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Catholic school opens its heart to refugees US Bishops warn against an attack on Iraq calling it unjustified page 13 HOLIDAY MOVIE GUIDE The best viewing for your kids - Page 14
Refugee children mix in with their classmates at St. Cecilia's Catholic School its Pat Malawi
The Port Hedland Catholic school has been accepting refugees into its classrooms and it's having a great effect on everyone. By Neil Smith
T
l'n refugee children from the Port Hedland detention centre are attending the St Cecilia's Catholic School. In what is seen as a breakthrough in the treatment of refugee families in detention centres, the children ranging from kindergarten to Year 10 have been assimilating well with Australian children, in classrooms and in the playground. They are also included in the school's representative sports teams, taking part
What some scientists don't want you to know about embryonic stem cells - page 11
in inter-school events. Australian children have received the refugees with a warm welcome, and the refugees have mixed well with the Australians. They have taken part in a school camp excursion to Broome. 800kms to the north: In a school sports carnival in Karratha. 240km to the south, and two of them have accompanied other students to Perth for a school expedition, where they stayed overnight in a suburban hotel. The Catholic schools in Derby and at Maribyrnong in Victoria have also been taking part in the program, although since the closure of the Curtin Centre outside of Derby, that has discontinued. and Marihymong is understood to be on a part time basis. St Cecilia's principal, Tony Chinnock. said the ptilgram there had started just before the end of term one this year. He said all of the refugee children had
been in detention centres in Port Hedland. Derby and elsewhere longer than he had been principal at Port Hedland - 'and that's two years.' The school's parent and teacher body had received the program well. 'There has been one abusive phone call - and on a school principal's terms, that is miniscule.' Originally there had been 11 refugee children, but one had succeeded in obtaining a visa and had gone to live with an uncle in Sydney. The successful visa recipient had been classified as 'unaccompanied' - he had no parents or adult relatives at the detention centre. The other children Australian and refugee - had missed the boy who went to Sydney. but had rejoiced in his good fortune, and had sent him away with farewell gifts and books. Continued Page 2
Billings receive international award internationally acclaimed Aus- award in front of doctors from 30 counI tralian bioethicists. Doctors John tries. They attended the congress en and Evelyn Billings have received route to China where they have been
another accolade from their peers. Delegates at the International Feder ation of Catholic Doctors' Congress (FIAMC) in Seoul, Korea. in early September presented them with the federation's international award for outstanding service to medicine and society . It is the highest achievement award for Catholic doctors. Mr and Mrs Billings, who developed the natural family planning methods adopted by4he Church. received their
working with authorities in the past few years highlighting their family planning methods. The secretary and immediate past president of the Catholic Doctors' Association in Western Australia, Dr Michael Shanahan attended the congress as the national delegate. He said it was further international recognition of their work and achievements. See full round up of the FIAMC congress on pages 10 and 11.
*wars Fray" andMa Maw
26 September, 2002
No. 3328
Re'cord
Refugee children blend in (Continued from page 1)
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It was hoped that more refugees would be joining the school's student body soon. Students attending the St Cecilia's secondary campus walk 15 metres across the road from the detention centre opposite. Those attending the primary school campus travel in a mini bus the 5kms from the centre to school. Mr Chinnock said initially a guard had escorted the secondary students, but now he stood at the gate as they walked across the road. The children - all boys apart from one very young girl in kindergarten - wear the school's lemon coloured uniform. It was hoped that some of the new students expected in the future would include girls, and some of those would be bound to wear the Muslim garb. However, he hoped there would Refugee children with their classmates at St Cecilia's in Port Hedland be more than one in Muslim robes g Fain. Mr Chinnock said that Sydney. .111(1 11, ix ter, at Port Augusso as to avoid the *stare factors when he first mooted the scheme, ta In South Australia. Mr Chinnock said the children approvals had to be obtained from He said the new Baxter centre included a mix of origins, with Immigration Department officials built to replace Curtin and some from Middle Eastern coun- In Canberra. Woomera, had its own school tries and some from Sri Lanka. However, generally speaking, facilities within the perimeter, but Many were Christian, but those departmental officials and execu- the Port Hedland program had of one family of Middle Eastern tives of the Australasian Correc- shown it was important for the origin belonged to a sect that tional Management company - children to move outside the believed John the Baptist to he the the private company hired by the perimeter. true messiah, and there were Australian government to overAn important part of the Port some Muslims. seer the detention centres - had Hedlund program was that the Some of those currently attend- been pleased in the changes refugee children had at least a ing Port Hedland had originally brought about in the children and basic knowledge of English. attended the Catholic school in their families. If the scheme is to be extended. Derby. Mr Chinnock said it was hoped It would he an advantage to None of the State schools in the the scheme could be extended to involve multi-lingual teachers. Mr region are taking part in the pro- other centres at Villawood. In Chinnock said.
MEDITATION CD by Norma Woodcock
Scriptural - pproved by the Bishops ((;uided imagery - imagine you are there in the scene with Jesus) 3 Meditations on 3 Gospel Scenes • Testis walks on the water & with Him Peter GUIDED IMAGLRY • 'the Prodigal Son • The Woman with the haemorrage This CD provides a highly effective means of connecting with Jesus. As Iimagine Him present in the Gospel scene of long ago. become mom aware of Ills presence with me now." Fr John Prendiville SI \, Order your CD from: The Centre for Catholic Spiritual Development IGNATIAN IMAGINATIVE METHOD and Prayer. PO Box 696. Applecross WA 6153. &why Ph 08 9487 1772. Fax 08 9330 2955. Price CD $29.95 plus $2 postage (Aust) Mrt c ,:lvaientic•I approval. Mso available at CD retailers and Bookshops
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ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL WYNDHAM St Joseph's School is located on the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia's most northerly town. Wyndham has a population of approximately 1000 and is situated less than an hour's drive from Kununurra. St Joseph's School caters mainly for Indigenous children and has an enrolment of 90 students from Kindergarten - Year 7. The school is very much a part of the parish and although the parish priest is based in Kununurra, weekly liturgical celebrations are available. At St Joseph's School, class and school masses are celebrated regularly and the Catholic faith underpins all of the school's policies and practices. Strong ties exist between St Joseph's School and the wider community. Parents, staff, children and the Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (.ASSPA) Committee work together to ensure that every student at the school has the opportunity to succeed; a school 'attendance policy' has been one of the results of this cooperation. The school participates in the Kimberley Literacy Program and Aboriginal Studies is a very important part of the curriculum. The successful applicant will take up the position on 1 January 2003.
587 Newcastle Street, West Perth, WA 6005 PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 or find us on the web www.therecord.com. au Editor cathrec@iinet.net.a Classifieds/ Advertising mattesrec@iinet.n au Accounts caroler @ iinet.net.au
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Catholif Lineation Constnission Western Anstralia
Applicants need to be actively involved in the Catholic Church and he experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational. pastoral and administrative competencies together with an appr MiTtiMUM tertiary qualification and will have complete,i OT its equivalent qualification to teach Religious Education. A currc-: Australian Federal Police Clearance must accompany the application. Official application forms are available from Martin Loney, Consultant, Leadership Team, on 9212 9268 or Email: loney.martin@cathednet. wa.edu.au Official application forms should be addressed to The Director, Catholic Education Office, PO Box 198, Leederville WA 6903 and he lodged no later than Friday II October 2002. Website: witvw .cempa. perth . catholic .ed.u.au
Black's medal honours school Brisbane Lions' midfielder Simon Black, chosen this week as the 2002 Brownlow Medal winner, was one of the key players in a Perth Catholic college's halcyon days in football championships in 1995-96. Simon, and his closest school chum, Nathan Cicerello - now a star with East Fremantle in the WAH. competition were members of Corpus Christi College's all conquering teams in the Quit Cup in 1905 and 1996, and in the state championships of all WA schools in 1995. Ills Corpus Christi coach, Peter Frusher, said Simon MIS a great footballer and also excelled as a great athlete. lie spent all but one year of his high school career at Corpus Christi - he attended Aquinas in Year 9. Mr Frusher, a decorated WA111. umpire, said he had no hesitation in recommending Simon US a player for East Fremantle in the early stages of his career. *We don't get to make recommendations for the AFL - or to do any talent spotting for them - but it WiLS plain Simon and Nathan would excel," Mr Frusher said. Ile added Simon was a good student, and often returned to visit the school • tistially at the eild of the SOELSOIL. altla nigh ixim in \ Iowa Isa, in northwest Queensland, was raised in Perth. Mount !ski is claiming him as one of their sporting elite - which includes Pat Rafter, the tennis player. and golfer. Greg Norman. However, WA football pundits don't
hesitate to say he is the state's fifth Brownlow winner after Graham Moss (1976), Ross Glendinning (1983). Brad Hardie (1985) and Shane Woewodin (2(XX)).
Speak Up award Ben Caddy, a Year 7 student at St Paul's Catholic school in Mt Lawley. has won the annual Speak Up award for the second consecutive year. Organised by the Penguin Clubs of WA. Speak Up is open to Years 6 and 7 students from State and private schools. Organisers said it was the first time in its15 years that the metropolitan Speak UP award had been won in successive years by one stu-
dent. There were 179 entrants this year and the standard was considered to be the highest ever. The final was held before an audience of more than 200 last week The focus of the award is participation rather than competition as senior primary students are encouraged to develop their ability to express themselves. The Bunbury section of Speak Up was won last month by Brenda Evans of Leschenault Catholic primary school.
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NORBERTINE CAN NS ORDER OF CANONS REGULAR OF PREMONTRE finding unity with the brethren on the way to God ... If you would like to know more about life as a Norbertine priest or bmther. please contact: Fr Peter f Stiglich. 0.Praem. St Joseph's Priory PO Box 354 Cannington WA 6987 Telephone: (08) 9458 2729 Email: norbertaiinetnetan
community l iturgy ministry
26 September, 2002
Knights' $20,000 gift goes to Ufelink
T
housands of Catholics have been attracted to return to the Church after visits to Rockingham to see the weeping Madonna statue. Rockingham parish priest, Father Finbarr Walsh, said hundreds had already asked for reconciliation They have been standing pressed three deep in the aisle outside the confessionals. A fortnight ago, the press of peo-
T
he State President of the Knights of the Southern Cross, Chris Hunt, and executive officer Neville Ward visited Archbishop Barry Hickey and Auxiliary Bishop Don Spmxton recently to donate $20,000 to the likelink Foundation. The gift takes the Knights' contribution to $35,000 of a long term pledge of $75,000. The total already given or pledged to the Foundation is nearly S3 million. The LifeLink Foundation is a capital project established by Archbishop Hickey three years ago to raise at least $5 million to provide the core income for the welfare and social service agendes supported by the Archdiocese. The Foundation is an a.ss1.111111LA: that the Catholic Church will continue its commitment to people in need in Western Australia. Knights president Chris Hunt described the Foundation as ideal for corporate organisations planning their philanthropic programs because the LifeLink organisations provided such wide-ranging services to the West Australian community. It was Catholic in name and catholic in nature because the sertvices are provided to people of all creeds
ple wanting reconciliation was so great, three priests from elsewhere in the Metropolitan area
Archbishop Hickey and Bishop Sproxton receive the Knights' cheque from Chris Hunt and Neville Ward.
or none. The annual LifeLink appeals raise about $500.000 for the on-going expenses of the LifeLink agencies. The archdiocese contributes about $1 million a year in cash and resources to these agencies which provide professional caring services to 48,500 individuals and families annually in WA. As well as being supported by parishes, parishioners, organisations and businesses, LtkeLink is widely supported in Catholic
New Book Release! I the Lord Am With You Always
schools. It provides an excellent vehicle for students of all ages to learn about the Church's works of charity and to develop their own generosity through class and school fundraising and volunteer projects. The Archbishop's Christmas LifeLink appeal will be the next major opportunity for people to contribute, but donations can be made at any time of the year. Gifts over $2 either to the appeal or the Foundation are tax deductible.
visiting the Rockingham church had volunteered to join two local Priests so that five were hearing confessions simultaneously. On that weekend more than 6000 people attended the viewing times on the Saturday and Sunday. A viewing time held on Friday in earlier weeks was cancelled because of the conflict of traffic with parents picking up children from the adjacent school. Last weekend's wind and rain kept many people away, and two priests had each heard confessions for two hours. Fr Walsh said viewings, with recitations of the Rosary. have again been scheduled for this weekend, providing the statue is still weeping. Father Walsh said on Tuesday the statue had now been weeping continuously for 39 days - since August 14. 'But who knows how long it will continue." Fr Walsh said. -The weeping Madonna statue of Syracuse wept for only four days," he said. The parish was receiving hun-
The Ihre,.:tot ot the Catholic Liu,ation Otte invites arrhcations tot the position of consultant in the Catechist Service. The Catechist Service offers support and formation to parish catechists who provide Religious Education for Catholic students not in Catholic schools. The successful applicant will have: • teaching qualifications and experience; • skills in designing and conducting inservices, workshops and courses relating to Religious Education for primary aged children; • the capacity to work with volunteer adults from a variety of backgrounds; • the ability to work collaluatively with a small cohesive team; and • significant studies in the areas of Theology, Scripture and Religious Education. The successful applicant must be actively involved in the Catholic Church and committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic Religious Education.
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A job description. including the selection criteria and an official application form, may be obtained from Jenny Stores on 9/11 9257 or email: wares.jenny@cathednet.uu.edu.au. Enquiries mewling die position shosiki be directed to Dr Pnia Ford, Coordinator, Catedist Service Team on 9111 9256. Official application forms should be addressed to The Director, Catholic Echication Office. PO Box 198. Leedenille WA 6903 and be lodged no later than Fridar_t 18 October. Websive wine.ceoun.fierth _catholic .edicau
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&yds of requests for samples of the oil from the statue's tears from people who were sick or disabled. or wanted to help family, friends and neighbours who were. 'People are writing to the parish from all parts of Australia. and overseas, requesting samples of the oil. We send them a sample on a small ball of cotton wool.' he said.
