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Meet Perth's newest priests page 8

Riverton farewells its Schoenstatt Sisters page 16

Australia is not the only place experiencing drought. At least we know it doesn't mean death. Page 3 What car would Jesus drive? A group of nuns take on the automobile industry in a bid to make them more environmentally responsible. Page 5

Mc) sairy Prayer Cards Incorporating Pope John Paul H's NEW MYSTERIES OF LIGHT Produced by and available NOW from The Record. (08) 9227 7080 Bulk orders for parishes. Min purchase of 10 per individual plus postage.

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jere Jesus changed 1 I water into wine thanks to the intervention of Man„, the first among believers This mystery presents Man, as teacher with her instruction to all of us 130 whatever he tells you'. an instruction which echoes her own acceptance of God's will 'Be it done unto me according to your word-. The mystery also demonstrates that He will turn our water into wine our negativity into love, our sorrow into toy. our sin into salvation • his Mhis encompesses all of I Jesus' teaching about the mystery of God and the rrwctinry

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which is infinitely wiser, deeper, and more Willing than the various philosophies and psychologies offered by anyone else d The Inevatigurehon

ultimate mystery of ght which showed Peter. James and John who Jesus really was, strengthened them for what was to come, and foreshadowed the transfiguration of their lives and ours both in this life and the next if we allow the Spirit to dwell in us. During the Transfiguration the Father again was heard and this time, in a sense. echoed eV words of Mary at Cana when she told the Apostles listen to hire.

the Rosary, the Christian people its at the school of Mary and is led to xmlempiale tie beauty of the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love i.m NOW Maw - AlpeMen OilIlia sillIndy Iliamy Odlliar NMI

5 The alstituton of vit Etichansd

f , ',' Jesus hen appeared on earth he was laid in a manger, a feeding trough, as a symbol that he was the food with which God nourishes creation. This symbol became reality in the Eucharist which is now known as the source and the summit of the spiritual file of the Church. It is also the permanently present sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery the saving power of Jesus' death and resurrection brought about for us and in us. Rosary, reclaimed ki lts full meaning, goes to the very heart of Christian life: N offers a familiar yet fruitful spiritual and educational opportunity for personal contemplation, the formation of the People of God, and the new evangelisation" I - Pepe Alm Peel feeemIsia Ilegids Melee

October 2002•October 2003

Year of the Rosary

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

No. 3338

The Record, established in 1874, is distributed to Catholic Churches, presbyteries, religious houses and subscribers throughout the Archdiocese of Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury, Broome and overseas.

f we look around us "Prepare in the wilderness a Iwe cannot fail to see the spiritual wilderness way for the Lord. Make a of today's society. God people straight highway for our areWithout losing the meaning of life, they are looking God". elsewhere to find fulfil-

hese are the words of Isaiah the great prophet of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. They were quoted again by John the Baptist when he was calling people to a baptism of repentance to help them prepare for the coming of the Messiah. These words are now directed to us by the Church during the Advent Season. Let us look at them a little more closely. "Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord" (Isaiah 403)

Managing Editor Peter Rosengren Production/ Advertising Eugen Mattes Office Manager Carole McMillen

(7/Ircljbishop's

ment, perhaps in material things or in the excitement of new experiences. Because these do not satisfy the human spirit many turn to drugs, to strange cults, to mindless pursuits, and some, unfortunately contemplate suicide to block out the emptiness and pain in their heart. We are asked to prepare a way for the Lord in the middle of this wilderness. The meaning of our existence is to be found in God's plan for us and in turning to Christ for direction and inner peace. To prepare a way for the Lord in our own wilderness requires turning away from paths that lead nowhere or lead to destruction. It means an abandonment of sin and selfishness and a turning back to God. What is required is a real conversion, so that our direction is towards God and his Son, Jesus. Advent, the time of waiting for the coming of Christ at Christmas, gives us an opportunity to assess where we are going and how we are going spiritually and set our compass correctly. "Make a straight highway for our God'. (Isaiah 403) a path for the Lord because Whee areis tothemake one who comes to us. He will

Bronwen Clune Neil Smith Stephen Spiteri

Hugh Ryan, Paul Gray, Fr Tim Deeter, Tony Evans, George Russo, Peter Dwan, Norma Woodcock, Guy Crouchback

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surely come to meet us on the way and provide us with the true meaning of our own existence and our eternal destiny. Nothing else, no-one else can give us that gift. I suggest that you open your Scriptures to find out more about the great figures of Advent Four of them have much to say for us 1 Isaiah, who from Chapter 40 of his book in the Bible, offers the Israelites in captivity in Babylon the hope of returning to abandoned Jerusalem to gather again around the Holy Temple. He called them to conversion as a necessary step on their journey home; 2 St John the Baptist, the new Isaiah, who insisted on conversion as the way to prepare to receive the Messiah; 3 St Paul who insisted that we "stay awake' because the Lord is coming, and 4 Mary, truly an Advent figure because more than anyone she else prepared for the coming of the child Jesus by carrying him in her womb for nine months, In wonder and prayerful contemplation. Enrich your spiritual preparation by studying and meditating on these Biblical figures. In this way you will be ready to greet the Child of Bethlehem with joy.

Franciscans back Berrigan dies Obituary Medjugorje priest Franciscan officials have released letters of public support for Fr Jozo Zovko, the priest most widely connected with Medjugorje, the site of the reported Marian apparitions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Fr Zovko was refused permission to celebrate Mass and lead a prayer vigil on November 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. At the time shrine officials said the action was taken after receiving information from the priest's home Diocese of Mostar-Duvno in BosniaHerzegovina that his priestly faculties had been revoked. Shortly after, supporters of Fr Zovko began circulating statements of support via the Internet which were reported as being from Fathers Stefano Ottenbreit OEM, Vicar General of the Order of Friars Minor and from Fr Slavko Soldo OEM, Provincial of the Herzegovinian Franciscan Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Mostar. In his statement, dated November 21 and entitled Attestation of Good Conduct, Fr Ottenbreit wrote: "I Fr Stefano Ottenbreit, the undersigned, Vicar General of the Order of Friars Minor, testify that Fr Jozo Zovko is a Member in good standing of the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Herzegovina of our Order. "I, also, declare to whom it may concern that he has never been suspended from our Order." In his statement dated November 14 Fr Soldo wrote: "Fr Jozo Zovko is a member of our community in good standing. "He was the pastor at Medjugorje when the apparition of the Blessed Mother started in 1981.11was [at the] time of the communist regime in our country. As pastor of Medjugorje Fr. Jozo was put in prison by the communist court. After he was released from the prison, he continued to spread the message of the blessed Mother Queen of peace. "In our community Fr Jozo Zovko Is known as a charismatic priest who suffered for his faith and continues

suffering. He spends long hours in prayer, counseling and preaching. Most of the time he is in the church, often for 10 hours a day. "Those who oppose the apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje are constantly after Fr. Jozo, trying to stop his mission, but those who accept the Medjugorje consider him a dedicated priest and are Inviting him to lead retreats for them and pray for them in their needs. "Among those who are inviting him, are many priests and bishops. Fr. Jozo is tireless in that service. He did ask permission to travel to the United States and it was granted to him." The US-based Catholic News Service reported earlier that Shrine spokesman Peter Sonski said the shrine received notification from the Mostar diocese on November 19 that the priestly faculties of Father Zovko had been revoked and that he was under canonical censure. Under church law this means a priest cannot exercise his ministry in any diocese worldwide. Allegations had appeared in at least one book and several newspaper articles that Father Zovko sexually molested several women on pilgrimage to Medjugorie, CNS reported. Father Gerard Petta, one of the organisers of the November 21 Mass, told Catholic News Service November 21 that he spoke with Franciscan superiors of Father Zovko and they told him that no one has approached them with such accusations against the priest. Father Petta, a Washington-based member of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles, said that Father Zovko's problems are part of differences stretching over many years between the Franciscans in Bosnia and the Mostar diocese. Many of those difficulties concerned control of parishes traditionally run by Franciscans but which the diocese wanted turned over to diocesan priests. John Paul IN Letter on the Rosary - Page 6

By Nancy Frazier 0 Brien WASHINGIDN (CNS) - Philip Berrigan, a former Josephite priest Philip Berrigan, 79 who was a leading figure in the Catholic anti-war movement over the past 40 years, died of liver and kidney cancer on December 6 at Jonah House in Baltimore. He was 79. "I die with the conviction, held since 1968 and Catonsville, that nuclear weapons are the scourge of the earth; to mine for them, manufacture them, deploy them, use them is a curse against God, the human family and the earth itself," Berrigan said in a final statement released through his family. Ex-priest Philip Berrigan, who died on His funeral took place on Decem- December 6. Photo: CNS hie photo ber 9 at St Peter Clover Church in who shared his life's work of peaceBaltimore, where he had once making and who also spent many served as a priest. The Jonah House years in jail for anti-war efforts. community he co-founded in the When their three children were early 1970s had lived in the caretak- growing up, Berrigan and McAlister er's home in a cemetery connected alternated their participation in nonwith the church for the past decade. violent actions that could bring jail Best known as the leader of the terms, so that both parents would Catonsville Nine, a group of peace not be imprisoned at the same time. activists who burned 500 draft files The marriage was made public in using homemade napalm at a Selec- 1973, the same year that Berrigan tive Service office in Catonsville, and McAlister founded Jonah Maryland, in May 1968, Berrigan House, dedicated to nonviolent estimated that he spent more than action against the arms race and 11 years in jail for actions against commitment to a simple lifestyle. war and nuclear weapons. Berrigan worked as a house painter, He had been married since 1969 to in addition to writing and lecturing, Elizabeth McAlister, a former nun to pay the bills. A tribute of highest honour for

Brother Andrew from all whose lives he so richly influenced. God's Farm has published his recently discovered manuscript

"The Song of a Wounded Healer" A strong, thought-provoking book Brother writes, full of encouragement and hope for all. To gain the deeper richness never previously written by Brother Andrew, every home should have a copy. A perfect gift to put Christ into Christmas giving. Excellent foreword by Fr Paul Glynn sm and other bonuses. $5.50 each. Postage from 1 to 3 books $1.50 extra Contact BROTHER ANDREW CENTRE, God's Farm for his 2 books, cassette tapes, letters, etc. Ring M. Jefferson 9341 8935 for details of Perth distributors and R. Atthowe in Btmbury 9721 2854. Betty Peaker, God's Farm, PO Box 24, Cowaramup WA 6284. Telephone and Fax 9755 6212.

