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Perth: January 6 2000

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WA's only Catholic weekly newspaper

What's so wrong with Vie Church aind Paul Gray writes Page 6

Pope welcomes New Year and Youth Pages 8 + 9

Capuchin preaches th the Pope Page 10

'Ile the light I f Jesus' By Peter Rosengren

All Catholics, not just clergy, have to "accept responsibility" for the mission of the Church as it enters into the third lennium since the birth of Jesus Christ, Archbishop Barry Hickey told Midnight Mass worshippers in St Mary's Githedral on New Year's Day The Church must proclaim the same message for the 2000s as it had for the previous two millennia. he said. The midnight Mass in St Mary's. the first of the 2000s. was preceded by a reflection led by the archbishop and followed by an all-night vigil of Eucharistic adoration and prayer. As he began his homily, Archbishop Hickey congratulated the large numbers who had turned out. saying that their faith impressed him deeply. Their presence meant that at least some people in Perth were

entering the New Year and the 2000s in pi-aN cr. he said. "My message tonight is simple: as we move into the two thousands the Church must present the same message as the la.st two thousand years: and that is that Jesus is the Son of God. Ile was born for us, spoke to us, died alai rose fmm the dead to show us le is the Risen Lord." Archbishop Hickey told approximately 500 people. Earlier the crowd had gathered at 10.30pm for a one-hour reflection led by the Arc.hbishop who translated recorded reflections by Pope John Paul II while images were protected on a large overhead screen in the sanctuary area of the cathedral. "The Church must offer this message of hope as it has already done in the second millennium." the Archbishop said. "That is a task we must all own." In a wide-ranging homily the it said that following Archbishop the path of holiness thmugh life is the reason Catholics receive the

But. he pointed out. that is only part of the calling of being a Catholic. "You are also called to accept responsibility for the mLssion of the ( :hurch, to be part of its proclamation of its message to the people of the world." he said. adding "You and I are called to do that." VVhile some, such as priests and bishops are specifically called by t estis to teach and preach. it belonged to every baptised and confirmed Catholic to spread the Church's mes.sage. "You." he told the congregation. "are c.harged with the mission of spreading the mission of Jesus Christ.- 'The Chtinth is sometimes said to be on the defensive in the current era. he said. but tx)inted out: -That might be true but it only highlights how important it is to proclaim the message.Some people will do it quietly. in their families. neighbourhoods. sporting associations and their community. he said: others may be more forthcoming. ill on Page 7

StiCrallletliS.

Ashling Cronin, left, and Laura Moloney join a 31 December prayer "WIbefore the start of the year 20013 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ilikeney, bilawaL Paws Photo CNSI/aiene °Sufism/in 8 and 9 - Pope speaks to the world.

Leaving principal gets big tradifional sendoff dance was performed amund the school grounds and into the quadrangle. lAnimpa C,atholic School. Balgo The women then danced with Hills. last month farewelled its the young girls and later perprincipal for 17 years, Brother formed a special wome-n's dance Leo Scollen. in honour of the occasion. ComOn the night of 11 December. munity members then told stothe c.ommunity gathered in the ries - with much laughter and school grounds to celebrate Mass some sadness - of events that had and farewell eight staff who were involved Br Leo. leaving at the end of the year. Many expressed their gratitude After four hours of preparation, for Br Leo's leadership of the painting and Singing. the Kukat- sc.hool annmunity. fmm when it la people were ready for corro- had ceased to be a State school boree dances. at the end of 1983. Families then Br Leo vvas ushered into the gave gifts to Br Leo in the forrn of paintings and tokens. The gathering and welcomed by all. The young men• and boys (pic- evening ended with a barbecue tured, left) then began dancing prepared over the previous week and a special Luumpa Dreaming by the Balgo Community By Glynnis Grainger

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Returning to a God-centred humanity

elcome to the Year 2000 AD. For Christian people "AD" is very significant. "Arum Domini" or 'The Year of the Lord" is the reason for the celebration, not simply the change from 1999 to 2000. We rejoice that Jesus came into this world two thousand years ago, and we rejoice that the world has known the message of salvation for that long. Millions of people have come to know Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, and have responded to his message of freedom and love. They have tried to live the Christian life, knowing that Jesus' call goes beyond this world to eternity with God. It is time now to look forward. We are in many ways moving into an age that is very different from any we have experienced before.

Modern technology, modern means of conununication, world economic systems and near universal education in most countries, have produced a self-awareness and a consciousness that is unique. Modernity has irrevocably changed traditional societies, with their customs, their dress, their values and their religious outlook Among the pressure to conform, a pattern of behaviour and political systems is emerging. One small example. When people are urged to come to a multicultural festival in traditional costume they choose to dress in a way that belongs to the past, not the present. Conformity In dress, attitudes, aspirations and style of living is increasing day by day as satellite television and the Internet make

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us all look and think the same ern secularity and the cult of the way. The pressure on nations to individual in favour of a return to adopt a common Western lifestyle a God-centred idea of humanity. also affects religion. Countries More than that, Christians are to that were traditionally Christian find again a way of life that is not whether Catholic or Protestant, or about money and possessions, even Orthodox, are abandoning individual rights or self-seeking, religious practice in favour of sec- In favour of a Christ-centred way ularisation, with individual of living where one's neighbour is choice as the most important val- Important. ues. It is not sufficient for the Church In this climate it is hard for par- in Australia or the Church in ents to pass on their faith to the Perth, simply to continue as children who are being encour- before, because our Christian outaged to go their own way. look and influence on society is Rejection of parental values and being eroded. religion is often praised as a sign We must be aware of the danof freedom and maturity. gers that secularism poses to our The rise of Islamic "fundamen- faith, and find new ways of living talism" is partly a rejection of the the gospel without compromise trend to make everything West- in a society that is often hostile to ern. It is an understandable, if everything Jesus stood for. threatening reaction. Perhaps over the next few weeks What we must look for among some of these important ideas can Christians is a rejection of mod- be developed. I will try to do so.

Olympic Games champion Herb Elliott run by ABC radio. His rivals included praised both the Christian Brothers and such sporting greats as fellow Olympic his school coach Geoff Worrier, last week gold medallist Shirley de la Hunty and after being named WAs sports star of the Empire Games champion Decima Norcentury man. cricketers Dennis Lillee, Graham Herb, a student at CBC Perth in St McKenzie and Rod Marsh. footballers Georges Terrace and later at Aquinas Barry Cable, Graham Farmer and "NipCollege, singled out the Christian Broth- per" Thiscott. Rochelle Hawkes and Ric ers for their guidance and encourage- Charlesworth (both hockey) and Walter ment early in his athletics career. Lindrum While at Aquinas. he also tame under Herb's greatest moment vas the 1960 the wing of coach Geoff Warner, who Rome Olympics where he spreadeagled realised the potential of the rangy young the field in the 1500 metres final to win student and set both a tough training In world record time. schedule and appropriate goals. It was But he showed signs of what was to the launching pad for an illustrious come when. aged 14, he finished second career. in the 1952 Christian Brothers Inter ColHerb beat a field of champions to win lege open mile at the WACA Ground the sports star competition, which was against rivals up to four years his senior.

An "abortion mentality" was begin- death" which has taken more than ning to emerge as a dreadful devel- 117,000 young lives through abortions opment in Australia's cultural over the past 30 years of the present. climate, Adelaide's Catholic Arch- abortion legislation. bishop Leonard Faulkner warned on Speaking to the large crowd, he said lbesday, 28 December. Pope John Paul II had already written Nrchhishop Faulkner expressed his about a 'new cultural climate which concern in a homily to a large con- Is developing in the world." gregation attending the Adelaide The recent international conference Catholic Church's annual Mass of In Queensland "celebrating" aborAtonement and Reconciliation for tion indicated 'that dreadful develabortions in South Australia. opment of the abortion mentality is More than 300 people, including here in Australia". many families with young children, "Every human being has a right to attended the Mass, which has been life." he said during the Mass. held annually for the past 30 years "The directly intended killing of any since the Introduction of abortion leg- human being is always wrong, nothislation in South Australia. ing can ever justify it. Archbishop Faulkner, who is chair"At the same time, as people of life, man of the Australian Catholic Bish- we are determined to built up a proops Committee for the Family - and fessional and dedicated continuity of for Life, had said the new millenni- care and support to women from conum created the opportunity for South ception, through pregnancy to birth Australia to abandon the "culture of and beyond."

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The following year, at Aquinas as a Year 11 student, he captured the imagination of Perth with the first of a series of outstanding performances over 880 yards as well as the mile, shattering one record after another. He told ABC listeners that being able to attend the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and see the world's best athletes had given him the strong ambition to represent Australia in Rome in 1960. Geoff Womer, who enjoyed a string of successes during a long stint as coach at Aquinas. guided several other outstanding athletes including Bill de Gruchy (national 100 yards champion) and Junior middle distance stars Frank Gobhart and Herb's younger brother Laurie.

Abortion mentality grows Banners show

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Herb praises Brothers

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Parishioners of St Gerard Majella Church, in the Mirrabooka parish, at Changton Way, Westminster, enjoy the big feast on Christmas Eve, to which everyone contributed a dish. It marked the end of the Missa de Gallo - a Filipino tradition meaning "Mass of the Rooster" or "Mass of the Cock Crow' - in which Mass was said at dawn in the nine days before Christmas. Father Don Sproxton, parish priest, said about 100 people attended the 5.30am Mass every day. He said there were quite a number of Filipino people in the parish - one lady asked that It be put on. The Missa de Gallo has been going now for about 10 years at Mirrabooka. - Glyrrnis Grainger

the way to go

Parishioner Guilio Nicoll and parish priest Father Jim Petry stand in front of one of the banners outside the church.

St Mary's parish. Leederville, purchased three jubilee 2000 banners from Queensland. depicting the themes of Pilgrimage. Reconciliation and Sabbath. Mr Nicoll, a welder and handyman. constructed the frames for the Reconciliation and Sabbath banners, after being invited to do so by Sister Kerry Willison, a Sister of Mercy who lives In the parish. Sr Kerry is in charge of liturgical programs In the Diocese of Perth. The banners were erected with the help of people at the 8am Mass on New Year's Eve. The Pilgrimage banner will probably hang In the church, Fr Petry told The Record. St Mary's jubilee committee worked on the design of the Holy Door and wanted to bring the message of jubilee out into the streets of the parish by means of the banners. "Everyone can identify with the need of Reconciliation and the need to rest and renew so that God can be present to them in moments of Sabbath," Fr Petry said. - By Glynnis Grainger.

