The Record Newspaper 21 June 2007

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Western Australia's award winning Catholic newspaper - Thursday June 21, 2007

DAD AND DAD: Motherhood no longer important? Editorial Page8

BLESSED JOHN: Perth priest recalls meeting a great Pope Page 13

NORTH

Perth, Western Australia • $2

MARRIAGE AND FAITH: Why there's a strong link between them Page16

Youth deny the Lie Protect street women, punish clients: Vatican

Young people protested outside Alan Carpenter's offices this week as Parliament prepares to legalise the creation and killing of embryonic humans on behalf of investors - and a shrinking number of researchers ,

otio. 2003.

• By Anthony Barich

Up to 300 youth descended on St George's Terrace on short notice at peak hour last Monday to defend their unborn brothers and sisters as the cloning debate reaches fever pitch. At 4pm when the suits were drifting around Perth's CBD, wave after wave of youth from high school students to young adults in their late 20s protested outside Premier Alan Carpenter's office on the corner of St George's Terrace and Mill Street. They carried banners decrying human cloning and the destruction of human embryos for research purposes, while advocating the use of adult stem cells. Hundreds of youth were marshalled onto St George's Terrace at short notice after a meeting to organise it was only held the week prior. Chris Laundy, 18, one of three protest organisers, said the show of force made a statement that youth are passionate about the world they will inherit. "If they won't listen to a couple of hundred young people, they won't listen to anything. If they're that stubborn, nothing will work," said Mr Laundy, who personally educated passers-by on the injustices of the Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill 2007 and how ordinary people can fight for the future. Mr Laundy then proceeded with co-organisers Joanna Lawson, 26 and Clayton Walsh, 23, who at 13 was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, into the Premier's office to hand Mr Carpenter the petition, on which they gained 200-odd signatures on the day. Radio jock Howard Sattler even

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•2003.

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CLONING BANNED

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Why? An estimated 300 young people from a variety of Christian denominations ask the question of Premier Alan Carpenter on the push in State Parliament to legalise so-called 'therapeutic' cloning, last Monday evening. The protest was organised by Joanna Lawson

Cathedral's front door swings in el By Sylvia Defendi

Work on St Mary's Cathedral's grand processional entrance began on June 19 with the spectacular relocation of the preserved front facade of the southern porch, with the assistance of a large crane. Once secured, the seven metre high and four metre wide façade was carried into place at the western front, where it will become the main entry point for the restored and completed Cathedral building. The southern porch façade forms part of the 1865 Cathedral, which was slightly modified by Bishop Matthew Gibney. Original plans for the completed Cathedral had proposed a new processional entry, but that was scrapped Continued - Page 9 Photo timeline - Page 9

Continued - Page 3

MYSTERY AT GUADALUPE

There she goes: The southern porch of St Mary's Cathedral is slowly swung into position at the western end of the cathedral where it will become the front entrance to the completed Structure. PHOTO TERENCE BOYLEN

INDEX

A report doing the rounds on the Internet claims to present pictures of a miracle at Guadalupe. French Catholic doctors think it is remarkable, but a priest urges caution.

Page 6

Editorial Cathedral Progress Update Reviews Classifieds The Last Word

- Page 8 - Page 9 - Page 12 - Page 15 - Page 16

On the hunt: Men patrol Hamburg's red light district in this file photo. As WA prepares to legalise the purchase and sale of women and girls the Vatican has recommended the Swedish model of addressing prostitution. PHoTo- CNS

Nations should protect women from the violence and "modern slavery" of prostitution and punish the men who are their clients, the Vatican says in a document on pastoral care for "street women" released yesterday. CNS reports that the new document says the exploitation of women stemmed from activities including human trafficking and sex tourism and the problem should be tackled in a comprehensive way. "The victims of prostitution are human beings, who in many cases cry out for help, to be freed from slavery," the document by the Vatican's department on migrant issues said. "The customers too are people with deeply rooted problems, and in a certain sense are also slaves," the document said. "An effective measure towards cultural change with respect to prostitution could derive from associating criminal law with social condemnation." Asked to explain the passage, Monsignor Agostino Marchetto, Continued - Page 3

THANKS, SONS OF EDMUND

Generations of WA Christian Brothers schools oldboys are planning a special celebration to thank the men who made such a huge difference in their lives. It will happen in August.

Vista 1-2

June 212007, The Record

Page 2

Respect, but even more, love, for Fr Corcoran

Huge crowd turns out to join popular Perth cleric for 40th anniversary • By Anthony Barich It was as much a measure of the importance of the priesthood as of the respect for Fr Tim Corcoran that over 700 people crammed into Sacred Heart Church for his 40th anniversary celebration of his vocation this month. Archbishop Barry Hickey made this telling point while presiding over the Mass on June 10 at Thornlie. He and Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton concelebrated with Fr Corcoran and eight other priests. It has been a tumultuous couple of weeks for the Archbishop. No sooner was he threatened with a jail term or reprimand from State MPS for reminding Catholic politicians of the Church's teachings on the value of human life, than he found out a priest well known to two of his own diocesan priests was murdered in Iraq along with three sub-deacons. So the Mass celebrating Fr Corcoran's anniversary was an opportunity for the Archbishop to ask Catholics to pray for priests, to give them courage and fortitude in the daily struggle of their ministry. "Your presence here reflects the importance of the priesthood today

Honoured: Fr Tim Corcoran receives a gift from parishioners in celebration of his 40th anniversary.

in the life of Catholics, as well as being a sign of your respect for the priest," the Archbishop said. "We are not better or worse than other Catholics, and we do not

ask to be put on a pedestal. "Jesus wanted to be a servant, and that is what we are. We have been given Holy Orders to show the face of Jesus who loves

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his people, and show them the way to God." In highlighting the importance of the priesthood, he reflected on the fact that in popular upris-

ings like the Spanish and French Revolutions, it was the priests who were targeted, even in the early Church when Christians in general were persecuted. Fr Nino Vinciguerra, who was St Charles Seminary spiritual formation director when Fr Corcoran was rector there, said in his homily that he is in awe of how loyal Fr Corcoran has been to the Archdiocese of Perth - especially being from another country. He was rector of St Charles' for nine years - long after his initial three-year stint ended. "He had affection for the people," Fr Nino said of Fr Corcoran, who grew up in a devout family in Ireland at a time when priests were held in high esteem. Along with his brother James, two of Fr Corcoran's uncles, also called James and Tim, were also priests. Devoted to the Archdiocese as he was, Fr Corcoran, 65, knew as soon as he signed up at St Kieran's College in Kilkenny that he would be off to Australia. Fr Corcoran also imparted some words of wisdom to the people who came to honour him: "The priesthood is a very fulfilling life. I would recommend it to any young man."

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EVERY CRUCIFIX INDIVIDUALLY LABELLED BY THE CRAFTSMAN

EDITOR Peter Rosengren JOURNALISTS Anthony Barich Bronwyn Clune Sylvia Defendi Paul Gray Mark Reidy

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CONTRIBUTERS Derek Boylen Hal Colebatch Anna Krohn Catherine Parish Johnny heard

The Record PO Box 75. Leederville, 'WA 6902 - 587 Newcastle St, West Perth - Tel: (08) 9227 7080, - Fax: (08) 9227 7087 The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription.

June 212007, The Record

Page 3

WA women chosen by bishops for youth body • By Anthony Barich Two young West Australian women have been chosen by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference to join the Australian Catholic Youth Council (ACYC) for three years. Perth YCS coordinator Vickie Burrows and Broome diocese representative Erica Bernard will join 10 other representatives from Victoria, NSW, Queensland and the ACT as WA's delegates. The ACYC is an advisory body set up by the Australian Bishops to advise the Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life on religious, spiritual, ethical, moral and social justice issues that concern Australia's young Catholics. It will also act to advise the Bishops Commission on Australian youths' needs for the development of their Catholic faith and personal spirituality and their full participation in the life and mission of the Church in Australia. It will also plan, promote and advocate structures and policies to enable this faith, spiritual development and

Called: Fr Gerard Beeson aged 8 always felt a calling to the priesthood. Vicki Burrows

Erica Bernard

full participation in the Church; ensure that the benefits and experience of World Youth Day 2008 for the Australian Catholic Church are continued into the future and evangelise young people in the wider Australian community. Miss Burrows will also accompany another West Australian student, 15 -year-old Chantelle Ferreira, to represent Australia at the first World Council of the YCS to be held in 15 years. Ferreira, from Infant Jesus Morley YCS, Perth's YCS national executive representative and a year 10 student at

Mercedes, will be one of 220 leaders from around the globe to meet in Kampala, Uganda from August 1-15. The YCS World Council is its peak decision-making body. The meeting in August will, in part, look at options to develop its international campaign. The International YCS, celebrating its 60th year, has 85 member movements worldwide. Its 2007 World Council theme is "Dialogue, Live, Learn: Students Make a Difference".

Youth challenge the Premier Coninued from page 1

called up Miss Lawson during the protest and interviewed her for his prime-time 6PR radio show. "NO Clone Zone is a young body of people who welcome support from everywhere, be they religious or not. It's an organisation of a lot of people, and others need to be told," Mr Laundy said. "Life is precious at any age regardless of how young or old you are, and I believe that young people understand the preciousness of life. "I'm not surprised with the numbers, but I am happy that we've had such an excellent turn-out. "It shows just how important this is to people. For them to come on a Monday afternoon in the midst of their busy lives and support this is just a slight indication of how crucial an issue this is." While the protest was orgnanised by Catholic youth, it was attended by other denominations, including students from Carey Baptist College and even youth not affiliated with any religion. The

Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill currently before WA Parliament retains the ban on human cloning for reproductive purposes but allows for the creation of embryos by means other than fertilisation and the use of those embryos for research - a process that will include a form of cloning. This is despite two massive scientific developments since January this year that have rendered such legislation obsolete and unnecessary. Professor Alan Trounson, the Australian Stem Cell Centre's global strategic science advisor, previously a major supporter of embryonic research during the Federal debate, recently admitted that "the so-called therapeutic cloning, to my mind, is a non-event", and that as a way of creating cures, it is "just not .realistic". This was backed up by Dr Jose Cibelli of Michigan State University, who said "I can predict that therapeutic cloning is going to be obsolete".

For more info about the World Council visit AYCS's website, www.aycs-jeci.org.

Continued from page 1

said: "We think that there should be not only protection of women but also a punishment for the clients." He said the Vatican would push for legislation along the Swedish model, which penalises customers with jail sentences and fines based on their salaries. The section of the document that dealt with prostitution, called "Pastoral Ministry for the Liberation of Street Women", said men who frequent prostitutes should be aware of the Church's "clear condemnation of their sins and the injustice they commit". Clients of prostitutes are not punished in many countries, including Italy. Italian law effec-

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up all his cousins and had them come to confession in a cupboard with a sliding door. When all had confessed, his grandfather was asked to be the altar server while Gerard had his siblings attend Mass. He asked his mother to sew a purple set of vestments for his eighth birthday. - THE SWAG. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PRIESTS MAGAZINE

tively turns a blind eye to prostitution, punishing only "exploiters of prostitution", meaning pimps. "Prostitution is a form of modern slavery", the document said, noting that the number of prostitutes in the world has risen dramatically due to complex social, economic and cultural reasons. "It is important to recognise that sexual exploitation and prostitution linked to people trafficking are acts of violence, which constitute an offence to human dignity and a serious violation of fundamental rights," it said. The document said the Church wanted "application of laws that protect women," but also effective measures against humili-

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The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association Australia in conjunction with Bethel Covenant Community presents a course of instruction for adults. When:

When Gerard Beeson was nearly eight years old his aunt was visiting and collecting second hand clothes for the St VDeP collection. Not everything the aunt collected reached its destination. Gerard spied some suitable garments to dress himself as a priest, including a Greek Orthodox styled mitre. He lined

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June 212007, The Record

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Coles' plan for poor makes life tough change of policy by Coles in regard to the se of food vouchers has made the provision of assistance to the poor and disadvantaged more difficult, according to Br Shane Wood from the Catholic Diocesan Office of Justice, Ecology & Peace in Broome. "It is disappointing that Coles has ignored requests from local organisations which have dealt with food vouchers for Emergency Relief to allow their current process to continue to operate," he said. "Centacare Kimberley alone would handle requests for food vouchers amounting to around $40,000 per year. The majority of this money has been spent with the two large supermarkets in the town - Coles and Woolworths (previously Action). "Other organisations which handle Emergency Relief funds would be expending smaller amounts. "These are not insignificant amounts of money and we would have thought that the large supermarket chain would have been interested in making their service as user friendly as possible, especially for the organisations that are attempting to help the most disadvantaged in the community. Sadly, this appears not to be the case. The new arrangements put in place by Coles do not allow for accurate accounting for the expenditure of the Emergency Relief money provided to organisations like Centacare and so people will not be able to spend their money at Coles in the future. "Coles was the store of preference for many people because of its central location, but the organisation appears to have been unresponsive to the needs of the community on this occasion. "We have heard that Woolworths has allowed organisations to keep their current system. "This is a very big plus for Woolworths. It is a pity that Coles were not as responsive despite requests for a reconsideration of their policy."

Special During July all you II pay for a black and white ad this size is $40. See page 14 for more details.