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

Starvation crisis looms in Africa The food crisis in Africa is so severe that an immediate international response is needed to prevent a famine greater than mid-1980s levels, heads of leading US humanitarian aid organisations are saying. By Stephen Steele A coalition of 15 aid organisa-

tions, meeting at Catholic Relief Services headquarters in Baltimore, said some 38 million Africans risk starvation unless the international community mobilises quickly. "If we wait until we start seeing pictures of emaciated, starving people, by then it will be too late," said Andrew Natsios, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Those speaking at a December 3 press conference said a famine could be declared in some areas as early as late January and that millions of Africans could die from starvation in the next six to eight months. Kenneth Hackett, CRS executive director, said several prefamine indicators - severe drought, displaced people were already present. "We needed to respond yesterday. If we wait two more months, there will be widespread famine. We will not be able to stop it. We can stop it now, but it depends if we get the resources," he said. "We can respond to several thousand people leaving their homes, but when millions move,

that's another story," Hackett told Catholic News Service. CRS, the U.S. bishops' international relief and development agency, estimates that 1.3 million tons of food aid are needed through March for southern Africa and up to 2 million tons through June for the Horn of Africa. James Morris, executive director of the World Food Program, said the U.N. agency had half of the US $1.4 billion needed to adequately respond to the African food crisis and called on donor nations to make up the shortfall. "We need these funds to save lives," he said. "With all of our wealth and technology, the fact that we haven't made more progress is depressing," Morris said. Photo CNSi Reuters No rain, no crops. Africans survey the desolation of drought. The aid organisations said drought, a series of poor har- percent of their crops because vests along with a crippling of drought, exposing most of the AIDS pandemic and in some country to starvation, Morris cases political corruption and said. In Ethiopia, crop produccivil unrest have left most tion dropped by 20 percent. African nations unable to In Zimbabwe, 50 percent of respond to the food crisis. Through the rich faith heritage of Eastern Europe. children have dropped out of Morris cautioned that the school; in Zambia, 25 percent enter a whole new world and unccrver its spiritual trca :,- • health issues confronting Africa dropped out, he said. Czestochowa • Krakow • Prague are potentially catastrophic. "Children were passing out St Petersburg • 12 days Optional 4 day Moscow extension "The countries are not pre- from weakness," Morris said. pared to deal with the health In the West African countries Departing 20 Sept 2003 issues. Health care profession- of Sierra Leone, Liberia and with Fr Patrick Vaughan als have either lost their lives or Ivory Coast, "the problems are Also departs 8 June 2003 left for better jobs in England or enormous given the years of turFr Patrick Vaughan moil," he said. overseas," he said. Morris said the AIDS panLater on December 3, Moms demic has been exacerbated by told the UN Security Council in FEBRUARY SPECIAL - MEDJUGORJE the food crisis; those infected by New York that the "lack of politMedjugorje (8 nights) • Optional Rome Extension (3 nights) HIV are weakened and unable ical will" was the only obstacle Departing 27 February 2003 • Accompanied by Tour Chaplain to ending hunger, The Associatto provide for their families. 2490 Special February Price "Food is the most important ed Press reported. political the making of nstead I HIV/AIDS. with drug in dealing It keeps people resistant," he decisions and earmarking the MARCH SPECIAL - HOLY PLACES said. In the Horn of Africa, more money to eliminate hunger, "UN than 18 million Ethiopians, member states have unwittingMadrid • Montserrat • Barcelona • Lourdes Eritreans and Sudanese are at ly adopted policies that make Santo Domingo de Silos • Avila A 13 day pilgrimage journey risk of starvation due to drought the idea of ending hunger little and decades of violence, he more than fantasy," Associated Optional 4 night Rome extension at $690 share twin P I L G R I M A G E S said. Farmers in Eritrea lost 80 Press reported Morris saying. Departing 19 March 2003

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'Divine Mercy should lead to mercy' By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Divine Mercy devotion spread by St Faustina Kowalslca should lead people to concrete acts of mercy for their poor and suffering neighbours, Pope John Paul II said. Four months after his visit to his Polish homeland and the dedication of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy there, the Pope welcomed to the Vatican more than 100 pilgrims and representatives of the Archdiocese of Krakow Pope John Paul said the visit of church and civic leaders, as well as representatives of Krakow laity, was an opportunity for him to return the hospitality he experienced during his August hip. The August return to his home diocese, the visit to his parents graves and his prayers at sanctuaries and churches he frequented from childhood were part of 'the immense mystery of divine mercy,' he said. The Archdiocese of Krakow, he said, is filled with places recalling the lives of holy Poles who served God and their brothers and sisters throughout history Their cooperation with divine mercy is continued today in "centres for the homeless, soup kitchens for the poor, homes for single mothers, hospices for the terminally ill and many other places where, without fuss, the merciful love of God is revealed thanks to the concrete gestures of love made by men and women,' he said. The Pope prayed that 'in the shadow of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy" similar acts of love would be increasingly abundant.

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THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

Bishop blesses Bassendean centre

Children carry crucifixes to placed on the walls of the new centre.

Bishop Sproxton and Father Bogoni cut a cake.

Picture by Renee Denys

A new parish community centre to replace one burnt down by arsonists was blessed at St Joseph's parish, Bassendean on Sunday. The Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Bishop Sproxton officiated for the ceremony with the newly appointed parish priest, Father Tiziano Bogoni. The new centre abutts the parish church, and replaces that destroyed by fire in 2000.

Picture by Renee Denys

The first part of the original the multi-purpose centre is parish hall was built in 1914 and unique in the Perth archdiocese in that it was financed two-thirds extended in 1930. It initially served as the church by the parish and one third by the school. and the school for the parish. Parish official, Ivan Sands, said The parish church was built in 1974, and the original buildings it was the first time such a joint served as a meeting place for funding had been done in Perth. The Bassendean parish comparishioners until the fire. The new community centre prises more that 600 families and comprises a main hall, three the school has 240 children rangmeeting rooms and storage areas. ing from kindergarten to grade Funding for the construction of seven.

CEO wins award for inclusive access Business houses rewarded for helping i.d.entity.wa

A proactive approach to inclusive access has won commendation for the Catholic Education Office (CEO) in the Disability Services Commission's 2002 Action on Access Awards. The installation of a range of facilities including an elevator (with brail buttons and hand rail), self opening doors, ramps, toilets, priority parking and new signage saw the CEO presented with a Commendation Certificate under the Access in the Private Sector category - Large Organisation. A committee comprising special learning needs consultants Val McKelvey, Trish Jackson, Jenny Thomas (former consultant; currently Head of Junior School, St Joseph's College, Albany) and CEO Property Officer, Brian Power undertook an access audit of the premises, the result of which was a list of recommendations for implementation between 2001 and 2004. Assisting in this process were a group of students with disabilities

from Sacred Heart College in Sorrento who explored the various access difficulties, as well as representatives from a number of disability agencies who advised on the project. In presenting the award, the organising committee said the commitment shown by the CEO was to be applauded as, unlike Government departments and organisations, there was no legal obligation for private sector organisations to comply with access requirements, particularly of such a comprehensive nature. Adding to the complexity of Access committee members Val McKelvey the project was the Heritage (centre) and Brian Power with the CEO's status of some of the Centre Special Learning Needs Team Coordinator, buildings that required spe- Maureen Thomson in the CEO's new elevacial consideration in the alter- tor. ation process. to know that your organisation In offering his congratulations, Graham Partridge, Chief has been proactive to ensure the Executive Officer of the Town of building at West Leederville is Cambridge, said lit is heartening accessible."

The finale of Ld.entity.wa's 25th Anniversary celebrations (which took place across 2002) was a "Silver Sundowner" held on Sunday. December 1. Although it was the first official day of summer, the wind was biting, and warm clothing was everywhere complemented with rugs and blankets. Despite the weather, just on 400 people gathered together at Aquinas College to ring out the anniversary year and its achievements. The highlights were many, including the publishing of Undivided Lives: An Anthology which was written by family members (and reviewed by The Record in June 2002); the making of Going The Distance (a video for fathers of people with disabilities); and, the blessing and commissioning of a memorial fountain in the courtyard at Ld.entity.wa's head office in Kensington, in memory of all of those associated with the organisation who have died. The Silver Sundowner included the Minister for Disability Services, Sheila McHale, MLA, congratulating and thanking the 70 businesses and 200 volunteers who supported i.d.entity.wa's anniversary celebrations. memorial presented She plaques to 13 organisations whose work in support of Ld.entity.wa over the year was particularly notable. The Record was one of those recognised in this way: the plaque was presented by the Minister to Mons. Peter McCrann (parish priest, Cottesloe and Swanbourne), representing the newspaper. organisations other The acknowledged with plaques were: Aquinas College; Archdiocese of Perth (finance office); Clontarf; Elephant Productions; Sister Gratiae O'Shaughnessy presents a Kevin Brady Productions; Land cheque to Mr Joshua Preston. Artscapes; Lotteries Commission,

Christmas donation for AIDS care An early Christmas gift to the the Sisters of St John of God, conHIV/AIDS Pastoral Care Centre tributed to the running of the was presented by Sister Gratiae centre but the demands on its O'Shaughnessy to Mr Joshua services had not diminished and Preston, chairman of the board additional support was necesof management of the centre. sary. The gift, a donation of $1200, The centre catered for family was from the Fund for members of all faiths, ethnic FAI.T.H.(Families Affected backgrounds and ages. Infected Through HIV). Sr GmServices are provided free. tiae is one of the founding This generous service to the trustees of the Fund for FALT.H. community also needs a generStatutory requirements for the ous response from the public. Fund to operate were finalised said Sr Gratiae. in June 1999 and since then a The Fund for FALT.H. provides donation has been made at the an opportunity for the public to completion of audit for each make a financial contribution to financial year. This year's dona- the work of the centre. Inquiries can be made by telephoning tion brought the total to $4400. Sr Gratiae said the work of 9330 3310. "Science teaches that we must Fund for FALT.H. was essential to the well-being of the centre. see in order to believe, but we The Catholic Archdiocese of must also believe in order to Perth and her own congregation, see," said Sr Gratiae.

WA Goverment minister, Sheila McHale presents a plaque to Mons McCrann representing The Record

WA; Morley Rollerdrome; St. Mary's Cathedral; Sheraton Hotel, Perth; Spices Catering; and Minity College. The minister also presented a plaque to i.d.entity.wa staff for their invaluable work during the anniversary year. Given that the Silver Sundowner was held just two days before the International Day of People with a Disability, Dr Phil Deschamp addressed those present on the developing awareness of disability within the community - and the need for this awareness to grow into inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into the community. And then, after officially closing Ld.entity.wa's anniversary celebrations, Archbishop Barry Hickey led the crowd in singing the first Christmas carol, leading onto an enthusiastic rendition of the most loved carols by all of those present. The evening concluded with dancing to music provided by Nearly Famous - a chance to warm up before going home after a great night out.

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

Nuns push for cleaner cars Escape, a new fuel-efficient SUV Immaculate Heart of Mary, By Audrey Sommers i Dominicans of Adrian, Michigan, DEIROIT (CNS) - Sister Nancy n 2003 for its centennial. And on the day of the meeting Sisters of St Joseph and Sisters of Sylvester said she was encouraged by the "spirit of understand- with religious leaders, General Mercy. Sister Sylvester said the group is ing and cooperation" from auto Motors released a response sayhas it ing committed asking hundreds of automakers to commit to industry representatives during the kickoff of a national campaign millions of dollars toward pro- making more fuel-efficient vehihydrogen-powered cles for their entire fleet and to seeking to persuade US car man- ducing market them in their advertising. ufacturers to make more fuel-effi- engines. Sister Sylvester drove to the In 2001, the nation's new car and cient cars. meeting a in Prius, Toyota powtruck fleet averaged 20.4 miles per a Sister Sylvester, Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who is ered by a hybrid gasoline-electric gallon, the lowest average since a member of a national coalition engine. Attached to the car was a 1980. "The National Academy of Sciof religious leaders, met with rep- banner saying, "What Would Drive?" Jesus says the entire car and truck ences resentatives of General Motors, In the last two years, her order fleet could average 37 miles per Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Jan Soleau drives a hybrid electric-petrol Ford and the United Auto Workhas purchased three Toyota Prius- gallon by 2010. We think that's a powered Toyota with the "What Would Jesus Drive?" slogan pasted to the side. ers' Union on November 20. "I told them we realise these are es with hybrid electric-gasoline little conservative. We'd like difficult times for the car industry engines and one bifuel Chevrolet 40," said the Rev. Jim Ball, a and that we are concerned about Cavalier because they were made member of an evangelical people's jobs. But we must bal- with "earth-friendly materials," group based in Wynneville. The interfaith group is introance our concerns with the health she said. Another Immaculate Heart of ducing television spots in of our climate," she told The Michigan Catholic newspaper of Mary sister led the convoy of cars Iowa, Missouri, Indiana and ORDER OF CANONS REGULAR OF PREMONTRt carrying visiting clergy as it trav- North Carolina to raise pubthe Detroit Archdiocese. and up drum awareness lic Motors General the from elled the of She and other members National Religious Partnership for headquarters in Detroit to the support for its fuel-efficiency finding unity with the brethren on the way to God ... campaign. the Environment met with Ford Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn. to would public the "We like Before the meetings, more than chairman and CEO Bill Ford and If you would like to know Beth Lowery, GM's vice president 100 religious leaders nationwide write to the US automakers more about We as a and chief environmental officer, signed a letter and sent it to offi- expressing concern for the community Sister priest or Norbertine environment," Generand Chrysler Ford, at cials about the group's new faith inibrother, please contact: Sylvester said. tiative to bring what it called the al Motors. that said have that cars Automakers that claimed letter The "moral issue of environmental Fr Peter J Stiglich, 0.Praem. iturgy l devastation" to the attention of pollute the earth are "warming they produce vehicles that the St Joseph's Priory automakers and the religious the planet, contributing to causes public wants to buy, such as PO Box 354 of war, and increasing the burden heavy trucks and SUVs. American public. Cannington WA 6987 But Sister Sylvester put the A meeting with Chrysler offi- on the poor." ministrjr Telephone: (08) 9458 2729 The letter also noted that, since ball back in their court, telling dais has not yet been scheduled. Email: norbert@iinetnetau Sister Sylvester said that UAW "automobiles are having such officials of the automobile members were concerned with extraordinary global impact, industry that they have "bilenvironmental issues and sympa- choices about what cars to build lions of dollars for advertising and they have to come up thetic to the points brought up by raise fundamental moral issues." Excellent policy with The women religious who with a creative way to pitch the religious coalition. cover honest A Ford representative said the signed the letter included repre- fuel-efficient cars in their company will introduce the Great sentatives from Sisters of the marketing."