CATECHIST SERVICE
This book ... contains a wealth of prayers. thoughts and meditations, all centred around the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament It is a privilege for us to be able to spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. During those precious moments we sense Jesus' tremendous love for us. We bring to Him our joys and our sorrows, we talk to Him about the needs of those around us, and we ask for that deep conversion of the heart and mind that will make us one with Him ... I commend this book to all, especially to those who have rediscovered the beauty and joy of Eucharistic adoration. . . Most Rev. B. J. Hickey - Archbishop of Perth
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The weeping statue.
CONSULTANT
-The Eucharist is at the heart of our life as Catholics and adoration of the Eucharist has been and continues to be an unrivalled source of grace and support for all who seek to follow Christ faithfully. I the Lord Am With You Always is a wonderful collection of prayers, meditations and reflections on the reality of Our Lord in the Eucharist. I am sure it will be a great aid to prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Most Rev. Dr. George Pell - Archbishop of Sydney
Prayers and Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration
Weeping Madonna attracting Catholics to return to Church
Catholic Etracirt ion aim tit joiner nt I I'ester-a .4 nstratio
collie Catholic College, iocated 200 kilometres southwest of Perth, is a primary school of approximately 160 students. The pitm few years have seen significant changes in the school and an extensive building piogi am, robe completed in Term 12003, will result in the school being relocated to a larger site. The school enjoys a strong and positive relationship with the Parish and is supported by an enthusiastic and dynamic Parents and Friends' Association. A hallmark of Catholic education in Collie is the strong commitment to outcomes focussed learning, accompanied by an effective intervention program that identifies students experiencing difficulties. Applicants need to be actively involved in the Catholic Church and be experienced educators committed to the objectives arid ethcs of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification and will have completed Accreditation B or its equivalent. A current Australian Federal Police Clearance must accompany the application. The successful candidate will take up the position at the commencement of 2003. Official application forms are available from Martin Loney, Consultant, Leadership Tears, on 9212 9268 or ErnaiLloney.martin@catherbiet.wa.edu.au Official application farms should be addressed to The Director, Catholic Education Office. PO Box 198, Leedervilk WA and be lodged no later than Friday 11th October 2002. Weiszte: ceoun.perch.catholic .edu Page 3
26 September, 2002
Record 11
H ords WJSiM
with Tony Evans
A
s readers of this column may have observed, the quotations are eclectic. They bounce around the centuries, and follow no prescribed rules. Most, though not all of them, are from Catholic writers of the last century, a period most rich in Catholic literature, now sadly neglected. It is also a very personal choice and not confined solely to Catholic writers: wisdom can be found in unexpected places. This is by way of excusing this week's choice which is from a well-known personality, an art historian and international figure, sympathetic to Christianity. but most likely an agnostic. One of the finest -ever television series known to my generation and shown several times during the so-called 'golden age' of television was Sir Kenneth Clark's 'Civilisation' . It has become a classic and is now a reference work available in most university libraries and art schools. Clark, the presenter, delivered an urbane, illuminating and objective history of Western civilisation through its art and architecture. Throughout the series he remained admirably objective and revealed little of his own beliefs and prejudices. Only in the final episode 13 did he allow himself to express his own personal feelings. I found these so moving and so beautifully expressed (they are reprinted in the book of the series) that I committed them to memory: "I hold a number of beliefs that have been repudiated by the liveliest intellects of our time. I believe that order is better than chaos, creation better than destruction. "I prefer gentleness to violence, forgiveness better than vendetta. On the whole I think that knowledge is preferable to ignorance, and I am sure that human sympathy is more valuable than ideology. I believe that in spite of the recent triumphs of science, men haven't changed much in the last two thousand years: and in consequence we must still try to learn from history. History is ourselves. "I also hold one or two beliefs that are more difficult to put shortly. For example I believe in courtesy, the ritual by which we avoid hurting other people's feelings by satisfying our own egos. And I think we should remember that we are part of a great whole, which for convenience we call nature. All living things are our brothers and sisters. Above all. I believe in the God-given genius of certain individuals, and I value a society that makes their existence possible."
Page 4
er or later answers begin to be found. I had ey, I'm been rejecting a friend's invitation to attend Megan, his Catholic Youth Group for about 6 months. I'm 23 As I was always busy doing other things Ihad and up until this plenty of excuses not to go. But he persisted, year I lived in Canberra with and eventually I gave in and went along to a my parents and 2 weekend the group was organising. The younger brothweekend was in late '95, and I went along as ers. I also have 3 the year 10 girl with her impressive -resume older sisters who all set to impress. ee tz lived close by. It wasn't far into the weekend. after I met Growing up, us Have a conversion story some genuine people who were interested in kids were always getting to know the real Megan, that I disto tell? expected to covered my 'resume' had quite a few cracks Send it to attend Mass, and In it and that really it didn't have any resemparents our blance to the worth instilled in me. On this The Record, passed down to weekend, through the young people I met, I Megan PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902, us the teachings discovered that I had worth because I was or by email: cathrecg iinet.net.au of our faith. made and loved by God. t ogether with a picture of yourself. My parents exemplified through their love SomethingIhad heard practically my entire Maximum 450 words to me the importance of God in their lives. life suddenly took a new meaning for me. It To question why we went to Mass or why we meant *Megan, you don't have to perform, held hands for grace never really entered my an eye on my sisters. That year I was hOUSe captain, on the stu- nor do you have to imitate others to feel mind: these were just things my family did. worthwhile, you are predous becauseImade As I grew older I soon enough realised that dent council, involvcs1 in representative net- you with love.* not everyone in high school still went to Mass ball, achieving good marks in school and Other things I also learnt took on a deeper or even said grace, but I decided I would. I hanging out with a very dose knit group of meaning - Jesus died to bring me back into figured one hour to God a week wasn't going friends. Looking back now, I see that time as putting my Father's love, and through Him I can disto interfere with my life too much. cover who I'm really meant to become that There was also the fact that I saw how much together my *Personal Resume", not to got is - a woman of God. And in truth, over time jobs receive rt,cognition though but to anti to my Mum was affected by some of my sisters I did receive answers to my searching choosing not to go to Mass. Looking back show myself that I had worth as I had thoughts - the people in my life, my family now, this was probably the only area I didn't achieved like my sisters had achieved. Reflecting today, I can see that I got lost in and others, and circumstances which come follow them: in everything else though I and go; all these, and more, are tools God looked up to them, jotting down mentally doing things I felt I had to do. not wanted to uses to mold me into the woman He desires There as do. was never much time to be me their achievements at school, in sport, with me to become. All of these aspects of my life their friends, so that when I reached the same I had such high expectations of myself: and lie planned for me before time. succeedfelt never always that course I of I age I would be as good as them or even betAfter that weekend retreat. I lived my life ed. ter. totally different. No longer was I performing remember can one I RE class, sitting I wanted to receive the recognition they absorbed in my thoughts and questioning for or attempting to prove myself to anyone. I received, and in some way stand out amongst the first time, why on earth am I here? Why began to unravel those things peculiar to me. them instead of being the last one out of the do I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers? Why am I studied courses that interested me, I played four liekher girls to accomplish anything. I the fourth child and why am I sitting in this sport that I loved and enjoyed and I continFrom about year 8. I was often comparing ued with the Catholic Youth Group %vhere the RE class right now? myself to each of my sisters. All the big meaning of life questions rushed thing we had most in common was our love One was the determined goal-setter, one through my mind: but of courseI just thought and friendship with Jesus. was a great athlete, one achieved high results they were stupid thoughts and so shrugged lbday living interstate evangelising to youth academically and then there was - the them off. through serving on the Disciples Youth Misone who set about trying to break their This was the first time I can remember sion Team. what I've seen God unravel is a records. searching for some sort of peace, some sort woman, gifted only by Him, beginning to By the time year 10 rolled around (the final of answer that would give me reason to live appreciate more and more the person she is. year at my high school) I was living a very as Megan, and not as anyone else God had Now live my life with peace. freedom and frantic life, pressuring myself to do well in created. hope knowing that through God I'm meant anything and everything as well as keeping It's interesting how when you search soon- to he in Him - I'm meant to he me.
nversion ties...
Zear Vire )-1 Don't be afraid of asking Fr TIM DEETER a dffficult question. Send yours to: Dear Padre, PO Box 75 Leederville, WA 6902 Q. Can we share Holy Commu- Catholic teaching. hut it seems to nion with other Christians? be more and more the case that a variety of beliefs about those teachA. I will first let Cardinal Cormac ings are allowed to coexist within Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop those groups, which means they of Westminster and Primate of Eng- aren't even united within themland and Wales. answer that `Not selves. yet. We cannot have indiscriminate Eucharistic sharing until we 'Not yet. We cannot have have the same faith.' indiscriminate Eucharistic But don't all Christians have the sharing until we have the same faith? Unfoitunately, no. We are united in several areas: faith in same faith,,' God; faith in Jesus Christ: accep(Yes, the Catholic Church has its tance of baptism. the Bible, the life dissenters, but steps am taken to of grace, the virtues (faith, hope, rectify those situations because charity, and the gifts and fruits of they are recognised as being disthe Spirit), and other elements. But ruptive to doctrinal unity.) even in each of these areas them Then them am groups like the Bapare divisions. Not all who claim to tists who, despite their name, do be Christians believe in God as a not believe that sacramental bapTrinity of divine Persons: the Uni- tism is necessary for its members, tarians, Mormons, and Jehovah's while holding that it is essential to Witnesses come to mind. Those claim Jesus as one's personal Savgroups also do not profess belief in iour. The local parish church and Jesus Christ as God's only-begotten even the individual believer are Son: they have other ideas about supreme in terms of Bible interJesus as a 'son of God'. pretation and doctrinal formulaOther more traditional Christian tion. with overseeing bodies having denominations - Anglican Church. very limited or no real jurisdiction. Uniting Church. etc. - resemble the Most importantly, no Protestant Catholic Church in exterior things group has the same official doclike our form of worship. liturgical trine about the Eucharist as year, etc. Those churches have offi- Catholics do, namely that the bread cial teachings regarding the divini- and wine become the Body and ty of Christ the Virgin Birth. Christ's Blood of Christ. Individual Protespower to work miracles. His resur- tants may hold that Eucharistic .... rection, etc- which am the same as faith, and the Catholic Church
sometimes makes special provi- His Mystical Body on earth, sion for them in serious circum- and our union with ('airn-union') stances: but their denominations all that the Church teaches and do not teach what our Church believes teaches in this essential regard. As we come to the altar, the priest The Orthodox Churches am much or Eucharistic minister holds up closer to the Catholic Church on the saca-xl Host and prrxiaims to many articles of faith. Like us. they us: The Body of Christ.' We believe in seven sacraments (no respond in faith with the Hebrew other Christian denominations do), word 'Amen', meaning. 'surely'. particularly sharing with us our is so', or 'I ratify' (This. by the way, Eucharistic faith. Like us, they have Is why 'thank you' is an entirely great devotion to Our Lady and the inappropriate response at this saints (other Christian churches moment!) St Augustine of Hippo look upon this with suspicion). But (354-430) explained the power of even the Orthodox am separated that simple exchange: 'You hear from us when it conies to Catholic the words. 'The Body of Christ*. and doctrines like purgatory papal you respond 'Amen*. Thus you authority. and the defined truths of assent to what It truly is. but you the Immaculate Conception and also assent to what you yourselves the Assumption of Mary are - the Body of Christ. Therefore One of the main aims of the Sec- be a true member of that Body of ond Vatican Council of 1963-65 was Christ, that your *Amen* may be the promotion of Christian unity-. true.' (Sermon 272) Today, in many parts of the world, Some think that is would be more under the influence of the grace of hospitable to invite ever one to the Holy Spirit. many efforts are Holy Communion, but if we are being made in prayer, word and divided in our Eucharistic belief, action to attain that fullness of unity how can we? I can't receive bread which Jesus Christ desires. The and wine in a Uniting Church and sacred Council exhorts. therefore, say. `Hem it is a symbol of the Body all the faithful to recognise the signs and Blood of Christ', and then of the times and to take an active receive it in a Catholic Church and and intelligent part in the work of say. 'Here It truly is, in a mystical ecumenism.' (Unitatis Redintegra- but real way, the true Body and tio. the 1964 Decree on Ecumenism, Blood of Christ.' Ican't believe both 1:4) Having lived in the `Bible belt' things:Ihave to make a c.hoim. And of the United States for fourteen Ican't claim `communion' with othyears I am familiar with the Bap- ers when I disagree with them on tist concept of an `altar call'. This is fundamental doctrines: my 'Amen* a part of the service when. after an wouldn't be five. inspiring sermon by the pastor, What do we do? We must work for those who would like to commit unity. especially through selfthemselves to Christ are 'called' to renewal, but never force that unity come to the altar and make a pro- through hasty actions like an interfession of faith. communion that is devoid of docIn a way, the moment of Commu- trinal truth. Christian unity will nion is the 'altar call' for us come one day; Jesus promised it: Catholics. It is a moment to profess There shall be one flock and one our faith, not only in the Eucharist Shepherd'. (John 10:16b) We must Itself, hut in all that it signifies: trust the Holy Spirit to lead the Jesus as God's Son, the Church as entire Church into that truth.
