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WA's only Catholic weekly newspaper Perth: October 10 2002 Price: Si
The gift of miracles Poorest of the poor in Thailand benefit from the weeping statue in Rockingham By Bronwen Clune
Visitors to the weeping statue of Mary at Our lady of Lourdes Church in Rockingham have spontaneously left donations totalling $18,000 which have been passed on to Perth Sister Joan Evans to help her in her missionary work in the slums of Bangkok The money was donated by people visiting the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which had been crying tears of oil continuously for 58 days at the time The Record went to print. Sister Joan, a Presentation nun, has made it her life's work to help the poor in the port slum area of Bangkok known as Klong "Most of the people I encounter every day are extremely poor," Sr Joan said. "There are times when some of the people are too poor to even have rice to eat. This is extremely distressing to me because Thailand grows more than enough rice to feed its population." Sister Joan was introduced to Patty Powell, the owner of the statue, when Patty visited Thailand eight years ago. It was also on that trip that Patty bought the statue of Our
Rockingham priest Fr Finbarr Walsh presents Sister Joan with a cheque.
Lady of Lourdes. Sr Joan's work impressed Patty so much that she decided that any donations made to herself or the Parish would be sent on to Sr Joan. While donations were never asked for or even expected people left money at the parish. The money was presented to Sr Joan when she made a return trip tp Perth last week. Sr Joan arrived in Thailand from Perth in 1991 and spent her first year in Bangkok learning the Thai language. It was in 1992 she began walking into the slums around the port area of Bangkok in order to help the large number of destitute there. She said there would be around 150,000 to 250.000 people living in the area - most of whom did not have permanent employment, had little education and at times no food. She works with the Human Development Foundation. based in Thailand and run by Father Joseph Maier. Sister Joan is primarily involved in the education of people in the slums, where she works with two other nuns from Australia. But as the sisters have become known to the slum community they have also come to be relied on for other things. Sr Joan said abandonment of children is a big problem In the slums and people often turned to them for help. "Most of the time the children are taken in by local families. but they come to us when things get tough, when they are struggling and have extra mouths to feed." There is no particular project yet that Sr Joan will be spending the money on. am really going to pray a lot about this one." she said. "I feel the money should be spent on a project that helps women and children in particular. but as yet I am not sure what that will be." She would also be praying to Our Lady and reflecting on the reasons why the statue of Our Lady might be weeping. "I think we have to all ask ourselves what we might he doing to make Our Lady weep." she said. *Maybe it is something in our lives we are not doing." It seems to be something a few people are reflecting on. says Rockingham parish priest Fr Finbarr Walsh. "We are receiving letters every week from people around the world who are moved by what is happening here in Rocldngham. " he said. "I know in my own parish there seems to be more people coming to Mass than before.
Sister Joan Evans in Perth last week
"It would be hard to estimate, but I would say numbers are up by 50 or even 100." After a retreat in Perth Sr Joan returns to Bangkok to her home in the slaughterhouse area in the slums. It is known as the "slaughter house slum" because pigs are continually heard sqealing out at night when they are being killed. Sister Joan's work relies entirely on donations, which can be sent to Sister Joan Evans. PO Box 28. Kluai Nam Thai PO, Bangkok Thailand 10115.
Those in need ...
Sister Joan and a volunteer with a little boy, who as a consequence of being fed condensed milk by impoverished parents suffers from kidney and liver failure. He is cared for by the sisters
A family whose house was washed away in the floods. The little girls sat on their haunches all night. The sisters donated 5000 Bahl to restump their house
An eight-year-old Thai girl who is deaf and partially blind, has had two heart operations and is cared for by the Sisters. She is pictured with an Australian volunteer.
FEATURES: Escriva canonised I True Thousands turn out to honour the founder of Opus Dei
Pages 8 & 9
waits pdye
M
Vatican document on women deacons shows they had a different role in the early Church page 13
10 October, 2002
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The path to Rome Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton received a Pectoral cross from Pope John Paul II at Castel Gandolfo during a special audience for newly-ordained bishops recently. He was one of four Australian bishops who attended with others from around the world when Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, invited newly-ordained bishops to a convention in Rome from September 15-24. Cardinal Re has developed the idea of having the bishops ordained in the last 12 months make a pilgrimage to the Tomb of St Peter and meet with the various heads of the Vatican departments or dicasteries. Bishop Sproxton said he found the experience extremely valuable and worthwhile. The new bishops gathered at the Legionaries of Christ seminary. "We were presented with a talk by a cardinal or a senior official of a Congregation which usually lasted an hour or so. Then we had the opportunity to ask questions of the speaker. There was only a little time for us to meet together in small groups. I found these very 1.1ilightening because we were bishops from the Americas, Philippines, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. It was fascinating to listen to the experiences in those other regions of the Church". "I was particularly interested in the formation of seminarians and the promotion of vocations in other dioceses. The promotion of N. ()cations involves spending of a lot of time keeping in contact with prospective candidates, nurturing them by providing help as they grow spiritually with regular days of reflection, retreats and spiritual exercises. I found more and more bishops involving themselves personally in this pre-seminary formation". "Cardinal Re showed he has enormous reserves of energy for a man of his age," Bishop Sproxton said. "The Cardinal arranged for the big names such as Cardinals Ratzinger, Kasper, Schonborn Tomko, Sepe, Etchegaray, MurphyO'Connor, Lopez II•ujillo and Sodano to speak or to celebrate the Mass with us." Cardinal Lopez 'frujillo gave some pastoral tips on the bishop's role promoting family life. He gave a lengthy part of his presentation on the family to the importance of marriage preparation. In his opinion the preparation for marriage began in one's own family and must be supported by a serious period of marriage preparation ideally beginning after the engagement. "Strong Christian families will turn civilisation away from its present path to decay and destruction," he told us. "At the audience at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father entered the hall smiling and full of interest in his newest co-workers. As each of us was presented to him, the Holy Father greeted us in our own language and handed us a pectoral cross. "Early on the Sunday morning we were taken to St Peter's Basilica where we celebrated the Mass with Cardinal Re and visited the Tomb of St Peter. "I had the chance to pray before the altar beneath which Blessed John XXIII lies. I thanked Jesus for this wonderful man from Bergamo, and for another bishop from Bergamo, Cardinal Re".
Exorcism convinces sceptic journo MADRID, Spain, October. 6, 2002 (Zenit.org).- A newspaper
reporter went to an exorcism as a sceptic - and came away a believer. Jose Manuel Vidal, religious affairs correspondent of the newspaper El Mundo, attended, an exorcism carried out by a priest authorised by the Vatican. His account. "The Exorcism I Witnessed in Madrid," recently appeared in the periodical, which is not known for its proclerical bent. Vidal, together with the religious affairs correspondent of EFE news agency, witnessed the exorcism in Madrid. carried out by Father Jose Antonio Fortea, 33, a parish priest at Our Lady of Zulema. The rite took place in a chapel. The possessed was a 20-yearold woman, who the newspaper called Martha. She was "rather small and of gentle features," Vidal said in his description. Isense the rite is about to 1)t ‘gin," he wrote. "I sit down with anticipation on the bench. The exorcist stretches out his right hand and holds it over her face, without touching her. Then, he closes his eyes, lowers his head, and whispers an unintelligible prayer
several times. A frightening shriek, the first, breaks the chapel's silence, it penetrates my soul and gives me goose bumps." It isn't human," Vidal added. "A startling shrill and deep sound comes out of Martha's throat. But it cannot be her. it isn't her tone of voice. It is hoarse and masculine. Father Fortea continues praying and the roars well up, one after the other. Little by little the girl's body shakes intensely. Her head turns from one side to the other, first slowly and then with unheard-of speed." "As the exorcist recites the psalmody, the girl groans and twists nonstop." the journalist continued. "All of a sudden, the groaning becomes a frightening roar. high-pitched and furious. The exorcist has just placed the crucifix on her abdomen and chest, while sprinkling her with holy water. "She kicks with such fury that the crucifix falls down and her mother picks it up again and again, placing it on her and handing her a rosary that Martha hurls away furiously." "My mind is spinning," the reporter admitted. "We are at
the climax of a ritual that, up to now, did not fit my scheme, despite the fact that in the seminary, the priests continued to nourish my childish fear of the Evil One, always ready to take possession of a soul: "After the Second Vatican Council, the dogma of the devil's existence became an 'embarrassing part of doctrine' and. like so many other Catholics. I also dispensed with it." Vidal recalled The screams stop the minute the priest leaves the chapel. "I notice a certain disappointment on the mother's face," the reporter wrote. had the feeling she hoped it would be today. She has spent close to three hours on her knees, but there is no sign of exhaustion on her face, only of a certain disappointment." "I pray for Martha and her mother. What I saw was not a set-up." the report concluded. When E/ Mundo published the story on September 22, it ran an editorial that described Vidal's narrative as consistent and concluded: "Each one is free to look for the explanation he or she wishes of events like the one described today by Jose Manuel Vidal."
Vatican tackles thorny admissions problem VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican has prepared a draft document containing directives against the admission of homosexuals to the priesthood, informed Vatican sources said. The document takes the position that since the church considers the homosexual orientation as 'objectively disordered' such people should not be admitted to the seminary or ordained, the sources said on October 8. The question of excluding homosexuals from the priesthood had been quietly considered at the Vatican for years without finding a consensus. It received new and more urgent attention in the wake of U.S. clerical sex abuse cases, many of
which involved homosexual acts. The Congregation for Catholic Education prepared the draft document in collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and other Vatican agencies, the sources said. The draft was being circulated for comment in October among a wide range of consultants, including theologians, canon lawyers and other experts, they said. The draft document on homosexuals will take the form of directives or norms, to be used throughout the universal church, they said. 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! In September a US Vatican official at the Congregation for Bishops, Father Andrew Baker, articulated arguments against acceptance of homosexuals as priesthood candidates in an article published by the Catholic magazine America. Father Baker said that AND TALK PERSONALLY WITH If a man has a predomTHE FUNERAL DIRECTOR inant or exclusive same-sex attraction that in itself is grounds for bishops to have 'a prudent doubt regarding the candidate's suitability* for receiving 506 MARMION STREET the sacrament of BOORAGOON orders. TELEPHONE (08) 9330 8300 Church law says if such a doubt exists the person should not be ordained.
10 October, 2002
111__Recor1
Wear a yellow ribbon
Parishes seeking priests
C
atholic Mission is asking people Father Lim has down loaded power to wear a yellow arm band as point illustrations from the Internet, and part of a major campaign to these will be flashed on the walls of the increase public awareness of the plight church during the Mass and the parish's of children in many parts of the world children's choir will sing the Michael during World Mission Week, starting Jackson hit, Heal the World. Sunday, October 20. Church authorities have asked other And one Perth parish - Sacred Heart at parishes to make a similar effort. Other Thornlie - is mounting a special effort to parishes interested in mounting a simihighlight the campaign. lar special effort can obtain kits from Under the guidance of parish priest Catholic Mission office in Perth. Father Patrick Lim and parish secretary The national director of Catholic MisSandy Lewis, children attending the sion, Father Terry Bell said: "Every Mass at 10 am on October 20 will be minute of every day, 30 children die encouraged to wear national costume, because of malnutrition, poverty and and arrangements are being made to inadequate medical treatment," have the national flags of parishioners "Many more are at risk because of child displayed in the church. labour, slavery, prostitution, lack of eduThe children will form a procession. cation and abandonment," Fr Bell said. and some have been chosen to do the "But we believe that one child suffering readings and present the gifts for Holy is one child too many. Communion. There will also be a 10 We are calling on all Australians to minute video taking the place of the Remember the Children during World homily for the day, showing the work of Mission Week, and to support specific Catholic Mission overseas and with Abo- initiatives to raise awareness of the plight riginals in Australia. of children around the world. We want
Priests in the Archdiocese have been invited to submit expressions of interest for six metropolitan parishes which either have lost or will soon lose their parish priests. Archbishop Barry Hickey recently forwarded information about the parishes to all priests. The parishes and the reasons for the vacancies are: • St Dominic's, Innaloo, where Fr Tim Foster has indicated his desire to retire at the end of the year, after which he would be available for supply work. • St Benedict's, Applecross, where Fr John O'Reilly, for reasons of health, will retire after Christmas. • St Joseph's, Bassendean, where Fr Richard Robertsen has also retired through ill health. When he is recovered he will continue to do pastoral work in the Archdiocese. • St Gerard's, Mirrabooka, which has been administered by Fr Giosue Marini as Priest-incharge and Fr Chien as Assistant Priest since the Episcopal ordination of Bishop Don Sproxton in February. • St Columba's, Bayswater, from which Fr Joe Parkinson will resign about the end of the year because of his increased workload lecturing in the Archdiocese and at Notre Dame University and at the LI.Goody Bioethics Centre. •St Anthony's, Wanneroo, which the Servites are reluctantly leaving soon after Christmas. The Servites will continue to care for the Parish of Joondanna and Servite College and will continue their other pastoral initiatives from their Priory in Thart Hill. "I wish to record my appreciation of the dedicated apostolic work accomplished by the priests who are retiring," the Archbishop said In his letter to priests. "Retirement" is not the best word to use under these circumstances because all our "retired" priests, including these most recent ones, continue to exercise their priestly ministry in various ways. I thank them, and thank God for them," he added.