Communi receives official approval By Glynnis Grainger The Holy Spirit of Freedom community has the approval of Archbishop Barry Hickey to be a Private Association of Christ's Faithful, that is, officially part of the Catholic Church. )eacon Frank Feain, who founded the community, said: We are formalised for the Archdiocese of Perth and in Pemberton, we are an extension of that Archdiocese, formally. "Our ministry is in Perth as in Bunbury as well. With Bishop (Peter) Quinn's blessing, we carry out our activities in the BunburN,Diocmse. 'We work with street kids, drug addicts, prostitutes, who are in Perth - Highgate - and the poor in town. It is an open place for them and we have a chapel as well. We also do street work in Bunbury." From Melbourne. Deacon Rain founded the community there about 10 years ago. in about 1990, some of us came to Perth." he said. A former Christian Brother. Deacon Ft in is married to I.u. who co-founded the community, lives in Pemberton and travels to Perth for a week or so each month. Pemberton is their formation centre, he said, where members are prepared spiritually and come to live for one year. "We have about 80 to 100 people - 20 live in the community, 10 are in the ministry, and 50 to 60 In Perth." he said. "Those of us in the core of the

New Vicar General appointed Father Timothy Corcoran has succeeded Monsignor Michael Keating as the new Vicar General for five years from 1 January, 2000. The news was contained in an 'ad clerum' circular sent out to priests by Archbishop Barry Hickey this week. Father Corcoran will step down as Vicar for Priests but continue as Rector of St Charles' Seminary. Marriage dispensations will be viewed first by a Canon lawyer at the Matrimonial Tribunal, which will facilitate Fr Tim's work considerably. Fr Greg Carroll will resign from the office of Judicial Vicar of the Regional Tribunal of Perth to be involved only in cases of the Appeals Tribunal for Australia and New Zealand. He will continue to have administrative duties at the Tribunal office and will still be available to speak to priests who are seeking canonical advice. Mgr Keating has become Judicial Vicar from 1 January, 2000. Fr Brian O'Loughlin and Fr Geoff Beyer will be Associate Judicial Vicars. Meanwhile, the two recently-

Father Timothy Corcoran

ordained priests have received their appointments. Fr Chien Nguyen is appointed assistant priest to the parish of St Gerard Majella, Mirrabooka, and will commence his duties from 3 February, 2000. Fr Huynh is to receive an appointment, probably in the country, at a date to be announced. Fr Joseph Nhut Minh Thin is appointed assistant priest to the parish of St Thomas More, Bateman, from 3 February, 200(1

Fr Paul Baczynski is to be released at the end of January to develop Church support for drugaffected people and their families. Fr David Thexeira has been appointed assistant priest to the parish of St Jerome, Munster, from 3 February, 2000. Fr Peter St John, currently at Munster/Spearwood, will continue his work in Mental Health and will reside with a Christian Brothers' Community. - By Glynnis Grainger

Crib made from waste materials

Deacon Frank Feain

community don't ask for money. We believe we are prompted by God? If anyone would like to become involved in our ministry - to help the poor - to give a year or two. there is proper training available. Students are welcome to come along just for the University or school holidays. They can telephone Deacon Feain or Liz on (08) 9776 1734 or Julie or Elena on (08) 9228 1800.

Fr Adrian Pittotello with the cresier

Detail of the crib aboard the Malian ship "San Gisirto".

The Italian ship"San Gistito". was berthed over Christmas for routine maintenance work at the Port of Fremantle. She is one of two ships sent by Italy to co-operate with Interfet to re-establish peace and order in East Timor. Fr Adrian Pittorello was asked to celebrate Mass on Christmas Eve. The Mass was well prepared by

Ste afb, hawks IMMIrsilla the Italian sailors and included traditional Christmas carols. Captain A. Parisi thanked Fr Adrian for the Mass and slieNsed that his ship was a "Christian ship". Afterwards Fr Adrian was shown the crib, built with throwaway material, and statues formed from breadcrumbs.

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Young people can ensure acceptance and peace By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Young people, by their faith and example, can ensure that acceptance and peace mark the third millennium, Pope John Paul II said. "Jesus himself asks you to light a fire on earth, the fire of his love," the Pope wrote to a youth gathering sponsored by the ecumenical Taize Community The community's 28 December1 January pilgrimage meeting was expected to bring some 100,000 young people to Warsaw, Poland, to usher in the New Year together. In a letter addressed to Brother Roger, the Prior of Taize, the Pope said he hoped the gathering would he "a privileged time of mutual acceptance and of brotherhood, prayer and contemplation which will lead to an ever greater openness to God and to others." The text of the Pope's message was released on 28 December at the Vatican. Pope John Paul told the young people the first step toward building a better world

was to recognise that God is an extremely loving and merciful Father" who makes one big family out of all humanity. Too many people today, the Pope said, live lives marked by violence or fear of the future or bewilderment over the meaning of life. "Christians must be more zealous and vigorous witnesses of the hope they live," he said. "They must reach out to others and invite them to join in the process of building communities marked by acceptance and forgiveness. l'o each one of you,! say: Where you live, in your families, in your schools, where you work or relax, always be servants of the Gospel of hope," he said. The most powerful way to spread the message of hope is by recognising that each person is a brother or sister to welcome and love, the Pope said. Each individual's love for another must be allowed to start a chain reaction so that it extends throughout each community, each region and around the world, he said.

Young people at the Kiel Centre in St Louis cheer during an enthusiastic 26 January, 1999, youth rally that Pope John Paul ll joined. Photo CNS/Reuters

This year: grace for families By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) Year 2000 can be a time of gract. and redemption for families, Pope John Paul II said. -Family members are called to conversion, mutual acceptance and forgiveness, so that they will be strengthened for their vocation in the world." the Pope said during his weekly general audience on 29 December. The Pope urged families to model themselves after the Holy Family, whose feast day was celebrated on 28 December. 'The example of the Holy Family teaches us that every Christian family must be based on a communion of love between husband and wife, between parents and children, on unfailing fidelity and openness to the gift of life," he said. Some 12,000 pilgrims attended the audience, which was divided into two parts to accommodate everyone indoors. Cold weather In Rome precluded an outdoor gathering in St Peter's Square. The Pope first greeted 5.000 faithful in St Peter's Basilica and then directly afterward gave his weekly catechesis in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Breaking with tradition, the Pope entered the basilica on a small. raised platform on wheels, pushed by two attendants, rather than walking. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the wheeled platform was used -to allow all pilgrims to see him and to facili-

Small parish of Toodyay gets its own Holy Door

Toodyay parish's new Holy Door. Photographer Arturo Mari captured this tender moment at the World Meeting of Families in Brazil in 1998. Mari has been recording images of Pope John Paul II since 1978, when the Polish Cardinal was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church. Photo CNS Arturo Mari

The small parish of Thodyay. with an average congregation of 30, were encouraged by their Parish Priest. Father Robert Carrillo. to install a Holy Door as a symbol for the Jubilee Year. Three parishioners attended a workshop in Perth. and were joined by three more plus It Robert at a Holy Year seminar at New Norcia. tate movement." The platform surgery in 1994, walking and even Every parishioner was asked for their suggestion for the door, local was also equipped with a standing upright have become handrail, enabling the Pope to Increasingly difficult for the Pope. craftspeople were approached, and after much discussion, local artist steady himself. In recent years. he has adopted a Margaret Watkins was commissioned to include the wishes of the parish in a simple design. Ever since hip replacement cane to facilitate walking. In the photograph, the dominant item is a river, symbolising the parish patron, St John the Baptist. In the foreground is the prow of a boat. symbolising our journey towards the Holy Spirit. You'll find the News of the Margaret Watkins thus included many of the parishioners' suggesMillennium like nowhere else only in tions of "growing closer to God" and "working together as a community." SAWMILLERS & TIMBER MERCHANTS The Mercy cross also features very clearly, denoting that the Sisters of Mercy have been in Toodyay since about 1897, having conducted the first Convent school from a private house before moving into Mercy Convent in 1902. when they opened the boarding school. A background of golden hills is typical of the terrain around the hills of Toodyay. The Alpha and Omega letters have been delibSAVE ON CURTAIN MATERIALS & TRIMMINGS erately coloured in hold red lettering as a reminder Tiebacks, Tassels, Fringe, Cord, Linings, Calico Duck. Meson. that Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end. Actil Sheeting, Damask, Artists Canvas, Muslin, Hessian. The words "This is the gate of the Lord" are a clear reminder that each time we enter through this "gate" we are opening ourselves to the graces of the Great Jubilee. 426 Great Northern Highway. PARK AT OUR DOOR The door was installed late on Christmas Eve Middle Swan, WA 6056 PHONE 9321 4533 Shop 5, Shafto Lane, and the parishioners were justifiably proud at the opening that evening when the number attending Perth Fax 9322 3364 swelled to well over double the normal attenMass .lietween .. Murray & Wellington Sts) Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm. Sat 9am-12 nom) dance. - Glynn's Grainger

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Venezuelans turn to God in worst natural disaster

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Many survivors of Venezuela's deadly floods and mudslides were turning to their faith in God to help them cope with the trauma of the disaster, said a Catholic Relief Services worker who visited flood victims. Meanwhile, more heavy rains were forecast in late December for Caracas and the Avila mountain range where thousands of houses were swept away by avalanches of mud, rocks and trees in the mid-December disaster. Most people are putting their faith in God that somehow A young woman carries water through the flood-ravaged town of La Guaira things will resolve themselves," In Venezuela following its worst natural disaster of the century. said John McCuen, program many as manager for CRS, in a statement. impact of the disaster," he estimated that as added. However the need for 30,000 people had been killed CRS is the US bishops' inter- psychological counselling was in the flooding caused by heavy national relief and development great, said McCuen, who visited rains, but a top Red Cross offiagency. some 10 shelters for survivors of cial said on 28 December the -The Christmas season and the disaster which may have death toll was between 20,000 and 50,000. Many victims spirit have helped to mitigate killed up to 50,000 people. The Venezuelan government remained buried by mudslides. some of the psychological

Fr Julian and big parish e ort make a Holy Door Father Julian Carrasco stands in front of the new Jubilee Door at Holy Cross Church, Ommanney Street, Hamilton Hill, which he opened at Midnight on Christmas Eve. Parish council members constructed the door, set into a little porch at the front of the church, with the old door behind it It depicts the Alpha and Omega symbols, with the official Jubilee logo on the left and the Holy Cross in South Fremantle Football Club colours of red and white. The artwork was done by parishioner Edith Cox with marble look painting by Giovanni D'AmiC0. Parishioner Neville Francis said he chose the design but it was a joint effort. He said there is "no sign of a nut or bolt - it looks just like a painting." - Glynnis Grainger.

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John XXIII College Auditorium John 23rd Avenue, Mt. Claremont. A RCHBISHOP MICKEY s Speoal Guest & Key Speaker Mae Comm. He •..ats preached the main message Mb MINI in:scarab:in *or the pas1 Sever yeart Hsmow at this Jubiee Congress ati be an riTortal imeptaion tor ycu R EV. RUSSELL SAGE Is a renowned preacher vino has Miniiimed Atataide. Asa Eitcpe & USA. Wel known far Ms MCCIO*1 'Schaci the Spirr re R3s trought spitball pm& In Christ to people r several countries F REDDY GOMEZ Is the Youth leaderci YPM Sligapore doing his Masters in Thecrogy & Chrtsbar Wristy at the Fralciscan Urrveraty. Slutenvile He has a &runic approach to the Gospel the needs o, youth. 0011*. tani a deep understaiding E DDIE RUSSELL Fill Is eN:enerced C c Evangelts1 authcr and preacher who has mirislered in Austaia. Ergaxl & Sinciahcre. He is in lul irne ministry and *o the header ci i the St May's Caltedral Praise Meeing in Perth F RANK TASSONE FM( Is an erpenenced Caholic Evangelist author and Youth Leader who has preached in Malaysia, Singap:re. Enctatd & Austalia He is aiso the Worship Leader tor tie Rare Mustc Wrist/ in Peat S TEVE PEAKE FM! Is a Cattic EYaVeia author and hi line Chnsian Ccunseki He has a *xation to assist hearing ii rettionships tel are founded purely on Chr an vakies of tardy * and love K AYE ROLLINGS FM! Kaye is the moderaior forte Rene Inlemessixs Group. She is an evenenced Intercessor who has taught Ram Schools in England. Singapore and Austraia

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The Record, January 6 2000 Page 5

