Jia Zhi Guo is a member of the unofficial Church and for this reason he has spent more than 20 years in prison.
AP added. "Hickman also said she is taking medication for depression and has been told WASHINGTON (CNS) - Los by a psychiatrist that she is a Angeles Cardinal Roger M. paranoid schizophrenic." Mahony has categorically It added that she "could not denied the claim of a psychoremember details" of the logically disturbed woman that alleged event but insisted that he molested her 32 years ago "the charges are true." when she was in high school. Journalists learned of the alleHe urged law enforcement gation when several confidenand church authorities to investial e-mails from Cardinal tigate the claims thoroughly and Mahony's office were leaked to quickly. media on April 5. The woman's allegation In one leaked e-mail he reportagainst one of the country's edly spoke of his willingness to highest-ranked Catholic leaders be interviewed by Fresno police. marked a new turn in a growing He reported the allegation to the church scandal over clergy sexLos Angeles police the day he ual abuse in which new develCardinal Roger Mahony received it. opments occur almost daily. The leaked e-mails themselves Cardinal Mahony, 66. has The Associated Press, which headed the Los Angeles Arch- interviewed her on April 6, said became a news story over the diocese since 1985. she "offered no details of what next few days. The archdiocese called them Flora Mae Hickman, 51, of she claims Mahony actually Fresno, Calif., approached a did." It reported that she said stolen privileged communicaFresno priest in late March she was knocked unconscious tions. He unsuccessfully sought claiming that she was molested in a fight with students at school by then-Msgr. Mahony in 1970, and awoke to find the bottom court action to prevent further when she was a student at San portion of her clothing removed dissemination after a local radio Joaquin Memorial Catholic and Msgr. Mahony standing station began broadcasting their contents. over her. High School. By Jerry Filteau
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Cardinal accused in US claims
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Opinion
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Reflection TO JESUS THROUGH MARY gt column of Marian devotion
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A Layman's meditations
by Peter Dwan
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he highlight of today's readings is the Peter then quoted Psalm 16:8-il in which is gospel (Luke 24:13-35), the account of was foretold that Christ couldn't remain in the two disciples' journey to Emmaus, Hades, the abode of the dead, but would be during which they encountered the Risen released from it. Lord. In the second reading (1 Peter 1:17-21) St In the first reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33) we have Peter reminds us that we are God's children an account of the sermon which St Peter because of his infinite mercy in sending us preached on Pentecost Sunday. Christ as our brother. Our Lord had made Peter head of the He says: "If you are acknowledging as your Church, and it was therefore he who Father one who has no favourites and judges preached, explaining the events that had hap- everyone according to what he has done, you pened and which were then happening. must be scrupulously careful so long as you Peter said: "Jesus the Nazarene was a man are living away from your home. Remember commended to you by God by the miracles that the ransom that was paid to free you and signs that God worked through him when from the useless way of life your ancestors he was among you..." handed down was not paid in anything cor"Jesus of Nazareth" or "Jesus the Nazarene" ruptible, neither silver nor gold, but in the was the name by which Christ was especial- precious blood of Christ." ly known to the Jews who opposed him. In the gospel St Luke gives a whole presenThe lowliness of the village from which he tation of the Easter faith for all generations came stressed his unimportance in their who must believe without seeing: it is necesminds. The miracles Jesus worked were proofs sary to journey for a long time before the offered to them by God that Jesus was what cross ceases to appear as an obstacle but he had claimed to be - the promised Messi- shines as the source of salvation (c/f The Glenstal Bible Missal p292), ah and the Son of God. The Glenstal Bible Missal also says (p288): Peter continued: "This man who was put "We must frequently walk this road to into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took and had Emmaus, however painful the journey - this crucified by men outside the Law. You killed road which will bring us from despondency to faith. We must walk it in a twilight atmoshim. but God raised him to life." The chief priests and the Pharisees phere before darkness falls. On roads like "planned" to end Christ's influence among this we meet a disguised Companion. It is Jesus himself who takes us just where we are. the people by putting him to death. and who at times, questions us at length." Judas "planned" to betray Jesus at an opporThe two disciples were downcast. tune moment. Jesus asked them: "Why are you sad?" They What they didn't know was that Christ's death in all its details was "planned" by God spoke of the events of Good Friday and spoke dismissively of claims by the women that from the beginning. Peter tells the Jews (that is, their leaders) Christ was alive. Let us remember and heed the late Mother that they went so far in their hatred of Jesus that they called on men outside the Law, that Teresa of Calcutta words: "Never let anything is Gentiles (who did not know the law of so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ Risen." Moses) to crucify him. Jesus has much to discuss with us concernThe resurrection was the crowning act in ing our destiny and his, and how we can the drama of the Incarnation. Unwittingly the Jews had helped to carry enter into glory only through the cross. But he will do more than talk with us: he out God's eternal plan for mankind's salvawill break bread for us in that Eucharistic tion. Peter said that God freed Christ from the banquet in which the Scriptures take on their full significance and reveal the true features pangs of Hades. The resurrection was part of God's plan for of him who is their completion and fulfilChrist in his human nature. ment. He couldn't remain dead, since his death May we remember the lesson the of today's was the door to eternal life for all men and gospel in all life's trials, and try to share our women, and he himself was the first to come Christian insights into the mystery of sufferthrough that door. ing with others.
here is another aspect, no less important, that helps us understand the source, the light which brought Mary such heroic strength, such a total adhesion of faith at the death of her son. She understood, and in that moment only she, the value of what was taking place, the value of that death. Perhaps the Virgin Mary, in the whole arc of her life, especially during the public activity of Jesus, may have felt continually echoing within her the uplifting and prophetic words of Gabriel: "He will be great. and God will give him the throne of David. his father. He will rule forever over the house of Jacob and his kingdom will have no end." Fleeting words which allow one to glimpse a glorious future, a success without precedent. So here we see the heroic faith of Mary challenge the clearest possible evidence before her eyes. While she sees Jesus in agony and death, Mary Her heart bleeds, but she says, understands that the prophetic words "Thank you." She thanks God for herof Gabriel are being fulfilled. self and she thanks him for all of us: Certainly, they are being fulfilled in she is saved, we are saved. The culmithe most unthinkable and most atro- nating sentiment of Mary at the foot of cious possible way, but they are being the cross is one of profound gratitude. realized. For the others, that death is a Reflections failure. It is the end of a dream, of a About Mary - Jesus pardons from great hope, as the disconsolate two dis- the cross: Mary relives that pardon ciples on the road toward each to Emmaus will one of us, From The Gospel of later say. even if we sin. THE M ary a month with For Mary it is not She teaches anDEL the Mother of God by us that because she to see the F r Gabriel Amorth SSP, understands that OF hand of God RRP it is in precisely MARY St Paul Publications, even in sor$23.50 that way, contrary row and in to every human our broken expectation and hopes. She much more of teaches us what true faith is. to believe every maternal expectation, that the tri- even against that which seems so eviumph of Christ is taking place, his vic- dent. She teaches us to thank Jesus for tory over sin and death, the redemption his sacrifice. of humanity. About us - Let us make a profound Another thought immediately comes examination of the value of the sacrito mind: Mary under stands that it is from that death that the world is saved fice of Christ, of its redemptive power, and that she herself is redeemed. And of our gratitude and correspondence. it is in the strength of that terrible death so that it may never be lost on us. Have we accepted Mary as our true that she is all that she is: immaculate. mother in the plan of salvation? always a virgin, the mother of God.... It Have we learned to believe, to hope, is in the strength of that death that all generations will call her blessed to pardon with all our heart, to thank because the Almighty has done great God even in our suffering? things in her. The obedience of Christ redeems the But Mary is never so great as she is disobedience of Adam; Mary's particiIn that moment of her sorrowful fiat: pation redeems the participation of never had she had to demonstrate to Eve. But our obedience to God is necsuch an extent a faith so profound. It is essary if we are to receive the fruits of thus that Christ reigns and saves. the redemption.
Conversion stories By Maura Rossi that her bright, very articulate and sureof-himself little boy's interest would be he phrase, 'a child shall lead them,' certainly applies to the sparked by anything he was not familRossi family. Luke Rossi's curios- iar with, especially if one of his friends ity about what a friend across the street seemed to know all about it. was learning at Catholic school led him 'Like all kids, he wanted to be like his to ask his mother, Jennifer Wang Rossi, friends,* she said. "He didn't want to be why he wasn't learning the same thing different. Luke's interest and curiosity intensiin his public school. fied as his Catholic school friend was 'How come I'm not learning about preparing for his first Communion and God?' Luke, who is now 8 and a secstarted to share even more information ond-grader, would repeatedly inquire with Luke. of her, Jennifer Rossi said. Attending the friend's first Communion This and other questions eventually Mass piqued his interest in perhaps led to Luke's baptism and that of his becoming a Catholic himself, according younger brothers, Brandon and Jason, to his mother. by Msgr. William McCarthy in St. Rose Neither she nor her husband, Dino of Lima Church. Luke also will receive Marcus Rossi, really understood that his first Communion on May 5 at St. reaction since they never went to Rose's. church or talked about religion at Luke's leap of faith led to Jennifer home. Neither had been born, baptised Rossi's own decision to become a part or brought up in the Catholic faith, or of the parish's Rite of Christian Initia- indeed any faith at all, although her tion of Adults process in preparation husband's father and her own Taiwanfor her reception into the church. She born mother were Catholic. was baptised and confirmed at the East- Since the Rossis felt they could not proer Vigil at St. Rose's March 30. vide Luke with any useful information It was no surprise, said Jennifer Rossi, about the Catholic Church, they decid-
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Luke Rossi, 8, sits in a pew with his brother Brandon, 3, at St Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover, New Jersey, where he was baptised into the Catholic Church this Easter. Photo CNS/Reuters ed to check things out with Msgr. Rossi found her own interest growing McCarthy. and gradually decided that 'if my son 'I took Luke to church and he went up was a Catholic, someone in the family to Father McCarthy and asked how you should also be a Catholic to support could become a Catholic,' Jennifer him.' She is now working on her husRossi said. Msgr. McCarthy talked to band to join them. - CNS him, asked and answered questions and showed him around the church, • Do you have your own story of conshe said. During studies at home to help version? Write and tell us about it. Luke catch up on CCD lessons, Jennifer Please include a photo if possible.