NORBERTINE CANONS

Law visits Vatican

Archdiocese s bankruptcy mooted in wake of abuse cases

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Boston Cardinal Bernard F: Law made an unannounced visit to Rome for discussions with Vatican officials amid further disclosures of cases of priestly misconduct in Boston and the spectre of a potential archdioce-. san bankruptcy filing. 'Ican confirm the presence of Cardinal Bernard Francis Law in Rome,' Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a December 9 statement. The cardinal has come to inform the Holy See about certain aspects of the situation in his diocese of Boston,' Navarro-Valls said. Vatican press officials declined to identify the Vatican offices Cardinal Law was visiting, specific issues he would be raising, or how long he was expected to remain in Rome.

rials to their courtroom file -- marked the first phase in release of what is expected to total about 11,000 pages of files on 65 priests accused of sexual abuse. Cardinal Law's consultation in Rome was his second unannounced visit to the Vatican this year. After the first one, in April, he issued a statement saying he had raised the possibility of resignation in meetings with Pope John Paul II and other Vatican officials but planned to continue serving the archdiocese as long as God gives See page 12 me the opportunity.

No US diocese has ever made a Chapter 11 filing, in which a court determines what a corporation must do to satisfy creditors equitably and, if possible, regain solvency.

OPTOWTRISTS

The cardinal's visit came less than a week after the Boston archdiocesan finance council voted to allow him to pursue reorganising the archdiocese under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. The archdiocese said on December 4 the cardinal had not made a final decision on filing bankruptcy, for which he would need Vatican approval. No US diocese has ever made a Chapter 11 filing, in which a court determines what a corporation must do to satisfy creditors equitably and, if possible, regain solvency. The Archdiocese of Boston faces some 450 lawsuits for alleged sexual abuse of minors by its priests. The cardinal's visit also coincided with mounting anger among sex abuse victims' groups following the December 3 release of more than 2,000 pages of archdiocesan files on eight priests accused of sexual misconduct in the 1960s to 1990s. The files discuss cases of the accused priests receiving or retaining assignments despite recommendations against moving them. Because of the new disclosures, some 50 of the archdiocese's 900 priests began circulating a draft petition for the cardinal's resignation. The documents -- made public when lawyers for alleged victims of Father Paul R. Shanley added the mate-

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THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER2002

Opinion W1 RefIection Catholic opinions from around Australia Question: Should the Entrance and Communion Antiphons be said at all Masses?

Ze4r 44re),

Answer: Actually, no - but let me explain. These antiphons Don't be afraid of asking are meant to be sung - normalFr TIM DEETER a difficult ly as antiphons (refrains) to a psalm that is sung during the question. Send yours to: Entrance or Communion proDear Padre, PO Box 75 cessions. Either the antiphon Leederville, WA 6902 given in the Sacramentary, or the seasonal antiphon given in the Roman Gradual or the Sim- them, by a reader, or by the ing chance to locate it, so that ple Gradual, may be used, with priest. they can all read it together. or without an appropriate What usually happens, howIf the priest is to recite these psalm. Another psalm from antiphons alone, the General ever, is that 'Johnny-on-the-Spot' some other hymnal or collec- Instruction of the Roman Missal starts it, and then a couple more tion (Gelineau, Taize, Deiss and Instructs him to read the join in, but by the time the othso on) may be used instead. Entrance Antiphon after the ers have picked up their bul(Interesting aside: why are all greeting, and the Communion letin or missal, it's over -- so these psalm collections by Antiphon after he has himself much for congregational particFrench composers?) received Communion but ipation! If there is no psalm and before he distributes it to the I am usually amused (and at antiphon sung at these times, people. (cf. General Instruction the same time irritated) when then a hymn appropriate to the nos. 26, 561, 83; tauendIA nos. some well-meaning person feast or season may be used in 26, 561) Insists on loudly proclaiming Its place. If everyone has the text of the Communion Antiphon Only if none of the above these antiphons (they are often right before or after the choir or alternatives is employed is the printed on bulletin covers), it the congregation sing a full-on assigned Antiphon recited. would be nice if the leader Communion Hymn which was In this case, it may be read by would announce the antiphon meant to replace the Antiphon. all of the people, by some of and then give the people a fight- Oh, well!

WORD on

Sunday

A layman's meditations, by Peter Dwan

oday's liturgy focuses our atten- day of Advent. The Entrance Antiphon is tion on St John the Baptist, who "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say described himself in today's rejoice. The Lord is near". The responGospel, (John 1:608, 19-28): "I am, as Isa- sorial psalm is Our Lady's Magnificat iah prophesises; a voice that cries in the (Luke 1:46-50, 53-54) which opens with wilderness: Make a straight way for the the words: "My soul glorifies the Lord, Lord". my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour", In the first reading (Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11), while the response is from Isaiah 61:10: we have a well-known prophecy con- "My soul rejoices in my God." cerning the promised Messiah: "The spirIn the second reading, (1 Thessalonians it of the Lord has been given to me, for 5:16-24) St Paul starts: "Be happy at all the Lord has anointed me. He has sent times; pray constantly; and for all things me to bring good news to the poor, to give thanks to God, because this is what bind up hearts that are broken, to pro- God expects you to do". He continues: claim liberty to captives, freedom to "Never try to suppress the Spirit or treat those in prison; to proclaim a year of the gift of prophecy with contempt; think favour from the Lord". before you do anything. If we think Here we see the centrality of preaching before acting, we shall avoid doing things the good news to the poor in Christ's we shall later regret, as St Paul says "hold mission. We need to help missionaries in on to what is good and avoid every form their work of evangelisation. Vatican II of evil." decreed that every parish and diocese The gospel begins: "A man came, sent should give a definite percentage of its by God. His name was John. He came as Income to the missions, a directive that a witness, as a witness to speak for the has been largely ignored. light, so that everyone might believe Africans are hungry for Christ, but through him. He was not the light, only because Catholic missionaries are ham- a witness to speak for the light". We like pered by lack of finance, four million of St John the Baptist have to speak for the seven million African converts who Christ the light of the world, so that peoembrace Christianity annually join ple may come to believe through us. Protestant churches. In his encyclical on Evangelisation, Binding up hearts that are broken Pope Paul VI said that people today means giving people a better attitude to believe witnesses rather than teachers, their suffering. Christianity offers pre- and if they believe teachers it is because cious insights into the mystery of suffer- they are also witnesses. ing. While words teach, example attracts. Christ has proclaimed liberty to cap- Japanese missionaries commented that tives, freedom to those in prison. We Pope John Paul II and the late Mother should show concern for prisoners of Teresa of Calcutta did more good in a conscience. week in Japan than missionaries did in The reading says: "I exult for joy in the the previous 20 years. St Maximilian Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for He Kolbe said there is a great harvest in has clothed me in the garments of sal- Japan if only Christians live their faith. vation". God has given us the wedding Words don't move the Japanese, but garment of grace in the sacrament of example does. baptism, and Our Lady of Mt Cannel has When St John the Baptist declared given us the garment of salvation, the openly that he was "a voice that cries in brown scapular, promising that whoso- the wilderness. Make a straight way for ever dies clothed in it will not suffer eter- the Lord," he was then asked: "Why are nal fire. you baptising if you are not the Christ, The reading concludes: "For as the nor Elijhah, and not the prophet?" John earth makes fresh things grow, as a gar- replied: "I baptise with water, but there den makes seeds spring up, so will the stands among you - unknown to you - the Lord make both Integrity and praise one who is coming after me, and I am spring up in the sight of the nations." not fit to undo his sandal-strap". Rejoicing is a feature of the third Sun-

TO JESUS THROUGH MARY

gt column of Marian devotion

Continuing to journey with Pope John Paul 11«s Apostolic Letter on the Rosary Mary's memories

11. Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring his every word: 'She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart' (Lk 2:19; cf. 2:51). The memories of Jesus, impressed upon her heart, were always with her, leading her to reflect on the various moments of her life Remembering Christ with Mary at her Son's side. In a way those memoMary's contemplation is above all a ries were to be the 'rosary' which she remembering. We need to understand this recited uninterruptedly throughout her word in the biblical sense of rememearthly life. brance (zakar) as a making present of the Even now, amid the joyful songs of the works brought about by God in the histoheavenly Jerusalem, the reasons for her ry of salvation. The Bible is an account of thanksgiving and praise remain saving events culminating in Christ himunchanged. They inspire her maternal self. These events not only belong to 'yesconcern for the pilgrim Church, in which terday'; they are also part of the 'today' of she continues to relate her personal salvation. This making present comes account of the Gospel. Mary constantly about above all in the Liturgy: what God sets before the faithful the 'mysteries' of accomplished centuries ago did not only her Son, with the desire that the contem- affect the direct witnesses of those events; plation of those mysteries will release all It continues to affect people in every age their saving power. In the recitation of the with its gift of grace. To some extent this Rosary, the Christian community enters Is also true of every other devout into contact with the memories and the approach to those events: to 'remember' contemplative gaze of Mary. them in a spirit of faith and love is to be open to the grace which Christ won for us by the mysteries of his life, death and resThe Rosary, a contemplative prayer urrection. 12. The Rosary, precisely because it Consequently, while it must be reafstarts with Mary's own experience, is an firmed with the Second Vatican Council exquisitely contemplative prayer. Without that the Liturgy, as the exercise of the this contemplative dimension, it would priestly office of Christ and an act of publose its meaning, as Pope Paul VI clearly lic worship, is 'the summit to which the pointed out: 'Without contemplation, the activity of the Church is directed and the Rosary is a body without a soul, and its font from which all its power flows'. It is recitation runs the risk of becoming a also necessary to recall that the spiritual mechanical repetition of formulas, in vio- life 'is not limited solely to participation lation of the admonition of Christ: In pray- In the liturgy. Christians, while they are ing do not heap up empty phrases as the called to prayer in common, must also go Gentiles do; for they think they will be to their own rooms to pray to their Father heard for their many words' (Mt 6:7). By in secret (cf. Mt 6:6); indeed, according to its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls the teaching of the Apostle, they must pray for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, without ceasing (cf.1Thes 5:17)*. The helping the individual to meditate on the Rosary, in its own particular way, is part mysteries of the Lord's life as seen of this varied panorama of 'ceaseless' through the eyes of her who was closest prayer. If the Liturgy, as the activity of to the Lord. Christ and the Church, is a saving action In this way the unfathomable riches of par excellence, the Rosary too, as a 'medthese mysteries are disclosed'. itation' with Mary on Christ, is a salutary Ills worth pausing to consider this pro- contemplation. By immersing us in the found insight of Paul VI, in order to bring mysteries of the Redeemer's life, it out certain aspects of the Rosary which ensures that what he has done! And what show that it is really a form of Christo- the liturgy makes present is profoundly centric contemplation. assimilated and shapes our existence.