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New Book Release! I the Lord Am With You Always
-The Eucharist is at the head 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 '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
Prayers and Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration
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to encourage our government to meet its obligations as signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Seven Major Goals for Survival, Development and Protection of 1990." Everyone is being urged to sign petitions calling on the Australian community and government to work harder for the welfare of children. They call for an increase in funding in overseas aid from the 0.25 per cent of the gross national product (GNP), to the 0.7 per cent that is a United Nations target. (Australia's contribution dropped from 0.47 per cent in 1983-84 to the 0.25 per cent in the 2002-2003 Federal Budget.) The petitions will be available through 1700 Catholic schools and 1400 parishes around Australia. Parishioners are also being urged to wear a yellow arm band on October 23. They are then urged to sign the arm band the following day and post it to Catholic Mission. Locked Bag 8760, CANBERRA ACT 2601. Signed arm bands and petitions will then forwarded to the Australian government.
by Norma Woodcock (Guided imagery - imagine you are there in the scene
with Jesus) "A great way to learn to pray from the heart."
Bishop Healy This CI) provides a highly effective means of connecting with Jesus. AsIimagine Him present in the Gospel scene of long ago. Ibecome more aware of His presence with me now." Father John Prendhille SI
A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER W111-1 GOD
'Jesus Walks on the Water and with Him Peter": from fear to faith. 2nd Meditation: "The Prodigal Son": returning home to the Father. 3rd Meditation "The woman with the haemorrhage': power comes from Jesus.
1st Meditation:
-Harvest Pilgrimages WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES MANILA • THE PHILIPPINES • JANUARY 2003
"The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium." 8 day pilgrimage to Manila - departs 21 January 2003 Personally escorted by Bishop Eugene Hurley and Dr & Mrs Ron & Mavis Pirola Optional Extension to Pagsanjan & Cebu Island In association with the Bishops' Committee for Family and for Life fully inclusive at
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DIOCESAN YOUTH CO-ORDINATOR
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 a broomediocese.org Written applications, including Curriculum Vitae. Wing at least three referees, including one from a Parish Priest, should be forwarded to the above address. Applications close Friday 18th October 2002.
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10 October, 2002
IbikordAll
I
nversion ...
offer this outline of my conversion as a way of honouring God's amazing, unique invitation to me to embrace the Catholic faith about 52 years ago. es This proffered gift of Grace from God Joy Mary came in March 1949 at age 26 during my Therese first ever conversation with a Catholic McMullan. priest, at the end of the very first sentence he said to me after we were introduced. That sentence: "The Church that can trace itself back to the time of Christ must be the true Church." Suddenly it was as if my brain spun round and round and exploded, at the end of which I knew definitive- Have a conversion story ly that God was telling me I had no choice to tell? but to become a Catholic as the next stage Send it to of my Christian journey, if I was going to discover the real me who He had created The Record, me to be, while still being grateful for my PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902, Protestant background which had started or by email: cathrec©iinet.net.au me on that journey. together with a picture of yourself. I also knew with absolute conviction Maximum 450 words that God wanted an 'on-the-spot unconditional yes' from me, even thoughIknew nothing of any substance whatsoever Methodism back to Congregationalism because the youth group in the former about that faith at the time. As a babyIwas baptised in the Methodist didn't believe in dancing, even though it Church - but living in the country my fam- was taught at college - and I loved dancily went to whichever protestant church ing. So, after a time I was confirmed again was available, mostly the then Congrega- in that church. Though I remember only once in my tional Church - until, at the age of 13, I went to board for five years at Methodist mid-teens being told Catholics were not Ladies College, where I received my first really acceptable people. I had picked up Confirmation. At that time I saw Confir- that message as a child. So, when I joined mation as joining that particular church - the workforce and found myself surnot as being strengthened as a Temple of rounded by them in my first job -Irememthe Holy Spirit - something I'd never heard ber thinking to myself: "WellI don't know. they seem like ordinary normal people to of. God, though simply known to me as God me." Later when I listened to Dr. Rumble's (Iknew nothing of the Ilinity) had always question and answer program on the wirebeen important to me. I knew he lived in less, it seemed to me Catholics thought the Heaven and automatically expected that Pope was the only person on earth with was where I would go when I died.I also any brain power or intelligence. My next encounter came when an easthad a firm conviction that without Him ern states visitor wanted to hear St Mary's life would be quite meaningless. After I left boarding school and was liv- Cathedral choir - so off we went to a Suning in Perth, I very soon switched from day Mass. We sat through at least 20 min-
utes of names and their donations to the Easter dues, then the collection plates came around for the second time. Once wasn't enough! We left in utter disgust! Soon after that I met a very committed Catholic' soldier who quite impressed me. but when Singapore fell to the Japanese that door closed. By this time my brother was overseas as an airforce pilot, marrying an Irish Catholic into the bargain andIhad a mini breakdown. In hindsight I'm sure it was God stopping me in my tracks and saying: "Family life, schooling, church, society, has taught you this, that and the other. Time to stand still so Ican take over and be your teacher." After recovering, I worked in a small shop close to where I lived with my mother, my father having died before my illness; and while there I met a customer who, in conversation one day, told me he would never marry me because I wasn't a Catholic. That struck me as being the strangest of situations! Here were two people who both loved God - yet that love could be a barrier to them marrying. Even so I was firmly convinced in my own mind that God had to be a uniting God - not a dividing one. So I decided just to carry on living my own normal daily life and leave the problem to him. because he knew which of us was right whereas I didn't have a clue. The first sermon we ever heard together was on mixed marriage. by a Redemptorist mission priest, but I eventually agreed to go and have a chat to a priest to hear his side of the story first hand. While attending the Congregational church I listened intently to a sermon explaining its basic doctrine, because it was supposed to be my belief. On leaving the church, try as I did, I couldn't remember one word of it. When it came to studying the Catholic faith, I simply couldn't
Nun's work keeps growing The work of Sr Joan Evans, an Australian Presentation Sister, in the slums of Bangkok has
grown steadily since 1992 when she began to enter the Klong Toei slum area of the city. A teacher by profession and convinced of the importance of education that was her first focus and this year she is helping over 300 children and young people to get basic and vocational education. She supplies school uniforms, fees, bags, books, and often transport. The average cost per student is $100 a year and for a university program about $1000 per semester. Another big project is a fortnightly milk run. At first, she knew the women in need and could
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Maranatha Institute for Adult Faith Education Catholic Education Centre 50 Ruislip Street Leederville TERM 4 COURSES
All courses 7 weeks and cost $40. Beginning Tuesday 15 October 9.30asn-12pm Catholic Moral Teaching, Fr foe Parkinson 1-3pm Grief and Loss, Mr Gerry Smith Beginning Friday 18 October 9.30am-12pm We hold a treasure (I believe - we believe) Fr Vincent Glynn 1-3p-m Active Listening: Steps toward being an Effective Pastoral Presence In Ministry, Sr Margaret Anne Beech SJA Enrolments or information phone 9212 9311 lliesday, Thursday 9am-3.30pm and Friday 9am-1.30pm and we will send you a Course Booklet Page 4
walk to their homes, but the milk run now supplies more than 200 babies at a cost of $2250 a month. It is, literally, a life support for many families. The seemingly tireless nun spends many hours driving people to and from hospitals, often paying for the services provided, and spending time with patients supporting them and their families. Home health care needs range from the common cold and fevers to more serious illnesses such as tuberculosis and HIV AIDS. There is also support for the elderly and support for young patients ((infants to 15-year-olds) at an AIDS hospice. A new car at a cost of about $25,000 would be a big help to the total project. Sr Joan is totally dependent on donations for the continuation of her work. Donations can be sent to Thailand Mission, Sister Consuela PEiVM, Presentation Sister Centre, PO Box 2990, Cottesloe,
Knughts )0.
of the Southern Cross (WA) Incorporated
KSC EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA The liustee of the KSC Education Foundation Inc (a project of the Knights of he Southern Cross) takes pleasure in again Inviting applications from teachers of Religious Education in Catholic Schools in Western Australia to undertake further study for units in religious education or theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia in 2003. Application forms and further information are available from The Secretary KSC Education Foundation Inc PO Box Y3128 26 St George's Terrace PERTH WA 6832 Telephone (08) 9225 6011 Applications close on 9 November, 2002
Joy McMullan
forget what I was hearing. It stayed in my mind like glue. As a result I was conditionally baptised on July 11949, at Sacred Heart Church in Highgate, followed by my first confession, enabling me to receive my first Communion the next morning. Praise God! And - despite the fact that my mother shut herself in her bedroom and cried for half a day over the tragedy of her daughter, though telling me some years later he was too good for me, 1 did marry Govan McMullan whom God had used as His catalyst to lead me to the wondrous gift of Grace he was waiting to give me. It was also a relief to know my third Confirmation would be my last for all eterniAfter 52 years.I can do no better than to paraphrase St. Peter (John 6:68): -To whom else couldIgo Lord! You are the Real Presence of eternal Life. Amen."
Perth's Raymond de Souza takes to US lecture circuit By Richard Urban of Exclusive Treasures A ecently we had the privilege of sponsoring a series of pologetic related conferences given by Raymond de Souza in Louisiana. In addition we organised for Raymond to give talks in Houston, Texas, at the Fullness of Truth Conference on Labor Day Weekend (end August beginning September). In Houston Raymond enraptured a crowd of 1600 Catholics with deep Raymond de Souza in Texas. insights into the Faith, and solutions to the scandal-hit American Church separate talks at two Catholic with his Angelic Warfare in the Churches, one at St. Agnes, in Baton Rouge, and two at St Edmunds in Sanctuary. In this talk Raymond received Lafayette. In both Baton Rouge and Lafayette three standing ovations. We were all amazed at the response as this is large audiences listened on the edge Raymond's first speaking tour in the of their chairs to 'Proving the Divinity of Christ' Marian Dogmas' BibUS. Other speakers at the event includ- lical Foundations of the Papacy etc. ed Father Fessio, Tim Staples, and Many in the audience requested Kimberly Hahn. The crowd loved Raymond return soon to further Raymond's talks and want him back enlighten them on Catholic TeachMany people considered Ray- ing. In conclusion we all benefited mond's and Fr Fessio's talks to have tremendously from Raymond's talks and look forward to his return (hopbeen the best at the conference. In Louisiana the reception was ing and praying he can fit us in his very warm. Raymond gave three tight schedule).
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remember the children
ON WORLD MISSION DAY Sunday 20 October, 2002
A CALP TO ACTTON In solidarity with children Catholic Mission is promoting the Remember the Children Armband and Petition Campaign to commit all of us to working harder for the welfare of children and to demand of our leaders - political, social and religious - that they fulfil the promises that each of them has made.
Step 1 a) Find 10 family and friends to sign the Petition. b) Cut it out and mail to: Catholic Mission Locked Bag 8760 Canberra ACT 2601.
REMEMBER THE CHILDREN - FOR THE SAKE OF THE HUMAN FAMILY I call on my government, my church, and my community to remember the children more by better protecting and defending the rights of all children. I ask that we share our wealth and opportunities as well as increase Australia's overseas aid funding from 0.25% of our GNP to 0.7% as per the UN target. Name
Address
Signature
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The United Nations standard for OECD countries calls for the allocation of 0.7 % of their GNP to overseas development aid. Australia's contribution has declined from 0.47 in 1983-4 to 0.27% in 2001-2. For this financial year 2002-3 the government has reduced that even further to 0.25%. ("Australian Aid: Making a Difference" AusAID 15 May 2002 www.ausaid.gov.au/makediff/howmuch/cfm)
Step 2 a) Wear a Yellow Armband on CHILDREN'S MISSION DAY - WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER. b) Sign the armband on THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER and mail it to the above address. c) Order your armband(s) by phoning Freecall 1800 257 296. All armbands and petition sheets will be openly and publicly delivered to our political, social and religious leaders by Catholic Mission.