Are we being drowned in the Red Sea? I
The Record
t seldom gets pride of place in homilies, editorials and Easter messages, but each year during the Easter Vigil the Church presents to us again the story of the Israelites marching dry-shod PO Box 75, Leedenille, WA 6902 through the sea and the Egyptian army Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087 being destroyed as the waters closed in. cathrec@iinetnetau It is a gruesome story and it frequently perplexes people, including newcomers to the Church, who wonder what it says the word of God as spoken by Moses, their but the State of Israel is a political entity, hearts filled the desire for freedom - not as is the State of Palestine or the State of about God and what it says to us today. The destruction of the Egyptian army the freedom to do as they pleased, but the Australia. It is an observation rather than came at the end of a great allegorical bat- freedom to go to God's Promised Land a criticism to say that the Israel of today is tle between God (working through his because only the truth would set them closer to the Egypt of old than it is to its true ancestors. One can at least sympahuman agent Moses) and the false gods free. The Egyptians galloped on with faith in thise with them. and false beliefs of the Egyptians. Each of Australia has made its own journey back the ten plagues of Egypt struck at one or themselves and their power, their hearts other of their gods or beliefs, culminating filled with the desire for domination and to the enslavement of Egypt without any In the death of their first born which negat- cruelty. The result was the inevitable con- external pressure at all. We don't need one of the plagues of Egypt to kill our chiled their belief in their immortality sequence of their choices. The story is an allegory of each individ- dren. We do it ourselves through selfachieved through their children. The prize to be won was the freedom of ual life, its struggles to move away from induced sterility, abortion, and now the people of Israel so that they could live false gods, its repentance and falling away medical experimentation on embryos. As a society we have not even acknowlin the truth that had been, and would con- again, its reliance on the fear that seeks to tinue to be, revealed to them. The prize control or the faith that lives in the Spirit. edged the intense pain caused by pornogThe persistence of Pharaoh's behaviour raphy, random sexuality, infidelity, the w as also the freedom of the people of Egypt to learn the truth about God and pattern was acknowledged by St Augus- abandonment of marriages, and the septhemselves if they or their Pharaoh had tine in a great prayer written about 1500 aration of children from their parents (one years later, a prayer made public by order more stolen generation). And we have listened. During each plague, Pharaoh repented of Pope Urban VII another 1000 years later. apparently gone blind to the suffering of and when the pain was taken away he It is also an allegory of our societies which the waifs and strays of global conflicts, becoming especially myopic as they get have their own life patterns. recanted. During this Easter we have seen Israel closer to us. Even after freeing the Israelites following But, deeper down, our real problem the tenth plague, he recanted once more reversing its historic role, relying not on its and sent his army in pursuit to re-enslave faith in God but on the power of its army. might be that we have learned to place Around the world, Jewish people our faith in the wrong places. We built a them. The Israelites marched on with faith in undoubtedly continue to live in great faith, society in which we expected Parliament
Immoral at any degree
and our institutions to protect our virtues. It is reasonable to expect our culture to preserve the truth which gave us our freedom, but it is not a reliable repository for faith. As our comforts have steadily grown, the goodness we have relied on has become progressively material. We even discuss drug addiction, suicide and rising crime rates in economic terms. While every measure of material success has gone up, so have our rates of depression, anxiety, aggression and general unhappiness. In less than two generations since World War H we have lost all sense of 'common knowledge' of a natural moral law. It is no longer common to the bulk of Australians to know that such a law exists, to understand what it is, or to believe that our happiness and personal fulfilment depend on obeying it. The failure of our Parliaments, our media, our education, our entertainment and our society at large to remember and acknowledge the goodness of God is not a reason for anger, fear or despair. It is a reminder to us that even as we try to build truth into our society, our faith must not be in the fruits of our own efforts. Building a temporal city of God is as fruitless as building a tower of Babel if our faith is in the city instead of in God.
Aroun4 +he ÷a6gte
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he decision of the PM and Mr Costello to allow experimentation with human embryos on the basis that they are going to die anyway - at room temperature" is not only absurd but immoral.
Letters to the editor Following both PM Mr Howard's and Mr Costello's logic we should allow experimentation with the terminally ill, with prisoners doing life sentences and ultimately with any human being because we are all going to die (naturally] anyway - and mostly at room temperature. The population is confused over this school system being taken seriously? Are Ethical pragmatism cannot be put for- issue, and has not been fully educated on our teachers faithful to the Church and ward as guiding moral principles. This the advantages of adult stem cells over good role models for our children? would create total moral anarchy. Any embryonic material. Students soon discover the RE teachers human rights at all depend on the foremost We must keep putting forward that every who are non-practising Catholics and those moral principle of the sanctity [dignity] of embryo is a living human person, with a who treat RE just like any other "subject". human life. Even the oath taken by med- soul and all the rights and privileges of any Are teachers who are living in a de-facto ical practitioners "do no harm" is based on living person. relationship being considered for employthis principle. Similarly, it is not right to It is not just a blob of cells as has been ment in our Catholic school system, or even steal from someone because of his /her portrayed. worse teaching RE? dignity as a human being. The question I am sure there are many committed then becomes is a live human embryo a Dr Pat Cranley doing an exceptional job, but they teachers human life? The answer to that is self-evi- Leederville must be in the minority. dent: of course it is: it can't be anything else Deirdre Lyra but human. Forrestfield (-1raig Scarfe, like so many others, is Adrian Bertino-Clarke Kellyville. Sydney putting too much blame on the Catholic education system for a fault that oday, sadly, the scandal of paedophillies elsewhere. ia is raising its ugly head within the know who Catholics little put not do you If he Anglican Primate, Archbishop and how to pray to him into pri- Catholic church. A number of priests have Camley, with his opinion that life does about God how can you expect to end up been found guilty of this heinous crime school, mary not start until the embryo is implanted, and women well ground- against children and this offence against men young with attacks the whole Christian concept of a ed in the Catholic faith at the end of sec- the moral laws of God. soul being present on conception. It is right and justifiable that people withArchbishop Peter Jensen of Sydney fortu- ondary school? and outside the church stand up and in Too many parents think that sending their nately presents the orthodox viewpoint, these terrible acts so that those condemn the produce will school a to child Catholic over that of our populist Archbishop. them can be brought committed have who part. their on effort any goods without During the week, on a radio segment on justice. to passed be The Catholic faith will never a proposed monkey breeding program for It is also right to look at the processes experimental animals, repeatedly we on through instruction in Religious Educahave allowed this to happen and to that heard "human animar used, equating tion for a few hours a week at school. happening. continue day home by the day in lived be to has t I humans to animals, ie without souls Obviously there has been some lack of Both Archbishop Carnley and the animal and nurtured by the parents with at least these protection organisation raise doubts on the as much attention as is given to personal understanding in how to deal with occurred. have they situations as manners! table and hygiene so in doing, the attack idea of a soul, and We must pray that lessons have been intervention of god in Adam and Eve, the Barry Johnston learned from the past so that in future the conception of Mary and the traditional Donhleview correct actions are taken. Christian views. We as church must also face up to the But both views give support to embryonresponsibility we have in caring for those ic experimenting. too agree with C. Scarfe ( The Record, innocents who have been hurt and do our Christians must stand up and be count4 April). Are our schools looking for best to help them through any difficulties ed. Although Australia is now multiculturnumbers or good Christian nurturing they may have because of what they had al in name, Christians still predominate in to endure. of our young? our community. We also have to stand united against this From recent statistics it appears that numHowever, these must be mobilised so which has entered the church, for sureevil Catholic of out' 'churned being are bers politicians remember. So far, worldwide, no person or illness schools but 95 per cent also leave the ly this is an attack of evil whose aim is to damage and break the church. has been helped by embryonic stem cell Church. The perception now is that many priests Is this not cause for concern? research, as opposed to the active use of Is Religious Education in our Catholic are immoral and evil, when in fact the vast adult stem cells.
More than schooling
Beware the hysteria
Populist Perth primate
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Not a numbers game
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• The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.