1111 Re-cord
26 September, 2002
Pope in D prayer request
New Norcia legend dies short of 70th anniversay
J
ohn Paul II wrote a message to encourage prayer for the souls in purgatory, stressing the special need that the deceased have. The papal mes.sage, addressed to the Minim Sisters of Our lady of Suffrage, who are holding their general chapter in Rome, emphasised the Importance of the congregation's charism. That charism consists in remembering the profound communion between the living and the dead. In particular. the message published by the Vatican Press Office stressed -suffrage' for the souls in purgatory.' 'The first and highest form of charity for brothers is the ardent desire for their eternal salvation,' the Pope observed. 'Christian love knows no boundaries and goes beyond the limits of space and time, enabling us to love those who have already left this earth? he said. The Catechism of the Catholic Church. in numbers 1030 and 1031. says, in part: 'All who die In God's grace and Pope J01711 Paul II friendship. but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect.' The Holy Father also urged the religious to be 'tireless and joyful heralds of hope to the humanity of our time, which too often seems darkened by violence and injustice, enclosed in merely earthly horizons.' The Minim Sisters of Our Lady of Suffrage. founded by Italian Blessed Francesco Faa di Bruno (1825-1888). has 210 nuns and novices around the world. They see theirs as a mission 'to pray' (in union with Christ): 'to act' (in favor of men, especially the weak, poor and excluded): and 'to suffer' (in offering their life for the souls in purgatory). - Zenif
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Obituary
om Augustine Gozalo died at the age of 89 in the Mount St Camillus nursing home at Forrestfield on September 7, exactly one month short of his 70th anniversary of monastic profession. Born in his home village of Cabia near Burgos in Spain on April 20, 1913, he was given the baptismal name of Serviliano. After schooling with the Augustinian Friars, he joined their novitiate in Leganes near Madrid, but then moved to the Benedictines, and took the name Augustine as a novice at the abbey of Bellow in France, where at the age of 19 he made his first profession as a lay brother for New Norcia. From 1933 until two years before his death he was resident at New Norcia, except for six years of missionary work in Kalumburu. He served as storekeeper to the resident and local population for 18 years, and was Rector for seven years of St Mary's residence for Aboriginal boys. His greatest joy in that job was obtaining from the Lotteries Commission a bus to take the boys on holidays to the
Dom Augustine Gozalo
monastery's seaside properties at Dongara and Seabird. It was great to see a good representation of Aboriginal people at his funeral Mass in the Abbey Church and burial in the New Norcia Cemetery on September 12. For 14 years he acted as guide for visitors to the monastery's art collection. A dubiously reliable legend has it that he
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POSITION VACANT- DIOCESE OF BROOME
The Diocese of Broome invites applications for this full-time position. commencing January 2003.
DIOCESAN CONSULTANT AND PARISH PASTORAL ASSOCIATE The Diocesan Consultant would be a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Team, working closely with the Bishop and assisting him with Pastoral Planning in the Diocese. As the Parish Pastoral Associate the applicant would work cioseiy with the Broom,Parish Team setting suitable goals for the Parish and developing strategies to bring about those goals. re ra -7 and a full description of these roles es rec: e Bishop Christopher Saunders. Diocesan Office. PO Box 76. BROOME WA 6725 Telephone: (08) 9192 1060 Fax: (08) 9192 2136 Email: secretaryi4broomediocesesorg Written applications, including Curriculum Vitae. isting at least three referees. including one from a Parish Priest, should be forwarded to the above address. ilonlications close Friday 18th October.
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HIV/PASTORAL CARE CENTRE
PASTORAL CARE WORKER Archdio-
The Centre is an agency of the Catholic cese of Perth with support from the Sisters of St John of God Inc. It is committed to providing pastoral support to men, women and children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The main work of the Centre is to provide a daily drop-in facility. However, outreach via home and hospital visits is a component of the work. The sumr..ssful applicant will have: • Some formal pastoral training • The ability to be pastorally present to individuals and families • A high degree of communication skills • An understanding. acceptance and commitment of the Christian ethos of the Centre. Salary is comparable with the SACS Award, Level 3. Salary packaging is also available. Hours of work: 9am to 3pm. 4 days a week There is the possibility of job sharing. Selection criteria, job description and application form is available by telephoning Jennifer George on 9470 4931 or writing to: PO Box 73, Burswood WA 6100. Closing date: Monday 14 October 2002
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disapproved of its removal to a new site across the road, and went on showing bemused travellers the empty room where it had been, giving lyrical descriptions of the pictures that had formerly hung in the vacant spaces on the walls. For many years he was the cloister gardener, book-binder, and gatekeeper, and in that last capacity was popular with tourists, whose photograph albums all over the world contain portraits of his well-lined, smiling face. When the lay-brothers were integrated with the choir monks after the Second Vatican Council. Dom Augustine made his solemn profession in 1974. Devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and the holy rosary. he was always faithful to the Divine Office and the Eucharist. He never ceased to reminisce fondly of the great days when Fr Stephen Moreno presided over the music in the Abbey Church. From the early 1950s he enjoyed occasional visits to his family in Spain. He was the last member of his generation in the family. Two of his sisters had been nuns, one of them, Sr Benita, for a time the Superior of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters at New Norcia. They are survived by nephews and nieces in Spain.
NI11.111101 C AP101PC tAlt5ti
LAUNCESTCN
Catholic Parish of Launceston Archdiocese of Hobart Applications are invited for the newly created position of
PARISH PASIDRAL MINISTER to coordinate the formation of Neighbourhood Church Communities throughout the parish The position is full time. Selection criteria and a position description may he obtained contacting: The Parish Secretary,
44 Margaret Street, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250 Phone: 03 6331 4377 (10am - 3pm weekdays)
Applications close Friday 25th October, 2002
DIOCESAN YOUTH CO-ORDINATOR IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PRAYER GROUP
invites you, your family and friends to the celebration of our sixth anniversary. Sunday 6 October 2002 at 2.30pm Saints John and Paul Church Pinetree. Gully Road, Willetton. The afternoon will consist of Thanksgiving. Mass, Homily, Crowning of Our Lady Procession and Rosary. the celebration will conclude with a meal at about 5.30pm. Please bring a plate. (Rosary prayer booklet and scapular will he given to every family attending.
The Diocese of Broome is seeking an energetic person to fill the full-time role of Youth Co-ordinator for the Kimberley region. The position is based in Broome working with local youth to develop and deepen their faith life and involvement with the Church. A knowledge of the liturgy, a commitment to evangelisation and an openness to working with indigenous youth are essential. A love of the outdoors and musical ability would be an advantage. For further information please contact: Bishop Christopher Saunders Diocesan Office PO Box 76. BROOME WA. 6725 Telephone: (08) 91921060 Fax: (08) 9192 2136 Email: secretary@ broomediocese.org Written applications. including Curriculum Vitae listing at least three referees. including one from a Parish Priest, should be forwarded to the above address Applications close Friday 18th October 2002.
Page 5
Opinion
Page 6
Reflection
Say, I Say.. S
eptember 11 2001 may turn out to be an event that will shape the direction of the twenty-first century. When the four airline flights were hijacked that autumn morning there was an inrush of fear and terror. Live TV brought the attack into our homes and it caused us to tremble. We bore nothing of the anguish of the victims and all others present, still we saw it as it happened. Some of the scenes we saw were almost unbearable. Yet one year on we see that the stroke of terror triggered a flood of grace. When I look at the human outcomes of the terrorist attacks on September ii I see values uphold by Catholic Social Teaching. I saw people honouring the dignity of others in extreme distress. I saw people coming to the aid of total strangers, taking risks, taking responsibilities and serving the distraught. People were doing what they could do. There was a spontaneous outflow of compas.sion. That day many people experienced a demand on their existence. Simply to be a decent human being on that morning was to be claimed by values that carried immediate obliga-
tions. September 11 2001 was a long and eventful clay. During the rescue attempts on that day and the following days there were signs spray painted everywhere. At a makeshift altar on the sight was sprayed the words, "The Body of Christ". As members of the Body of Christ we are called on a long and eventful journey. Every human being is the treasured icon of God. In Christ, men and women are drawn with pain and wonder into involvement in the world and into the very life of God. This is the point of departure of the Catholic call to social justice. The dignity of the human person is both God-centred and creation-centred. By being both free and responsible every human being is called to both temporal and eternal happiness (Quadragesimo Anno 118). Down the course of the twentieth century the Catholic Church has spoken with increasing passion and commitment on the subject of the human person and the dignity of that person. In the light of the Bible and the Churc.h's living Tradition. the Second Vatican Council was able to say boldly that the human person "stands
W R on
Sunday
A laywoman's meditations by Norma Woodcock
Do we have a repentant heart?
T
he theme of the Scriptures this week challenges us to face our religious attitudes. How do we view our relationship with God? Are we Pharisees? The first reading. Ezekiel 18:25-28, speaks to us about taking responsibility for our choices, our behaviour and the consequences that flow from this. 'When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed. When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins: he shall certainly live; he shall not die.' We cry out to God in the Responsorial Psalm 24:4-9, 'remember your mercies 0 Lord!' In the second reading. Philippians 2:111, St Paul exhorts us to he like Christ who, 'did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are.' St Paul tells us how to live in families, in communities and in society. To always consider the other person first and their interests instead of our own. In the Gospel. Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders. He addresses this harsh judgement to the priests and leaders as he tells this parable. "A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, 'my boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.' He answered, `I will not go' but afterwards thought better of it and went. "The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, 'certainly sir', but did not go. Which of the two did the father's will?" "The first", they said. Jesus then proceeded to tell them that the first son is like the tax collectors and prostitutes who, recognising their sinfulness, repented and so made their way into the kingdom of heaven and the Page 6
second son he likened to them in their refusal to do likewise. The New Jerome Biblical commentary page 664. No 128, says, 'who are the two sons? The distinction is not between Jews and Gentiles, but between two kinds of Jews, faithless leaders and faithful outcasts, false and true Israel... But from this perspective Gentile converts can also be included among the believing sinners. Obedient faith is always the final test for Matthew!' It seems to me that we need to pray for the understanding that there is division in each of us. On one side we are faithless leaders, this is the sinful tendency to always presume that we are righteous before God. especially if we base our righteousness on our own fidelity to good works, prayers and obeying the law. This attitude results in us thinking that we are better than others There is a Pharisee in each one of us. Yet also, through the grace of God, we can be humble enough to admit that on the other side is the faithful outcast. The faithful outcast recognises his/her need for God! Only through his grace can we overcome sin. Isn't that what poverty of spirit is all about, to know our need for God and say so? The Old Testament tells us that. 'the just man falls seven times a day and rises again'. The faithful outcast is aware that sinful tendencies emerge at times, recognises them, repents and turns around, always relying on the mercy, love and forgiveness of God. We need to allow a spirit of repentance to invade the Pharisee within each of us. This parable, like the better known parable of the Prodigal Son, challenges us to 'come to our senses' and return to the Father, to his will and his way, not just at the end of our lives but with each moment of God-given awareness of how far we move away from him in our thoughts, words and deeds.
The heart of Catholic Social Teaching. First principle: The dignity of the Human Person.
• •
with Terry Quinn
covers herself or himself to be a child of God (Octogesima Adveniens 37). 'lb be involved in social justice is to do God's will. It is not too political if we understand the true spirit of the social mission of the Church. It is in fact a religious duty. It is not too controversial if we know and love the Gospel. It is the outcome of a heartfelt commitment bc)th to God and to creation. It does not necessarily mean Involving ourselves in demonstrations or carrying placards on protest marches. There are many other things we can do. But if we discern that this is what God asks of us, then we must choose. Involvement in social justice challenges the faith of many Catholics. For some, the practice of faith tends to neglect practical considerations of the principles of Catholic Social leaching. Church leadership advisThis is the cover to "New York September 11 . es us that this is not an option for Catholics by the Magnum Photographers. Pftioto CNS today. John Paul II. in response to September 11. above all things" (Church in the Modern World 26). Pope Paul VI put it well when calls on us. as he has done throughout his he said that every human person is a won- papacy. lo work fedrlessly to shape a derful mystery at the centre of the world future of justice, peace And security for the who, through interaction in this world, dis- children of the world."
1.0 JESUS 11 IROUGH MARY gt column of Marian devotion
/
n the ante-preparatory phase of the Second Vatican Council, which concluded in the spring of 1960, nearly five hundred Council Fathers including both bishops and prelates asked that the universal mediation of Mary he defined, but the proposal not to promulgate any new dogmas prevailed. As far back as 1921 Cardinal Mercier had presented a similar petition to the pope. Immediately obtaining a specific Mass and Office for the dioceses of Belgium. The latest official appeal was presented by Cardinal Confalonieri, in the name of the chapter at Saint Mary Major's on March 2, 1984.
Cardinal Ratzinger's response, that such a solemn pronouncement was not neces—sary, is interesting for its motivation: "The doctrine of the universal mediation of Mary most holy is already adequately found proposed in diverse documents of the Magisterium of the Church." In other words, it is already a certain and officially taught doctrine. With this premise. we do not intend to defend a cause that has already been won, but to illustrate this Marian title, against all who hard-headedly side with the Protestants. erroneously anchoring themselves to the affirmation of St. Paul which no one contests: "There is but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" ( 1 Tm 2:6). And still the whole history of the Church shows us how recourse to the intercession of Mary has been constant, in every circumstance of life. From the most ancient Marian prayer about which we have already spoken, "We fly to your protection," to the antiphons and Invocations of the liturgy, to the popular witness of the votive offerings, today so highly valued once again, there is one harmonious voice. The title of Mediatrix, given to Mary, goes back to at least the sixth century and was widely spread above all in the twelfth. The teaching of St Bernard is well known: "We venerate Mary with all the impulses of our heart, of our affection, of our desires. Thus did He will who established that we receive all things through Mary." Dante gave poetic expression to these words in his famous lines: "Donna, se' tanto grande a tanto vali / che qual lchiunque] vuol grazia ed a te non ricorre / sua disianza Edesideriol vuol volar senz'ali." "Woman. you are so great and so powerful that whoever wants a favour or grace and does not
A statue of Our Lady of the Angels with outstretched arms stands above the doors of the new LDS Angeles cathedral that bears her Name. Photo CNSAActor Aternan
have recourse to you. expects his desire to fly without wings." There is no doubt that the sole mediator between man and God is Jesus and that "no one can go to the Father except through me" (in 14:6). But we have to understand the exact sense of these words so as not to make a fetish of them. Every time we use an adjective to describe God and to describe a human being. even if the words are identical, they are used with a different significance. Let us give an example. The typical divine attribute, exclusive to God, is holiness: You alone are holy. only God is holy. This does not stop me from calling Peter. Paul. and Francis holy. But the word acquires another meaning. God is holy in an absolute sense. Paul is holy in a relative, limited, derivative sense dependent on the holiness of God in which, by divine gift, he becomes a participant. We can never say that Paul is holiness. With this difference understood, we will continue to say that only God is holy and that Paul is holy: the meaning is different, hence there is no contradiction.
THE GOSPEL OF MARY
From The Gospel of Mary - a month with the Mother of God by Fr Gabriel Amorth SSP. St Paul Publications, RRP $23.50
T
What happens after the moral law goes?
