The Record Newspaper 09 May 2002

with the Vicar of Christ 1 1

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General: That Christians may live their faith consistently and so be credible witnesses to the hope of the Gospel. Missionary: That, with the help of Mary, Most Holy Virgin and Mother, the social and family vocation of women may be safeguarded and promoted in every country and culture.

Archbishop Hickey speaks at Notre Dame - Page 2

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Miraculous Medal presented to US President - Pages 8 & 9

Fr Bob Carden OFM talks about Israel - Pages 4 & S

Lifetimes of service Three local nuns and t heir 90year-old f irst grade teacher celebrate A remarkable story of lifelong faith and service emerged in the Osborne Park parish on Friday May 3. The occasion was the Golden Jubilee of Sr Angela Meaney of the Little Sisters of the Poor, but it brought together three Golden Jubilarians who all began their education at St Kieran's Primary School and their Grade One teacher, 90-year-old Sr Mary Brigid. The other two nuns from the Osborne Park parish are Sister Kieran Minnie Kinsella) of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition who celebrated her Jubilee in 2000 and Sister Agnes (Mary Ferrie) of the Sisters of Mercy, who will celebrate hers in August this year. Sister Angela Marie de Jesus came home from Dunedin, New Zealand, to celebrate her jubilee in her home parish with her brothers Martin, Joe and Tom Meaney. and many other family members and friends of her child- Three Sisters and their first teacher, from left, Sister Kieran, Sister Angela and Sister Agnes with 90-year-old Sister Brigid. hood. Then came a transfer to Auck- West Australian born Provincial religious calling," she said. "I have er throughout their schooling and She said she always knew she land for three yeas of nursing of the Little Sisters of the Poor and always had the support of my fam- talked about their vocations at a wanted to enter the Convent. training at Mater Misericodia held the position until 1979. Three ily and friends and that has been very young age. Kieran was a lit"It just seemed the right thing to tle older and completed her eduHospital and her final profession years as Mother Mistress in the very encouraging. do," she said. "It makes things much easier for cation at St Joseph's in Fremantle Novitiate in Sydney were folShe chose the Little Sisters of on October 15, 1958. She was the first to enter the This was followed by her first lowed by other appointments in you andIam so grateful to everythe Poor because she knew she here to cele- convent, followed by Angela. did not want to teach and she visit to the Order's Mother House Northcote, Drummoyne, Auck- one who has come with Agnes's parents made her work found the idea of caring for the in France in 1957 after which she land, Randwick and finally brate my Golden Jubilee for two years but when she turned me." enjoyed a variety of appointments Dunedin. elderly very appealing. 18 they could see was determined celebration with her lifelong Drummoyne, " I have always been happy in The in Perth, Sydney, With her family's support she my religious life and have always friends, Srs Agnes and Kieran, In her vocation. entered the convent in Glen- and Hastings. All the Sisters said it was the as Juniojust gone about my ministry" she revived all the bonds that existed She spent several years dalough in 1949 and a year later of other nuns, particusaid. i n the close-knit Osborne park example rate Mistress before a year at Regimoved to Sydney where she Sisters of Mercy at St For Sr Angela past which consistlarly the na Mundi Institute in Rome in prayer has always parish of the received her Novice habit and 1974 followed by her second visit played a big part in her religious ed largely of Irish dairy farmers Kieran's that helped them to made her initial vows in June to the Mother House (St Pern in life. and Italian and Slav market gar- become nuns. 1952, after which she returned to "For "The sisters always set such a Brittany). me prayer has always deners. been Glendalough for two years. Continued Page 3 In 1975 she became the first important, and I think it is in any Agnes and Angela were togeth-

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0 May, 2002

Re'corcljll

Students urged to maximise opportunities A

rchbishop Barry Hickey has urged students at Notre Dame to make full use of the university to ensure that they understand the reasons for the Church's moral and social teachings. He told them to take advantage of being at the university to make sure they knew the Church's teachings, and also knew why those teachings were so important to individuals, families and society. The Archbishop addressed 150 students and staff at Notre Dame last week in a lunchtime address and question session which explored the Church's historical and current credibility. He said the credibility of the Church had been brought into question in recent weeks as a result of the much-publicised scandals in the United States over child sex abuse. If the presence of paedophiles among the clergy was not bad enough, the response of some

bishops had left much to be desired. Locally, the Church had suffered adverse publicity because of its opposition to so-called legislative reforms relating to abortion and homosexuality. The Church had lost credibility among those who feel it should move with the times in order to be relevant. This sort of fluctuation in public credibility should not discourage Catholics because the Church had always lacked credibility in the eyes of many people right from the start. The claim that Jesus had risen from the dead was met with rejection. Even Pilate had instructed the soldiers guarding Jesus' tomb to say that his body had been stolen. Who could possibly believe that a crucified man could rise from the dead? In fact, most of the teachings of the Church seemed incredible then and now. How can God be one and three? How can Jesus,

Brothers of St John of God are men of hospitality 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

MARIAN EUCHARISTIC CONFERENCE

FRIDAY 31 MAY AND SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2002 The special guest speaker with be FATHER PAUL MARIA SIGL of the Family of Mary Co-Redemptrix, from Italy. accompanied by four of his Sisters from the same Community. The Sisters will provide music/hymns for the day. All priests are welcome at both venues to concelebrate Holy Mass. Friday 31 May 2002, 7.30pm: Fr Paul will be celebrating Holy Mass and giving a talk at Corpus Christi Church, 43 Loche St, Mosman Park (next to Iona College). Saturday 1 June: Assemble at Mercedes College, Victoria Square, Perth at 9am. Mass with Archbishop Hickey at 10am at Cathedral, including some communities in national dress. Talks - inspirational music - slides. BYO lunch. Tea/coffee will be provided. The pmgram concludes at 4.30pm Contact 9383 3255

Recommend The Record to your friends! Page 2

Archbishop Barry Hickey

born of Mary, be divine? How could he not have a human father? And so on. Yet these 'incredible' claims were not watered down to suit the sceptical. The inherent credibility of these teachings the Church has protected and proclaimed for centuries has been demonstrated by the

rich spiritual life that flowed from that followed the crowd, because them into the lives of thousands it would have nothing to say to of saints and millions of people them. I can only believe in a whose experience of God is Church that accepts sinners and profoundly changes their lives, known but not recorded. Today, it is the Church's teach- and produces people so commitings on human sexuality and life ted to their faith that they would issues that are rejected as out-of- give their lives for it. date and irrelevant. 'The fact of sin among Church Why should sexual activity be members is not a problem. It is confined to marriage? Why can't what the Church is about: to take people live together? Why haven't people on a journey from sinfulwomen rights over their own bod- ness to holiness. Sin will always ies even when they are pregnant? be there - it is part of the human Why can't embryos be used to condition. cure diseases? And so on. 'The beliefs of the Church are The Church's commitment to not threatened by the failure of the value and sacredness of people to live up to them, because human life and its insistence on those beliefs are about converthe true meaning of human sexu- sion to a life of loving God and ality has its own inherent credi- neighbour. bility which could not be 'This university can help not overturned by mere popularity. only in presenting the teachings 'In my view the Church would of the Church but also in outlinlose credibility if it changed these ing the reasons behind the views because they were unpop- Church's teachings so that we can ular and went against the trend of see even the unpopular ones as society,' Archbishop Hickey said. good news with the potential to 'No one would join a Church change the world.'

Argyle backs Notre Dame An innovative plan to deliver pre-uni- been put on-line. Dean of Notre Dame's versity courses to Aboriginal students in Broome Campus Professor Tony Ryan remote and isolated areas of Western said Pathways On-Line would be interAustralia via the Internet has been active, engaging, self-paced and flexible. launched in Broome. "At present our Pathways Programs The project is the result of collabora- consist of written material presented in tion between Argyle Diamonds and the booklets and are studied primarily by University of Notre Dame, for which correspondence," Professor Ryan said. Argyle will provide up to $230,000 over "Pathways On-line will enable the stuthe next three years. dents to enjoy the support and comStudents living in isolated communi- radeship of Notre Dame's E-Learning ties, many of whom may never have com- community from within their own completed secondary schooling, will now be munity. In putting this program together able to study on-line for diplomas and we are moving the school of the air concertificates that would enable them to cept into the 21st century." qualify for university entry. Managing Director of Argyle DiaThe project is called Pathways On-Line monds, Gordon Gilchrist said that since and is an extension of the university's Argyle's commencement in the early Pathways Program, an existing Vocation 1980s, the company had been committed and Educational Training (VET) Program. to a role that was broader than an It is believed to be the first time that a involvement in diamond mining and pre-university level program tailored marketing. specifically for Aboriginal students has "Since 1983, Argyle has been involved

in a large number of local and regional initiatives and partnerships that promote both community development and the development of individuals", Mr Gilchrist said. *Pathways On-Line is most complementary to this work, with particular learning and developmental benefits for individuals, groups and communities and beneficial linkages across regional and remote parts of the Kimberley and Pilbara and beyond". "While it is exciting to contemplate the potential of web-based programs in this context the capacity of our young people to be able to stay close to home to learn is a great bonus". There are currently around 180 students enrolled in Pathways courses at the Broome campus. The students live in rural and remote communities from Esperance to Kununurra.

Archbishop Hickey striking the right chord Archbishop Hickey has given his support to four recommendations for the Improvement of the music ministry throughout the parishes. He has included them in his latest Ad Clerum, the letter he writes regularly to priests in the Archdiocese, and has asked all parishes to act on them. The recommendations are: Parishes promote and distribute all Information that comes in regarding Archdiocesan music workshops and fund attendances. Parish musicians be asked to prepare a budget to be considered by the parish finance committee.

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Each parish make every effort to provide young musicians with mentors who are experienced liturgical musicians. Every parish liturgy committee to include delegates chosen by the music ministry. The recommendations were prepared for the Archbishop following a workshop late last year at which he challenged parish musicians to devise ways to make their ministry a priority in the sacramental life of the Church. "Parishes need to be welcoming communities where the life-giving Sacraments are offered and where Mass is the

central act of worship of God," the Archbishop said. "Our parishes are to be inclusive of people from all walks of life, with a special care for those with disabilities, for the poor, for people of different ethnic origins, for strangers, for single people and for lonely souls. "The Eucharistic Liturgy is to be well and faithfully carried out, drawing people into a deep and active participation in the sacred mysteries, growing always as a community centred in Christ. "Any tendency to trivialise the sacredness of the Mass is to be resisted."

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2nd Floor Wesley Centre. 93 William Street. Perth. GPO Box M952 WA 6843 Tel: 9486 1577 Fax: 9486 1599 E-Mail: resource@wa.uca.org.au Visit us at: www.wa.uca.org.aufbookshop

Parish archivists have been invited to a gathering at the Battye Library of Western Australian History at the Alexander Library in James Street next Thursday, May 16. The day will begin at 9.15am for a 9.30 start and conclude at Staff of the Battye Library will provide expert input on a wide variety of topics including online images and how to access them; special websites; archives - what is worth keeping, how to hanale them and how to make them accessible; how to care for photographs; preservation problems and items of interest from the Preservation

Services conservation laboratory-, and Oral History for church and family history. The fee is $20 per parish, which allows any number of people from a parish to attend. Morning tea is provided, tea and coffee are available all day, but lunch is byo or buy on site. Parking is available under the library, with the entrance from Francis Street. Archivists are asked to bring a photo of the parish church, a photo and description of any stained glass windows, a list of the priests who have served in the parish and the 1968 Baptism records if they have not already been sent in.

3 May, 2002

Rikord

Family celebrates nun's fifty-year jubilee

Open season on marriages and family by Dr Warwick Neville, Research Fellow with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

During the Golden Jubilee celebrations at St Kieran's Mother Angela expressed her gratitude for the lifelong support of her family. She is pictured with her brothers, from left, Martin, Tom and Joe Meaney.

Continued from Page 1 good example to us, including Sister Brigid who taught us in Year One. said Sr Mary Agnes. Sister Brigid spent 25 years from 1939 to 1984 at St Kieran's teaching the Year Ones before moving on to other schools in the Archdiocese. She taught the first -graders her

whole career. The sprightly 90-year old enjoyed the reunion of her tiny pupils who have since given such service to the Church and God. Emeritus Bishop Robert Healy was the principal celebrant at the concelebrated Jubilee Mass and all who attended joined the family celebration in the parish hall afterwards.

Tribute for pillar of the Dardanup parish By George Russo John Kain, of Boyanup in the Dardanup parish, died on April 20, to the great grief of his family and many friends who knew him and loved him. Like one of those staunch old Catholics, who are sometimes supposed to have vanished from the scene, he worked in a number of different capacities for the Church he served so well. He was a farmer, a Knight of the Southern Cross, an apologist, an estate agent, an oddjobber, a top racing enthusiast, and most importantly of all, a man of deep faith. It all began in Mt Pleasant, South Australia, where he was born on May 22. 1930, grew up and attended the Sacred Heart College. In the 1950s. the Kain family moved to Narmgin, and there John met the real love of his life, the beautiful young girl who later became his wife. As a married couple John and Dianne moved to Donnybrook where John raised cattle, and took part in local politics. He was a shire councillor and member of the Liberal Party. More importantly, he and Dianne raised four lovely children, Christine (Price), John, Mark and James. They were there to speak for him at his Requiem Mass in Bunbury cathedral. John sold the Donnybrook farm in 1977 and moved the few miles to Boyanup. John loved people; just to be with them and to talk. And he was always first to help when they were down on their luck. As his daughter said 'he always recognised the goodness in others'. With women, he showed that old-time respect They had a big part in his life and he loved them with due dignity and reverence. He was also proud of his big, strong sons whose lives in many ways followed the solid values of their good father. He was their model. Son Mark spoke about his keen sense of humour, his anecdotes, his love of a

Obituary beer, and his resolve to rear a good Christian family. He counselled them, because he loved them. His friends (of whom I was one among many) were special to him. They shared his interests, and, with many of them. his Faith.Irecall some of the things we did together, like sitting on the parish Council at Dardanup, where we discussed matters of parish as well as liturgy, and the people who were the Church for us. If it was an article of Faith, there was no argument for John. He accepted It. John fell in love with racehorses in his early years and knew breeding like a priest knows his bible. An enjoyable highlight of many trips together to Ascot was our loyal support for a local horse, Medicine Kid, who won the Railway Stakes at 20/1. We celebrated his win at the Wokalup pub on the way home. These were frivolous, but fun things, and there were many. His love of horses extended to poems, such as the 'Man From Snowy River', which he could recite by heart. His family and friends can look back on a life that was an inspiration even though he had never been through the colleges of higher learning, which he sometimes regretted. He should never have worried as his knowledge was gained the hard way, and was rooted in experience. He possessed what academic critics often lacked - a taste for poetry, and an indiffence to fashionable conventions. He was a charitable critic. He loved to praise rather than blame or condemn. It was most evident, for example, whenever anyone criticised a priest, unfavourably; he defended him. A real Christian, he saw the good in others. John is survived by Dianne, his four children and four grand children.