majority are good and holy, seeking to serve God and fellow man. It is in fact a very, very small minority of priests who sin in such a way, yet, through the media, it appears as if this is commonplace among priests. At present evil is launching a large attack on the good priest through the very few it has ensnared with sexual desires and deviations. Now is the time for all Catholics to support strongly and publicly their priests and not be drawn into the almost hysterical responses to what has happened. We must understand that in normal society a percentage of people behave in this terrible way but that does not mean all do. Priests are taken from society and so it is to be expected that a small percentage of them will have this sickness of evil within them, but it does not mean all do. It does mean however that those seeking the priesthood must be scrutinised to a much greater degree that in the past. We should realise too that these sick people in society will be drawn to occasions where children are placed in their care so that they can exploit this position. Nor does this only happen in the priesthood. Today Catholics must be courageous in facing this threat to the church and courageous in standing by their priests and proclaiming to the world that God in his love and mercy is working strongly in and through the priesthood. We must not let those who oppose the church use this time to push their own agendas. Instead, we must be firm in our faith knowing that God will, with our cooperation, correct any wrongs in the church and will, through the church, bring his divine love to all. We must nor forget or ignore what has happened but we must forgive and we must stand with and in Christ to confront this evil which attacks His church today. Alan Ames Perth
Doing something A man living a few houses away - from
me - asked if I would sign a petition calling for action against speeding cars on our street. He was very upset because, the night before, he had seen a young boy being hit by a car. Instead of just sitting back and grumbling about the situation, this man decided to do something about it. He thanked me for my support and I, in turn, thanked him for the good work he was doing. No sooner had he left than I began to think about so many other upsetting things such as violence, drugs, sexual promiscu Continued on Page 10 Page 7
Features
Features
stra ians car' benefit m refugees Against a background of the Tampa stand-off in the lead-up to the Australian general election in November 2001, the debate among the Australian public on refugees and the asylum seekers has intensified. Here The Record staff writer, NEIL SMITH, summarises the text of the statement issued after the Australian Bishops' Conference. The other articles on this page are taken from the Bishops' statement. enerosity to refugees and asylum seekers has proven abunfruitful not only for Australia's good name and for its antly ,d "" influence in the worldwide family of nations: the progress of C the Australian community itself has gained much. This is not surprising. Refugees and asylum seekers are people of courage, ingenuity, and perseverance: to have survived and found sanctuary at last is proof of attributes and values which Australians respect and admire though they are rarely acknowledged in refugees and asylum seekers. The more we reflect on the success and the contribution of those of our citizens who were once refugees and asylum seekers - and there are many well-known and distinguished Australians among them the more we are convinced that the path of generosity will continue to be the path to Australia's internal progress, credibility, deserved esteem and constructive worldwide impact-making. If we pursue this path, we shall be to other nations a marvellous example of a national community in which peace and development prosper. The Catholic Church in Australia, through the Catholic Immigration Offices at national and state level, Religious Institutes, Church Organisations, and many dioceses and parishes, has taken and continues to take important initiatives to help refugees and asylum seekers. These have ranged from intervention at the policy and advocacy levels to providing refugees, asylum seekers, and those who have been granted Temporary Protection visas, with advice and assistance with housing, employment, clothing, friendship, support and pastoral care. The contribution of these support networks remains invaluable.
Afghan refugees leave Khonabad, in the northern province of Kunduz in Afghanistan, last November. Pakistan had sent thousands of troops to the border to discourage new refugee arrivals, while Catholic aid workers continued Photo CNS,Reuters to feed the most vulnerable incoming refugees.
Pope John Paul II is already giving special attention to problem
ihe global problem of refugees and asylum seekers has already received the attention of Pope John Paul II. He made special mention of the problem in his Papal message on World Migration Day 2000. Pope John Paul II wrote: "The Church...hears the suffering cry of all who are uprooted from their own land, of families forcefully separated, of those who, in the rapid changes of our day, are unable to find a stable home anywhere...at the same time. States with a relative abundance tend to tighten their borders under A man pushes an elderty Afghan woman into Pakistan at the Chaman border crossing last October. Sausan offers Communion to a Lebanese refugee girt at the Saleem Father Maronite pressure from public opinion disturbed by the inconfleepeople to up 300,000 with flooded be could The United Nations refugee agency said Pakistan since thousands of Lebanese refugees Haifa in Parish Louis St first at liturgy Sunday veniences that accompany the phenomenon of immiing US air strikes on neighbouring Afghanistan. Pakistan had closed it borders to refugees, acceptPhoto CNSDebble Hill 2000. in crossed Israel into gration. Society finds itself having to deal with the Photo cms,R,, ing only the most vulnerable and those with valid papers. 'clandestine' men and women in illegal situations, without rights in a country that refuses ustralia receives asylum seekto welcome them, victims of organised ers in two ways - authorised or of unscrupulous entreprecrime and unauthorised. In other neurs". words, those who come with or withIt is impossible to hear these words of out appropriate documentation. The John Paul II without applying them Pope latter usually come by boat, although has been happening in Australia, what to sometimes by air. By law, they are included latest end of August 2001. We have, the This legislation since 2001. of September especially end the detained until they are proven to be refugees. This mandatory detenborders against people who our tightened indeed, the following aims, to: tion is itself a matter for concern: alone among the nations, Australia Governments should protection. for us to against turned Australia's borders have • STRENGTHEN excludes any discretion being exercised as to whether, in particular public opinion, nor by driven be always however, seekers; not, asylum including arrivals, undocumented be abbreviated. or should cases, detention may be inappropriate the basis of "boron away refugees turn they should very a in • INTERPRET the Refugee Convention Many asylum seekers, including whole families, have been protection". We can protect our borders while at der to the has of individual persecution Actual way. strict detained for more than a year the same time listen to the plight of those who seek have occurred. Fear of persecution will no longer be The Church's pastoral care of asylum seekers convinces us that to find asylum here. sufficient; detention, beyond the minimum time necessary for carrying out Moved by our Faith and humanitarian principles, we Australia in who arrive people that • ENSURE security and health checks, identity checks and the lodgement of the human dignity of refugees and asylum reaffirm without documentation, even if they are recognised applications for Protection Visas, is deeply destructive of human digwe raise our voices in its defence. and seekers residence, receive permanent will never refugees, as nity This is particularly true of children. After a minimum time these this re-affirmation "is a vision of human of spirit The never be able to bring their families to Australia, and people should be released into the community and be obliged to is based upon the truth of the human which dignity and citizenship; Australian for never qualify contact the immigration authorities on a regular basis. in the Image of God (cf. Gen. 1, 26). created person • LIMIT the right of Judicial Review to refused asyThe isolation of detention centres, the difficulty of access to them, there flows a sense of inalienable vision this From lum seekers. and uncertainty and ignorance about the assessment process on the depend on any human power to not rights which do We are deeply concerned about these mstrictive measures. part of the people detained cause widespread and significant psyare rights which have their they deny; or concede We are convinced that such measures will not lessen the chological damage. Staff are similarly affected by the stressful enviPaul II, Address to the InterJohn (Pope God" in source increase will persecution, but resolve of those who flee from ronment of these centres. for Migration, 12th Commission Catholic national their suffering and the risks they incur at sea. Even the surIn stark contrast stand the achievements of the Housing Trial Probound "to ourselves consider We 2001). November peoject currently underway in Woomera for women and children. Res- A Taliban fighter speaks to Afghan refugees waiting to cross into Pakistan at the Chaman vivors of the October 2001 tragedy, in which nearly 400 to proneed, in sister and brother every in Christ see ple lost their lives, were undeterred in their determination to idents enjoy a much healthier and less stressful lifestyle as they border every migrant, every of dignity the defend and claim Photo: CNS/Reuters October. last Quetta, of 81 crossing, miles northwest seek refuge. These laws also treat those found to be refugees await the outcome of their applications for visas. Violence and psygiven Assistance refugee. every and person, displaced as people of a lesser dignity. indeed a similar category to crimresidents against other, more vulnerable groups, makes a mischological harm is virtually non-existent in this normal community of goodness the from alms an considered be not will setting. After initial misgivings, the local Woomera community now erable situation truly desperate. Having escaped from situations inals. They establish precedents for discriminatory treatment which (ibid.). them" to due justice of act an but our heart, accepts the presence of the Housing Trial. We propose the extension of of persecution in their own countries, members of ethnic and should have no place in Australian law or practices. Every person is equal before God in dignity and work So another. must we one to a have all , responsibility W to in the centres, comreligious minorities find themselves subjected, this trial: the inclusion of fathers of families so that the family unit is The human family is one because we are all. right. ensure person that every together for social conditions which plete, and the widening of the experiment to communities beyond similar persecution, but with very little opportunity for redress. children of the one God who created the equally, and every group in society is able to meet their needs and If our country is determined to continue with mandatory detenWoomera. the benefit of all people. Asylum seekers for world A particularly obnoxious feature of the process of assessing applications tion, then the rights of the residents to safety and freedom from realise their potential. We have a responsibility to protect those whose else, the full range of human rights, everyone as have, dignity and rights cannot be guaranteed in their countries of origin or for visas is the 'screening out" process. Those screened out are usually harassment within the centres must be guaranteed. family has the privilege and the human entire the and ver the last nine years, Australian Governments have habitual residence. We should never deliberately hurt a person in order left in ignorance of their unfortunate status. Their legal right to apply for upholding those rights. actively of responsibility increasingly introduced measures to make it more diffi- to issue a warning to others. Our policies should not use asylum seeka Temporary Protection Visa is not explained to them. This part of the of Mary and Joseph and the presentation Gospel The cult and less appealing for asylum seekers who arrive ers as a means of deterring others from seeking asylum in Australia. process needs thorough review. Since Afganistan is still a war zone, it is the terror of King Herod from refugees as Jesus infant politbe for them exploited towards probably premature to seek to force people to return there at the present without appropriate documentation. In addition to Mandatory Neither should xenophobic feelings enduring and challengan is seekers asylum as and in in the Kunduz province time. We also draw attention to another oppressive feature of life in the Detention, these measures range from three-year Temporary Pro- ical advantage. We agree with Pope John Paul's suggestion that the term Afghan refugees leave Khonabadprovince still under Taliban ing message from God; as are the words of Jesus only the Afghanistan, 'queue northern as detention centres. Where human rights are so substantially restricted, a tection Visas, which deny the right of family reunion for the dura- 'irregular migrants' replace such negative terminology Christ Himself, "For I was hungry and you gave me Photo CNS/Reuters control by last November. climate of bullying is enabled to flourish. Harassment, by one group of tion of the temporary visa, to legislation passed in Parliament at jumpers' or 'illegal boat people'.