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

Daily newspaper's philosophy degenerates

n its last issue (November27, before discovery), The Record editorial (Suicide is just more of the culture of death) commented on the way the endless nothingness of the philosophy based on Nietzsche's dictum "God is dead" is corrupting the rational foundation of our society. Simultaneously, The West Australian Published an editorial about suicide which demonstrated just how badly the philosophical concept of God has degenerated in the media and, by and large, in public debate. That The West wrote: "People who accept that life is a gift from the god of their belief - for that god to give and take away - could be expected to argue that Ms Nigot's act was wrong, unnatural and in defiance of a divinely decreed order." The editor of The West Australian and his leader writers are entitled to think what they like about God, but their philosophical concepts of God - "the god of their belief" and "that god" as though it is one of many - are thousands of years away from the concept of God held by the great majority of people in our society who believe in God, and even from the concept that is rejected by many who do not believe. Some 4000 to 5000 years ago, people actually believed that there was such a thing as "their god", a god their tribe owned, a god that would help them in any struggle against any other tribal god. The concepts of "their god" and "that god" would be a reasonable way to speak of the idea of god and their relationship with him held by many people at that time. Perhaps there are some people for whom this Is still true. But somewhere around 5000 years ago,

The Record PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax (08) 9227 7087

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there emerged a people with a vastly dif- and life is goodness (god-ness) and to the ferent concept of god. He was not one god extent that we understand and live by this among many; He was the one and only principle we will develop the fullness of God. He did not belong to one people; all our humanity. There is a religious dimension to this, people belonged to Him. There are references in the Old Testament that could be flowing from God's revelation of Himself taken to imply a sense of ownership, but and the invitation to have a personal relathe predominant message throughout is tionship with him, but even leaving this that God is the God who created the uni- aside for the moment it is clear that, over verse, the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the centuries and in the western world in creatures and all the people. He created particular, this philosophical view has everyone, He loved everyone, and He shaped human thought and development, both individually and socially. Science has would save everyone. The Jewish people did not speak of Him not changed this. In the realm of matter and energy, both as their chosen God; they spoke of themselves as His chosen people because He science and philosophy observe that nothhad chosen to reveal Himself to them. ing is its own cause, that everything has a When they spoke of "the God of Abraham, cause. Science traces this back to a point the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob" they where the material universe began. were not speaking of a god whom their Unable, because of its own definitions of patriarchs owned (as other people owned itself, to propose a point where nothing their gods); they were speaking of the eter- existed, science contents itself with a "big nal, almighty ever-loving God whom their bang" or, sometimes, a singularity. Science cannot say "nothing exploded", so it starts patriarchs acknowledged and obeyed. At the philosophical level, this new its explanation of the origin of the uniunderstanding of God and mankind's rela- verse from the point of the explosion. Philosophy is not restrained by these tionship with him changed almost everything in what is now called one's 'world limitations of language or by the requireview'. In this philosophy, life is not ran- ment for a material presence and theredom, brutal or arbitrary. There is a natur- fore proposes that there must exist a al order of things and it is mankind's non-material being (a spirit) which does responsibility to try to understand it and not require an external cause but is its live by it. The underlying principle behind own cause. This being, whom we call God, the seemingly chaotic events of nature brought the universe into being by a cre-

Spiritism piece was a mistake

y eagerness to receive the free copy of discovery (December 2002) was quickly dispelled on seeing the cover page heading "Talking To The Dead". Then 'Crossing over with John Edward' received further prominence with a colourful centre-page spread and large photograph of the man thereby promoting his evil sensationalism on TV discovery did great harm in accepting such material for mass circulation in our Catholic schools and churches. John Edward has now received free advertising and created an interest from those who had never even heard about his evil TV show. It was a pity that such content overshadowed many articles of worthy praise. Trevor Lyra Forrestfield

discovery disappointed

congratulate you on the development of the discovery concept, especially its free I distribution to students of Catholic schools.

However, I question your choice of front page topic in the December 2002 issue and why it took precedence over the Christmas message. Given that many young readers in your target readership group may well be unaware of John Edward and his Crossing Over show, why increase his profile? Surely an article with a Christmas theme would have been more appropriate? Geoff Storey Hillarys Editor's note: Discovery staff do not subscribe to the philosophy that to talk about something which is wrong is to promote it - although it is true that this appears to be widespread. Discovery staff chose to research and write the article precisely because the Crossing Over program airs in prime time on Saturday evenings and is well known to an extremely large audience, many of whom are young and many of whom have never heard why spiritism is wrong or dangerous. That Discovery is criticised for exposing the failings and dangers of spiritism seems quite illogical- rather like criticising a newspaper that exposes corruption in government on the grounds that to do so is to give corruption a good name and free publicity.

LETTERS TO I E EDiTOR

0 41 Meditation's goal

WereIto empty my mind of all distractions, what wouldIfind? Emptiness, and then... The mystery intrigues me. Perhaps this quest will end with knowledge an intimate understanding of sell Or perhaps a solitude and tranquillity never before imagined The mysterious encounter beckons me on. For now, at least, the prize is not mine, but I will travel the road again in search of the mystic's dream. Like the pot of gold beyond the rainbow, there is a treasure hidden from consciousness, but waiting to be claimed. Joe Said Ellenbrook

Faith's not in the past

alive act. The "big bang" (if it happened that way) is the act by which God created the world out of nothing. Scientists, as scientists, cannot use that expression, but as human beings they have no difficulty with it and no conflict with their science. This philosophy, which has unquestionably shaped our minds and our societies for thousands of years, does not incorporate such tiny misrepresentations as "their god" and "that god", misrepresentations which make man the creator of God, not God the creator of mankind and the universe. If The West Australian wants to restate its own philosophy in terms used by desert tribes many thousands of years ago, it may do so. But it is utterly misguided and misleading to pretend that the rest of us are limited to that philosophy. The consequence of the "their god - that god" mentality is endless nothingness in which there is no natural order of things, no moral law, no reason why we should not experiment on human embryos, fetuses, children or adults, no reason why we should not kill children in the womb or out of it, no reason why we should inconvenience ourselves in order to respect others, and no reason why power should not be exercised by whoever can grab it and in whatever manner it suits them to use it. The consequence of accepting the creator God is that love becomes the ultimate force and motivation, and we struggle. weakly and erratically no doubt but struggle nonetheless, to live by it and live up to It for the sake of the universal divine rightness of doing so. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

pied with issues that Jesus himself barely even mentioned, whereas many of the things that were absolutely central to Jesus' message (such as non violence and nongreed) are virtually ignored, despite them being especially relevant in our war-torn and capitalist-minded world. Whilst such discussions no doubt have their place, an exploration of the latest developments in Marian adoration is unlikely to capture the attention or imagination of a predominantly secular population looking for hope and meaning in their everyday lives. The Church is heir to a wonderful and most important message, and our duty is to maintain the faith' s universal relevance, instead of constantly defining the 'tribal' boundaries. Mark Baumgarten East Victoria Park

ome people reject religion because it seemingly dwells on the past - as PC's arrogance S cently, correspondents to The Record all the important things happened though removed most of our Christian ave shared their views and experit I That's a misunderstanding. In the Hsymbols ago. long from the streets, malls and aving ences on meditation.Isuppose this is somea miracle happens by which Jesus shopping centres, we are now urged by our thing that many people of different Mass denominations have tried at one time or another with varying levels of success. But the goal may not be the same for everyone depending on what your priorities are in life and what it is you are searching for. For Christians, meditation has long been a tool by which one endeavours to achieve an intimate relationship with God - but always at God's discretion. Christian mystics in the past have sought this personal encounter with the Almighty under the banner of contemplative prayer and entered a disturbing phase known as the "dark night of the soul". Those who persevered through this agonising period were rewarded with a deeper understanding of God. I would like to share with your readers a poem thatIwrote about an encounter with the supernatural. It is entitled 'Hidden Measure.' Isit alone in my room and patiently await the silence to overtake me. Everything is still; and is quiet; yet my mind races with images and thoughts. Iam conscious of time - the present constantly fading into the past. Iclose my eyes hoping to dull the senses. But my mind's eye continues to rove. What doIseek? Why doIpersist?

Christ is made present on the altar right there in front of you. No, you won't see a recognisable human body appear as though by a conjuring trick The presence of the divine is recognised in higher ways than by the physical senses like eyesight Christ present in the Mass - every day in every Catholic church - makes Christianity not a relic of the Middle Ages but something as contemporary as Tomorrow. This is the real - but otherwise hard to define - difference between living as a Catholic and existing as a protestant. Arnold Jago Mildura

Missing the target?

!noted with interest a recent advertisement for 'The Layman's Hour' radio proI gram (are lay women allowed to

contribute?) which listed a series of possible discussion topics, starting with "teenagers leaving the Church in droves," followed by issues such as liturgical correctness, hierarchical obedience and many points relating to sexuality. As someone who drifted from the Church as a teenager myself, may I suggest that a major factor in this trend is the fact that many regular Church-goers and Churchrelated media seem to be overly preoccu-

social gurus to go further and expunge the Christian message from our children's activities as well: by substituting Santa Claus (St Nicolas) with a clown and foregoing the traditional carol singing in schools. This idea, a brain child of the politically correct zealots is now being advocated in the name of multiculturalism under the pretext that our Christian activities may upset the sensibilities of the cultural minorities. Never mind the sensibilities of those millions of Australians who still see a spiritual significance in the event of Christmas, or the right of the nation, whose culture is steeped in Christianity to openly celebrate its cultural tradition: apparently there is no place for such sentimentalities in the new, progressive cultural scheme devised by the modern visionaries! I find it hard not to feel offended by the arrogance of those who see it fit to ride roughshod - without our consent or consultation - over our traditional values. It is high time to remind those ideological 'think tanks' that the Australian public Is intelligent enough to form their cultural goals without their unwelcome help. Joe Stekl Gosnells

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

Following in the footsteps of God ByStephen Spiteri

On Friday December 13, six new priests were to be ordained in to the archdiocese of Perth, shortly after The Record was printed. Four of the six are recent graduates from the St Charles Seminary in Midland, and the remaining two are students from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Morley. The Record caught up with each of the priests, to find out a little bit about their lives, and the story behind their call to the priesthood. Fr Corran Pike

Fr Gayan Thamel

Fr Gomm Pike was born in Perth to a e Catholic family and has six brothers and si father, R G 'Bob Pike, was a cabinet rrilti early 80s in the Court and O'Cormor govittnitten Comm attended school with the Marist brothers at Newman College and eventually went to university to study a business degree. But Fr Pike's call to the priesthood did not come N„ until his father passed away in 1994. The death of Fr Pike's father made him think whether he himSelt was doing the right thing during his time here on Earth. Fr Pike felt a call to the priesthood, and despite many questions antirsloubts, was very open to the Pr call. "I had to give it a go. or else I Kist would not have known," Fr Pike said. He entered St Charles Selithlary in 1995 to study for the priesthood. Despite being nervous and a little anxious about Friday's ordination, Fr Pike said "I'm ready to give myself to where..everthe Lord wants me to be."

Born in Sri Lanka from the archdiocese of Colombo, Fr Gayan Thamel knew from childhood that he wanted to become a priest. In the Redemptorist Seminary in Colombo, Fr Thamel spent three years studying philosophy and theology. In March 2000, Fr Thamel came to Australia and pent some time in discernment and further experience in the Bunbury diocese. Fr Thamel said that he wanted to know for sure that his call was indeed to become a diocesan priest. Prior to graduating front St Charles' Seminary, Fr Thamel said he felt a great peace and was looking forward to starting a new life. Fr Thamel is hoping to be assigned in the Bunbury diocese.