The recent decision of the High Court of Australia concerning access to IVF treatment for single persons was procedural, not substantive. The High Court actually made no comment on any of the merits of the earlier decision of justice Sundberg of the Federal Court which effectively permitted single persons to access IVF technology. The High Court dismissed an application by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference to challenge the decision. Rather, the High Court dealt only with some procedural issues and dismissed the application on those grounds. Justice Michael Kirby noted that the substantive issues remained to be dealt with another day. What are these 'substantive Issues"? In 1984, the Commonwealth Parliament enacted the Sex Discrimination Act. There were some concerns at the time that the act could be used to challenge anti-abortion legislation and other matters concerning what are today referred to euphemistically as 'reproductive health issues'. To head off such concerns, the Parliament inserted a specific provision which said that services which could be provided only to persons of one sex would not come within the anti-discrimination provisions of the Act. Clearly, abortion and such 'services' can only be 'provided' to women. Otherwise, the Act relevantly provides that it is unlawful to discriminate on the

basis of a person's, sex or marital status. In 2000, an IVF activist doctor, using one of his patients, a single woman, challenged the validity of the Victorian Infertility Treatment Act which required that women seeking IVF treatment must be either married or in a de facto relationship. The IVF doctor said that the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act prohibited discrimination on the basis of his patient's 'marital status.' The Federal Court agreed. notwithstanding the express exclusion of such services as indicated above. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference intervened in the Federal Court case arguing, amongst other things, that not only was there a specific exception in the Sex Discrimination Act, but also, both the Victorian legislation and various Commonwealth laws and international instruments made the interests of the child paramount. Not only were no governments prepared to defend their own legislation in the Federal Court, but also, no government was prepared to argue that the rights of the child were a paramount consideration. Because the High Court refused the application of the Bishops Conference, the judgment of Justice Sundberg of the Federal Court stands. That being so, there is no legal distinction between single persons or married couples in Victoria in relation to access to

artificial reproductive technology. By parity of reasoning, it is arguable whether there is any distinction between married persons and those who are unmarried anywhere. For centuries, the family, founded on marriage between a man and a woman, has been recognised and protected as the fundamental group unit of society. As a result of government inaction, and the judicial activism of a single judge, the paradigm of 'family' today is the monad female with accessory child. The child, of course, is produced through IVF and screened for a wide variety of genetic and other conditions. Other embryos produced along the way are either 'screened out of existence' or frozen. They are also now to become research fodder for drug companies and voracious scientists. The unborn, at every gestational age, are now commodities, able to be purchased, legally, by any person (except, as in the case of cigarettes, by those under age), and to be exploited for commercial gain by those with financial interests at stake. Likewise under threat in the new age of designer children is marriage between a man and a woman and the traditional family of husband, wife and children borne of that loving, exclusive covenantal relationship. Welcome to baby-making, and the designer family of choice, in the new millennium.

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9 May, 2002

Record

Perth becomes a focus in Church ceremonies as the Middle East crisis

Christians are I" in Israeli C' conflicts

hristians are being driven from the Holy Land, Father Bob Carden OFM, told a gathering of the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre in Perth last Saturday. Christians are leaving villages and areas that are traditionally Christian - Greek Orthodox and Latin Catholics - because of family concerns. The Holy Land is full of devas- ment still in the construction prevent the passage of the truck So called vacant land in the viltation, terror and human misery. stage" he said. They are all localities that have lage had been used to build the Father Carden, who spent nearly four months in the Holy Land figured prominently in the news controversial Jewish settlement, which was serviced by a new Immediately after the September reports of the conflict. Belt Sahour, Bethlehem and Belt bitumen road that the Palestini11 terrorist attacks in New York ans were not permitted to use. and Washington, said, however, Jama used to be very Christian. They were predominantly "It was simply a form of harassthe spirit of many of the people remained and many tried to con- Greek Orthodox, but there were ment, "Fr Carden said. "Some workers of Sabeel. a tinue life in as normal a fashion also many "Latin Catholics" which in Middle East parlance Christian organisation working as possible. us - Roman toward reconciliation told us: The The terror of living in the trou- equates with Israelis take 10, then make a conbled land was obvious almost Catholics. The number of Christians has cession - they give back one." Immediately on arrival. Fr Carden said: "Land is imporHis sherut - a community taxi - dropped dramatically as families that took him from the Tel Aviv have been concerned for their tant to the Palestinians - or perAirport to the village of Tantur, on general welfare, or for the educa- haps I should say their land is Important to them. the Hebron Road, where he was tion of their children. Fr Carden was undertaking a "It is rather like the Australian staying, fled in terror when the driver saw 40 to 50 people on the course in Scripture and Ecu- Aborigines. menism at the Tantur Institute. "Yet, a television news bulletin driveway in the compound. He quoted as an example the this week said a close associate Fr Carden said: 1-le was terrified. He screamed where are the bursar who had moved his fami- of Prime Minister Sharon advopolice? and shoved the vehicle ly to Jordan because he was con- cated Egypt should give the Sinai Into reverse, fleeing through the cerned about his son's education. Peninsula to the Palestinians." rune days he would be Fr Carden also mentioned a closing gate.. unable to return to his Tan- Melkite priest, Fr Elias Chacour. "Whether he knew a terrorist tur job, and others he would an Arab and a Palestinian, who among the people in the driveway or not.I don't know - but he be unable to go home - it depend- has been nominated six times for ed on the whims of Israeli sol- the Nobel Peace prize, but who was certainly terrified." "Igot the feeling his attitude was diers whether they would let him has been unable to accept because the Israelis prevent him not unique. Perhaps it was lack of through. On one occasion, a number of from leaving the Holy Land. true knowledge." Fr Charcour had been harassed Fr Carden said Tantur is on the those studying at Tantur arranged a trip to Tekoa village. by Israelis at Tel Aviv Airport. and very edge of Jerusalem. Tekoa is the area from which the his passport confiscated. The back wall of the compound Is on the Green Line - the sup- prophet Amos had come. The sked his place of origin. he posed line of demarcation Bible says of Amos, he "was told the Israelis it was Biram and how in ancient between Israeli and Palestinian among the shepherds of Tekoa." It is an old village, Fr Carden times a forefather of his - a administered territories. Bethlehem and the Church of said, and one that is a glaring farmer - had befriended , fed and the Nativity were only a short example of the conflict of Israeli clothed a stranger, a man who turned out to be the Israelis' forewalk from the back gate. Ten min- and Palestinian authorities. And the trip was memorable for father, Abraham. utes walk from the front gate is But it made little difference to the old city of Jerusalem. He said: Its difficulties, including the bull "The impact and the troubles of dozing of the road, setting up rock the Israeli's attitude. Biram is a village north of the the Holy Land, and around Beth- barriers that were impassable by Sea of Galilee. lehem in particular, was right vehicles. The village is divided - an old It was razed by Jewish Zionist there before us. "From the roof - looking toward section inhabited by Palestinians, soldiers in 1948, the people scatBethlehem - we looked down on and another section - one of the tered and families split, Fr Carden said. Belt Sahour. Bethlehem and Belt Israeli, new settlements. International aid had come from Fr Carden also told how the Jala. "Glancing to the right and rising Germany for the older, Palestin- tourism industry - the visits of pilabove us was the Jewish settle- ian section. which used the funds grims from around the world ment of Gilo, and to the left, on a to buy a garbage clearance truck had suffered since the present The Israelis blocked the road to Intifada had begun. small hill, another Jewish settle-

S

Archbishop Hickey, Grand Prior of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre dubs Esperance farmer, John Luberta.

Cathedral ceremony creates new Knights A retired British Army officer The Fox-Slaters, farmers at who served with British troops Esperance, joined another Esperprotecting the "old" Holy Land ance farmer, John Luberta and mandate of the British Palestine were dubbed by Archbishop Protectorate, was among the Hickey in a ceremony steeped in Knights and Dames of the Holy tradition and going back to the Sepulchre at an investiture at St start of the last millennium. Mary's Cathedral, Perth last SatMrs Frances Luberta was also urday. invested as a Dame. John Fox-Slater, his wife Andree Two priests, Father Timothy Fox-Slater, also a retired British Deeter, the choirmaster at St Army officer, and their son, Kevin Mary's and Father Gerard Beeson, Fox-Slater were elevated into the parish priest at Ellenbrook, were Equestrian Order of Knights and invested as Ecclesiastical Knights. Dames by the Grand Prior of the The Knights of the Holy SepulOrder in Australia, Archbishop chre is an order of noble chivalBarry Hickey. ry recruited from a group of the Another son, Sean Fox-Slater, crusaders led by the legendary was already a Knight of the Order. Godfrey de Bouillon in 1099. although there are also contradictory legends which claim its founders were the Apostle James, the Byzantine Empress Helena and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne. They are charged with the protection of the Holy Places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The Church of Holy Sepulchre Is on the site traditionally regarded as the tomb of Christ. It is administered in modern times by the monks of the Greek Orthodox Church, but the Knights and Dames still have a key role in the Holy Land, their membership and fundraising drives helping to finance care and maintain the Churches and holy sites, and run 43 schools. Archbishop Hickey said they fulRetired British Army officer, John filled a vital role in troubled times Fox-Slater is dubbed as a Knight. in the Holy Land. Page 4

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Father Bob Carden addresses the Knights and Dames of the Holy Seplulchre in Perth.

•9 May, 2002

wreaks havoc in Holy Land

Perth joins Orthodox festivities

driven out

To mark the Orthodox Easter and the first anniversary of Pope John Paul H's visit to Asia Minor, a special statement exclusive to The Record has been relayed from the office of the Primate of Athens and whole of Greece, Archbishop Christodoulos, telling of progress in improving relations. From Ischia, the Pope sent special greetings to the Orthodox community for their Easter. Bishop Nikandros of Perth became the first Greek Orthodox bishop in Australia to attend Catholic ordinations and Emeritus Bishop Healey also attended the Orthodox Easter celebrations in Perth, the first Catholic Bishop in Australia to do so.

The battles rage in Manger Square.

Visits to the many Holy places had been facilitated by the lack of crowds. n places normally difficult to access because of the press of people and the queues, there had been much more ease of access. it was truly wonderful to be able to visit the grotto of the Nativity without the push and shove of pilgrims. "Each time was a special time for me. in the Old City of Jerusalem.I was able to walk into the Sepulchre without lining up. Even with guns very evident, to be Alt, to spend time at the Flagellation, the Pool of Bethesda. St Anne's and so on . . . "But there was also a sadness." Fr Carden said. After leaving the Holy Land, he saw on television in Europe a building he had passed on the way to the Nativity - called the Paradise Hotel. "The television report showed the whole of the front of the building blackened with smoke. "All that remained was a burnt-out shell of a building. "So much for the Paradise Hotel." And in the front of the hotel was a

I

sign directing people to Manger Square - one of the most important holy sites. "Such a contrast" Fr Carden went on that there had been changes across the whole social structure of the land. A teacher had told him schooling and learning were forgotten - that he spent his day giving time to students to talk about their fears. "Will the army come back?: "Will fear ever pass? "Will peace ever come? "Will justice ever prevail?" "The impact of all this on the younger generation is hard to tell. "At Bishop Sproxton's ordination, priests were lined up- in the dark, at the side of the cathedral. "I heard a helicopter overhead. "I looked up - a question in my mind - what is happening?: "Iwas back in Tantur for a moment. "If this can happen three months after the event, what will be the lifetime effect on the Palestinians especially the young - some of whom have experieced it for three months - for three years - for 30 years?"

ficave.st Pilsp.imcises 44 PATHWAYS OF

ST PAUL

n't

÷ GRACES OF ITALY

A 16 day pilgrimage Rome • Pompeii journey walking in Pietrelcina • San Giovanni the footsteps of St Paul through Rotondo • Loreto Greece and Turkey. Gubbio • Assisi • Siena Florence • Padua • Venice Kusadasi • Ephesus Pamukkale • Assos • Troy 16 day journey Canakkale • Gallipoli Departs 28 Sept 2002 Kavala • Philippi Thessaloniki • Kalambaka Corinth • Athens fully inclusive at Departing 27 Sept 2002

Dates for the proposed visit to Rome by the Archbishop of Greece are still undecided - but it will happen, according to the Greek Primate's Press secretary, Archimandritis Epifanio Economou. The first Greek Orthodox delegation for 1000 years visited Rome in March, this year. and church officials have judged the results as most encouraging. Initial discussion mainly focused on social and ethical problems and problems generally associated with the way of life. They were overwhelmingly focused on topics such as family, bioethical values, human rights, human cloning, refugees and the world efforts to combat terrorism. Both sides left the discussions enriched in greater knowledge about each other's views and experiences. It is expected a similar Roman Catholic delegation will visit Athens soon for follow-up discussions. Other important milestones in the year since the Pope's visit to Athens include a theological conference in Crete, in June-July 2001 involving all Christian denominations and which discussed topics of theological importance. and the Assisi conference near Rome in January 2002. The secretary said the Primate saw the visit of Pope John Paul II as affording the Pope the opportunity of a long-held dream to follow in the footsteps of St Paul. The Holy Spirit followed John Paul's steps through the streets of Athens on the way to the Pykia. walking next to the Primate of Greece who became God's instrument to fulfil the Pope's wish for this historic meeting. He said Archbishop Christodoulos believed the results of the meting were very useful - as much for the Orthodox side as for the Roman Catholics. Both sides now realised that although some differences of critical importance exist between them, they also have many common views on

Bishop Healy greets the Perth Orthodox Bishop Nikandros

social and pastoral care. Decisions have already been made to work together on important issues associated with the European Union and the European Constitution. The Orthodox and Roman Catholic representatives have identified common views and without forgetting or neglecting the differences between them, they have agreed to proceed with the current developments and issues under the United Europe. They both want to fight for the peoples of God and they are organising their spritual wellbeing. The Archbishop is a modern man with an open mind and expanded horizons and wants to openly declare that Orthodox people are not people living in a ghetto-mentality or having a blinkered view of things - isolated from Europe on world issues.