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Pope John Paul II, his popemobile covered with security personnel, rides through the streets of the Palestinian refugee camp outside Bethlehem in 2000. The pope visited and spoke with refugees at Photo CNS/Reaters the Dehiyshe compound.
food, thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me". (Matthew 25:35). The Catholic Bishops of Australia have frequently applauded the Australian Governments for opening the shores of this rich continent to give protection to refugees: they have always encouraged Governments to be as generous and humane as possible. Page 9
International News
11 April, 2002
Reheord
ords Pope's plea for Holy Land
of W ,HDUM
with Tony Evans
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ne of the greatest of all autobiographies is Apologia Pro Vita Sua, in which the mid-nineteenth century convert from High Anglicanism, John Henry Newman, answers his critics and recounts his spiritual odyssey. The writing is dense and perhaps difficult for a modern reader, but Newman's passionate, logical defence of the Church is as important and relevant today as when it was first written. Here is a small extract from his defence of papal infallibility: "Supposing it to be the Will of the Creator to interfere in human affairs, and to make provisions for retaining in the world a knowledge of Himself, so definite and distinct as to be proof against the energy of human scepticism. "In such a case - I am far from saying that there is no other way - but there is nothing to surprise the mind if He should think fit to introduce a power into the world invested with the prerogative of infallibility in religious mailers. "Such a provision would be a direct, immediate, active, and prompt means of withstanding the difficulty: it would be an instrument suited to the need: and, whenI find that this Is the very claim of the Catholic Church, not only do I find no difficulty in admitting the idea. but there is a fitness in it. which recommends it to my mind. "And thus I am brought to speak of the Church's infallibility as a provision, adapted by the mercy of the creator, to preserve religion in the world, and to restrain that freedom of thought. which of course in itself is one of our greatest natural gifts, and to rescue it from its own suicidal excesses."
By John Thavis
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Worsening Israeli-Palestinian conflict penetrating to the place where Jesus was born, prompted an intense round of Vatican diplomacy and an appeal for worldwide prayers from Pope John Paul A week after some 200 Palestinians - some of them heavily armed - took refuge in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, Israeli soldiers increased the pressure for their surrender, firing at the monastic complex and leaving one person dead on April 8. The Vatican expressed "extreme apprehension" at the developments and said holy places like the Church of the Nativity were guaranteed protection by tradition and treaties. Approximately 40 Franciscan priests and nuns waited inside, vowing to stay and pleading against an Israeli assault on the church. Church officials in the Holy Land were meanwhile hying to arrange an Israeli withdrawal that would allow the Palestinian gunmen to leave. Pope John Paul, who was closely following the news in the Holy Land, called for a worldwide day of prayer for peace in the Middle East. Speaking at his noon blessing at the Vatican, the Pope said only prayer could help people overcome "hatred and the thirst for vengeance" and take up the road of dialogue. "How can we forget that Israelis
Smoke billows of the side of the compound of the Church of the Nativity on April 8. Photo CNS/Reuters/Ofeg Popov
and Palestinians, following the example of Abraham, believe in the one God?" he said. Without referring to the details of the standoff in Bethlehem, he said the basilica was in his "constant prayers." When he announced his prayer day initiative, the Pope warned that the events in the Holy Land seemed to be drifting toward "inhuman cruelty." The papal plea came as Vatican diplomats met with Israeli, Palestinian, U.S. and Arab League representatives, urging an immediate cease-fire and an end to Palestinian suicide bombings. In the discussions, the Vatican criticised the "injustice and humiliation imposed on the Palestinian people" and the wave of reprisals that only "increase the sense of frustration and hatred.
Inside Bethlehem
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Manger Square
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1. Franciscan Convent 2. Cloister 3. Church of St. Catherine Source Catholic News Service
said Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls. and humiliation U.S. Ambassador Jim Nicholson injustice was given a diplomatic note con- imposed on the Palestinian peoveying the Pope's hope that Pres- ple, as well as for the reprisals ident George W. Bush would use and retaliations, which do nothhis influence to convince Israeli ing but increase the sense of frusPrime Minister Aridl Sharon to tration and hatred." halt the reprisals. • The need for Palestinians and The Vatican also sought U.S. sup- Israelis to respect the resolutions port for international monitors or of .the United Nations aimed at peacekeepers in the region. bringing a cease-fire, promoting Navarro-Valls said Vatican offi- Palestinian statehood and guarcials made five key points in each anteeing the security of Israel. meeting: • The need to ensure "propor• "The unequivocal condemna- tionality in the use of legitimate tion of terrorism, from whatever means of defence." side it comes." Israel said its mil• "The obligation the conflicting itary operations were designed to sides have to safeguard the holy uproot terrorists, who have car- places. which are very important ried out a series of deadly suicide for the three monotheistic relibombings against Israeli civilians. gions and for the patrimony of all • "Criticism of the conditions of humanity."
The Far End of the Table IZITERS ID THE EDITOR CONTINUED
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Continued on Page 10 we really have to sacrifice one it greed, youth suicide etc. that life to enable somebody else to have a better life? were happening in society. Is one's chance - and, it's only On top of that we've seen Gov- a chance - for a better life more ernments approving abortion - important than the right of a litthe ultimate in child-abuse, low- tle Aussie to, at least, experience ering the age of consent. granti- life? ng WF to all and sundry and now Yet, one of the Premiers from on legalising stem cell 'experi- the East is reported to have said mentation'. that if there is some benefit we Examine these measures and should go ahead even if it is you will find that, without excep- morally wrong. Can you believe tion, every one of them has been it - do it even if it is morally designed to satisfy selfishness. wrong. Ithink it is time we, as disciples Whenever legislators legalise anything that has serious ethical of Jesus, took positive action implications they - and their just like the man down my street. backers - resort to emotional We could approach our memarguments. By stressing people's bers of Parliament or keep pain and suffering they play on emailing them. our sympathies. However, as far Malcolm Lyons as stem cells are concerned, do Carlisle
Priest's anniversary By Neil Smith More than 400 people attended the celebration Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes church, Nollamara, on Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of the ordination of parish priest, Father Laurence Murphy. Emeritus Bishop Robert Healy, 21 fellow priests and eight acolytes took part in celebrating the Mass. Irish-born Fr Murphy was ordained at Wealdstone on April Z 1962. He was the British Province Vocations Director and taught in the junior seminary at Sindlesham, as well as serving as assistant priest at St Benedict's, Cheltenham, Page 10
before coming to Australia as the chaplain aboard the migrant ship, the Fairsea, in September 1966. He served as assistant priest at St Anthony's, Bellevue from 1966 to 1975 before taking over as parish priest and serving there until December 1984. He was the chaplain at the Sacred Heart College at Sorrento from 1985 to 1991 parish priest at Woodvale for 10 years from 1991 and took over at Nollamara in 2001. Acolytes attending the Mass presented Fr Murphy with a new chalice to mark the occasion. Members of the congregation were invited to join him for afternoon tea.
A Palestinian girl covers her ears as she runs from sniper fire in the old city of Bethlehem on April 8.
Visiting priests gather at the altar in the Mass to celebrate Father Murphy's anniversary.
Reeord
Focus
11 April, 2002
Daniel Marshak, chief scientific officer for Osiris Therapeutics in Baltimore, briefs US bishops on stem-cell research in Washington in 1999. He said experiments seem to indicate that it will be possible to use adult stem cells to regenerate bone, blood, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Further scientific developments since then have borne this out. Photo CASS. Nancy IN t
Year gets better for Culture of Death In the wake of the Howard government's decision to allow embryonic stem cell research in Australia, DR JOE SANTAMARIA examines its moral implications and whether there are in fact better alternatives - both morally and scientifically. literature reveals that most of the Dr McBain has called for a destruction after a statutory peri- process of unanchored existence studies have been done on adult debate free of prejudice and the- od of storage and should be used is a hard moral choice but it is not stem cells. This work has been ological intervention by the to help mankind is specious of the same order as to destroy going on for 40 years, mostly in Catholic Church, using language There are several aspects to this them for a so-called altruistic purthe fields of haematology, oncolo- that begs the question. pose so that scientists can harvest gy and molecular biology. It has The Church and for that matter The first is why there are so the living inner cell mass. proceeded at a very rapid pace in those who reject the position many unused frozen embryos. It It is the same principle that we the last 10 years and has resulted adopted by the scientists, are not is due to the fact that those apply to the withdrawal of futile In the formation of pluripotent arguing from a theological imper- engaged in Assisted Reproductive burdensome treatment in the cells from the blood of compati- ative but from scientific data and Technology (ART) have never management of the terminally ill ble donors and some clinical ethical principles. conceded that the human embryo patient. Despite what Peter Singer Moreover they insist that the has any moral status. results have already been puband his followers assert about the scientific data be fully presented lished To improve their poor pregnan- moral status of the early stages of On the other hand, the literature and not disguised by "scientific cy rates with single embryo trans- human life, the human embryo is on embryonic stem cells is of a sleight of hand." fer, they have hyperovulated their the beginning of life of a human Dr. Joe Santamaria The myth of the "pre-embryo" is patients and created a bank of being which is on a continuum of more speculative kind. The clamour for the use of now dismissed by reputable embryos so that they can transfer a long course of development that embryonic stem cells has been several embryos in each proce- will take years to unfold. the outcome of pressures exerdure. Singer's criteria for assessing the TiE CHURCHES /USED EMBRYO cised by the Industry of Banks of frozen embryos Assisted have moral of a human being EXPERIMENTATION The myth of the been justified on the basis that a and hisworth Reproductive Technology which concept of speciesism mbryo debate is moral, not has deep-seated commercial "pre-embryo" is woman can make several have been described as mon.11:a sectarian" is the headline to interests and easy access to frozen at pregnancy from the strous by many who do not proan article by Dr Gregory Pike, a embryos. now dismissed attempts one procedure of superovulation. fess a religious belief. and non-Catholic scientist Their It is not true to say that everyThey do not argue from a theoby reputable bioethicist (The Age March 2, on the lobbying tactics are based highly successful method body has accepted this philoso- logical viewpoint but are closer to 2002). Pike makes the point that of embryology text phy for concern