Well done, good and faithful servant City Beach parish priest Fr Kettle, a companion of Fr Ragheed Ganni, who was shot and killed with three deacons in Mosul, Iraq, wrote this memorial on Zenit I studied in Rome as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia, at the Pontifical Irish College, and attended the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas from 1997 to 2001. I am now the rector of Holy Spirit Parish in City Beach, Perth, Western Australia. Father Ragheed Ganni was the first seminarian that I had met in the college; he was gracious enough to show me to my room. Though we couldn't communicate at first through speech because I couldn't speak Aramaic and Father Ragheed couldn't speak English yet, throughout our years in the seminary we became good friends. Father Ragheed had a friendly nature and a warm welcoming smile. He was very prayerful and had a great sense of the sacred, with a deep spirituality and union with God. He was diligent in studies and very much respected by the faculty and his peers of the college. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, or just to spend time with you for a friendly chat. He was an extremely intelligent fellow. He was able to speak six languages and was to return to the Irish College next year to com-

mence his doctorate thesis. Each year Father Ragheed would spend his summers in Ireland working in Lough Derg, which is a place of pilgrimage in the North of Ireland, enabling him to send money home to buy much needed medical supplies. He also did a lot of things behind the scene for Iraqis. He was always putting others first. I remember one summer Father Ragheed stayed with me in St Malcay's Seminary in Belfast. It was around July 12, which is the marching season in the North. That night there was rioting just outside the gates of the seminary and we could hear gun shots and the screams of the police and ambulance sirens. It was a long night and Father Ragheed spoke about the sufferings and persecution of the Christians living in Iraq. When war broke out in Iraq, Father Ragheed was devastated, having been away from his family for seven years and now all communication with his homeland was broken. It was months before he could find out if his family was safe. This was an extremely difficult time for him, but through it all, he found consolation in his prayers. Father Ragheed visited me in Perth in 2003 for the summer; it was wonderful to spend that time together in the parish. We spoke about his returning to Iraq and what that might mean. Father Ragheed was very loyal to his bishop and to the people of his diocese. He was aware of the dangers of returning to Iraq where Christians

Martyr: This undated photo of Chaldean Father Ragheed Aziz Ganni appeared on Prfor, ) N', A ,, ANEW', the Web site of AsiaNews with a story about his death.

had been targeted by Muslim extremists. Knowing the risk to his own life, he gladly accepted the challenge of administering the sacraments to his people. Father Ragheed was like a brother to me, and my heart is sad because the world is a much lonelier place without him. I remember the times we would spend Christmas in the college when all the other students would return home for the break. We had Rome to ourselves, now it is all yours. Rest well my friend, for you have been a good and faithful servant, your martyrdom lives on and, I am

Help disabled to see Pope

sure, will encourage other young men to join the ranks of Christ to continue the work of salvation. Now your eternal priesthood begins, with the whole heavenly court behind you. I am sure that Father Ragheed and the martyrdom of his companions will bear much fruit bringing about religious freedom, unity and peace to the people of Iraq. My prayers are with Father Ragheed's family and the families of his companions; Basman Yousef Daoud, Ghasan Bidawid and Wadid Hanna. May there be peace in Iraq. Pax Christi, Father Don Kettle

Amnesty in more strife

• By Anthony Barich

Perth's Personal Advocacy Centre needs help to send a team of 45 people to next year's World Youth Day in Sydney. Personal Advocacy Centre, which has been chosen from 154 organisations for achieving excellence in all aspects of the Disability Services Commission's standards, wants to take 20 intellectually disabled youth, 20 support people and five extra staff to WYD. PAC will provide prospective pilgrims with spiritual formation leading up to WYD and will prepare the disabled pilgrims for the huge crowds. The spiritual formation will start with a Mass at Morley in July, then reflection afternoons in September, then January and March next year, plus a pilgrim walk to the Morley church from the PAS office in November this year and a sleepover next May. Delia Wray, Jocelyn Versace and Leonie Reid (executive director) from Personal Advocacy Service received the Certificate of Achievement from the Minister for Disability Services Sheila McHale at the Floreat Forum on May 16. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest level of recognition given by the Minister to recognise excellence in service provision by agencies that have been monitored in the previous year by the Independent Standards Monitor. The Personal Advocacy Service

Helping hand: Personal Advocacy Service wants to send the disabled and their helpers to WYD.

(PAS) was first established in 1989 by Archbishop William Foley to assist local parishes reaching out to support people within their communities with intellectual disabilities. The faith-based program operates through a network of volunteers who provide personal support for these people with disabilities through the simple experience of shared friendship. This experience slowly provides a foundation for leading the person with disability into a fuller and richer life within the wider community. Each network group is sponsored by a local parish within the Archdiocese. Currently, over 100 volunteers support 15 groups in 11 different parishes. Groups

have been established in Balcatta, Beaconsfield, Girrawheen, Greenmount, Lockridge, Morley (five groups), Nollamara, North Beach, Rockingham, Thornlie and Willetton (two groups). New groups are also being established this year in Lockridge and Whitfords. On June 12, Personal Advocacy Service was sponsoring a Community Forum in the Subiaco/Wembley/ Floreat area for any members of the community interested in finding out more about the service this agency offers, or exploring any ways in which the local community can support people with disabilities. For info on the forum or registration, contact Sue Baile at PAS on 9275 5388. To help a disabled pilgrim attend WYD, contact leonie Reid.

International Human Rights organisation Amnesty International is in danger of losing the support of a large number of Christian church personnel and organisations, according to Br Shane Wood, Coordinator of the Catholic Diocesan Office of Justice, Ecology and Peace in Broome. "For some reason known only to the upper echelons of the organisation, Amnesty has decided to pursue a policy of advocating for the legalisation of abortion as a basic human right, albeit in limited circumstances," Br Wood said. "This is not only against the moral teaching of the major Christian churches, but seems to conflict with the expressed ideals of the United Nations and to be in conflict with Amnesty's own opposition to capital punishment. "As the Australian Bishops, through their president, Archbishop Philip Wilson, have pointed out in a letter to Amnesty's national president Russell Thirgood, Amnesty has 'moved to a concept of human rights founded not upon the good of the human person, but simply upon the autonomy of the individual'. "Due to this shift, it is difficult to see how Catholics could remain members of the organisation."

June 212007, The Record

Page 5

St Anthony still working hard in media

The week before the feast of St Anthony of Padua this month, Padua-based Franciscan Father Mario Conte, executive editor of the international Catholic news and faith journal The Messenger of St Anthony, visited Perth and concelebrated Mass with Fr Michael Separovich at Wanneroo parish church. The Record journalist ANTHONY BARICH spoke to him about life as a Franciscan and the challenges of the Church in today's world. How do you see the charism of St Anthony in the work that you do? Devotees generally see St Anthony as a young man holding a lily and the baby Jesus, and this is a nice image, but St Anthony was, in reality, quite different. He was first of all somebody really in love with God but also very concerned about people, and in fact was constantly fighting for what we now call human rights. He not only drew them to the faith but he was taking care of people and was able to change unjust laws, fighting for the rights of poor people. He worked very hard against people who took advantage of the poor, especially usurers (money lenders), tyrants and even corrupt clergy. He was quite hard against these people. He was quite a complex figure. I am editor of a magazine so am very much concerned about the devotional aspect, so in there you will find pages regarding the Bible, spirituality and subjects to fight for justice. It's important for the Church these days to try to do something for peace and justice, because there can't be peace without justice. St Anthony himself said you can't take care only of the spiritual aspect of a person, but that person also needs food and a job. With atheistic attacks on religion increasing, is it becoming more of an uphill battle to work for the Church? We are these days more concerned about human rights than in the past. In the past, it was thought the rich could have everything and the poor should have nothing, but now we are more concerned that it is important that everybody has a share in this world. I think the Church is on the front line for peace and justice. Think of St Francis - he was

preaching themes of peace, and the Church has always been interested in these things. Perhaps these days the Church is emphasising even more these aspects. Modern society, atheism, etc are against life, if you like, as it is often opposed to pro-life, in that they are against a new-born baby, life in the womb, because they deny it is a life. The Church is the only one protecting life from the very beginning. In regards to euthanasia, the Church says no because life is an important gift from God, so I don't think atheism is helping in any way. What is the biggest challenge for a Catholic publication? A big challenge for a Catholic publication is to be read, as most of the time we see a lot of stuff which is published and nobody reads. So the biggest challenge is to be digestible, easy to be read, and also with good pictures, nice layout. People are accustomed to good quality stuff - just look at the magazines around - they have beautiful pictures, wonderful print and layout, and sometimes you see these religious magazines that are so poor in quality, and I think that quality is important, because if you're not read, your whole purpose of writing is useless. Do you embrace new media in this effort to get the message across? I think there is a big gap, because in a way, sometimes the Church is being a bit skeptical about the media, not necessarily newspapers and magazines, but it's being a bit too skeptical regarding television and cinema. She should have prepared a group of 'intelligentsia' - directors, etc, who can produce good quality films that can actually speak to the world in a nice way and in its terms. It's a pity that some very good films are not known, people don't go to see them, especially with religious films. Do you see a shift in focus from the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI? I don't see much change between John Paul II and this Pope, because they have almost the same way of thinking. The big change is the fact that John Paul was very outspoken. He had a way of behaving in front of the cameras, and had a particular charisma from the point of view of visual effects, and had a very strong impact on people. Benedict XVI is a very learned

Healer: A St Anthony devotee embraces the reliquary containing his skin at Wanneroo church.

person but internally shy person in a way. He's a little bit reserved. They are essentially communicating the same ideas but just doing it differently. What do you see as the biggest challenge for the papacy today? Since Benedict XVI has been on the throne of Peter, it seems the media has been a bit more against him, and I don't understand why. Perhaps they didn't dare to attack John Paul II because he was so popular, then he was a frail old man with Parkinson's disease, so he was so very much loved. Now they attack Benedict more directly, even if he is not necessarily saying new things or new ideas. So the biggest challenge for him, for the Church and for the papacy, is to make himself understood to face these attacks.

changed a lot, but I think that the Franciscan charisma is strong because it is very open - it allows you to do many things. For example, in my province of Padua a young Friar can have many choices. If you enter and become a priest you know what your job is going to be - a worker in a parish church. In my province you can be a journalist, you can deal with radio, magazines, or you can be in a school, take care of people with addictions and help handicapped people. So you can give your hand in a Franciscan way in many different directions, and I think that if a person who wants to enter the religious life has got so many choices, he is even more relaxed, for want of a better word, because he knows that he has many options in front of him.

Visiting Padua in 2005 I saw many young Franciscan men in their brown robes. Is this a positive sign for the Church, that so many young men are giving their lives for a selfless profession? First of all, in the Basilica of Padua we have the novitiate, so that's why you saw many young Friars, but apart from that I think the Franciscan charisma is still very strong, and I think many young people still understand the basics of Francis' dreams. Anthony was a Franciscan Friar who was really mesmerised by the way the Franciscans were living. Of course, society has now

What was your background before you joined the Franciscans? A journalist? I worked in a bank for six years, dealing with unpaid cheques. When I was 26 I entered the religious life after being part of a Franciscan group for six years while still in school. I found a job but wasn't really happy about it. In my parish I met some girls who were helping poor people on the outskirts of Padua, so I joined them and helped children and their families with them. Then through that work I met Franciscans who were studying theology and were not yet priests.

Fr Mario Conte

We became friends and formed a group called 'Friends of St Francis', and we did this for six years. We also visited prisons. I liked that, so after a few years I thought I'd like to do is on a regular basis, so I decided to enter the religious life, and foundI really liked the religious life. So, very slowly, it started happening.Istudied theology for about six years, and my first assignment was working in a school with handicapped children where I spent five years. At the same time I decided I liked English and did a degree in English at the University of Padua. WhenI was at the Basilica the powers that be said why don't you work for the Messenger of St Anthony magazine? So I said ok. It was providential.

The Rosary's comeback sweeps across the continent in By Sylvia Defendi

The Rosary has staged somewhat of a comeback through a simple yet effective form of devotion that is rapidly spreading throughout Western Australia. The Chain of Mary, as it is aptly named, calls for participants to pray just one decade of the Rosary daily, in spiritual unison with others within the

community. A person prays the same, one decade of the Rosary each day and forms part of a group of twenty, who also each pray one decade, so that at the end of every day, one complete Rosary of twenty decades is offered. Twenty individual booklets, one for each decade of the Rosary, form the basis of the devotion, which has spread across NSW and WA over the past three years.

The mysteries of light, joyful, sorrowful and glorious are

explored in both English and Italian and offer instructions on how to pray the decade coupled with bible reflections. Archbishop Barry Hickey expressed his support for the form of devotion by saying that "the Rosary has been one of the most loved prayers for many centuries. "I hope more people will join

with others in saying their daily decade," he said. An invitation is open to all parishes, schools, religious orders, prayer groups, catechists and all the faithful who would like to participate in, or help in the distribution of The Chain of Mary. Those who wish to commit themselves to a decade of the Rosary or enroll themselves in a group of twenty can obtain a free copy of the simple 11-page booklet by contacting Rose on: 9201 0337 or Fr Brian Limboum on: 9279 9681.

Page 6

The World FEATURE

June 21 2007, The Record

Priest urges caution over Guadalupe 'miracle' No basis for certainty that event occurred, priest says

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MTITI=1

French Catholic doctors regard evidence of a possible supernatural event at Guadalupe as remarkable and an Internet presentation is claiming that the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe began glowing and moved during a Mass for aborted children. But a Church leader urged caution about the claims. "Miracle in the Basilica of Guadalupe" has been Miracle: The widely dis- photographs at right tributed on show successive the Internet. enlargements of the lowinig'imageofOur It claims that during Lady of Guadalupe. a Mass in They were supplied the basilica by Dr Luc Perrel of in Mexico the French Catholic City, the healthcare workers' faithful saw association. the image of Mary move and a light come from her womb in the shape of an unborn child. The images and an account of the event, which was supposed to have taken place on April 24, the same day that Mexico City voted to legalise abortion, were posted on the website of the the Association Catholique des Infirmieres, Medecins Professionels Sante (the Catholic Association of Nurses, Doctors and Healthcare Professionals) - founded in 1901 - by the association's President, Dr Jean-Pierre Dickes. But in late May Mgr Jose Luis Guerrero Rosado, the Basilica of Guadalupe's canon and director of the Superior Institute of Guadalupan Studies, urged caution. "It is moving and respectable that devoted people see signs of the divine in daily life, given that even the nature that surrounds us speaks to us of God and of his love for us. However, in his providence it is unusual, and not the fruit of his desire, that supernatural signs abound. We recall that Jesus defines as blessed 'those who have not seen and have believed'," he told Zenit on May 31.

Even minus light, Gudalupe image is wonderful

"The apparition of Mary Most Holy on Tepeyac was a marvelous miracle, and in the moral order we can see that the Lord continues to carry out innumerable miracles, through the intercession of his Mother," said Monsignor Rosado. But, he added: "The Church is

he world-famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe still continues to defy the ability of scholars and researchers to explain it. Made from agave cactus, the tilma - or cloak - worn by St Juan Diego when he first saw Mary in 1531 should have disintegrated within 20 years of being made but remains intact as it was 476 years later. When St Juan Diego's bishop asked for a sign that the visions he reported were real, Mary told St Juan to go to the top of a near-by hill in midDecember and gather the roses he found there. It is believed she physically rearranged them with her own hands in St Juan's tilma before he took them to the bishop. When Juan arrived he unwrapped the cloak to show the bishop the flowers only to astonish all those present with the image of Mary as a young native Indian maiden miraculously imposed upon the cloak. She was declared patroness of the Americas in 1945 by Pope Pius XII. Juan Diego was canonised by Pope John Paul II the Great in 2002.

extremely cautious in approving physical miracles. "Supposing that a natural explanation cannot be found for the light seen in the photographs, all that should be derived from this is that an inexplicable light appeared." Referring to the Internet state-

ment, he said: "This does not provide a basis for certainty that 'the image of the Madonna began to move as if to make room for a bright light that emanated from her womb with a ray and divine ring in the form of a human embryo, becoming present before our eyes, the unborn Christ.' "We reiterate that it is legitimate and touching that one would think God was speaking to them in that way, but it is not, and cannot be, an official confirmation of the Catholic Church, nor of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, and not even of the authorities of the Basilica of Guadalupe." There is doubt as to when the pictures were taken. The Parisbased Association's Dr Luc Perrel told The Record via email that it is possible they may date from 1999. "We can't say if these pictures are really from April 2007 or are older - perhaps being taken in 1999. It is not the most important question, but I prefer to say to you that these pictures are wonderful," Dr Perrel said. Dr Dickes says in his statement that "the shape of an embryo appears in an obvious manner," adding that "it looks exactly like the first image I saw whenIbrought my first ultrasound device." "In effect, if we examine this image more precisely by rotating it... we distinguish inside the halo some zones of shadow which are characteristic of the human embryo in the maternal womb," he says. "What can this be except the image of Jesus himself?" he asks. Dr Dickes' statement also quoted Fr Luis Matos, the superior of the Communaute de Beatitudes (the Community of the Beatitudes) in Mexico as saying that the photographs had been examined by an engineer who had confirmed the authenticity of the negative, and "has been able to specify that it had not been either modified or altered, by superimposition of another image, for example." The engineer had concluded the light was not a reflection either, according to Fr Matos's statement. The Record was unable to contact Fr Matos.