Catholic Mission www.catholicmission.org.au Freecall* 1800 257 296 *Preecau *ern fixed Moe* onk
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Opinion &sirReflection
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I Say, I Say.. H
ere are a few nuggets from my collection - I have a mountain of others - of instances of political correctness now being enforced in Britain. I do not call them 'crazy' or 'loony left' because they are being done by clever people with definite strategic objectives in the culture-war. Things are not quite soextreme in Australia yet, but are plainly moving the same way. Stockport College in Greater Manchester banned more than 40 politically-incorrect words and phrases, making it 'a condition of service and admission that employees and students adhere to the policy.' These deadly expressions included 'lady,' gentleman' and 'normal couple.' Presumably it would be a sacking offence to teach Shakespeare's Henry V where at Agincourt the King promises the lowest of his followers that the day would 'gentle his
condition.' And what of Two Gentlemen of Verona or The Lady of ShalotE The word 'history' was also banned, as were 'taking the Mickey' (anti-Irish), 'slaving over a hot stove', 'minimised the horror and oppression of the slave trade' and 'mad.' The government could have made clear that this type of behaviour by a publiclyfunded institution was not only immoral but also illegal - if necessary by plugging speedily any legislative loopholes which allowed it - but it did not. Rather it gave it an imprimatur. At Birmingham University a five-year study concluded that snowmen were racist and sexist, being generally male and always white. Snowmen, Dr 'nicht Cusack claimed, were phallic symbols, helping condemn women to secondclass status in society and threatening ethnic minorities. The study claimed the typical snowman
W RD on
Sunday
A laywoman's meditations We are called to the Wedding Feast
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he theme of the scriptures this week speaks of an all-embracing God who longs to fill us with the banquet of his life and love, now and in the eternal life to come. In the first reading. Isaiah 25:6-10, we are encouraged by the description of the magnificent feast to come and the promise of the destruction of death forever. We respond with the well-known psalm, Psalm 23 'The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want' and the final verse, 'In the Lord's own house shall I dwell forever and ever'. In the second reading, Philippians 4:1214. 19-20, St Paul says, 'I know how to be poor and I know how to be rich too. I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything anywhere...there is nothingI cannot master with, the help of the One who gives me strength.' St Paul and the Psalmist both knew that God suffices, God is sufficient for all our needs as we journey towards our heavenly home. In the Gospel, Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Wedding Feast. He is speaking to the chief priests, and elders, challenging them to change their thinking and their ways. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a King who gave a feast for his son's wedding. He sent his servants twice to those who had been invited but they would not come. They were not interested, one went off to his farm, another to his business and the rest seized the servants, maltreated them and killed them. The King, Jesus continues, was furious, sent out his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. He then sent his servants to the crossroads in the town to bring in the good and the bad. So the servants went and collected together everyone they could find and the wedding hall was filled with guests. What is Jesus saying to the chief priests and elders? He is confronting their indifference to his mission. The Fathers of the Church say that this King represents God, the son is Christ and the bride of Christ Page 6
Is the Church and thus each person in the church. Jesus then reminds them that many servants, the prophets were sent to them. the people of Israel, the ones first invited to the wedding feast. But in their indifference they chose not to come. Always Jesus challenges the chief priests and elders by the inclusion of the outcasts of Israel, the tax collectors, thr prostitutes: the good and the bad x% ell, gathered in from the crossroads. Thus( were entering the wedding feast before them. Jesus ends his parable with this blunt message. The need for each person to be wearing a wedding garment, for when the King came in and found one guest without his wedding garment, he had him thrown out. The Fathers of the churches say that the wedding garment is charity. Love in all its multiple variations is the wedding garment. It is made up of all our life and love giving choices in perseverance and trust. So the message for us is to ask ourselves if we place an urgency on spiritual things or are we waylaid by the reasonable and necessary occupation of life. Or are we indifferent at times. Do we live by the greatest commandment. 'To love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength and your neighbour as yourself. This is how we put on the wedding garment and enter the wedding feast. The wedding feast symb901is1ng the joys of heaven. The final line of this reading says, 'For many are called, but few are chosen'. When the King came in to the wedding hall in this parable, he found one guest without his wedding garment and he had him thrown out. One guest was cast out. The chosen were not cast out. Does being chosen mean we allow God to choose us, change us, transform us into love so that one day when we see him, we will know him, for we shall be like him? Yes it does. Glory to our God.
reinforced: 'a gendered spatial-social system ... His presence is a reminder of masculine dominance, order and surveillance ... with its bulbous, over-indulged body, phallic carrot nose and black =individualised eyes lit] has obvious elements of the grotesque.' The study conceded, however, that while snow-women (presumably thin and black) would be a desirable development, it did not want snowmen actually banned. The song Baa Baa Black Sheep was changed in schools to Ban Baa White Sheep on grounds of racism although the formerly black sheep had done nothing negative. Members of the Greater Manchester Police Force were presented with a 16-page document entitled The Power of Language which instructed police, among other things, to avoid such racist terms as 'accident blackspot.' sexist terms such as
with Guy Crouchback 'policeman' or 'manning the phone,' questions such as 'are you married?' and politically-incorrect expressions such as 'What is your Christian name?' Christian churches were forbidden to refuse to employ committed atheists in sensitive positions. Shortly after this, a real, and particularly disgusting but politically-correct case of discrimination came to light: two scholars, Dr Miriam Shlesinger and Professor Gideon Toury, were sacked from an international journal of translation studies by Monica Baker, a professor at the Manchester University Institute of Science and Technology, because they were Israeli. This quite literally Nazi-like behaviour was reported in the limes Higher Educational Supplement of June 28, 2002, but attracted no comment or condemnation whatsoever until American academics took the matter up.
T O JESUS 1.IIROUGH MARY column of Marian devotion 6 / am the good shepherd... andI offer my
life for my sheep. I have other sheep who are not of this fold. and I must lead them, and they will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock. one shepherd" On I0:11-16). This is Jesus' great dream: that there be one flock just as there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism. lbday the problem of ecumenism, of the unity of all Christians, is very much alive, even though very far from a solution. The Lord prayed that we might become one, as he and the Father are one, so that our union will be a motive for the world's coming to believe in Jesus Christ (cf. jn 11:21). Instead. Christians present themselves as scandalously divided. How can this be? A first division took place during the time of Nestorius. Against his teaching. the Council of Ephesus, in 431. defined the fact that in Christ there was one person with two natures, human and divine, and that Mary was the Mother of the person of Christ, God and man, and hence the Mother of God. Nestorianism exists to this day. In 1054 there was the great schism of the Eastern Orthodox Churches for reasons which we find hard to understand today. After another nearly 500 years we arrive at the great split of the Protestant reform in I51Z followed shortly thereafter. in 1534, by the separation of the Anglicans. From that time on the splintering is beyond counting, creating ever deeper furrows weighted down by wars, persecutions and discrimination. It is now a veritable Babel. Confronting it, one asks, just who are these Christians, the true followers of Jesus? Today contacts are sought through dialogue. The encounters between the Pope and the Patriarch Athenagoras, then with the Primate of the Anglican Church, and the World Council of Churches are famous. It seems that only the Pope is asking pardon for all the mistakes of the past. It is a fact that he alone, with his spiritual ascendancy, thought to invite all the religions to a meeting in Assisi, and to program another for the year 2000. But without a lot of prayer and conversion on the part of all, as Vatican II points out, there will never be any unity. For this reason we see the Octave of Prayer for Unity as one of the most beautiful and fruitful initiatives which is observed each year from January 18 to 25. Still the divisions continue to smoulder, even on the occasion of certain encounters. I recall, in 1984, an Anglican pilgrimage to Lourdes, there were prayers in common, but then, for the Eucharistic celebration, the Anglicans assisted politely at the Catholic Mass without taking an active part. How sad! What role does Mary have in the ecu-
An ancient fresco known as Our Lady of the Column is housed in a chapel in St Peter's Basilica. The fresco and the column on which it is painted were originally in the basilica built by the Emperor Constantine over the site of St Peter's martyrdom. Photo CNS Fabbnca dr San Pretro
menical movement? Is she the mother of unity or a motive for division? Pope Leo XIII does not hesitate to affirm: "The cause of the union of Christians belongs specifically to the spiritual maternity of Mary" But is this so? Outwardly one notes a certain rigidity and positions so distant as to seem to be without solution. Then if we dig a little deeper, we see that the real differences have to do not so much with Mary, but with the idea of Church, the function of the papacy, the interpretation of Sacred Scripture which, left to individual freedom, can be transformed into an instrument of perdition as St Peter warns us (2 P 3:16): "In them [Paul's letters] there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other Scriptures." This is an actual fact: the whole Protestant world, confronted by a pontificate so markedly Marian as is that of Pope John Paul II, feels obliged to study once again the figure of Mary. For many. Luther's commentary on the Magnificat has been a happy discovery.
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We need to be a generous nation
atholic Mission is asking all it will change "everything" in their life, Catholics to petition the Australian including their character. Both the depresGovernment to lift its foreign aid sion and the gambling are the consecommitment to the UN target of 0.7 per quence of the false belief that things are cent of GNP It currently stands at 0.25 per the source of rich humanity. They come cent. from putting our faith in the wrong place. PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Catholic Mission's request is part of its Nearly all of us are trapped into putting at Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087 nationwide campaign, called Remember least some of our faith in things. Generoscathrec@iinet.netau the Children, to raise both awareness and ity is the way to ensure that this mistake funding for the starving, abused, homeless that we trust in the goodness of God, which kill our children rather than experience a does not become crippling - for us or our and uneducated children around the is also known as Divine Providence. If we "setback" to our financial planning. We society. world. (Report, page 3). We are unlikely to persuade our governhesitate in Deeper down, the sending of petitions and believe generosity, we are hesitating to are so rich we find it hard to enjoy life ments that Jesus really meant what he that the goodness of God will without the latest fashions and gadgets. yellow armbands to Canberra is a mass always prevail and will always provide Wealth by itself does not make us happy. said. We are also unlikely to persuade plea to the current and future govern- what is best for us. them that false beliefs are very dangerous Only generosity will ensure that wealth ments to be generous on our behalf. It is Jesus was emphatic about the importance and the possession of things will not curb for our society. It might be too hard for not a campaign to have the government of generosity. He told us that whatever them explain this idea in a 30-second grab, we our spirit and build our fear and depresbe generous instead of us, but to be gen- give even to the least of our brethren we so it is easier to tell us that the "lotto life" sion. erous because it represents us. give to him, and he told us that whatever It is highly significant that mental health and all its variations are better than real life, and anyway they will make it up to us It expresses a desire that the spirit of Aus- we give he would repay a hundredfold, week opened last Monday with a report with all the money they get from lotto and tralia should be the spirit of generosity. good measure, pressed down and flowing about the large of number of children at poker machines by running "programs" We would be doing ourselves a huge over. serious risk of depression. The 'marker' favour if we could persuade our govern- He was telling us that just as our forgive- that signifies the risk, according to the for some of the depressed children. ment and our community that generosity ness is the key to enjoying God's forgive- UWA researchers reported in The West We can, however, persuade them that so iL; ii desirable state of mind and behaviour. ness, so our generosity is the key to Australian, is their belief that money and many of us would like this country of ours to be generous to the children of the world We would do ourselves an even bigger enjoying Divine Providence. Without gen- fame are the keys to happiness. favour if we persuade ourselves of it, first. erosity of mind and body we are so busy It is not having money or fame, or even the that it would be in their interests to Generosity lies at the heart of God's rela- 'trying to control everything, especially our probability that they won't have them, that respond appropriately. tionship with us, and if we are to enjoy future, that we cannot enjoy the goodness Is the cause of the problem. It is the belief Jesus' promise will then be fulfilled for us and for the children we help. the fullness of being His image and like- of God. that this is where the fullness of humaniness, generosity must lie at the heart of Australia may already be too rich for its ty comes from. our relationship with our neighbour. Gen- own good. We are so rich, for example, Gamblers reveal the same problem. They • The opinions expressed in this editorerosity of mind and body is a guarantee of that many believe they can no longer are likely to become problem or compul- ial, and any other Record editorial, are not freedom from fear, anxiety and meanness. afford to have children! We are so deter- sive gamblers to the extent that they necessarily those of the Roman Catholic It is almost the only way we can be sure mined to be rich that in large numbers we believe they will have a big win and that Archbishop of Perth.
The Record
Thanks from Korea
A the
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s I have now completed my three months as locum priest in BelmontRedcliffe Parish and have returned to Flower Village in Korea I would like to take this opportunity of thanking through The Record those many people in the Archdiocese of Perth who have been supportive in so many different ways. I would like to thank The Record for its reports on the Archbishop's visit to Flower Village at the time of my ordination last April and its subsequent report which led many Catholics to give generously to the mission of Flower Village for abandoned children. The Flower Village community and I would like to thank all of you who contributed financially and we will keep you informed of developments in this area. There are many priests and parishioners throughout many parishes in WA who welcomed me as a seminarian, as well as more recently as a priest and who shared their spirituality and pastoral insights with me. ibgether with Archbishop Barry Hickey I would like to think they not only helped me personally but also have helped build some new intercultural links in our global Catholic Church. Finally to Fr Eugene McGrath and the parishioners of St Anne's Belmont. and St Maria Goretti's Redcliffe who accepted me and nurtured me in my early days as a parish priest in AustraliaIowe a great debt. AsIbecome immersed in the complex ministry of Flower Village with its extended family of over 4,000 abandoned or needy persons, over 270 religious Brothers and Sisters please be assured I will always remember the ongoing kindness and generosity of West Australian Catholics who helped me on my journey. God Bless You All. Br James, Fr Demetri Roh Flower Village, Korea
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
q Where did respect go?