has been the Universal Declaration of the scientists attack on the es using "hard cases" and promisof scientific breakthroughs. expressed many times but rarely Human Rights and the Declarachurch "only serves to Catholic books which are not supported gains expression in the public tion of Helsinki on Human Experby the deflect attention from a serious scientific evidence. media. imentation. and considered reflection that In contra-distinction, the work embryology textbooks because it Secondly such "unwanted The argument that there are 60many argue is foundational to was coined to gain political embryos" could be made avail- 70,000 frozen embryos and many on Adult Stem Cells has been conhumanity's understanding of approval for destructive research itself and its future direction in ducted in a much lower key and on the human zygote and early able for "adoption" by other infer- will be destroyed each year results have been published in tile couples rather than be according to the provisions of the the new biotechnical era." embryo. Infertility Act and ills therefore allowed to succumb. Pike referred to an open letter scientific journals rather than by journalists. preferable to use them to experimany parinteresting that I t is CLINIC.AL DIFFICULTIES which opposed experimentation Over the last 10-15 years, adult relucment for the good of others is a such embryos are ents of Urom a clinical point of view, human embryos. on stem cells have if been permission as dangerous "principle" to apply. identified give such in tant to there is a major problem Among the signatories were many organs and relinThe fact is that the bank of tissues they are but know that the they with the use of embryonic stem "prominent members of the Jewfrozen embryos grows year by ish community, various Christian richest sources have been the cells in the treatment of the many quishing their begotten child. Once created in the laboratory, year and each year "existing denominations, doctors, lawyers, bone marrow, cord blood and the diseases for which they are advoperipheral blood. These sources cated - the issue of tissue or organ these embryos have nowhere to embryos" will pass beyond the scientists and politicians." go if they are not put into the statutory period to remain frozen. Pike concludes by drawing are easy to tap and in the labora- compatibility. Whilst we allow the technicians Embryonic stem cells are for- womb of an adult woman. attention to the fact that "there is tory their replication has been enhanced by so-called "colony embryos" are and obstetricians to hyperovulate "surplus Such eign to the recipient's body and a plethora of ethically sound alterstimulating factors." patients in the manner that their full their then unable to achieve careful matching procedures are native research to show that ills I n a recent article in the New done for years, the issue inherent they have not due to any potential, required if the graft is to have any not essential to go down this path. England Journal of Medicine chance of surviving. disability to do so but because of surplus embryos will continue ADULT STEM CELLS (March 7, 2002), the authors best prospects for the future they have been excluded from to challenge our ethical standards n fact the scientific literature is demonstrate that circulating stem lieThe with research on adult stem gaining access to the necessary and our political responses. replete with studies on Adult cells can be pluripotent. A review in 3 years time is mere cells, preferably of the autologous environment for continued develStem Cells (ASCs) which are far Pluripotent means the ability to type, the patient's own stem cells opment. subterfuge to conceal an inability more advanced and promising differentiate into several types of in his/her peripheral blood. Freezing such embryos there- under the pressure of vested interthan the claims for embryonic tissue. In other words, you do not becomes a form of life sup- ests and political expediency to fore SURPLUS EMBRYOS stem cells. There is virtually no need to destroy human embryos focus on the options now availport that is futile. e claim that the unwanted mention in the media about adult to establish cell lines of pluripoDe-freezing them and allowing able and on the vagaries of Assistembryos are headed for them to succumb to the natural ed Reproductive Technology. stem cells although the scientific tent stem cells.
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The World in brief
Faith is a sign: Pope VAFICAN CITY (CNS) - Faith in the coming of God's kingdom is a sign of conviction that God's plan for the world is one of harmony and justice, Pope John Paul II said. "The kingdom of God is the source of peace and serenity, and it cancels the dominion of darkness," the pope said on April 3 at his weekly general audience. In a St Peter's Square that looked remarkably bare after the removal of the thousands of tulips, daffodils and blossoming shrubs set out for Easter, Pope John Paul combined Easter reflections with his series of talks about the Psalms used in the liturgy of the Hours. it is the triumph of Christ over evil and death which we celebrate in these days," he said. With his death and Resurrection, the kingdom of justice and of love willed by God is established."
Abuse survey WASHINGTON (CNS) - A just-released survey found increasing numbers of American Catholics say sex abuse is a major problem for the church that needs to be addressed, more than a similar survey showed a month earlier. But Catholics also indicated the scandal had not affected their faith. The new survey found that 71 per cent of Catholics said the sex abuse issue is a "major problem that demands immediate attention," up from 48 per cent the month before who said they felt the same way. Also, 71 per cent termed the ongoing sex abuse scandals a "crisis" for the church, while 66 per cent disapproved of how the church had handled the clergy sex abuse problem. In the poll, conducted jointly by [USI ABC News, the Washington Post and Beliefnet.com. 70 per cent said they were either angry or dissatisfied with how the church was handling the situation: 36 per cent said they were "angry" and 34 per cent said they were "dissatisfied but not angry."
International News
Cardinal dissolves the 'logic of abortion' By Robert Delaney ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CNS) Law and culture are inextricably linked, and Americans have a right to expect the law to uphold key aspects of the moral structure of their culture, said Cardinal Francis George of Chicago at the March 21 dedication of the Ave Maria School of Law building in Ann Arbor. The proposition that supporters of the rights of the unborn should give up efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade until they have wrought a widespread conversion of hearts and minds is as baseless as were similar arguments (luring the civil rights struggle, he added. Cardinal George compared current arguments for not overturning the 1973 high court decision permitting abortion virtually on demand to the arguments of Supreme Court Justice John Davis, who was on the losing side in the landmark 1954 school desegregation case, Brown vs. Board of Education. Davis admitted that segregation might be unjust. and agreed that courts might better have held it unconstitutional, but contended that an entire culture had been built upon segregation, the cardinal said. Cardinal George, summarising Davis' position, said that because the courts had allowed the practice in the past, "it would be foolish and counterproductive to try to uproot an entire culture by changing the law. Legal reform
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Thomas Monaghan receives applause from Dean Bernard Dobranksi at the dedication of the Ave Maria School of Law facility in Ann Arbor, Michihgan, on March 21. Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza, is a principal benefactor of the law school and chairman of its board of governors.
would have to be put on hold until more favourable cultural conditions came into being." But the cardinal noted the court rejected the argument and "struck a ringing blow for justice in the face of a culture corroded by the acid of racism." "Of course, it is true that a judicial decree does not, by itself, convert anyone's heart," Cardinal George said, hut he added the Supreme Court of that time understood "that law - whether just or unjust - functions as a teacher." "The justices knew that segregation, as a cultural practice, would not end so long as law testified. and thus taught, in season and
Suicide attempt in NY Cathedral centre
out, that black and white are unequal," he said. Yet, in the 1992 case. Casey vs Planned Parenthood, "the court got it tragically wrong on the issue of abortion," Cardinal George continued. While it was suggested one or more of the justices might have voted the other way when Roe vs Wade was decided two decades earlier, he said, the majority in the '92 case justified letting it stand because "a generation of people have organised intimate relationships and made choices that define their views of themselves and their places in society, in reliance on the availability of abortion."
Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, speaks to the press outside the rectory of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York on April 3, after an unidentified man shot himself inside the building. Photo CNS Rputo,
By Tracy Early NEW YORK (CNS) - A man who shot himself in the parish house of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York on April 3 has been identified as a 24-year-old Armenian, Arsen Gazaryan. A spokeswoman for the police said on April 5 that the man, who shot himself in the face, remained in "extremely critical" condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Centre, a major trauma centre. In recounting what led up to the incident, Joseph Zwilling, communications officer for the Archdiocese of New York. said that a
man who was unknown to the cathedral staff had asked to see a priest. After waiting briefly in the reception area of the parish house, the man was taken into a room and joined by a priest, Zwilling reported. Zwilling said the man gave the priest a note and then took out a gun, but the priest was able to get out of the room and warn others. After hearing a gunshot, they called emergency personnel, and the man was taken to the hospital. Suffering from shock, the priest, who was not being identified, also was taken to the hospital but later was released.
The cardinal rejected the idea that current law is somehow neutral on the question of when life begins. "Did the fact that the laws of South Carolina in 1859 compelled no one to own slaves mean that the law of that state was 'neutral' on the question of slavery? Would we for a moment credit the claim of a supporter of slave laws to be merely 'pro-choice,' rather than pro-slavery?" he asked. Cardinal George suggested that Catholic politicians who support abortion laws while claiming to be "personally opposed" to abortion should consider the ignominy in which Chief Justice Roger Taney is now held. Taney, the first Catholic to head one of the three branches of the US government, was author of the Supreme Court's infamous 1856 pro-slavery decision in Dred Scott vs Sandford. Even though he freed his own slaves, Taney's "support for the right of others to own slaves and to take their slaves into free territory makes us ashamed today." the cardinal said. The law school building dedication attracted an audience of about 400, included Michigan Lt. Gov. Richard Posthumus, four justices of the state Supreme Court and the school's 135 students. Now in its second year of operation, Ave Maria law school is one of several new Catholic educational institutions launched with principal initial funding by Domino's Pizza founder Thomas Monaghan.
Jews protest against Auschwitz shops By Jonathan Luxmoore
Actors nominated NEW YORK (CNS) - Actress Vanessa Williams and composer Elizabeth Swados will be honoured with MIRA Awards, given by the group Media Images and Religious Awareness, for their portrayals of women religious. Williams' award is for her portrayal of Mother Henriette Delille, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family in antebellum New Orleans, in the Lifetime cable movie The Courage to Love Swados is being honoured for her "choral drama" titled Missionaries, which tells the story of the four American churchwomen slain in El Salvador in 1980. The awards will be given on April 27 in a morning ceremony at St Malachy's Church in New York - known as "The Actors' Chapel."