According to Fr Matos, at the end of Mass "while many of the faithful were taking photographs of the [tilma] of Tepeyac, exposed and venerated in the Basilica and at the foot of which the crowd of pilgrims filed past on a moving [travellator, of the kind used in airports), the image of the Virgin began to erase itself, to give place to an intense light emanating from her abdomen, constituting a brilliant halo having the form of an embryo. With a centering and an important enlargement it is possible to appreciate the position of a light which truly comes from the stomach of the Holy Virgin and is not a reflection, nor an artifact." The tilma mentioned by Fr Matos is the cloak made from the agave plant upon which an image of Our Lady was miraculously imposed when Mary appeared to the cloak's owner, a peasant known as Juan Diego between Decmber 9 and 12, 1531. Juan Diego was canonised by Pope John Paul II in August, 2002. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is highly significant for Latin American Catholicism and for the Americas in general, but also for the pro-life cause. In her apparitions of 1531 the Virgin Mary appeared to St Juan Diego, an Indian, not as one of the conquering Europeans but as a young native Indian maiden. She also spoke to him in his native language of Nahuatl. Over her womb appears the Nahuatl symbol for the new centre of the universe, Jesus Christ. In the image she is pregnant, and wears traditional Indian embroidery around her wrist of the same kind that indigenous cultures of the time used to denote that a woman was expecting a child. As a result of the apparitions, it is calculated that approximately 12 million indigenous Americans became Christian. Under the title Our Lady of Gudalupe, Mary is also the official patroness of the Americas. Translation assistance: Linda O'Callaghan Dr Odes' communique, in French, together with the images, can be found on the intemet at: www.acimps.org/contentiview/88/2/ - Record reporting with Zenit

Caritas apoints its first female secretary general The largest Catholic, and the second biggest global aid network, has given Lesley Anne Knight the job of facilitating a global effort to help the world's poor World-wide Catholic aid agency, Caritas Internationalis appointed its first female secretary general, Lesley-Anne Knight, on June 8. Zimbabwe -born British national Knight joined Caritas Internationalis from CAFOD (Caritas England and Wales), where she was international direc-

tor since 2004, managing over 200 staff and a £30 million budget. She has over 25 years experience working on development and humanitarian issues around the world. As the new secretary general, Knight will be responsible for the coordination of a 162-member network, which makes Caritas Internationalis the largest Catholic and the second largest global aid network. Knight replaced Duncan MacLaren, who left office after eight years. "Caritas is a treasure," Knight said. "The work we do here has a lasting impact on the lives of the poor, and I feel humbled to be given this responsibility by my

brothers and sisters in the Caritas family." As for the future of Caritas under its new secretary general, Knight said her priorities were to place humanitarian emergencies, integral human development, and the building of sustainable peace at the core of the agency. She added that this would not be accomplished as "diverse pieces of work, but as all part of the same program that will help the poor transform their own lives." "Caritas will need to strengthen its coordination, its communications, and its advocacy to achieve its potential for transforming the world through our living faith in Jesus Christ," she said.

Welcome: Pope Benedict welcomes Lesley-Anne Knight.

June 212007, The Record

Page 7

Helpers: St Vinnies youth workers Danielle Tilbrook, 27,TaniaVeder, 35, Wendy Briggs, 29 and Ben Smith, 27 at the Winter Appeal launch. ANTHONY BAPiCH

St Vinnies fires up All dressed up: Cathedral organist Jacinta Jakovcevic fires up for the choir's road trip.

PHOTO S'r ',

Choir hits the road Cathedral choir to bring traditional and classical music to Whitford parish • By Sylvia Defendi

St Mary's Cathedral choir will hit the road once again on Sunday, June 24, as it pays a visit to Our Lady of the Missions Church in Whitford. The choir will bring a rather classical and traditional note to the parish community by singing the Deutsche Messe of Schubert at llam in Whitford.

It will be the second road-trip for the choir, comprised of 32 members aged from nine to sixty, who travelled to Bateman parish in late May to share their talents. While the idea had been mentioned time and time again, the choir's necessary shift from the Cathedral building finally offered an opportunity to spread their skills across the Archdiocese. Yet another parish visit is planned for September 9, at Sacred Heart Church in Thornlie and Cathedral organist, Jacinta Jakovcevic hopes to continue the visitations next year. "It's interesting going to a different Church," she said. "The choir has to adapt to each

new location that provides diverse acoustics. "These experiences really strengthen the choir," she said. Great preparation is needed for each visit, Ms Jakovcevic said, as all the robes, music and files have to be carted to each Church. However, Ms Jakovcevic said the choir enjoyed travelling to parishes throughout the Archdiocese and that they were glad to have the opportunity to do so. "These visits really reflect an Archdiocese that is unified and the Cathedral as its mother Church is able to share in that communion with each parish within the Archdiocese," she said.

Ben Hur's juggernaut rolls on • By Anthony Barich

Ben Hur embarked on a quest to conquer the masses and the ripple effects of his legacy is still being felt... 10 years later. Ten years ago one Ben Hur took a small group of people with untrained voices and turned them into a community choir, as part of his Masters Degree in Music. The original group, believed to number about 10, has now grown to almost 100, to the point where the Society has closed their books as they can't fit in any more people. There is even a waiting list of people wanting to join the group. Today it is run by Tim Cunniffe, a Catholic respected in the local industry who has been musical director for productions at the Regal Theatre. Mr Cunniffe first discovered the ideal facilities at New Norcia for music camps and the group's annual music camp before the big end of year concert, and have happily accepted invitations to sing at the Sunday Mass there. The group, that practices more regularly at Churchlands Senior High School on Monday nights, is part of the organisation 'Friends of New Norcia' and is holding a concert at Hale College's John Inverarity Music and Drama Centre

• By Anthony Barich

When the St Vincent de Paul Society chose the place where the most desperate and marginalised of Perth's population go for help to rebuild their lives to launch its Winter Appeal, it had a powerful effect. But when, to launch St Vinnies' Winter Appeal, various dignitaries and Church representatives viewed the house in Northbridge with its impressive, modern accommodation that met all the needs of struggling youth, they only scratched the surface. Wendy Briggs, one of four youth workers who are in the trenches at St Vincent de Paul's Passages Resource Centre helping young people one-on-one, running group workshops and referring them onto those who can help them more, says it can be a tough gig. "It's sometimes rewarding when, on a rare occasion, someone who we help drops in and tells us they've gone on to do something productive with their lives," said Wendy, 29. "But often we see some young people who struggle to break the vicious cycle, and we see them come back again and again.

"All we can do is offer them opportunities. It's their choice. If they don't change, we know we've done all we can to move them on in a positive direction." Drug addiction, broken families, St Vincent de Paul youth workers have seen it all. Since Passages opened in 1999 and the house was donated to them, Passages has been accessed a staggering 51,303 times, more often than not by youth aged 12-25 who are, in no uncertain terms, in dire straits. The Project has seen an increase in the number of clients, staff and services over the years and now employs five fulltime staff. Since Passages opened it has made 28.818 contacts with just under 8000 individuals and has made 10.687 referrals to other agencies. Of the 8000, about 3700 contacts were made in the past year alone. Passages provides for the clients' basic needs plus support for their emotional wellbeing, and offer a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, Internet, phone and mail facilities free of charge. This is where the donations as part of St Vincent de Paul's winter appeal come in. To help St Vinnies, contact 9475 5426.

Still strong after 60 years • By Anthony Barich

Clarity: Terry Bruce, choir president Jeannette Emberson and Wally Bennett belt out a few tunes during practice. PHOTO COURTESY OF (OLIN CAMPBELL

in Wembley Downs on Saturday June 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are $20, $17 for concessions. There is also a Sunday afternoon session the next day at 2pm. The June concert celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of English composer Edward Elgar, so the choir will sing his most loved classics.

As a contrast, a medley of highlights from the musical "Porgy and Bess" will also be featured in the production. The Churchlands choir sung Carols at the Quarry in City Beach and Christmas carols at the clock tower at Scarborough. Tickets, which cost $20 for adults, $17 for concession, are available from Jeannette on 9401 3230.

Sister Pat Hogan is 81 and has not stopped working since joining the Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission 60 years ago. The occasion was marked recently when Embleton parish priest Mgr Peter McCrann concelebrated Mass with three priests for Sr Pat, who joined the order in New Zealand. Sr Pat, born in Pukekohe, 30km south of Auckland on the country's North Island, taught in Kiwi schools for 30 years before a notice in the order's newsletter asking for rural missionaries for Australia caught her eye. That was 21 years ago. She had retired from teaching aged 60 and since then she's worked at the Motor Mission at Lake Grace for six years, Dardanup Prayer House for four years and worked as the WA Council of Religious Institute's secretary for four years. Now based at the Taylor Dallimore Village at Embleton,

Sr Pat Hogan

she works in the order's province archives and recently travelled to Vietnam twice to set up the Sisters' province archives there. Working with families in the Australian outback has been the most rewarding part of her work, as there were few Catholic schools in the rural areas where she worked. She recently wrote her life story, called "80 years, Thank God," published by her niece's printing shop back in NZ.

Page 8

Perspectives

June 21 2007, The Record

editorial

Do we know who we really are? Attorney General Jim McGinty said repeatedly last week that when determining the best interests of a child available for adoption, the gender of the adopting parents is not relevant. Facts speak louder than words and since the facts in this case are that the adopting parents were both men, Mr McGinty clearly believes that motherhood is not relevant to the best interests of a child. In another context, presumably he also believes that fatherhood is also irrelevant to the best interests of a baby. The female bureaucrat in charge of adoptions used the same words, so presumably Mr McGinty's belief is government policy. It is a striking example of how dangerously irrational people can become when they forget - or have never known - who we really are. Most people rarely, if ever, think about who we are, but it is important to have some idea because without it we will not understand the meaning of who we are and what we do. The Church tells us that we are created by God in his own image and likeness. That does not mean that we are God; it means that we are able to live in the truth and love that are God and God's kingdom here on earth. The Church also teaches us that sin has distorted our knowledge, our love and our willingness to live in God's domain; distorted but not defeated. The death and resurrection of Jesus have restored our capacity to be who we really are. The strength (grace) of Jesus comes to us individually through His sacraments, His teaching, and the life of His Church. The distortion of sin has caused divisions within us so that we are like two persons. The Apostles Peter, James, John and Paul all described this division as being between our true self and our false self (the spirit and the flesh, the light and the darkness). In his letter to the Galatians (5:19-23), St Paul lists the effects of our 'corrupt nature' in essence as adultery, impurity, idolatry, drunkenness, feuds, factions, anger and spite, while the fruits of the spirit can be summarised as love, joy, PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 peace, patience, kindness, generosity Tel: (08) 9227 7080. and purity. It is not hard to see which is Fax (08) 9227 7087 the better world to live in, and neither is cathrec@iinet.net.au it hard to see which one we spend most of our time in. Unlike the immense graces that come to us entirely from the abundance of God's goodness through the sacraments, prayer and worship, the qualities of the true and false self are open to our choice (supported by grace). Our individual tendencies towards aspects of the true and the false are influenced by what happens to us, and particularly what happens in the early stages of life. Before looking at the way we are formed and influenced, it is important to remember that no amount of hardship or ill-treatment can compare with the love of God. The lives of innumerable saints demonstrate this truth, and three particularly good examples are BI. Margaret of Metola and St Germaine Cousin (both born with physical defects and rejected by their parents) and St Josephine Bakhita (kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of six). Another is St Patrick who spent years as a solitary slave shepherd in Ireland. In their enforced silence, God found them and they found the true self. For most of us, life begins in the love of a man and a woman, and continues in the environment of that love. This is the first reason why gender matters. It is not a matter of prejudice or discrimination. It is the nature of life itself. We are shaped by the love of our mother, the love of our father, and their love for one another. We absorb our knowledge of love through our experience of it, and, for the best results, that love needs to come in three parts - mother, father, and the love between these two halves of humanity. This is enriched by the love in other relationships (siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins etc,) but the parental union is the fullness of human love and that is the best interests of any and every child. Research on the mental health of teenagers in our own population by the Telethon Institute for Child Health confirms what the world knows that the best environment for children is the family created by their parents. We know from tragic experience, such as the recent Rumanian orphanages case, that when there is no love at all, children simply do not develop - physically, mentally or emotionally. We also know from experience and endless studies that when families suffer the loss of father or mother, or suffer from inadequacy of love from either or both parents, children do not thrive as they should. The deficiencies created in the individual by these experiences can be counter-balanced by love and by learning. The best learning comes from the teaching of Jesus who taught us not only about our relationship with God, but also about the best way to achieve the happiness of being human. This human dimension is summarised in the Beatitudes, which are a radically different way of being human. Unfortunately, they are not taught as well as they could be and consequently they are not part of our general or personal awareness of who we really are. Apart from the direct work of the Holy Spirit through grace and the sacraments, the Beatitudes are the clearest path to learning to recognise our personal deficiencies and learning to create attitudes that will free us from them. As all the saints confirm, only then do we finally come to know who we really are.

Two more shepherds: Bishops, at left, sit in St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, during the consecration of Bishops

Peter E._

Costelloe for the Archdiocese of Melbourne

PHOTO AR

DOUSE OF MEI ei, ', IRNE

Bishops consecrated One a convert, the other a Salesian Melbourne's new bishops start their mission A former Anglican and a Salesian priest were ordained as Auxiliary Bishops of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on Friday 15 June. The Episcopal ordination of Bishops Peter Elliott and Timothy Costelloe was conferred by Archbishop Denis Hart in St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne. The people of Melbourne filled the warm Cathedral, which was blanketed in the special atmosphere that accompanies a crisp heavy winter fog in Melbourne. Archbishop Hart welcomed the new bishops to the fraternity of bishops "who gather around the successor of Peter in order to fulfil our mission to proclaim the Gospel and shepherd the Church" He asked the new bishops to remember "that the Bishop is the visible principle and guarantee of unity in the particular Church". "Yours will be the role and privilege to safeguard the living Gospel in its entirety and to bring its light to the new questions presented by our changing historical circumstances," Archbishop Hart said. In attendance were the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ambrose De Paoli, Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop John Bathersby, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Archbishop Emeritus Frank Little, Bishops from around Australia and priests of the archdiocese. Prior to the the Holy Father's appointment, Bishop Elliott was parish priest of Malvern East. He is the Episcopal Vicar Education for Religious (Archdiocese of Melbourne), the General Editor of the Archdiocesan Religious Education texts, To Know,

Joined the club: Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Bishop Elliott, Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne, Bishop Costelloe and papal nuncio to Australia, PHoro ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE Archbishop Ambrose de Paoli.