"IBelieve—A Little Catholic Catechism I BELIEVE Little (.2411.(q5

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his beautifully illustrated book is an introduction to the basics of the Catholic Faith and is addressed above all to families, but could also serve as a basic text for laity, priests and religious involved in religious education. The publication of this book is a response to the 'growing demand' for a compact introduction to the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book has met with 'great interest' among the faithful and is aimed at young people and adults. Over 1.3 Inspiring illustrations give this million copies catechism an added dimension distributed to help convey the spirit of the world wide Gospel along with its message.

The catechism is 196pp and measures 210mm by 148mm. The first part of the book is based upon the Apostles Creed. Each article of the Creed is explained in a separate chapter and illustrated with examples from the Bible. The second part is devoted to the Sacraments, the life of Jesus and an explanation of the Lord's Prayer. The book is based on the universal Catechism and has been approved by the Catholic Church. A lovely gift idea and every copy you buy enables us to send more copies overseas to those who are hungry for the Word of God."

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Opinion

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Page 6

Reflection

Conversion stories U

By Jeremiah Loo

ntil the age of 39, I used to hate Christians. This was the result of unpleasant experiences in a Christian school, but that's another story. The rust stage of my conversion leading to my baptism in 1995 was dramatic enough, but my true conversion came after a series of events about 2 years later, which brought about a real change in my heart and my life. Both my wife Ann andIhad been to Christian schools, but we were not Catholics when we married in 1981. In 1990 Ann followed the prompting of her heart and became a Catholic.I was a practising Bhuddist, but we discussed the differences and respected one another's faith. Some time later, in what was an unusual event for us, we went out to a Singapore food hall for supper about 9pm. Returning to the car,Idiscovered my wallet was missing. Retracing our steps, talking to stallholders and searching the car failed to reveal it, so we went home to cancel my credit cards and other ID. Then I insisted on returning with a flashlight for another search. On the way I called out to God that if he helped me find my wallet. I would start

going to Church. My wife and my business floundered. about signs and signposts - that those lookobjected to this approach to The constant travelling ing for signs should read Scripture and God, but I repeated it. The became both physically and attend Mass. search was again exhaustive, emotionally very draining. Ann called to tell me what had transpired. but fruitless. I was in despair over the I eagerly went for Mass that evening in Then, whenIstepped out of heavy losses in the fledgling Manila expecting some dramatic sign. the car at home, there was business and grieving the Alas, Mass ended and there was no sign. the wallet sitting on the floor loss of my mother. I began I left the church feeling dissatisfied and of the car. I was flabbergastalso to fear my own death. empty. ed and confused about what Without the family,I felt realBack alone in the apartment, I read the to do. ly lonely in Manila. I sought bulletin handed out at Mass. My eyes fell My wife, a Catholic friend solace in God. I prayed on an article, and there, it was as if God and a priest all assured me unceasingly everyday both were addressing all my concerns directly. that God did not hold people alone and with Ann, my wife. On death, the article said death is to such promises, but evenWe bad attended a retreat tually I started to go to Mass earlier that year and had Inevitable. On the imminent failure of my with Ann, 12 months later I learned to read and pray business, it said, changes bring new opporwent to the RCIA and 15 Scripture together daily, even tunities to learn and to love. On my loneliness, it said, that when fammonths later I was baptised. over long distance calls and ily matters and family is not near, just The second stage of my via e-mail. conversion began after I Often,Iasked the Lord why remember "I, Jesus am your brother and I Jeremlah Lao started a stock-broking firm He had allowed me to suffer love you." I wept. At that moment. I was truly conin the Philippines in May 1997. such heavy financial losses and the misery As my family continued to live in Singa- of loneliness in Manila vinced - Jesus loves me and I am never pore. I shuttled fortnightly between ManiOne day in late 1997. I was so desperate alone. la and Singapore. In the meantime, my to leave Manila and quit the business that Ibegan to realise the meanings of words mother was diagnosed with cancer. I asked God for a sign. I called Ann long from Scripture: 'Be not afraid'. 'my sheep She died in July of that year, 6 weeks after distance telling her of my prayer. know my voice' and 'I will protect and the diagnosis. She said she was on the way to a Nove- save'. I was shattered. lb add to my turmoil. the na to Our Lady and would pray for me. Jesus and Scripture became very real. I Asian financial crisis had started in June During the Novena, the priest talked was truly converted.

4 414111 t11

A Layman's meditations

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n Australia, over recent years. the cele- place until the gospel has been preached to bration of the Ascension has been trans- all nations. ferred from Ascension Thursday to the In the second reading (Ephesians 1:17-23) following Sunday to enable more people to St Paul is praying to God to give his Ephesian attend Mass. converts an ever deeper insight into the Despite being the second Glorious Mystery mercy and love of God the Father who had of the Rosary, the Ascension doesn't loom made them members of Christ in the Church large in popular piety and called them to share in the divine herThis is a pity, because meditating on the itage. Ascension, which is closely connected to St Paul reminded the Ephesians of the wonChrist's Missionary Mandate, can deepen derful goodness and generosity of God who our missionary commitment. had made them members of the Church, In the first reading (Acts 1:1-11) St Luke says which is the mystical body of Christ. The Father raised Christ from the dead and that following 40 days of appearances, Our gave him the principal place in heaven. Lord ascended into heaven. The Church continues daily to increase3 in Luke writes: "He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demon- numbers and in grace until it completes the strations: for forty days he had continued to fullness (plenoma) of Christ who himself, by appear to them and tell them about the king- his resurrection and ascension, fills and fulfils the divine plan for the universe. dom of God." The gospel (Matthew 28:16-20) is St Luke identifies the exact location of the event as the Mount of Olives, both here and Matthew's account of the ascension. in his gospel (Luke 24:50). The Apostles set out for Galilee, to the When they met together, they asked Jesus: Mount of Olives, where Jesus had arranged "Lord, has the time come? Are you going to to meet them. restore the kingdom to Israel?" When they saw him, the New American This showed how worldly minded the Bible says: "they worshipped him", that is Apostles still were - still thinking in terms of they reverenced him as God; "though some Christ establishing a worldly kingdom, and doubted", possibly because his appearance thus being the political Messiah many Jews in his risen body differed from that before his death. expected. Jesus said: "All authority in heaven and on Our Lord replied: "Ills not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by earth has been given to me. Go, therefore his own authority but you will receive power make disciples of all the nations; baptise when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and them in the name of the Father and of the then you will be my witnesses not only in Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them Jerusalem but throughout Judea and to observe all the commandsIgave you. And Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth." know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." St Luke tells us: "As he said this he was liftHere was the Missionary Mandate. Christ ed up while they looked on. and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring has been given full authority. He could have commanded us to do all into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said 'Why sorts of difficult things. Yet he was content to ask us to teach what are you men from Galilee standing there looking into the sky. Jesus who has been he taught and to make people disciples taken from you into heaven, this same Jesus through the sacrament of baptism. will come back in the same way as you have Despite this, how few of us place evangeliseen him go there'." sation high on our list of priorities? Christ will return some day as judge. In the Donations for evangelisation may be sent to meantime, Christians have a duty to witness the Sisters of St Peter Claver, 154 Cotham to Christ, for the second coming will not take Road, Kew, Vic 3101.

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FO JESUS TiiROUGH MARY it column of Marian devotion

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hat was Mary's participation in the resurrection of Christ? We always want to have everything at once. In the eyes of God, time has an altogether different value. We think that the real participation of Mary in the paschal event was her assumption. St Paul reminds us that it will happen to each one of us, at the resurrection of the flesh, obtained thanks to the resurrection of Christ, when our bodies too will rise incorruptible and immortal. All this, for Mary. took place immediately after her death. What happened on November 1. 1950, when Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption in St Peter's Square, is still vivid in the memories of many. It was truly the culminating day of that Holy Year. It had to do with A depiction of the Pentecost shows the Holy Spiran event whose truth is contained it descending upon Mary and the Apostles. Photo: CMS/Crosiers In the Bible, but only implicitly. A long period of study was required with any pronouncement about before it would emerge in all its clarity. whether Mary had died or not. The procedure followed by the Pope, It was a question debated in the past. which repeated that which Pope Pius IX taking into account that in Mary there had followed in arriving at his procla- was no original sin, which subjected mation of the dogma of the Immaculate all of humanity to death. Conception, is interesting. lbday scholars are in agreement that. Long before, in 1940. Pope Pius XII as Jesus submitted himself to death, so had instituted a commission to interro- Mary also died. Pope John Paul II has gate the people of God, through all the affirmed this as a personal conviction bishops of the world, to find out what of his. But we believe that today the the faithful believed and what they question is moot. desired. What interests us most is to observe Keep in mind a principle that Vatican how dogmatic definitions are often IIexpressed in these words: "The whole provoked by disputes and errors which body of the faithful.., cannot err in mat- require a precise response, or by a ters of belief when 'from the bishops to desire to solemnly affirm a truth the last of the faithful' they manifest a believed for centuries and celebrated universal consent in matters of faith In the liturgy, even though not explicand morals" (LG 12). It is a case of real and true infallibili- itly contained in Sacred Scripture. Thus the first thing that is done is to ty. The outcome was substantially unandefine the terms, setting forth the difimous. Thus Pius XII "confirmed the faith of ficulties. Even after the dogmatic defthe brethren," as Jesus recommended inition, the foundations and the to St. Peter, affirming: "The Immaculate consequences continue to be studied. Mother of God. Mary ever Virgin, when the course of her earthly life was ended, From The Gospel of THE was taken up body and soul into the Mary - a month with glory of heaven" (Munificentissimus GOSPEL the Mother of God by Deus). Fr Gabriel Amorth SSP, OF As we can see, the assumption of Mary Paul Publications. RRP St MARY is declared a dogma of the faith. Pius XII $23.50 did not want to weigh the text down

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How the slippery slope is built

he current public and political debate about the destruction of living human embryos in the name of medical research, but actually in support of the biotech industry, has given more than usual prominence to the concept of the slippery slope: the idea that once a fundamental moral principle is abandoned, the individual or society is on the slippery slope down to many other currently unacceptable behaviours. Anyone uncertain about how the slippery slope is constructed and lubricated would do well to read a guest editorial published in the Stirling Times of April 30 aml written by Brian Farran, the Anglican Bishop of Joondalup. Officially, he is an Assistant Bishop in charge of the northern region of the Perth Anglican Archdiocese. Anglicans abandoned the fundamental moral principle of the sanctity of human life (and the associated principle that the end does not justify the means) years ago when they accepted IVF treatments which, for the sake of possibly producing one baby, provide for the eventual destruction of another dozen or so living human embryos. Anglican Primate Peter Carnley has attempted to justify this by using the scientifically and morally fatuous argument that conception does not begin until 14 days after fertillsafion and therefore we can somehow treat the embryo as not being living and human during that period. Farran follows his Primate in that argument, writing that "conception begins at day 14 when a primitive streak emerges to begin the development that climaxes in a human life." It does not matter to him that before day 14 so much development has occurred that the embryo can be identified as male or female and various other characteristics can be determined. including the pres-

No patience with evil

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ather Parkinson (The Record. 2 May) advocates "a certain patience with evil" in order to "restrain us from showing anger" in the face of the "inescapable evils" of the two horns of what he portrays as a dilemma: the two "inescapable" alternatives of proposed stem cell 'research'. We apparently have either to: (i) tolerate experimentation on a "finite number of embryos which were originally created with live birth in mind (the Prime Minister's preferred option)", or else (ii) we will be inescapably faced with "the creation of countless new embryos specifically destined to destruction". According to the great St Thomas Aquinas an irrational patience with evil is an evil in itself "because an irrational patience sows vice, nurtures neglect, and not only invites bad people to evil, but also the good ones". (sr ha Ilae, Q 158. Art 8.) A sincere meditation on these words should convince us that the bulk of evils now plaguing modern Australia, from promiscuity and contraception all the way to abortion and embryo destruction in 'research' laboratories, have behind them a long history of irrational patience or pacified tolerance. The Prime Minister's proposal is actually to confine stem cell 'research' to "existing embryos". Who is going to count the embryos produced in laboratories and police the embryo destruction conducted therein? How are embryos going to be indelibly time stamped so that they cannot be back dated? How will evidence of breaches of the law' not only be discovered, but collected and presented in court? How will those who break the law ever be proved guilty? How will our national borders be policed so that embryos cannot be imported? Will the conditions of embryo production in Australia be applicable to imported embryos produced in countries that do not have the same 'restrictions' on embryo production? The futile token answers to these questions further show that in practice the Prime Minister's preferred option is equivalent to a licence for unfettered embryo production and destruction. At any time in the future those who might,