Reneord
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) - A Jewish human rights organisation has protested plans to open a shopping centre near the former Nazi death camp at Auschwitz, in a building once used for storing hair and possessions from murdered prisoners. However, the project was defended by local officials and a leading Catholic, who accused Jewish objectors of over-reacting. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Los Angelesbased Simon Wiesenthal Centre. said in a March letter to Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller, "It is almost beyond belief that certain local officials in Auschwitz continue their insensitive and inappropriate actions which, if left unopposed, would encroach on the sanctity of the memory of the victims of Auschwitz. "It is clear that it will take the direct involvement of Polish leaders and the international community to stop local authorities and their business allies from turning a quick profit on the ashes of the victims of the Holocaust," Rabbi Cooper said. Work on the shopping centre began in early 2002 at the tannery, about a mile from the main Auschwitz camp. The controversy is the second
involving the tannery; a disco was closed there in 2001 following similar Jewish protests. However, the shopping centre project was defended by the vice chairman of the International Auschwitz Council, Stefan Wilkanowicz, a Catholic. who said he saw "no obstacle" to the centre. "Jewish protesters have reacted allergically. without knowing the situation on the ground." Wilkanowicz said. "Of course, cruelties were perpetrated here, but there are a great many such places. It would be nonsense to suggest they should all be treated as special sites, where no one can open shops or hotels," he said. Wilkanowicz told Catholic News Service that the Auschwitz council believed there should be no "entertainment" in the tannery and had vigorously objected to the disco. "However, this is now closed, and we see no reason why normal market activities shouldn't be conducted here," said Wilkanowicz, a former editor of Poland's Catholic Znak monthly. Disputes have flared frequently during the past decade at the site, where more than 300 crosses were removed by police in 1999 after being installed by Polish Catholic protesters. - CNS
Record
International News
11 April, 2002
'Pope remembers names better than me' By Michael Lawton COLOGNE, Germany (CNS) Pope John Paul ll still has the energy to carry out important tasks, said a top Vatican official. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told the German newspaper Die Welt that, while the Pope may at times take on a heavy load, he was in full control. "He speaks less than he did, but he asks very precise questions," the cardinal said, adding that the Pope remembers names better than he does. The two-part interview was published Easter weekend, in late March, as some media speculated that Pope John Paul's deteriorating health was causing him to lose control over some Vatican decision-making. In his Die Welt interview, Cardinal Ratzinger said the Pope's successor could come from outside Europe. He said he saw truly great figures in Africa 'whom one can only admire," but he saw a certain resistance in the West to "someone from the Third World." even though the West was always insisting that it was against racism. Cardinal Ratzinger, who turns 75 on April 16, said he told
the Pope he would like to have more time for other activities, but he said he would not retire unless it was approved by the Pope. He added he would not return to live in Germany, where he spent most of his life, simply because he could not face packing and unpacking all of his books. Also during the interview, the cardinal warned against identifying Islam with terrorism in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. "We should on the one hand return to our values and identify ourselves more strongly with our Christian history, and on the other hand we should help the Islamic world to bring its positive, nonterrorist history back into focus," he said. Asked about relations with Judaism, he said a distinction should be drawn between relations with Israel and with the Je‘,, in general. I srael is not simply a theological construct, it is a state, and a secular state at that," he said, "and it should be judged on that basis." "We are on the road to understanding anew that Jews have their special historical mission and that Christians and Jews are related to one another in a positive way," he said.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Pope John Paul ll are seen together at the attar during the Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica March 30. CNS • •
Vatican named in US lawsuit Orthodox protest, stop ST. PETERSBURG. Florida. (CNS) - Amid a flood of new lawsuits against church officials being filed around the country for clergy sexual abuse of minors, lawyer Jeffrey Anderson gained national attention on April 3 with two suits naming the Vatican among the defendants. Past attempts to implicate the Vatican, a sovereign power, in such suits have failed. Anderson. a Minnesota attorney who has handled hundreds of clergy sex abuse lawsuits over the past two decades, said at a press conference in St Petersburg that he had evidence of Vatican liability. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls declined to comment on the lawsuits on April 4. One suit, filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court in St Petersburg, claims Rick Gomez, now 28, was sexually molested in 1987 at Salesian-run Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa by then-Brother William Burke, who subsequently became a Salesian priest. It names the Holy See, the Catholic bishop of St Petersburg and the Salesian order as codefendants with Father Burke. The second suit, filed in the US District Court in Portland, Oregon, says the plaintiff, identified only as John Doe, was sexually abused
in Portland in 1965 or 1966, at the as a fit and competent agent of age of 15 or 16, by Semite Father defendant Holy See and a minisAndrew Ronan, who was then sta- ter of Christ" On the lawsuit filed locally, the tioned at his order's Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother in Port- St Petersburg Diocese said in a statement that the diocese "is not land. Ronan was laicised in 1966 a proper party to this lawsuit" because of a child sex abuse com- because the school is owned and plaint against him and died 10 operated by the Salesians and the diocese "had no authority over years ago. The second suit names the Holy William Burke." The Chicago Archdiocese See. the Portland and Chicago named in the second suit because archdioceses and the Servite was stationed at a Servile Ronan order and its US province. high school there in 1960-65 - said Both suits claim the movement a review of its records "has not of the alleged abusers from one disclosed any incident of misconplace to another was part of a duct by Father Ronan" during that church policy and practice aimed time. at protecting the abusers and the It also said he was working there church from liability for their under the auspices of his order actions. and "was not assigned by the The first suit claims that it is "the archbishop." policy and practice of defendant The Portland Archdiocese Holy See, by and through its bish- issued a statement saying that, ops, priests, religious superiors upon receiving the complaint in and agents, to conceal allegations 1966, the archdiocese "took swift of child sexual abuse against its and decisive action," initiating clergy from law enforcement judicial proceedings under which authorities, parishioners and the Ronan was laicised in March public." 1966. The second says the Holy See The lawsuit claims Ronan was "by and through its agents, grant- stationed at St Albert's Church in ed Ronan faculties to perform as Portland at the time of the abuse. a Roman Catholic priest" and, at The archdiocese said, "In the the time of the alleged abuse, Interest of accuracy, there has "also certified and held Ronan out never been a St Albert's Parish in to the community of the faithful Portland."
work at Catholic church By Frank Brown
MOSCOW (CNS) - Local officials. wider pressure from Russian Orthodox believers, halted construction of a new Catholic church in northern Russia, prompting an outcry from Catholic leaders. "This is a very dangerous precedent," said Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the new Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow. In a written statement, he said the move "could turn into a wave of antiCatholic demonstrations, the results of which are impossible to predict." The rector of the Catholic church in Pskov, about 170 miles southwest of St Petersburg, was served notice on April 3 that the regional planning authority was ordering a halt to construction of the church and rectory complex in the centre of the city to conduct additional reviews and solicit public opinion. "They start with this absurd stuff at the point when we are almost done. The walls of the church are already 11 meters (36.3 feet) tall, and we are almost ready to put the cupola and
cross up." Father Vladimir Timoshenko, rector, said on April 4 in a telephone interview from Pskov. Father Timoshenko said all the necessary permits for the new Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity's construction were in order before work began in June 2000. A spokeswoman for the Pskov regional administration did not dispute that the Catholics had obtained the necessary permits from city authorities. Beginning with a demonstration of some 80 Orthodox believers on March 24, the local Orthodox diocese campaigned against the new Catholic church in local newspapers and radio. Father Ioarm Mukhanov. rector of Pskov's Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, said in an April 4 telephone interview that the Orthodox objected to the size and name of the Catholic church. "We don't want it to be any taller," said Father Mukhanov, explaining how each of Pskov's 20 Orthodox churches was carefully constructed to be no higher than the Orthodox cathedral located inside the city's historic kremlin, or citadel.
Bishops stand with French jews after firebombings of synagogues PARIS (CNS) - French church said. Against the background of a leaders condemned a spate of worsening Mideast conflict, synaattacks on synagogues in France gogues in Marseilles, Lyons, Strasand voiced their "solidarity and bourg and Nevers were fraternity" with the Jewish minor- firebombed around Easter. ity. "The Jewish communities have "To hit such a community, in its been struck through the heart at religious sensibility and belief, is their most precious places of wora particularly grave act which ship - with such acts of violence strikes with full force at our demo- one must always fear the worst," cratic life," said Archbishop Jean- Archbishop Ricard said in an Pierre Ricard of Bordeaux, April 3 statement. president of the French bishops' "Even if the conflict between conference. Israelis and Palestinians has wors"Condemning these attacks with ened dramatically in recent days, the greatest firmness, the Catholic this does not permit a rise in intolChurch in France expresses pro- erance in France," he said. found sympathy and solidarity Or-Aviv synagogue in Marseilles with Jewish communities," he and its Torah scrolls were
destroyed by arsonists. A stolen car was rammed through the door of Lyons' La Duchere synagogue and burned by 15 masked youths. Among other incidents, a kosher meat shop was raked by gunfire in Toulouse, and a Jewish school was ransacked at Sarcelles, north of Paris. Some 1,100 extra police were deployed to guard Jewish schools and prayer houses following the attacks. Father Patrick Debois, head of the French Church's Commission for Dialogue with Judaism, said it was unclear who was behind the latest attacks, but added that previous incidents had been linked
to the Arab-Israeli conflict. "It seems part of the population identifies itself with the Palestinians and has attacked Jewish targets for this reason," Father Debois said. "In reality, nothing can justify these acts." "We should agree never to destroy the places of prayer of other religions, even if we disagree with them," he said. About 700,000 Jews reside in France, along with substantial Arab and North African immigrant communities. At a January meeting with religious leaders, including the Jewish-born Cardinal jean-Marie
Lustiger of Paris and France's Chief Rabbi Michael Gugenheim, President Jacques Chirac said he would demand "appropriate sanctions" against anti-Semitic violence. In a mid-March booklet, the country's Union of Jewish Students said it had monitored 405 cases of anti-Semitic violence in 16 months, including racist graffiti, arson attacks and cemetery desecrations. Among other Easter-time incidents in Europe, a synagogue was bombed in a suburb of Brussels, Belgium, while another was desecrated by youths in Kostroma. Russia. Page 1.3
11 April, 2002
Asian Catholic News
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Indian Christian editors unite KOCHI, India (UCAN) - Editors of various Christian periodicals in a southern Indian state have launched an association to promote unity among Churches and fight sectarianism. "This is a novel idea to promote Christian literature and ideals and spread the message of unity among the Churches through the powerful pages of the media," says Father Paul Thelakat, president of the new Christian Editors and Writers Society. Father Thelakat said the society comprises editors from about 150 Christian periodicals published from Kerala state. "It is for the first time that representatives of all the Churches in the state have come under a unique media forum." the priest of Ernakulam-Angamaly Catholic archdiocese told UCA News.