Sacred moments: Archbishop Hart concelebrates with fellow bishops and clergy during the evening ceremony. pHOTO. ARCHDOCESE Or MELBOL,RNE

Worship and Love and the Director of John Paul IIInstitute for Marriage and the Family, Melbourne. Bishop Elliott is the son of an Anglican Vicar and trained for the Anglican clergy before converting to the Catholic faith in 1968. His ordination has made him the third bishop in Australian Catholic history to come from an Anglican background. He is nowthe Auxiliary Bishop for the Southern Region of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He

is also the Titular Bishop of Manaccenser. Bishop Costelloe, a Salesian, was the Parish Priest of Clifton Hill (Archdiocese of Melbourne). He also ministered in Perth in the 1990s. He has been appointed the Episcopal Vicar for Tertiary Education. He is the only Bishop in Melbourne that is a member of a religious order. He is now the Auxiliary Bishop for the Northern Region and the Titular Bishop of Cluain Iraird (Clonard).

Vist • Relord June 21 2007

Page 1

Memories: Christian Brothers College Perth was a day and boarding school, which stood from1894 to1962. It was the forerunner of Aquinas and Trinity Colleges at 1 St George's Terrace, Perth, which is now occupied by the Duxton Hotel.

WA Christian Brothers to be honoured U p to 2,000 former students and supporters of the Christian Brothers are expected to acknowledge their work in Western Australia at a gala event in August. The function will also coincide with a new emphasis on the work of the Brothers in such areas as social justice and community based services. A committee with wide ranging representation acknowledging the diverse contribution of the Brothers throughout the State has been planning the occasion. Perth businessman, Michael Perrott. who is a co-convenor of the event, says it is only fitting that the massive impact of the Brothers on Catholic education, and other areas, be appropriately recognised. "The Brothers have been trail blazers in education in Western Australia, and tens of thousands of Catholic men and boys have been the beneficiaries," Mr Perrott said. "Their first schools were CBC in the prime location of St Georges Terrace where the Duxton Hotel now stands, and St Patrick's Boys' School, initially in Irwin St but later in Wellington Street near St Mary's Cathedral. Both schools started in 1894." But the Brothers' influence was quickly felt

throughout the State. They went to Albany in 1898, and although their school closed five years later, they returned in 1955 to open St Pius X College, which merged with two other schools in 1978 to become St Joseph's College. By 1930 they were in Fremantle, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton, orphanages at Clontarf and Castledare, and the agricultural school at Tardun. The Brothers' resources were fully stretched in the 1950s when the post war baby and migration booms brought thousands of new enrolments. Extra schools were started throughout the State to cater for their needs. "The Brothers threw themselves into the challenge of educating Catholic youth, sometimes in the harshest of conditions, and with class sizes that wouldn't be tolerated today," Mr Perrott said. "After a full day in the classroom, most also had charge of sporting teams for after school training. That meant invariably weekend matches against other schools that were always hard fought affairs. "And if there was any spare time, some managed to squeeze in university studies to improve their qualifications and teach-

1./

ing credentials." Mr Perrott said a feature of the Brothers' schools was low fees, because of their vow of poverty. In the days before State Aid this was particularly important and allowed many boys from low income families to get a first class Catholic education, often through to matriculation level. The role of the Brothers has changed over the past 20 years, partly as a result of declining vocations. Most of the schools are now led by a lay principal, with a small number of Brothers supplementing the work of mostly lay teachers. He said many of the students had gone on to occupy leadership positions in the Church and the wider community, business, the professions and trades, as well as achieving sporting accolades. It was an appropriate time to honour their work, with a Celebration of Thanksgiving at the Burswood Theatre, Burswood, on Sunday August 26, at 4.30pm, followed by drinks and canapes in the Grand Ballroom. A charge of $25 a head will help cover costs. Mr Perrott said it will also be a great opportunity for former students to meet the current Brothers, and old schoolmates, and reminisce about their own schooldays, and subsequent experiences.

June 212007, The Record

Page 2 • Vista

Christian Brothers: a pillar of Catholic education in Western Australia I 1894

Christian Brothers' College, Perth - also called CBC, CBC Perth, CBC St George's Terrace, The Terrace, Christians, St Malachy's. The boarders and some day students moved over to Mt Henry at the end of 1937 to found Aquinas College. CBC was transferred to East Perth in 1962 and was renamed Trinity College.

1894

St Patrick's Boys' School, Perth - often referred to as St Patrick's or just St Pat's. Originally located in Irwin Street, St Patrick's was transferred to Wellington Street at the end of 1907. It became St Patrick's Technical School in 1948 and was closed at the end of 1963.

1898

Christian Brothers' College, Albany. This lasted only till 1903 when it was closed.

1901

Clontarf Orphanage. In 1897 the Brothers took over a boys' orphanage in Subiaco. In 1901, the boys were transferred to Clontarf - later called Clontarf Boys' Town. Clontarf Orphanage closed in 1983. The site became the home of the Clontarf Aboriginal College in 1986.

1901

Christian Brothers' College, Fremantle. The Brothers commenced teaching at the parish primary school, St Patrick's, whilst they built their secondary school on the site. The two schools merged to become a composite boys' school.

1908

Christian Brothers' College, Kalgoorlie. After nearly eighty years, in 1984, the College amalgamated with Prendivillie College to become John Paul College.

1926

St Patrick's College, Geraldton. In 1994 St Patrick's merged with Stella Mans College to become Nagle Catholic College.

1928

St Vincent's School, Castledare. The original school for boys with intellectual disabilities did not succeed, and Castledare became an orphanage for junior boys, linked to Clontarf Orphanage. It closed in 1983.

1928

St Mary's Agricultural School, Machin. St Mary's Agricultural School was established as a farm school extension of Clontarf Orphanage. In 1969, it ceased being an orphanage and became the fee-paying Christian Brothers' Agricultural School.

1936

Christian Brothers' High School, Highgate. CBC Highgate merged with St Mark's College, Bedford, to become St Mark's College, Highgate. In 1989, St Mark's, Highgate amalgamated with St Thomas Aquinas Girls' School, Bedford, to become Chisholm College in 1989.

1936

St Joseph's Farm and Trade School, Bindoon. Like St Mary's, Tardun, St Joseph's Farm and Trade School commenced as a farm school for orphan boys, linked to Clontarf Orphanage. The school became known as Bindoon Boys' Town after 1942, and then in 1968 became Keaney College. In 1995, it was reopened as Catholic Agricultural College, Bindoon.

The good old days: Brother Walter Hall, CBC Highgate, Principal CBH and Aquinas and school prefects.

Brother Drake

1938

Aquinas College - created when the boarders and a number of day students transferred from CBC Perth.

1942

Christian Brothers' College, Leederville. In 1986, CBC Leederville amalgamated with St Mary's Girls' School to become Aranmore Catholic College.

1954

St Francis Xavier College, East Victoria Park - commonly known as Xavier College. In 1990. Xavier College amalgamated with St Joachim's Girls' School to become Ursula Frayne Catholic College.

1955

St Pius X College, Albany. In 1955, the Brothers returned to Albany, and opened St Pius X College. In 1978, three schools. Ave Maria College. Pius X and St Joseph's Primary School amalgamated to become St Joseph's College. 1955St Edmund's College, Collie, In 1977, St Edmund's amalgamated with St Brigid's Presentation Convent to become Collie Catholic College. The senior part of this school closed in 2000.

1959

St Mark's College, Bedford. St Mark's, Bedford merged with Christian Brothers' High School, Highgate to become St Mark's, Highgate, which then amalgamated with St Thomas Aquinas Girls' School, Bedford, to become Chisholm College in 1989.

1962

Trinity College - created when the students and staff of CBC Perth were relocated to East Perth and the school changed its name to Trinity College.

1971

Christian Brothers' College, Broome. In 1987, CBC Broome amalgamated with Nulungu Girls' College to become Nulungu Catholic College. In 1995, Nulungu Catholic College amalgamated with St Mary's Primary School and Holy Child Kindergarten to become St Mary's College.

1987

Kolbe Catholic College, Rockingham. Kolbe College is a diocesan coeducational Catholic College that was established by the Catholic Education Commission and run by the Brothers for five years until they left at the end of 1991.

1987

St Luke's College, Karratha. St Luke's College is a diocesan coeducational Catholic College that was established by the Catholic Education Commission and run by the Brothers for five years until they left at the end of 1991.

A

s the Christian Brothers move in exciting new directions, we wish to celebrate and thank them for their enormous commitment to education in Western Australia over the past 113 years and to also wish them well for the future. It is with great pleasure we extend an invitation to you, your family and friends to attend this Celebration of Thanksgiving. Date: Time: Place: Dress: RSVP:

26th August 2007 4.30pm Burswood Theatre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood Smart Casual 6th August 2007

The function is a gift from grateful "Old Boys", Friends and Associates of the Christian Brothers. Therefore to help cover the cost of the function, a small charge of $25.00 per ticket will apply. School children free but MUST be ticketed. Drinks and canapes will follow in the Grand Ballroom. We look forward to sharing a happy evening with you. Yours sincerely, MICHAEL PERROTT MAUREEN COLGAN Chair Executive Officer (Hon) (08) 9317 1009 (08) 9474 1799

I am pleased to accept the invitation to the Celebration of Thanksgiving. I will / I will not (please circle) be staying for drinks and canapes in the Grand Ballroom. Name: P/Code. Address. Number of tickets requiredAdults Contact phone number. Christian Brothers School/s or Ministry you have been affiliated with? Children I wish to pay by: • Cheque (made payable to the "Trustees of the Christian Brothers") • Postal Order (made payable to the "Trustees of the Christian Brothers") • Direct Deposit BSB: 066102 Account: 00903865 Account name: Trustees of the Christian Brothers Please reference your deposit with your surname and initials Please enclose payment and return this form to: Edmund Rice Celebration, Locked Bag 1129, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983

RSVP is essential! Strictly no door sales. Tickets will be forwarded to you by mail no earlier than the first week of July.

Vista • Page 3

June 212007, The Record

In Rome...

As the feast day of the Body and Blood of Our Lord was celebrated around the world on June 10, Pope Benedict XVI has some telling words about how it can empower us to live as Christians in an often hostile world

l

• By Cindy Wooden

OME (CNS) - Before eading a Corpus Christi procession with the Eucharist hrough the streets of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI said the sacrament is essential nourishment for Christians walking through an often-hostile world. "For every Christian generation, the Eucharist is the indispensable nourishment that sustains them as they cross the desert of this world," he said in his June 7 homily for the feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord. The world is "made arid by ideological and economic systems that do not promote life, but rather mortify it," he said during the Mass celebrated outside Rome's Basilica of St John Lateran. He said ours is "a world where the logic of power and possessing dominates more than that of service and love; a world where often the culture of violence and death triumphs. But Jesus comes to meet us and reassure us: He himself is the bread of life," Pope Benedict said. The Pope's security team and Italian police, who are responsible for papal safety outside the Vatican, were extra attentive during the Mass and the procession to the Basilica of St Mary Major. A day earlier, a mentally disturbed man jumped a barricade in St Peter's Square in an attempt to reach the Pope as he rode through the crowd at his weekly general audience. Security concerns did not prevent the Pope from riding in the procession in the back of an open flatbed truck. The Pope knelt before the Blessed Sacrament as security officers and candlebearing altar servers, bishops and cardinals walked beside the truck. .

Because the Mass was considered a Rome diocesan event, despite the thousands of foreigners present, Pope Benedict celebrated the liturgy, including the eucharistic prayer, in Italian rather than Latin. The Pope told people gathered for the Mass that they should not be surprised that many people have difficulty accepting church teaching that Jesus is truly present in Eucharist. The real presence is a mystery, and "a God who becomes flesh and sacrifices himself for the life of the world puts human wisdom in crisis," he said. But Catholics continue to proclaim the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and, in traditional Corpus Christi processions, they bear witness to their faith by carrying the Eucharist through their cities, the Pope said. Pope Benedict said Luke's Gospel account of the miracle of the loaves and fishes emphasises the fact that everyone present ate and was filled. In the same way, he said, the public procession "calls attention to the fact that Christ sacrificed himself for all humanity," the Pope said. "His passage between the houses and along the streets of our city will be an offering of joy, of eternal life, peace and love to those who live there." Pope Benedict said Luke's Gospel story also emphasises the fact that the bread and fish multiplied by Jesus were offered by people in the crowd. "The five loaves and two fish indicate our contribution, poor but necessary, which he transforms into a gift of love for all," the Pope said. The Eucharist, he said, calls Christians to give themselves to others "because the vocation of each of us is to be, like Christ, bread broken for the life of the world."

All for One: Pope Benedict XVI leads a candlelit Corpus Christi procession in Rome on June 7.

PHOTO CNS/CHP6 HELC3REN.

... and in Perth

Bringing Christ to the 'burbs • By Sylvia Defendi

p

arishioners from St Joseph's Church in Bassendean brought the Good News of the Gospel to the neighbourhoods and businesses of Bassendean on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 10. Over 150 people attended the celebration, which included Mass, Benediction and a procession through the streets. "The Corpus Christi procession brought Christ into the common space, which in modern times has been secularised. It was no mere symbolism but a reality of making sacred the life of the community," Parish priest at Bassendean, Fr Jim Shelton said. The all-day celebration was the second annual event for the parish community and was led by Fr Shelton, who said the procession brought to mind the great joy of having Christ's presence among all. Indeed Pope Benedict XVI has said" it is almost an act of obedience to Jesus' invitation to 'proclaim from the housetops' what He passed on in secret. "The Apostles received the gift of the Eucharist from the Lord in the intimacy of the Last Supper, but the gift was intended for everyone, for the whole world... that everyone has the chance of meeting Jesus who passes."

Evangelisation: 3assendean parishioners bring Christ to the suburbs.

Walkers let sleeping Ballajurites lie Papers were still out on suburban front yard lawns on Sunday June 10 as about 100 members of the Mary MacKillop Parish in Ballajura staged their third annual Corpus Christi procession. The procession wound its way at 9am from the Church down Cassowary Drive, up Kiandra Parade, left into Pelican Pde and finally back to the church. Leading the walkers was St Charles seminarian and part-time Scottish piper Matt Willcox who hopefully did not waken too many sleeping Ballajurite neighbours, although many watched from gates and front porches. Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow carried the Eucharist in the monstrance during the procession, while local police Constables Stokes and Cooper provided an escort for the 30 minute walk. "The canopy holders assured me they felt fine - but I must go into training before next year's procession, or use a lighter monstrance" said Fr Jegorow afterwards.