The Record PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinetnet.au

ence or absence of a variety of human dis- nario for the thought (Godly though ills) eases. Ills simply fascinating that in the that God does not see as we do, but instead minds of Anglican bishops development sees quality of life in terms of faith, hope that has not begun yet can nevertheless and love, of loving God and neighbour, of determine that the human life is a boy or obeying the will of God even unto death, a girl! of seeing the goodness of God in all things, The slope gets steeper and slipperier and of laying down one's life for others when Bishop Farran writes that miscar- instead of laying down the lives of others riages are nature "wasting embryos" in a in the hope of making our own a little "naturally occurring quality-of-life con- more comfortable. trol". He does not go on to say that the The crux of this exercise, however, is not same is true of stillbirth, SIDS and other merely to expose the folly of Bishop Farforms of infant mortality, but it is hard to ran's quaint arguments in favour of eugenthink of any reason why the two should ics; the real issue is that his column is an not be regarded as being the same. example of the classic pattern through His statement reads like the early prepa- which we lead ourselves into such egreration for an argument that we would just gious error. be helping nature if we decided to "waste" The pattern was laid out for us in the any baby which defies "nature's quality- Book of Genesis when Satan did not ask of-life control" and manages to be born Adam and Eve to do Wrong. He persuadwith a disability, or even with the genetic ed them instead to see a false good and capacity to pass on a disability That's the he even used God's name to do it. He cast way the slippery slope works. doubt on their understanding of the In his headlong rush down Dead Man's instruction they had been given: "Did God Hill. Bishop Farran even enlists the aid of really tell you not to eat from any of the Jesus. He writes: "Christians believe on trees?" and then he assured them that all the basis of the healing ministry of Jesus would be well because "God knows well that God intends wholeness of life - real that the moment you eat of it your eyes quality of life - for all." On the slippery will be opened and you will be like gods slope, the healing ministry of Jesus' love who know what is good and what is bad." So, Adam and Eve did not choose evil: suddenly becomes the elimination of sickness by the elimination of any embryo, they chose a false good. Human beings have been doing it ever foetus, child, accident victim or aged person who does not possess the "real quali- since. They don't deliberately choose evil; they convince themselves that what they ty of life" God so obviously intends. Of course, there is no room in this sce- want to do is good. This is true of individ-

ArouncJ +he +at7te Letters to the editor

as a token gesture, be charged with breaking the law will say in self defence that they are only using what the Prime Minister advocated they could use: "existing embryos". Evil doers have always thrived under the protection of the dilemma syndrome by exploiting to the maximum the protection granted them by those who are naive enough to think that evil can be confined and controlled by irrational patience. In other words it will be business as usual in the death laboratories. In His Providence God never leaves those who wish to obey Him trapped in what Fr Parkinson calls "a range of inescapable evils". Ultimately there is always only one clear choice between good and evil, which further shows that the dilemma syndrome is as phony as the secular humanism that produces it. The Church - meaning Our Lord, Our Lady, The Holy Father and his faithful children - are ultimately concerned with saving the souls of abortionists, stem cell 'researchers' and all those who cower before them and give in to their evil demands. The Church, which imitates the Charity of Her Divine Founder and Head, judges on the basis of the Absolutes of the Natural Law, inscribed by the Creator in the souls of all human beings and knowable to them by the natural light of human reason. All men know perfectly well that "thou shall not kiln That is part of the common ground that the Church has with all human beings, and She will not cease to build on that by proclaiming to the nations the Supernatural

ual actions and of social movements. While individuals can arrive at wrong decisions and actions rapidly under the influence of strong impulses, sometimes it takes decades for societies to convince themselves that good is to be found in such things as abortion and euthanasia. When we introduced WE we were unable to convince ourselves that killing all those other embryos was acceptable, so we insisted on storing them. Having started down the slippery slope by generating life without a commitment to its development, it was inevitable that we would start thinking of them as "surplus" and "disposable" ('thousands of them are regarded as dispensable by medical scientists,' wrote Bishop Fallan) and finally we would invent a 'good' that would justify fatal experimentation on early human life, a god who would agree with us instead of teaching us truth. Jesus acknowledged this pattern on the Cross when he said: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Bishop Fallan likewise does not know what he is doing, but he has told us that Jesus is on the side of those who would treat some human lives as experimental fodder for the remotely possible benefit of some others. It is time to tell our Members of Parliament that we do not want to go down this slippery slope and the way to avoid it is to insist on respect and protection for all human life from its earliest stages of development to its latest. Nothing that interferes with that principle is to be allowed. Send your MP a copy of this editorial if you think it would help. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

journey in West Perth comes to finality as a kind of oasis in the desert, leading perhaps to something new. Who knows? I live in hope that God will guide us all to the pastures of His choosing so that we can be of His service to bring about the fulfilment of His Church here on Earth. Hopefully with assistance of another Pellegrini's in a new form! Peace be with you always, to the people at Pelly's bookstore. Kamen Squires Bicton

High cost to mothers

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he Record, April 18, 2002, Page 9, under the headline "St Vincent's Hospital research side steps moral dilemma" reports "St Vincent's hospital Professor of Immunology Ron Penny has encouraged people to store their cord Truth of the Redemption that is Jesus Christ blood stem cells". Our Lord. For Catholics to do otherwise On March 15, 2002, my daughter-in-law and countenance irrational patience in in Adelaide enquired about the cord blood order to be relevant or to be heard, not only being collected when she gave birth. Her Invites both bad and good alike to do evil, doctor told her the cost to her would be but far worse it makes God look like some $2,000 for the procedure plus a yearly storkind of weak do-gooder or Santa Claus age fee of $150. without any demands or rights of His own: On March 25, 2002 my daughter in Perth a caricature which so many moderns enquired about the cord blood being coldemand because it conforms to their life- lected when she gives birth later this year styles. her obstetrician quoted $4,000 as the cost to her of the collection procedure. Frank Calneggia This cord blood is termed medical waste Swan View and is thrown away. Why, then, is there such an excessive cost to mothers who would have it collected? write a letter of thanks to the proprietor Perhaps the government, as a gesture of of Pellegrini's bookstore, as the pend- equality, could pay for the collection and ing closure of this much-loved anchor storage of all cord blood stem cells for the in the lives of many, many people in Perth benefit of those who may need them, and becomes a reality. for researchers who could certainly use Pellegrini's was a place for my own spir- them. itual nourishment until such a time when Name and address supplied. God decided that I needed to stand up straight so to speak. It is always difficult indeed to walk the footsteps of the Christ of 2000 years ago. But I am constantly The parish reminded by so many spiritual writers that and alone'. Blunt cross hung on a 'Christ The nation brutal words that make no easy digestion, The world those words are the living Truth of our own reality and gently must be confronted in God's own good time. News of the Church It must be a very difficult task for the peoin ple of God on the move at Pellegrini's as their lives are being disoriented and unsettled, a bit like St Paul on that old familiar road to Damascus. From a wee small voice in the wilderness of PerthI say to the staff of Pellegrini's that I am with you as your

Vale, Pellegrini's

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The Record

Page 7

The People You Meet....

Me President, The Fireman, The Miraculous Medal and The Wife's Letter.... "So she gave me the letter and she two firemen [in front of me] that hours whether he was OK or not." said 'Matt, if you get the chance to separate, and he looks right in to she said. Many other firemen's see the President could you see if that opening, right there, looks at wives, of course, got the worst news you could give him this letter'," Matt me right in the eye. they could ever get that day or in told The Record in an interview at "So I took the letter and handed it the days that followed. their Scarborough Beach hotel last to him and he took it, he's lookin' at Matthew and Francesca's faith is week me now, andIsays "This is for you!" strong and she told The Record that "SoIsays 'look. Fran. yeah' I'll take "So he took it. He opens his coat on September 11 she had begun it, I'll try to do that,' I said, 'but I up and he put it right in his pocket, praying to Mary to cover her husdon't know if I'll get a chance to see right over his heart." band with her mantle and keep him him, there's gonna be so many peoOn the way out Matt saw another safe. ple there. It's not like it's a person- chance to present President Bush "And Istrongly believe that Mary al audience.' with the large memorial magnet. was the one who made sure that he "So I took it andIput it in my uni"I yelled out 'Mr President! Over was brought back home to us, I form pocket and I took a couple of here!' He turns around when I know it for a fact." she said. the items that we have - the T-shirts called him and I said 'Here! This is In her letter to President Bush, she and the patches and the stickers for your car!' said, "I also expressed my gratitude and the one big magnet - and I "So he grabbed it and he says to him for all he's done because brought it with me." 'well, what do you want me to do. he's showed so much strength not At the hotel Matt found a dais set put it over the official seal? only as a leader of our country but New York City fireman Matt Yellico with wife Francesca and their six children: Lola, Madalina, Jacob, Brandon, Evan up ready for President Bush, on "Isaid 'Yeah, if you want, go ahead! through the faith that he shows. and Madonna on holiday in Perth last week. Not only did Matthew and Francesca have a happy postscript to the September "And he starts laughin' and he 11 which he, with fire, police and other One of the main reasons tragedy in New York but they spoke about the importance of their Catholic faith and how important it is for them in raising emergency service representatives goes, 'no, I'm gonna put it on my Francesca admires President Bush their children. plane.' And another guy says 'well so much, she said, is that he is Photo: Peter Rosengren dutifully lined up. "So I wound up getting up on the don't fly too fast, it might blow off.' unashamedly pro-life and is not By Peter Rosengren they had ever been called out to dren are parishioners of St Joseph's, Next day's New York Post carried afraid of losing votes because of that before, or would ever face again. parish in Ronkonkoma, New York. dais behind him, like, three rows n the Yellico family everyone They back from the front," he said. a picture of President Bush on page position. found themselves driving Five months after the trade centre wears a Miraculous Medal of straight When the President had finished 3 holding Mall's firehouse magnet, The pro-life dimension is sometowards the burning sec- collapse, US President George W. his speech he turned to leave. Our Lady. What follows is the ond of the Twin and right in the pocket, unknown to thing that resonates strongly with Towers just as it Bush was due to give a speech in faith-filled tale of a fireman, the US came down. "He turns around to leave.," Matt anyone, was Malt's miraculous the couple. New York announcing an increase said. "When Fran gave President, a Miraculous Medal and me the letter medal - the one thing which had When they were courting Matt The cloud of smoke, dust and in Federal funding to emergency I thought, well, if I'm gonna get the not been handed straight to the and Fran would participate in Opera letter to the president from the debris forced them to slow and then services. chance to give him this letter, Fran Secret Service. fireman's wife. Ills only a small stop, temporarily ation Rescue, an anti-abortion prevented by fleeSixty fireman were invited to form always has miraculous medals story, built is also a story of faith's ing crowds from on Back at home, Fran and the chilmovement which blockades aborgetting any closer a special contingent to be part of the kids and I always keep one on dren were watching the event live tion clinics and offers support to Importance in the life of one ordi- to the site of the worst attack against the welcome and be present when my scapular, and everything, so I on TV nary American family. In the telling a civilian target on US mothers feeling pressured into soil in the the President gave his speech. took the Miraculous medal that I it grew into a tale of how a young history of the States. "When I wrote that note that day killing their unborn babies. Matthew was one of those picked. had and I says look I'm gonna' couple witnessed to their pro-life put I really didn't think I was going to Fran was a sidewalk counsellor to At home his wife Francesca There are over 300 firehouses in this in there just in case I do get a be able to give it to him," she said. women while Matt assisted with convictions together in the days watched the disaster unfold on tele- New "I thought there was actually only Operation Rescue events. before they were married, how they vision, not knowing whether she many York. After September 11 chance to give it to him. of them started fundraisers "So I put it in there, I sealed the going to be a very slim chance that chose to educate their children at would ever see her husband alive for the Later, they became involved in widows and children of fire- envelope up andIhad the envelope it would reach the President's Mother and Unborn Baby Care, a home to protect them from State- again. fighters who had lost their lives in in my pocket. hands. sponsored sex education proCatholic crisis pregnancy centre on But Matthew was one of the lucky the tragedy. "Well, here he comes, he turns "When I saw the amount of peo- Long Island where the couple now grammes, and of how a wife prayed ones - lucky he had not arrived 10 His own firehouse started the around and as he's getting ready to ple that were on the dais I thought live. to Mary to protect her husband as minutes earlier. After it was all over 'Faithful and Fearless' fund, selling leave he starts to shake all the guys' 'Oh, forget it.' You couldn't even see he drove into the living nightmare he discovered he knew many of the T-Shirts, stickers, Matt wears the Brown Scapular of Matt. of the TWin Towers disaster. It is a firefighters in other •units who had like to raise funds magnets and the hands in the front row. Our Lady, a symbol of the strong for those in need. "So here he comes, he's coming in "All of a sudden we saw a hand faith he and his wife share. tale we can all learn something lost their lives - 343 firemen in all. One of the items being marketed my direction and I see him coming come out of the crowd with this lit"We go to Mass every Sunday but from. The couple, strong Catholics, were is an 18-inch magnet in the shape andIgo `oh my God, he's comin' so tle card. It was all you saw. And as we try to go more often, because Matthew Yellico, New York City in Perth recently with their children of a Maltese Cross, illustrated with I went to grab the letter out of my soon as I saw it! said 'Oh my God! that's what Christ asked us to do, fireman, father of six children, saw as guests of the firefighters of West- the US flag; these sell for US $50 a pocket. Iknow that's my note.' And as soon that's how he asked us to rememthe closest thing to hell he has yet ern Australia in an exercise that pair. "So here I am, and everyone's as the President saw it he took it ber him, you know," he told The experienced in his life when he attracted plenty of media interest Since there was a chance he might crowded in front of me and I'm and put it into his pocket. Everydrove a fire engine over the Brook- and reporting. get to meet the President, a rare tryin' to find the spot to see ifIcould thing else [he was given] was taken Record "We pray the Rosary. We try to lyn Bridge and into Manhattan on After attending Mass on Sunday honour for any American citizen, get a chance to give it to him. away by the Secret Service. keep it up every day, and there's September 11 last year. April 28 at Immaculate Heart of he decided to take a magnet, just in "Anyhow he's talking to all the She said that in her note she told also the Divine Mercy chaplet He and his crew, Engine 225, Lad- Mary parish in Scarborough Beach case he could present it to him. guys and anything he gets [pre- President Bush about how difficult which we try to say as often as posder 107, Battalion 39 of the NY City Road they shared the story of a Francesca, in the meantime, wrote sented with] he's handing it back to September 11th was for her as a sible." Fire Department from Brooklyn in happy postscript to the 1Win Tow- a letter to President Bush telling the the Secret Service guys. fireman's wife waiting at home to The couple are also home schoolEast New York knew this particular ers disaster with parishioners. President what it was like to be a "Anyhow I got the thing in my hear her husband's voice. "It was ers and Francesca briefly explained run was different from anything Matthew, Francesca and their chil- fireman's wife. hand and all of a sudden there's very scary time. I didn't know for why. Page 8

I

When she was a counsellor she used to go into State schools and give presentations on abortion and how different birth control devices really work "As an invited guest I got to see a lot of things that the average parent [in New York] doesn't get to see: there are certain books that are not allowed to leave the classroom and certain movies that parents don't get to view." "Because of AIDS. . . . the school system thinks that it has to teach the children about AIDS, and as soon as you start talking about AIDS you need to discuss how you're going to get it, so you start talking about homosexuality, you start talking about all kinds of birth control devices, you start talking about abortion, and after discussing all these things for 50 minutes out of the hour and in the last five minutes you say the word 'abstinence,' what are the children going to remember? "They're going to remember all that other stuff. So you're bringing in topics that first of all children are too young to understand at kindergarten and five or six years old. "Then also you're putting in curtousity now, and it will stay with that child and you've taken away that Innocence. Matt added that the couple had seen this as a removal of the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit. "We didn't like the idea that anyone could take our responsibilities about what values we're going to instill in our children and how we're going to bring sexuality to them in a loving, beautiful way as opposed to what the State might be throwing at them," he said. These. days, in between shifts he is also the Maths teacher, among other home schooling duties. Mall's proudest possession from his visit to Australia, however, is a Diggers' slouch hat presented to him by WA Vietnam veterans. He was last seen in the West wearing it shortly before departing for home. Somehow, it seemed very appropriate. One gets the impression he would have made a first-rate Digger Aftermath: firemen work around the remains of the World Trade Centre too.