The Record
he now long-running argument about whether people with religious or moral beliefs ought to have any influence in the making of laws in our state and nation is a classic demonstration PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 of the fact that most people, particularly Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087 the educated, believe the prevailing influcathrec@iinetnetau ences of the time without knowing what us. leading they are or where they are They lack the verbal skills and rational implemented by the irreligious, our soci- in Iraq, apparently. These are totally irrefoundation to analyse the meaning of what ety is having an incessant and banal ligious wars, as were and are most of the they say or the significance of what is hap- debate about limiting the influence of reli- hundreds of other wars that have scarred gion! pening around them. our globe in that time. Yet the irreligious It would be very safe to challenge any- keep on repeating the platitude that reliHere in Australia in the last 40 years there has been massive social change and one to define any significant social change gion causes all our trouble with wars. all of it has been introduced and influ- that has been proposed, introduced or The totally irreligious governments of even influenced by the major religious our time, like the communist regimes of enced by the irreligious. Massive family breakdown, the collapse and moral forces in our society in recent the Soviet Union, China, Korea, Vietnam, of the fertility rate below replacement times. The Catholic Church and others Cambodia and many other places, slaughlevel, the legalised killing of about 90,000 worked strenuously to help Parliament tered millions of their own people as well babies a year, the subsidisation of couples and society to see the real meaning of as enslaving anyone else they could get who don't stay together by those who do killing all those babies in the wombs of their hands on. Yet our erudite journalists to the tune of close to S5 billion a year, their mothers and making some doctors and obsessed letter writers are riding into monstrous increases in sexually transmit- rich from the public purse in the process verbal jousts on broken down arguments ted diseases, and the facilitation of drug - but in the final analysis its influence was as they try to save the world from religion and morality and from those few MPs who addiction by 'harm minimisation strate- non-existent. The battle was won by the irreligious think such things deserve consideration gies' are all the product of the fertile minds who are not even required to say in truth- when imposing laws on the multitude. of the irreligious. This blindness is so all-pervading that it More than two decades of high unem- ful words what it is they have introduced. ployment, several years of the highest The same is true of the other issues in is sometimes hard to know whether to interest rates since the Rum Rebellion, which the natural law of humanity has laugh or cry at the inanity of it. But cry we will because behind the growing disparities between the rich and been overturned by Parliament in recent the poor. and the almost fatal collapse of years. Religion and morality have not car- establishment of the free and democratic societies we have so briefly enjoyed has rural Australia have all come from the eco- ried the day. In the last 100 years, Australians have been a deep, eternal understanding of the nomic strategies of the irreligious. There is much more, but that is enough fought in the Boer War. the Great War, the real value of mankind. It has not always to introduce the point. And in the midst of World War, Korea, Malaya. Vietnam, the been perfectly expressed and only the best all this social change engineered and Gulf and Afghanistan, with more to come individuals have lived it fully, but it has
always been there. Behind the sweeping social changes of the last 40 years has been no coherent understanding at all. Behind the tirade against religion and morality has been no corresponding analysis of the voices and philosophies that have actually been ringing the changes. Listen to the international voice of the greens, for example, and you hear the insistent whisper and occasional shout that mankind has no special status. It is inevitable that power wielded by that philosophy will treat the individual as having no status at all, not even the status of a tree. Listen to the international voices behind the various UN declarations of sectional rights and you will hear a brutal determination to subjugate people and cultures to nihilist philosophies. These voices are written in the documents themselves and in the dictatorial work of the committees that interpret the documents as they please. In the democracies there remains no common knowledge. no established wisdom with which to interpret, resist and modify the changes that are coming. It is not religion but their own emptiness they should fear. Catholics, on the other hand, while weeping for the pain being caused to the blind. will know that the moral law will not pass away and that history will not be able to bypass the goodness of God. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.
here at all must mean something. It makes me wonder -just who is going to be destroyed? Maybe a great leader? Maybe a scientist with a cure for Parkinhe Record has received corre- been said by her. Certainly it confused son's disease? Who knows? spondence questioning remarks another journalist from the paper who The fact is that they exist. Who has the apparently attributed to Catholic incorporated the words as the Catholic right to say that they are 'surplus'? That Education Office director Therese Temby approach to education in an article pubthey may not only be destroyed but mutiIn The West Australian of September 10 lished on September 14. lated first in the name of 'Science"? At concerning Catholic teaching on sexuality. Archbishop Barry Hickey corrected the least, adults are able to consent to be an The article concerned the State Gov- error in a letter which The West puborgan donor but who has the right to conernment's new curriculum materials on lished promptly and as the lead letter on sent to the death of another human being? sexuality and relationships called "Grow- September 18. It seems ironic that a procedure purporting and Developing Healthy Relationletter. the Archbishop specifically his n I to be a means of alleviating suffering. is ed ships". These materials will not be used not teach that sexdoes at the expense of human lives. I Church "the obtained said. in Catholic schools. favour of stem cell research but profor only in is fully am marriage in intimacy ual The section of the article concerning the use of embryos for this puragainst creation." read: writers) letter our (and Temby Mrs pose. The end does not justify the means. He emphasised the importance of proCatholic education director Therese Why not progress with adult stem-cell being intercourse of acts of and creation in taught were students Temby said all which has been the only sucresearch, and accordance with Catholic religious teach- open to the possibility of new life, research so far. Surely stem-cell cessful in involvement Church's the out pointed ing. this is preferable to the unnecessary That teaching prohibits sex outside of promoting and encouraging natural famdestruction of many human lives so that marriage and within a marriage for any- ily planning in which couples accept and the suffering of some may - and it is only thing other than having children. Homo- respect one another in the fullness of - be alleviated. may sexuality is not accepted their humanity. Failure to consummate To progress in stem cell research is We would only talk about sex being marriage could see it declared null, but Important. but the destruction of human within a Christian marriage." Mrs Temby childlessness would not invalidate a marembryos is not required. These so-called said. riage. "surplus" embryos may only be 4.8 or more When contacted by The Record. Mrs He said: The Church teaches that the but when there is only one cell, the cells, sentence first Temby explained that the sexual union of husband and wife entire genetic make-up for every detail of was hers and the third was close to hers. strengthens the bonds of love between that person -sex, eye colour, height etc., is but the middle sentence had nothing to them, strenghtens each of them in relacontained within their DNA. do with her. She said she had not disthe I emphasize that we were all created to cussed Catholic teaching with the jour- tion to their daily life, and strengthens unity of their family. be unique. Embryo stem cell research necnalist at all. The Church specifically teaches couessarily involves human cloning. Human It could be argued. perhaps, that technically the middle sentence (the one caus- ples that each has a loving responsibility embryos, which are clones of the patients ing all the trouble) was not attributed to for the sexual needs of the other, and they are treating, will be created. These Mrs Temby. but since it appeared there is no sense of wrong or inadequahuman embryos will then be killed to between two sentences that were, it is not cy in the natural sexual attraction they obtain stem cells for compatible tissues for surprising that readers thought it had have for one another or in its fulfilment." the patient. These human embryos are human beings as much as any other perWhat experiences or personality traits which are not in keeping with long-cher- son. Who will speak for them if our society will not protect their rights? If our does it carry into its 'other life'? I have no ished Christian beliefs and values. Sadly, they play into the hands of oppor- politicians will not speak for them, then doubt that nobody knows. Yet many are prepared to to permit exper- tunistic politicians. These dignitaries try to who will? Look at a child, even your own children. iments regardless. What makes these pro- outdo our Lord Jesus himself in love and welcomed Jesus that know We generosity. that you love, even if they are sufsomeone posed law all the more disgusting is the attentionThese sin. the not but sinner the think about this human life Then fering. motives. selfish on based is fact that it There is absolutely no gain whatsoever if grabbers take pride in accommodating the stored away in some laboratory waiting for a chance to continue life. That person we do something that is detrimental to our sinner as well as the sin. This has made the battle even harder and whom you love could have been one of spiritual environment. Will we profit if we so I think it is important that many of us these. sell our souls? for and support Archbishop Hickey. pray All of us started our lives as a cluster of Recently.I heard one mother say that she cells! Morally, can you even consider allowwas donating her embryos for stem-cell Malcolm Lyons ing experimentation on another human Carlisle research. I don't believe that any suffering being? Well, just like other human beings. warrants the destruction of a human life, embryos cannot be owned by anyone: they especially when there are alternatives. are not anyone's possessions or slaves. i sit and watch my six month old As Christians, We only have to look at the Once created, they should be treated with aby daughter playing. I wonder. life of Jesus, to know that there is meaning dignity and respect. What is she going to be? in suffering. By His example may we I have heard some people say that surA scientist? A mother? A politician?! And always preserve the dignity of every human so plus embryos are going to die anyway I think 'What if she were one of those leftlife. lets exploit them. However, all of us are over embryos?" A human being, waiting going to die - anyway. for her chance in life! "Left-over" indicates Clare Allen Of lateIhave noticed that leaders of some 'surplus', 'not required'. But is any human Hillars-s Continued page 15 Christian Churches have made statements life 'not required'? The fact that they are
Secular Sexual Problems
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<cv LETTERS TO THE MTG.. A
Abortions equate with terrorists
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eptember 11 was tragic. However. are there similarities in piloting a plane on a path of destruction that involves loss of lives, and partial birth abortion and abortion as a whole? To begin with. in both the cases there are Innocent victims whose lives nobody had the right to take. Next, is there a difference whether the instrument used is a plane or forceps? Thirdly, in both cases there are victims. Not only those who die as a consequence of the action, but also the brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts. cousins...and the whole world in general, who are denied a sibling, friend and some one who could possibly transform society. The world will never be the same without all those denied their life. There will always he a void that cannot ever be filled. Without all these lives our walk to the finishing line will be painfully slow, it will be like trying to win a hundred metre race hopping on one leg. Joe Almeida Canning Vale
Embryonic support T fully support the stand taken by Arch1bishop Hickey in the ongoing debate on stem-cell research. A human embryo - only an embryo - can, in its natural environment. develop into an adult human being. This means that the embryo must be the very beginning of a human life. The little soul has a physical component - a ball of cells according to some. It also has a mind and a spiritual dimension. Does any scientist really know what happens to the nature of this unique individual when it is subjected to genetic modification or some other unnatural interference?
Child `left-overs'
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ohn Paul 11 believes that nations and leaders must face eight key challenges if a more-just world is to be achieved. And the eight have a common denominator to put every man and woman at the centre of development. Reflecting on the world scene, with all its hopes and horrors, the Pope last January 10 presented to the ambassadors of countries accredited to the Vatican the eight great challenges as he sees them. Below are the challenges, as presented by the Pope, along with some of his earlier statements and those of his representatives in UN forums.
Disarmament ccording to John Paul IL the first challenge facing the world is 'the defence of the sacredness of human life in all circumstances, especially in relation to the challenges posed by genetic manipulation: His emphasis on 'all circumstances' reminds one of past debates among Catholics. Some pro-life groups, concerned with the protection of human life in its earliest stages, wondered if they should struggle with the same effort against the death penalty. Some of them even favoured capital punishment outright. Others who opposed it didn't push the Issue, sensing that capital punishment enjoyed wide public supAt one intense juncture of the debate, John Paul II made himself clear on the issue. "The ii el, angelisation calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life
In every situation,' the Pope said sions and tensions; the violence during the Mass in the Trans of particularly abhorrent World Dome in St Louis on Janu- weapons, such as antipersonnel mines; the violence of drug trafary 27, 1009. 'A sign of hope is the increasing ficking; the violence of racism; recognition that the dignity of and the violence of mindless damhuman life must never be taken age to the natural environment: away, even in the case of someone John Paul II believes it would be who has done great evil: he a great error to reduce the 'culadded. "Modern society has the ture of life' to the defence of the means of protecting itself, with- rights of the unborn. Rather, it has out definitively denying criminals to extend to the whole of life, from the chance to reform. I renew the conception until its natural end, appeal I made most recently at In order to be credible. :hristmas for a consensus to end He also insists on the defence of the death penalty, which is both life 'especially in relation to the challenges posed by genetic cruel and unnecessary.' The Holy Father went even fur- manipulation.' This is, perhaps, ther. The previous day. at a St the great challenge that man now Louis airport in the presence of lams, according to the Pope. the-then President Bill Clinton. he The possibilities of scientific explained: 'To choose fife involves research, he warns, can make of rejecting every form of violence: man, especially at the first the violence of poverty and moment of his existence, a mere hunger, which oppresses so many instrument of experimentation or human beings; the violence of prime matter sacrificed for the armed conflict, which does not advantage of the pharmaceutical resolve but only increases divi- industry.
2 Promotion of the family he _second challenge is Piorootion of the fly. the basic unit of soci'kven before its • etliir.k4 and üsdiruertin,The Pope pm:. the family. as`a human -and social reality. to the fate if'a glotal,ised society that at times reduces 'people to_ the level of-merd statistic-s,11141 faintly is the first _place where 'purely functional _relatiohships' 'am (Welt(ifitil, in order to estati-
he third challenge for John Paul il ls 'the elimination of poverty, through efforts to promote development, the reduction of debt, and the opening up of international trade." In recent years. UN conferences on development have concluded that efforts to halve the rate of world poverty have been insufficient. Given this situation. the Vatican officials insist increasingly that anti-poverty policies must make every person a protagonist in his future. The Vatican's UN permanent observer. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. said as much on March 27 at a UN Human Rights Commission meeting. 'T The sad fact: he said. "... is that
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Itsh 'Interpersonal relationihips limit and 'restrict nij,rriig .and that am rich- ha inner depth. gra- the fanny to the privatWspteitte tuitousness and self-sacrifice:as -Earlier, John Paul -,11 'tad- the John Paul 11 explained on October Jubilee of Families. 1.tie "Church 13, 2000, (inning the Jiibilee of als-n-knows and, our ‘dftily eipeVamilies in the family. the man. rfencecotAirms it -,ttot MTh this . %coman and child art c nbt cow original plan ts olisctirtid fh sinners hut persons with first and s.ciectees; haftn..-Is last names. done to '.iociety.'. suicide. j jgj0 In an address to the Roman Rota i)Overty .Ond‘ last February 11. theiPope-warned , increase .whpn the divorce fatt.:about "the perya.Stvri- etilture of goeS up many soOioingicail*individnalism. which tends to 5tuales. have shown. • •
many people, perhaps the majorFacing this challenge, the Pope ity today, do not have the means makes two specific requests. which would enable them to take First, he calls for debt reduction their place in an effective and for developing countries. humanly dignified way within a Studies by the World Bank and productive system in which work International Monetary Fund is truly essential.' show that heavy debt reduces the The archbishop insisted that public money available for edupoverty 'today must be defined cation and health. not simply in terms of a lack of The Pope's second request is for economic means. but more in the opening up of international terms of an inability to realise trade, since a country's access to fully that God-given human world markets has direct bearing potential, with which each per- on the economic well-being of its son, man or woman, is endowed. citizens. This request is particuFighting poverty, which has now larly relevant to the United States been recognised as an essential and Europe. which preach the overarching dimension of all opening of markets (as during the developmental policy, must March development conference therefore he about enabling peo- in Mexico) but then raise tax barple to realise their God-given riers to products of developing potential.' countries.