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twelve-year-old girl. According to our law he was a paedophile. Under the Mosaic Law adulterers were executed by stoning. Christ while walking the Earth was tested by the pharisees on his attitude towards adultery. The Jews brought to him a woman caught in adultery and asked his views. Knowing his compassion they hoped that he would plead for the life of the woman. He didn't plead but in turn he inquired of their sinfulness. The accusers dropped the charge. Christ didn't condemn the woman. He reminded her not to sin again. (John 8:111) Nowadays the Jews do not apply such a punishment. Moslems recognise Christ as a prophet. He was supposedly superseded by Mohammed who reversed the teaching of Christ on mercy, compassion and forgiveness to the old philosophy "tooth for tooth and eye for eye" - but not in the case of a muffler. Money can set the murderer free. The reversal to the Old Testament punishment is abhorrent not only to Christians but also to humanists. Christ didn't abolish the law ori sins but modified punishment to the principles of compassion, mercy and forgiveness. If Moslems would like to be accepted by our community as the followers of a peaceful Islam they will have to impress on their religious counterparts abroad who apply the Sharia law the need to modify the law to make it acceptable to civilised society. The Koran is not without contradictions and so a modification of the law should be adopted. Francis Hrubos
he question currently being asked is I'why is Our Lady crying?' Maybe it is the world crisis, or people not turning to God, or could it be us good Christians ourselves in the way we hurt her Son in the very presence of Christ in the Eucharist and tabernacle each and every time we step inside God's house. The nuns of old may have been hard but I am grateful to them for teaching me that God's house was a house of prayer, a place to be respected and in which to be in awe of God's presence, a haven in one's hurting, a place of comfort and peace. This seems to have gone since Vatican II. Now most Churches have to be locked in the day and one finds as much peace and quiet after Mass as the local café, the loud- Glen Forrest ness and conversations in front of the presence of Christ in the tabernacle is less than desirable and ills sad that with the coma mother of 5 in a family of 1 ordiing of freedom in many areas in our Church ary single income, I need to make a we have lost much of the awesomeness careful choice regarding my children's eduand respect in God's house. I would rather have the old way and day. cation. I wish for my children to be eduWhen one asks why is Our Lady crying cated in the faith'andIbelieve that first and foremost that comes from my husband and maybe she is crying for Her Son. I. A truly Catholic school should support C. Beaman this attitude. Kiara HoweverIhaves heard for years how disappointed other like-minded parents have been with Catholic Education. The fees for in Nigeria a Muslim woman is primary are possible if we continue to live was one of the participants who attend- I Punder sentence to be stoned to death very simply but the high school fees are an ed the pledge ceremony and Mass of the because she conceived a baby outside mar incredible sacrifice on our income. I am movement 'Due Love Waits' last weekend. riage. She is allowed to live until the baby wondering whether the burden is worth it! It was a wonderful Saturday evening when reaches a certain age. When her time Iam now asking to hear from Principals of so many young dedicated Catholics pro- comes she will be burled in the ground up Catholic Schools to write to The Record moted chastity as a way of life in our sec- to the chest and then executed by stoning. and answer for myself and others what ular world. The Mass was particularly When the baby grows up he won't even they really see their Catholic School offer inspiring with reverence and enthusiastic know his mother. ing to children. participation by a youthful congregation. What a contradiction! If someone kills a What do they really offer that is different My hope is that others will also take The person the murderer can be set free if he to State schools? Is it really worth the finanPledge' and I strongly encourage other or she gets enough money to pay compen- cial burden? Remember that Principals young Catholics to attend a future ceremo- sation to the relatives. earn far more than many of us. ny. Thankyou to the organisers and Bishop In a country ruled by Sharia Law a man All the adverts say teachers must agree Don Sproxton for his support and words of can marry four women. In our view and as with the Catholic ethos of the school. Please encouragement for the movement. well from a natural standpoint only one explain this because I know of specific Cheryl Lyra can be the lawful wife. Mohammed was no examples of teachers who are living in sitForrestfield exception and one of his wives was a uations that could not be in accordance
True love conquers
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Questions for principals
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Stoning is hypocritical
with this. I also know of many wonderful people in the system who are great role models. It is beyond time for an honest, open discussion about these issues. I feel there has been too much time where people at the top are not entering open discussion and many people are so unhappy and have felt let down. After all it is the families like ours who are asked to sacrifice much in order to enter these institutions. So Principals. and RE co-ordinators, how about responding? What do you really offer to people like us? V. Samson Hammersley
Visiting Our Lord t is wonderful to see the apparently burI geoning interest in Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, especially 24-hour ado-
ration in the Perth parishes of Midland. Mirraboolca and Belmont. But how many people nowadays bother to visit the Blessed Sacrament when not exposed? There is a venerable tradition of dropping in on the Lord at least for a moment even if He is 'only' in the tabernacle.Ihave done this many times in many churches and they are almost invariably deserted. If there were more interest in visiting Our Lord there would be fewer churches open merely for the actual ceremonies. In different places I have seen children streaming from Catholic school past the adjacent parish church which is locked and bolted. Elsewhere the church is open but though I have seen many such pupils walk past Our Lord.I have yet to see one visit Him. Fr David Watt Chaplain to Edith Cowan University
Enneagram is empty A New Age fad called the Enneagram is • linfiltrating Catholic churches. It promises "insights", "wisdom" and "an ancient way to a new understanding of yourself". The original "ENNEAGRAM" was a fortune-telling method dating from the 14th century Sufi's - breakaway Muslim mystics. Nothing to do with Christianity. In the 1960's it was elaborated into a system of earmarking individuals into nine "personality types". It has no scientific basis. The Enneagram isn't just stupid - for Catholics, it's a faith-destroyer. Jesus taught that our problem isn't our "personality type", it's SIN. Sin means disobeying God. Christians find salvation by accepting forgiveness for sin through the merits of Christ and his sacraments. Christians have something better than the occult to hope in. They should be fighting the occult - including the Enneagram. Arnold Jag° Mildura Page 7
Thousands honour Saint losemaria Three hundred thousand pilgrims from around the world gather in Rome for the canonisation of Josemaria Escriva founder of Opus Dei.
JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA'S MESSAGE Finding God in daily life "Understand this well: there is something holy, something divine, hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you to discover it. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him. Sanctity isn't something for a privileged few. God calls all of us to be holy, to love Him - everyone, no matter where they are, no matter what their state, profession or job. Our ordinary everyday life, devoid of human glamour, can be a path to holiness." Work as a path to holiness "Our professional vocation is an essential and inseparable part of our condition as Christians. Our Lord wants you to be holy in the place where you are, in the job you have chosen for whatever reason. To me, every job that is not opposed to the divine law is good and noble, and capable of being raised to the supernatural plane, that is, inserted into the constant flow of Love which defines the life of a child of God." The dignity of conscience "I have always defended the freedom of individual consciences. I do not understand violence. I do not consider it a proper way either to persuade or to win over. Error is overcome by prayer, by God's grace, and by study; never by force, always with charity." Women in society "The presence of women in the whole range of social life is a logical and entirely positive phenomenon. A modern democratic society has to recognize women's right to take an active part In political life and it has to create conditions favourable for everyone who wants to exercise this right."
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ohn Paul II presented sanctity as the vocation of every baptised person when he proclaimed Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer a saint during a Mass that attracted 300,000 people. The Pope said that the message of the newly canonized Opus Dei founder is to stand up to 'a materialist culture that threatens to dissolve the most genuine identity of the disciples of Christ.' The Holy Father pronounced the formula of canonisation for the Spanish priest at 10:23 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. Pilgrims who filled the square and adjacent streets responded with emotional but restrained applause. After the proclamation, the Pope was given a relic of Monsignor Escriva. A huge portrait of the new saint surrounded by flowers adorned the principal facade of St. Peter's Basilica. This year marks the centenary of the birth of Josemaria Escriva, on Jan. 9, 1902. in Barbastm, northern Spain. He died in Rome on June 26, 1975.
The Pope described the saint's teaching as "timely and urgent," as he always said that a Christian, "by virtue of his baptism, which incorporates him to Christ, is called to embrace an uninterrupted and vital relation with the Lord."
Marriage "Christian couples should be aware that they are called to sanctity themselves and to sanctify others, that they are called to be apostles and that their first apostolate is in the home. The effectiveness and the success of their life' their happiness - depends to a great extent on their awareness of their specific mission."
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims pack St Peter's Square and nearby streets during the canonisation of Opus Dei founder Msgr. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer on October 6 at the Vatican.
The Pope described the saint's teaching as 'timely and urgent.' as he always said that a Christian, 'by virtue of his baptism, which incorporates him to Christ, is called to embrace an uninterrupted and vital relation with the Lord.' The believer 'is called to be holy and to collaborate in the salvation of humanity' the Pope emphasised. Escriva proclaimed the same message in the years before the Second Vatican Council. Addressing Opus Dei members, John Paul II asked them
to 'raise the world to God and transform it from within,' following 'the ideal that the holy founder indicates to you.' 'Following in his footsteps, spread in society without distinction of race, class, culture or age, the awareness that we are all called to holiness,' he said. But the Holy Father recalled the advice of Escriva: 'first, prayer, then, expiation; in the third place, very much in third place, action.' 'It is not a paradox but a perennial truth: The fruitfulness of the apostolate is above all in prayer and in an intense
and constant sacramental life,' the Pope said. "This is, in essence, the secret of holiness and of the authentic success of the saints.' Monsignor Escriva was proclaimed blessed on May 17. 1992, in a ceremony also held in St. Peter's Square. From the institution in 1588 of what is now called the Congregation for Sainthood Causes, until the start of John Paul ll's pontificate, there were 296 saints canonized. John Paul II has canonized an additional 468 saints and has proclaimed 1.294 blessed. - Zenit
ces, many places T
A pilgrim holds prayer cards from the canonisation of St Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer in St Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 6. Photo CNS/Cathoec Press
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he 300.000 people at the canonisation of Opus Dei founder josemaria Escriva made the ceremony one of the largest events in Vatican history According to the Organising Committee, the groups came from 84 countries. A third were Italians, a third came from the rest of Europe, and the other third from elsewhere. The participants were able to follow the ceremony via nine large TV screens located in the Piazza di Pio XII and along Via della Conciliazione. Forty per cent of the participants were young people, who stayed in camping sites, gymnasiums, parishes, and other venues in and near Rome. One of the oldest participants was Father Quirino Glorioso, a priest from the Diocese of Laguna, in the Philippines. Father Glorioso explained that his parishioners, knowing about his devotion to the new saint, organised a collection to pay for his trip. losemaria is 100 years old and he is already a saint,' he said. 'I'm 99 years old and I'm still the way I am.' Other participants included Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, who was born in Poland in 1911 and who now lives in Zambia.
non-Catholics to Opus Del as cooperators. Many, in fact. have collaborated with the prelature's activities. Many cooperators also showed up at the canonisation. Among them were Hinrich Hues, a Protestant pastor, Alik Zorin. a Russian poet with a group of Orthodox; Tapio Aho-Kallio. a Lutheran religion teacher from a school in Helsinki, Finland; Gary Chu, a Chinese painter, and Ghenro and Funs° Adegbola, an Anglican couple from Nigeria. 1Welve hundred people from 37 choirs sang during the liturgical ceremonies at the canonisation. Soloists included Maria Eugenia Mendoza, a soprano from Mexico, Conceicao Galante, a soprano from Portugal, and some tenors: Daniel Madigan of Australia, Ignacio Esteban of Spain and Igor Glushkov of Kazakhstan. In the first rows, 450 places were reserved for those in wheelchairs. Many of the elderly, on advice given by the Organising Committee, brought foldable chairs for the ceremonies. The canonisation Mass was translated into sign language for the deaf. It was also simultaneously translated into French, English, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and German over Vatican Radio. The ceremony was transmitted live on television through 29 channels to five continents. - Zenit.
Forty percent of the participants were young people, who stayed in camping sites, gymnasiums, parishes, and other venues in and near Rome.
Among the pilgrims at the canonisation of Josemaria Escriva was the doctor whose inexplicable cure opened the doors for the Opus Del founder to be declared a saint. Dr Manuel Nevado Rey had an incurable disease in his hands. It disappeared the moment he placed himself under Blessed Escriva's intercession in 1992. At today's canonisation, the doctor said: "I am unimaginably happy. Four children and three grandchildren have come with me and my wife.Iam overwhelmed whenIthink that at 70 years I am here, alive and kicking.' Nevado was stricken with chronic radiodermatitis after having worked for long hours with primitive X-rays during the 1950s and 1960s. He knew his work exposed him to the risk of cancer. Someone then advised Nevado to pray to God to be cured through the interces.sion of Blessed Escriva. 'After about two weeks, all the damage caused by the disease disappeared and my hands were perfectly healed.' he explained in 1993.