Fr Dat Vuong

Fr Abraham Martin-Rodriguez

Fr Dat Vuong was born in South Vietnam in 1976 and found his way to Australia in 1984 with the help

Fr Abraham Martin-Rodriguez was born in Spain and originally resided in the city of Huelva. Prior to entering the seminary, he says he had struggled with his faith often feeling that the Church had nothing to offer for him. Fr Martin-Rodriguez lived his life as he wanted: listening to the voice of the world as he tried to desperately to fill a void in his life that could only he filled by God himself. He says his life was turned around one day by a talk given by a member of the Neocatechumenal community. Fr Abraham learned of Cod's unconditional love redugnising that God loved him for who he was. In 199ft, Fr Martin-Rodriguez left behind his parents and bis seven brothers and sisters to come to Australia':Iind *ter the Redemptoris Mater -t mm Fr Abrahani''said he feels so blessed that God is using him as an instrument of His works and wisheS to fulfil his duty of sharing the sante love and foNiveneht.s he 'experienced to the others he comes in to contact vvith."God will bless me no matter what," Fr Abraham said. Fr Abraham has been appointed assistant priest at the Iviirrabooka Parish.

of a missionary sponsorship. Fr Dat Vuong spent; his ooling years arotm Mount Lawley, ifighg areas, stuaying et government schools. Fr Vuong felt the call to his vocation from chi feeling a great desire to serve people ad a pass onto make people heppy. His attraction to the priesthoqd also:tame from a strong recognition that one of the mny duties 0 priest is to help make life easier r the fait through the fArorks of Christ and th sacraMents. Fr Vuong received strong eficourapment from his family, which helped develbp a love for the priesthood, and the work involved in being a priest.: Fr Vuong said "The experience has changed whole life, and I believe it made me a better person,

*. s

Fr Benedict Lee Coming to Australia in 1999. Fr Benedict TAM was born in Korea having a strong Catholic family upbringing. Fr Lee described his call to the priesthood as a `burning desire', saying that he had waited 20 ,•1!,irs of his life to become a priest. Fr Lee's desire to become a priest came ti the images and experiences of people su around him, feeling the need to help those people in dire need. Fr Lee's greatest desire however is to become ‘Nhat he describes as a "human priest , a priest that vill draw his teachings from his own personal experiences and observations. More importantly. Fr Lee wishes to be the priest that will lead, and at the same time be with the people. the faithful congregation. Fr Lee said he is open to where ever the archbishop wishes holds close the promise of God, that "I am with y, ou. always."

Fr Arokiyadoss was horn iii ( hennai. in ia, in 1909. RaiSed in a Catholic family, Fr ArokiyadrIss was the third of four children in his family. Fr Arokiyadoss' family was close it) the priests in their local parish. and were often involved in numerous parish activities. Fr Arekt idoss' teenaged life was hovk ever filled with smile difficulties, as he enjoyed a "worldly 1Vhen he was 19, 1 \mkiyadoss attended a ‘vhere. a member of the Neocatechamens preached. It was horn I i Arolsiyan.hiss ri‘alised had he(l) leadirP. a "clout de 1110 en one side ef the coin he was the nice, (;hnuch going individu,d, and on the flip-side. was the cornpleie opposit e.

so in 1'04e

THE RECORD

12 DECEMBER 2002

c l*L72.11219A:1, }foly

A child in Seville, Spain, listens to Balthasar, one of the three wise men, after giving him her Christmas list on January 4, this year. Many families celebrate the custom that the three wise men bring Christmas gifts on the eve of Epiphany, celebrated January 6.

Perth writer IAN DAVID ASPHAR reflects on the origins of the Nativity

n a darkened stable a man knelt in the corner. His arms were outstretched on either side. His face showed a picture of one who had suffered greatly. That had known remorse and sorrow, joy and happiness. A face that showed kindness and understanding. Above all it held love and expectation, for Francis Bernadone, after his death to be known as Saint Francis of Assisi, was talking to his Lord. On his way back from Rome, where he had seen the Pope, Francis had passed through many villages and towns. On this evening he had left the town of Greccio in the beautiful hills of Umbria in Italy and had found shelter for the night in this old stable.. As Francis prayed he had one thought in his mind. He wanted to find a way that would unite the different counties and townspeople in the area. That instead of fighting each other in the many wars that had plagued them over the years there would be peace, understanding, tolerance and good will among all the people. Beads of perspiration formed over

Francis's brow as his body sought to overcome the strain of his extended arms. He knew that his body could overcome that pain as he meditated and prayed to God. On previous occasions Francis, through his prayer and meditation, had felt very close to God. The first time was when he was in the neglected little chapel of San Damian°, just out of Assisi, Francis had heard a voice calling three times "Francis, go and repair my house which, as you see, is falling completely into ruin." The voice appeared to come from an old cross that had been left hanging above the altar. It was the start of a new life for Francis who rejected his family wealth and position and followed the words of God. It was a moment of ecstasy that once he experienced it he had sought and found on other occasions. On this special night as the darkness deepened and the cow and the ass in the old stable edged closer to Francis he tried to visualise what it would have been like for Joseph and Mary. Arriving tired and weary from their journey from Nazareth they had been unable to find accommodation and had been shown a stable at the back of an inn. In his thoughts, Francis, his eyes closed and arms outstretched, became aware of the slow tired plod of the ass that seemed to stop

in the stable. He heard the voices of the innkeeper, his wife and family as they worked quickly to clean the stable. Then Josephs reassuring voice speaking to Mary as he helped her down from the ass. Fresh hay was laid on the ground for Mary. In his reverie Francis saw the women who came to help Mary and saw Joseph fashioning a crib from timber he found in the stable.

On this special‘ night as the darkness deepened and the cow and the ass in the old stable edged closer to Francis he tried to visualise what it would have been like for Joseph and Mary. Francis wished that he had been there to help Joseph, the innkeeper and his family to get ready for the birth of Jesus. Francis thought of the words that an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph saying: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take thy wife Mary to thyself, for it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child and she shall bear a son that you will call Jesus, for he is to save his people..." And Francis thought of the words of the Angel Gabriel when he spoke to Mary. "Hail, thou who

art full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women. Mary, do not be afraid, thou hast found favour in the sight of God. Thou shall conceive in thy womb and shall bear a Son and call him Jesus.... Francis saw Joseph hold Mary's hand and look into her eyes. This truly was a momentous occasion for the sayings of the Lord were about to come to fruition. Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. A strange glow covered the stable and above a star shone brightly. Shepherds came into the stable attracted by the strange light and they all heard the words that an angel spoke: "Do not be afraid, beholdIbring you good news of a great rejoicing. This day in the city of David, a saviour has been born for you all, the Lord Christ Himself. This is the sign by which you will know him. You will find a child still, in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" and as they all knelt down in adoration from above came the voice of angels singing "Glory to God on high and peace to all men of good will." Francis gasped in astonishment as he heard the first cry of the baby Jesus and he felt the eyes of Mary and Joseph looking at him inviting him to be with them on this great occasion... His arms extended to the Holy Family in welcome as he truly experienced

being present at the birth of Jesus. The next day Francis and his friends made figures of hay and clothed them in a three dimensional replica of that evening. People travelled from Greccio to show their homage at this the first nativity scene. Soon the word spread and people came from the surrounding towns of Spoletto, Tern!, Norcia, Foligone, from Assisi and the towns of Tuscany and from Rome itself. In this holy period there was no talk of war and neighbour helped neighbour. Prisoners were released. The poor were looked after and the children were clothed and cared for. Shelter and boxes of food and clothing were given to the needy. On that Christmas eve an altar was set up in the field alongside the Nativity figures and at the Vigil Mass the story of the birth of Jesus was mimed for the first time. Candles and lanterns lit up the whole field and all people joined in songs of praise. "Oh come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant Come ye. Come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels Oh come let us adore Him Christ the Lord."

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Local News Catholic news from the Archdiocese of Perth

Students from five schools show spirit Students from five Catholic schools around the metropolitan area are erecting and painting figures of the Nativity at their schools and churches. Students taking part in the project are from John VUll college, Loreto Nedlands, St Pius X at Manning, Holy Family at Carlisle and Kolbe College at Rockingham. Many parishes have Nativity scenes inside their churches. However, a trend in the last few years has seen some parishes showing the scenes outside in church grounds so that they can be seen by pedestrians and motorists from the street. Parish councils have judged this has contributed to a greater spirit in the general community. Students taking part in the program use it as a school project and their religious creativity classes. Some cut and paste the figures on to ply wood, while others paint the figures directly onto wooden

Some of the students who have built Nativity scenes around Perth.

cut outs made in wood working classes. The original concept of three-dimensional figures came from St Francis of Assisi in 1223 at the small town of Greccio in the Umbrian Valley, in Italy. In that first year, the Mass at Christmas Eve was held outside

in an open field around the Nativity figures. It was seen as helping to unify the people and exemplifying the message that St Francis preached regularly - peace between all people, look after those in need, care for each other and the Love of the Lord.

Home-based therapy for drug abuse A new initiative for treatment of drug and alcohol victims was launched at St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, last week. The Minister for Health, Bob Kucera, launched the Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network, a combined government and private sector initiative for homebased treatment and rehabilitation. The program works with general practitioners and other agencies and with the WA Health Department to provide specialist drug and alcohol nurses to manage in the home drug and alcohol use withdrawal or reduction. A nurse visits patients in their homes regularly, monitoring the withdrawal process and ensuring patient safety. Support is also provided to families, partners and carers. Referrals are provided to appropriate agencies as required. St John of God sisters were instrumental in introducing the home-based program to WA about two years ago. They imported the Melbourne program, including a nurse to manage it, Adam McLeod, who ran a similar program in Box Hill. Mr Kucera thanked the St John sisters and the hospital for their work over the two years since the initial program - called Release _ was begun. He said the program had provided a very real alternative to residential and institutional detoxification programs. Experience with the initial program had shown a home-based operation expanded the net of clients entering detoxification and further treatment. "Today we are looking at a metropolitan expansion of that highly successful program," Mr Kucera said.

Health Minister Bob Kucera at the launch.

"Backed by the recently formed State Drug and Alcohol Office, it now offers a metropolitan-wide, home-based service. "St John of God Health Care funded the initial program with $285,000 from the Sisters of St John of God. "The service was offered to clients who lived within the boundaries of the North Metropolitan Community Drug Service Team, managed by St John of God Health Care," Mr Kucera said. Other agencies now involved include the Salvation Army, Holyoake and Palmerston. Mr Kucera said the drug summit soon after Labor was elected had brought together an enormous range of people, all committed to providing realistic solutions to the drug problem. All but one of its recommendations - the establishment of needle rooms - had been adopted. "We also recognised that complex social issues such as drug use cannot be resovled without partnerships at different levels across government and non-government sectors, and the community," Mr Kuceera said. "Today we look at a continuation of the partnership with St John of God Health Care and the Sisters of St John of God. As part of out initiatives in the area of drugs and alcohol, and in response to the community drug summit, we have earmarked $300,000 for a home-based detoxification service. "This was allocated to St John of God Health Care together with a contribution this financial year of $150,000 from the sisters." Mr Kucera said. Adam McLeod said that while the concept of community withdrawal is fairly new in Western Australia,it was used extensively interstate and overseas. "It is proving to be a workable alternative to the residential detoxification programs," Mr McLeod said. "The program has proved so successful in the northern metropolitan region that it is now expanding to cover the entire Perth metropolitan area. "Working with people who have chosen to abandon drugs and alcohol is extremely challenging, but its success makes it worthwhile." Mr McLeod said St John of God Health Care provided a comprehensive range of high quality services in the acute care setting, as well as community services and outreach programs, recognising and responding to the community's changing health care needs. Chief executive officer of St John at Subiaco, Dr Neale Fong said: "The Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network is Just one example of our commitment to providing services for the community and our commitment to partnership with government."

Christmas help is just a telephone call away Hundreds of people in the last 10 years have availed themselves of a Christmas help line run by Father Michael Gatt, parish priest at St Kieran's at Osborne Park. And this year - the help line's eleventh - is no different. The help line on numbers 9444 1334 and 9444 8650 runs 24 hours a day from Sunday December 15 to Sunday December 29, or they can fax 94438761. The help line is also high-tech with e-mail access on: michaelgatt@angelfrre.com It is Fr Gall's Christmas gift to the community. He gives his ear to hearing pleas for help from the poor, the disabled and marginalised instead of spending his free time at Christmas lounging with friends. Help offered includes home visits and food parcels. Those needing further counselling can be referred to appropriate professionals. Fr Gatt says most support services close over the Christmas festivities - at a time when some services were needed most. Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many families and individuals. Last year Fr Gatt received more than 80 calls from sad and hurt

Father Michael Gatt

people - including several from desperate people considering suicide. People's concerns ranged from problems with drugs, alcohol and broken homes. Others had difficulty coping with financial pressures. Father Gatt said: "Ten years ago I heard there was a need for a service, so I started it. "It is a stressful time. "Once people heard about the help line, it flourished. "People call me because it is anonymous, non-judgemental. "The callers are open and honest - they feel free and comfortable to talk to me."

Message is still applicable

Students do a liturgical dance for Archbishop Barry Hickey.