Showing Him: Ballajura parishioners process through the suburb with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament:

V ARY MACKILLOP PARISH:

The body of Christ: Thousands of people participate in the candlelit Corpus Christi procession led by Pope Benedict XVI. PHOTO CNS/CHRIS HELGREN. REUTERS

Passion: Germans take part in a Corpus Christi procession in the German village of Wackersberg, south of Munich, on June 7. A eucharistic procession is a traditional feature of the celebration of the feast of the ,E sv Body and Blood of Christ.

Page 4 • Vista

Opinion

June 21 2007, The Record

Suffer with them, don't destroy the sufferer Jesus retained his wounds, so let our own grievances be our glory Catherine Parish

© home

T

he meaning and value of suffering is such a hard one to both grasp and convey in our permissive world where the easy way out is the way to go. If you don't like marriage, get divorced; don't want a baby, get rid of it; don't like your nose, get

another one. But the sad fact is that no matter how we try, suffering will always find us. The tragic physical, social and emotional fallout from all our attempted quick fixes shows that they always come back to bite us somehow. There is no quick fix for the human condition, and much of that condition involves suffering of one kind or another. We shy away from it as scary and unpleasant, and often it is. But it is not our role to stop suffering by removing evidence of suffering from around us; it is our role to offer support to the sufferer, to share their yoke and make their burden a bit lighter. This is true love; this is true compassion - "suffering with".

We can't eliminate suffering from the world, but we can certainly contribute to its amelioration in many ways more authentically human than destroying the sufferer. Anyone who has been ill knows the comfort of a cool clean pillow case, or just the cool hand of a sympathetic person on a hot forehead. I'll never forget the immeasurable comfort of a gentle nurse's touch during my first birth experience. A moment of sympathy, even just a glance of understanding can mean so much to someone suffering emotionally or mentally. The knowledge that someone cares about how you are feeling, cares enough to let you talk about your difficulties is a great comfort

to those in trouble, even if they decline your offers of help. We need to look beyond the disfigurement that illness, disability and age can cause, beyond the smells, the mess, the dependence. We need always to look at the person, the one with whom Christ told us he was so closely united that if we did the smallest kindness to them, we were doing it to Him. We need to uphold the dignity of that person by ensuring that gentle and sensitive nursing care is given until their natural end no matter how long it may take, and by helping their families to bear up courageously during difficult times. We need to value and respect the often unassuming heroism of the sufferer and those helping them in

their suffering. Why did Jesus still retain the wounds of the crucifixion? Why wasn't his full bodily integrity restored at the resurrection? I didn't find this answer in a Catechism, so if it is wrong, please correct me; but it seemed that the answer is because the marks of His suffering are also the marks of His glory; it is His final reminder to us that as human beings it is our suffering that will win us glory; the wounds of our struggle in this life will be the marks of our glory in the next. This is real respect for life; that when we cannot alleviate suffering and it must be endured, we all help the sufferer in whatever way possible to bear it in imitation of Christ.

i say, i say

Philosophical conundrums The new Ten Guy Crouchback

I

have recently taken up a parttime position lecturing in international relations and related areas at one of our universities. The course has a strong ethical dimension. Ilike other people to do my work for me, andI am therefore, in order to do things the easy way, setting in advance a few easy tutorial topics which readers of The Record may be able to help me with. They are, I confess, a somewhat mixed bag of questions: Topic 1: In a small and hitherto inoffensive Muslim country such as Tunisia, a privately-owned newspaper publishes some cartoons featuring Jesus Christ. The paper has a very small circulation and few people see these cartoons. However, word of them eventually gets out.

$40 July Advert Special

During July all you'll pay for a black and white advertisement this size is $40. email for info: production@therecord.com.au

I

like other people to do my work for me, and I am therefore, in order to do things the easy way, setting in advance a few easy tutorial topics which readers of The Record may be able to help me with.

When it does, Christians all over the world stage demonstrations demanding vengeance and calling for the blood of Tunisians and other Muslims. Even more moderate Christians demand that Tunisia impose press censorship. In various Christian countries, and in Muslim countries with Christian settler populations people of possibly Tunisian origin or of generally north African appearance are attacked and threatened with death, and the Tunisian Foreign Ministry is compelled to issue a warning to Tunisian nationals, or people who may be mistaken as such, to flee from Christian countries. Tunisian flags are burned in the streets of every capital of Europe. The editor of a Christian newspaper who publishes an article urging calm and toleration is sacked. Meanwhile Christian governments and private businesses cut off trade with Tunisia. The governments of several major Muslim countries, terrified of Christian retaliation, issue apologies, and promise to censor their own media to prevent it publishing such cartoons again. This is (a) A moving affirmation of the fact that Christians take

their faith seriously and revere the image of its Founder; or (b) a demonstration of Medieval irrationalism and fanaticism. How is it to be coped with? Discuss. Topic 2: Three people are tried in the jurisdiction of a South-East Asian country for drug smuggling, where such an offence carries a death-sentence. One, who is not a religious believer, is aquitted and discharged. He resumes drug-smuggling. The second is convicted and his death-sentence, following the intervention of his own government, is commuted. He is sentenced to thirty years' imprisonment in a tropical Asian jail. The third, the ringleader, is convicted and sentenced to death. No cornmutation. Before he dies he embraces Christianity, repents and confesses his sins, is given absolution, and dies shriven. Which has the more enviable fate? Discuss. Topic 3: In the last 40 years, A frica has received approximately half a trillion dollars in foreign aid by government-to-government transfers. Has this helped Africa? If not, could there be better ways of helping it? Discuss. Topic 4: According to Chesterton: "A religious believer clings to the absurd superstition that God made the universe out of nothing. An atheist, on the other hand, accepts the logical and rational fact that the universe made itself out of nothing." Discuss. Topic 5: What do the words "social justice" actually mean? That is perhaps enough to go on with for the moment. But Iam sure that it would make my task easier if you could send me in your answers.

Commandments • By Alicia Ambrosio

VATICAN CITY (CNS)- The Vatican has issued a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers, saying motor vehicles can be an "occasion of sin." A document titled "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road" said driving can unleash road rage and other immoral behaviour, including excess speed, reckless passing, cursing and just plain rudeness. "Cars tend to bring out the 'primitive' side of human beings, thereby producing rather unpleasant results," the document said. The warning about driving came in the first part of the 59-page instruction, released on June 19 by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers. The document said drivers need to remember that even when there is no one sitting next to them, they are never alone. "Driving a vehicle is basically a way of relating with and getting closer to other people and of integrating within a community of people," it said. "This capacity for coexistence, of entering into relations with others, presupposes certain specific qualities in a driver: namely self-mastery, prudence, courtesy, a fitting spirit of service and knowledge of the highway code," it said. Accidents can occur anytime, and when they do motorists have a moral responsibility to stop and help others, it said. The document cited statistics to demonstrate the risks of driving. In the 20th century, about 35 million people lost their lives in road accidents, and 1.5 bil-

lion people were injured. In the year 2000 alone, traffic deaths reached nearly 1.3 million, and 90 percent of the accidents were due to human error. "The harm caused to the families of those involved in accidents, as well as the protracted consequences for the injured, who all too often are permanently disabled, should also be borne in mind," it said. The "Ten Commandments" for drivers, as listed in the document, are: 1. You shall not kill. 2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm. 3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events. 4. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents. 5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination and an occasion of sin. 6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so. 7. Support thefamilies of accident victims. 8. Bringguilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness. 9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party. 10. Feel responsible toward others.

Page 9

June 21 2007, The Record

Coming to terms with Alzheimers Perth resident speaks out on the illness that has changed his life how to live with Alzheimer's disease and have a meaningful life. There was much enlightening matter for carers in their important role; and the patients also received much knowledge of this subtle disease that has got such a stranglehold on their lives. The whole conference was a vehicle of hope to all victims and carers. Alzheimers Australia, whose WA state branch operates at Subiaco, has a good team of professionals, and helps immensely, especially in the management of our lives. They identify the disease for us; point out what is wrong; and give us every assistance in dealing with

• George Russo

J

ust one year ago, I was celebrating my 77th birthday with my family at a restaurant when I collapsed at the table; my face fell into the plate full of food that had been placed in front of me. I was unconscious. An ambulance was called and I was taken immediately to Charles Gardiner hospital and admitted to the Neurological ward. Iwas diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Recently, a lady from Canberra, Christine Boden, after some careful investigation into Alzheimers disease, wrote a book setting out all the symptoms of the dreaded disease. She was afflicted when she was quite young, her husband had fled, and she had three young children to rear alone. She was concerned to study this disease, and such was her knowledge that she passed it on to other sufferers in her well book, Who willIbe when I die?' Who could have dared to hope, as this lady did, that so deadly and widespread a disease could be, if not cured, at least treated by experts for some very favourable results. She singled out signs from among her studies of the disease, and passed them on to others so a fflicted, giving fellow sufferers hope. First, she defined Alzheimer's for us: ' Alzheimer's is not a mental illness' - and what a relief that knowledge has been for so many who thought otherwise. She gave a direct definition: "It is an organic disease of the brain, that eventually leads to death." Then, she described it: "Some cells of the brain become diseased and tangled, confused and no longer able to function." The memory is the faculty most affected. The dissolution of the brain cells affects who we are as a person. They make us who we are; they affect our behaviour; our memory, speech and even our thinking, and, finally, our whole personality. These cells are situated in the front of the brain, behind the eyes. Eventually, the victim falls into a coma, the body ceases to function, and dies. It is a testimony to the whole

it.

Hopeful: George Russo, Carol Smith and her husband and carer, Frank. process of the brain and how uncertain its works. In the early stages of the disease one detects memory loss, repetition, and some eccentric behaviour. These cause stress, which, in turn, increases the effect of the disease. An early diagnosis helps in the treatment of the disease. As I stated above, I have only just been diagnosed, and I find myself more than ever dependent on the care of my wife. She, my official carer, has an essential role in every facet of the disease. I totally depend on her. She has a heavy responsibility. Everything becomes stressful for the sufferer. For example, I belong to a large family whom I visit every year in Sydney, but this year Icannot bring myself to go, althoughIam only yet in the early stages of the disease. It is hard to keep up with family and friends; such is the lack of confidence one experiences. I avoid these because I am not my old self: I simply forget the simple things that happened only yesterday. I relate stories over and over and bore people.

eor • e Russo

belong to a large family whom I visit every year in Sydney, but this yearIcannot bring myself to go, although lam only yet in the early stages of the disease. I can't remember everyday things, and even among my family I find it hard to remember all the nephew and nieces names. It is very hard to make conversation and even remember the names of any new family friends. I become confused and embarrassed. It is a great ordeal, and this is my own family. At our home in Perth my grandchildren are constantly telling me that I have told them 'that before,' usually three or four times. I somehow sense that my own family, who know me so well and live with me, and are used to my garrulous nature, find a big change in me. They are embarrassed by my eccentric behaviour and feel rather

sad at my efforts to tell them about things I have already told them before, perhaps ten minutes ago. And these are my close family. Friends are even more baffled by my conversation, and surprised by some of my odd statements: often wrong about the everyday domestic or political happenings. And all of these are people close to me. A few weeks ago Perth hosted the National Alzheimers Conference, attended by people with the disease and their carers from all over the nation. There were lectures in topics to assist patients and carers. The main aim of the conference was to help people afflicted with the disease to manage their lives:

They also build our confidence, with their amiable lectures and camaraderie afterwards. In a word, they help us to function well in a society almost totally ignorant of the disease instead of hiding us in care homes. Our loved ones are generally our carers. They know our innermost needs through living close to us and observing our behaviour. They also know what we can and can't do. Finally, in my efforts to get a spiritual dimension on the disease - and which was seemingly not covered at the Conference - I contacted an old priest friend. This, he sent, to add to my daily prayers: When the signs of age begin to mark my body (and still more when they touch my mind); when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without, or is born within me; when the painful moment comes in which I suddenly awaken to the fact thatIam ill or growing old; and above all, at that last moment when Ifeel lam losing hold of myself and am absolutely passive within the hands of the great unknown forces that have formed me; in all these dark moments, 0 God, grant that I may understand that it is You (provided only my Faith is strong enough) who are painfully parting the fibres of my being In order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance and bear me away within Yourself" (TRANSLATED FROM 'LE MILIEU DIM; 1926,7)

There's no beating the French for subtlety!

national briefs... Pell daims "Stalinist" methods used against him

Brennan defends Church speaking rights

Christian thoughts motivated Pine Gap protest

Cardinal George Pell said there was "a whiff of Stalinism" about attempts by a Greens parliamentarian to officially investigate his comments about cloning. A Greens MP, Lee Rhiannon, moved to have the Cardinal investigated to find out whether he was guilty of contempt of parliament, after the Cardinal had strongly urged NSW MPs to vote against cloning. In NSW, contempt of parliament carries a potential sentence of 25 years' jail. "I would be privileged to appear before the (parliament) if necessary, to resist this clumsy attempt to curb religious freedom and freedom of speech," Cardinal Pell said.

Following the controversy over Cardinal Pell's comments on cloning, the right of the Church to speak out on controversial issues was reiterated from a number of sources. These included influential Jesuit priest Fr Frank Brennan, who said it was crucial for society that religion should make its presence felt. "Religion is one of the social and cultural foundations which can correct too ready a recourse to short-term, popular consequences, whether the issue be war and peace, indigenous rights, refugee rights, stem cell research or the right to life of the vulnerable at either end of the life cycle," Fr Brennan said.

Donna Mulhearn, a former "human shield" who visited Iraq at the start of the 2003 US-led invasion to protect Iraqi citizens from falling bombs, was among four activists found guilty of breaching the Defence Act during a protest at Pine Gap defence base in the Northern Territory. Referring again to the Iraq war, Mulhearn defended her illegal entry to Pine Gap, saying it was the least she could do "given the magnitude of the crime I was trying to prevent." The four were given fines by the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Mulhearn claims Christian inspiration for her protest actions.

Pro-life counsellors escape, for now Francis Sullivan, CEO of Catholic Health Australia, criticized a proposed bill before federal parliament which would have imposed restrictions on how pro-life pregnancy counselling services advertise themselves. MPs, from the Liberal, Labor, Australian Democrats and Greens parties, had planned to force pro-life counselling services to state on all their advertising that they do not refer for abortions. Not only was the bill biased against pro-life groups, Mr Sullivan said, but it was not "honest about the limited options offered by other services." The bill has stalled for the moment, because of lack of support from leaders of major parties.

Page 10

June 212007, The Record

On the way : Work on St Mary's Cathedral's grand processional entry has begun.

{Tuesday June 19)

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A metal frame had been fitted around the southern porch, which provided the stability necessary for the big lift.

Once in the air, site workers assisted the large crane by guiding the 40 tonne porch into place.