Teresa Funes, 82, travelled 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) by bus to get to Rome from Baza, Spain. 'Ireally wanted to go to the canonisation, but Ididn't say anything about it,' she said. Her children surprised her and organised a bus trip for her. 'On the bus, I followed the instructions that my doctors gave me for this trip: exercised my fingers and toes, took a break every hour and a half or two, so as to go for a walk and so that my heart and legs would continue to function well.' In 1950, in answer to a petition by losemaria Escriva, the Holy See approved the admission of
Material goods 'Earthly goods are not bad, but they are debased when man sets them up as idols, when he adores them. They are ennobled when they are converted into instruments for good, for just and charitable Christian undertakings. We cannot seek after material goods as if they were a treasure. Our treasure is Christ and all our love and desire must be centred on him. 'for where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also.' (Mt 6. 21)* For more information: www.escriva-canonisation.orq, www.escrivaworks.ora, www.escriva.info, www.opusdei.orq
Devotion to Escriva
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osemaria Escriva died in 1975. Thousands of people who knew him are alive today. He is a contemporary saint, who was familiar with today's problems and reflected on them in today's language. Every day, many Christians entrust their cares and concerns to him, in "an authentic manifestation of popular devotion." as the Vatican's 1990 decree on his virtues noted. The prayer card for devotion to him has been printed in 66 languages. Since Escriva's death, more than 100,000 accounts of favours attributed to his intercession have been collected and published, from more than 80 nations.
Among those favours 18 extraordinary cures have been exhaustively documented. Among those favours 18 extraordinary cures have been exhaustively documented. Their story is told in a -recently-published book by Flavio Capucci entitled Cures Through the Intercession of Josemaria Escriva. Scepter Publishers, 2002. Pope John Paul II has dedicated a parish in Rome to Escriva. In his native city of Barbastro, Spain, a church was recently dedicated to him by the diocesan bishop. A parish in Kohn (Morzyca), Poland, has been dedicated to him. In the cathedral of Madrid, a chapel has been dedicated to him. And in the cathedral of Guayaquil, Ecuador, there is a chapel in his honour entitled "The Chapel of Sanctification of Ordinary Work" There are other chapels dedicated to him in various countries, including one in the United States at the diocesan Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C. Some countries, among them Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Italy, Peru, Poland, and Venezuela, have issued postal stamps commemorating him. Spain, his native land, issued a stamp commemorating the 25th anniversary of his death on June 26, 2000. Streets and squares have been named after Escriva in more than 30 places, including Rome; Barbastro, Spain; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Piura, Peru; San Salvador, El Salvador, Quito, Ecuador, and Pasig City, the Philippines. Escriva's name has also been given to a shelter for the homeless in Seville, Spain; a public school in Sao Paulo, Brazil; a peak In the Bolivian Andes; and even a star discovered by an astronomer with devotion to him. Page 9
Local News
10 October, 2002
ords W IS
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with Tony Evans
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n modern times it is seldom if ever that a book written by a cloistered monk becomes a classic and a best-seller. And yet this happened when Thomas Merton's autobiography Elected Silence was first published in 1949 (in America, Seven Story Mountain). Merton, a Trappist, became a cult figure overnight his and book, likened by some to the Confessions of St Augustine, was praised by leading writers and critics and bought and read by Catholics and nonCatholics alike. For a while it made monastic life desirable in the popular imagination. Merton was born in France in 1915. His English father was an artist, and mother, American. He was educated at Clare College. Cambridge. and later at Columbia University. After a troubled searching he found his vocation in the Trappist Monastery in Kentucky and under holy obedience spent his remaining years writing and teaching: The Seeds of Contemplation is another wellknown book. He died in 1968 when electrocuted in his room while he was travelling in Bangkok. Among Merton's many works is a book of essays entitled No Man Is an Island. a treasury of simple wisdom. He argues that happiness which is sought for ourselves alone can never actually be found and leads to disappointment and disillusion. Happiness, he says, must always be shared: "There is a false and momentary happiness in self satisfaction, but it always leads to sorrow because it narrows and deadens our spirit. True happiness is found in unselfish love which increases in proportion as it is shared. There is no end to the sharing of love, and therefore the potential happiness of such love is without limit. "Infinite sharing is the law of God's inner life. He has made the sharing of ourselves the law of our own being, so that it is in loving others that we best love ourselves....lt is not enough for love to be shared: it must be shared freely. "That is to say it must be given, not merely taken. Unselfish love that is poured out upon a selfish object does not bring perfect happiness: not because love requires a return or a reward for loving, but because it rests in the happiness of the beloved. And if one loved receives love selfishly, the lover is not satisfied. "Hence the paradox that unselfish love cannot rest perfectly except in love that is perfectly reciprocated: because it knows that the only true peace is found in selfless love.
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Ribald 111
Abstain for marriage bout 50 young people from the True Love Waits roup attended a special Mass and pledge ceremony at East Perth last Saturday evening. Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton celebrated Mass for the group, which is part of a worldwide movement of more than 1.5 million people that promotes chastity before marriage. Bishop Sproxton said it was comforting to see so many adherents at the Mass - especially since there was a trend even in Catholic marriage preparation to find young people already living together. It was also pleasing to see so many young people, some still at school, who could take the message back to friends and promote the ideals of the group among their peers. In his homily, Bishop Sproxton related the story of a Nigerian woman who is under sentence of death by stoning for having committed adultery He said it was occasions like the Mass that highlighted the differences between that woman's plight and those who chose to lead a Christian life, and to maintain Christian ideals. Bishop Sproxton said: 'All of us are weak .. . all of us can fail.. . 'Jesus saw this, and offered us the strength to overcome those weaknesses. "He gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation.' Bishop Sproxton said there was
A part of the congregation at the Francis Xavier Church, East Perth.
often confusion of choit( ml ative consequences of A outside freedoms. of marriage including unplanned Some said there was a freedom pregnancy, abortion, sexually to choose a sinful way. transmitted infections and contraChoosing the Christian way was ception. a choice for freedom. It was a The second deals with the choice to be free of sin, because receipt of real love. They say not the alternative was to be a slave allowing yourself to be used, but of Satan. to be respected for who you are That was not a freedom, Bishop and loved by the other person Sproxton said. with real, unconditional love - not The group produced a charter, lust love - is the result. in which they state five main reaIt was saving the forever bond sons to save sexual activity until formed through sex for the permarriage. son you commit to in marriage, The charter has a theme that preserving its strength. chastity is loving your future This also stopped the bond spouse today. Interfering with your dating life The first is that chastity 'is about and avoided the emotional traubeing free.' ma of severing the bond in a Free from the worry of the neg- break-up.
The fourth reason listed was that it was the way God designed it to be. God designed it to be an experience of lasting peace and happiness that God wanted people to have, by co-operating with Him in living their sexuality in the way he designed it to be in marriage. 'Sex is a precious gift God has given to us,' the list says. The choice also enhanced selfintegrity and self worth. The fifth listing says knowing that you are worth waiting-for and that your spouse is worth the wait. Developing your strength of selfcontrol over passions and resistance to sexual temptations demonstrated your fidelity, faithfulness and trustworthiness for marriage. The congregation also recited and endorsed the true love waits pledge and true love waits creed. The pledge said: 'By the Grace of God, and believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my future spouse and my future children to be sexually pure from this day until I enter marriage.' Among the items listed in the creed is the belief that waiting until marriage is one of the greatest preparations for marriage. It also says the members of the group believe that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, that they be used to give glory to God, and that sexual love is the sacred privilege of husband and wife.
From backblocks of NY to Perth
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Scalabrinian priest whose connections go back to his Arthplace in northern Italy. New York, the boat people leaving the Philippines - and the Carlton Football Club - has been appointed the Episcopal Vicar for Migration in Western Australia. Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey has announced the apppointment of Father Antonio 'Tony' Paganoni, who replaces Father Adrian Pittarello. His appointment means he acts on migration matters and those concerning refugees, supports the Catholic Migration Centre, monitors and assists Catholic ethnic communities and ethnic religious associations and fosters a network of migrant chaplains. Fr Paganoni is also an author, and is soon to have a book published in New York on ethnicity, migration and assimilation of ethnic groups into host communities. Born at Piazza Brembana in the northern Italian province of Bergamo - the same that gave birth to Pope John XXIII - he was invited to join the Scalabrinians while as a youth he was attending a monthlong soccer tourney. 'We were assessed between football games,' Fr Paganoni said. From there he attended a college at Como, the home provice of Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini, founder of the Scalabrinian fathers and sisters, then was assigned to New York to complete his tertiary studies. He says the early 60s in New York were exciting times. It included the presidency of John F Kennedy ( the US's first Catholic president), the winds of change that were beginning to sweep across the Catholic world, Vatican II in Rome and the showdown in Cuba with Russia. He came to Australia - to Melbourne - in 1969, after an assignment in England where he had to
First official duty One of the first official duties for the Episcopal Vicar for Migration, Father Tony Paganoni, was to officiate at a special Mass for Our Lady of the Orphans at Hamilton Hill on Sunday. A packed congregation of about 300 people heard Fr Paganoni say Mass in the Holy Cross church, then paraded a statue of Our Lady of the Orphans through neighbouring streets. grapple with Irish-Gaelic and Scots' accents. But it was in Melbourne that Fr Paganoni confesses he became a 'convert.' 'My first parish appointment was in northern Fitzroy, close to Carlton territory. 'The Silvagni family was among my parishioners. 'I became a real convert to Australian football - and a Carlton fan. 'It is a great pity the Australian game is not more international. The world is missing out,' he said. It was also his first major contact with migration matteres, dealing with ethnic families in the parish. But Fr Paganoni had to forsake his Carlton club for a while when he was appointed in 1982 to establish a Scalabrinian congregation in the Philippines. His mission there included working with the Apostleship of the Sea, in Manila, and for six years he directed the Philippines Catholic Bishops' Migration and Tourism Office. A part of these duties included ministering to people involved in a mass exodus of Filipinos to various parts of the world - boatpeople in reverse, leaving rather than arriving. It meant working with numer-
Fr Antony Paganoni
Father Paganoni celebrating Mass at Hamilton Hill on Sunday
ous chaplaincies organised for their benefit. 'It was a rather different migration experience from the one that most of the permanent settlers from Europe in Australia have known,' Fr Paganoni said. 'They were seafarers, fishermen, contract workers - a high percentage of women in vulnerable occupations, such as domestic
work and entertainment. There was a tremendous opportunity of engagement for the Church, which in Asia, is in an absolute minority - with the exception of the Philippines.' Fr Paganoni returned to Australia in 1996, and took up his duties as a priest in Seaton, South Australia, and arrived in August for his assignment in Perth.
Local News
It Record
10 October, 2002
Spiritual growth in Gingin T
hey may not have a weep- and the photos down loaded on ing statue, but the parish to his home computer. community of Gingin It was while looking at the phobelieve that Mary is telling them tos with his daughter that she they are doing good work. noticed the image in the picture. The small parish of 20, has Darren said when he blew the grown from four since Father Paul photo up he couldn't believe it. Fox arrived there about two and a -There she was behind the altar half years ago. - it certainly can't be mistaken for It was with Father Paul's enthu- anything else," he said. siasm and deep devotion to Our Father Paul Fox said the unusuLady that the Gingin church was al image in the photo is Mary givrebuilt and a shrine erected to ing the parish signs that they are honour Mary.i doing good work. Ever since the shrine was We believe Our Lady is telling opened about six months ago. us that she is pleased with all the large crowds and smaller groups work we have been doing here," of pilgrims have been making the Fr Paul Fox said. day-trip to Gingin to spend "a day Another sign occurred, he said, with Mary." when the parish sent off plaques It was one of these days a few of the Stations of the Cross, weeks ago, attended by 200 pil- Intended for the Bindoon church, grims, that a photo was taken with to be moulded so another set what appears to be an image of could be placed in the bush Mary standing behind the altar. around the Gingin parish. The image was taken using a The plaques had come from the digital camera by Darren Bush Mercy Hospital and the first one
from the wounds of Christ that leaked into the latex painted over the plaque to make a mould. It seeped so much that numbers of layers of latex kept having to be painted over the wounds. Adrian Singor, a non-Catholic, who made the casts said he had been in the business for 30 years and had never seen anything like it. Fr Fox had the dye analysed to determine the cause of the leaking. He said preliminary tests showed the leaking red substance to be a natural dye, but he still saw it as affirmation of the good work his parish was doing in bringing people back to the Church. The Gingin Parish holds regular Days with Mary attracting large crowds of pilgrims from Perth. Paint seeps through a latex mould to show the woulds of Christ. Three are scheduled between to be cast was the plaque depict- strange occurred. Despite there now and December. They will be being red paint on other areas of held on October 27, November 24 ing the crucifixion. It was then that something the plaque it was only the paint and December 8.
Death of Stan Rose at age 91
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Larborough pioneer Stanley James Rose died recently at the age of 91 after a truly Catholic life of marriage, family, prayer, service to others, honesty and cheerfulness. Born in 11.afalgar (a settlement on the loop line between Kalgoorlie and Boulder) on July 25, 1911, Stan grew up and was educated at Tarwonga (just south of Williams). Leaving school at 14. he began what was to be a lifelong association with the retail trade in various forms. It was interrupted by World War II which saw him develop into a munitions and explosives expert while stationed at Milne Bay in New Guinea. The war also interrupted his early married life because he and his wife jean had been married in St Mary's Cathedral in March 1940.