One of the flyers distributed by Matthew Yellico's fire company, advertising products whose sale will help raise funds for the widows and families of firemen who died in the September 11 tragedy in New York. More information can be found online at www.faithfulandfearfess.org

Photo: CNS/Reuters

Page 9

Faith brings hope

9"May, 2002

Re'cord III

ords The job of finding miracles 1NISDM By Uwe Siemon-Netto UPI Religion Correspondent

T

with Tony Evans F1ric Gill was one of the most famous personaliF ties in England in the years immediately prior to World War II; an amazing man, friend of Chesterton and Bellc, an artist, stone carver, engrayer, typographer and writer. He espoused a philosophy that rejected the notion of the artist as someone special, above and apart from society - a 'hot-house plant' as he termed it. He was a maker of things, he wrote, things that people needed. His work. particularly his sculptures and engravings, have had a profound influence on religious artists who came after him. Gill, a professed atheist in early life, became a Catholic in 1913, the year he received a commission to engrave the famous Stations of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral. In his autobiography he describes his visit to a Benedictine monastery in Belgium, and the effect the liturgy had upon him: "At the first impact I was so moved by the chant, which you must remember I had never heard a note of in all my life before, as to be almost frightened. This was not ancient architecture such as the world had ceased to build, this was not the sculptures of Chartres or Easter Island such as the world had ceased to make. "This was something alive, living, coming from the hearts and minds and bodies of living men. It was as though God were continuing the work of creation here and now and I was there to hear, to see - even almost to touch. There in Louvain, after the slow procession of incoming monks....I knew infallibly that God existed and was God - just as I knew him in an answering smile of a child, or in the living words of Christ. "There is a palpable righteousness in the things that God has made, and that man is God's instrument for making." Autobiography, Lend. 1940

Religious sites get web hits Religious websites have grown faster than any others in the last six months - a new survey has revealed. Jupiter Media Metrix, has just released their Top 50 Web ratings for March 2002. These show that sites focussed on religion are in the top growth category, with an audience reach increasing 54.2 per cent, from 4.2 per cent to 6.4 per cent of the total online population between February and March 2002. "While religion sites have grown steadily over the past year, the surge in visitors in March 2002 was quite significant, with traffic to the category double what it was just six months ago," said Stephen Kim, senior vice president of Jupiter Media Metrix' audience ratings division. "So far, the majority of religion sites to attract sizable audiences focus on Christianity, though a few focus on Judaism or offer content tailored to multiple faiths." Page 10

he pilgrimage season in Lourdes, at the foothills of the French Pyrenees, is in full swing again since Easter, keeping a bearded man nicknamed "Docteur Miracle" on the lookout for a new sign from God. Of course, Patrick Theillier, head of the Medical Bureau of Our Lady of Lourdes, would never describe his job that way. "All we can do is give a negative assessment - that there is no scientific explanation for the sudden cure of a grave illness," he told United Press International. However, reaching this conclusion involves a lengthy investigation at different levels that can take decades. "And even then there is no guarantee that a cure will be termed a miracle. It's always up to the pilgrim's bishop to make that decision," said Theiltier, a specialist in gastroenterology. Consider this: Some 8 million pilgrims attend this marvelous gathering of the world's Catholic faithful. In the 154 years since the Virgin Mary was reported to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a peasant girl, only 86 of some 7,000 cases of healing were recognized as "signs from God." "There probably should have been more," Theillier allowed. "But many previously ill pilgrims don't even report the disappearance of their sickness. And if you are a Protestant, you won't have a Catholic bishop to concede that a miracle has happened to you." To make his point, Theillier gave UPI an e-mail from Sandra Charles, an Australian Protestant woman, who could not have children. "My doctor in Australia had advised me to have IVF (in-vitro

fertilization) and ...Ideclined ... So my husband andI decided it was God's way and accepted the fact that I would not bear him children." But Sandra Charles had seen the 1943 Hollywood movie, "The Song of Bernadette," which was based on a moving book on Lourdes by the German Jewish writer Franz Werfel. So when she and her husband visited France, they went to Lourdes. She drank from the spring water that according to Bernadette Soubirous, the Virgin Mary conunanded her and future pilgrims to drink "When we arrived home weI discovered I was pregnant," wrote Sandra Charles. "My family joked it must have been the wine. My doctors said it was medically impossible." But the fact is Sandra Charles gave birth to a baby girl and later to a boy. Was it a miracle? Who is to say in the absence of a diocesan bishop? Nevertheless, she believes, "I was blessed by Our Lady while I was there in Lourdes," and Patrick Theillier, the sanctuary doctor, rejoiced with her, though he will never be able to certify the absence of a scientific explanation. He was not consulted. He will not get involved easily, he insisted. Before he does, the patient must meet a host of conditions. "He or she must be gravely ill, suffering from a known disease that was diagnosed by medical professionals," Theillier pointed out. "The illness must be neither psychological nor even psychosomatic, hut strictly physiological and unresponsive to treatment. The cure is to have been instant and complete. We will not consider cases of remission or of a repression of the disease." Who is "we?" Well, to begin with, Theillier and any medical doctor

The basillica at Lourdes

present at Lourdes at any given time. "Together, these doctors come from all corners of the world to make up the Medical Bureau. Many are Protestants, Jews, Muslims or even agnostics, who accompany pilgrims for strictly humanitarian reasons." These physicians examine case histories, pathologies, biopsies, xrays, MRIs and all other forms of scientific evidence in the presence of the rector of the Lourdes sanctuary and the pilgrim's pastor. Once they have confirmed a cure, the pilgrim must meet with the Medical Bureau repeatedly over a period of three years. "Then the case will be referred to the Lourdes International Medical Committee, which has 20 permanent members and includes a further 10,000 physicians from 75 countries - again, Catholics, Protestants. Jews, agnostics, even atheists," Theillier said.

The International Committee takes its time. Ten to 15 years can go by before it decides that someone's cure defies medical explanation. "Only then will we refer the case to the patient's bishop. If he wishes to act upon it, he will assemble a Diocesan Canonical Commission made up of canons, priests, theologians, and physicians. If they agree, the bishop will be able to proclaim the healing a 'sign from God.'" This happened in 2001, when Bishop Jean-Pierre Dagens of Angouleme in south-western France, who enjoys the reputation of being one of his church's most powerful minds, recognised a local nurse's sudden and medically inexplicable restoration to health as authentic. Nurse Jean-Pierre BOly, now 65, was in the final stages of multiple sclerosis. In 1987, he went to Lourdes, where he received the Sacrament of the Sick during Mass. "All of a sudden," his diocese later reported. "he was overcome by a powerful sense of interior liberation and peace." The next day, BOly was lying in the sanctuary's sick room. Suddenly, he experienced a sense of cold. It grew stronger and stronger and felt quite painful, he told his clerical and medical examiners. But then he began to feel intensely warm. He sat at the edge of his bed and could move his arms. The next night. he awoke from a deep sleep and discovered he could walk for the first time since 1984. Last year. 35 Lourdes pilgrims declared they were miraculously healed. "Of those, we accepted 10 cases for further examinations." Theillier revealed. "and a decade or more from now, three could go down as signs from God."

Faith keeps family fighting their battle with cancer

K

By Brian T. Olszewski

athy Bailey has a warning for cancer. Look.out! "Cancer has taken on a persona," she said of her commitment to fight it. That persona is presenting a challenge for Kathy Bailey as it has attacked three people in her five-member family - herself; her husband, Kevin; and their 3-year-old daughter, Cecilia. The Baileys, including Zachary, 9, and Robert, 5, are members of Queen of All Saints Parish in Michigan City, in the Gary Diocese. The parish church is where high school sweethearts Kathy and Kevin were married in 1985. Kathy Bailey, 3Z was the first victim. Shortly after Cecilia was born in 1998, and the family had moved into the house that her husband, a member of the carpenters union, had built, Kathy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. "I cried for about 10 seconds," she said of the diagnosis. In an interview with the Northwest Indiana Catholic, she said she has had "a lot of support" from family, friends and an online group to which she belongs. Kathy Bailey noted that her cancer will never be "cured," but Ills treatable with medication.

Photo CNS'Karon C

iway

Kathy Bailey lays her hand on the forehead of her daughter Cecilia, 3, who has acute lymphonic leukemia.

Kevin Bailey 39, learned he had testicular cancer last August. He remains positive about his future, hoping to return to work in June, but he is also blunt about how he reacted to the news of his cancer. He recalled his response as, "Why the hell me? Why us again? Don't we have enough already?" Kevin Bailey also has been diagnosed with Addison's disease, a severe or total deficiency of the hormones made in the adrenal cortex. In addition, an infection in his throat caused by an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy required doctors to perform a tracheotomy. The tube recently was removed. He views his illnesses and treatments - he undergoes chemotherapy five days a month and takes nine medications every day - as something he has to endure. "Here we go again," he said of having to deal with it. "More dumped on my shoulders. I've gotta carry it." Kathy Bailey said that having been through treatments has helped her deal with her husband's illness. "I know if he has chemo he is going to be grouchy," she said. "I'm better prepared for it." The couple doesn't speculate as to why they have been challenged in this way. "There's got to be a reason, but we don't know why" Kathy Bailey said. "I never blamed God; I blamed cancer." The couple shed,more tears in January when their daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphonic leukemia. "I can handle my husband (being sick)," Kathy Bailey said, "but Cecilia scared me more than anything." The girl will undergo chemotherapy every other week for the next two years - treatment that leads to remission in more than 98 percent of cases. The family is on a first-name basis with the pharmacists at their local drugstore, and the illnesses have been a financial challenge. Before insurance started to pay, the cost of Kathy Bailey's treatment reached $300,000.

Zachary and Cecilia Bailey visit their father, Kevin, in the hospital on Easter Sunday.

"My treatment broke us," she said of the bills they have had to pay. To help them meet expenses, a number of organizations have sponsored fund-raisers or collected money for the Baileys. Gestures of kindness have ranged from a bake sale at their parish's preschool religious education program to neighbours bringing meals to union members "passing the hat" and providing the family with Christmas gifts to a community breakfast and auction. For Kevin, who has regularly donated his time and talent to charitable building projects, the outpouring of generosity is a reminder of what he will do once he is better and back at work. "I'll be there when people are in trouble," he said. "This has changed the way I think. It really makes you appreciat things."

I ReCord

Faith brings hope

9 May, 2002

Anvar Abdulayev, 22, displays his puppets of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assist He quit his Job as an actor in Ferghana, Uzbekistan, to launch a Catholic puppet theatre in the predominantly Muslim country.

his job as a principal actor in the city's best dramatic theatre to launch a Catholic puperghana, renowned for nurturing pet theatre. conservative Islam amid some of Abdulayev, who qualifies as a Ferghana Central Asia's richest farmland, is a radical with his dyed blonde forelock and place where a scarfless woman is a rarity earring, designs the sets, makes the pupand religious men centre their lives around pets and writes the plays that in a small way spread Catholicism in highly tradithe area's several dozen mosques. But tucked away in a residential neigh- tional and overwhelmingly Muslim Uzbekborhood next to a wheezing, Soviet-built istan. "It is a unique kind of evangelisation. factory is a modest whitewashed home that attracts a decidedly Bohemian crowd. Here, Here, it is not accepted to evangelise on the several times a week as night approaches, streets. This way we get them as an audiIt is possible to sight women in pants and ence and introduce some religious ideas," men with earrings, telltale signs of local said Abdulayev. "If he's a Muslim, he sees it as some kind of show. If he's a believer, Catholics. Young Catholic converts head to a he gets a little more out of it." So far, the puppet theatre has a repertoire rehearsal of their Christian hip-hop group in the makeshift recording studio that dou- of three plays: one with a Christmas theme, bles as an office for Franciscan Father Pyotr one about Jesus and a third based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The St. Francis Kava. group member and parish priest. Father Kava. a 36-year-old Pole, is nurtur- production has a cast of 30 puppets, Abduing singers, musicians, actors and pup- layev said, as he held a brown-clad St. Franpeteers who are starting to travel cis in his lap. While Father Kava is actively cultivating throughout Uzbekistan. visiting some of his parishioners' talents, he is also keenly the 3.000 people with Catholic roots. Oleg Digtyaryov, 24, dropped out of the aware of the need to tread carefully in punk grunge band he founded to devote Uzbekistan, a police state with at least 7,000 his energies to promoting Jesus through political and religious prisoners, according hip-hop music. Anvar Abdulayev. 22, quit to Human Rights Watch.