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s..,,,,, -fOurth challenge. Pontifical Ac.adenty for`tafe. he ' the Holy -Father , '"ur4es (lied a "serious threat' posed by -_ "rrspect fnr 1aunlan ri'oh ..ts tlw 'false interpretation of the in all. situations, vyttli especial' Tights of man, seen as the subconcern for the moist vulnerable: jective rights of individual or -thadieen. women Autl. rofugees.", ,itrOup, freo from itify:refere,nco to AF-a February , ....-- . 7 addressto 'the . the truth of human ii6thre: Page 8
which can Fond 'won democratic sy stem% Of governtlent to into an effbctive lotalltarfrithn Right A malnourished chlid,unable to eat normally, is fed through a tube at a hospital in Zomba, Aialawt, where a food crisis was looming in late *fay:- Ptiptit gis.geuters
. fLfth priority is 'disarm community: to adopt the Ottawa ination is ignored.' -ment, the reduction of 'Even more serious than the Convention ,against the produc. , antis sales to poor coun- lack of progress,' he.-added, tion, storage and commerce of tries; And the consolidation of the overt determination of some anti-petsonnel mines -- 'cold' and peace after the end of conflicts: nuclear weapon states to main- blind instruments planned. conLast April 8,_14ons.ignor-Francis tain nuclear- weapons in. a criti- structed and -used to Wound or Chullikat, deputy 'head Of a Holy cal role in their military kill one or more persons."' the See delegation, addressed accini- doctrines. Vatican told a -summit held in ----mittee_-.for the 2005 review _con- . The old policies of nuclear Nicaragua. Light Weapons also cnneern the ference . on, the . Nuclear detern.mce, .Whieh_prevalled in Non-Proliferation 'treaty. He said the Cold War, must new lead /o Pepe. He 'has akked- for committhat the "conkrer(ce.on disarm°- - cencrete disarmament mea- ment lo struggle against this -.death- trade. 1 -linent Is paralysed!' One -'of the sures The rule of law cannot counte' parties tq. the: Antt-Rallistic Mis- an interview over Vatican sile Treaty has. I‘ren-'notice of nance the, continuation of- doc-. Radio„krc.hbishciP Rena to ,../farwithdrawal. -Nuclear, weapons -trines that hold nuclear we-apOns • tino,,the Vaticaieg UN permanent obseriierin- Nes,v York, recalled ' are.Stigke0txui alert Mato:4. The- as esse.ntial." jolni Paut Il.committed himself that thee types of arms eause admonlifen--of -the ' International Cobtt-tilinstice for the coinple- personally,-- especially -in 1-009-ti) 100,000 deaths every year, plait lion of negotiations toward elim- encouragteg the international of them civilians. -
he sixth challenge is 'the representative, said. 'The AIDS fight against the major crisis, together with the worrying diseases, and access by return and diffusion of older the poor to basic care and med- Infectious diseases, such as icines.' In a letter written to a malaria and tuberculosis, consticonference on ethics, science tutes a global disaster of draand medicine, held in Poland matic magnitude.' The legitimate interests of the from April 5-8, the Pontiff said that some developing countries pharmaceutical industry must lack access to basic medicines be balanced with the need of because their economies are not poor countries for affordable financially attractive to the phar- medicines, he said. 'It is not possible ethically to maceutical industry. Dining a World Trade Organi- justify a rationale of fixing the sation meeting on intellectual highest possible prices in order property rights, held in Geneva to attract investors and to mainfrom June 18-22. 2001, Archbish- tain and strengthen research. op Diarmuid Martin. the Vatican while leaving aside considera-
tion of fundamental social factors: Archbishop Martin said. In this connection. the Church proposes that a full 'and efficient universal access to basic medicines will most likely require the enactment of an innovative differential pricing system. which can still preserve the incentive for future research and development.' 'Luxury and non-essential pharmaceutical products, for example, cosmetics, could well share a part of the burden of research and development of essential medicines.' the archbishop suggested.
hydrog'oolOgical and atinciSpheric :systernS.: turned ,luxuriant areas into_ deserts, ati'd -undertaken forms. .or iinresti:icted iildustrialisdlion. degrading that' 'flowerfee,d' to Use an image from IJan to - which,is the earth, our (1%call1ng place.' _ 9i014." . "Nlan-espectiiIIN' in our time. the Pope !raid, _ People. he-N- instsied. must -hasqvi!liout,liesitation devastatienciarrhge and-support the 'oca, - i pollute-cl waters. clisfitiiied the logical couverSion' which in ' zearth'S. habitat. made,' the air recent decades has made imbrea'thahle, &sunbelt the humanity more sensitivi, to The
catastrophe to which it has been heading 'At stake, then, is not Only a 'Avicar-ecology that 4 nr icerne4'-to 4ateguardthe 'IAA: tat "Of the--4ta-Tfeits living beings,hilt also ahu in upology*1110_; makgs the mdsience more dignified. by proectingtie fundamental good -Of life Iaaflits manifestations. and by'fug for {intim generations _an emironMent inoro In .conlormity with the Creatoes satnii: he - _ ' tressed.
guarding international law. At the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York on September 8, 2000, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. Vatican secretary of state, mentioned four fundamental duties proper to this institution. To wit: the preservation and promotion of 'peace throughout the world"; 'the promotion of development': 'the promotion of human rights"; and the 'guaranteeing' of 'the equality of all its members.'
'Of course.' the Pope told the ambassadors when he ended his list of challenges, 'many other demands could also be mentioned.' He added: 'But if these priorities became the central concerns of political leaders; if people of good will made them part of their daily endeavours; if religious believers included them in their teaching, the world would be a radically different place.' - Story from Zenit
he -,Seventh. challenge is 'th'e pilotectinn of the'enVironmertt and the InITV(111Hort ofpatural 'disasters.' During a geneniiaiMtenci on janut.\ry 17, 1001, 101,111 Paul. H c.onver- 'palled _for _an
he eight and last challenge is 'the rigorous application of international law and conventions.' Though the Catholic Church has criticised the Malthusian or relativist policies of certain United Nations agencies. it is at the same time one of the most committed allies of this institution. The Church sees the United Nations as a forum for promoting dialogue between nations and development, and for safe-
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Health ethics
26 September, 2002
Patients deserve better than "just perfect technical assistance and treatment" was the theme of a summary on the formation of the human personality and the dialogue between Christian and secular ethics delivered at the FIAMC congress in Seoul. Speakers said patients also required personalised charity - that is the need for doctors to be the Healing Christ to their patients. This brought other aspects of doctors to the surface, the summary said. Aspects highlighted included integrity, honesty, fairness, faithfulness, and reliability. Doctors needed to have the ability to be an advocate for patients' rights; must be prepared to understand the patient's spiritual foundation; and to dialogue with the patient. The congress was told the Catholic doctor in this changing world had to deal with the fact that more than 100 million people were without running water, were starving or dying of curable disease - including children who have a very high death rate. These people faced a lifetime without sustainable incomes. The paper urged Catholic doctors to call for a better allocation and use of scarce resources, and an urgent endeavour to rebuild authentic Christian attitudes in the rich and developed countries to help those less well off.
Rtkord 111
Doctors' congress looks at hospitals, stem cells F
ar reaching resolutions on stem cell research and the medical profession in general have been made by an international conference of Catholic doctors at a congress in Seoul, Korea, in early September. The resolutions bind Catholic doctors around the world to an ethos and ethical regime in line with the ideals of the Church. and in the light of new technologies and challenges in the medical profession. The congress was also marked by the presentation of the International Award of Merit to Australians, Doctors John and Evelyn Billings, who developed the natural family planning methods adopted by the Church. Theme of the congress organised by the Korean Federation of Catholic Doctors for the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC) was Identity and Mission of Catholic Doctors in the Health Care - Ethos, Ethics and Eco-
notnics in the Pluralistic World. Delegates attended from more than 30 countries, and Perth's secretary and immediate past president of the Western Australian Catholic Doctors Association. Dr Michael Shanahan. represented Australia. Dr Shanahan is also a councillor of Pon-
tifical Council for Health Pastoral Care and a committee member of FIAMC and Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations. Archbishop Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care opened the congress with a blessing and delivered a special blessing from Pope John Paul II who holds a special regard for the FIAMC having regard for the spiritual needs of Catholic physicians. Archbishop Bamigan also delivered a keynote address on The Identity of the Catholic Medical Doctor in which he said he regarded the Catholic doctor as a vocation of healing within the Church. He spoke of many aspects of this vocation acting through the love of God for the defence and respect for life. Medical training as well as a good understanding of bioethics would be an on-going feature of the life of Catholic physicians, the Archbishop said. Physicians worked to relieve pain and suffering. and to share openness and trust with their patients. It was part of a higher effort directed to obtain physical. mental and spiritual harmony - not lust the absence of Illness. Ile said: "thus the fundamental qualities of the Catholic doctor are awareness of responsibilities, humility, respect. truthfulness and love and desire to move closer to God."
Spiritual dimensions
ABOVE: Delegates at the FIAMC congress in Korea taking part ko a special Mass. LEFT: Doctor Michael Shanahan and his wife.
His talk underlined the spiritual dimensions of the Catholic doctor's vocation. and highlighted that it was certainly not simple or easy to he a good doctor. Other speakers took up the theme of the Catholic doctors' tasks and challenges, with the pressure of treating patients and the lifelong education and study that accompanies the exploding scientific knowledge. This was against a backdrop of increasing secular attitudes, devaluing life with laws that permit abortion, euthanasia. population controls and human embryo experimentation. Speakers said the world suffered from the increasing gap between rich and poor, drought and starvation, deprivations, civil wars, genocide and religious persecutions - all indirectly the result of secular attitudes. In all of these problems the congress was told the Catholic doctor needed to give closer attention to patients. work closer with colleagues, respect the opinions of others but also to logically explain their own attitudes. A Catholic doctor must remain rational, and not fanatical; friendly, letting all who observe his work he aware and inspired by his Christian attitude.
Hospitals need to have D
octor Michael Shanahan told delegates at the congress a way Catholic hospitals and health institutions could meet the challenge of fulfilling their mission while maintaining standards and being economically sound was to meet the first requirement. This was for them to remain faithful to Christ's command, to respect life from conception to natural death, and all that implied. He said ethics committees have become a part of the life of all hospitals. There was also a need for an ethos committee. Appointees to the committees should have a commitment to uphold the Catholic tradition and the desire to steer hospitals always in the right direction. All Catholic hospitals should have a director of Page 10
mission on their executive, and that director should have equal standing with the Chief Executive Officer on matters affecting Catholic identity. The director's task would be the encouragement of all medical professionals, administrators and other staff in the Christian ethic of compassion for each other and the patients. Such compassion would demonstrate itself by staffs showing genuine concern for all patients, easing the burden of their illnesses and resolving various patient difficulties. It might occur through regular opportunities for education and training in all departments to remind them of the mission of the hospital. It would also be the director's duty to ensure signs, symbols and messages were displayed around the hospital.
IILRe'cord
Health ethics
26 September, 2002
Multi embryos in transplants issue specific adult neuro T stem cells can function as an effective therapeutic tool for the
Increased need for Christ in health care M
administrators was to odern trends have explore the proposition of seen it become more how Christ-like charity and common for religious congregations to pass on Catholic economic survival could successfully co-exist. hospitals and health care institutions to the laity, Dr Michael Society needed to ask how Shanahan said at the congress. people with the responsibility for management, the Day-to-day running had passed professionals carrying out to lay administrators, diminishhealing and the Church ing in many cases the sense of could collaborate to explore mission of the hospitals. a fresh understanding of There had been a focus more the foundation of mission. on the need to supply the best It should also ask what technology, the most modern was the role particularly for facilities and maintain enough Catholic doctors with the profit to ensure survival in an prime responsibility of intense competitive market patient care and to head the place. in carrying out this ministry, healing the of team a share fully not may administrators Such Catholic conviction. increasing the gap between mission. Dr Shanahan said: "We all know about economic challenges of survival, and hospitals being mission-focussed and profit-focussed. do face ever-Increasing difficulties as they deal local a of supervision the said Shanahan Dr bishop was needed to ensure the hospital con- with the inflation of wages and other costs tinued to remain faithful to the Catholic identi- particularly insurance - that threaten the bottom line. tY "The real challenge is to define a Catholic This process established a legal entity, called Care system that will deliver excellent Health a public juridical person. be economically successful, and be care, health as appointed group lay the In the meantime, given by Christ - that we challenge the to true the trustees, and the board running the hospiare seeking help. who all for care should tal should represent the continued presence of is an impossible equait that say would "Many the religious congregation, and undertake to tion." remain faithful to their mission. Modern public perceptions see little obvious Service to poor differences between Catholic "not for profit" Dr Shanahan said it was important that health hospitals and carport° "for profit" hospitals. with the "Catholic" label maintain their services The very basis on which Catholic hospitals were originally established - that is service to high tradition of service to the poor and those in need. the poor - has been eroded. Catholic identity had been more easily recogDr Shanahan. the current secretary and immediate past president of the Catholic Doctors nised in earlier times, in a Christian dominated Association in WA was representing Australia world. at the congress and delivered the paper EcoAll of the sick and in need were taken in and nomic Challenges for Catholic Health Care treated, as the Good Samaritan cared for the Institutions. man who had fallen into the hands of the banHe said both the Catholic and corporate-run dits. hospitals in modern terms were fitting into a The patient was identified as a neighbour, and slot of private hospitals where usually only the it was a command of Christ that we should all well-to-do and insured patients could afford to go out and do the same. be treated. Thus those most committed to the love of The challenge for Catholic hospitals and their Christ travelled to distant lands, serving the ill and uncared-for, often at great sacrifice to themselves. -In the modern, western, secular, predominantly non-Christian world, it is not easy to live Chaplains could become more involved in the out Christ's command - to look after those falllife of the hospital and the patients. Short stay en by the wayside," Dr Shanahan said. patients could liaise with a parish priest. "However, there is still a need to meet the In a call for ethos committees, Dr Shanahan challenge head-on, in our own messy. mixed up, said Catholic hospitals needed to make them- chaotic, godless world, and find a way to be a selves part of the wider community - to be "good Good Samaritan in our own countries." corporate citizens." He said: "The word Catholic in the eyes of the They needed to make themselves aware of world can imply exclusiveness and restriction, community needs, especially in respect of help- when in fact the opposite should apply. ing the disadvantaged and those requiring help. "The essence of being Catholic is to relate An ethos committee could help promote the hack to the direct origin from Christ, through Catholic identity his apostles to the message of love of God and Membership could be headed by the director neighbour." of mission and recruited from within hospitals The mission then of Catholic health institubut also include community representation. tions was to bring healing to all people - physHowever, members should be specially `head- ically and spritually - to bring them to consider hunted" for their Christian commitment and their own destiny and then to see the loving hand of God. professional expertise.