Baptism shows us God's love make The Majellan a must for homes where parents are really serious about their teenagers' faith development The MaleIlan's address is PO Box 43, Brighton 3186, Victoria. Today's gospel, (Mark 1:7-11) is St Mark's account of Christ's baptism. By beginning his Gospel with an he alternative readings for example attracts. The Faith spread today's Feast of the Baptism of rapidly in the first century, because account of Christ's baptism, St Mark Christ present the inspiring truth pagans looked at the first Christians shows the importance to be given to the that baptism makes us God's children and exclaimed: "See how these Chris- event. Christ's baptism marked the beginand shows some of the implications of tians love one another!" this truth. The Christian life is a life of faith and ning of His public life. In today's first reading, (Isaiah 55:1- love. Our baptism marks the beginning of 11,) we hear God's invitation; "Come to In the second reading, (1 John 5:1-9) St our Christian life. the waters all you who are thirsty" At our Lord's baptism, God the Father's John says: "We accept the testimony of God calls all people to the waters of human witnesses, but God's testimony voice was heard saying: You are my baptism. Son, the beloved; my favour rests on is much greater." We need to remember that there are Faith is a prerequisite for adult bap- you." vast differences between God and our- tism. Baptism makes us God's beloved chilselves, as God tells us in the reading: Faith isn't unreasonable; for if we are dren. Our Christian life is an attempt to "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my prepared to accept human testimony, live as worthy children of our Heavenways not your ways." surely we should be prepared to accept ly Father, living lives characterised by Yet despite our imperfections and lim- divine testimony. love of God and neighbour. itations, God also tells us in the reading: While faith is above reason, it is never The commandments are God's rule"I have made you a witness to the peo- against reason. book, showing that living as God's chilple." A major reason for the drift from the dren involves giving God the worship God has willed that the spread of the Faith by young people is that Apologet- which is His due, and the last seven faith should largely depend on the wit- ics aren't part of today's Religious commandments show us what is due to ness of the baptised. Instruction courses in Catholic schools. our neighbour, as a child of God. Pope Paul VI commented in his It was to remedy this omission that the Prayer, Mass and the sacraments not Encyclical on Evangelisation that peo- late Fr William Stinton CSSR introduced only give God due worship, they also ple today are more willing to believe a series of articles on Apologetics enti- obtain for us the strength to overcome witnesses than teachers, and that if they tled "The Whys of the Faith" into The the selfishness which would prevent us believe teachers, it is because they are Malellan. from living lives befitting God's beloved also witnesses. While words teach, These articles have continued and children. Peter Dwan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday's Mass. This week the Feast of the Baptism of Christ.

A Layman's

Meditation

To Jesus through Mary ... a column of Marian devotion The following is the Pope's Angelus Message of January 1. 20(X)

jet us give thanks to God, who has offered us the opportunity of beginning another year. As I invoke His grace and protection for each of you, I give you my most heartfelt wishes for a good Year 2000! During the Christmas Midnight Mass, we heard the proclamation of the angels: "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those on whom his favour rests" (Lk 2: 14). This is the pmdamation of hope that Ihave re-proposed in the traditional message for today's World Day of Peace. God loves us, he gives each of us the hope of a new time, a time of salvation and peace. Yes. Christ is our peace. He calls us to love every human being without discrimination, converting our hearts and minds to thoughts of peace, and banishing the temptation to violence and war. The jubilee that has barely begun constitutes a pressing invitation to love in the prospective of a reconciled humanity. We cross the threshold of a New Year with the task of bringing our contribution so that peace will become the everyday language of the peoples. The Gospel teaches us that dialogue, co-operation, respect for life, and solidarity are valid instruments to weave new relations between peoples and countries, between the rich and the poor, between believers and non-believers. From every part of the world, a heartfelt invocation of peace is being raised. Let us pray that it not remain unheard. At this moment, my thoughts go to those who are victims of violence, to those who feel themselves alone and abandoned. Christ, Son of God made flesh, enlighten the hearts of men and women with the gift of peace. You, Son of the Most High, were born for us alL You are the same yesterday, today, and forever! The first day of the year is placed under the special protection of Mary We begin the year 2000 under the loving gaze of the Mother of God, who gave Christ, the Prince of Peace, to the world. The mantle of her motherhood extends itself to all and protects us from evil, frees us from hate and violence. She accompanies humanity on the paths of peace. May every man and woman discover in others - beyond every border - the face of brothers and sisters, of friends, of members of a single family. Mary Mother of God, make us apostles of peace! The Record, January 6 2000 Page 6

A Catholic man kisses the vandalised statue of Maly in the wrecked resence of Bishop Carlos Rlipe Ximenes Belo in Dili, East rimor. Photo CN, 1,Puters

This radical Pope with brand new approach on sex and love

With Paul Gray

s Pope John Paul II an arch-conservative? The correct answer to that questionIcannot give - because I have never understood exactly what an 'arch-conservative' is. Is it the same as a 'conservative?'I wish someone would tell me, because for many people, the term 'arch-conservative' seems to sum up everything they know and think, or want to know and think, about Pope John Paul IL However, if an 'arch-conservative' means the same thing as a 'conservative,' then I do know the answer to the question about the Pope. And the answer's no. Calling the Pope a radical gets us far closer to the truth. So, at least, believes the latest biographer of Pope John Paul II, American author George Weigel. The Pope's radicalism shines through espedaily when it comes to sex. Weigel believes. For it is one of John Paul's greatest achievements to have placed human sexuality, in its full physical embodiment in life-giving married love, at the centre of modern Catholic understanding of God. This new emphasis on sex is called "the theology of the body," which revisits the same territory as Pope Paul VI's Encyclical Humanae Vitae, widely regarded today as a pastoral failure. However, it focuses not so much on birth control. as Humanae Vitae did, but on the full dignity and meaning of human sexuality from a Scriptural, theological and anthropological point of view. I t will be well into the 21st century before the Catholic Church. much less the wider culture, even begins to assimilate the contents of John Paul II's theology of the body." Weigel wrote recently in the journal First Things. However, he adds, 'it is worth noting that the Bishop of Rome, often assumed to be the custodian of a tradition deeply scarred by a Manichean deprecation of human sexuality. has articulated a deeply humanistic response to the sexual revolution that says to the readers of Playboy and Cosmopolitan alike. 'human sexuality is far greater than you imagine'." Put another way. Weigel is saying that many people think that Catholics in general, and popes in particular, have a warped view of human sexuality - that they are against sex. This Pope, by contrast, tells the world that when it tries to treat physical love merely as a recreational pastime, or cheaper still, as pornography, it's missing out on the greatest bit of all about sex - that it images the nature of God to each of us personally. Weigel's biography of the Pope. Witness to Hope: the Biography of John Paul Ii, was recently published in America by Harper Collins. Weigel believes, with many others, that the Pope deserves to be seen as the greatest historical figure of the 20th century This is not just because of the theology of the body. but also because he has restored the idea of human "culture" as the driving force of history, in the minds of many people who had bought the false Marxist notion that economics alone is the engine of change. The Pope has also highlighted the importance for free societies of having a belief in ultimate truth. This is crucial to the development of moral virtue, in the societies which have emerged since the collapse of Communism. None of this even touches on what I personally suspect may be john Paul's greatest achievement - the introduction of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. For the first time the Catechism has placed the riches of great Catholic theology within the reach of ordinary Catholics. Why is it, then, that when Catholics in the parishes in Australia discuss the achievements of our present Pope, so much time and credibility is given still. to outdated, negative images of the Pope as an 'arch-conservative'? Some people are just slow to catch on,I guess.

This man's eyes are fixed on a higher truth

The Record

hree prominent Australians issued their New Year messages to their countrymen within the last week: Prime Minister John Howard, Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley and Governor-General Sir William Deane. All three were optimistic; all three, in essence, urged their fellow Australians to do their part to make Australia a nation of peace, justice and happiness for its inhabitants. All three messages were good and were pitched at showing the way forward, in terms of principles to be embraced, towards a better future. Prime Minister Howard said progress is being made on reconciliation with the first Australians but warned the way ahead was slow and difficult. Australia would enter the new century with greater cause for hope than almost any other nation on earth, he said. As we do, the nation must maintain its commitment to the social security safety net and not forget those In rural areas hurt by economic change. The Governor-General also focussed on reconciliation and was reported as putting it at the heart of the final year of his term.

Achieving true and lasting reconciliation between the ancient and the new Australians is a challenge to be embraced, he said. Mr Beazley expressed the wish that Australians be proud of their achievements, enter the new century with optimism and achieve happiness. All three messages were good and honed in on broad cultural and political issues of importance for the future of the nation. But further abroad, another person also spoke of the New Year, of what it may hold and of how we should act to make the world a better place. The language was similarly optimistic but included another dimension - the importance of the spiritual realm. The comments of the Australian leaders were fixed squarely on the present. The person abroad explicitly included the relationship of the here and now to the reality of eternity and the presence of God. At midnight in Rome on the morning of

gaae

By Cindy Wooden

CJI/or

The Crown was also Henry's.... Rd ether than pontificating on the alleged efficacy of the Crown. your corresponent. Gerard Morton (The Record. 30 1)ecember. 1999). would do well to ponder some historical fads. It was the Crown of Henry VIII which precipitated the martyrdom of Thomas More and countless others and gave rise to widespread persecution and sectarian violence which the people of tIlster are still trying to outlive to-day. It was the British Crown that condoned the greatest enslavement of African peoples in modern times which resulted in a bitter racial enmity still pervading American society In the beginning of this country's history it was the Crown that condemned a fleet of hapless souls, men, women and minors to a life of brutal servitude in an unknown land. It is the legacy of this same Crown which still exacts a far harsher penalty for crimes concerning property than for vicious crimes against people. Is this the emblem, the symbol we should look to for real Justice? I think not. Rather than the airing of quasi-political aspirations in your columns.I feel that there is room only for the mention of one Crown- the Crown of Christ the King, ruler of all, eternally. Patrick Miller Nollamara

Ignorance is usually bliss

and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

Vatican calls for ICU overhaul

T firo

Beller s /0

1 January, Pope John Paul II stood on the balcony of St Peter's in what must surely have been a moment of intense personal happiness for him. The Pope who has effectively led the Church into the new millennium prayed for the year and the following thousand years (see pages 8 and 9 of this issue) asking that Jesus would bless the first moments of 2000 "so that it may be the promising beginning of a new millennium rich in joy and peace." And one of the most striking things that came from his own New Year's comments was how concretely and completely the existence of God and that other unseen world informs and permeates his thinking and observations of life. That is the dimension which was absent from the messages of our political leaders; good though their messages were, they were not, ultimately, enough. But Pope John Paul II speaks the higher truth: only God, who has made the world

and the human race, is able to bring us unity and peace. The essential message of the Pope - a man who now stands astride the history of the Twentieth century and that of the Church as something of a moral and visionary colossus - is simple but striking: we all must depend on God and we all must do it as if it matters. Only through this can the world ultimately be made into a better place. Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the source of the true peace that our political leaders hope will belong to our nation in the future. All our efforts for peace only make sense if they are coherent with the Way of the Peacemaker, His person, His words, His deeds, His way of life. Or, to put it another way. without Christ we will never be able to attain to the promises of Christ. And without God, this amazing pontiff might also have said, nothing else - no matter how worthwhile it seems - will ever be enough. • The opinions expressed in this editorial.

erartl Morton (Letters 30 December 1999) certainly highlighted the essential theoretical and philosophical fabric of the Australian constitution. All serious students of Magna Carta agree that the division of power is an essential prerogative of any wise government. From a practical perspective he has not realised that for some time now "immense power and despotic economic domination" have resided with those who "are not the owners... of (the) money... (but) govern credit" (Quadragesimo Anno 105-106). We the people through bliss, apathy or ignorance have undervalued the significance and importance of service and representation in our own democracy A few individuals want a republic on order to formalise and make absolute the shift in power to the "Money Changers" (Gertrude M. Coogan). The only change the people (demos) need in order to maintain their sovereignty is for our politicians to adhere to, not only the letter of, but, the spirit of our great constitution. John McKay Falcon