Last move

Final adjustment

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The porch was momentarily placed back on the ground at a half-way point to allow for the repositioning of the crane and the final move. The finished product

4..4

Site workers carefully directed the porch, which hung close to the Cathedral building, towards the western front.

The relocated southern porch was meticulously adjusted before it was placed onto a prepared foundation.

Preserved porch: a welcome addition

Continued from page 1

when architect Peter Quinn discovered the opportunity to preserve the historical southern porch facade. "Without the wonders of modern engineering, this would not be possible," commented Parish Gifts Committee chairman Fr Brian O'Loughlin who reported

As it presently stands, with the relocated porch, the western front still requires some work before it becomes the Cathedral's grand entry.

the committee's enthusiasm with the new plan. "The committee was determined to preserve as much of the significant fabric of the 1865 Cathedral as possible - hence why the entire western front had been maintained," he told The Record. Dean of the Cathedral Mgr Thomas McDonald said the new

plan for the processional entrance "restored the main entry to the western front, which had been obscured by the porch Bishop Gibney had added." "It is about preserving the past while restoring and embellishing the original and future entry," he added. PHOTOS: TERENCE BOYLEN

June 21 2007, The Record

Page 11

The World FEATURE

Behind the grime a masterpiece

The central vault of the restored ceiling in the chapel of St Sylvester at the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) in Rome depicts angels holding the symbols found in Pope Sixtus V's coat of arms. PHOTO C

Scala Santa chapel: Under the soot and grime, a visual treasure • By Carol Glatz

w

hen a Vaticanled team of art restorers started and scrubbing scrutinising what was underneath centuries of soot and grime caked on the ceiling and walls of a major shrine in Rome, they made a spectacular discovery. A whole pictorial series of brilliantly coloured, 16th-century frescoes by influential Flemish landscape artist Paul Bril and others had been hidden under the dust and dirt. And now, after seven years of study, planning and restoration, pilgrims flocking to the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) will be treated to the visual treasure when they enter its chapel of St Sylvester. Salvaged from the chapel's crumbling and blackened walls are "these very beautiful landscapes" extolling the beauty "and exuberance of nature," said Arnold Nesselrath, director of the Vatican's Byzantine, medieval and modern collections and head of the chapel's restoration work. The landscape style had been developed in northern Europe and was brought to late-Renaissance "Roman culture by artists like the Bril brothers," he told Catholic News Service on June 12 at a press conference at the shrine. Alessandro Zuccari, professor of modern art and one of the project's historians, said although Pope Sixtus V, who commissioned the frescoes, "was stern, he loved pictures to be simple, joyous and serene." Pope Sixtus brought in about 40 artisans to paint more than 18,000 square feet of frescoes through-

Restorers also repaired the out the building, which was built in the late 16th century to house flaking and crumbling plaster the Holy Stairs and other sacred by injecting adhesives and special mortar under the frescoes and treasures. But time and tourism took their essentially gluing everything back to the wall. toll, and "after centuries of degDeborah Marrow, director of radation and little upkeep" much of the sanctuary was in dire need the Getty Foundation, told CNS of renovation, said a June 12 press that "it was really a model project, an outstanding, important work statement from the sanctuary. Thanks to almost $500,000 that is having a lot of impact on the in grants from the Los Angeles- field of conservation in terms of based J. Paul Getty Trust and addi- how you document and treat these tional funding from the province wall paintings." The years of research, planning of Rome, a small portion of the complex - the St Sylvester chapel and restoration will be appreci- has been returned to its original ated by many: Between 2,000 and splendour. Even the chapel's large 15,000 pilgrims a day - 2 million wooden choir stalls were refur- people a year - visit the Sanctuary bished - a task that involved lots of of the Scala Santa. Many come to climb the shrine's patient scraping. One restorer said it was unbe- stairs on their knees, pray at the lievable how many wads of chewed Sancta Sanctorum - the private gum left by tourists were found chapel of the popes during the Middle Ages - and venerate a silstuck to the seats and rails. But earlier restorers were ver and jewel-covered Byzantine responsible for some of the dam- image of Christ. According to tradition, the Holy age inflicted on the frescoes. are the ones Jesus climbed Stairs had paint A white, lead-based Pilate brought him Pontius when the brighten to used been once paintings. But the white pigment before the crowd and handed him eventually oxidised, turned brown- over to be crucified. The 28 marble steps have been ish black and blocked out the image with thick wood panels, covered it was intended to highlight. smooth from centuries worn now varnishes and glues Oils, sticky also had been applied to shine up of human traffic. The curious can scenes dulled by time and dimmed still catch a peek of the ancient marble underneath through open by candle smoke and soot. Nesselrath said the walls and slats on the risers. The shrine and its care are ceilings were "all black," and while they knew frescoes were under- entrusted to the Passionists, who neath, no one had any idea what led the campaign to win recognimany of the scenes and details tion and grants for the restoration of the frescoes. looked like. Now with just one chapel Chemicals, state-of-the-art laser technology and "mechanical repaired and resplendent, the cleaning," which sometimes means Passionists are wondering where future funding will come from so using good old elbow grease, got rid of most of the sticky substances they can tackle the rest of the dark, and dirt. But the oxidised lead dingy and, in many areas, decaying interior. patches would not budge. One priest pointed to a huge With help from the Vatican Museums' research department, marble statue of Pope Pius IX, who put the shrine in the care of restorers devised a way to chemically reverse the oxidation process, the Passionists, and said he had and dark blotches disappeared like cleaned it himself after a stoneworker friend gave him special magic.

This is a before and after restoration comparison of the St Sylvester chapel at the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) in Rome. Pope Sixtus V. who commissioned the shrine's many frescoes in the 16th century, in seen on the wall at left cleansers. Nine years later, the statue is back to being gray and dirty. At the other end of the shrine's entry hall, a woman climbs a stepladder to dust off a marble representation of the "Pieta." First she sweeps it with a dry paintbrush, but as clouds of black soot cascade off Jesus, Mary and

an angel, she starts brushing with a broom head whose handle has been lopped off. Today the dirty culprits are no longer smoky candles, but the hundreds of cars, diesel buses and buzzing mopeds belching exhaust just a few yards from the shrine -CNS entrance.

Page 12

Reviews

June 212007, The Record

Jesus Camp: creating a fear of the unknown • By Sylvia Defendi

It is no secret that society is witnessing an unprecedented surge in religious awareness and discussion that would have seemed quite strange merely ten years ago. And recently released documentary/feature, Jesus Camp, is as much a testimony to this turn of events as last year's God on my Side, produced by Andrew Denton. Much like Denton's comedic analysis of fundamentalist Christianity, Jesus Camp, directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, takes a deep look at Evangelical Christianity and the growing political influence it has on American governance. Jesus Camp, however, provides the viewer with a more sinister version of fundamental Christianity at its strongest - within children. Far from the spirited old men praising the Lord on charismatic TV stations, the film's subjects are fired-up pre-teens bent on changing the world one policy at a time. Cameras capture hundreds of these Evangelical children as they embark, with Pastor Becky Fischer, on a charismatic 'Kids on Fire' summer camp, where they learn about the wrongs they are 'called' to right and how to spread their good news to a somewhat confused liberal American public. For some in the audience it was difficult not to laugh at a mother's 'unfounded' creationist views or at the seemingly obvious contradictions in a Pastor's preaching and to gasp at convulsing children who had 'fallen in the spirit,' or who were crying uncontrollably because

'God's soldier': One of the young American Evangelical Christians who are set to change the world as we know it.

P HOTO COURTESY OF THE REVEL ATION F IL M FESTIVAL

they had sinned. What Jesus Camp portrayed was definitely foreign territory for most. Yet, despite the scenes from the 'Kids on Fire' camp, the snapshots into the home lives of selected families and the interviews with pastors, parents and most importantly 'born-again' children, the focus of the film was far from an insight into the foundations of the faith that drives the Evangelical movement.

Whether the film's creators intended it or not, Jesus Camp was essentially a highly political view of Christianity. And with Evangelical Christians representing over 50% of American voters, the film quite obviously questioned what it saw as a push to incorporate church and state and in doing so foreshadowed the demise of democracy. Jesus Camp explored current hot topics, such as creation versus evo-

lution, pro-life versus pro-choice and whether American president George Bush truly is a man sent by the Almighty. However the film goes one step further by scrutinising not only the political agenda of the Evangelical movement, but also the strategies in place to achieve their goals. And no scene epitomised the message of Jesus Camp as succinctly as when Pastor Fischer asked a room of children, some sitting in

their parent's laps, to put up their hand if they wanted to live for the Evangelical cause, only to find many parents were holding their 4year-old's hands high in the air. Perceiving an unjust indoctrination of faith, Jesus Camp essentially queries whether these children, aged from six to fourteen, are committed to the 'cause' out of their own free will. Indeed the camp is portrayed as more of a training session for soldiers ready to go into battle than a forum for spiritual growth. Pastor Fischer even reinforces this notion during one of her speeches at the camp, where she says that Muslims train their children to use firearms and be martyred for their cause from the age of three. This was followed by the deduction that the Evangelical group had some 'catching-up' to do. Much like Denton's film, Jesus Camp maintains the belief that too much of a good thing can be highly detrimental, whether that be found in the Muslim faith or Christianity. However, coupled with religious scaremongering worldwide, films such as Jesus Camp do more towards instilling a deep mistrust of religion and the potential power it holds than much else. And in retrospect, it is not the topic of religion that is in vogue, but rather the overwhelming fear that religion will eventually call for all to forfeit their liberties. Ironically, that is frequently how the religious world feels about secular society. Jesus Camp will be screening at Luna SX Cinema in Fremantle on July 14 at 5.20pm and at Luna Cinema in leederville on July 15 at 7pm, as part of the lath annual Revelation Film Festival.

A struggle for education bears much fruit Struggle and Achievement: a history of the Parents and Friends' Federation of Western Australia Inc. (19542004). Compiled by Dr Hal GP Colebatch, MA LLB,PhD.

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t is hard to imagine a more timely coincidence of attitudes than those to be found in this history of the Parents and Friends' Federation of WA and the current political storm about the destruction of human embryos. In his foreword to this important history, Archbishop Barry Hickey wrote: "Reading Dr Colebatch's work, I was struck particularly by two currents which will have ongoing significance in our democracy not only in education but also in many other areas of social life and social integrity. "The first is the persistence with which clearly stated, entirely rational principles were simply ignored in favour of political preferences, prejudices, fear or apathy. "The second is much more encouraging. It is the inspiring story of how parents who combined to insist on the justice of

their cause could achieve a major change in political and social attitudes and actions. "Because of the strength of the Parents and Friends' Federation of WA, the campaign for educational justice was not a struggle between Church and State, but one between citizens of integrity and sound reason and the elected parliaments of WA and Australia. "Hal Colebatch's account of this makes good reading for all people interested in contributing to a democracy based on truth and justice." The words could equally be written about the current struggle for respect for the life of human embryos. The story of the struggle for financial justice for the education of all Australian children is a compelling one for those who (or whose parents) were involved in it, although many who opposed the struggle might now cringe at the attitudes that prevailed for so long. Like all important struggles, this one was not merely about the principle of fairness in education for all Australian families. It was deeply coloured by the English history of anti-catholicism (WA was founded in 1829, the year that Britain passed the

Catholic Emancipation Act, and Britain still will not allow its monarch to be a Catholic or to be married to one). The way these currents played themselves out in the relatively small pond of 19th Century Western Australia has been lucidly described by historian and writer Joseph Poprzeczny MA in the first chapter of this book. Most of the leading political, social and religious leaders of the time are mentioned. Hal Colebatch takes up the story in the 20th Century when the struggle for justice was coloured by the influence of communism in many elements of Australian political life, by the bitter political split in the Labor Party in the 1950s, and by lingering antiCatholicism in many quarters. It was also influenced positively by the decline of religious animosity post WWII and particularly from the late fifties onward. This period saw the growing involvement of parents in school affairs, although it was by no means universal to have a formal parent support group. When the P. and F. Federation of Western Australia was formally established on March 18, 1954, 13 school associations had indicated their intention to affiliate,

but by the end of the first year the number had grown to 28 (from about 150 schools). This move gave reality to the fact that the argument was not really between Church and State, but between parents and State. Any worthwhile democrat would recognise that the State should not be allowed to support education solely on condition that the education was controlled by the State's chosen philosophy, but it took a long slow struggle to put that into effect. Little by little, the door was opened by giving Catholic students access to school buses, by granting subsidies for visual education equipment, and the same subsidies to P.and F. Associations as to P. and C. Associations at State schools. As Dr Colebatch spells out,political parties were either opposed to State aid (Labor 1953-66) or so nervous or apathetic about it that they did not have clear policies (Liberal and Country Parties). However, after the Catholic schools in Goulburn closed in 1962 and sent 1000 students to the already overcrowded State schools, the practical importance of the Catholic school system began to be recognised, and the injustice of treating Australian

parents differently according to their choice of education for their children became clearer to ordinary people. Governments, of course, were reluctant to admit the wrong, but when the Menzies Government won the 1963 election with a policy of government grants to nongovernment schools, the fear of electoral backlash was laid to rest and politicians began, at last, to take an interest in the votes of suffering parents. Hal Colebatch's coverage of the slow opening of government coffers gives a rare insight into the working of State and Federal Governments that would alone make this book worth reading. Along the way he deals with the personnel and the development of the WA Federation, and a series of appendices give further insights into the way things work. The struggle for justice is not over in the sense of being removed from the political arena, but this history confirms that justice can prevail if people of integrity work for it long enough and hard enough. 'Struggle and Achievement' was launched at Royal Perth Yacht Club last Saturday night, June 16, by the Hon. Barbara Scott MK. Available from the Federation, 101 Wood St, Inglewood, phone 9271 5909. $22 plus postage.