compassion
Delegates at the FIAMC congress in Korea heard two scientific discourses on stem cells by French scientist. Dr Marie-Louise Labat and Dr Angelo Luigi Vescovi, of Milan, Italy. Dr Labat showed embryonic stem cells could not be controlled, that they were not rejected by the host, and could lead to fibrosis or tumours, and were dangerous. Dr Vescovi has identified that the human central nervous system contains adult brain stem cells able to produce neural cells previously thought impossible. These stem cell lines were propagated over several years and produced a large population of stem cells. These naturally became available to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis as they migrated to diseased areas.
cure of human central nervous system disorders, Dr Angelo Luigi Vescovi, told the FIAMC world congress of Catholic doctors in Seoul. Dr Vescovi and his team of researchers have been recognised worldwide for their work identifying that the human central nervous system contains adult brain stem cells with the ability to produce neural cells previously thought impossible. These adult stem cell lines are propagated over several years and produce a large population of stem cells that may become available to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis as they migrate to diseased areas. Regenerative medicine was an expanding field of investigation holding promise for the development of novel therapies for disorthought previously ders incurable. Disorders of the central nervous system represented the most important sectors of application for cell-replacement and stem cell-based therapies. He called for more research into adult stem cells and umbilical cells. A renewable source of normal neural cells would significantly reduce the need for foetal tissue, experimental level to the clinic was the source of donor material. he said. Apart from the moral and ethiImplantation of neural cells had been tested in various animal cal issues surrounding the promodels of neurological disorders curement of foetal tissue, other including Huntington's disease parameters such as age, storage. viability and contamination had and spinal cord injuries. The first of these treatments to to be standardised. Compounding the problem of reach the clinical stage was transplantation for Parkinsons, with embryonic cells, multiple foetussome patients experiencing dra- es were usually required for a sinmatte improvement in motor gle transplant. Apart from other considerations, function and decreased depenit increased the probability of dence on L-dopa. A major obstacle to the progress Immunological rejection or contof neural transplantation from the amination.
Embryonic cells may cause malignancies arly promises in scientific papers of the development of new E therapies that would be a cure-all for the most frightening degenerative diseases gave rise to a worldwide political and ethical
debate about the use of the human embryo as a medicine. Eminent French scientist, Dr Marie-Louise Labat. told the FIAMC congress in Korea that the discoveries of Professor Jerome Lejeune. in the early 1990s. that all the information necessary to give birth to a unique human being was present in the fertilised egg meant the great geneticist was joining the thinking of the men of faith - that the fertilised egg was fully human. However, j Thomson writing three years after Lejeune's death took his findings and went a step further to claim the same cell lines from embryonic sources as the cure-all had sparked the international debate. Dr Labat said the debate was premature. She said: "We do not even know if transplantation of these embryonic stem cells is feasible without putting the patient at great risk of developing fibrosis and/or cancer." She said it has been assumed embryonic stem cells would follow the same transplantation rules as those with adult tissues. "As a consequence therapeutic cloning was proposed to avoid rejection, supposedly inevitable, if using stem cells from supernumerary embryos. "Then another worldwide debate started: should human therapeutic cloning be authorised? "While these hot debates were going on, scientists discovered that embryonic stem cells did not follow the same transplantation rules as the other tissues and that they were not rejected when mismatching the recipient. "Logically the political debate now without object should have immediately stopped. "Surprisingly it is still going on," Dr Lahat said. Page 11
26 September, 2002
Local News
Record 1111
First Australian Oblate pioneer celebrating his big anniversary
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he first Australian-born member of the Oblates, Brother Frank Thornton, celebrated the 80th anniversary of his final vows on Sep-
tember 15. Western Australian-born, Brother Thornton is a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home at Glendalough. The first Oblate vocation in Australia was Father McCusker, but he had been born in Scotland and came to Australia with his parents at the age of seven. Br Thomton's residence at the Little Sisters of the Poor is seen as appropriate because the Oblates built Glendalough in 1898 as a trade school before selling it to the nuns in 1921. Br Thornton was born in Boulder in 1911, and raised on a farming property later in the south west. His parents raised a large family despite the hard times in the 1920s and the depression years of the 1930s.
The sound of music rings at St Patrick's
St Patrick's Basilica at Fremantle was packed on Sunday for a performance by the Perth Oratorio Choir, the Allegri Chamber Orchestra and the Presbyterian Ladies' College Chorale. The mural decorating the rear of the altar made for a spectacular setting for the assembled choristers and musicians. The occasion also marked the first public performance of Andrew Carter's Benedicite in Western Australia. Other firsts included the first occasion the Oratorio Choir has appeared at St Patrick's, and the first time the choir and the Allegri orchestra have been brought together.
Science medal for Mater Dei student A Mater Del Year 9 student has won a medal in a national science competition. Christopher Lynch, who confesses to having a passion for maths and science, won the WA award In the Australian Schools' Science Competition, conducted by the University of New South Wales. His family says he has been fascinated by everything in his world since he was a little like." Christopher has been keen to explore, investigate and discover the "what and the why" - stopping at nothing even to seeing a snail's reaction "when licking it." He was presented with the medal during a school assembly last week. Christopher's dad is a science teacher and his mother's forte is maths. His dad is known as the absent-minded professor, but Christopher is determined to drop the absent-minded bit. He has participated in many test and awards, at the school and externally, and consistently achieved high distinctions that has resulted in an offer of membership in the Gifted and Talented Association at the University of NSW - a member for five years. He has also contested the maths problem solving program at Edith Cowan IIniversity in Mt I,awley.
Sister Florentine marks up her century By Stephen SOW
Bishop Healy officiated at the celebrations.
Page 12
Born on September 15, 1902, Sister Florentine Byrnes has lived through two World Wars, a depression, countless droughts, the birth of new technologies, the rise and collapse of empires and nations, the death of the famous and infamous, keystone events in history, and on a more personal note, outliving almost all of her generation. Sunday September 15, was a day to honour the life of Sr Florentine Byrnes as she celebrated her one-hundredth birthday. A Mass, celebrated by Emeritus Bishop Robert Healy, took place in the St Joseph's convent chapel, South Perth, with friends, family, and fellow sisters who were there to hold in honour their special sister. Sr Florentine's biological sister who is 98, was also present by her side. A brief anecdote shared Sr Florentine's desire to follow her vocation. When at age 15 she approached her father about her plans to become a nun, he told her, "You're too young." A year later at the much "older" age of 16, Sr Florentine entered the convent. That is 84 years of her life spent as a Josephite nun. Sr Florentine was presented a Papal blessing from the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, a telegram from the Queen, a congratulations from the Prime Minister, John Howard, and WA Premier, Geoff Gallop, and more kudos and congratulations from local MPs and other key figures.
He entered the Oblate novitiate in Geelong in 1935 and had as his mentor and Novice Master, Father Hayes, whose influence has remained with Br Thornton throughout his life. After his first profession. Br Thornton, trained as a cook under a prominent Geelong chef and worked 15 years at the Novitiate House as cook and part-time gardener and farmer on the associated rural property attached to Oblate Ilouse. He moved to the Provincial House in Camberwell in 1951. where his talents as a carpenter and handyman were put to good use in the newlyestablished home. The Provincial House was in a state of disrepair after years of neglect. When the Oblates opened a Mission House n Sydney, Bm Thornton moved there firstly as a cook at Arncliffe and later at Penshurst. The opening of St Mary's Seminary at Mulgrave in 1983 saw Br Thornton appointed head of the kitchens for the 15 staff and students in the community - a position he held for Brother Thornton the next four years. It was at St Mary's that Bro Thornton became renowned for the variety and quality of meals - and where he gained his reputation for treating meal preparation as a labour of love, rather than a chore that needed to be done. But his other skills in carpentry led to his appointment from 1967 to 1972 as the carpentry and Joinery teacher at St Benedict's Oblate College in Johannesburg, South Africa. Returning to Australia at the end of 1972, he spent the next 17 years teaching wood work at Iona College, In Queensland, and Mazenod College. in Lesmurdie. He also took a keen interest in Catholic children in state schools, and conducted regular Catechism classes for them. Failing health in 1990 forced him to retire from active work and he became a resident of the Foley Village Retirement Home, at Hilton, but more recently, in 1999, he was transferred to the Glendalough. Tributes for him on his anniversary said he "has fought the good fight - run a great race -he has kept the faith." "We offer him our heartiest congratulations." Brother Frank Thornton, at 92 the oldest and the first Australian-born vocation into the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, has been a model of fidelity and perseverance during his 65 years as an Oblate. Br Thornton has devoted his life to serving God and the Church in a variety of activities. Blessed with many talents - he was competent in cooking, carpentry. joinery, fret work, welding, painting and gardening - he was also a keen sportsman in earlier life, and is still a good mimic.
•Raord
International News
26 September, 2002
US Bishops say no to pre-emptive strike By Willy Thorn
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Any 'pre-emptive, unilateral use of military force to overthrow the government of Iraq' cannot be justified at this time, the U.S. bishops told President Bush. The bishops urged Bush 'to step back from the brink of war and help lead the world to act together to fashion an effective global response to Iraq's threats' In a letter to Bush, the bishops used Catholic just-war criteria to argue that unilateral strikes against Iraq would differ from the use of force against Afghanistan, part of a broader war against terrorism in response to Sept. 11 termrist attacks on the United States. 'Given the precedents and risks involved, we find it difficult to justify extending the war on terrorism to Iraq, absent clear and adequate evidence of Iraqi involvement in the attacks of Sept. 11 or of an imminent attack of a grave nature: the bishops said. The letter. dated Sept. 13 and released in Washington Sept. 17. was signed by Bishop Wilton D Gregory of Belleville. Illinois president of the US. bishops' conference. on behalf of the bishops Administrative Committee. Bishop Gregory also was among a group of religious leaders who met at the White House Sept. 16 with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. Addressing the U.N. General Assembly on September 12. Bush said action against Iraq would be unavoidable unless the United Nations forced the Mideast nation to disarm. He challenged the general assembly to compose a new r esolution on Iraq or face the pos-
age inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations is lasting, grave and certain.' 'Is there clear and adequate evidence of a direct connection between Iraq and the attacks of September 11 or clear and adequate evidence of an imminent attack of a grave nature?' he wrote. 'Is it wise to dramatically expand traditional moral and legal limits on just cause to include preventive or pre-emptive uses of military force to overthrow threatening regimes or to deal with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction? Should not a distinction be made between efforts to change unacceptable behavior of a government and efforts to end that government's existence?' He said the moral credibility of force depends on legitimate authority and, as such, 'decisions of such gravity require compliance with U.S. constitutional imperatives, broad consensus within our own nation, and some form of international sanction. preferably by the U.N. Security Council.' He added that war against Iraq could result in dangerous and unpredictable effects upon Iraqi civilians and Middle East stability, in violation of the criteria of the 'probability of success' and 'proportionality.' 'Would ... force succeed in An Iraqi boy kisses the Quran, the sacred book of Islam, at a mosque in Baghthwarting serious threats or, dad September 13. Photo: ChiSeReuters Instead, provoke the very kind of attacks that it is intended to presibility of unilateral action by the inspectors. In the bishops' letter, vent?' he wrote. 'How would United States. Bishop Gregory said the 'Cate- another war in Iraq impact the Iraq announced on September chism of the Catholic Church' limcivilian population, in the short16 it would allow, without condi- its the just-war criterion of 'just tions, the return of I T.N. weapons cause' to 'cases in which the dam- and long-term? .How many more Innocent people would suffer and
die, or be left without homes, without basic necessities, without work? 'Would the United States and international community commit to the arduous, long-term task of ensuring a just peace or would a post-Saddam Iraq continue to be plagued by civil conflict and repression and continue to serve as a destabilizing force in the region?' he asked. 'Would war against Iraq detract from our responsibility to help build a just and stable order in Afghanistan and undermine the broader coalition against terrorism?' Bishop Gregory urged the Bush administration to 'pursue actively alternatives to war,' including diplomatic efforts to resume weapons inspections, nonmilitary support for democracy advocates in Iraq and careful enforcement of the military embargo and political and economic sanctions. At the meeting with Rice, Bishop Gregory and Episcopal and Lutheran bishops said they welcomed the president's efforts to engage other nations on the subject of Iraq. An announcement about the meeting from the USCCB said the group raised moral concerns about the use of military force in Iraq. Bishop Mark S. Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Bishop Frank T. Griswold. primate of the Episcopal Church. joined Bishop Gregory for the meeting with Rice. It was scheduled to discuss the churches' concerns about the Holy Land. All three denominations have relief and development programs In the region.