VAIICAN CITY (CAS) - The Vatican has called fore complete overhaul of the commission which translates liturgical texts into English. Questioning the quality of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy's work as well as the way it functions, the Vatican ordered the revision of the commission's statutes. Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Saciaments, said the new statutes must give his office a greater say in the work of the commission, known as ICEL including Vatican clearance of ICEL personnel. ICEL "in its present form is not in a position to render to the bishops. to the Holy See and to the English-speaking faithful an adequate level of service." the Cardinal wrote in a letter dated 29 October to Scottish Bishop Maurice Taylor of Galloway. chairman of ICEL. Representatives of the 11 bishops' conferences which sponsor ICEL will meci on 21 January in London to discuss Cardinal Medina's letter and "the whole matter of the relationship ICEL has to the bishops' conferences which sponsor it." Bishop Taylor told CNS. Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. the US representative on the commission. told CNS that one key point behind Cardinal Medina's letter is that the relationship of ICEL staff and translation experts to the bishops "is not structurally as strong as it might be." He added that he thought another of the Vatican congregation's primary concerns was to limit ICEI:s role to being an agent of translation of Latin texts into English not "an agent of change on its own." composing original texts in English for consideration by the bishops' conferences. A source in Rome familiar with the history of ICEI:s relationship with the congregation said it had been obvious for years that some changes were needed. "hut in my judgment this is too strong a reaction." "WhenIsaw this letter I thought it could be a concession, an attempt to reacquire credibility with the traditionalists and

he said. "They have extended their power too much and have tied the hands of the bishops' conferences," the source said. One of the biggest projects undertaken by ICEI. in recent years was a revised Sacramentary. Cardinal George noted that the Holy See had signifiamt objections to the English text of the ordination rite, which he said had been developed under the same translation principles that were used for the Sacramentary. "I suppose they'll have the same problem with the Sacramentary as they did with the ordination rite." he said. ICEI. was founded in 1963 by bishops' conferences in English-speaking countries to develop common English translations of liturgical texts. In recent years, the translations it has produced have been increasingly controversial as bishops, Vatican officials and scholars debate criteria for translations. The Vatican has emphasised the importance of a literal translation from Lain English; the ICEL translations have The Vatican has called for an overhaul of the into tended to adapt original expressions to ICE! commission. the language being used. keep a dialogue open with them." the Cardinal Medina's letter, which both he source said. and Bishop Taylor have sent to the ICEL Cardinal Medina, he said. "has taken a bishops. said the Vatican congregation strong position against the mistakes of has the task of "ensuring that translations the traditionalists" and angered some of accurately and fully convey the content of them with a ruling last summer that the the original texts." superiors of priestly communities However. Cardinal Medina said. "for a allowed to celebrate the old Latin Mass number of years now" the Vatican has could not forbid their priests from cele- pointed out how ICEL was being too five brating the new rite. in its translations. The source praised ICEL for providing Cardinal Medina said his congregation the Church with translations that were "well done and dignified" and which uni- was not the only party dissatisfied with fied English-speaking Catholics in a way ICEL's work: "not a few bishops have that other language groups have been expressed concerns not only about the quality of the translations. . . hut also unable to do. But. he said, over time "ICEL has pre- about the procedures which they felt limsented itself as a super-commission on ited their own ability to obtain correcthe liturgy. taking roles and making deci- tions and improvements that they sions which should be reserved to bish- considered necessary for the accuracy of the texts." ops' conferences." The Cardinal said it has become clear particularly Under the current statutes. with ICEL holding the copyright on its "that the constitution, the regulation and English translations, national bishops' the oversight of an international comconferences have little influence over mission for liturgical translation are rightICEL translations and cannot make their fully the competence of the Holy See" own changes in texts translated by ICEL. and ICEL's statutes should reflect that.

'You must be the light of Jesus in the world' Continued from page 1 But, he said, "Whatever way we do it we are simply called to he messengers of the Church of Jesus Christ." "We must be like leaven in Australian society," he urged those listening to him, adding that the Church must be like yeast, silently penetrating and leavening every part of the loaf. "Don't worry if your profile is not high, or you don't have a soapbox to stand upon, think of the leaven and say to yourself 'this is what I can do'." he said.

The Archbishop noted how many people earlier in the evening had lit candles to Mary The Catholic faith and the people who make up the Church. he said, "are a little hit like that." Each person carries a little light of faith in their hearts; "make sure your light of faith is alight," he said. Some people in the life of the Church are like sparklers, others are like big crackers that everyone hears and sees.

However, he said, all are called to use the talents they have been given, whether they are prominent in the eyes of the rest of the Church and the world or like "the little candle that burns quietly but lights up the darkness. The Archbishop concluded by saying ""And as we enter the new era in world history, understand that Jesus the light of the world is asking you to be part of the Church's mission and that your light of faith is burning brightly so that Jesus is loved and followed: , . The Record, January 6 2000 Page 7

While the skyrockets scream sks,wards Pope wishes peace to world the same reason most people did: In reviewing the 20th century, he "It's the chance of a lifetime," said said the most defining element was Brad Kluesner. the rise and fall of "two oppressive ith fireworks exploding in the places world to the ideologies" - communism and all "Of overhead and champagne celebrate the millennium, this is the Nazism - which left in their wake corks popping below him, holiest," said his friend. Theresa millions of victims. Pope John Paul II blessed the world Slattery. "What suffering, what drama" the In the first seconds of 2000. While the night included prayer, 20th century brought, he said, "but The Pope led the Catholic Church the mood in St Peter's Square was also how many exulting conquests." into the new millennium, as he that of a party. Pope John Paul said the greatest believed he was destined to do, with Italian pop star Claudio Baglioni risk that humanity carries with it a glance at the past and prayers for and the Harlem Gospel Singers into the new millennium is that peace in the future. entertained the crowd; people fewer and fewer people know how "I wish you a year rich in peace," brought their own sparklers and bot- to bring moral and ethical values to he told an estimated 100,000 people tles of spumante or champagne. bear on scientific and technological gathered in St Peter's Square for a The mood was more solemn earli- advances. New Year's Eve concert and his mider in the evening as Pope John Paul As he opened the Holy Door on 1 night blessing. presided over vespers and a thanks- January at Rome's Basilica of St "I wish you a year of serenity and giving service in St Peter's Basilica. Mary Major and celebrated the While we raise our thanks to God, World Day of Peace, the Pope again we feel the need at the same time to prayed, "May the year that is beginask his mercy for the millennium ning be the dawn of a millennium of that is ending," he said in his homi- peace. ly. "May the Lord give you peace! This We ask forgiveness because, is the Church's wish for all humanunfortunately, sometimes the con- ity on the first day of the new year." quests of technology and science, so the Pope said in his homily. Important for authentic human The 20th century, he said, was full progress, have been used against of events that prove how fragile man," the Pope said. peace can be and how essential it is With just a few hours left in 1999. for people to commit themselves to Pope John Paul said it was natural to dialogue and solidarity. look back at the most important It was only 14 years ago, he said, events of 1999, of the 20th century that leaders of dozens of religions and of the second millennium. gathered in Assisi, Italy, at the Pope's The one event the Pope chose to Invitation to pray for peace. highlight in his review of the mil"We were still in the period of the lennium was Europeans discovery so-called Cold War." the Pope said. of America which, he said, -marked and "the serious threat of a conflict the beginning of a new eni in the seemed to hang over humanity." history of humanity." God heard the prayers of his children. the Pope said. "While we have seen the explosion of dangerous local and regional conflicts, nevertheless we have been saved from the global conflict which seemed to he on the horizon.- he said. Returning to the Vatican on 1 January for his midday Angelus address and to bless participants in the Rome Millennium Marathon - which started from St Peter's Square - the Pope said everyone must be a peacemakA Swiss guard stands near a kneeling Pope John Paul II after the pontiff opened the Holy Door to the Basilica Lynn Ckment joins other parishioners at er. of St Mary Major in Rome on 1 January. The Pope in his New Year's Day homily appealed to humanity to make Pope John Paul II stands at the window of his balcony as fireworks explode In Rome Sacred Heart Church in New York for a "The Gospel teaches us that diathe next 1,000 years a time of peace. at the start of the third millennium on 1 January. late-eight prayer vigil New Year's Eve. logue, cooperation, respect for life Lat., .1-• By Cindy Wooden

happiness," he said in a message broadcast live by an international group of television networks that had set up stages in the square. The Pope prayed that Christ would bless the first moments of 2000, "so that it may be the promising beginning of a new millenniuni rich in joy and peace." While the concert was planned by the youth office of the Italian bishops' conference, the crowd that jammed the square to usher in the New Year with Pope John Paul included people of every age from all over the world. A group of students from St Thomas University in St Paul, Minnesota, studying in Rome came for

Runners at the start of a Rome ridlialakta 1111,10118 Carry a -111Viconso 2000" banner aS limy wake their way out of St Peter's Square on 1 January. The race stted from the Vatican following the Pope's Angelus and Messing. ericma CNS," Fieuiets

and solidarity are valid instruments for weaving new relationships among peoples and countries. between rich and poor. between believers and nonbelievers." he said. Pope John Paul offered special

prayers for people living in countries marked by violence and war. According to a report cited by Vatican Radio. 65 countries - a third of the nations in the world - were at war or struggling with violent inter-

nal conflicts as the year ended. "From every part of the globe there rises a heartfelt plea for peace." the Pope said. "We pray that this plea is heard.- Catholic News Service

John Paul II kicks off a special jubilee celebration - for the kids By John Norton

Youths greet Pope John Paul II as he is driven through St Peter's Square during the .Jubilee for Children celebration at the Vatican on 2 January. The Pope called for an end to the exploitation of the young during the special service.

The Record. January 6 2000 Page 8

isibly energised during a music-filled, sunlit celebration in St Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II urged tens of thousands of cheering children to build a "more beautiful and welcoming" world in the third millennium. By being first of more than 25 jubilee days dedicated to specific groups, the 2 January Jubilee for Children shows that the Church puts children "at the centre of the attention of the faithful," the Pope said. Highlighting the continuing exploitation suffered by many children around the world, 10 former child soldiers from Sierra Leone. aged 7 to 14, shared the stage with the Pope. Bishop George Biguzzi of Makeni. Sierra Leone, who brought the children to Rome after freeing them from rebel factions, appealed to the crowd to help fund centres run by the Church to reintegrate into society Sierra Leone's thousands of exchild soldiers. During the celebration, an estimated 150,000 children and parents packed St Peter's Square and spilled out into the main street in front of the square. Gazing out over a sea of waving white baseball caps. the Pope joked that he could not see where the crowd ended. "but probably at the Tiber," the river that runs by the Vatican. "Or maybe beyond," he added,

drawing laughs and cheers. Though most of the children came from Italy. 30 countries were represented, including some in the former Soviet bloc, African nations like Sudan and Mozambique, and Asian nations. including Japan and Indonesia. "Your presence is a reminder that the jubilee is a time of joy." a relaxed and smiling Pope told the crowd. However, he said. 'we cannot forget all those of your own age who

are suffering hunger or violence, and those who are victims of hideous forms of exploitation. "How can we forget the many children who are denied even the right to be born?" he said. "When people want to build a world ignoring God and his law, they are in fact giving rise to a situation of more and more suffering and injustice," the Pope said. "With the jubilee the Lord invites

Altar servers holding lit candles join a jubilee celebration on New Year's Eve at St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney, Ireland. Behind them, a Tree of Light sparkles with bulbs representing those who died in the Northern Ireland strife over the last 30 years. 0 Suilivan °hobo CNSVa

us to correct these wrongs by cooperating in the great plan he has for every person and for the whole human race." As a concrete example of solidarity the event focused on the child victims of Sierra Leone's nine-year civil war, which ended with a truce in July. Bishop Biguzzi said 6,000 children were abducted during the conflict by various military factions. "Some were very, very small: they can't even remember the village they come from." he told Catholic News Service. "Some were used as porters. others were trained as soldiers." Organisers of the children's jubilee asked participants specifically to pray for Sierra Leone's children and donate money for programs to help reintegrate them into society. Bishop Biguzzi said the money would he used for half a dozen reintegration centres run by Caritas Sierra Leone. He said he did not know how much money had been raised, but was sure of a generous response. Ibrahim Sesay, director of Caritas Makeni, said his organisation was the "key player" in the process of caring for Sierra Leone's former child soldiers, which involves providing basic needs, counselling, education and vocational training. "Through demobilisation we have received well over 500 children (into the centres), and it's just the start of

the process." he said. As demobilisation continues, he said, he expects his program to expand beyond child soldiers to other children emotionally scarred by Sierra Leone's war. Looking slightly overwhelmed by all the attention. 14-year-old Heric Rimy, one of the 10 former combatants participating in the event, simply said. "I'm very happy." A soldier until the age of 12, Turay said he now looked forward to going to school. Before leaving the children who celebrated with more song and dance throughout the afternoon. the Pope presented the Vatican's peace prize to members of Aid to Those in Distres—s-Fourth World. a Paris-based Catholic aid group, for its work with poor children around the globe. "May the greatest attention of adults" go to children, the Pope said in presenting the John XXIII International Peace Prize, "in order that they learn to build a world in which all people are able to live in truth, justice and love." The international AlT)-Fourth World movement was founded in 1957 in a camp for homeless families outside Paris by the late Father Joseph Wresinski, who grew up in poverty and wanted to help the poorest in society The Vatican award, which carries a cash prize, was instituted in 1963 by Pope Paul VI. - Catholic News Service

Proc,

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The Millennium Cross is erected near Abraham's Nesse hi Jerusalem just before the start of the year 2000. Hundreds of Christians joined a prayer vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane before walking by candiebght to place the cross for the jubilee year.