F

By Frank Brown

Ferghana, a city of 200,000, is a base of support for the outlawed Islamic political party, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and the revolutionary Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, once an ally of the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. Father Kava sees music and drama as a non-confrontational way to offer people a choice, while remaining respectful toward Islam. "Islam is just coming back now," said Father Kava. referring to the effects of 70 years of religious repression in the former Soviet republic. "If an imam or mullah feels himself threatened, what kind of reaction is that going to evoke? Fundamentalism." At the same time, Father Kava said, the parish must look beyond its longtime base of ethnic German Catholics who left en masse for Germany following the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. "When I got here there were five (German) people. Three of them have died since then," said Father Kava, whose parish now numbers 60, most of them ethnic Russians with a few Uzbeks and Taliks. Abdulayev, who is of Uzbek background. gradually made his way to faith after a fellow actor taught him the rosary while on tour several years ago. Since then, he said,

his circle of friends gradually has shifted from being mostly actors to being mostly fellow parishioners. One of them is Digtyaryov, a lanky, affable man who was baptised into the Russian Orthodox Church but has found a home in Father Kava's parish. He currently is planning to attend a three-year program in Rome for lay Catholics in the hope of returning to Uzbekistan a more effective evangelist. These days, Digtyaryov often can be found on the second floor of Father Kava's residence putting together a set of 17 songs that - depending on financing - will be released sometime this year on cassette or compact disc. Digtyaryov's group, called "Tau" like the wooden T-shaped cross each member wears, is the only Russian-language Catholic hip-hop ensemble in Uzbekistan. While determined to perform for more than just Catholic audiences, Digtyaryov said he is fully aware of Tau's limited potential. "It is tough with Christian songs. There are only certain young people who will accept them," he said, on a recent Tuesday evening, drinking tea in Father Kava's kitchen before a rehearsal.

Kazakstan's unwanted children given love F By Frank Brown

or 21 of his 26 years, Volodya Releteyev never stepped outside a government orphanage for disabled children. Along with 180 other child residents of the House of Invalids, the lanky youth with cerebral palsy was inside during three days of ethnic rioting in 1986, when the Soviet Union fell in 1991 and at the end of the millennium in 2000. Looking back at that time, Releteyev has no harsh words about his treatment but complains of the boredom. "It wasn't interesting there. There wasn't anyone to talk to. They couldn't talk," said Releteyev, his wheelchair parked in the bright sunlight at his new home. Since arriving 18 months ago in this small town 15 miles southeast of Almaty, Kazakstan's largest city, Releteyev's life not only has been changed but may have been saved. Under the government system, once a disabled child reaches adulthood he is transferred to a home for the elderly, where the level of care is significantly worse; residents

sometimes starve to death. Now. Releteyev is living at the Ark, a sprawling, rough-and-tumble former pioneer camp with farm animals, vegetable gardens and an environment that could not be more different than what he left. "I like it better here," Releteyev said. At the helm of the Ark is Franciscan Father Guido Trezzani, who started the project two years ago with the purchase of a 15-acre summer camp formerly run by the Young Pioneers, the Soviet-era communist children's organization. Father Trezzani, 46, of Milan, Italy, said he intends to rescue as many children like Releteyev as he can from government orphanages, gradually expanding the capacity of the camp by installing plumbing and fixing buildings. "We'll take as many children as is possible. It depends mostly on money. We can't take kids if we can't support them," said Father 'frezzani, whose staff is currently caring for 17 children at the Ark. "Here we can fit maybe 100 or 120," he said. While Kazakstan's economic problems certainly contribute to

Kazakstan's disabled children finally discover life at the Art

the poor treatment received by children in government facilities, overall attitudes toward the disabled also play a large role. In the case of Releteyev's 21 years of confinement, Father Trezzani commented that, in the House of Invalids, "there are people to take them outside. But they didn't. It is just a question of mentality." *For this culture, for this government, it is still something shame-

ful. These children need to be hidden," he said. "When people see them for the first time here, they are in shock They didn't know that kids like this existed. It is as though the children are from another planet." he said. On a recent visit, it was hard not to notice the recent arrivals from Almaty orphanages: They were wild-eyed, bursting with energy and fascinated by the Ark's nine piglets. five puppies,

three cows and one goat. Polina Razambetova, an energetic girl who looked to be about 7 but did not know her age. had been at the Ark for a two-week visit from her orphanage. Razambetova had trouble speaking, but one of the Ark's volunteer counsellors, Petya Aniskin, commented with satisfaction on how she had improved. "She's getting along better with other people," he said. "When she first got here, she was really thin. Now, she's filled out a bit." Aniskin said he noticed "a big difference between the kids who've been here for two weeks and those who have been here for half a year. Here, their minds are getting developed. They are learning how to write, learning how to recite poetry." However, the children won't be learning much about the Catholic Church. Partly because of Kazakstan's restrictive laws on religious activity, the Ark is founded as a secular organisation, which makes it much simpler to take custody of disabled children. "In time, they'll see that our love is a reflection of another, greater love," Father Trezzani said. Page 11

International News

4 May, 2002

The World in brief

Catholics must care VATICAN CITY (CNS) - As the power and possibilities of medical science grow, Catholic involvement in caring for the sick and educating health care workers must increase, Pope John Paul II said. "The new frontiers opened by progress in the life sciences and the applications which derive from them have placed an enormous power and responsibility in human hands," the Pope told members of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers May 2. If selfish or self-aggrandising choices are allowed to predominate, the Pope said. "it would be inevitable that human dignity and life itself would be dangerously threatened." Pope John Paul met members of the council during their plenary assembly at the Vatican. The council was to discuss plans and priorities for the next five years in the pastoral care of the sick and in outreach to health care workers.

Push for priest ROME (CNS) - Although prohibited by canon law, partisan politics can be part of the path to holiness for a priest: at least that is what a process in the Diocese of Rome has set out to prove. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar of Rome, May 3 formally opened the diocesan phase of the process to canonise Father Luigi Sturzo, founder of the Italian Popular Party. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Cardinal Ruini went to pains to explain that Father Sturzo always was a priest first and foremost, and that he always was granted a papal exemption from canon law each time he took up a political office. The potential saint was born in southern Italy in 1871 and died in Rome in 1959. The 88 years of his life included the end of the papal states, the unification of Italy, the beginnings of the modern workers' movements, the birth of Christian Democrat parties in Europe, the First and Second World Wars, fascism, the fall of the Italian monarchy and the advent of democracy, Cardinal Ruini said.

"Labor priest" dies WASHINGTON (CNS) Msgr. George G. Higgins, America's foremost labor priest for half a century, died after a long illness May 1 in his childhood home town of La Grange, Illinois. He was 86. He was hospitalised with a severe infection on January 19, just hours after delivering the keynote talk for an adult day of education on social justice at his boyhood parish. St. Francis Xavier, in La Grange. Despite emergency surgery to save his life, he never recovered from the multiple complications. Chicago Cardinal Francis E George was to celebrate the funeral Mass at 2 p.m. May 7 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. A memorial Mass was scheduled for 8 pm on May 6 at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Grange. Page 12

Record

Youths answer calling in preparation for WYD By Gregory L Tracy SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (CNS) More than 1,000 members of parish-based communities called the Neocatechumenal Way gathered at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey for a clay of prayer and catechesis in preparation for World Youth Day 2002.

The gathering, presided over by Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, included members of the Neocatedmmenate from 20 dioceses across the eastern United States, including Boston, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New Orleans and Bridgeport, Conn. Giuseppe Gennarini, head of the movement's catechist team in the United States, began the meeting by telling the young people that "faith is not just to learn things. Faith is a concrete meeting with a person and that person is Jesus Christ. And he is here today. And he is waiting for you in Toronto." Archbishop Myers urged the youths to cling to their faith and not lose hope in the time of crisis In the church. "You can be the generation of reform. We need holiness. We need saints. And you can do this," he said. The gathering coincided with the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, April 21, and culminated with a call for vocations that invited anyone in the crowd who felt

Archbishop John Myers applauds 28 kneeling young men who made a pledge to consider a vocation to the priesthood at a gathering of the Neocatechumenal Way at Seton Hall University April 21.

called to the priesthood or religious life to come forward and receive a blessing from the archbishop. A similar vocational call will he held this summer when members of the Neocatechumenal Way from all over the world gather as part of World Youth Day celebrations. "Please pray about it and think about it." Archbishop Myers said. "We need you and we need your gifts."

lb thunderous applause, 28 young men and 34 young women proceeded to the front of the assembly. They knelt in rows as the archbishop laid his hands on the head of each person and asked that God bless and confirm their vocational call. After they all had received a blessing, Gennarini explained that these young people would begin a time of spiritual coun-

selling to discern their vocation. For 16 parishioners from St. Michael Parish in Gainesville. Georgia, the day was more than just for preparation for World Youth Day. "It was like a mini-pilgrimage. It was a preparation for the pilgrimage, of course, but also this really was a chance to give the kids the awareness that Christian life is a pilgrimage," said Peter Heidkamp.

Hong Kong Diocese confronts abuse War will not HONG KONG (CNS) - The Hong Kong Diocese has adopted a no-tolerance policy for priests who sexually abuse children. The diocese issued a statement on May 2 following disclosures that over the past 27 years three priests had molested children, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. "The diocesan authorities cannot and will not tolerate paedophile practices in any shape or form (whether of the serial or singular kind), least of all by priests," the statement said. The statement said that over the past 27 years Cardinal John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung of Hong Kong had received complaints against three priests accused of sexually abusing minors.

On May 2, the daily South China Morning Post reported Cardinal Wu's admission that at internal church hearings three priests in Hong Kong were found guilty of sexually abusing children, but none of the cases was handed over to police. In Hong Kong, there is no legal obligation for a person with knowledge of a crime to report it to the authorities. The three offenders were required to do penance, undergo spiritual renewal and receive counselling and psychiatric therapy. the newspaper reported the cardinal saying. The church apologised to the victims and their families and offered them counselling and psychiatric and financial assistance, the report added. A police public relations bureau spokesperson told UCA News

May 3 that police were working to see if the incidents were criminal in nature. The statement does not reveal the priests' identity, but noted that one is a foreign priest who reportedly had been involved in a sexual abuse case in his home country before he came to Hong Kong. He was recalled and was barred from any ministry involving contact with minors. The priests involved in the other two cases were "both suspended from public ministry, with one subsequently leaving the priesthood," the statement said. The statement affirmed that diocesan officials would adopt a "no-tolerance" policy, and that if proven guilty, the priests involved in sexual abuse cases would be "removed from public ministry."

Bells toll for those to be executed By Ann Piasecki JOLIET Ill. (CNS) - Franciscan friars at a Joliet parish are tolling the church bells to call for an end to capital punishment. They are joining a nationwide campaign that asks churches to toll bells for two minutes on the date of an execution. Franciscan Father Lawrence lagdfeld, who is in residence at St. John the Baptist Parish, said the church will toll the bells for all who are affected by capital punishment - the executed criminal, crime victims and "everyone in our society who has grown numb to the persistent reality of violence in our community" "We're hoping that people get so tired of hearing the bells" that they press their representatives to

abolish the death penalty, Fran- the counhy. If there are no bells ciscan Father Edward Shea, the available, participants are encourpastor, told the Catholic Explorer, aged to hang a black drape on the newspaper of the Joliet Diocese. doors of the building or to tie Titled "For Whom the Bells Toll," black ribbons on poles outside on the campaign started in the Dio- execution days. cese of Richmond, Virginia It grew "The tolling bell will be a out of a practice that Richmond reminder to all who hear it that Bishop Walter E Sullivan learned all of us are diminished by conis followed in the Philippines at tinuing acts of state-sponsored the behest of Cardinal Jaime Sin murder," Father Jagdfeld said. of Manila. "The campaign will continue until In November 1999, Bishop Sul- there is a nationwide moratorium livan asked all the churches of his on the death penalty or until the diocese to ring their bells at 9 pm death penalty is abolished in the on the evening of a then-pending United States." execution and again on the night He added, "The system is so of every subsequent execution flawed that it can't be fixed? "until we bring an end to this Father Shea said there is a bias Inhumane practice." In Virginia, 9 In how death sentences are meted pm is the time death sentences out, noting that the majority of are carried out. Participation in death-row inmates are poor the campaign is growing around African-Americans.

bring peace By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Neither "the blind violence of terrorism nor, the violence of war" can bring peace and security to Palestinians and Israelis. Pope John Paul II told Morocco's new ambassador to the Vatican. The Pope expressed his hope that continuing appeals for peace and continuing international pressure would convince Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. The "difficult and disquieting" international scene must prompt all people of good will "to work together in favour of dialogue and peace," the Pope said welcoming Mohamed Sbihi to his new post at the Vatican. "The leaders of nations and spiritual authorities have an obligation to work unceasingly so that the violence which too often reigns in our world in the relations among people and among groups recedes," the Pope said. Religious leaders, he said, have a special responsibility "to clearly denounce all the false legitimisations of violence, notably in the name of religion, and to affirm without deviation their attachment to dialogue and peace." The Pope said that he, like the ambassador, is truly worried about the situation in the Middle East and the integrity of the holy sites there.