He said that although the Churches and Christian organisations in India manage hundreds of periodicals, no common forum existed to help their editors "to think and act unitedly in matters concerning Christianity." Father Thelakat, who is editor of the Syro-Malabar Church-run Sathyadeepani (light of truth), said the society's formation is "a great leap forward for the Church media" as it would strive to make all Christian editors in the country its members. Bishop Philipose Chrysostom, the Metropolitan of the Marthoma Church, who opened the society during a Christian editors' conference on March 12, urged it to disseminate "high secular and religious values through the media." While Bishop Chrysostom is the
society's chief patron, its office "Now this kind of a media forum bearers include editors from the will act as a catalyst in future ecuCatholic, Protestant, Orthodox, menical dialogue," Punnackadu Marthoma, Pentecostal and Evan- told UCA News on March 16. gelical Churches as well as the He said the society's main aim Church of South India. is to organise training and workMathew Koshy Punnackadu, the shops to encourage writers and society's general secretary, said editors in the Christian publicathe new forum will help Christian tion field. editors debate and publish issues According to its objectives concerning the Church. released by the editors, the sociPunnacicadu, chief editor of New ety will act as a common ChristVision for a Changing World, a ian forum to propagate "the true monthly of the Marthoma secular and religious news Church, termed the society's for- through the media." mation as "a success story for the It promises to undertake "piomedia departments of various neering initiatives" through periChurches in India." odicals, television and the He noted that the editors have Internet to inculturate ideals and formed the association when the ethical concerns for the Indian Churches often fail to share a plat- Church. form even during ecumenical The society will also help varimeetings because of their theo- ous Churches and Christian logical differences. organisations to set up and oper-
Little operation brings light to needy PANGKAL PINANG. Indonesia (UCAN) - More than 100 villagers with cataracts in a diocese in western Indonesia received eye surgery in a Church co-sponsored project involving Dutch surgeons. linto surgeons from the Netherlands removed the cataracts of 127 residents of Bangka island March 6-20 at Bhaktiwara Clinic, which is run by Pangkal Pinang diocese. 430 kilometres north of Jakarta. Performing the surgery on the cataract, an eye disease in which the lens of the eye goes opaque leading to partial or complete blindness. were Doctors Donald Tjia and Tom Smith. The cataract operation project in Bangka-Belitung province was made to help the poor under the auspices of the Netherlands' Stichting Leer Anderen Helpen Foundation, Jakarta-based Mata Terang (clear vision) Foundation and Tunas Karya (sprouting works) Foundation of Pangkal Pinang diocese. Divine Word Bishop Hilarius Moa Nurak of Pangkal Pinang told UCA News that it is "joyous and touching when humanitarian work is implemented in our region." He commended the Dutch surgeons and the sponsors who, he said, were brave enough to respond to those who needed help. The project, he added, was a breakthrough in humanitarian work in the province. Through such work, "we no longer think and act out of our personal, or our
Faiths seek peace in prayer
AN EYE FOR AK EYE WILL MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD BLIND4 Activists join in an interfaith prayer meeting in Mumbai, India, on April 5. Adherents of several faiths appealed for the restoration of peace in the western state of Gujarat, where hundreds of people have been killed In sectarian violence this year. Photo CNS/Reuters
group's interest, but simply for humanity," the bishop said at the official ceremony for the event on March 11. "What we are doing is a response for the welfare, happiness and salvation of our fellow human beings," he said. "Through this activity, we are
overcoming one of the many sufferings of people, namely blindness. Hopefully this will become 'a drop of dew in the desert' to excite our spiritual care for the poor," the bishop added. Zaenap, a 60-year-old Muslim patient from a village 75 kilometres from Bhaktiwara Clinic, said she had been
blind due to cataracts for three years. "I can't afford the operation and thankfully the Catholic-run clinic offered the free service, so I applied, and even got the chance to be the first to be operated on. Now I'm able to see again," she said.
Japanese youth organise major ecumenical event TOKYO (UCAN) - Japan's first menical conference in 2000, but major ecumenical event specifi- observed a gap between his group cally for youth has helped young and older participants. people share faith and friendship, Five young people who particiyouth organisers say. pated in the 2000 conference Thirty-five Christian youth par- organised this event in the hope ticipated in the first Ecumenical of generating a new ecumenical Youth Event on the theme "unity movement, said Ohata, a univerand diversity," a program for sity student. peace and justice, from March 21In a brainstorming session on 24 in Tokyo. the first day, participants wrote The event organised by the down anything they wished to see Youth Committee of the National eliminated from the world. On the Christian Council (NCC) of Japan second day, participants talked for focused on leadership training five hours to prepare for a drama and community development. on Christ. Earlier, students from various The play portrayed Christ's Christian groups had organised meeting with the Canaanite two inter-generation ecumenical woman. It stressed Christ saying conferences, but this particular to her that he was sent for the event was organised by young Israelites, but after some converpeople for young people. sation called her "a woman of Ohata Satoshi, an Anglican and great faith." chief organiser of the event, said "Meeting with different people he participated in the last ecu- can bring some pain. But Jesus Page 14 6
was able to overcome it," a participant said. Fukuhara Masayuki, a science student, said, "It is a big grace to be here. I had always wanted to be a science scholar but got interested in social problems.I once found this paradoxical, but not anymore." Fukuhara said he wishes to get baptised soon at the Catholic Church. "I don't have any unconditional reason to be a member of the Catholic Church, but it is where I met Christ Jesus," he told UCA News after the meeting. Murase Yoshifumi, a member of the United Church of Christ in Japan, said, "In a sense, the ecumenical movement means to get out of a comfy place. It's inevitable you will feel challenged, but I'd say that there is hope to find a meaning in everyone's differences and rejoice truly to live together." Kitani Hidefumi, mem-
ber of the United Church of Christ and NCC executive secretary, said the event is "a step for realising everyone's leadership so that young people can find their aim and place to contribute" to society. it is clear that in all Churches the number of youth is decreasing. This event is needed to find a way to improve the situation together," he added. The participants were from the Catholic Church, the Young Men's Christian Association and Young Women's Christian Association, the United Church of Christ in Japan and the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. Also present were members of the Korean Christian Church in Japan, Anglican Church, Tokyo Union Church, the Japan Baptist Convention and the Sendai Christian Student Centre.
ate printing houses, sales centres, showrooms and publishing houses in India. It will undertake joint efforts to publish books, periodicals, magazines, booklets and leaflets for Christians' spiritual and mental edification. Its members comprise two representatives from each recognised Church periodical. Another objective, Father Thelakat explained, is to educate people through the media on crucial political, religious and moral Issues. We felt that we need to come together to fight the sectarian forces that divide the country and the people these days in India," he said. He added that the society aims to address the communal feelings seen even among Christians.
Just do it
Parish hand helps job seekers SINGAPORE (UCAN) - A parish in Singapore has formed a committee to provide emotional and spiritual support to the unemployed and their families. Members of the Small Christian Community and the Christian Family and Social Movement of St Francis of Assisi Parish formed the Social Concern Committee out of their concern for the unemployed. The members noted that jobless persons need emotional and spiritual support, in addition to financial aid. About 35 parishioners recently attended the first session to share their experiences of unemployment, and how they managed to overcome its related stress. A committee member named Paul recalled that after he returned from his studies in the United States and Australia, he had difficulty finding a job, which made him lose confidence and self-esteem. "It was a very stressful time," he said, but with faith in God and the support of his family, he was able to persist and finally found employment. Paul encouraged those who are currently jobless to have confidence in themselves, and advised them to respond immediately to any job notice. Stan, from another parish, urged the unemployed parishioners to begin each day with a prayer as each day brings new life in God. He said as long as the individuals are happy with their goals and have confidence in God, those people will be able to meet their needs. The committee also hopes to seek help from parishioners. It says if the parishioners have jobs to offer, they are encouraged to post them on the church notice board or have them published in the parish bulletin. Through such deeds, parishioners will be able to immerse themselves in the lives of the jobless and "be light and salt of the earth," it says.