The Record, January 6 2000 Page 9

Features

Wanted: Priest who will preach to the Pope By John Norton

wice a year, Capuchin Father Raniero Gallialamessa preaches a retreat to a small group of priests. Not an unusual practice for the experienced retreat-master except that the group consists of Pope John Paul II and top Vatican Officials. Like the itinerant preachers of past centuries who called kings and bishops to conversion, the bearded friar, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide his mouth, boldly speaks his views on issues ranging front sensitive matters of Church governance to recentlyreleased movies. At the Vatican, where concern for doctrinal integrity is a high priority, Father Cantalanwssa reminds his retreatants of the fundamental importance of communicating God's love and mercy. During a recent Advent series of reflections in the Pope's Redemptorts Mater (Mother of the Redeemer) Chapel, Father Uintalamessa hailed the October signing of a Catholic-Lutheran accord on justification and told the Pope the Church should emphasise salvation as the work of grace. rather than good works. Ile also urged a more merciful treatment of penitents in the confessional, saying that confessors should "give grace time to work." In a late-December interview. the 05-year-old Italian priest acknowledged that preaching to the Pope is demanding. "but it's also relatively easy: we must preach the Gospel. not our own message, and this makes us more confident." A former professor of early Christian history. Father Cantalamessa decided to give up teaching for hill-time preaching after being "baptised in the Spirit" during a charismatic renewal conference in New jersey in 1977 In Lent 1980. Pope John Paul made him the -preacher of the pontifical household," which

Capuchin Father Ranier° Cantalamessa, preacher of the Pontifical Household, preaches to the Pope on Good Friday photo L:Ns Hewers 1998 in St Peter's Basilica.

entails delivering a series of sermons to the Pope and Vatican officials in the weeks before Christmas and Easter. Instituted more than 450 years ago, the office has been entrusted to Capuchin friars since 1743. "It's now 20 years that I've been preaching to the Pope." Father Cantalames.sa said. He has had an almost heroic patience to listen to me all these years." Because his duties in the Vatican are relatively light, the priest spends most of the year writing, offering spiritual direction, and preaching around the world. His dynamic preaching style and use of colourful examples, coupled with the uniqueness of his job. have drawn crowds of thousands to hear hint speak_ He is well-known for his use of simple, inspirational language, but when he preaches to the Pope, Father Cantalamessa's academic

background betrays hint. In comes by grace, far front being December. his sermons were lit- non-Catholic, is central in Scriptered with citations front the ture and tradition, especially the church fathers, Plato. St Thonuts works of the early church fathers, Aquinas, Martin Luther and Soren he told his distinguished retreatants. Kierkegaanl. "Why then. I often ask myself Far front remaining in the world of abstraction, however, the with pain. do thousands of faithpreacher drew concrete examples ful in many places in the world from some of the hottest topics leave the Catholic Church to hear discussed these days in Vatican In other places that powerful and liberating proclamation that hallways. The Catholic-Lutheran accord *there is no condemnation for on justification, he told the Pope those who are in Christ Jesus'?" and assembled prelates, is an he said. In a separate talk on the jubilee important reminder to Catholics that salvation is owed to grace. theme of forgiveness, Father Cantalamessa said that the Church not to faith or good works. Simplistic characterisation of needs to "help the faithful see the difference between Catholics their lives in the light of God's and Lutherans over the past 500 love and Christ's passion: let's not years. he said, has led Catholics to immediately start with violated emphasise the value of good commandments, laws and preworks and obscure Jesus' saving cepts." Certainly we must also concern power. Yet this teaching that salvation ourselves with the integrity of (the

sacrament of) Confession, with the kind and number of serious sins, but let us give grace time to work," the Capuchin friar told the Pope. 'My heart weeps to see how many people have remained far front this sacrament their whole lives because of an alienating encounter in the past," he said. Christ's parable of the prodigal son, who is embraced by his father after making a simple apology, indicates the proper attitude confessors should take with pentints, he said. In the parable, the father's treatment of his son "is as if today, as soon as one finishes saying, 'bless me, Father, for I have sinned,' the confessor immediately gives absolution," he said. It would be wrong to push the comparison too far, the friar Jesus "but acknowledged, undoubtedly wanted to teach us something, insisting on these details." Beyond individual repentance, the Church also must embrace the Pope's jubilee call for a communal request of forgiveness for sins its members have committed in the past, he said. When the Church admits wrong-doing, it asks pardon from God, not from the world. -The Church does not acknowledge her faults after stretching out on a psychoanalyst's couch, but after getting on her knees," he said. Pope john Paul was so struck by the Advent meditations that, for the first time, he asked Fr Cantulamessa for a copy of the sermon texts, the priest said. For his part. Fr Cantalamessa makes clear that his candour in speaking to the Pope is accompanied by profound respect. "Truly, the Holy Father is the one who preaches to me, because he leaves everything to come and listen to these meditations," he said. "It's an extraordinary example.** he said. - Catholic News Service

It's not only St Peter's that Jubilee pilgrims will visit MAJOR BASILICAS of ROME t Traditional isits to these u 41_ be made by pilgrims in the jubilee yt:ar''

St. Peter's

St. Mary Major

World's largest Christian church. Original fourthcentury building constructed on site believed to be Peter's grave. Present basilica was begun in 1506 and dedicated in 1680. Home to Michelangelo's Pieta and the tombs of 49 popes.

Founded in the fourth century, as legend has it, at site of a miraculous August snow fall. Present church built by Pope Sixtus III in fifth century. Believed to hold the relics of Christ's manger.

ROME

St. Paul Outside the Walls First built around relics of St. Paul in fourth century. Named so because location is just beyond the walls of ancient Rome. Rebuilt after 1823 fire. Benedictine monks maintain church and adjacent monastery.

St.John Lateran The cathedral church of Rome. Named after the apostle and John the Baptist. Original fourth-century church built on site formerly occupied by palace of Laterani family. Church was rebuilt several times following earthquakes, barbarian attacks and fires. Present facade dates to 1735.

The Record, January 6 2000 Page 10

Pkintofh (-7Nrc and Catiyok Prerr Mott `‘'..1999 CNS Graphic

By John Mavis

t Peter's Basilica will hold centre stage during Holy Year 2000, but Rome's other three patriarchal basilicas - newly cleaned and restored - will host important jubilee events and a steady stream of pilgrims. Pope John Paul II plans to lead ceremonies at the basilicas of St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul's Outside the Walls during the first month of jubilee activities. For the first time in the history of holy years. the Pope will open the Holy Doors of all four major basilicas, symbolising the spiritual passage offered the faithful during a jubilee year. Traditionally, the basilicas have marked penitential stops on a pilgrimage route through Rome. Although the conditions for gaining jubileeyear indulgences have been expanded, prayer in the basilicas remains a key element for pilgrims seeking an indulgence in Rome. The basilicas have been spruced up with hinds from the church and the Italian government. with the church restoring the inside and Italy cleaning up the areas outside the buildings. The Pope opened the Holy Year on 24 December when he pushed open the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica while standing in the church's atrium, which was recently restored with funding by the US lay organisation. the Knights of Columbus. The bronze doors were donated by Swiss Catholics and installed in 1949, replacing wooden doors that had been used the previous 200 years. St Peter's will be the venue for dozens of liturgies with jubilee groups throughout the Holy Year. On Christmas Day, the Pope travelled across

town to St John Lateran. the cathedral of Rome and the first Christian basilica constructed in the city, where he opened the Holy Door and lead an evening vespers service. The basilica has just undergone a six-year restoration following damage caused by a bomb blast in 1993. Its gilt ceiling is resplendent, the colours of the apse mosaic are brilliant again, the facade has been scrubbed and a cloister restored. In the surrounding area, a pedestrian mall has been created out of what was one of the most heavily trafficked corners of Rome. The site will host a huge Corpus Christi procession in June. At St Mary Major, said to have been built in the fourth century after a miraculous August snowfall on the site on the Esquiline Hill, famed early Christian mosaics in the nave are once again gleaming. Outside, trees were being planted in midDecember as the latest touch in the expansion of adjacent pedestrian areas. The Pope opened the Holy Door at St Mary Major on 1 January, then celebrated Mass at its high altar, under which is a shrine believed to contain fragments of Jesus' cradle. At St Paul's Outside the Walls, built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century, the Pope will open the Holy Door and lead an ecumenical prayer service on 18 January, the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The bronze Holy Door at St Paul's, which survived the fire, was made at Constantinople in the 11th century and inlaid with silver in panels showing scenes from the Bible. Inside, pilgrims can view mosaic portraits of the Popes that form a frieze above the granite columns of the nave. - Catholic News Service

Features By Jeny Rtteau

ere, chronologically, are some of the leading events or individuals that have shaped Catholic history over the past 1,000 years. Catholic News Service editors and writers, in consultation with Church historians, developed the list and narrowed it to a selection of 25. 1054 Glum SCHISM Mutual excommunications harden centuries of growing rift between East and West, dividing mainline Christianity into the Orthodox Churches of the East and the Latin Church of the West 1096 CRUSADES BEGIN Campaign by Pope Urban II to retake

Holy Land from Islam starts almost two centuries of intermittent religious wars there, ending In 1291 with Muslim recapture of Acre. With the Crusades came the birth of military and hospitaller religious orders, rising importance of pilgrimages in religious life and increased East-West trade. 1209-15 MENDICANT ORDERS

Itinerant preachers St Francis of Assisi and St Dominic found the

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St Amide et Assist Franciscan and Dominican orders, which have deep impact on spiritual and intellectual life of the Church and continue to thrive today. 1215 FOUR11-I IdcniRAN COUNCIL Key medieval council formulates doctrine of transubstantiation and makes Church reforms, including obligation of annual Confession and Communion at Easter time. 1265-73 Summa Theologiae' The most notable work of St Thomas Aquinas. who articulated a theological synthesis that would Influence Western Christian thought for centuries. 1452-55 GUTENBERG BIBLE First book printed with movable type marks beginning of mass media. a cultural revolution profoundly affecting religion, education, commerce, politics and culture.

thassands of people pack St Peter's Square during Easter services at the Vatican last year. 7110 immumental facade of St Peter's Basilica has andavatte a Phao:cprschnsfophe. Lynch campiete restoration in order to greet millions of expected visitors for the Great Julifiee Year 2000 declared by Pope John Pau! II. Christianity in New World, starts global missionary expansion to Americas, Africa, Asia, Oceania; it also starts more than four centuries of European political and cultural colonialism. 1500s RENAISSANCE ART Prodigious artistic and architectural output of figures like Michelangelo. Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci

1483-98 SPANISH INQUISMON

At height of its campaign against heretics under lbrquemada. some 2.000 are executed, giving historical basis for later claims of Catholic cruelty and intolerance. 1492 COLONISATION OF AMERICA Columbus' voyage introduces

The Council of Trent and many others under Church patronage exemplifies the cultural contribution of the Church's embrace of art and architecture as means of religious expression. 1517-21 PRcrrEsrAwr REFORMATION Martin Luther posts his 95 Theses in 151Z challenging errors in the preaching of indulgences, is excommunicated four years later. His reform agenda, later systematically institutionalised by Calvin, marks the start of the second major division in Christiani1534 Acr OF SUPREMACY Henry VIII establishes Church of England, invoking fullness of power over it by divine right. 1539-40 Sr IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA Rule is approved for his Soci-

Lamm* dm Ward

ety of Jesus, an order with wide influence in Church life, especially in education.