Our homeland is in Heaven - a appropriate because of the deaths favourite saying of Mary McKil- of two very strong supporters of lop's - was an appropriate motto the Church. for the school at Ballajura that principal, Sandro School bears her name. Coniglio, escorted the ArchbishThe Archbishop of Perth, Barry op on a guided tour of the school, Hickey said this while visiting the Including the chapel - one of the school last week oldest sections built in 1990, and Archbishop Hickey's visit was a two new classrooms built for craft continuation of one scheduled a studies. fortnight earlier when he visited The school's 653 students - from to officiate at the Confirmation of 430 families - then played host to 78 of the school's students, but Archbishop Hickey at a school which had to be cut short because assembly where a program of of the deaths of Bishop Healy and entertainment was arranged including a liturgical dance. the mother of Bishop Holohan. He said the motto was also OF SORIKOVI" 0 my God, I am vrly %oily that I have tinned at Omit you. Nei me yall 41e to tyon4„ , . An,

roin try not t,

Teachers at the Mary McKillop School give Archbishop Hickey a guided tour.

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12 DECEMBER 2002 11

Local News Catholic news from the Archdiocese of Perth

Archbishop Archives receive government grant to Hickey meets preserve rare historical documents ambassador The Archives of the Roman In addition to receiving funding, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth recipients attend a two day received funding grants to pre- preservation skills workshop serve fragile heritage documents focusing on the long term care of through the Commonwealth Gov- their valuable collections. Jan Fullerton, Director-General ernment's 2002 Community Herof the National Library is delightitage Grants Program. This annual program is jointly ed that the National Library plays funded and supported by the a significant role in supporting National Library of Australia, this program. 'A key outcome of the grants are National Archives of Australia the skills learned during the and the Federal Government. The archives will receive $4480 workshop which can be taken for the purchase of archival stor- back to the community and age materials for their archival passed on to colleagues. An added collection, in recognition of the bonus is the networking and sharImportance of the collection, and ing of ideas that takes place the need for it to be preserved for between people who work in similar organisations but in vastly difthe future. The grants were announced by ferent locations around the Arts Minister Rod Kemp and Archdiocesan Archivist Sister Frances Stibi. Federal Minister for the Arts and country,' Ms Fullerton said. Sport. Senator Rod Kemp at a ceremony held on November 13 at the National Library of Australia this year. Senator Kemp said, 'From this year's record number of 246 applications, 37 groups around the country have been awarded a total of $165,107 for a diverse range of projects. These grants help ensure valuable heritage material continues to be collected and preserved giving more Australians the opportunity to learn about ourselves and our place in history.' Since the Community Heritage Grants program commenced in 1994, over $850,000 has been Senator Kemp surrounded by grant winners in Canberra. awarded to 245 different groups.

Archbishop Hickey greets the Irish Ambassador, Decian Kelly.

The Ambassador for Ireland, Declan Kelly, had a meeting with the Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey at the Cathedral office last week The ambassador, accompanied by the Western Australian Consul General for Ireland, Michael Nolan, met with Archbishop Hickey, his Auxiliary, Bishop Sproxton, the Vicar General, Father Tim Corcoran, and renowned Perth Irish cleric, Monsignor Nestor for informal discussions.

Servite order farewelled from Wanneroo after 51 years Priests and nuns of the Semite order had played an important role in the development of Wanneroo, the Archbishop of Perth Barry Hickey said on Sunday. Archbishop Hickey was speaking at a farewell Mass for the Servite priests at St Anthony of Padua Church in Wanneroo. They are withdrawing from the parish after 51 years. They have become so much a part of the community that a public square adjacent to the church and a street leading past it have been named Servite Place. Addressing a packed congregation, Archbishop Hickey said he was pleased to see that many other religious had joined in the farewell, including the Sisters of Mercy and Fransiscan Sisters of the Immaculate.

The Servites' term in the parish had been marked by many

Archbishop Hickey says the Mass.

achievements - including a magnificent new church opened about a year ago. The Servite order was steeped in history, dating back to the 13th Century. It was marked by its dedication to spreading the word of God and serving the community, both things they had done well in Wanneroo. The first Servite parish priest at Wanneroo was Father Dario Brunetti who arrive in Australia in August 1952. He was responsible for building the Servite Priory, a building with unique characteristics such as its renowned frescoes. Father Frank Fitzgerald appointed in 1953, started the annual parish ball which continues today. In 1954, Father Patrick (Paddy)

Boyle began his first term as his own words "loving every parish priest and did a great deal moment of it." Probably the most famous interto improve the facilities at the school and became renowned for nationally was Father Martin Jenco, appointed in 1975 and who his home visitations. Following the death of one of the in 1987 became one of the Amerfriars in 1962, Fr Boyle had the ican hostages held in Lebanon. Fr Boyle returned to the parish unusual distinction of being parish priest at Wanneroo and in 1982 and remained until last simultaneously the curate at St July. The most recent Servite appointment is Father Leo Spicer, Denis parish at Joondanna. Fr Boyle continued at Wanneroo who has prepared the parish to until the appointment of Father be handed back to the Perth Archdiocese. Carlo Marchetti in 1968. He is to resume his duties at St Initially Fr Marchetti lived at St Denis, but gained special Denis Joondanna on January 1. Over the years many other fiiapproval to live in the Wanneroo parish - in a small room off the ars, students and novices have sacristy, with no plumbing, and in lived in the priory at Wanneroo.

Help St Vinnies volunteer workers fulfil festive aim As many people count down the days until Christmas with excitement, the St Vincent de Paul Society is counting down with hope that those in need will not be forgotten. Donations made to St Vinnies so far this Christmas have been down on previous years, while the number of people requiring assistance has increased. At present, St Vinnies volunteers are beginning to slow because there are just not enough gifts and food items to go around. The volunteers who work hard within their local communities all through the year, and at Christmas time call on the

Many religious afteeded the fareweli Mass tor the Servite priests at St Anthony of Padua, Wanneroo.

support of the wider community to help them bring joy to the people who are less fortunate. St Vinnies State President, Brian Bull, said that this Christmas St Vinnies hopes to provide 8,000 hampers and 20,000 presents to people in need. 'St Vinnies has a waiting list of people genuinely in need of assistance, this Christmas, but the number of donations just doesn't match up to the demand at the moment,' said Mr Bull. 'With community support we can work to ensure no one misses out on some Christmas joy,' he continued. Donations cane be made by calling 9475 5427 during business hours.

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12 DECEMBER 2002

nternational News Catholic news from around the world By Jerry Filteau

Gifts often ignored

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ROME (CNS) - The theological reflections and experiences of Catholics in Asia in the past 30 years were gifts often ignored or viewed with suspicion by the wider Church, a Rome conference was told. Gathered to mark the release of "Pentecost in Asia: A New Way of Being Church" by Thomas C. Fox, publisher of National Catholic Reporter, the speakers agreed that the Asian experience and approach to Catholicism has much to teach Catholics in the West. "Evangelisation in Asia is not catechism," said Japanese Archbishop Stephen Fumio Hamao, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers, in a written message to the conference. Faith is a matter of the heart, not the head, he said. "Conversion takes place only when a person meets the person of Jesus," he added. For Asians, the archbishop said, "evangelisation is dialogue: dialogue with the poor, dialogue with cultures and dialogue with religions:"

Obligation for dignity VATICAN CITY (CNS) Catholic universities have the resources and obligation to push for the protection of human dignity, Pope John Paul II said. Meeting with some 300 Catholic university presidents, rectors, professors and benefactors from around the world, the Pope said universities were in a unique position to bring human values to bear on political, economic, juridical and scientific decision-making. They met at the Vatican for an international conference on "Globalisation and Catholic Higher Education."

More US strife

WASHINGTON (CNS) - The Catholic clergy sexual abuse saga continued in late November with new arrests, new lawsuits, new court decisions and settlement of more than 60 lawsuits. boys when he was working as a Cardinal Bernard Law of parish priest in Los Angeles in Boston met for more than two the early 1980s. Convicted of hours with leaders of Voice of other child molestation crimes the Faithful, a now-international in California in 1988, Salazar lay Catholic organisation formed spent three years in prison, then in Boston when the clergy sex joined the Diocese of Amarillo, abuse scandal broke there last Texas, where he worked until he January. left the priesthood last May. Spokesmen for the group said Earlier this year the Los Angethe cardinal agreed with two of les district attorney's office their stated goals - support for charged two other former priests abuse victims and support for and a retired priest with multipriests of integrity - but quesple counts of child molestation. tioned their third goal of "shapAll three have pleaded not guilty ing structural change" in the and in late November were Church. awaiting their preliminary hearThe day before, Superior Court ings. Judge Constance Sweeney The office is still investigating ordered the Boston Archdiocese several other area priests and exto hand over about 11,000 interpriests. nal documents dealing with 65 Elsewhere around the country: priests who have been accused - Father Jerome Leach, 52, was of abusing children sometime in arrested on charges of molestthe past 30 years. ing an altar boy at St. Patrick's The archdiocese, facing some Parish in larkspur, California, in 400 sexual abuse lawsuits, was the late 1970s and early '80s. The engaged simultaneously in setSan Francisco archdiocesan tlement talks with their attorneys priest has been suspended from and in negotiations with archall ministry since 1993 following diocesan insurance carriers. a separate sexual abuse accusaArchdiocesan spokeswoman tion against him. Donna Morrissey termed "spec- Six men filed sexual abuse ulative and premature" a Boston lawsuits against three priests of Globe report saying the archdiothe Seattle Archdiocese. With cese was making preparations to those suits, the archdiocese now file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy faces 15 suits by 30 plaintiffs protection. involving eight accused priests. "Currently we are in mediation - In Oregon, five lawsuits and we are going to continue in filed by a total of 15 plaintiffs, mediation," she said. whose abuse claims cover In nearby New Hampshire, the alleged incidents ranging from Diocese of Manchester reached 1950 to the 1970s - accused three a $5.1 million settlement with 62 Benedictine priests connected alleged sexual abuse victims represented by Manchester Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston as the Boston archdiocesan finance council with Mount Angel Abbey. a dead attorney Peter Hutchins. The dio- voted to allow him to pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the archdiocese. The Benedictine and three dead diocesan priests of the Portland cese said the abuse claims Boston Church was facing some 450 lawsuits for alleged sexual abuse. (CNS photo by Nancy Nflechec) Archdiocese or Baker Diocese. involved 28 priests, two lay - In Florida new sexual abuse workers and a member of a reliIn Los Angeles authorities said charges were filed in Pasco gious order and involved alleged achusetts. Brother Labbe denied the allegations but placed him- that they have charged two County against suspended priest incidents from the 1950s to the self on administrative leave priests with sexually assaulting Robert Schaeufele, 54, who since 1980s. while the claim is investigated. minors. June has been in jail in Pinellas The previous week another In October the Manchester Carmelite Father Matthew M. County awaiting trial on four New Hampshire priest, Father Diocese reached a $950,000 set- Sprouffske, 75, was arrested at child sexual battery charges James Haller, 66, resigned as tlement with 16 alleged sexual the Carmelite retirement home there. He resigned as pastor of pastor of St. Peter Parish in abuse victims represented by in Illinois where he had lived St. Michael the Archangel Parish Auburn and as dean of the Man- attorney, Charles Douglas III. since his removal from active in Hudson last April when the chester East Deanery after Hutchins said he represents ministry last spring. He was first allegations against him suracknowledging a sexual rela- four clients with lawsuits still charged with molesting a female faced, and he has been banned tionship with a teenage girl more pending against the diocese. In relative, a minor, in the 1950s from ministry since then. Each than 20 years ago. addition, lawsuits by 60 when he was assigned to Mount charge against him could bring A lawsuit was filed against claimants represented by attor- Carmel High School in Los a life term in prison. Sacred Heart Brother Leo Labbe, ney Mark Abramson remained Angeles. - In Florida, a judge ruled that principal of Bishop Guertin High unsettled. Abramson broke off Former priest John A. Salazar- the statute of limitations barred School in Nashua, by a Virginia talks with the diocese in Sep- Jimenez, 47, who is believed to a sexual abuse lawsuit filed man who claims Brother Labbe tember and was preparing to be livingin Canada, was charged against a Salesian priest, the sexually abused him more than bring his cases to with sexually assaulting two Salesian order and the Vatican. trial. 40 years ago at a school in Mass-