Homosexual debate heats up
Long life a gift of God
By Jerry Fitteau
By John Thavis
WASHINGTON (CNS) In an article in America magazine, a U.S. priest working in the Vatican said homosexually oriented men should not be ordained to the priesthood. Father Andrew R. Baker. a staff member of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops. argued that if a man has a predominant or exclusive same-sex attraction, that in itself is grounds for bishops to have 'a prudent doubt regarding the candidate's suitability' for receiving the sacrament of orders. Church law says if such a doubt exists, the person should not be ordained. In the same September 30 issue of America, Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton of Detroit defended ordaining gay priests. 'God has called many gay men to the priesthood and to the episcopate throughout the whole history of the church.' he said. America is a national Catholic weekly published by the Jesuits in New York Both writers noted that current controversies over homosexual priests have arisen in part out of the crisis of clergy sexual abuse of minors. Some other commentators have argued that since the victims of most offending priests are adolescent boys, homosexuality is a significant part of the problem. Father Baker did not say whether he agreed or disagreed with that linkage. Bishop Gumbleton said. 'The problem (of abuse of minors) confronting us is not a problem of homosexual priests among us. It is a problem of seriously underdeveloped priests.' The answer, he added, is formation to fuller maturity, which is possible with homosexual and heterosexual people.
He told Catholic News Service that the views in his article were his 'personal opinion.' not the official position of the Vatican. 'I did not ask permission from anyone to print my opinion. It has no one's approval but my own: he said. But others at the Vatican have expressed similar views. Last year Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Vatican's doctrinal congregation, said in a CNS interview. 'Persons with a homosexual inclination should not be admitted to the seminary.' This March, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls told The New York Times that 'people with (homosexual) inclinations just cannot be ordained.' Earlier in September. Pope John Paul II warned the Brazilian bishops against ordaining men who 'have obvious signs of affective deviations' -- a phrase widely interpreted as including those with homosexual inclinations. In his America article Father Baker said. 'There are a number of significant aspects to SSA (same-sex attraction) that contribute to a 'prudent doubt' with regard to the suitability of a candidate for holy orders: He said using the term 'orientation' for those with same-sex attraction 'may obfuscate the serious disorder that exists and the distortion that has been introduced into a biblically inspired Christian anthropology._ It would he better described as a 'disorientation.' It is fundamentally flawed in its disordered attraction because it can never 'image' God and never contribute to the good of the person or society.' One source of doubt about the suitability of homosexual men for the priesthood, he said, is 'the pos-
sible simultaneous manifestation of other serious problems such as substance abuse, sexual addiction and depression.' Other questions he raised included: -- An increased possibility of 'duplicitous or pretentious behaviors' arising from a life of 'trying to deal with their tendencies in a largely heterosexual environment.' — 'A question about (a candidate's) adherence to church teaching' on sexual issues. -- Temptations confronting someone sexually attracted to males 'in such a clearly male environment as the seminary and the priesthood.' — The experience of seminaries and dioceses with 'cliques ... based on the disordered attractions.' Father Baker raised special questions about 'whether the individual (with SSA) can live celibacy.' 'People with homosexual tendencies can live certain aspects of celibacy, but their commitment is significantly different from that of heterosexuals because it compromises two fundamental dimensions of celibacy.' he said. 'Celibacy involves a sacrifice of a good for a greater good.' he said. He also described celibacy as 'a way of living the spousal character of Christ's relationship with his bride, the church'. Bishop Gumbleton cited several recent public attacks blaming homosexual priests for the current sexual abuse scandal. 'All of this must stop: the scapegoating of gay priests for the sex abuse crisis, the demand to reject homosexual persons for the priesthood and religious life, the unchallenged suggestion that the ordination of a gay man would be invalid,' he said.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Vatican official said society needs to recognize longevity as a 'gift of God' and better respond to the economic, intellectual and spiritual needs of the burgeoning elderly population. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said that particularly in Europe. where low birth rates have helped raise the average age of populations, the elderly are increasingly isolated and Ignored. A more positive image of older people should be fostered, he said, accepting that the elderly do not simply belong on society's margins. Archbishop Martin made the Eva Irons receives the sacrament of remarks in Berlin at a mid-Sep- the anointing of the sick at St. Ann's tember conference of European Home in Rochester, New York. ministers on aging, sponsored by the U.N.'s Economic Com- and protect the elderly from mission for Europe. His text was market fluctuation. He said released at the Vatican Septem- older people also have special ber 20. needs in finding housing and livArchbishop Martin, the Vati- ing environments in which care can's representative to Geneva- is provided. When possible, they based U.N. agencies, said that as should live where they want to they grow older. people must live, preferably near their relareceive the support they need to tives and close to where they remain 'active protagonists' in have spent most of their lives, he society. This responsibility tran- said. The archbishop said scends economic factors, he greater emphasis should be said. 'Social recognition should placed on educational strucnot be linked solely to econom- tures, such as universities for ic productiNity. The inalienable elderly people, as well as neighdignity of each older person borhood groups and associadoes not depend on his or her tions that provide intellectual apparent utility,' he said. But in stimulus and address spiritual Europe, some real economic needs of older people. He said a issues loom as the population 'truly multigenerational society ages — including retirement ben- is one in which older people feel efits that will mean more for that they fully belong, in which younger generations to support. their dignity will always be fully he added. For example, multi- protected, in which they need tiered private and public not fear, and in which their conalliances will be needed to sus- tribution will be respected and tain European pension funds their wisdom appreciated? Page 13
Holiday reviews
26 September, 2002
Record III
Crikey, this one's full of fun By Anne Navarro Anyone who has watched Aussie adventurer Steve Irwin's show will have a pretty good sense of what the daffy action flick "The Crocodile Hunter Collision Course" (MGM) is like. The main attraction here is the affable, nature-loving Irwin, who with his wife Tent gets mixed up in a secret CIA operation when a crocodile they try to save swallows an electronic beacon from a missing spy satellite. The film is goofy and silly, wrapping a slim story around wildlife expert Irwin's high links with the animals of the Outback The narrative has three parts that eventually collide (hence the title) in the final 10 minutes or so. After a spy satellite goes down. American CIA operatives are dispatched DownIInder to retrieve the missing electronic beacon, which of murse contains data that in the wrong hands could mean the end of the world. In the meantime, ornery. gun-toting Aussie rancher Brozzle (Magda Szubanski) has been having a devil of a time with a mean 14-foot crocodile that has been gobbling up her cattle as well as swallowing the CIA electronic beacon. Steve and Thrri have been called in to rescue and relocate the (Toe before Bmzzie fills it with lead, which makes them prime suspects for the CIA. which considers the
nature duo international spies. Director John Stainton strains to make the three parts meld into one. But he never forgets who the star of the show is. A good bulk of the time is spent watching "Stevo" rescue poisonous snakes, a birdeating venomous spider, or a baby kangaroo after its mother is road kill. His over-the-top delivery of environmental babble is entertaining in an insane sort of way. As in the TV show, he speaks (tiredly to the camera and has a tendency to talk to the camera when it may seem more sensible to focus on the beasts he's got perilously close to him. Irwin's enthusiasm for all things natural is infectious. In between advising kids not to do this at home. he subdues a cranky killer serpent and imparts simple messages about the need to keep the environment in balance and respect Mother Nature's gifts. In his zeal to save the Earth, he wrestles cantankerous crocs and flings them into his tiny motorized boat to relocate them to a better place while wife Terri fumbles around trying to help. Her unable assistant persona is a hilarious match to his hysterical gusto. This is a man who wrangles with modern-day dinosaurs because he likes to, not because he has to. Throughout Irwin's adventures, Sul, a poor old mutt who looks at her owner like
Terri and Steve Iwin try to rope a crocodile in Metro-Goldwyn-rafter's "The Crocodile Hunter
Course."
Stuart does it again By Gem Pare
His adventurous spirit intact, the plucky white mouse adopted by the Little family is back in the nearly-ascharming 'Stuart Little 2' (Columbia). Nestled across the street from Manhattan's Central Park, the contented Little household now has a baby girl. and Mom and Dad (Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie) couldn't be happier. Except for one thing — pint-size Stuart (voiced by Michael 1. Fox) is game to do everything a normal boy like his brother George (Jonathan Lipnicki) does, but Mom is terrified Stuart could be hurt. Minor misadventures on the soccer field and in a toy plane further convince Mom that George should keep Stuart in his sights at all times. But with George sometimes off playing with his pal. Will, Stuart's a little lonely — or a lonely Little.Swooping into Stuart's life one day is Margalo (voiced by Melanie Griffith), a tiny golden bird apparently fleeing the vicious Falcon (voiced by James Woods). Stuart, instantly smitten, takes her in while her wing heals and all the Littles welcome her with open arms, even that fraidy-cat furball, Snowbell (voiced by Nathan Lane). Never having had a loving family of her own, and unaccustomed to such caring kindness. Margalo feels terrible since she's actually in cahoots with Falcon. When he threatens to devour Stuart if she doesn't steal from the Littles, she sadly complies and flies the coop. Sure that Margalo has been snatched. Stuart enlists Snowbell and sets out to rescue her from Falcon. Meanwhile, George tells a little white lie to the big Littles lest they worry about
IN SHORT ... 'Eight Legged Freaks' (Warn-
er Bros.) Dopey horror flick in which an engineer (David Arquette) and a sheriff (Kari Wuhrer) try to save their Arizona mining town from being overrun by murderous giant spiders. Director Ellory Elkayem maintains a feeble comic tone through the increasing chaos and mayhem but the plot's sheer predictability renders it instantly forgettable. Page 14
their little white mouse who has gone missing. And soon the fur is flying when Falcon. Snowbell. alley cat Monty. our hero Stuart and his maiden-in-distress all collide over a dazzling diamond ring. Director Rob Minkoff is back for this new adventure based on the characters from E.B. White's classic 1945 children's story. The colorful sequel retains the endearing qualities of the original, although the story's freshness and originality suffer a bit. Bits of sly humor (mostly from Lane's snippy Snowbell) liven the familiar situation and two birds add a new element. Less successful are the extremely obvious music track selections. What's not obvious is how seamlessly the humans blend with (five) Persian cats playing Snowbell, and the animated creatures — whose fine detailing is amazing. The picture-postcard visuals of the Littles' townhouse and the romanticized New York City they live in are also handsomely realized. Davis and Laurie are appealing as the idealized parents who carefully teach their children such life lessons as seeing the
silver lining in a cloud, and not lying. The movie also treats themes of friendship, optimism. bravery and forgiveness in an upbeat, kid-friendly manner that should entertain children. However, scenes of the vicious Falcon. his razor-sharp talons set to pounce. and the extended scene of a cab careening through Central Park with pedestrians in imminent danger make the movie a bit too intense for very young children, and the cabbie mutters 'hell' in passing. But for the over-7 to over-70 set, the spunky Stuart again proves to be a mighty mouse and a tiny treat. Due to a few menacing scenes and brief naughty language. the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is Al! - adults and adolescents.
Recurring fantasy violence, fleeting sexual innuendo and a few crass expressions. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is All - adults and adolescents.
genetic experiment gone wrong whose only instinct is to destroy. Lessons on the importance of family and caring about others are lightly woven into writer-director Chris Sanders' bold story with offbeat characters, but the cheeky dialogue, rambunctious behaviour and discussion of genetics seems inappropriate for the younger set at which the film is aimed. Several scary moments and some slightly irreverent expressions. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is All - adults and adolescents.
Lilo and Stitch' (Disney)
Sassy animated comedy in which a lonely orphaned Hawaiian girl (voiced by Daveigh Chase) who lives with her older sister and guardian (voiced by Tia Carrere) adopts what she thinks is a dog (voiced by Christopher Michael Sanders), but turns out to be an alien
Grp /Maw MGM
he's crazy (because he basically is), cringes and cowers in a corner of the boat while her master brings yet another ferocious thing with terrifying jaws on board. There's not much to The Crocodile Hunter." But if the audience goes in expect-
ing little, the reward is a good-natured film and a fun summer treat. Because of some mild action violence and menace. the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is All - adults and adolescents.
'Pure puff!! Ily Anne Navarro 'The Powerpuff Girls Movie' (Warner Bros.) is an animated lecture in whic.h drawn-out action sequences are wrapped around a dim-witted story. But that doesn't necessarily mean that fans of the cartoon series still might not be eager to see ft in the theatres. Director Craig McCraken's The Powerpuff Girls Movie' is the latest in a flurry of movies unleashed for the younger audience this summer, with more to come. But 'Powerpuff Girls' is a disappointment. A.s the young viewers of the TV loon know, the three little girls of the title were created by Professor Utonium (voiced by Tom Kane). a scientist fed up with the crime and thuggery in lbwns1,411e. He simply wanted children of his own to whom he could teach right from wrong. Combining sugar, spice and everything nice — and an inadvertent splash of 'chemical X' — the Professor created Blossom (voiced by Catherine Cavadini), the bright leader of the group; Bubbles (voiced by Tara Strong), who's all cuteness and giggles; and Buttercup (voiced by E.G. Daily), the strong-willed tough cookie. But by mistake. Professor also turned his pet monkey into the evil Mojo Jojo (voiced by Roger L Jackson), a simian with a superiority complex who speaks with a vague Asian accent and wants to rule lbwnsville. Among the monotonous action sequences (there's an overlong scene where the trio, using their super powers, play tag all around town, accidentally destroying property) is buried a feeble lesson about tolerance and acceptance. The town initially rejects the girls as freaks (a word used all too often in the film, as is 'stupid') until they rescue the citizens from Mojo Jojo's fiendish clutches. Then the lasses become everyone's heroes and vow to fight crime and wickedness each day. at least until bedtime. From the characters to the town to Professor Utonittm's home, the animation has a colourful retro look The girls' have bulbous heads and large saucer eyes that blink purposefully as they walk on rounded toes. The professor looks something like Rock Hudson with the swaggering voice of a game-show host But while the animation is inventive, the convoluted story borrows freely from liveaction films such as 'Planet of the Apes,' Batman' and 'King Kong.' The film lacks wit and droll dialogue, instead just punching the clock and hoping to catch a free ride from the success and built-in audience of the television series. Although the cartoon violence of the movie may be equal to that of the series, it still seems likely to frighten the very young. while older children may not be disturbed by it. Because of some cartoon violence and menace with a few bad-mannered expressions. the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is Al! - adults and adolescents.