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Archcliocesan Panorama C ATHOLIC PRAYER FESTIVAL Catholic Prayer Festival * Spiritual * Educational • Social * a Eucharistic centred Retreat for, of and by young adults, to learn more about our Faith, our Church, the Sacraments, and Our Lady. April 25-28 at New Norcia. S135 full retreat or S45/day. Information / registrations 9313 4567. C ATHEDRAL YOUTH FORUM
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Seminary needs help of a seminarian has changed for the better. Gone are the times of state oppression and persecution, both of the Church as an institution and of the individual Catholic faithful. What remains in Latvia, which today has some 2.5 milLatvian seminarians lion inhabiThe Catholic seminary in Riga, tants, a quarter of whom are Latvia, is situated in the smallest of Catholics, is the inherited burden of the Baltic states, yet it has a remark- decades of communist mismanagement. able history behind it. As yet there is little sign of an ecoDuring the entire period of communist persecution in the Soviet nomic upturn. Hence it is hardly surUnion there were just two seminar- prising that Bishop Anions lusts of Jelgave - who is also rector of the ies officially recognised in the entire seminary in Riga - has turned to Aid region. to the Church in Need for support One was in Lithuania - and for for the studies of his seminarians. Lithuania only - and the other in This aid is needed above all for the Riga, which served the whole of the maintenance of the students, and for remaining territory of the Soviet the heating costs. Aid to the Church Union and was permitted to operate in Need has promised to help with only with the approval and under $25,000. If you would like to know more the control of the communist authoror make a donation please ring ities. Since the easing of the repression the office of ACN on (02) 9679or e-mail: info@aidin the 1980s and the eventual inde- 1929 .pendence of Latvia in 1991, the life tochurch.org
Or Maureen O'Toole 9279 9219. A LPHA AT ST LAWRENCE. BALCATTA Join us on Tues April 23 for a meal. Christian teaching and discussion in a relaxed and friendly setting. Phone Ricki DiBiase on 9349 7066 or the parish office on 9344 7066 (no charge. donation box). DIVINE WILL PRAYER GROUP
Teenagers and young adults are invited to the f irst Cathedral Youth Forum of the New Millennium to discuss the implementation of the Archbishop's 10-point plan. Come and tell us about... (1) Your expectations in the Catholic Church: (2) Your joys and disappointments: (3) Your suggestions for improvements: (4) What would you like to do to help. If you have doubts, questions or objections about the Church's Faith or Morals, you can express them. too. Legion of Mary Headquarters. 36 Windsor St. East Perth.Tues 30 April at 7pm. With the participation of Catholic Youth Ministry, Flame Youth Team, Notre Dame Truth Society. True Love Waits. Legion of Mary & others. Organised by the Cathedral Knights and St Gabriel Communications. Inq: 9202 1300.
Held at St John's Pro-Cathedral. Victoria Ave. Perth. Next Meeting: Sunday april 14th at 6.00 7.00 pm. Enquiries: Fr Doug Harris, PH: 9223 1350.
R ELIGIOUS LIFE... WHY NOT?
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Grotto. Sunday 5 May at Bove's Farm, Roy Rd. Jindong (off Bussell Hwy between Busselton and Margaret River). Commences 12.30pm with Concelebrated Mass, Rosary Procession and Benediction. Tea/coffee provided. Bus bookings: Francis Williams 9459-3873 or 0408 893 877.
Why have so many millions of young men and women over the centuries dedicated themselves entirely to God and neighbour? Why are there so few doing it today? Switch on to The Layman's Hour with Raymond andTheresa de Souza (Radio Fremantle 107.9 FM on Sun 14 April at 7:30 PM) and hear Sister Margaret Mary (Carmelite). Sister Mary Augustine (Dominican) and others in the unique radio feature on religious life. Ring 9494 2100 and have your say. SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOP "To worship God in Peace and Justice: Being Just and Catholic -. Sat April 20 at St Mary's Cathedral Parish Centre from 10am to 1pm. In the f irst part of the workshop. Fr Brian Gore, the Columban priest imprisoned in the Philippines for his solidarity with the poor will speak about his own background. his understanding of the Gospel and the work of the Church today. In the second part of the workshop participants will together explore the role of a social justice worker and what they can do in the parishes. The workshop will conclude with a light lunch. Cost S5. Please contact Julie Williams 9325 1212 by Wed April 17. PRAYER VIGIL A peaceful prayer vigil with Rosaries and hymns is made outside the abortion clinic at 2 Cleaver Tce Rivervale.on Sat April 20. from 11am to 12 noon. The next vigil will be Please join us. Inquiries: Colin 9409 4543. SCHOENSTATT FETE Sun April 28, 10am to 2.30pm at the Queen of Apostles parish, in the Fr John Luemmen Hall, 532 Tudor Ave. Riverton. Craft. cakes, white elephant, food stalls, toys and more. All welcome. FLAME YOUTH MEETING International Catholic Evangelist. Eddie Russell fmi, will be speaking at the flame Youth Meeting on Fri April 19. The meeting begins at 8pm at the A lverna Centre, St Lawrence Catholic Church, 392 Albert St, Balcatta. There is no cost, love offering taken up. Children's Ministry will be available for children up to 12 years. The youth meeting caters for youth 18+. Info: Li9nda 9382 3668 or email:fmi@flameministries.org AUTMN -TIME FOR REFLECTION A Retreat in Daily Life will run from Sun May 5 to Fri May 24. This at-home retreat program is ideal for those who need to continue with their daily commitments while seeking to explore or deepen their faith. Led by Jesuit Vince Hurley with a team of local spiritual directors. Details available through CLC WA. contact Anne Zevis 9335 8142.
LA SALLE COLLEGE - OPEN EVENING Tues April 16. from 3.30 - 7pm. The Principal. Staff and Students of La Salle College invite you t o attend their Open evening. This wonderful opportunity to view the extensive and modern facilities that our College has to offer prospective students. Everyone is welcome, particularly the parents of students commencing at La Salle in Year 8. 2003. Senior students will be available for guided tours. ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE
NEXT DAY WITH MARY ST JOSEPH'S PARISH NORTHAM Sat, April 20. 9am to 5pm. A day of prayer and instruction, based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration. talks. Rosaries. etc. All are welcome. Pick-up Fremantle, Holy Cross Church. Hamilton Hill, 7am. ring Lucia 9331 3078: St Joachim's Victoria Park, 7.30am. ring Cecilia 0403 690 583. There will be a video on board. HEALING MASS A Healing Mass in honour of St Peregrine, patron of cancer sufferers and helper of all in need will be held at the Church of SS John and Paul, Pinetree Gully Rd. (off South St). Willetton on Thursday April 18. at 7pm. There will be veneration of the relic and anointing of the sick. Info: Noreen Monaghan 9332 8292. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION. SOUTH-WEST METROPOLITAN Following the recent visit to Perth of Dom Laurence Freeman. people may be interested to know that three groups meet weekly in a southern suburb to pray in the way of Dom John Main OSB. Mondays 10.30-11.30am, 7.15-8.15pm. Saturdays 4-5pm. Info: Rosemary 9319 9560. 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Sacred Heart Catholic School, Gomalling. 20th and 21st Sept. Classrooms are open for viewing all week, as well as a photo display in the school library. Please contact the school, if you are attending, so a list can be compiled. Phone 9629 1174, fax 9629 1486, e-mail sheart@avon.not.au PRAISE. TALK AND RETREAT Praise and worship by Alex Loo. Growth -Talk by Fr Vincent Lee, followed by fellowship and refreshments. Holy Family Church, Thelma St. Como April 24 at 7pm. Sin and Repentance Retreat by Fr Vincent, accompanied by Alex Loo. 25-28 April at IHD, Jarrandale. Retreat commences 4pm. Cost: Cottage $140: Dormitory $110. Contact Rita 9272 1765. for information. HOLY FACE OF JESUS PRAYER GROUP This month we meet on Tues April 23 at Holy Trinity Church. 8 Burnett St. Embleton. beginning with Adoration at 7.30pm followed by prayer meeting. Please bring a plate to share a 'cuppa'.
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A heart full of love or God and her people M
ary Pandillo OAM (nee bay in a canoe to bring in numlirdanunga) was born bers of people extremely ill from an Aboriginal of the this sickness - a very dangerous Walmbi and Kulari People on the journey even in a good dingy. steps of the church at Pago MisNumbers of dead people, over sion on November 15, 1918. the years, had to be prepared for She was the first baby born on burial and Mary took up this role the mission. with her usual willingness to help Later in life she could remem- and console others. ber caring as a little girl for Fr Over the years Mary was a Murua who had been stung by a boundless source of information stone fish. Educated at Beagle Bay to anthropologists and others Mission for two years she seeking information on bush law, returned to Pago bush food, language with some sisters and dancing. on their way from Mary minded all In fact two doctors New Norcia to of Anthropoloc.v sick people and owe their degrees work at Pago. These sisters often had to carry largely to Mary found in Mary a Pandillo. them on her ready help to start Mary worked for their mission life. the Museum on shoulders like a andWA Her first job was off for 20 years to look after the baby' in lieu of and delighted in dormitory but after this association. any vehicle. one year she marThe writer of The sort of life we should all by to copy: Mary Pandillo, holder of the Order of Australia Medal, who died in Wyndried John Pandillo. these notes has also Together with her benefited from ham on December 13 last year. husband and their people, Mary Mary's open-hearted willingness they understood. She taught often awarded the Order of Australio would spend frequent long peri- to help preserve information of Mary had deep faith and devotion and on one occasion said she in the state school the Dream Medal]. ods in the bush where she her people. This included help to would give her life for her mis- Time stories of her ancestors. Mary died in Wyndham Hospibecame skilled in aboriginal law catalogue the local shells, nuts, sionaries. Mary was known in her youth to tal on December 13th 2001, she and bush craft. and plants as known, named and She became a lay member of the travel far and wide in search of was buried in Kalumburu on People found Mary's careful used by the aboriginal people in Benedictine Community of New the helpless, aged and tiny chil- Wednesday January 16th 2002 attentions supportive in their ill- their lives in the bush. Norcia which provided monks for dren to bring them to the securi- May she rest in peace. nesses - as for example one man She willingly gave long hours to - courtes Tarn, badly mauled by a shark tell stories for recording; espe- eighty years to Kalumburu Mis- ty of the mission. She even baptised one lonely old man on sion and she was considered a Kimberley Community Profile, (who later died in the bush). cially one project where informaDiocese of Broome. Mary minded all sick people tion about each person in the old spiritual participant of the com- his death bed many miles from This obituary Is taken from notes and often had to carry them on baptismal register in the mission munity's spiritual life. Mary also the mission. This remained the composed songs in her language most singular poignant joy of her compiled by Fr Anscar McPhee of her shoulders 'like a baby' in lieu was put on tape. and devotional readings for Mass. old age. Kalumburu for the occasion when of any vehicle. With fond memory she named In bygone days she would teach Mary was nominated for her Mary received the Order of AusDuring the great measles epi- all the personalities in the extenher elders the Christian Faith, that efforts to help her people and tralia medal, and added to by misdemic Mary would go across the sive collection of photographs. she loved so well, in the language record her culture [and was sion staff.
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