Canadian court decides on patent for genetically modified mouse By Art Babych

OTTAWA (CNS) - The Canadian Supreme Court has taken a courageous stand in ruling that the so-called "Harvard mouse" cannot be patented in Canada as a new life form, Canadian Church officials said. In a 5-4 decision, the high court ruled that a genetically engineered mouse developed by Harvard University in the 1980s does not meet the definition of an invention. "It was a close decision, but it is understandable because of the fact that higher life forms are patentable in the United States and in Europe," said William Sammon, lawyer for the Canadian Council of Churches and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. "Our court has certainly gone against the trend in that regard, but they have recog-

nised that a higher life form is not patentable subject matter," Sammon said. Sarnmon represented the council and fellowship before the Supreme Court in May in the case involving the Canadian Commission of Patents and the Fellows of Harvard University. The university spent 17 years pursuing a patent on its genetically modified breed of mouse that develops cancer swiftly because of a cancer-promoting gene introduced to it by researchers. Critics argued that if approval were given to patenting a genetically engineered mouse, the next step could be to produce patent-protected human beings whose genes also have been altered. Justice Michel Bastarache, in writing for the majority, said Parliament did not intend higher life forms to be patentable. "Had Parliament intended every conceiv-

able subject matter to be patentable, it believes that rights and responsibility go would not have chosen to adopt an exhaus- hand in hand, she said. tive definition that limits intervention to Bruce Clemenger, spokesman for the felany "art, process, machine, manufacture or lowship, said the organisation is pleased composition of matter,'" he wrote. with the ruling. Sarnmon said what tipped the scales was Clemenger said the decision should be the majority's view that "a higher life form left up to Parliament to decide rather than doesn't fit comfortably within the term of the courts. invention." Richard Smith, national director of the The Rev Karen Hamilton, general secre- International Fund for Animal Welfare, said tary of the Canadian Council of Churches, he was "delighted" by the decision of the which includes the Catholic Church, said court. "There are some things that are right the ruling is important because it involves and proper to patent, like Velcro, zippers rights and responsibilities. and car engines, but we don't think it's "If the patent had been granted for high- appropriate - and the court agreed - to er life forms, what that does is say that patent higher life forms," he said. those who have the patent have rights over However, David Morrow, the lawyer repa higher life form, but it does not in any- resenting Harvard University said he was way say they have any responsibility for disappointed by the ruling because of the that life form," she said. position in which it places Canada's The Canadian Council of Churches biotechnology industry.

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12 DECEMBER 2002

International News Catholic news from around the world

Children record a message for peace in the Middle East By Judith Sudilovsky

JERUSALEM (CNS) - Inside the recording studio, the youngsters could imagine themselves as music pop stars with their headsets and microphones. Outside the studio, they knew the reality of Middle East violence. The 12 Israeli and Palestinian children were producing a song, When Will They Stop? as a call for peace in their homeland. The project is the brainchild of French music producer Jacqueline Herrenschmidt, who is renown in Europe for the 1970s' children's musical group, Les Popys, formed to protest the Vietnam War. Initially rebuffed in her desire to form the group, she found an ally in Father Raed Abusahlia, parish priest of the West Bank village of Taybeh. Israeli peace activists also supported her efforts, she said. Father Abusahlia encouraged her to move forward with her idea, Herrenschmidt said, so she returned to France to prepare the song. "The children singing may send a stronger message to the adults of the world than anything else we can do," said Father Abusahlia. "Now we put Muslim, Christian and Jewish children together to sing against violence, asking for peace, justice and reconciliation." Proceeds from the recording will be donated to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for a common peace project with the Israeli Adam Democracy Institute. Herrenschmidt said the violence between Israelis and Palestinians inspired her to put aside her career in Paris to help Middle East youth. She wrote When Will They Stop? with French-Muslim musician Melaaz Kabil, who wrote the French lyrics, and executive producer Wally Badarau, who put together the hip-hop musical arrangement. After returning to the Middle East, she worked for one month

Priests' hunger strike to protest deaths of girls SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) - A group of Catholic priests in South Korea has launched a weeklong hunger strike to protest the acquittal of two US soldiers whose armoured vehicle crushed two Korean girls in June. Before starting the hunger strike at a park near the US Embassy in Seoul, the 20 priests prayed for the souls of the 14-year-old girls. Some 100 nuns and many lay people joined in the prayers, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The victims, who were on their way home from school, were run over by the army vehicle on a narrow road north of Seoul. Sgts. Fernando Nino and Mark Walker were acquitted of negligent homicide in late November in a US military court, triggering anti-US protests across the nation. The two reportedly left the country after the judgement

Following the prayer rally, six of the priests had their heads shaved. Among them was Father Paul Moon Kyu-hyon, president of the Catholic Priests' Association for Justice, to which all 20 priests belong. Father Moon shouted afterward. "The deaths were not only of two girls, but of the nation." The priests are consuming only water and salt and are sleeping in the open at the park despite the winter cold. Father Joseph Kim Young-sik of Andong Diocese, who joined the prayer rally, told UCA News, "I regret the passive attitude of most South Koreans over the arrogance of the US soldiers in the nation." South Koreans should urge US soldiers, stationed as a deterrent against North Korea for more than 50 years, to seek true peace on the Korean Peninsula, Father Kim said.

Israeli Shaya Feldman, left, joins Arab youths Christine Hanna, Hanady Jamat and Minas Abdullah in recording a CD single to be released in France this Christmas. The recording calls for an end to violence in the Holy Land. (CNS photo by Debbie Hill)

with the Palestinian children from the Taybeh parish school - seven Christians and three Muslims, all of whom studied French. Two Jewish children eventually joined the production through the help of Israeli peace activists that Herrenschmidt met at various demonstrations. "It is magnificent to be able to work with children, because they sing for peace with all their hearts," she said. The compact disc single is due out before Christmas in France, and then, depending on its success, will be available in other markets. And so it was one crisp November afternoon that the 12 children, ages 10 to14, congregated on the grounds of the East Jerusalem Sabreen Music studios, together for the first time for their final rehearsal before the actual recording. The Palestinian children crowded around curiously as the two Jewish children arrived. The atmosphere was charged with the excitement of the children who were about to record and with the professional pressures and time constraints felt by Herrenschmidt and studio staff.

Determined to get professional results, Herrenschmidt worked long hours with the children, who realised that no matter how glorious and exciting it appeared to record a song,it also required concentration and lots of practice, repetition and effort. "Although I sing in the church choir I felt afraid to go into the studio and sing; I've never sung on a CD before, and it is a different type of music than that we are used to," said Christine Hanna, 14. "ButIwant to be strong and do it right because this is for peace and I want Jews, Christians and Muslims to be like brothers and sisters." Jewish participant Shaya Feldman, 12, a student at the Jerusalem Music Academy whose narration is heard throughout the song, reviewed the French lyrics and asked that some be changed. "I needed to understand and agree with what was said in the song. "There was a section where the composer had the Palestinians saying: 'We send our brothers out as suicide bombers in order to protect us,'" said Shaya, whose parents are active in the Israeli peace movement.

A South Korean restaurateur discourages Americans from entering his cafe in Seoul. A group of priests launched a hunger strike to protest about the killing two girls by an armored vehicle last June. (CNS photo)

Cards for imprisoned priests

ATLANTA (CNS) - A US-based said John Davies, president of the religious rights group has Atlanta-based organisation. Fathers Pang Yong)dng, Maz launched its annual drive to send Christmas cards to Catholic Shamboa and Wang Limao were selected to receive cards this year priests jailed in China. Free the Fathers said it intends because they had the most relito send more than 10,000 cards able address of the more than 80 this year to three priests impris- Catholic bishops, priests and laity oned in a labour camp at Bal- estimated to be imprisoned in China because of their religious izhuang, in Hebei province. "By doing so, we will make sure beliefs, Davies said. "Once these cards reach China, the priests know that the world has not forgotten them during this I guarantee you that someone in special time of year, as well as the state security office will read alert the new Chinese regime that them, even if the priests never see the outside world is watching," the cards," he told CNS.

US court puzzling over abortion protestors By Patricia Zapor

Activists on both sides of the abortion issue demonstrate outside the US Supreme Court in Washington. (CNS photo from Reuters)

WASHINGTON (CNS) - The US Supreme Court puzzled over whether protests at abortion clinics fall under laws against racketeering and extortion. In the latest round of a case that has been to the court once before, attorneys tried to persuade the justices about whether protests by Operation Rescue and the Pro-Life Action League fit what Congress intended to prohibit in laws aimed at preventing people from profiting by controlling others' businesses. Although a handful of protesters for and against legal abortion carried signs and chanted slogans outside the Supreme Court,

the questions facing the court in the case have nothing to do with the legality of abortion. A ruling could, however, affect all sorts of protests, if targeted institutions or businesses are able to have protesters prosecuted under federal laws for restricting their operations. The two cases being heard together, Joseph Scheidler and the Pro-Life Action League vs. the for National Organisation Women, or NOW, and Operation Rescue vs. NOW originated with blockades and sit-ins at abortion clinics in Delaware and Milwaukee in the mid-1980s. In 1994 the Supreme Court ruled in an earlier consideration of the case that the Racketeer

Corrupt and Influenced Organisations Act of 1970 does not require that an economic motive be established for the law to be applied and that, therefore, the clinics could use RICO against the protesters. Following that, NOW requested injunctive relief from the protesters. That case, the current one before the High Court, resulted in the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals upholding lower court rulings granting the injunction and awarding more than $250,000 in damages to the clinics. Attorney Fay Clayton, arguing on behalf of NOW, said the legislation creating the Hobbs Act clearly permits prosecution

under the anti-extortion law for the type of protest at issue, in which demonstrators tried to block access to clinics where abortions are performed and caused them to lose business. She said patients with appointments at a clinic arguably have a business contract with the agency and keeping them from reaching their appointments constitutes lost "property" for the clinic. Arguing in part on behalf of the General Solicitor clinics, Theodore Olson said he agreed that, whether or not a stated goal of the protesters is to obtain a clinic's "property" their efforts to shut down clinics constitutes extortion under the law.

14 12 DECEMBER2002

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The Catholic perspective on popular culture

MOVIES

Appealing Christmas story Santa Clause 2 Starring Tim Allen, David Krumholtz, Wendy Crewson In cinemas now Review by Gerri Pare NEW YORK (CNS) 'The Santa Clause 2' (Disney) presumes a familiarity with its 1994 predecessor, perhaps correctly for a young audience raised on video collections and TV showings. Tim Allen. one of at least six returning cast members, again portrays Scott Calvin, a former ad executive who, eight years before, gave up his unhappily harried life to become the official full-time Santa at the North Pole. Scott's ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) seems happily married to psychologist Neil Miller (Judge Reinhold); both of them were in the original. They're raising their 6-year-old daughter Lucy (Liliana Mumy, playing with Hollywood adorability) as well as Laura's son by her earlier marriage to Scott, Charlie (Eric Lloyd, also returning), now

16 and therefore twice his earlier age. David Krumholtz reprises his portrayal of Santa's head elf, Bernard. Peter Boyle, who acted as Scott's boss earlier, makes a brief appearance here as Father Time. New to the mix are Spencer Breslin as Curtis, a rotund 900year-old elf who wears glasses and looks youthful enough to be an adolescent; Art Lafleur as the unhappily named Tooth Fairy; and Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol, an attractive and conveniently unmarried school principal. Carol sets out to punish student Charlie for his repeated infractions with graffiti, but mellows when she finds his father, Scott, sincerely concerned. It won't even take children long to pick out the next Mrs. Santa, first lady of the North Pole. The elves and Scott's immediate family understand that Santa and Scott are one and the same (a variation on the dual identity of Clark Kent and Superman). Allen plays more than two roles but not quite three by also portraying a duplicate Santa — a robot designed to keep toy production on track, but one who turns into a tyrant All of the main characters are presented sympathetically. Minimal emphasis is placed on the Calvins' earlier divorce. Nor is there any question that Laura is a contender for Mrs. Santa. Younger viewers especially may