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official diary SEPTEMBER 27
Mercy Day Mass for Mercedes College and presentation of Youth Book to Year 12s, St Mary's Cathedral A rchbishop Hickey Ordination to Diaconate for St Charles' Seminary, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton
29
Mass to celebrate Centenary of Good Shepherd Sisters, Subiaco - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton
OCTOBER 1
Address to Conference of State Association of Social Workers / National Association of Social Work Educators A rchbishop Hickey
3
Annual Meeting of Diocesan Priests, Ascot Inn Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton
5
Mass for "True Love Waits" - Bishop Sproxton
6
Mass to celebrate 50th Jubilee of Parish of St Denis, Joondanna - Archbishop Hickey Mass for Divine Mercy Apostolate, St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey Ecumenical Service to commence Mental Health Week, Wesley Uniting Church - Rev Fr Rodney Williams.
8
Heads of Churches' meeting. Wollaston College Archbishop Hickey
9
Summit on Evangelisation. Parish of Port Kennedy Archbishop Hickey
10
Council of Priests' meeting at University of Notre Dame Australia - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton
Continued from page 7
Maintaining a balance
rr he Record's reporting on Rock1ingham's Weeping Madonna has been meticulous and carefully balanced between an openness to the possibility of it being a supernatural phenomenon and caution in case it isn't - which is how it should be. Catholic people could not expect more from their own newspaper and the reporters should be congratulated for their high standards of journalism. While ever the Catholic Press exists Catholics can feel confident that the nuth will be sincerely and earnestly sought and reported on.Therefore Iwould urge Catholic people and all people of good will to support it more. Patricia Halligan Mandurah
Slippery slope
I
am doing research into the moral issue of using embryonic stem cells for medical research. I have been given a copy of your editorial "How the slippery slope is built", (May 9) which I found a wonderfully logical exposition of how an apparent good can be used to mask an inherent evil. Selfishness can always be justified if you try hard enough! (We have seen it in the gay, de facto, removal of school discipline, feminist and other so-called reforms. The initial legislation, as in this case, is not the absolute, it is merely the thin end of the wedge. Anyone who has read Peter Singer should be well and truly terrified of 'voluntary' euthanasia too!) My warmest congratulations on your editorial. Helen Dyer Perth
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of events panorama a inroundup the archdiocese September 29 A DULT EDUCATION IN THE FAITH How well do most lay Catholics know their Catholic Faith? How many can share their faith with others? Switch on to "The Layman's Hour - with Raymond and Theresa de Souza (Radio Fremantle 107.9 FM) on Sunday at 7.30pm and hear Fr Vincent Glynn. Director of the Maranatha Institute. Ring 9494 2100 and have your say on this key issue. September 30 SHARED MEAL AND THANKSGIVING MASS Cathedral Parish Centre, 459 Hay St. Perth, from 12 noon. All are welcome. Come, join the Gingin-Chittering Parish for a shared meal and discussion of t he parish raffle.Thanksgiving Mass at 3pm. Please bring a plate. Tea/coffee provided. Details: Fr Paul 9571 1839, Francis 9459 3873, Margaret 9571 3387. September 30 to October 2 CHARISMATIC RENEWAL From Monday to Wednesday - all sessions from 7pm to 9.30pm each evening. Held at The Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent Street North Perth. Each session will include praise and teaching. Mass, healing prayer and witnessing. All are welcome. Additional session specifically for youths on Sept. 30 from 2-5pm at Queen of Apostles Church, 53 Tudor Ave. Riverton. Inq: Shirley 9385 7460 October 1 A LPHA IN KWINANA Christianity: boring, untrue or irrelevant? Do you k now someone who thinks this way? Then bring them along to the Alpha Course starts at 7pm at the parish centre, St Vincent's Church, cnr Pace Rd and Gilmore Ave, Kwinana. Contact Hugh and Michelle on 9419 5246, Fr Paul 9419 2920. FEAST OF ST THERESE OF LISIEUX AT HILTON On Tuesday evening there will be a special Mass at 7.30pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Hilton, to celebrate the saint's feast-day. October 3 FEAST OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI The Secular Franciscans invite all Franciscan followers to celebrate the feast at St John's Pro Cathedral at 6pm. We will begin with The Transitus followed by the Mass of the Feast. Supper at Mercedes College afterwards. Info: Pat Meek 9349 1474. October 4 ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS, ALL NIGHT EUCHARISTIC ADORATION First Fri-Sat devotions and reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held at Our Lady of Mercy church, Girrawheen. Confession from 8.15pm. Holy Mass at 9pm. Vigil concludes on Saturday morning with Holy Mass at 7.30am. Please join us even for a few hours. Celebrant Fr Gatt, Fr O'Ryan. Enq: 9342 5845.
conclude with rosary. led by Fr Paul Carey SSC. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts. Inq: Francette 9279 3934. October 6 ECUMENICAL SERVICE - MENTAL HEALTH WEEK Wesley Uniting Church, Cnr William and Hay St. Perth 3pm. For all involved in mental health, consumers. families, friends, carers workers in the f ield, join as a community in praise and worship. October 6 A NNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Immaculate heart of Mary Prayer Group invites all to the celebration of our sixth anniversary on Sunday at 2.30pm at SS John and Paul Church. Pinetree Gully Rd. Wi lletton. Thanksgiving Mass. crowning of our Lady. homily, procession. Please bring a plate Enq: 9310 1789 (Anna/Peter) October 6 TRUE LOVE WAITS Invitation to all young people to attend an information session to hear the reasons why we should save sex until Marriage. Saturday 6pm at the Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St. East Perth. followed by Mass 7.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, Windsor St. Mass celebrated by Bishop Don Sproxton. Includes the opportunity to pledge to a chaste lifestyle. Enq: Grant 0411 133629. October 10 WORKSHOP FOR PARISH MUSICIANS A genda: basic principles for planning Eucharistic Liturgies, who sings what and when, developing a parish repertoire. resources. Our Lady of Rosary Parish Centre. Cnr Angelico St & Williamstown Rd. Woodlands. 7.30-9.30pm. Register by: Monday 7 October. Archdiocesan Liturgy Office, GPO Box P1217, Perth WA 6844. Phone: 9221 1548, Fax: 9221 3694, Email: litrcia@nw.com.au. October 13 MENTAL HEALTH WEEK MASS. DAY OF REFLECTION Emmanuel Centre 25 Windsor Street, Perth. Sunday 12noon to 4pm. Mass at 3pm, followed by refreshments. Ph: 9328 8113 (voice) 9328 9571 (TTY). October 15 ANNUAL MAJELLAN MASS Held at St Joseph's Church, Subiaco on Tuesday at 7.45pm. Enq: 9387 5294 October 15 DAY OF INTENTION Sponsored by the Catholic Women's League, Morley. We will be praying for world peace and healing in the Church at Infant Jesus Church, 47 Wellington Rd, Morley. We begin at 9am with Mass and conclude with Benediction at app. 2pm.
October 4 PRO-LIFE PROCESSION. MIDLAND The Frist Friday Mass, procession and Rosary vigil will b e held, commmencing 9.30am with Mass, celebrated at St Brigid's church. Midland. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate will lead us. All are invited to witness for the sanctity of life and pray for the conversion of hearts. Inq: Helen 9402 0349.
October 18-20 WEEKEND RETREAT Discover the man Within: Our Spiritual Journey. A retreat for men at Safety Bay. Facilitated by Nick Galante (trained by the Jesuits in Ignatian Spirituality). with experienced group leaders. Opportunity for spiritual revival and personal reflection. Information: Kevin Wringe 9316 3469. Chris Gardner 9332 4532, Godfrie Baronie 9336 3773 by Oct 4.
October 4-5 ALL NIGHT VIGIL AND EUCHARISTIC ADORATION 1st Friday Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the 1st Saturday to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square. Commencing 9pm with Holy Mass. Concluding at 7am with Holy Mass. Enq: Catherine 9444 1940. Yolanda 9385 8563. All welcome.
October 18-20 RETROUVAILLE/REDISCOVERY A self-help communication program for marriages with serious communication problems, commences with a live-in weekend. Confidential inquiries: 9242 4423.
October 5 ST DENIS PARISH GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Liturgically, celebration of the jubilee begins 6.30pm Mass on Saturday. The celebrant will be Fr Leo M Spricer OSM. The liturgy will contain ceremonies not included in the Pontifical Mass celebrated by his Grace, on Sunday at 11am. You are invited to attend both Masses. St Denis Church is on the corner of Roberts/Osborne Sts, Joondanna. WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION The next first Saturday Mass, procession and Rosary Vigil will be held, commencing with Mass at 8.30am at St Anne's, Hehir St, Belmont. We proceed prayerfully to the Rivervale abortion centre and
October 25-27 MAJELLAN RETREAT The October Retreat will be held at St Joseph's Convent, Penguin road. Safety Bay. Sister Jan Gray will facilitate, cost is S80 and a deposit of S20 or full amount to be forwarded to Mrs Glenis Ottaway. 164 Leake St. Belmont. 6104. Ph: 9277 5652. EVENTS AT THE SCHOENSTATT SHRINE 9 Talus Drive, Armadale PH: 9399 2349. email: shrine@ bigoond.com.au. ForYoung Men: Saturday, October 12. 4-7pm Sharing in the spiritual fatherhood of God. Saturday November 2, 4-7pm Discovering the doors God opens to us. For Young Women: Sunday October 13, 2-5pm The God of love waits for an answer of love. Sunday November 3. 2-5pm God's call to holiness; In search of our halo.
-Pale i5
The Last Word
During an in-womb procedure to correct spina bifida on a 21-week-old fetus, the baby's hand grips the finger of Dr. Joseph P. Bruner in an operating room at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 19, 1999. Photographer Michael Clancy captured the remarkable moment for USA Today. Since then Clancy has made the photo available to pro-life organizations for brochures, posters and Web sites. •
It was a beautiful moment, captured forever by phtographer Michael Clancy. A 21 week old fetus holding on to the hand of a surgeon during a procedure. It is an image that still amazes him and has changed his outlook of life, along with many others who have seen the picture now known as the famous "fetal hand grasp" photograph. By T. Jensen Lacey NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) — Michael Clancy is a changed man, and it happened during an incident on the job with a glimpse of a tiny, outstretched hand. A veteran free-lance photojournalist living in Nashville, Clancy had been hired by USA Today to photograph surgical procedures being performed on fetuses. A fortysomething. single. erudite professional who says he's 'spiritual but uncommitted to any particular religious dogma.' Clancy then considered himself to be someone totally uninvolved in the debate over abortion. 'It (the pro-life debate) was something that didn't have anything to do with me. and I had never taken a stand either way.' he said in an interview with the Tennessee Register, the Nashville diocesan newspaper. Something happened to change Clancy's attitude and challenge his beliefs on Aug. 19, 1999, as he stood, gowned and in surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, with camera in hand. The surgical procedure he was photographing that morning was a corrective spinal procedure on a fetus of just 21 weeks' gestation. The baby had spina bifida, in which part of the spine does not close.
'When the surgery began,' Clancy said. 'they made the incredible picture he'd ever seen.' Clancy recalled. The typical incision like they would make for a C-section to now-famous 'Fetal Hand Grasp' photograph is featured on gain access to the uterus, which they lifted out and placed Web sites — with permission from the photographer and on the mother. An incision was then made to the uterus without — and on billboards, posters and on Clancy's own itself with the infant staying inside the womb throughout Web page. www.mic.haelclancy.com. the procedure.' 'The day after this photo was published.' Clancy said. 'a Then. Clancy said, a miracle happened. 'As they were man from St. Louis called and told me, 'I have 14 crisis about to finish the procedure,' he recalled. 'the doctor was pregnancy centres I'm in charge of, and I just want you to asking me about my film speed, and in my peripheral know your picture is saving lives." vision I caught a movement. No one was touching the Radio personality Rush Limbaugh talked about the site uterus but it was moving. All of a sudden, the child thrust on his show. and G. Gordon Liddy. on his radio show. interan arm out of the opening. viewed Clancy. 'I've also had then pulled back in until people e-mailing me saying only the tiny hand was prohow this has changed them.' truding. I started taking picNo one was touching the uterus but it Clancy added. tures.' Donna Thomas, director of was moving. All of a sudden, the child Caring What happened next conChoices in Nashville. thrust an arm out of the opening, then saw the photo on Clancy's tinues to amaze Clancy. 'The doctor leaned over and site. 'It's pretty striking.' pulled back in until only the tiny hand Web lifted the baby's hand,' he she said. said. 'The baby took hold of was protruding. "It reinforces the concept the doctor's finger, and that there is a life growing when the surgeon gently within someone and that it shook the finger. the baby needs to be respected and held on light.' Then the moment was gone and the doctor cared for in the proper way.' began to dose the incision and complete the procedure. Still a spiritual seeker. Clancy said the photo answers 'A nurse asked me what happened because I was say- one important question for him and for people, such as ing, 'Wow! Amazing!' Clancy said. When he told her what pregnant women or abortion-clinic staffers, who are in the he had seen, he said she shrugged and responded. 'Oh, position of making life-or-death decisions. they do that all the time.' 'This changed me spiritually.' he said. 'I know without a Still in awe over what he had witnessed, Clancy sent the doubt that God is using me and that I have to get this picunprocessed film to USA lbday: many publications require ture out there. I see myself not so much as saving lives; I this from photographers, to ensure there is no artificial see myself as a messenger to let people know about somemanipulation of images. 'I thought then,' he said, 'that of thing that happened in the blink of an eye.' And what of all the things I've ever done, this is the most significant to -the infant? Clancy said, 'Samuel was born on December me. 2, 1999.1 saw him when he was two days old in an Atlanta Clancy still did not know if the photograph had even hospital. When I saw him, it was amazing. He was a perbeen in focus, it had happened so fast. Ten days later, Clan- fectly formed, normal baby, looking around. From what cy's editor called him. 'He told me this was the most I've read about Samuel's surgery, this is a miracle."
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