1545-63 COUNCIL OF TRENT

The Catholic response to the Reformation brings Church reform legislation and spells out Catholic teaching on doctrines under challenge from the Reformation. Postconciliar reforms included establishment of seminarim liturgy reform and a universal catechism. 1596 UNION OF BREST Agreement uniting Ruthenian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches of Poland becomes chief Roman model of restoration of Church unity with the Orthodox for nearly 400 years. 1633 GALILEO CONDEMNED Vatican declaration that the heliocentric teaching of Copernican astronomy contradicts Scripture sets a framework of tension and antagonism between Church and modern science lasting into 20th century. 1789-1801 FRENCH REVOLUTION, CONCORDAT OF 1801

Monarchy is overthrown, Church disestablished and secular government formed in formerly Catholic state; concordat guaranteeing freedom of worship and letting Church name bishops ends wars between anti-Christian and Catholic forces, but papacy continues to condemn principles of the revolution for more than a century. 1848-70 Loss OF PAPAL 9rAils Nationalist movements in Italy diminish Papal States, culminating in 1870 with capture of Rome as Italian capital and restriction of papacy to the tiny enclave in Rome known as the Vatican.

new Marian apparitions (Lourdes 1858, Knock 1879, Fatima 1917) fuel intense Catholic devotion to Mary. Marian devotions spread. new religious orders are named for her, lay sodalities and Legion of Mary are popular, Marian congresses are held. Other Christians consider new dogmas and Catholic Marian piety ecumenical obstacles. 1869-70 Flasr VATICAN GoutyCIL The first ecumenical council since Trent, it affirms and formally defines the full, ordinary, immediate jurisdiction of the Pope over the whole Church and the infallibility of the Pope when he solemnly defines Catholic teaching on faith or morals. 1878-1903 POPE LEO XIII He launches Catholic intellectual revival in 1879 by ordering teaching of the theology of St Thomas Aquinas in all seminaries; his "Rerum encyclical, 1891 Novarum" (on the condition of labor), marks start of modern Catholic social teaching. 1939-45 Howc.Ausr Hitler's World War II extermination of million Jews provokes profound rethinking, in postwar decades, of

1850s-19605 MARIAN DOGMAS AND ogvcrrioN Papal definitions

of Mary's Immaculate Conception (1854) and Assumption (1950) and

The Second Wade war

Catholic and Christian attitudes towards Jews and Judaism. 1945-90 RISE AND FALL (W COMMUNISM Religious persecution

that started with Russian Revolution in 1917 reaches its zenith following World War II as communist hegemony spreads across Eastern Europe and into China. North Korea and North Vietnam, creating a new age of martyrs. Communism's collapse in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union restores religious freedom to millions of believers. 1960-fl CATHOLIC ECUMENISM

Catholic Church's entry into 20thcentury ecumenical movement transforms Catholicism and the whole Christian unity movement. Collaboration, shared prayer, dialogue and joint declarations of common faith replace separatism, apologetics and emphasis on what divides. 1962-65 SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL Reform council seeks to

re-engage Church in contemporary world and to renew liturgy, Scripture study and virtually every other aspect of Catholic life, including better appreciation of other Christians and other religions; reformulates traditional teachings on religious freedom and the State's role in religious matters. 1978-n POPE JOHN PAUL IIFirst non-Italian pope since 1523 sets Implementation of Vatican II and new evangelisation for third millennium as agenda of his pontificate, oversees new codes of Church law, new universal catechism, Catholic-Lutheran declaration of agreement on justification. Travels over 1,000.000 kilometres, more than all previous popes combined.

The Record, January 6 2000 Page 11

International News

In Brief Advertising God's love WASHINGTON (CNS) - The US bishops have taken to the pages of the nation's major newspapers to tell all Americans that they have the power for good "because God loves you." Full-page ads with that MOssage were published in the 2 January editions of The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Houston Chronicle. The ad is slated to run later in January in Our Sunday Visitor, a national Catholic weekly. Several dioceses across the country also plan to place the ad in local church or secular newspapers.

American poll PRINCETON. N.J. (CNS) Most Americans think of themselves as religious, but in a recent Gallup Poll 30 per cent called themselves "spiritual but not religious." The survey, conducted in early December and released on 24 December, found that Catholics were more likely than Protestants to describe themselves as religious. But it also found that Catholics were more freethinking than Protestants about following religious teachings in their own lives and about the validity of other religions as true paths to God.

Fatalistic is out WARSAW Poland (CNS) The head of France's ecumenical Taize Community urged 70,000 young Europeans not to be "fatalistic" about the future, but to take the lead in overcoming "wounds and humiliations" from the past. -Our life isn't shaped by fatalism or blind predestination - it's a response to God's call." said Brother Roger Schutz, the Swiss Protestant prior of Taize. at the 22nd European Youth Meeting sponsored by his community.

Bishop appointed MEXICO CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II named Coadjutor Bishop Raul Vera Lopez of San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico's Chiapas state as the new bishop of the Diocese of Saltillo in northeastern Mexico. The announcement was released at the Vatican on 30 December. Bishop Vera, a 54year-old Dominican. had been expected to succeed Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia. a noted proponent of the rights of Indigenous people in the troubled southern state of Chiapas.

O'Connor returns NEW YORK (CNS) - Cardinal John O'Connor of New York returned to his office on 3 January for his first regular workday there since brain tumour surgery on 31 August, his spokesman said. Cardinal O'Connor had approximately five weeks of radiation treatments. Although the decision to give radiation suggested the tumour was malignant, that has never been stated officially.

Ordinations disappoint By John Norton VATICAN cra (CNS) - The Vatican expressed "astonishment and disappointment" at China's announced plans to ordain bishops in early January without the Pope's approval, saying it would hinder normalisation of diplomatic ties with Beijing. The government-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association was to ordain five new bishops on 6 January, the same clay the Pope was scheduled to ordain 12 bishops at the Vatican. "I must make known the astonishment and disappointment of the Holy See," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a 4 January statement. "This decision comes at a time when voices have been raised in many parts which lead one to hope well for a normalisation of relations between the Holy See and Beijing," he said. "But this gesture poses obstacles which certainly hamper that process," the spokesman said. The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which rejects papal

authority, was set up in 1957, creating a split in the Church in China. An underground Church professes loyalty to the Pope. China has been electing and ordaining its own Catholic bishops since 1958. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, said this will be the largest batch of bishops-elect to be ordained in a single liturgy since 1987. MISNA, a Rome-based missionary news service, said the choice of a date for the Chinese episcopal ordinations seemed an intentional provocation of the Vatican. "The Chinese government, which once again forces upon Catholics its desire for absolute control, is surely behind the dedsion of ordination," MISNA said on 3 January. Reports of a breakthrough in secret Sino-Vatican diplomatic talks persistently surfaced in the last three months of 1999, but were repeatedly denied by the Vatican and China. In mid-December, a Vatican diplomatic source said the rumours seemed to indicate a

Chinese desire to at least face the Mindong; Lti Xinping, 36, of Nanjing; and Jin Daoyuan, 71, of question of diplomatic relations. Changzhi. while The source said that Except for Bishop-elect lin, all recent contacts with the Chinese had a somewhat positive tone, it were to be ordained auxiliaries. Bishop-elect Zhan said there was difficult to say where the diawas no need for Vatican approval logue would lead. Beijing's plans to ordain new of the episcopal ordinations becabishops, said Coadjutor Bishop use there were no diplomatic ties Joseph Zen Zi-kiun of Hong Kong, between the Vatican and China. Because of his predecessor's show that China has "no real intention of reconciling with the advanced age, a new bishop was needed in his diocese, the priest Vatican." said, adding that he was elected ready to should be Vatican "The make concessions and to com- because other priests trusted him. A Chinese government spokespromise, but not to surrender," he man declined to confirm or deny told UCA News. He said he understood the pres- the reported plans for the ordinasures bearing on the new bish- tions, the British news agency ops-elect, but "we hope they are Reuters reported on 4 January. Diplomatic relations between wise enough" to see "farther than mainland China and the Vatican the present moment." Bishop Liu jinghe of Tangshan, collapsed in 1951. Renewal of China, told UCA News the Chi- relations, China has repeatedly nese church could not wait until insisted, depends on the Vatican's the establishment of formal Sino- cutting ties with Taiwan and Vatican relations to appoint pas- renunciation of "interference in Internal Chinese affairs under the toral leaders to vacant dioceses. The five Chinese bishops-elect pretext of religion," most notably were Fathers Peter Fang jianping, in the appointment of bishops. The Vatican has called the latter 39, of Tangshan: Su Changshan, 74, of Baoding: Than Slim 39, of condition unacceptable.

Bishop calls for Ambon intervention Divorce outreach By Benedicta Cipoila

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - An Indonesian bishop called on the government to quell ChristianMuslim violence in the Molucca Islands, Vatican missionary news service Fides said. Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid "cannot say that the conflict is merely an internal matter." said Bishop Petrus Mandagi of Ambon. Indonesia. in a 4 January Fides report. The Diocese of Ambon covers the Moluccas, formerly known as the Spice Islands. A serious investigation into human rights violations and the resumption of intense dialogue between the two sides is urgently

needed," said the bishop. Interreligious dialogue has not borne the fruit we had hoped for, because it has only created superficial relationships between religious leaders, while the people in the street continue to kill each other." he said. Bishop Mandagi was expected to meet with Wahid on 5 January to discuss the conflict. Wahid was elected in October on a reformist platform and promised to ease tensions throughout the diverse archipelago nation, but the government has not come up with a specific plan of action to stop the fighting in the Moluccas. Bishop Mandagi accused Islamic fundamentalists of trying to

force Christians off the islands in an attempt to enforce Islamic law. He said Christians had fled several areas throughout the islands. While 90 per cent of Indonesia's population is Muslim. the Moluccas are almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. Bishop Mandagi also said some members of Indonesia's armed forces had participated in the fighting and "must be prosecuted on the national level for human rights violations." Christians and Muslims resumed fighting in the Moluccas in mid-December after a period of relative calm. More than 1,500 people have died since the conflict broke out in January 1999, and 500 have died since 27 December.