They went on to have four sons - Peter, David. Michael and Paul - and 49 years together before Jean's death in 1989. They had settled in the newly developing suburb of Scarborough in 1940 and remained there, although Stan spent much of his time working at Fremantle before taking over Shell Service Scarborough for the last 15 years of his working life until 1976. His cheerful disposition and commitment to service turned it into a thriving business. Throughout his life Stan was
Jim Hughes (left) is shown collecting full tins from Stanley rose during the St Vincent de Paul Street Appeal in 2000.
Obituary generous with his money his time and his talents in the service of others through the Legion of Mary, the St Vincent de Paul Society, as a regular worker at the Clontarf fetes and in countless acts of support for family, friends and strangers. He was featured in the St Vincent de Paul Society's magazine The Spirit in October 2000 after spending a full day rattling a tin in the city for the annual street appeal at the age of 89. His life was summed up by his
last week. After his wife's death he resumed a great interest in dancing and his dance card on the Monday of his last week showed he had danced nine of 12 dances. On the Friday he attended his regular daily Mass, went to the doctor's (where he was observed to be bright and cheerful as always), then to the chemist and home to start making the two dozen or so Christmas cakes he made each year to give away. While sitting in the sun on his porch, he had a sudden and severe stroke and died peacefully a few days later on August 21.
Asbestos claims Toodyay identity long-time letter writer to A The Record and all-round family man William Bernard (Bill)
O'Meara, of Toodyay, died of mesothelioma last month at the age of 75. He was a man of great personal strength and commitment to things that matter - his family, his faith and the moral principles that ought to be the glue of our society. On the important issues like family. abortion, euthanasia, abuse of children. Bill was at all the rallies and fired off letters to MPs, newspapers and The Record. His views were blunt, sound and unshakeable. Born on August 16, 102Z the
Timor students study at Denmark college
Obituary eldest of Bill and Gladys O'Meara's four children, Bill O'Meara was educated at Sacred Heart. Christian Brothers Highgate and Tardun Agricultural College before embarking on a life of variety and inventiveness. He married Gloria Swanson on December 10, 1949 and they moved to Toodyay in 1960. He had a variety of jobs in the town, but most of the time he worked for himself. as a plumber, gas fitter, windmill installer and repairer, and general mechanical genius. He and Gloria raised seven children and when he died on Sep-
tember 9 they had 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Tireless and passionate, he was a staunch supporter of the school, the convent, the sisters and the parish and still found time for causes on a broader front. He was a good and patient teacher for those willing to learn, and his notable impatience with laziness, wastefulness and pretence of any kind did not mellow with his advancing years. He was an honest man who could claim constancy, determination and ingenuity among his gifts. (Information for this obituary was supplied by the family and family friend. joy Cruickshank.)
Fr Ximenes SOB, Maria Da Silva and Maria Morals
The Salesian Agricultural College of Don Bosco in Fuiloro in East Timor has established a student exchange program with the Agricultural College at Denmark The principal of Don Bosco Manuel Father College, Ximenes SDB, and two students. Maria Da Silva OW and Olavio Morals (18), recently finished a five-week stay at Denmark. Maria and Olavio had completed their Year 12 studies before going to Denmark. Denmark teacher Libby Corson and two students, Ryan Gillingham and Shae Bruce, will return the visit in December. Libby Corson described the visit by the Timorese as a 'wonderful experience, great for us and great for them'. Maria and Olavio said they had thoroughly enjoyed the experience because people were very friendly to them, but they found things very different in relation to the standard of subjects, skills, experience and facilities. 'We learnt a lot through practical experience in the farm, handling pigs, poultry dairy cat-
tle and beef herds,' they agreed. 'We also enjoyed working in the machine shop and driving motorbikes and other equipment.' They emphasized that at Don Bosco College the emphasis was more on practical training, with fewer subjects and more handson experience. Their biggest surprise was the high level of technology and sophisticated machinery used in the farming processes and in training at Denmark The Fuiloro College was featured in The Record in May among reports celebrating East Timor's full independence. It is the only agricultural college in the new nation. has 135 students and recently acquired a dairy herd of 32 cattle financed and raised by a number of groups in Victoria. The Salesians also run other training men and schools women in the skills they need to gain employment and to get the domestic economy functioning after the destruction inflicted on the community when they voted for independence. Page 11
10 October, 2002
International News
Rehcord
Anniversary looms By Cindy Wooden
Damage "reparable" PERUGIA, Italy (CNS) While tensions exist between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches, the damage must not be considered Irreparable, said the chief ecumenist of the Russian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Kiri11 of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, head of the department of external relations for the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow, visited central Italy in early October. Meeting Catholic bishops from the Umbria region on October 3, the Orthodox prelate said, it is possible to put back together the pieces of a broken vase, even if the pieces are in different rooms.' A special effort is needed so that all Christians and Orthodox understand the obligation to repair the damaged relationship for the good of all Christians, he said. The main event during Metropolitan Kirill's visit to Italy was his participation in a conference sponsored by the Rome-based Sant'Egidio Community, the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Diocese of Tern'. Narni and Amelia. The conference focused on "Holiness and Charity in Christianity of the East and West" Terni Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, host of the gathering, said the meeting's review of Catholic and Orthodox service to the poor and suffering for the faith throughout the ages witnesses "the strength of the love of God" and offers "precious indications both for the journey of fraternal friendship between the churches as well as for the serious and exciting tasks we have today."
Final plea TALLAHASSEE. Fla. (CNS) Florida's Catholic bishops appealed to Gov. Jeb Bush to stay the scheduled execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos and commute her sentence to life imprisonment. They also urged the governor "to begin a review of the entire question of the death penalty" because of the cost, "the recurring question of innocence" of those on death row and "the Inconsistency of sentencing." "While the many crimes committed by Ms. Wuornos are horrific, it is only when society cannot be protected in any other way that the death penalty is justified," the bishops said in statement released on October 3 by the Florida Catholic Conference in Tallahassee. The statement followed Bush's decision on October 3 to lift a temporary stay of execution he issued on September 30 to allow psychiatrists to interview Wuornos after questions were raised about her mental state. They told Bush they had found her competent to be executed, so she was scheduled to die at 9.30am on October 9 as originally planned. Page 12
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - When the Catholic Church celebrated the 20th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council in 1985, members of at least one council session still comprised about one-third of the world's active bishops. As the 40th anniversary of the council's opening approached, council experts were hard pressed to name any still-active bishop who participated besides Pope John Paul II and Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze. More than 2,500 bishops from around the world participated in at least one of the council sessions, which ran from October 11. 1962, to December 8, 1965. Cardinal Arinze, named prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on October 1, attended the last session of the council as the coadjutor archbishop of Onitsha, Nigeria; he celebrated his 33rd birthday during the 1965 session. was just a young priest made bishop two weeks before the last session of Vatican II," he said during an interview on October 2 in his new office. One bishop asked me if I was a seminarian," said the now 69-year-okl cardinal. "I enjoyed it." Piero Doria, the researcher in charge of the Vatican II collection in the Vatican archives, said he does not keep track of the current whereabouts of bishops who participated in the council. However, he said: "I do not think any are still ordinaries of dioceses. They would have had to have been very young to still be under the retirement age of 75." Cardinal Arinze said a few subtle differences are bound to exist between those who did not participate in the council and those who are
council documents can be taken out of context and used to support one's own agenda. Cardinal Arinze's brief, youthful experience of Vatican II was not like that of the Pope, who as a Polish bishop participated in every session of the 1962-65 council, making speeches, sharing ideas, grappling with new concepts and new ways of communicating the faith. But Cardinal Arinze said the gathering was fascinating and instructive for him as a young bishop. "It was a great event in my life," he said. "It was like a window being opened to me, showing what we all knew as doctrine," he said. The reality of the churcti was reflected in the gathering of "bishops from all parts of the world, the church which is catholic, universal, a church which is not afraid to meet the world of today, a church which at the same time is not naive" about imperfection. injustice and evil in the world, he said. Looking back 40 years, Cardinal Arinze said that for him the "greatest gifts" of the council include its reflection on the Gospel and the Catholic faith "in the world of today." The council, he said, showed the need for the church to respond better to the needs of the world. "a world where there is injustice, where there is suffering, where there is need for initiatives for justice and peace, a necessity to work with people of other religions." "Vatican II also helped deepen our faith comPope John Paul II has named Cardinal Francis mitment and our prayer, liturgical prayer espeArinze as prefect of the Congregation for Divine cially," he said. Now, in his new job, he will be Worship and the Sacraments. concerned full time with the Mass and the "able to say, 'Yes, I was there when this docu- sacraments, which "are vital to our life as church." Worship and the sacraments were ment was signed.'" The more important factor, he said, is given a central place in Vatican ll's discuswhether an individual has studied the coun- sions, he said, and the council decisions, especil documents "and made a big effort to under- cially regarding the reform of the liturgy, are stand them as they are." those most tangibly experienced by the Just as with the Bible, he said, parts of the Catholic faithful.
Refugees have right Push for Sheen's to receive protection canonisation
GENEVA (CNS) - The right of staff. The archbishop said a persecuted people to receive asy- change of attitude is needed along lum in another country and the with the new rules. absolute obligation to provide "Sexual exploitation in emerspecial protection for refugee chil- gency situations is not inevitable," dren must be emphasized in new he said. "Sexual violence is not an programs of the UN High Com- inevitable dimension of conflict." missioner for Refugees. a Vatican The sexual exploitation of chilofficial said. dren or adults by the humanitarArchbishop Diarmuid Martin. ian workers sent to help them is Vatican observer to Geneva-based unacceptable, he said. UN agencies, told the UNHCR "In a situation in which the executive committee that the prin- power relationship between the ciples of asylum and internation- humanitarian operator and the al protection of refugees have refugee is so disproportionate, been "a veritable lifeline for mil- international humanitarian worklions of persons over the past ers must be bound by nothing less years in every continent." than the highest standards of pro"They must not be weakened," fessional behaviour," Archbishop he said at the Sept. 30-Oct. 4 meet- Martin said. In protecting refugee ing. children, he said, particular attenDuring the meeting, the execu- tion must be paid to helping their tive committee adopted an "Agen- families, including financially. da for Protection" to update and The February U.N. report, which strengthen international treaties was prompted by reports of adopted in 1951 and 1967. exploitation of children in camps The accord's aims include in West Africa, said that often increasing security in refugee refugee women and children had camps and in host nations, pre- sexual relations with camp workventing sexual violence, increas- ers in exchange for gifts, food or ing the protection of children and money women refugees and promoting a "Strengthening the capacity of sharing of the financial burdens families, while they are living in of host countries. refugee circumstances, to carry Archbishop Martin said about out their educative and caring 45 percent of all refugees are chil- responsibilities will enable them dren and adolescents under age to offer their children a natural 18, and they are the most vulner- environment of care and protecable portion of the refugee popu- tion," the archbishop said. lation. Archbishop Martin also told the "The serious allegations regard- executive committee that the coning sexual exploitation of refugee nection between asylum and children," which led to a U.N. migration policies cannot be overinvestigation and report released looked. in February, "clearly point to the "At a time when there is growneed of a continual review of the ing recognition of the fact that policies of UNHCR and all its intelligent, more open and transpartners in this area," the arch- parent migration policies can be bishop said. in the interest of both developed The agency issued new rules and developing countries, there is and "standards of accountability" often a lack of the corresponding in May and is conducting training political courage needed to sessions and workshops for its address the question," he said.
PEORIA. Ill. (CNS) - The Vatican's Congregation for Saints' Causes has approved a petition from the Diocese of Peoria to open the canonisation cause of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. The diocesan chancery received a letter on September 23 granting approval from Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the congregation. It came just two weeks after Peoria Bishop Daniel It Jenky announced the diocese's promotion of the sainthood cause. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen The letter was dated September 14, the same week the dio- who hold licentiates in theology. cese's petition was presented in The diocese also must make Rome by Msgr. Richard Sose- the sainthood cause public, so man, diocesan judicial vicar and all who favour or oppose the vice postulator of Archbishop archbishop's canonisation can Sheen's sainthood cause. express their views, Msgr. SoseThe quick response is a "good man said. The bishops of the indication" that the Vatican is region also will be consulted, he favorable to the cause, Msgr. added. The end result of the Soseman told The Catholic Post, investigation - which will likely Peoria's diocesan newspaper. take several years - will be comArchbishop Sheen, who piled into a volume of several gained fame in the 1950s as the hundred pages and presented host of the popular television to Rome, he said. program 'Life Is Worth Living," A commission of cardinals will died in 1979 in New York. While review the documents as well as a canonisation cause usually any additional information relebegins in the diocese where a vant to the cause. person dies, Cardinal Edward The Vatican investigation also M. Egan of New York has given will include verification of two permission for the cause to be miracles attributed to Archbishformally opened in the Peoria op Sheen's intercession. GenerDiocese, where the archbishop ally, one miracle is required for was born and ordained a priest. beatification and a second for The Vatican's approval means canonization. the Peoria Diocese can go ahead As vice postulator or promoter with the first phase of the inves- of the canonization cause, Msgr. tigation necessary for a person Soseman expects to oversee to be canonised. Msgr. Soseman most of the diocesan investigasaid. The diocesan investigation, tion. His canon law degree was which must follow norms of pro- one factor in his appointment as cedure laid out by the Congre- vice postulator, he said, noting gation for Saints' Causes, will that the detailed procedures Include a detailed study of the specified by the Congregation archbishop's life and a review of for Saints' Causes resemble a his published works by priests legal process.