June 212007, The Record

Page 13

The glorious day Imet Good Pope John Blessed Pope John XXIII (1881 - 1963)

Bateman parish priest Mgr Michael Keating recalls the day he met one of the most beloved Popes of the modern era

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n May 8, 2007, 31 Bateman parishioners joined me to celebrate Mass on the altar under which Pope John lies, in St Peter's Basilica, Rome. On a beautiful Rome morning, in the early morning quiet of the Basilica, it was a very special moment. It is still a very special place for Mass that needs to be booked months in advance. As Louis Michael writes, "It is no exaggeration to say that Pope John XXIII was the most popular and beloved Pope." At his death in 1963 the entire world mourned the passing of a great and good man who had captured the hearts of believers and non-believers on all continents. He had a very out -going personality, a very witty turn of phrase and a radiant spirituality. He united millions with his warm humanity. Perth's papers headlined "Good Pope John Dead". In our city of Perth, we have a school "John XXIII College" dedicated to him, so his memory is alive, I trust, in the consciousness of generations of young people and their families. It was a happy choice of name for the combined college of St Louis Jesuit School and Loreto Convent. Pope John was fairly short and round with the large hands of a peasant. In fact he bemoaned the fact of his appearance. Surely, he mused, God knew he would one day be Pope and could have made him more handsome in the mould of his predecessor the aristocratic Pius XII or his successor Pope Paul VI. He spoke of Pius XII as a fine figure of a man. "What can they say about me? A fine figure of a man he certainly isn't, but he has

person in the world at that moment that mattered. His life as a very successful Papal Diplomat, finishing as the Papal Nuncio to France as a Cardinal and then as Patriarch of Venice in 1953, prepared him to know and respect people of all faiths and backgrounds. He spent most of the war years as the Apostolic delegate to Turkey and Greece; before his nine years appointment to France in 1944. When he was elected Pope on October 28 1958, he was already 77 years old. His calling of the Second Vatican Council ensures his place in history. He met with great opposition especially from some Cardinals and others. I remember as an official of the Council's First Session, the leader of the conservative wing, Cardinal Ottaviani running around in a very agitated state. He apparently went to see Pope John to resign. Pope John quickly replied to his good friend: "You will stay. There will be no resignations". He was once asked about his plans for the Church and his purpose in summoning the Council. "What do we intend to do?" he said. Walking across the room throwing open the window he continued, "We intend to let in a little fresh air.. Pope John was a great friend of our College of Propaganda Fide in Rome which he could clearly see from his window. We would come out on a Sunday at mid-day to pray the Angelus with him and at least In good company: Pope John XXIII greets Mgr Michael Keating with on one occasion our choir gave Cardinal Agagianian, left, who ordained Mgr Keating to the Sub-Diaconate him a concert. He once sent over at Castelgandolfo in Rome. Mgr Felice Cenci, Rector of Propaganda to us a new big TV set he was given College, Rome, stands at the Pope's right. and a monster Easter egg of which we all got a piece. His summer an honest face". He was proud of nect with ordinary people. I met in Castelgandolfo was residence time first the twice, his peasant hands. At one stage Pope John our Villa. He had been to adjacent Sub-Diaconate. my of day the on the of life isolated lamenting the Vatican he said he would love to be He asked where I was from and I assigned by Pope Benedict XV to back at "Sotto Il Monte" his home answered Australia and he asked the Propagation of the Faith office town with his brothers on the farm which part, I said from the City of in Rome in 1921, and had a special ploughing the fields.Ihad the hon- Perth. He said "I've never heard love of the mission countries. He our of going to "Sotto II Monte" in of Perth" - then he added to the was responsible, I believe, for get1964 and I met his brother Severo Cardinal next to him "The Pope ting some religious from Bergamo and other relatives. It is a lovely must study more geography". He to prepare our meals and do our town near Bergamo and his ori- had the rare ability in famous peo- laundry. When Nikita Kruschev's gins were poor but honourable. It ple to look into your face and make daughter visited Pope John with gave him a special ability to con- you feel that you were the only her husband Alexei, she remarked

to her husband of Pope John "He has the beautiful hands of a Russian peasant". The Pope was familiar with Slavic languages and remarked afterwards. "How very nice of her to say this - my hands are really those of a peasant". He was a man of small but beautiful gestures. He gave a visiting Anglican Canon his Breviary - the priest's prayer book - as he noticed the Canon's was worn. Of ecumenism he spoke while Patriarch of Venice "The road to unity between the different Christian Creeds is love - so little practised on either side". Some Churchmen in Rome were appalled at the open and public manner in which John XXIII seemed to accept political and religious ideologies of all people; one was bold enough to tell this to the Pope and he apparently said "Sono tutti I miei figlioli, non e'vero" (all of them are my children - isn't this true?) I remember well his last illness and death in Rome on June 3, 1963. In St Peter's Square 75,000 gathered to pray for the dying Pope. He wrote a beautiful last letter to his family: he wrote it himself on a typewriter and he told them to keep in touch with his devoted secretary Mgr Capovilla. His letter reminded me of Paul's letter to his beloved Philippians. He mentions his brothers by name and says "I bless you recalling the wives who have come to gladden the Roncalli family" (he was born Giuseppe Roncalli). He added "Oh the children, the children what a treasure, and what a blessing". In his last will he wrote: "I await and will accept with simplicity and joy the arrival of Sister Death in all the circumstances with which it will please the Lord to send her to me". I recommend all visitors to St Peters to visit his altar just on the right of the famous Statue of St Peter with the foot worn from the kissing of millions. His example of friendliness, openness to others, not taking himself too seriously, childlike trust in God, down to earth spirituality, make him still very much a man for all ages.

An amazing insight into the human spirit, even though it's Napoleon The Napoleon of Notting Hill By G K Chesterton Reviewed by Hal Colebatch

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very so often, I re-read G K Chesterton's The Napoleon of Notting Hill. Perhaps I can introduce this strange, fascinating book to some new readers. The book was written in 1904, and set in London in 1984. It is, however, a London very different to the terrible totalitarian police-state of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four. It is a calm, placid, benign place. There are few police, and armies have been disbanded. The last wars, it seems, were fought in central America many years before. Britain has a King selected from the upper civil service. Things run so smoothly that Parliament has withered away and the King has executive powers, but very little need to use them - everything is peaceful. Then a new king is selected, Auberon Quinn ("Auberon" is very close to "Oberon," the King of the fairies). And King Auberon is desperately bored, for he, apparently alone, seems to represent how

monstrously drab, colourless and dull life has become. As a joke, and to relieve his own boredom a little, he creates a charter for the London Boroughs, and makes their leaders, the Lord High Provosts, wear fantastic medieval uniforms and retain heralds and men at arms. One day, King Auberon must hear a dispute between the Lord High Provosts of several Boroughs over a shopping-mall development. They appear before him, as is his Royal command, dressed in the fantastic garb he has created for them, complete with swords and plumes and surrounded by attendants, hired for the day, in similar exotic finery. As they argue, hot and bothered, about the unreasonable behaviour of the Lord High Provost of Notting Hill, Adam Wayne, in blocking the development, the King finds it funnier and funnier. Then the Lord High Provost of Notting Hill himself appears. The King looks forward to a feast of inward mirth - for he judges that this young man with his staring blue eyes has never heard of a joke and will try to

stand on his absurd dignity and common-sense even more than do his opponents. But Adam Wayne wears his sword and plums with an air, and answers the king back in the same high, heroic language that the King delights in. The king is at first overjoyed that, contrary to his first impression of Wayne, he has found a kindred spirit with whom to share the joke. But then, gradually, the awful and shocking truth is borne upon him: far from being kindred spirits, he and Adam Wayne could not be more unalike. Something has happened that the King, for all his cleverness, totally failed to foresee, though the name "Adam" might have warned him: Adam Wayne takes the king's burlesque ideas of high valour, chivalry and borough patriotism seriously. Rousing and playing with immutable aspects of human nature for his private amusement, the king has created something he cannot control. The whole shift in perspective and characters is beautifully done, as in vain the King now begs Wayne to see sense. The King, like others

before him, had made the mistake of forgetting human nature - sometimes otherwise known as "the old Adam." Like the French Revolutionaries and the 20th Century totalitarians, he believed it could be changed by fiat. Adam Wayne's crusade for the dignity and independence of Notting Hill seems so quaint, outré and unbelievable that his opponents at first have no idea how to deal with it. Wayne says he will fight for the honour of Notting Hill, and he does. It is fairly harmless fighting - gangs of hired workmen brawling with the medieval halberds that are the only weapons which the king will allow them. But then the workmen too begin to shout the names of their suburbs as war-cries and the prosaic businessmen who have hired them to get the matter over and done with as soon as possible begin to take pride in their valour and to admire the nobility of their enemies. Adam Wayne, seeing this, cries out: "We have conquered! We have taught our enemies patriotism!" In the end Wayne is defeated,

when, against all his wishes and pleadings, the initially victorious Notting Hillers begin to imperialistically oppress the other boroughs, but not before he has changed the world. Men have come to love and respect their world again, because they have had to fight for it, and their lives are filled with colour, ritual and splendour. The chemists and grocers and other small shop-keepers have come to see that they are guardians of their parts of the great miracles and mysteries of life and Creation. And at the last Wayne, the humourless fanatic, and the King, the frivolous joker, realise that they, as much as the bothered businessmen who, before the war of Notting Hill, thought they cared for nothing but their shopping precinct and their profits, are only part of a complete human being. The Napoleon of Notting Hill has flaws, including instances of very careless plotting. But like so many of Chesterton's works, it expresses some profound and rich insights into human nature, the human spirit and the great Mystery of urge towards the transcendent.

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June 212007, The Record

e— Couples Corner Hints for a Happy Marriage with Derek Boylen

18. Remember to say "thank you."

Saying thank you is something we all had drummed into us as children yet we forget it so often in marriage. It may seem just a little thing to us but it can mean so much to our spouses. A "thank you" expressed with sincerity for life's more mundane tasks is a gift of encouragement.

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer June General intention: Sailors - That the Lord may protect sailors and all those involved in maritime activities. Mission intention: The North African Church - That the Church in North Africa may bear witness, with its presence and its action, to God's love for every individual and all peoples.

Catholic Marriage Education Services

Official Diary -June 22

Celebration of completion of St Therese's Library, NDA - Archbishop Hickey Awards of Excellence in Catholic Aboriginal Ministry - Fr Brian O'Loughlin VG

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Mass with Servite Sisters to celebrate Feast of St Juliana - Archbishop Hickey Mass and Approval of Missionaries of the Gospel, St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey

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Dedication of Armadale Church - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton Procession and Mass for Sacred Heart Society, Dianella - Archbishop Hickey Confirmation, Palmyra - Bishop Quinn

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Book Launch, The Light River by Hal Colbatch - Archbishop Hickey

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Opening and Blessing of Final Stage of Karrakatta Mausoleum - Fr Brian O'Loughlin VG

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Mass, Redemptoris Mater Seminary - Archbishop Hickey

29-July 1 Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Carlisle - Archbishop Hickey Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Maddington - Bishop Sproxton

JULY 1

Naidoc Celebration and Mass, Embleton - Fr Brian O'Loughlin VG

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Mass, Orana Catholic Primary School - Bishop Sproxton

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P ANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese June and July GROUP 50 CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Redemptorist Monastery, North Perth. Thursdays 7.30pm, June 21 - in the Church, June 28 - in the Retreat House. July 5 - 26 inclusive 'Winter Recess' No Meetings. Meetings recommence Thursday August 2, Praise and Mass in the Church 7.30pm Sunday June 24 BLESSING AND OPENING OF THE NEW CHURCH FOR ARMADALE PARISH The blessing will take place at 10.30am Mass at St Francis Xavier Church, Forrest Rd, Brookdale. The procession from the old church in Armadale will commence at 9.30am. After the Mass there will be a lunch and an opportunity to walk through the new facilities. Sunday June 24 CELEBRATING THE SACRED HEART. Archbishop Barry Hickey will join with Episcopal Vicar for Migrations, Fr Anthony Paganoni and Fr Benedict Quadros. A special Mass will be celebrated on the feast day ay Our Lady's Assumption Church, at 356 Grand Promenade in Dianella. All are welcome to the celebration, which will commence at 2.30pm with a procession. Tuesday June 26 HELP AND SUPPORT FOR EFFECTS OF MENTAL ILLNESS Mental Illness affects one in four people at least once in their lifetime. What would you do if it affected you or your loved one? The Emmanuel Centre helps people whose lives are affected in various ways. Emmanuel is inviting parishioners, family and friends to join us 7pm at the Morley Parish Centre, 47 Wellington Rd, Morley. Don't suffer alone. Enq: Amanda 9328 8113.

Friday June 29 LA SALLE COLLEGE 3RD ANNUAL QUIZ NIGHT AND AUCTION 7.30pm in the Laurence Murphy Hall at La Salle College, Middle Swan. Tickets SIO each with Tables of 8. Alcohol and cool drinks will be on sale, BYO snacks. Tickets can be purchased at the College Administration Office or contact 9274 6266 for ticket bookings. Everyone is welcome. Friday June 29 ALAN AMES IN LOCKRIDGE Alan will be speaking of his conversion experiences after 7pm Mass, at Good Shepherd Church, cnr Altone Road and Morley Drive, Lockridge. Healing Prayers will follow. Contact Loretta 9444 4409. Friday June 29 FEAST OF SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL The Order of Saint Peter and Saint Paul invite all communities for the Solemn Mass at Good Shepherd Parish Lockridge, Corner of Morley Drive and Altone Road 8am. Through the Mass we have the institution of the new member followed by morning tea in the Parish centre. Enq: Nick Deluca 9378 2684. Saturday June 30 INNER FREEDOM AND HEALING (PART 2) Morning Retreat Presenter: Murray Graham (Inigo Centre Director) 9am-12noon John XXIII College, The MacKillop Room (Multi-Purpose Room) Cost: Donation for lnigo Centre Details: Murray 9383 0444. Sunday July 1 DIVINE MERCY An afternoon with Jesus and Mary, St Joachim's Church cnr Shepperton Rd and Harper St,

Victoria Park 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon: 'St Thomas the Apostle' with Fr Anthony van Dyke, OP followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Concluding with refreshments and a video in the Parish Hall. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Development Consultancies at Macquarie University, at the General Secretariat in Rome planning coordination of resources and communication of Caritas post tsunami programs. RSVP Thursday 21st June 9422 7925. Email perth@caritas.org.au

Monday July 2 CARITAS AUSTRALIA UPDATE - MEET LIZ STONE

Friday July 6 A LLIANCE OF THE TWO HEARTS: COMMUNION OF REPARATION ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL First Friday and first Saturday devotion, in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, conducted by the Alliance of the Holy Family International and ADORE. Will be held in Corpus Christi Church, 47 Lochee Road, Mosman Park. From Friday 7pm to lam Saturday Morning. Enq: Catalina 0439 931 151 or Vicky 9364 2378.

5.30-7.30pm Catholic Pastoral Centre Seminar Room. Liz (originally from Hobart) has worked in Ethiopia 1990-94 for the national association of Churches and Oxfam, with Caritas Australia, in International

Friday July 6 CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL - PRAISE AND WORSHIP 7.30pm St John and Paul's Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton, Praise and worship. A talk will be

Sunday July 1 40 YEARS PRIESTHOOD FR BRIAN AHEARN Our Lady Star of the Sea Dongara are celebrating 40 years of Priesthood of Fr Brian Ahearn. With Mass 9am followed by a light luncheon. Friends and former parishioners are invited to join us. RSVP 27th June 9927 1705 or 9927 1413.

Panorama Entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.