Rokord

International News

Pope issues decree on general absolution By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - In a new apostolic letter calling for a "vigorous revitalisation" of the sacrament of penance. Pope John Paul II told bishops to adopt a strict line on church law's "grave necessity" condition for general absolution. The 15-page letter, *Misericordia Dei" ("Mercy of God"), also asks bishops' conferences to submit national norms on general absolution to the Vatican for approval "as soon as possible." The document was released at a Vatican press conference May 2 by the top Vatican officials for doctrine, sacraments and canon law. The Pope issued the letter "motu proprio" (on his own initiative), a style used when issuing norms or decrees. consider it useful to recall some of the canonical laws in CNS P,' " force regarding the celebration of a parishof confession the to listens Spillane "Ned" Edmund Father Rosminian this sacrament and clarify certain aspects of them ... with a view to ioner at the Milungui mission in Tanzania. a better administration of the sacrament." the Pope wrote in an death or "grave necessity," as ter)" to the Vatican's congregation for sacraments "as soon as possiIntroduction. "It is a question of determined by the local bishop. In general absolution, a group of ble." He cited a church law proviensuring an ever more faithful, Vatican requiring and thus more fruitful, celebra- penitents receives forgiveness for sion of approval, or "recognition," an making first without sins their he said. tion" of the sacrament, conbishops' by adopted norms sins. of confession individual The Pope said the letter was necessary because "in some According to canon law, those ferences. The Pope said it also would "be places there has been a tendency who receive general absolution for local bishops to as sins appropriate" serious their confess must to abandon individual confession and wrongly to resort to 'general' soon as possible. The Pope's let- inform their national conference or 'communal' absolution." He ter largely reiterates existing whether or not cases of "grave said the practice was not only church law, but offers a six-point necessity" have occurred in their dioceses, and then for the conferunfaithful to God's plan for the clarification of "grave necessity." ences to report to the Vatican's neces"grave a says law Church "serisacrament. but also caused sacraments congregation "about numsufficient a when exists sity" ous harm" to the spiritual life of the real situation in their regions to available not are priests of ber the faithful and to the church's about any changes subseand individuof hear the confessions general holiness. taking place." quently within way appropriate an "in als At the press conference, CardiThe question of the use of gennal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of an appropriate time," potentially the doctrinal congregation, said preventing penitents from receiv- eral absolution has been a point of friction over the years, espethe duty to personally confess ing absolution "for a long time." in the English-speaking cially are bishops said Pope The one's sins was instituted by Christ where it is also called the world, cases determining for responsible the himself, "and even obligates Pope." "It is not within the power that meet the requirement of "a "third rite of penance." At the press conference, Cardiof the church to substitute per- long time," but added, as an examsonal confession with general ple, that a period of less than a nal Jorge Medina Estevez, prefect month was insufficient. of the Vatican's congregation for absolution," he said. sacraments, objected to the necessi"grave where Examples He said the incorrect use of general absolution was partly to ty" might occur, he said, were in phrase "third rite," saying it made blame for the general crisis facing mission territories where a priest general absolution sound interthe sacrament today. It is an can visit only very few times a changeable with the first two rites, "abuse that has contributed to the year, or in situations of war or which involve individual confession. progressive disappearance of this exceptional weather conditions. He said it was planned to "It is not acceptable to contrive sacrament (of penance) in certain sitof general absolution from the allow contrivance to or remove cardinal the church," the parts of said. According to church law, uations of apparent grave neces- the main text in future editions of the Roman Ritual, an official book individual confession is the "sole sity," he told the bishops. The Pope said the bishops' con- of prayers and ceremonies, and ordinary means" of receiving absolution, but exceptions for ferences must send "the text of put it into an appendix "to under"general absolution" are allowed norms which they intend to issue line that this is an exceptional and in cases of Imminent danger of or update in the light of this (let- extraordinary form."

9 May, 2002

TV ad highlights abortion-cancer link in the general public, there is total ignorance (of the link between WS ANGELES (CNS) - A TV ad between abortion and breast canwith the message that abortion cer). Or if not ignorance, denial could increase a woman's risk for that there is a connection between breast cancer by at least 50 per- early-term abortion and breast cent has started to air in Califor- cancer later in life." nia as part of a statewide pro-life In the ad, a volleyball coach for ad campaign. high school girls goes through the "Nobody told me that 40 years practice routine with her students of research and 28 medical stud- as, through a voice-over, she talks ies have shown a significant link about how she had an abortion at between abortion and breast can- 17 and now has breast cancer. cer," the ad says. Tom Peterson, founder and pres"People don't know anything ident of VirtueMedia Inc., the nonabout this, and more so in Cali- profit corporation that produced fornia," Dana Serrano, executive the ad, said: "My personal hope is director of the Women's Resource that because of this, women who Network-California, told The Tid- may have had an abortion ... don't ings, newspaper of the Los Ange- feel fearful but rather more edules Archdiocese. cated and would choose to get The network has begun airing breast exams and screenings a litthe ad in San Diego, and hopes to tle earlier in life because they may have it shown in Los Angeles and be in the high-risk category." Because VirtueMedia Inc. relies other California cities by September. The group is working to raise on donations for funding, Peter$7 million to carry out the ad cam- son said, production on the ad was made possible because most paignLicia Nicassio, director of the of the crew and professional talarchdiocesan ents "donated time and equipAngeles Los Respect Life office, said that "with- ment for the cause". By Jennifer C. Vergara

Regulations prevent much needed AIDS help By Bronwen Dachs CAPE TOWN. South Africa (CNS) - A U.S. Catholic doctor who volunteered at a hospital in Swaziland said he was frustrated by regulations that prevented him from administering drugs that could help prevent the transmission of the virus that causes AIDS from pregnant women to their babies. "It's so frustrating not being able to help people when we so easily could," said Dr. Leo Motter of Hershey, Pennsylvania. who returned to the United States earlier this year after spending five weeks working at Good Shepherd Hospital in SiteIci, a small town in the Diocese of Manzini. Clinical trials show that a single tablet of the anti-AIDS drug nevirapine given to an HIV-positive woman in labor and a small dose of nevirapine syrup given to her baby within 72 hours of birth can reduce the HIV transmission rate by up to 50 percent. "Knowing this and not being able to provide this drug to women who come here is a big moral dilemma," Motter said in an interview during his stay. About 2,000 babies are delivered every year at Good Shepherd Hospital, which has 125 beds. A study done at the hospital in 2000 found that 34.2 percent of pregnant women who visited the hospital for prenatal care were HIV-positive. About 30 percent of HIV-positive mothers transmit the virus

to their babies, mostly during labor and delivery. Most HIVpositive babies die before their fifth birthday, many succumbing to chest infections and pneumonia. Nevirapine has not been approved for use in Swaziland. Molter said AIDS was a major topic of discussion at the Bible study group he attended in Manzini. "Some people feel strongly that our first loyalty must be to our patients and argue that doctors in our situation should be AIDS activists," he said. The Catholic Medical Mission Board has begun a five-year, $5 million AIDS program in South Africa, in which nevirapine is distributed. However, there are no plans to extend the program to Swaziland, said Ann Doherty, director of the board's Africa programs. Dr. Aby Philip. medical superintendent at Good Shepherd Hospital, refused to discuss the use of anti-AIDS drugs. Salesian Father Larry McDonnell, who represents Swaziland on the AIDS committee of the Southern African Bishops' Conference and is on the board of Good Shepherd Hospital, said anti-AIDS drugs are not available in Swaziland. "Nothing is free here," Father McDonnell said, noting that "poverty is the bottom line in virtually everything, including AIDS." "We're a small country and don't attract a lot of attention."

Salesians help out disadvantaged and homeless in Sierra Leone By Alpha Jalloh FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (CNS) - The Salesian Fathers in Sierra Leone have purchased a two-story house for disadvantaged children. The home, and others like it, are needed because of a severe housing crisis in the country, the Salesians said. About 20 percent of Sierra Leone's housing stock was destroyed during a decade long civil war. Many children were abandoned during the

war; others were orphaned. Salesian Father John Thompson, a U.S. missionary who founded a home for street children in 1997, said the new home was purchased because the program had outgrown its original residence. The Salesian Fathers minister to disadvantaged children in different parts of Freetown, the coastal capital of Sierra Leone. Father Thompson said there are 74 boys and girls at the various homes in Freetown. An additional group of 20 children reside

in group homes, he said. "They are attending school and we can-

not trace their parents," he said. An additional 80 children have been placed in foster care, Father Thompson said. The average age for kids in the Salesian program is 14 but the home also provides vocational training in tailoring, metal work or carpentry for those who are in their late teens or early 20s. The home tries to return younger children to their families after a year of schooling or find a foster

family for them. The priest said the Salesians purchased the home because of price gouging on rentals. "Most house owners are demanding foreign currency and are demanding exorbitant amounts. That was why we purchased a house. We can now accommodate more children," he said. "There are more abandoned or disadvantaged children in the interior of the country. We are planning to go there and start a project for them," he said." Page 13

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Paper to refrain from reporting "miracle" ENDE, Indonesia (CNS) - The archbishop of Ende in eastern Indonesia has asked a local Catholic daily to refrain from reporting that a consecrated host transforms into bleeding flesh inside the mouth of a village woman. The Flores Pos daily had been reporting since last October that every time Martha Susilawati, 25, receives Communion, the host in her mouth changes to bleeding flesh, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based

in Thailand. The newspaper, run by Divine Word Fathers, also reported that Susilawati has the "stigmata" - wounds in her hands, feet and side that correspond to the wounds suffered by Jesus during his crucifixion - and that the wounds bleed every Thursday and Friday. Heeding calls by Archbishop Longinus da Cunha of Ende, the daily stopped reporting about the "miracle" host from January to March. However, it reported about the claim of bleeding flesh

Seven killed in church festival attack

again April 2-3. On April 3, the editor who was among the 160 archbishop asked the daily to stop priests at the meeting, said the its reporting on the matter tem- paper was not printing propaporarily, saying such reporting ganda. "We just write the facts," might be viewed as propaganda. he said. Nevertheless, he said he will "It is OK for other media to report on this kind of story. How- heed the archbishop's call ever, it is better for our Catholic because "we never do our misdaily to temporarily stop covering sion outside the context of the the 'miracle,'" he said in a meet- local church." Father Fery Dheidae, who was ing at St. Josef Church in Onekore, Ende, about 1,000 miles east of among the people entrusted by the archbishop to investigate the Jakarta. However, Divine Word Father incident, said the archbishop Dam! Mukese, the daily's main made the request because of a

lack of balanced coverage, including the failure of the daily to publish testimony from witnesses who contradicted the story. He also cited some people alleging that Susilawati's history was far from exemplary compared with others who had extraordinary religious experiences. The church tries to avoid sensationalism; rather it encourages its lay faithful to be mature, he said, admitting that poorly educated villagers "easily believe something mystical or magical."

Muslim ambush brings heartache

MANILA (CNS) - The president demnable." He appealed to the of the Philippine bishops' con- authorities to "quickly and thorference condemned a May 1 oughly" probe the incident and grenade attack that killed seven bring the perpetrators to justice. people and injured 127 others at Sangkala Dampac, Cotabato a church festival. police chief, said the teen became Archbishop Orlando Quevedo angry and threw the grenade at of Cotabato called on other reli- about 9:45 p.m. May 1 after the Villagers watch as smoke rises from a burned-out church near Ambon, the capital of the Molukus Islands in Indonegious leaders to denounce "the band playing in a concert rejectsia, April 28. In a pre-dawn ambush, Muslims attacked Christians in the village of Soya, burning 30 homes and a dastardly act of the basest kind," ed his song request. church. Fourteen people, including a six-month-old baby, were killed. noting the "untold suffering" it has Photo CNSFieuters Cotabato Task Force Commanbrought innocent families, report- der Army Colonel Essel Soriano ed UCA News, an Asian church said that one of the suspects was news agency based in Thailand. overheard saying, "Something While police blamed a teenager will blow up here," after his for the attack, the archbishop request was rejected. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNS) - eral of the conference. News "God alone is the Lord of life noted the unclear reports of the About 58 percent of the Cotaba- Sri Lankan bishops have media reported that Prime Minis- from its beginning until its end: role of "terrorists" in the blast. to Archdiocese's 1.6 million peo- expressed their opposition to pro- ter Ranil Wickremasinghe's Unit- No one can under any circumPolice reports said an unnamed ple are Catholic. posed legislation that would ed National Front government stances claim for himself the right teen threw a grenade that explodOn April 21, at least 15 people legalise abortion "on a selective intends to review the possibility directly to destroy an innocent ed in a gymnasium at St. Joseph were killed and 71 others injured basis." of legalising abortions for women human being," the statement said. the Worker Parish in Cotabato when four bombs exploded in "The bishops' conference in Sri in special circumstances. The bishops lamented that City, 540 miles southeast of Mani- nearby General Santos City. Lanka wishes to express its deep Officials of the government's "today, most abortions take place la. Police have arrested six sus- concern and disapproval of such Women's Affairs Ministry said because of the wrong underParishioners were celebrating pects, allegedly members of a an amendment, because for us they were pushing the legislation standing that the embryo/fetus in the parish's feast day May 1 with breakaway group of the Moro Catholics, abortion is an abom- in order to allow abortion for vic- the womb is not human until it is other villagers and guests, includ- National Liberation Front. The inable crime," said the bishops in tims of rape and incest, and for born or at least until it becomes a ing Muslims, when the blast front had signed a peace agree- an April 30 statement, reported women with serious medical few months old." occurred. ment with the government in UCA News, an Asian church news complications. The move to allow abortion on 1Wo people were killed imme- 1996. agency based in Thailand. The bishops noted that the a selective basis began in 1995 diately, while five others died in Abu Sayyaf extremists have "Recently our local mass media Catholic Church opposes any under the People's Alliance govthe hospital. Most of the injuries claimed responsibility for the informed us of a proposed move such move "because of our con- ernment. At that time, then-justice were sustained in the stampede General Santos City bombings, by the government to amend the viction that every human life, from minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris, to escape the packed gymnasium. but military and police doubt the present penal code which pro- the moment of its conception until who is now minister of constituBy May 3, police had arrested claim, saying it could be just a hibits abortion, in order to permit death, demands total respect and tional affairs in the new ruling five people, ages 14-17. "diversionary tactic." abortions on a limited, selective protection." government, proposed amendIn his May 2 statement, ArchJoint U.S. and Philippine basis, with regard to what are Citing the "Catechism of the ments to the penal code to legalise bishop Quevedo said the mas- counter-terrorism military exer- called 'special cases,'" read the Catholic Church," the statement abortion. sacre of innocent civilians is cises are targeting the extremists statement, which was signed by said human life is sacred as it Abortion is illegal in Sri Lanka "most terrible" and attacking on Basilan island, northwest of Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Marius involves from its beginning "the except to save the life of the mothchurches is even "more con- General Santos City. Peiris of Colombo, secretary gen- creative action of God." er.