Young expected for Beatitudes Mass

By Dan Digmann SAGINAVV, Michigan. (CNS) - Bishop Kenneth Untener of Saginaw is calling on Catholics in the pews to serve as church ambassadors of reconciliation to divorced and separated Catholics. In a taped message that was played at the end of each Mass in all 109 parishes of the diocese during a December weekend, the bishop referred to brochures available in every parish that describe steps the diocese has taken to simplify the painstaking procedure to obtain a decree of nullity and explain how the people can initiate the process. -1 want you to put these in the hands of people who need to hear these words of welcome," Bishop Untener said in the taped message. "This is a golden opportunity to do a world of mercy. and the year 2000 is a fine time to do it." The Church teaches that a valid marriage lasts a lifetime and doesn't recognise the validity of a civil divorce. This can cause confusion for divorced Catholics about where they stand with the Church. When the diocese began planning events for the coming of the jubilee, one of the issues that came to the forefront was reconciliation with divorced Catholics, said Father Richard Nary. judicial vicar of the diocesan tribunal.

pany Pope John Paul II at a Mass on the Mount of Beatitudes during his March pilgrimage to the Holy Land, said an Israeli Ministry of Tourism official. Though dates and times have been more or less set for the Pope's visit, they cannot be released due to security considerations, Zvi Limn, director of the special segments marketing division of the Ministry of Tourism, said on 29 December. The Vatican has not confirmed dates for the Pope's pilgrimage, but Church sources said Pope John Paul plans an overnight March 20-21 visit to Jordan as the first leg of a trip that would also

take him to Jerusalem and holy places in Israel and the PalestinIan territories. During the Pope's stay in Israel he will overnight in Jerusalem and will fly to and from Nazareth and the Galilee, said Liran. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will most likely meet with the Pope at the Mount of Beatitudes. In addition to Barak, the only other Israeli officials the pontiff was scheduled to meet were Israeli President Ezer Weizman and Chief Rabbi Meir Lau. In Bethlehem, Mayor liana Nasser, who is a member of the Palestinian committee organising the Pope's visit to the city, said the Pope will be visiting one of the three refugee camps surrounding the city. He added that Palestinian National Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat would attend an

open-air Mass the Pope will celebrate in Manger Square. Logistics of the visit were already being worked out, Nasser said, downplaying the threats against the Pope issued recently by Muslim extremists in Nazareth. "I think the Holy See has been one of the rare leaders in the world which has showed real feeltug for Palestinians and especially the problems of the refugees and their right to self-determinaHon," said Nasser, who called the Pope "a freedom fighter." "I don't think there is any room for any individual, whether they be Muslim or Christian extremists, to do something. But of course we will always be on the alert and take all precautions to keep the visit of the Pope running smoothly." he said.

SINGAPORE (UCAN) - Despite her success and hectic lifestyle, award-winning actress Lea Salonga says God plays an important part in her life, "Before every show, I have to pray. It centres me and it's a source of strength for me," Salonga said in an interview. The Filipina attained international stardom for her role in "Miss Saigon," which won for her in 1991 the British and American

theatrical equivalents of the Acedemy Awards - the Lawrence Olivier and the Tony. She was in Singapore recently to play the female lead in the Singapore Repertory Theatre's (SRT) production of Neil Simon's romantic comedy, "They're Playing Our Song." Salonga's performance, along with that of Singapore actor Adrian Pang, drew SRTs first standing ovation, according to media

sources. According to Salonga, the Catholic upbringing has also cast of eight from different reli- Influenced the kinds of roles she gions gathered for prayers before plays. "I will not appear naked, even if each performance. Salonga, a Catholic, said that they say it's for art's sake. Yeah, it's upon arriving in a new place, one for art's sake, bulls that your bare of the first things she does is to bum on that stage?" the 28-yearfind the nearest Catholic church- old actress was quoted as saying. Salonga, who has a huge foles. "I go for Mass every Sunday, lowing in the Philippines, providwhenever I can, wherever I go," ed the singing voice to the female leads in the animated films she was quoted as saying. The 28-year-old actress said her "Aladdin" and "Milian."

By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) - Some

45,000 young people will accom-

Award-winning actress puts God first, footlights second

The Record, January 6 2000 Page 12

nternationa

'Salvador guilty for killings of 6 Jesuits' WASHINGTON (CNS) - The ran government to implement the Inter-American Human Rights commission's recommendations. Commission of the Organisation In the early morning hours of 16 of American States said the Gov- November, 1989, Jesuit Fathers ernment of El Salvador was Ignacio Ellacuria - then rector of responsible for the murders of six the Central American University Jesuits and two women in 1989. in San Salvador - Martin Barn, In a report released in late Armando Lopez, Joaquin Lopez, December, the Washington-based Segundo Montm and Juan Ramon commission found that Salvado Medrano were dragged from their run state agents carried out the beds and shot dead by an elite murders and covered them up in army unit. violation of international human Their housekeeper and her rights law and the Geneva Con- teenage daughter were also murventions concerning the conduct dered. of internal armed conflict. Despite El Salvador's long histoThe ammiission called on the ry of political violence, the murSalvadoran government to ders shocked Salvadorans and the rescind its amnesty law, complete international community a full investigation into the murObservers believe that the inciders and punish those responsi- dent was partly responsible for ble. convincing the rebels and gov-This report underscores the ernment to come to a negotiated Salvadoran government's unmis- agreement to end 12 years of civil takable and ongoing obligation war. under international law to bring The agreement was signed in to justice those responsible for 1992. these murders," Robert Varenik, A 1993 truth commission, set Up director of protection for the New at the end of the conflict, conYork-based Lawyers Committee cluded that the murders had been for Human Rights, said in a 23 ordered by the then-members of December statement the army high command. -Ten years after the murder, we But a post-war amnesty law has can do more than hope that things meant than none of the named have changed enough to permit has been brought to trial. the processes of justice to go forIn 1991 a group of lower ranking ward for the human rights officers and one colonel were tragedies that occurred in El Sal- found guilty of carrying out the vador. The OAS has just made killings and were briefly imprisclear that we can demand it," he oned before being released under said. Varenik urged the Salvado- the same amnesty law.

News

Muslims invited to 'share' Christ By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - In a letter to Muslims marking an important Islamic feast, the Vatican invited reflection on the importance of Jesus as "a model and a permanent message" for all of htunanity. Noting that Christians were beginning jubilee celebrations for the 2,000th anniversary of Christ, the Vatican said it wanted to share reflections on Jesus to help Muslims "to be associated" with the Christian feast. The message, signed by Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, was released at the Vatican 29 December. Muslims were to celebrate the feast of Id al-Fitr, closing the Muslim Holy

Month of Ramadan, 8 January. ian vision, the oneness of God is "We are called as Christians and not lived in isolation, but rather in Muslims to know and respect the a communion of life and love: This religious convictions of others," is the inscrutable mystery of the the Cardinal said. "To be able to Trinity." speak about them objectively and "We think that all people, but with respect forms part of the way especially Muslims, can share we should behave as persons of with us the values that we have belief." received from Jesus: total obediFor Christians "Jesus is the Word ence to the will of God, witness of God made flesh," Cardinal given to the truth, humility in Arinze said. "He is a prophet, but behaviour, control of one's more than a prophet" speech, justice in one's actions, Christian belief in Christ's divin- mercy shown in deeds, love ity contrasts with Islam's strong toward all, pardon granted for defence of the "unicity" of God. wrong done, maintaining peace One of the greatest Muslim sins, with all brothers and sisters." called "shirk" in Arabic, is that of "Like us, but even more than us, associating someone or some- he has been lowly, poor, humilithing with God. ated, a worker, oppressed, sufferAddressing this difference in his ing," the Cardinal said. "Is not message, Cardinal Arinze explai- Jesus thus a model and a permaned that "according to the Christ- nent message for humanity?"

Church martyrs reach total of 31 By Benedicta Cipolla VAI1CAN CITY (CNS) - Thirtyone church personnel were killed In mission territories in 1999, Vatican missionary news service Fides said. Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, counted 15 martyrs in Africa. 10 in Asia and six in South or Central America. Rather than being a cause for mourning. Fides director Father Bernardo Cervellera said, martyrdom belongs to the joy of Holy Year 2000. "The jubilee year is a year of grace, conversion, (and) pilgrimage," Father Cervellera said in a 28 December editorial preceding Fides' annual list of martyrs. Father Cervellera said martyrs received grace for their witness to the church as they preached its universal message to diverse peoples around the world. Many on Fides' list were killed while working in trouble spots like East Timor, which spiralled into violence in September following a vote for independence from Indonesia; Congo, where civil war has raged since August 1998; and Colombia, where rebels have waged a guerrilla campaign

Vietnamese Catholics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, carry relics of eight of the 117 Vietnamese martyrs in honour of the feast of St Andrew Dung Lac and his companions on 24 November, 'noto C4Ss.S. F vtax.?,

against the government for the past 14 years. -The death of a martyr is a sign that these places of desperation have been redeemed, made holy" Father Cervellera said. Martyrdom can also have positive social consequences, said Fides. The agency offered East Timor as an example, saying the deaths of three seminarians, four priests and two nuns there helped push the international communi-

ty to send in a peacekeeping force to restore order. Pope John Paul II will commemorate 20th-century martyrs in May. He is expected to include Lutherans, Anglicans and Orthodox in his tribute to people who died for their faith. 'These martyrs are a sign of the new Christianity of 2000.- said Father Cervellera. -Together they are a sign of hope for the men and women of the third millennium."

Top 10 films for the year 1999 and their Catholic classifications By Henry Herx and Gem Pare NEW YORK (CNS) - The following movies, in alphabetical order, made the list of top 10 films of the year as compiled by the US Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting: "Anna and the King" is lavish, old-fashioned entertainment combining sumptuous visuals with elements of suspense and romance in the story of the king of Siam and the English schoolmarm who learn much from each other in the 1860s when she is hired to teach his 58 children about Western ways. The US Catholic Conference classification is All - adults and adolescents. "Children of Heaven" is a charming Iranian film about a 9year-old boy and his little sister who sacrifice for each other to attend school in an evocative tale of genuine childhood stress made bearable by bonds of love and their generosity to an even less fortunate child. The US Catholic Conference classification is All - adults and adolescents. "The End of the Affair" is a very adult drama about a World War H adulterous affair and its

tobacco company whistle-blower. sets off driving a lawnmower all Superbly acted, its documentary- the way to Wisconsin in order to like approach explores corporate make peace with his gravely manipulation of journalism as estranged brother before it's too well as the human cost to those late, in what is a compelling char involved in complex ethical acter study about human frailty issues. The US Catholic Confer- and forgiveness. The US Catholic ence classification is AIII - adults. Conference classification is Al "Liberty Heights" is a whining general patronage. "Thy Story 2" is a sprightly anicomedy-drama set in 1954 Baltimore as two Jewish brothers seek mated sequel about toys that romance with non-Jewish girls come to life when humans aren't and their decent father struggles looking. The adventures continue to save his failing burlesque busi- with even better animation, zippy ness with a small-time numbers action scenes and gentle humour racket. The gentle but telling that add up to fine family enter humour examines religious and tainment. racial prejudices in a warmheartThe US Catholic Conference ed portrait of a family and a class- classification is Al - general conscious community. patronage. The US Catholic Conference 'The Winslow Boy" is a wellclassification is AM - adults. made, finely acted period piece Meryl Sheep stars in a scene from the dramatic film "Music of the Heart" "Music of the Heart" is the set in 1910 London about a father The US Catholic Conference classification is AN - adults. Ptvto CNSReuters inspiring, fact-based story of an standing behind his 14-year-old aftermath. Adapted from the Gra- lous healing powers affect those abandoned wife and mother who son, expelled from the naval acadham Greene novel, ills a thought- around him in startling ways. The turns her life around by teaching emy after being wrongly accused ful character study about sexual character studies of good and evil violin to underprivileged Harlem of stealing a five-shilling postal order. jealousy, spirituality, forgiveness men have spiritual undertones schoolchildren. The movie realistically captures The story unfolds with elegant and redemption. and a sobering depiction of capia devastated woman's personal dialogue and marvellous characThe US Catholic Conference tal punishment. classification is AIV - adults, with The US Catholic Conference growth and the value of the arts ters as it studies British justice In the educational curriculum. and the rights of a citizen against reservations. classification is Mil - adults. The US Catholic Conference the power of the State. -The Green Mile" is a prison -The Insider" is a riveting, factThe US Catholic Conference drama set in 1935 Louisiana about based account of a news produc- classification is All - adults. a death-row guard and a huge, er's struggle with his network to -The Straight Story" is about classification is Al - general condemned man whose miracu- broadcast his interview with a an ailing 73-year-old Iowan who patronage. The Record. January 6 2000 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Bishops pray for peace throughout Indonesia DILI, East Timor (UCAN) - Bishops in the east and west of Timor have prayed for peace for all people in East Timor and those still in refugee camps in Indonesia. "May Christmas peace bring forth the blessing of forgiveness, reconciliation and unity for all people here regardless of their religious, ethnic and political backgrounds," Salesian Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, apostolic administrator of Dili, said at a midnight Mass Christmas Eve. "I call for total peace for all East Timor people in East Timor as well as those still living outside this territory," he told the congregation attending the Mass at Dili's Our Lady of the Immaculate Con-

ception Cathedral. All East Timor people are aware that the last Christmas of the twentieth century is being celebrated in a traumatic atmosphere as a result of post-referendum violent atrocities, he said. Violence blamed on proIndonesia militias and some elements of the military began after the announcement 4 September that 78.5 per cent of voters in the 30 August referendum chose independence rather than integration with Indonesia. The violence forced some 200,000 East Timor refugees to western Timor and nearby islands in Nusa Tenggara Timur province.