June 212007, The Record

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Classifieds

P ANORAMA continued given by Fr Greg Donovan followed by Thanksgiving Mass. There will be light refreshments after Mass. You are all welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends to this evening of fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there. Eng: Rita 9272 1765, Rose 0403 300 720. Saturday July 7 DAY WITH MARY 9am-5pm Our Lady of Poland Church, 35 Eight Avenue, Maylands. A Video on Fatima will be shown at 9am followed by a day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and stations of the Cross. BYO Lunch. Eng: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. Sunday July 8 HOLY HOUR The World Apostolate of Fatima Australia Inc. invites you to attend Holy Hour of Reparation to mark the 90th Anniversary of Fatima. 3pm St Jerome's Church, Troode Street, Munster. All are very welcome. Eng: 9339 2614. Thursday July 12 to Sunday July 15 MARIAPOLIS 2007 The Focolare Movement invites you to its annual gathering called Mariapolis, with the theme 'Love Heals: It will be held at the Institute of Agriculture, Curtin University Campus, Muresk, Northam 2pm Thursday to 12pm Friday. Contact Focolare Centres on 6278 3425 or 9349 4052. Weekend July 14 and 15 F INDING CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 1 I am -3.30pm St Cecilia's Parish Centre, Peebles Road, Floreat. A Conversation led by Fr Paul Fogarty (Parish Priest Floreat/Wembley) and Sr Kathleen Dawe (Currently Ministering at Penola by the sea, Safety Bay). Cost 510 per day. Sponsored by The Mandorla Centre of Inner Peace. Eng: Cath 9284 4762. Friday to Sunday July 20 - 22 SEPARATED, DIVORCED, WIDOWED Beginning Experience is running a weekend program designed to assist and support people in learning to close the door gently on a relationship that has ended, in order to get on with living. The next weekend program will be held at Epiphany Retreat Centre, 50 Fifth Avenue, Rossmoyne. Eng: Bev 9332 7971 or Margaret 9294 4892. First Sunday of Each Month DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY The Santa Clara Parish Community welcomes anyone from surrounding Parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Streets Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o'clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction. YCS PAST MEMBERS Have you ever been involved in YCS and are interested in what YCS is doing in 2007? Or would you like to regain contact with friends from your YCS days? If so please email Vicky Burrows at the YCS Office at perth@ycs.org.au or call 9422 7911 so that we can put you on our data base to receive updates about YCS and past members. Every Saturday PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS 4.30pm. The half hour Perpetual Novena Devotions to the Mother of Perpetual Help continue each Saturday at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Reconciliation available before and after the Devotions. All welcome. Every Sunday BULLSBROOK SHRINE Sunday Pilgrim Mass is celebrated with Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 2pm at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. Eng: Sacri 9447 3292. Every Sunday R ADIO GATE OF HEAVEN 7.30-9pm, 107.9FM. 1. Council of Faith II w/Fr John Triglio "The Christian Faith and Demonology". 2. The Web of Faith w/Fr Robert Levus & Fr John Triglio "Answering your questions as they come in". Every Tuesday WEEKLY PRAYER WITH MARY'S COMPANION WAYFARERS OF JESUS THE WAY 7pm St Mary's Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay Street, Perth. Personal healing in prayer, Rosary,

Scripture, meditation, praise in song, friendship and refreshments. Appreciate the heritage of the Faith united with others asking Jesus and Mary to overcome burdens in life. Prayer is powerful. Come, join us!! Every Wednesday ADORATION Adoration 1 pm - 5.30pm St Thomas Church, 2 College Road, Claremont. Followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction. Personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is Adoration of Jesus' gift of himself, of His love for you for your loved ones and for our world. Come and thank him. Every Fourth Sunday SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order no longer meets at the Pro-Cathedral but instead assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.

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RELIGIOUS LIFE "Watch and Pray' Holy Hour is held at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley from 2-3pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour consists of some prayers and Scripture but mostly the hour is silent prayer for Vocations. All are welcome. Next Holy Hour is 24 June 2007. Please encourage others to come and pray. Prayer - it works! Eng: 9276 8500.

• ACCOMMODATION Hillarys Marina apartment, 3 x 2 fully furnished. pool, sauna, spa and u/cover parking. Ideal for holiday use. Excellent rates. Call 9407 8156 • DENMARK Holiday House 3bdr x 2 bath, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377. • FAMILY GROUP ACCOMMODATION Visit http://www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100

MENTAL ILLNESS The Emmanuel Centre are offering to help people who gain weight because they are using medication for their mental illness. The group helps participants to manage their weight safely and healthily. Mind-Body-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.30-2.30pm. Free. The group starts with a weigh-in, then a talk on nutrition and healthy eating tips, goal setting and then half an hour of exercise. Eng: Amanda - Emmanuel Centre, 9328 8113.

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• ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

HEALTH • DEMENTIA REMISSION Do you. or your loved one, suffer Dementia. Get into Dementia Remission like me! http://www. w grey.com.au/dm/index.htm or (02) 9971 8093.

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• CATHOLICS CORNER Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts. cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12. 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

BUILDING TRADES • BRICK RE-POINTING Phone Nigel 9242 2952 • PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD For all your residential. commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200. • PICASSO PAINTING Top service Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505

EMPLOYMENT IBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Extra income from your own home-based business. Work part-time without disturbing what you are doing now. Call: 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518318 www.dreamlife1.com<http://www.dreamlife1.corn> I I CARETAKER The Old Convent in Bridgetown is a short-term stay facility for those seeking a quiet and restful country break. The Bridgetown Parish seek a Caretaker (married couple or single person). Accommodation provided. Would suit a retired couple. For enquiries or further information, phone Fr Wayne Bendotti on (08) 9761 1241.

EVERY SATURDAY After an almost unanimous verdict from the parish, City Beach will change its Saturday evening Mass from 6.30pm to 6pm as of June 30. While Saturday Confession is now from 5-6pm, all other Mass times will stay the same. Holy Spirit parish priest Fr Don Kettle said that a recent parish census revealed that 94 per cent wanted to move it to 6pm as 6.30pm was deemed too late, especially in the

• RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs. books. cards. gifts. statues, baptismicommunion apparel, religious vestments, etc? Visit us at 39 Hulme Court (off McCoy St). Myaree, 9329 9889 (after 10.30am, Mon-Sat) We are here to serve. IN RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS The Humble Messenger Shop 16/80 Barrack St. Perth WA. Hours 10am-5pm Tues-Friday. 10-3pm ta Saturday. Stocktake Sale 25°. to 40% off selected items.

MIGRANTS • MIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA For guidance and visa processing. Skilled or Family Visas and Study visas. Call Michael Ring or Ajay Trehan Registered Migration Agent - (MARN # 0212024). Phone: (02) 8230 0290 or 0412 518 318 for a no-obligation assessment, please call or email: michaelsing @ bigpond.com

WANTED • CAR WANTED Looking for a sporty. second hand hatchback. Max S8000 - Ring Eugen 9417 7497.

PRAISE AND 'THANKS • THANKSGIVING Thankyou St Jude for rescuing me for the second time. You never fail me. I promise to spread your devotion.

winter months. BOOK DONATIONS We still seek donations of books and thank you and bless you for your kind, generous contributions of Bibles, Missals and Catholic books on the faith. We are now able to offer a selection of second-hand, pre-loved books to the community in return for a

Classifieds Must be submitted by fax, email or post no later than 12pm Tuesday. For more information contact 9227 7778.

small donation. Eng: 9293 3092. DONATIONS WELCOME St Catherine's Catholic Church, Gin Gin Parishioners are currently fundraising to restore the church windows. The cost of each window is $1500. If anyone is able to assist our fundraising efforts please telephone Fr Paul 9571 1839. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS lgnatian Volunteers Australia calls for part-time volunteers to respond to the needs of people in the community who live in marginalised circumstances. At the heart of this program is a reflective process based on Gospel values, which supports the volunteers in their work. To learn more: www.volunteers.jesuit.org.au Contact Kevin Wringe, Perth Coordinator (08) 9316 3469 kwringe@iinet.net.au

The Eternal Word Television Network On Access 31 every Sunday 1pm - 2pm Coming Programs July 1

Film about Pope John Paul II: Interview / Jon Voight and Carey Elwes, actors, with Raymond Arroyo [The World Over]

8

Chastity / Ellen Marie with Jeff Cavins [Life on the Rock]

15

Dramatisation of the lives of the saints / Mother Angelica with film producer, Leonardo De Filippos [Best of Mother Angelica Live]

22

A scientist's evidence for belief! Dr Francis Collins ; Embryonic stem cell research / Fr Tadeusz Pacholczyk and Wesley Smith, with Raymond Arroyo [The World Over]

29

The Sacrament of Marriage / Fr Charles Connor [The Sacraments through the Ages] Followed by Communication in marriage! Fr James Dean with Greg and Julie Alexander [Marriage Works in Christ ; 9]

REUNION John and Marie Acland are planning to hold a reunion later this year of all past and present members of the Apostles of Christ Prayer Group Willetton and all other persons who took part in their Meetings, Fellowship Nights, Life in the Spirit, and supplementary Seminars, the Alpha Course and other group activities. Further details will be advised when full numbers are known. Eng: Marie Acland. Tel/fax 9537-3390. Email jmacland@bigpond.com or Dianne McLeod 93320829 Email danielmcleod@bigpond.com

A

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We now have 75 members of the 300 Club, to whom we extend our grateful thanks. Please join, if you can afford to contribute $I a week, and send a cheque or money order for $50 (annual), payable to the Rosary Christian Tutorial Association to P.O. Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. We hope you may renew each year, but there is no commitment to do so. Unless the goal is reached, it may be necessary to discontinue broadcasts at the end of our current contract with Access 31. Any donation is gratefully accepted. Enquiries: 9330-2467

Page 16

June 212007, The Record

The Last Word

.Marriage and Religion: a Package Deal By Father John Flynn, L.C. ROME, JUNE 18, 2007 he fortunes of familylife andreligion may well be linked, say experts in recent studies. W. Bradford Wilcox, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, is the author of a research brief published in May by the Institute for American Values' Centre for Marriage and Families. "Churches are bulwarks of marriage in urban America," he affirmed in the brief "Religion, Race, and Relationships in Urban America." Wilcox started by observing that in spite of widespread concern over the breakdown of marriage and family life in contemporary society, so far little attention has been paid to religion's influence on the family. His attempt to remedy this omission ). is based on a reading of data from the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study (FFCW), sponsored by Columbia and Princeton Universities. The dramatic changes in family structures are graphically illustrated by Wilcox: • From 1960 to 2000, the percentage of children born out of wedlock rose from 5% to 33%. ‘ • The divorce rate more than doubled to almost 50%. • The percentage of children living in single-parent families rose from 9% to 27%. Poor and minority families have suffered even more. In 1996, for example, 35% of African American children and 64% of Latino children were living in married households, compared to 77% of white children.

T

Wilcox argued that religion can influence family life in four ways. • Religious institutions promote norms strengthening marriage, for example, the idea that sex and child-bearing ought to be reserved for marriage, and broader moral norms that support happier, more stable marriages. • Religious faith endows the marital relationship with a sense of transcendence. • In many religious groups there are family-oriented social networks that offer emotional and social support, plus a measure of social control that reinforces commitment to the marital bond. • Religious belief and practice provides support to cope with stresses such as unemployment or the death of a loved one. A greater psychological resilience, in turn, is linked to higher quality marriages.

Paradox Wilcox does, however, admit that religious participation is by no means an automatic guarantee of a happy family life. In fact, what he termed "one of the paradoxes of American religious life," is the contradiction between the high level of religious practice among African Americans - the highest of any racial group - and the reality that they have the lowest rate of marriage of any racial or ethnic group. Turning to an analysis of the data from the FFCW survey, Wilcox argued that it shows how religious attendance - particularly by fathers - is associated with higher rates of marriage among urban parents. Moreover, churchgoing boosts the odds of marriage for

African American parents in urban America in much the same way it boosts the odds of marriage for urban parents from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Paternal church attendance is particularly important for urban relationships, Wilcox maintains. If a father goes to church regularly, then he is more likely to enter into marriage and also to have a relationship of higher quality.

Benefits of belief The arguments raised by Wilcox are similar to those put forward by Patrick Fagan in a paper published by the Heritage Foundation last December. In "Why Religion Matters Even More: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability," Fagan argued that "religious practice promotes the well-being of individuals, families and the community." "Regular attendance at religious services is linked to healthy, stable family life, strong marriages and well-behaved children," he pointed out. Numerous sociological studies, Fagan continued, show that valuing religion and regularly practising it are associated with greater marital stability, higher levels of marital satisfaction and an increased likelihood that an individual will be inclined to marry. Among other points, these studies reveal that: • Women who are more religious are less likely to experience divorce or separation than their less religious peers. • Marriages in which both spouses attend religious services frequently are 2.4 times less likely to end in divorce than marriages in which neither spouse worships. • Religious attendance is the most important predictor of marital stability, confirming studies conducted as far back as 50 years ago. • Couples who share the same faith are more likely to reunite if they separate than are couples who do not share the same religious affiliation. Moreover, Fagan pointed out, religious practice is also related to a reduction in such negative behaviours as domestic abuse, crime, substance abuse and addiction.

Losing God

Stability: Research from accross the globe is indicating that a strong family provides a stable future.

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Mary Eberstadt looked at the other side of the coin in the relationship between family and religion in an article published in the June-July issue of the magazine Policy Review. In the article "How the West Really Lost God," she reflected on the causes of secularisation, a phenomenon particularly notable in Western Europe. The thesis often put forward, Eberstadt observed, is that secularism came first and

that this had a negative impact on family life in Western Europe. She argued, however: "At least some of the time, the record suggests, they also became secular because they stopped having children and families." In support of her case Eberstadt pointed out that European fertility in general dropped well before the dramatic demise of religious practice observed in recent decades. Within Europe she cited the example of France, which saw fertility decline much sooner than in many other European countries, and is also a nation where secularism is stronger. Ireland, by contrast, withstood the winds of secularism until a short time ago, and it was also a country with strong families. The recent erosion of religion in Ireland was preceded by a collapse in Irish fertility, Eberstadt added. Turning to the United States she commented that the higher level of religious practice could be due to the greater number of children. Maybe, Eberstadt posited, there is something about the family that inclines people toward religiosity. The practice of sacrificing oneself for the good of the family and children may lead people to go beyond selfish pleasure-seeking. In addition, the fear of death, in terms of losing a spouse or child is a powerful spur to faith. As for the well-known fact that women tend to be more religious than men, maybe Eberstadt argued, this is due to their more intimate participation in the birth of their children compared to a man's role. While fertility rates in Europe and many other countries are now very low, this could change as the disadvantages of single motherhood and the social and economic consequences of shrinking populations weigh more heavily. While quick to admit that, "merely having families and children is no guarantee of religious belief," a resurgence in family life could well strengthen religion. The authors of the studies cited here would probably be the first to admit that the interaction between religion and the family is complicated and that many other factors play a part in the strengthening or weakening of both. No doubt more research is needed, but these initial efforts point to some interesting relationships. The natural family, Ebserstadt concludes, "as a whole has been the human symphony through which God has historically been heard by many people." A symphony unfortunately marred by many discordant notes today, but whose return to harmony would be of immense benefit.

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