READING

Book offers hope for the Middle East Abraham: A journey to the Heart of Three Faiths By Bruce Feiler, published by Morrow USS23.95 Review by Jospeh R Thomas

David Krumhottz and Tim Allen star in the seasonal comedy "The Santa Clause 2." The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I -- general patronage. Photo. CNS,Disney become impatient with Michael required.Surprisingly, for a Dis- the menacing wooden soldiers Lembeck's flat direction of talky, ney-produced sequel to a prof- deployed near the end, but in 'The uneventful scenes. itable original, the special effects Santa Clause 2' all problems are The performers are uniformly look cheap and dated. resolved with minimal threat. appealing, especially Allen, Though all-new, technically the The picture makes a good point whose whimsical persona is high- movie looks as if it could have about adults cherishing the child ly adaptable to the animated qual- been produced many years ago. in themselves, but, as in the origity called for in his portrayal of A lot of it takes place on one inal, the sequel is limited to a seccontrasting Santas. The function- massive, somewhat unimagina- ular view of Christmas. al nature of most of the roles lim- tive set representing the toy facMinor menace. The U.S. Confer its the ability of cast members to tory. ence of Catholic Bishops classifistretch beyond the narrow range Children might be startled by cation is A-I — general patronage.

ancestor that Feller, author of the bestselling 'Walking the Bible,' sees a glimmer of hope for the possibility of peace In the troubled Middle East. With a deft touch, he nourishes that glimmer, allowing it to burst through after almost being suffocated in the tension rife in Hebron, the place most identified with Abraham and now a place of hatred, anger and danger. One need not accept all of the theological underpinnings to Feiler's interpretation of the Abrahamic story to appreciate Feller's literary accomplishment. While writing in a popular vein, he moves from contemporary realities and interviews through the mists of history and religious legends to show how these three great religions developed, how they confronted each other in the past and how they continue to do so today in light of the political accretions accompanying that development.

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A journey to the Heart

As Bruce Feller sets the scene in the o f Three Faiths opening of his new book, 'Abraham: A What is indisputable is that Feller Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths' (Morrow, $23.95), it is just a few days has written an appealing book, one before Christmas in Jerusalem. It is also the last Friday of Hanukkah that, while serious in scope, has and the last Friday of Ramadan. Imme- enough urgency and descriptive questions: Why am I here? Are people today receiving calls such as Abraham diately you sense that you are in for a power to engage the reader in issues did? What, really, was that call? special reading experience: Feller quotes one Muslim spiritual 'They start walking just after dawn. seldom more paramount than today. leader as saying, 'Each of us has a They stream through the streets, begin It can be argued that, in popularizing, covenant to make with God ... the prime climbing the hills, and drop a few coins Feiler has oversimplified, made some objective of religion is to know God,' a in the outstretched palms of the poor. They leave their houses, their lives, silly comparisons, missed some dogmat- thought that is surely familiar to anyone their neighbors, and come by themselves ic or doctrinal nuances or dramatized at acquainted with Catholic teaching. the expense of scholarship. in groups of two or three. But he also quotes other Muslim leadThese are points best left to scholars ers whose thoughts are chilling, leading Their heads are covered, their eyes themselves. downturned. one to question whether peace between What is indisputable is that Feller has the descendants of Abraham is possible. They are alone. Feller believes that it is, although, truth But when they pass through the gates written an appealing book, one that, and lift up their eyes, suddenly they are while serious in scope, has enough be told, he offers no guide other than a in an illuminated place, a familial place. urgency and descriptive power to engage visionary one in which we bring forth a They are home. No one is alone in the reader in issues seldom more para- new Abraham, or even many Abrahams Jerusalem; even the stones know your mount than today. Including the Abraham who may lie withfather. Adventure, anecdotes, research, in. In the practical order, is this visionary 'Once inside, the stream divides. Chris- reportage all come into play as Feller tians turn north ... Jews turn south ... Mus- proceeds from a conviction that 'Ws pos- theme the great weakness of 'Abraham'? lims turn east.' sible ... to gain insight into a contempo- Or is it the book's true strength? All are heading for separate religious rary situation by turning away from the Whatever the answer, no one will come observances, the genesis of which is a present and looking back to its historical away unchanged from a participation in faith in one God, a monotheistic belief source' because 'especially in matters of Feller's pilgrimage. that unites but divides, a belief reaching faith, even the most modern act is back to one of the great religious figures informed by centuries of intermingled Thomas, retired editor in chief of The Christoof history -- Abraham. belief, blood and misunderstanding.' phers and a former diocesan newspaper ediAnd it is in this common religious A Jew, Feller constantly asked basic tor, is a frequent reviewer of books.

Welcome to the 12 days of Christmas website! This site is packed with all kinds of fun Christmas games to play and things to do. You can sing along with your favourite Christmas Carols, print out pictures to colour, play online Christmas games, send an email to Santa and much, much more. This site will keep the young well and truly entertained throughout the Christmas period and on those hot days yet to come.

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THE DAY

www.cresourcei.orgicyl 2days.html The Twelve Days of Christmas are probably the most misunderstood part of the Church year among Christians who are not accustomed to church liturgical traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6; the 12 days count from December 25 until January 5) This site is very thorough in its description and meanings of the 12 days of Christmas. For those curious about the meanings it is well worth the read.

THE RECORD

eyE-eatcher CLASSIFIEDS

12 DECEMBER 2002

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official diary DECEMBER 13

Ordinations to Priesthood. St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

Mass to celebrate 25th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood of Fr Tony Pires - Bishop Sproxton

Ordination to Priesthood, Bunbury - Bishop Sproxton

Mass and Blessing of new Cross Roads premises, East Fremantle - Archbishop Hickey St Lazarus Day Service. East Perth - Bishop Sproxton

HIV/AIDS Executive Board Meeting - Archbishop Hickey

Shopfront Christmas Party - Archbishop Hickey Mass to celebrate 40th Anniversary to Priesthood of Mgr Michael Keating, Bateman - Archbishop Hickey

Mass to celebrate 25th Anniversary of Priesthood, Mirrabooka Bishop Sproxton

Midnight Mass of Christmas, St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey Vigil Mass of Christmas, Lockridge - Bishop Sproxton

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Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the whole world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus hear our prayer. St Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us, St Jude, helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. Grateful thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady and St Jude.

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Stargazing with Dr Moonunit Vacanstare PhD (Oxen) Dip. Fencing, an outreach of The Record. Cancer (the Crab) Cancerians. never renowned for their intelligence or insights into the exterior world, will be exposed to bursts of solar wind that will excite their few remaining brain molecules over the coming weeks. This will have the side effect of temporarily making them seem moderately intelligent - by Cancerian standards, that is. Some may even utter a complete sentence by the end of the month, and master words of more than three letters. For example. Cancerian family members may be heard making statements such as "Me want tortoise." Their characteristic walk, an unusual bobbing up and down motion accompanied by constant head wiegline, snorting and giggling in response to statements such as 'How are you?'. may cease temporarily. Employers should be tolerant.

of events panorama a inroundup the archdiocese Sunday December 15 ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK PROGRAM Access 31, 1-2 pm, Fulton Sheen: Prophet for our Times/presented by Fr Apostoli (30 mins). Belief in the Real presence Today (Crucial questions, Catholic Answers) (30 mins). For enq: contact The R osary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon, 6954. Sunday December 15 WAR ON TERRORISM: YES OR NO? Was it every morally permissible? Should Australia join the US in the war on terrorism? Is a pre-emptive attack on Iraq allowed.., or is it sinful? Hear the discussion on this hot issue and have your say as well. Switch on to 'The Layman's Hour' with Raymond and Theresa de Souza (Radio Fremantle 107.9FM) at 7.30pm. Ring 9494 2100 and participate in the only talk-back radio show run by lay Catholics in Australia to promote the Mind of the Church. Wednesday December 18 CANDLELIGHT WALK ON THE LABYRINTH Our Lady of Grace Pastoral Hall, North Beach, 7.309pm.The labyrinth is a meditation tool and an opportunity to walk a sacred path.The evening will commence with a short introduction to the labyrinth and how to walk it. Make this a part of your Christmas preparation. All welcome. Inquiries: Angela King 9447 8130. Wednesday December 18 SECOND RITE OF RECONCILIATION St Pius X Church, Paterson St, Manning invites you to join us for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 7.30pm. We are dedicating the Sacrament in honour of the late Bishop Robert Healy who was to be one of the 8 confessors, as was his unsual practice in our parish.

Saturday December 21 PRAYER VIGIL A peaceful prayer vigil with Rosaries and hymns is made outside the abortion clinic at 2 Cleaver Terrace, Rivervale every third Saturday of each month, from 11am, to 12 noon. The next vigil will be held on Saturday. Please join us. Inq: Colin 9409 4543. Sunday December 22 C AROL SINGING - GINGIN B YO barbecue lunch 12.30- 1.30pm. Carol singing to 2.30pm. Afternoon Tea supplied. All welcome! For more details phone Fr Paul 9571 1839 or Sheila 9575 4023. Sunday December 29 FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY Mass at 9.30am. All Saints chapel. 77 Allendale Square, Perth. Make it a Family Day with holy Mass and BYO picnic lunch (chair or blanket) down from All Saints Chapel off Sherwood Court on The Esplanade. Celebrant Archbishop B J Hickey. Sunday December 29 BULLSBROOK PILGRIMAGE The next monthly pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation will be held at the Shrine on Sunday. at 2pm. Reconciliation is from 1.30pm. followed by the Rosary procession, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the blessing of the sick. All are most welcome. For bus transport please phone: 9227 5378. For further information contact SACRI on 9447 3292. Tuesday/Wednesday December 24, 25 CHRISTMAS MASSES - YANCHEP, TWO ROCKS,

Thursday December 19

GUILDERTON AND LANCELIN Yanchep, Two Rocks, Christmas Eve Mass at St James, 2 Lagoon Drive, 7.30pm Carols, 8pm Mass. Lancelin, Midnight Mass 12am, Carols 11.30pm, Christmas Day Mass, 9am. Guilderton. Christmas Day Mass at Guilderton Community Hall at 11.30am. Inq: Fr Francis -9561 2172.

HEALING MASS A Healing Mass in honour of St Peregrine, patron of cancer sufferers and helper of all in need will be held at the Church of SS John and Paul, Pinetree Gully Rd, (off South St) Willetton, on Thursday at 7pm. There will be Veneration of the Relic and Anointing of the sick. For further information. please contact Noreen on 9332 8292.

Thursday February 6 VISIT MEDJUGORJE VISIONARY Join us for an evening of prayer with Ivan Dragicevic (Med. Visionary) at St Lawrence Church, Blacatta. Thursday at 6pm. Rosary 7pm, Holy Mass (celebrant Fr Timothy Deeter) concluding 9pm. Inq: Glenda 9349 2902.

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THE RECORD

The Last Word

Riverton farewells Sisters A

gathering of more than 300 of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles parishioners at Riverton joined in a farewell on Saturday night for the last two of the Schoenstatt Sisters.. Sisters Anne and Mari Berta have served the parish and its associated school for 47 years. Hundreds queued to sign a card passing on their good wishes for the sisters, and joined in a farewell function in the Father John Luemmen Hall after the Saturday evening Mass. The sisters came to the Riverton parish in 1956 where they ran the Queen of Apostles School until the mid 1980s. Father Luemmen, the pastor emeritus of the parish, paid trib-

ute to the work of the sisters and their dedication. He said he had travelled to Australia aboard the same ship as the sisters, 47 years ago. Parish priest, Father John Flynn also paid tribute to the sisters and made a presentation of a bronze statuette depicting Our Lady Queen of the Apostles. He then made a personal presentation of a framed poem to Sister Anne. (Sister Mari Berta received a personal presentation from the parish several months ago before going on leave.) Parishioners then presented the assembled sisters with a homebaked cake, which they cut ceremoniously in front of the assembled congregation.

Father Flynn presents Sister Anne with a plaque.

Father Ryas presents the bronze statuette to Sisters Anne, Marie Berta and the Si :

The sisters thanking the parishioners for their well wishes.

provincial.

Parishioners sign a greeting.

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