• Record
International News
10 October, 2002
Women deacons Vatican officials had different role denounce U.S strike on Iraq
o To UMIVSV
WLAR V. RIAQI
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The 'diaconate' in relation to women International Theological Com- in the ancient church and the mission has concluded that diaconate of men." Father Norris said the comwomen deacons in the early church performed a role that mission took a careful look at was different from that of the the tasks women deacons performed in the church's early ordained male diaconate. The conclusion was part of a centuries and how they were document on the theological given their responsibilities. "You have to look at what dearole and identity of permanent deacons, approved by commis- conesses did in the ancient sion members during a meeting church, what was their nature, held between September 30 their commissioning, and so on. What clearly emerged from all and October 4 at the Vatican. The document has been under of that is that there's not a simstudy for several years, and its ple equivalence" with the male findings were considered diaconate, he said. He said the word "deacon" important in the ongoing debate about the possibility of ordain- means "service," so that title ing women to the diaconate in alone was not enough to establish a precise role in the early the modern church. Last year, the commission gave church. Father Norris said the compreliminary approval to the text, pending further research in two mission's report still leaves areas: whether the permanent unresolved the question of diaconate was part of the sacra- whether women deacons could ment of orders, and the role of or should be allowed in the women deacons in the early modern church. "In that respect, the issue was church, said Father Thomas Norris, a commission member left still open," he said. "It will remain a matter for the who teaches dogmatic theology magisterium of the church to in Ireland. Father Norris said that the decide." He said he thought some commission concluded that the diaconate did indeed belong to members of the International Theological Commission might the sacrament of orders. On the second question, he support the idea of women deasaid, the commission unani- cons in the modern church. He said that such a case would mously agreed after studying ancient documents that "you not be made on the basis of the can't make a simple equiva- church's early practice, after the lence between what was called commission's findings.
•
A Filipina Muslim joins a demonstration outside the American Embassy in Manila, Philippines, on September 16. More than 300 Muslims protested the threat of U.S. strikes on Iraq as U.S. President George W. Bush spoke of the need to Photo CNS Reuters act with or without world support.
ROME (CNS) - Vatican officials can's Pontifical Council for Justice Pasquale Borgomeo, said in a continued to voice opposition to a and Peace, emphasized that commentary that the doctrine of unilateral US attack on Iraq, say- under international law a single "preventive attack" would repreing such an approach raised seri- country cannot decide war and sent a "harsh blow to international law, which the West has ous ethical and practical peace issues by itself. "Naturally, there exists a right to recognized since 1945." objections. "International law certainly can Archbishop Renato It Martino, self-defence. But that is something be reformulated, but not in a unithe outgoing Vatican representa- else," he said. Archbishop Martino said UN lateral manner. The doctrine of tive to the United Nations, said the idea of a pre-emptive US statutes regulate ways of settling preventive attack represents a strike against Iraq, carried out as conflicts without resorting to war, real wound to international law, part of the war on terrorism, was which in any case must be and not only another setback for based on a hypothetical right of a approved by the UN Security the credibility of the United single country to decide when Council. In the case of Iraq, he Nations, but also, if put into and where to intervene across the said, there should be weapons action, a dangerous precedent for inspections, an evaluation of the future imitators," Father Borglobe. "It presumes that Ills up to the results of inspections and then a gomeo said on October 1. Father Borgomeo also questioned the United States to decide between decision on further action. The archbishop reviewed the political wisdom of a US attack on peace and war. In short, it is pure unilateralism." he said in an inter- church's major criteria for the Iraq, saying it went against Bush's view published on October 1 by legitimate use of force, including post-September 11 efforts to garthe Italian weekly, Famiglia Cris- just cause, legitimate authority, ner a global consensus against proportionality between the terrorism. The plan to attack Iraq tiana. "Both the general principle and cause and the response, protec- has instead caused deep diviits first possible application tion of civilians and probability of sions, even among US allies. One against Iraq raise deep reserva- success. He noted that US bish- certain effect of such an attack tions from an ethical and juridical ops, considering all these factors, would be a "deepening of the gulf point of view," Archbishop Marti- had asked President George W. between the Islamic and Western Bush not to order an attack on world" and an increase in the antino said. The archbishop, who was Iraq. Meanwhile, Vatican Radio's American resentment that fuels recently named to head the Vail- director-general, Jesuit Father terrorism, he said.
Legal rights concern VATICAN CITY (CNS) - As Vati- matic penalty for a single act of can officials work to finalize a sex abuse against a minor - perresponse to US bishops' norms on manent removal from ministry clerical sex abuse, they are giving is too inflexible. The senior official who spoke to special attention to protecting the priest-bishop relationship, a Catholic News Service said experts from five Vatican offices senior Vatican official said. Priests in some dioceses have were still working hard to comcomplained that their legal rights plete work on the response before would be swept aside by the mid-October. That's when Bishop norms, and that's something the Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, Vatican is looking at carefully, the Illinois, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, was source said on October 4. Therefore, while the Vatican will expected in Rome for a visit. The official said the remaining probably agree to some kind of conditional acceptance of the areas under discussion at the Vatnorms, it also will try to make sure ican touched on three main that the new methods of dealing points: the language of the prowith clerical sex abuse will not posed norms, their harmony with "disfigure" the traditional rela- universal law, and the figure of tionship of trust between a bish- the bishop, especially in his relaop and a priest, said the source, tionship with priests. He said the Vatican was still who spoke on condition of leaning toward allowing US bishanonymity. In recent weeks, reports of US ops to apply the proposed norms priests disaffected by the new on an experimental basis, with procedures have worried Vatican review after a period of two years. officials. Some priests and canon But the Vatican also may ask that law experts have said the norms' some clarifying language be definition of sexual abuse is too added on some points, he said. The norms were overwhelmingambiguous, that the time, frame for investigating accusations is too ly approved by US bishops at their open-ended. and that the auto- meeting in Dallas in June.
ontempt for life exists everywhere Retired Archbishop dies
WASHINGIUN (CNS) - While "our world has become a more dangerous place" since last year's terror attacks on American soil, said Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua of Philadelphia, "it would be a mistake ... to think that contempt for life exists only in certain parts of the world." In a Respect Life Sunday statement issued on October 1 in Washington, Cardinal Bevilacqua cited actions from the United States to China that diminish respect for life. "Contempt for human life can take many forms. In our technically advanced society, we are tempted to treat life as dispensable when it seems to stand in the way of individual freedom or technical 'progress,'" said Cardinal Bevilacqua, chairman of the US bishops' pro-life committee. "Abortion is advanced in the name of freedom, but it undermines freedom by demeaning life itself.
No society can be truly free if its most vulnerable members can lose their very lives at the hands of others," he said. "And far from giving greater freedom to women, abortion leaves many women feeling trapped in a deep well of sorrow and remorse." Cardinal Bevilacqua added, "Ironically, the campaign for 'freedom' on abortion has increasingly taken on a coercive cast. Abortion advocates support China's coercive abortion program: here at home, they try to force conscientiously opposed health care providers to be involved in abortion." The cardinal also addressed "destructive embryo research and human cloning" as more examples of contempt for human life. While "promoted in the name of progress," he said, "they mark a regress in researchers' respect for ethical limits. They also divert resources away from morally acceptable research avenues that are at least as promising."
COTABATO, Philippines (CNS) - Retired Archbishop Philip E Smith of Cotabato, Philippines, a US-born missionary who served in the South Asian archipelago for more than 50 years, died on September 30 in Cotabato. He was 77. Born in Lowell, Masechusetts., he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and was ordained in 1950.
He arrived in the Philippines in
1951. In 1972, he was named apostolic
vicar of Job , Philippines, and appointed bishop later that year.
As bishop of Job , he supported the establishment of housing projects to bring together Christians and Muslims after the burning of the town of Jobo in 1974. In 1979, he was appointed coadjutor bishop of Cotabato and became archbishop a year later. In December 1986 he survived a plane crash near Cotabato City, but was badly injured after being thrown out the front window of the light plane. Failing health forced him to resign in 1998. A funeral Mass was scheduled for October 7 in Cotabato. Page 13
Reviews
10 October, 2002
Record
Clockstoppers: not fast enough By Anne Navarro NEW .YORK (CNS) -- Unfortunately, *Clockstoppers' (Paramount) is just another ordinary sci-fi flick, intended for the family, that delivers only a mildly entertaining hour and a half. Zak Gibbs (Jesse Bradford) is a high school senior who has scrimped and saved (by passing off junk as treasures on eBay) to buy a cool set of wheels: a vintage cherry-red Mustang convertible. But he can't get the attention of his distracted father (Robin Thomas), a smart college science professor, to actually go to the car dealer. Then by accident, he discovers an odd watch among his Dad's discarded inventions. When he slips the wristwatch on, the world around him comes to a standstill, as if frozen in time. But Zak can move at superspeed. or what he later discovers is 'hypertime.' Forgetting the car, Zak and his new friend Francesca (Paula Garces), a foreign exchange student from Colombia, quickly learn how to manipulate the device and start to have some fun, pulling innocent pranks. The watch was sent by an old student of Dad's, Dopler (the annoying French Stewart), who couldn't figure out the timepiece's strange hitch: Anyone who wears it for an extended period of time grows old very rapidly. Zak's fun and games with time take a serious turn when the nefarious government officials, led by Dopler's
plainly evil boss, Gates (Michael Biehn), come looking for Zak _wanting their wristwatch back Predictable, and with various preposterous strains, director Jonathan Frakes' narrative lacks cohesion, becoming muddled and clunky as it goes on. But the film's special effects are often cool and creative, as are some of the stunts Zak performs on his bicycle. The film also replaces conventional, bullet-spraying firearms with guns loaded up with liquid nitrogen. The idea is that people in hypertime can be frozen, thereby slowing down their molecules and bringing them back to real time. One trick that doesn't work is the slowing down of the film's background music. Essentially used to accentuate the differences between hypertime and real time, it just comes off sounding like a mistake. 'Clockstoppers* may appeal to children the way 'Spy Kids' did because it portrays kids taking charge and saving adults. However, unlike 'Spy Kids,' a far superior movie, there are no lessons to be learned, except maybe don't fool with your father's gadgets. The film is also disappointing because so few films rated PG by the movie industry are truly entertaining. Because of some action violence including explosions and fleeting crass language, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents.
Photo: Patamount Studios
Clockstoppers has been classified A -II by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
(7 Book tackles the big questions weirebv u iev—v-) by looking at Our Lady of Lourdes EITIEECIDEE= A Seat at the Supper, by Frank Colyer. Cost: $19.95 (incl. postage) Available by ordering from Lumen Verum, PO Box L50 Mount Lewis NSW 2200. Please include name and address on order.
Wt
lat to believe? Aye there's he rub, as Hamlet might say. In the clamour of many tongues, which speaks truth? Behind physical reality, does ultimate existence exist? Is God a myth, leaving us stuck in brief, meaningless lives? To that last question, the answer from a vast constituency in the elite classes, is 'Yes' - 'Yes' from innumerable voices in science, academe, and media. In these circles, God is a mere temporary convenience to fill gaps in knowledge: in due course science will evict God from the gaps. To think otherwise is to incur their scorn, pity and, in some, even anger. But this is also a belief system - it is called Scientific Naturalism*. The fact is that it is excruciatingly difficult to get through life without belief of one form or another. Unbelief is a form of belief. Meanwhile, another vast constituency of people does not formally reject the notion of a Divine dimension to reality, but act out their lives as though they do. Meanwhile, to further confuse, the pilgrim in search of truth encounters a profusion of creeds, often in denial of each other, each with ardent, articulate preachers, untroubled by difficulty and doubt. Freelance journalist, Frank Colyer claims to have rocklike, undebunkable evidence that there is a God, albeit a profoundly mysterious one. His proof is Our Lady of Lourdes; and he develops his conviction in A Seat at the Supper - yet another book on the phenomena of Lourdes. - books that have been accumulating for 140 years. This one begins with a 340-word foreword by Dr George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney. Page 14
'
And who is Our Lady of Lourdes? That (to quote Hamlet again) is the question. In the 2 1st century, for hundreds of millions of people, including Catholics, Lourdes is either not known at all or a matter of ho-hum indifference. For others Lourdes is a rock of certitude. Such devotees have made the Shrine of Lourdes. in France, one of the three most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, up there with Mecca and Jerusalem.