Bishops oppose selective abortion

Chinese nuns get apology after advertisement deemed insulting Xl'AN, China (UCAN) - A disco-bar and a newspaper that ran an advertisement of waitresses dressed as Catholic nuns have apologised to the local Church after government intervention and protests from Catholics in northwestern China. The owner of the Rock n' Roll Bar City in Xi'an city, Shaanxi province, apologised in person to Bishop Anthony Li Du'an of Xi'an and the nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent April 17 In mid-April, the Church in Xi'an formally lodged a complaint with the government after confirming that the disco abused the Page 14

Image of nuns to solicit customers, seriously damaging the image of Catholic nuns. The Religious Affairs Bureau, Civil Affairs Bureau, Cultural Bureau, Public Security Bureau and two other government commissions intervened on behalf of the Church. The incident also caught the attention of the head office of Catholic organisations in Beijing. Anthony Liu Bainian, vice president of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, phoned Church authorities in Xi'an to inquire about the matter. Since April 10, the disco bar hung a large poster on its

entrance with a caption "Sisters Go Crazy" The poster depicted a curly-haired young woman in a nun's habit with a rosary on her waist leaning cross-legged and in high heel shoes. The disco also advertised in the local paper. The caption on its advertisement asks, "Have you ever seen 'nuns' on the dance floor? And have you ever been to the Notre Dame in Paris? A gorgeous convent with every one of those beautiful and wild 'nuns' who will lustrously show up at the Rock n' Roll Bar City." On April 15, Sister Li Zhenzhu of Xi'an diocese saw six women wearing nuns'

habits at the disco entrance drawing male customers inside. "It is the gravest insult in my life," she told UCA News April 30. "What the disco did has seriously hurt our dignity and feelings, even though they claimed to have no such intention," she noted. "We sent lay-people disguised as customers to the disco. They described the inside as decorated with Church symbols, including a big cross, angels and the Blessed Mother. Many habit-wearing waitresses were fluttering around customers," she said.

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Peter Rosengren PO Box 75, Leederville, WA, 6902 587 Newcastle Street, West Perth, WA. 6005. Phone: (08) 9227 7080. Fax (08) 9227 7087 e-mail: cathrec@iinet.net.au Publisher. Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth. The Record, established in 1874, is distributed to Catholic churches, presbyteries. religious houses and subscribers throughout the Archdiocese of Perth and the Dioceses of Geraldton, Bunbury and Broome. Advertising rates Display: $6.60 col cm (GST included) Classifieds: $3.30 a line (GST included) Tuesday, first mail. Deadlines: Editorial: Booking: Monday midday. Advertising: Copy: Tuesday midday. Member: Aust Catholic Press Association: Aust Religious Press Association. The Record follows the Holy Spirit's teaching at the Second Vatican Council on the role of the Catholic print media. The Record will not return copy or photographs submitted for publication unless specifically requested in writing upon submission. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted and to edit such material for clarity and brevity without recourse to the author.

Prof. Fels at fund-raiser Professor Allan Fels • the head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, will deliver a fundraising lecture at the Perth Parmelia Hotel for the Edmund Rice Centre next Thursday, May 16. He will speak on the future of competition policy, with special reference to the professions and business in WA. Professor Fels was educated at St Louis School, Claremont, the Jesuit College which merged with Loreto, Claremont, to form John XXIII College.

He went on to study at UVVA and later at Duke University in the US. He has become a key figure in the regulation of business in Australia since taking up his present role seven years ago. Tickets for the function ($35 each) can be reserved by contacting Peter Harney at the Edmund Rice Centre on 9239 5541. Based at Notre Dame University, the Edmund Rice Centre promotes widespread student involvement in community service projects as well as offering courses on social justice and other issues.

Protest rally at Parliament House A protest rally to mark the fourth anniversary of the legalisation of the killing of unborn children in Western Australia will be held on the steps of Parliament House on Thursday 23 May at 12 noon. Pro-life Members of Parliament will be among those attending and speaking at the event, which has been organised by the WA Coalition for the Defence of Human Life. Since abortion's legalisation approximately 32,000 unborn children have been killed in Western Australia.

Rally organisers have called all those who oppose abortion to attend, saying the event will be to demonstrate support for the right to life of all human beings and to oppose plans for national laws to permit destruction of human embryos for research and experimentation. The CDHL is an alliance of more than 20 community organisations campaigning for the official protection of human life at all its stages, Including the reversal of the 1998 legislation enacted in WA.

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ALL areas. Mike Murphy 1800 016 310 (free call).

MAY 6 - 14 Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference. Sydney Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton 9

National Workshop on Preventing Alcohol Related Harm in Australia - Rev Fr Kevin Cronin

15

Mass of Thanksgiving (RCIA), Bateman Parish Bishop Sproxton

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Presentation of Youth Book to Year 12 students at Santa Maria College - Archbishop Hickey Opening of new premises for Centrecare Skills Training at Midland - Bishop Sproxton

17

Mass and Presentation of Youth Book to Year 12 students for St Brigid's College - Archbishop Hickey Institution of Acolytes. Northam - Bishop Sproxton

18

Confirmation, Floreat - Emeritus Bishop Healy

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Confirmation, Claremont . Rev Fr Tim Corcoran VG Confirmation, Doubleview - Mgr Michael Keating Confirmation, Northam - Bishop Sproxton Confirmation. Queens Park - Rev Fr Greg Carroll Mass of Pentecost Sunday, St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey Preach at "Churches Together" Service, Karrinyup Archbishop Hickey Pentecost Conference Mass for Catholic Charismatic Renewal - Emeritus Bishop Healy

19-23 Clergy Seminar - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

Archdiocesan Panorama BULLSBROOK PILGRIMAGE Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation. 36 Chittering R d. Bullsbrook on Trinity Sunday, May 26. There will be Holy Rosary at 2pm followed by Holy Mass a t 2.30pm. Celebrant: Emeritus Bishop Peter Quinn. All are welcome. Bus transport: 9277 5378. Information: SACRI on 9447 3292. BULLSBROOK HEALING MASS Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation. 36 Chittering R d, Bullsbrook. Holy Mass is celebrated for the physical and spiritual healing of the sick on May 1 2. Reconciliation and Holy Rosary in the Shrine at 2pm. Mass at 2.30pm followed by the blessing of the sick and the anointing of the seriously ill. The reliquary containing a piece of the rock on which the Virgin stood at the Grotto Tre Fontane will be on view. Inquiries: SACRI on 9447 3292. ANNIVERSARY MASS An Anniversary Mass for Sister Irene McCormack who died in Peru on May 21, 1991 will be held at 7pm. Tuesday 21 May, in St Joseph's Convent Chapel, York Street, South Perth. PENTECOST EVENTS The CCR State Service Committee issues an invitation for two events. Pentecost Vigil Service on Sat May 18, 7.30-10.30pm at Holy Spirit Church, Keaney Place, City Beach. Before the Blessed Sacrament exposed; prayer and praise, quiet prayer and reflection. Mass at 8pm. Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 1pm at the Bethel Centre, 236 Railway Pde, West Leederville (enter from Cambridge St). Praise, witnessing, ministry teaching, Mass (3.45pm) followed by sausage sizzle. R ARE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE The Perth Oratorio Choir will join the University of WA Choral Society on Saturday May 25, at 7.30pm in Winthrop Hall, at the University of Western Australia for a performance of The Seasons by Haydn.Tickets can be obtained from the Octagon Theatre, from a choir member or at the door. PRAYER SERVICE A Prayer Service against sickness and evil is held on May 12, 2.30-4.30pm at St John's ProCathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth. Inquiries: Fr John 9361 2000. HOLY HOUR FOR THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT A Holy Hour for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rosary and Benediction) will be held at St John's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth on Sun May 19 from 10.30 to 11.30am (after 9am Mass). Celebrant: Fr Michael Rowe. Morning tea will be served in the hall under the Mercy Convent chapel (Mercedes College). All are welcome. The Devotees of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. C ARMELITE MONASTERY - FINAL PROFESSION The public are invited to join the Carmelite community and the Cavanagh family for the Final Profession of Sister Caroline Cavanagh. which will take place at the Carmelite Monastery, Adelma Rd, Nedlands, during a concelebrated Mass on Friday May 24 (the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians), at 10.30am. Archbishop Hickey will be the Principal Celebrant of the Mass. Light refreshments will follow. THE LAYMAN'S HOUR Who are the Schoenstatt sisters and what do

they do in their worldwide network of shrines? Listen to Sister Lisette! Who are the Knights of the Southern Cross and what do they do to bring new life into Archdiocesan Faith education projects? Listen to Chris Hunt, too! The Layman's Hour with Raymond and Theresa de Souza (Radio Fremantle, 107.9 FM Sun 12 May at 7.30 PM). Ring 9494 2100 to ask your questions. CHILDREN PRAYING FOR CHILDREN Bring your children to St Mary's Cathedral for a holy hour led by children who pray for the unborn who are murdered every day in Australia's abortion mills. Sun 26 May at 2pm at St Mary's Cathedral. Catholic primary schools are particularly encouraged to attend in great numbers. C ATHEDRAL YOUTH FORUM A fter the success of the first Cathedral Youth Forum last month, young folks in Perth who are proud of being Catholic are invited to participate in the second Cathedral Youth Forum to discuss the implementation of the Archbishop's 10-point plan to revitalise the Archdiocese. All Welcome! Come to the Legion of Mary Headquarters, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. Tuesday 28 May at 7pm and hear about the works of the various youth groups in Perth. Organised by the Cathedral Knights and St Gabriel Communications. Inquiries: 9202 1300. M AJELLAN MAY RETREAT The Retreat will be held May 17-19 at St Joseph's Convent, Penguin Rd, Safety Bay and will be given by Fr Steve Truscott. The cost is S80 and a deposit of S20 or the full amount to be forwarded to Mrs Glenis Ottaway. 164 Leake St, Belmont 6104. Phone 9277 5652. NEXT DAY WITH MARY Holy Name parish, 54 Solar Way, Carlisle, Saturday May 18, 9am-5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A powerful day of prayer and instruction based upon the message of Fatima. Solemn Mass, Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, two talks. Rosary, Meditations on the Cross. All very welcome. Please BYO, inquiries, Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate 9574 5204. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Celebrated on May 13 in St Patrick's Basilica, Fremantle, at 7pm with Solemn High Mass, Sermon. Candle Procession, Benediction. All Welcome. PRAYER VIGIL A peaceful prayer vigil with Rosaries and hymns is made outside the abortion clinic at 2 Cleaver Tce every third Saturday of each month, from 11am to 12 noon. The next vigil will be on Saturday May 18. Please join us. For inquiries ring Colin 9409 4543. PERSONAL ADVOCACY SERVICE ANNUAL STREET APPEAL Friday May 24, from 7am to 6pm. Personal Advocacy promotes the value and dignity of people with intellectual disability and enables them to participate in the local parish community. Collectors and general helpers are urgently required. If you can volunteer an hour or two of your time on Friday May 24. in Perth Central Business District or Fremantle. we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Maria Dumitro on 9275 5388.

Page 15

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Actor Lou Ferrigno, star of the 1970s' "Incredible Hulk" series, gestures during taping of an interview for the "Christopher Closeup" television series. FerTigno, who is known in Hollywood as the "gentle giant," discussed his Catholic upbringing. Photo. CNS/Reuters

ou Ferrigno is impossible to miss when he walks into a room. A giant of a man, he is surprisingly soft-spoken and modest. The star of the long-running TV series, "The Incredible Hulk," was born with more than an 85 percent hearing loss and endured constant taunting from his peers as a child in Brooklyn. In an interview with Msgr. Jim Lisante for the internationally syndicated TV series "Christopher Closeup," Ferrigno said he found refuge in his family, faith and a passion for bodybuilding, which have provided the solid foundations on which he has built his life. When he was young, his family would gather around the dinner table every night at 6:30 p.m. "There was unity regardless of fighting or getting along or the emotional goings-on in the house," the actor said. -That's part of the unity of a close family." His parents knew this and it was at those meals that Lou found support, learning from his mother the value of compassion and from his father the value of confidence. "My father told me to never feel sorry for myself," he said. That wasn't easy. As a student, he experienced a fair share of teasing because of his disability and he switched schools several times. After an unsuccessful stint in public school, he returned to Catholic school where he received a standing ovation from his former classmates. "I was under the assumption I would be rejected again, but my teacher showed me that people loved me and welcomed me back," he recalled. Acknowledging that children can be cruel, Ferrigno noted that some of his former tormentors became his friends. "Kids mature," he said. "Today I stress that kids stay away from the drugs and deal with fitness. Working out makes you feel good about your-

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self." Explaining why he developed himself so much physically, he said, "I learned the only way for me to survive was to become best friends with my body. Exercise and fitness gave me discipline, determination and motivation." It was through this intense passion for bodybuilding that he found himself competing as a professional in the mid-1970s against Arnold Schwarzenegger. His accomplishments led directly to the 'The Incredible Hulk" title role. He reprised the role in three TV movies and since then has appeared in several films and television programs. He even returned to professional competition in the early '90s. Today he enjoys a recurring role as himself on "The King of Queens" on CBS. Despite show business success, Ferrigno's main priority is his wife Carla and their children. "Everything else is secondary," he said, attributing the success of his marriage of more than 20 years to open communication. "We tell each other everything. We give each other moral support and we're honest and truthful. My wife Is my best friend." As a father, Ferrigno tries in some ways to replicate the Catholic upbringing he feels was so beneficial to him. In addition to sending their children to Catholic schools, he and his wife have emphasised the importance of prayer. "I really believe that saying prayers and eating dinner together is so important." he said. "In school, the message is reinforced that it's important to pray and giv( thanks and to pray for other people as well." Despite being primarily remembered for his role as a raging monster, Ferrigno's reputation in Hollywood is that of a gentle giant. "Ihave nothingI want to prove," he said. "I'm in touch with myself like myself, and I'm at peace with myself. That's what life is all about."

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