Each year sees Lourdes visited by some five million pilgrims, the vast majority of whom hold, implicitly to a sensational belief - that Mary, the Mother of Christ, appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14year-old child of poverty, over a period of six months during the year 1858. Each year sees Lourdes visited by some five million pilgrims, the vast majority of whom hold, implicitly to a sensational belief - that Mary, the Mother of Christ, appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old child of poverty, over a period of six months during the year 1858. Associated with these events, and unfolding from them, is a long catalogue of stunning cures, 65 of which have been proclaimed miracles by the Catholic Church after searching examination. All cures have been routinely denied supernatural status by the sceptics. Not miracles, they say, but spontaneous remissions; or psychosomatic episodes; or cases of misdiagnosis; or the result of as yet unknown t natural processes. So the book sets a stage. On the one hand, the legion of the not-interested; on the other hand, the army of the devout. Commonplace types, both. Less numerous are the sceptics, some of whom are ferociously antipathetic, see-
A Seat at the Supper
Web Reviews courtesy of Catholic Telecommunications Cat... !MM..* Aldet,alis
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88 Market Street, Wollong<Ing • •
ing Lourdes not only as fraudulent but also as a threat to their belief systems. Sceptics are no problem, says the author. At least they are interested. What is more, they provide the severe scrutiny demanded by the sensational claims of the shrine. Also the sceptics serve to hold a sharp focus on the key question: Lourdes - is it fact, or is it fraud? It has to be one or the other. There is no middle ground; no cop out option; no comfort zone. This is the author's argument. If Lourdes is fake, then it is one of the biggest and most successful ongoing mass deceptions in history. But if Lourdes is authentic, then it must outrank any event in the natural order, no matter how vast or catastrophic the scale. Fraud or fact - either way, Lourdes is a major phenomenon, commanding a response. Conscious of this our precarious human condition, the wideawake soul would have to resolve the issue, one way or the other. Anyone for a game of either/or? Anyone for a seat at the supper? A Seat at the Supper can be obtained from Lumen Verum, PO Box L50 Mount Lewis NSW 2200, Mobile phone: 0402 250 727.Price: $19.95 (inc. postage)
+61 2 425) 0858 '74rr ' 7411
Catholic Earthcare Australia www.catholicearthcareoz.net Catholic Earthcare is one of several initiatives the Australian Bishops have taken this year to promote ecological awareness. Others include the Social Justice Statement A New Earth: The Environmental Challenge. and distribution of the video The Garden Planet through schools and parishes. Catholic Earthcare, headed by Wollongong-based environmental lawyer and educator Col Brown, was founded in direct response to Pope John Paul It's call. Its vision includes the preparation of 'an environment for future generations that is closer to the plan of the Creator'. The website includes a strategy for the 'ecological conversion' of a parish (Eagle Vale. on the south-western edge of Sydney) that includes measures such as 'conducting Eco-audits of Parish buildings'.
NETWORK A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby For 30 years, a prophetic andpersistent voic-e for eronornrc !Mire on Capitoi
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Network - National Catholic Social Justice Lobby www.networklobby.org On the recent Lobby Day US National Catholic Social Justice lobby group Network joined forces with Pax Christi in Washington's corndors of power to do their best to persuade as many US senators as possible to block the Bush administration's moves to initiate war with Iraq. Network is celebrating 30 years of existence as 'a prophetic and persistent voice for economic justice on Capitol Hill'. Senior lobbyist Sr Catherine Pinkerton explains: 'We seek to live out the most radical social message ever conceived — the Gospel of Jesus — by bringing Gospel principles to bear on the nation's life through its legislative agenda.' Network is one of the models for Australia's PolMin, the lobby (or political ministry) group established last year by some religious congregations and other Catholic interests.
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official diary panorama OCTOBER 12
Mass for Marian Movement of Priests, Sacred Heart College - Archbishop Hickey Ordination to Diaconate. North Beach - Archbishop Hickey
13
Catenians Provincial Presidents Mass, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey Mass for Mental Health Week, Emmanuel Centre - Archbishop Hickey Confirmation, Bruce Rock (at Ouairading) - Bishop Quinn
15
Blessing and opening of House for Missionaries of Charity - Archbishop Hickey
15/16Clergy Recreational Days, BusseIton - Archbishop Hickey
17
Presentation of bursary cheque from St Vincent de Paul - Archbishop Hickey Baptisms and Confirmations, Chisholm Catholic College - Archbishop Hickey St Luke's Day Ecumenical Service, St Mary's Cathedral - Bishop Sproxton
18
Confirmation, Karrinyup - Bishop Quinn
18-20Visitation, Willagee - Bishop Sproxton 19
Solemn Pontifical Mass, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey Confirmation, Subiaco - Mgr Thomas McDonald
20
Annual Mass and Meeting, Catholic Doctors' Association, Mt Lawley - Bishop Healy Confirmation, Victoria Park - Mgr Timothy Corcoran Fishing Fleet Festival Mass / Blessing of the Fleet and Procession, Fremantle - Archbishop Hickey
22
Annual Dedication Mass for Archdiocesan Finance Committees, Pro-Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton
23
Launch of St Vincents 2002 Christmas Appeal - Bishop Sproxton
24
Mass to celebrate 50th Anniversary of arrival of Ursuline Sisters in WA, St Patrick's Basilica - Archbishop Hickey
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Sunday October 13 CREATION CENTRED SPIRITUALITY Is witchcraft compatible with Christianity? Is Jesus just one among many ways to the Father? Ex priest Matthew Fox. founder of 'creation spirituality', says. 'yes' ! Find out about the new infiltration of paganism in Catholic liturgy - Switch on to 'The Layman's Hour' with Raymond and Theresa de Souza (FRadio Fremantle 107.9 FM at 7.30 pm) and learn about some amazing revelations! Ring 9494 2100 and participate in the discussion on modern-day 'feminism' in the Church and its relationship with witchcraft. Sunday October 13 MENTAL HEALTH WEEK MASS, DAY OF R EFLECTION Emmanuel Centre 25 Windsor Street, Perth. Sunday 12noon to 4pm. Mass at 3pm, followed by refreshments. Ph: 9328 8113 (voice) 9328 9571 (TTY). October 15/16 AN EVENING WITH ABEY AND SWAPNA They are a married singing couple from India and they are visiting Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, Cnr Morley Dve and Altone Rd. Kiara, 7-9pm. Come along and join us in praise and worship. Enq: 9377 5133, 9279 9165 October 16/17/18 MASS FOLLOWED BY HEALING SERVICE Santo Padre Pio Prayer Group would like to invite you. your family and your friends to a 3 night and 1 afternoon healing crusade, to be conducted by Br R obert Canton. Mass will start at 7pm sharp . Holy Family Church corner Canning Hwy and Thelma St, Como. Information : 9367 8632 Thursday October 17 HEALING MASS A Healing Mass in honour of St Peregrine, patron of cancer sufferers and helper of all in need will be held at the Church of SS John and Paul, Pinetree Gully Rd, (off South St) at 7pm. There will be veneration of the relic and anointing of the sick. Information: Noreen Monaghan 9332 8292. Saturday October 19 NEXT DAY WITH MARY Queen of Apostle Church. Tudor St South, Riverton, 9am-5pm. A Video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the message of Fatima. Incudes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks, R osaries, procession and Stations of the Cross. Choir practice Tuesday October 8, 7pm. All are welcome. Please BYO. Inq: Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate 9574 5214. Saturday October 19 VOTIVE MASS OF ST PADRE PIO Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Throne in the Traditional Latin Rite celebrated by Archbishop Hickey in St Mary's Cathedral at 10am. All welcome. Confessions heard before and after Mass. Inq: Fr Michael Rowe 9444 9604. Saturday 19/Sunday 20 October GROUP FIFTY PRAYER GROUP Group Fifty Charismatic Prayer Group Retreat at the Redemptorist Retreat House, Camelia St. North Perth. Retreat Leader: Fr Hugh Thomas CSsR. For details 9279 1824. (BYO lunch on Saturday) Sunday October 20 C ATHOLIC DOCTORS ASSOCIATION MASS The association Mass and annual general meeting will be held at the McAuley Centre Chapel at Barret Street, Wembley. Mass will be at 9am, followed by a brief AGM and hearty breakfast. A warm invitation
Deadline: 5pm Monday
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a roundup of events in the archdiocese is extended to all doctors, families and associates. R SVP Natalie 9242 4066 by October 14. Sunday October 27 CHARISMATIC MASS/HEALING PRAYER Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, cnr Morley Dye. and Altone Rd. Kiara. Praise and worship 5pm. followed by mass at 5.30pm. Principal celebrant Fr Hugh Thomas. Enq: 9377 5133. 9279 9165 Sunday October 27 ST CATHERINE'S CHURCH. GINGIN Feast of St Jude. 12noon BYO lunch. 1pm Procession through streets with statue of St Jude. Rosary. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Sacrament of Penance available. 2-3pm Thanksgiving Mass to St Jude. 3pm afternoon tea provided. Coaches depart from St Mary's Cathedral arrangements: Francis 10.30am. Transport Williams 9459 3873. Cost S14 return. Details: Fr Paul 9571 1839, Sheila 9575 4023, Margaret 9571 3 387. Sunday November 17 CENTENARY ST BRIGID'S MIDLAND/MIDDLE SWAN Past students and staff of St Brigid's are invited to attend a celebration Mass, a luncheon and an Historical Exhibition at 11am. Please contact the school office with your address and an invitation will be sent (also for catering purposes). Memorabilia gratefully accepted. Roberta Chapman, Centenary co-ordinator 9389 5283. Sunday November 2 ALL SOULS MASS AT PINAROO Catholic Mass will be celebrated in the new Crematorium Chapel at Pinaroo Valley Memorial Park. (off Whitfords Ave) on "All Souls Day - at 10am. All welcome to attend. Sunday October 20 ADVANCED FILM SCREENING My Big Fat Greek Wedding: G. 1.30pm at Astor Cinema, 659 Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley, (wheelchair access) Admittance S10, proceeds to St Charles' Seminary, Guildford. All Welcome contact: Mrs Berg 9479 5089. MARANATHA INSTITUTE FOR ADULT FAITH EDUCATION Catholic Education Centre, 50 Ruislip St, Leederville. Term 4 courses 7 weeks and cost S40. Enrolments or information phone 9212 9311, Tuesday, Thursday 9-3.30pm and Friday 9-1.30pm and we will send you a Course Booklet. EVENTS AT THE SCHOENSTATT SHRINE Sunday November 3. 2-5pm God's call to holiness: In search of our halo. PERPETUAL ADORATION Night Adorers are needed urgently between the hours of 12 midnight to 6am at two of our Perpetual Adoration parishes. Feel secure and trust Our Eucharistic Lord in Faith and Love. In all weathers he carries you on Eagles Wings to keep your rostered time. Your are asked in Jesus's Holy Name, "Can you make commitment for one of these hours?" Phone: 9364 1338 NORTHERN AREA MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP A carer's meeting is held on the second Monday of each month commencing at 7.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Marda Way. Nollamara. these meetings provide the opportunity to share information and offer mutual support. Contact: Pat 9275 2809. Next meeting Monday October 14.
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The Last Word
The spire in perspective
Beagle bells ri again T
he historic bells of Beagle Bay have rung out their message of hope again. The bells and the spire were lifted back into the bell tower at Sacred Heart Church. on October 16. The bell tower collapsed in September 2000. Although at first it seemed that rebuilding would be impossible, faith and good work have produced another wonderful result. In a joint effort between the Broome Port Authority and the Army, the bells, the small pinacles and the spire have been safely placed back in the bell tower. Bishop Christopher Saunders. Bishop of Broome. is most grateful to the Broome Port Authority and the Army for their generous support in supplying and transporting the crane from Broome to Beagle Bay. Bishop Saunders commented "When working out how to get the bells and spire back into position on the bell tower, it was decided there was no option other
The spire moves gracefully into position.
The big bell is prepared for lifting
than to get a crane up to Beagle Bay. "This was going to be an expensive exercise. When Stefan Frodsham, Chief Executive Officer of the Broome Port Authority heard about our need he readily offered the use of the Port's crane.
I am very grateful to Stefan and Members of the Board of the Broome Port Authority for the use of their crane. I am also grateful to the Army who provided the vehicles and staff to transport the crane to Beagle Bay." "Over the last eight weeks Colgan Industries Pty Ltd have expertly completed the intricate job of rendering the tower, repairing the spire and cleaning and polishing the 3 bells. " The Diocese is very lucky to have secured the services of Col-
gan Industries Pty Ltd as they have an extensive history in working on heritage buildings. The work completed is of a very high standard. Thanks must also go to Broome Precision Machinery who donated their time to repairing some of the bell support structures." The placing of the bells and spire back into the tower represents a significant milestone for the church and the community - Kimberley Community Profile, Diocese of Broome
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Page 16
The small bell being lowered
Hickey
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