Pakistanis question interest banning LAHORE, Pakistan (UCAN) Pakistanis have questioned a Supreme Court move to 'Islamise" the economy by banning interest and ordering implementation of an interest-free economy by June 2001. On 23 December, the Shariat (Islamic law) Appellate Bench of the Pakistani Supreme Court upheld a 1992 decision of the Federal Shariat Court by ruling that "riba" (interest) in any form is unIslamic. The ruling is seen as a setback for banks and the government. which had together appealed the 1992 ruling. They expressed particular concern over de-linking the country's economy from the International monetary system. Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, director of the Pakistani Catholic bishops' National Commission for justice and Peace. offered a mixed critique. "This judgment may be very good in itself as it points (out) and seeks to address the question of Injustice, but we fear that it will open a gateway to new oppressive legislation in the name of Islam," he told UCA News.

According to labor leader Mohammad Zahid, "to say that Islam has forbidden economic exploitation is no news. It is an established fact." Calling the ruling "incomplete." he said. "(If) economic exploitation is forbidden in Islam. then I would like to see what courts and clergy in Pakistan have to say about land reform and the question of just wages." The court decision orders the federal government to implement all necessary changes in existing laws by June 2001, but the country's legislature was dissolved following a military coup 12 October. Pakistani Law Minister Aziz Munshi urged calm and said that the government will take appropriate action after considering the court ruling. In the early 1980s banking laws were modified as part of Islamisation efforts by the military regime then in power. However. the Profit and Loss Share system developed then "was a cover for 'interest.' You cannot actually get rid of it easily." Mian Naeem, an officer of the Muslim Commercial Bank in Islamabad, said.

"However, as faithful Christians we have a hope that Jesus Christ the peacemaker will save his people and lead them to eternal peace," he said. Bishop Belo also asked people involved in the human rights abuses to ask for pardon. "Although as human beings forgiving is not easy, it is a Christian call to always forgive fellow brothers and sisters who have done wrong against us," he said. Extending his Christmas greetings to East Timorese still living outside the territory, he asked them to return to rebuild their homeland. Meanwhile Divine Word Bishop Antonius Pain-Ratu of Atambua

in western Timor asked local Catholics to pray for peace in East Timor. "During this Christmas we pray to God to drop the dew of peace for East Timor people so they can solve their problems and rebuild their homeland," he said at Christmas Mass at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception CathedraL Addressing East Timor refugees attending the Mass, Bishop Pain Ratu said, "if you have hated and killed each other, Christmas is the moment for reconciliation." He noted that as good hosts, Catholics of Atambua diocese have treated the refugees as guests and brothers and sisters.

Bishop Carlos Belo

North Koreans want to visit Vatican SEOUL (UCAN) - Several North Korean Catholics want to visit the Vatican to tell the Pope about their country's difficult situation, a Seoul archdiocesan official said after visiting the North in December. Father Thomas Aquinas Choi Chang-hoa told UCA News 20 December that Kim Yoo-dtul, vice president of the (North) Korean Roman Catholic Association, had told him that about six North Koreans wanted to visit the Vail"When I asked what they wanted. they said they hoped to tell the Pope about the difficult situation of North Korea," he said. The group is from Changchung Church in Pyongyang, the only Catholic church in North Korea. "When I asked about the travel expenses, they kept silent," reported Fr Choi, chancellor of Seoul Archdiocese and vice president of

the Korea Reconciliation Committee. Fr Choi visited North Korea 4-11 December to monitor distribution of 3,000 tons of food aid from the South Korean Church. He said the Pyongyang Catholics had earlier expressed their desire to visit the Vatican to Monsignor Celestino Migliore, the Holy See's undersecretary for relations with states, when he visited North Korea in November. According to Fr Choi, Mgr Migliore suggested they consult Archbishop Nicholas Cheong linsuk of Seoul, who is the apostolic administrator of Pyongyang diocese. Fr Choi said that Archbishop Cheong sent a message to the North Koreans explaining that it Is difficult to visit the Vatican at present due to the number of people flocking to Rome for the celebration of the jubilee of the Year

2000. In Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, Fr Choi celebrated Mass at Changchung Church. About 150 Catholics received the Eucharist, he said, adding that during a visit in January 1999, "there were just 70 or so people. This time it was double." Asked if North Korean Catholics knew about the jubilee celebration, he said that "they also talked about the new millennium." "But for me it was unimaginable to celebrate the Great Jubilee next year there, and nobody said anything about it." the priest continued. He added that 'there were no Christmas decorations such as a in the tree Christmas Changchung Church." Father John Kim Hong-lin, director of the Seoul archdiocesan One Heart One Body Movement, and a layman. accompanied Fr Choi. to North Korea.

Pope's 'Christmas gift' to India

KOCHI. India (UCAN) - SyroMalabar Church (SMC) leaders hailed Pope John Paul ll's appointment of Archbishop Varkey Vithayathil of Ernakulam-Angamaly in southern India as that Oriental Church's second major archbishop. Church leaders described the 23 December elevation of the Church's current administrator as the Pope's "millennium Christmas gift" to the Church that traces its origin to Saint Thomas the Apostle. The Pope also announced that the 72-year-old Redemptorist would continue as ErnakulamAngamaly archbishop. Archbishop Vithayathil succeeds Cardinal Antony Padiyara, the SMC's first major archbishop, who retired in 1996. Archbishop Vithayathil was made administra-

tor in 1997. The Pope elevated the SMC as a "sui juris" (self-governing) Major Archiepiscopal Church in 1992. Vithayathil's Archbishop appointment "as the head and father of the Syro-Malabar Church is the Pope's wonderful millennium Christmas gift to our Church." said Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry of Kottayam. "We all rejoice in the news," he said. "Archbishop Vithayathil did many beautiful things for the Church in the last three years (and the) most memorable was his success in settling (a) decade-old liturgical dispute." he added. The archbishop told UCA News 24 December that he always considered himself "a bird in passage," but the Pope "wants me to nest here for the Syro-Malabar Church's growth and progress in

the new millennium." According to the canon law of the Eastern Churches, bishops' synods elect their major archbishop, but the Pope is yet to confer this right on the SMC. Some Church leaders said Archbishop Vithayathil's appointment will add to a factional feud between modernising and traditionalist groups in the Church. A senior SMC leader requesting anonymity told UCA News 26 December that Archbishop Vithayathil's appointment has surprised SMC leaders supporting Archbishop Joseph Powathil of Changanacherry for the post. Another priest noted as 'significant" Archbishop Powathil's failure to personally congratulate the new SMC head while other bishops living nearby had gone to Emakulam to do so.

Bishop calls for reconciliation between ethnic groups in Sri Lanka COLOMBO (UCAN) - The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka appealed for reconciliation between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils during a nationally televised Christmas Mass. "Sinhalese and Tamil people have both sinned," Bishop Oswald Gomis of Anuradhapura said during the live telecast from the Amrradhapura cathedral. "Let us forget that sad and sinful past and forgive each other to begin a new millennium dedicated to peace and prosperity," he added, warning that *hatred will not be cured by hatred but by love." The country has suffered from ethnic tension since the rebel Lib-.

eration Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) launched a war against the Sinhalese-led government in 1983 for a separate Tamil state in the north and east. Tamils had long complained of oppression and discrimination in the country. Bishop Gomis lamented the "path of hatred" Sri Lankans had chosen to tread and the way vengeance and hatred had 'built a culture of violence." Citing ethnic strife and election violence, he said, -This is enough! As persons who claim to have a high civilisation, we have to behave in a manner worthy of our human dignity." The bishop noted that 'Christ came to forgive and pay the guilt of our sins, not to wreak

The Record, January 6 2000 Page 14

vengeance or take revenge." The 25 December Mass was televised over the Rupavahini national network The Catholic Church leadership has repeatedly advocated a peaceful solution to all political issues affecting the country Catholics and other Christians at the grassroots have also made efforts to promote peace amid the ethnic conflict that has so far killed more than 30,000 people and displaced more than a million. In what participants considered a historic occasion in Batticoloa. eastern Sri Lanka, Catholics and Protestants staged a peace walk and petitioned warring parties to end the strife.

The peace walk, held on 5 December, was organised by the ecumenical United Christian Assembly for Peace. It commenced from four churches and converged at the Methodist Church in Koddaimunai. At the end of the walk, participants presented a resolution calling on the president and the LTTE to enter into peace talks with the mediation of a third party. It also urged all parties to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians. It called on the government to give justice to all political prisoners and allow displaced people, "refugees languishing in the socalled 'camps,'" to return home or be allowed to live with their kith

and kin. In addition. the resolution requested the removal of police posts and army camps within or adjacent to temples, churches and cemeteries. It also called for the removal of economic sanctions as well as food and fuel restrictions to "uncleared areas" under CITE control in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The resolution were sent to President Chandrika Kumarahmga. In the run-up to the 21 December presidential election won by the incumbent Ktunarahmga, the bishops' conference issued a statement urging all voters to *eschew every type of coercion, irregularity, manipulation or violence."

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David Kehoe PO Box 75. Leederville. WA, 6902 587 Newcastle Street. West Perth. WA, 6005. Phone: (08) 9227 7080. Fax: (08) 9227 7087 e-mail• cathrec@iinetnet.au Publisher Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth. The Record, established in 1874, is distributed to Catholic churches. presbyteries, religious houses and subscribers throughout the Archdiocese of Perth and the Dioceses of Geraldton. Bunbury and Broome. Advertising rates Display: $6 col cm. Classifieds: $3 a line Deadlines: Editorial: Tuesday. first mail. Advertising: Booking: Monday midday. Copy: Tuesday midday. Member Aust Catholic Press Association: Aust Religious Press Association. The Record follows the Holy Spirit's teaching at the Second Vatican Council on the role of the Catholic print media. The Record will not return copy or photographs submitted for publication unless specifically requested in writing upon submission. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted and to edit such material for clarity and brevity without recourse to the author.

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Disciples of Jesus Summer School - Archbishop Hickey

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Disciples of Jesus' Summer School - Archbishop Hickey

Celebration of the first visit to Perth of His Grace Bishop Suriel (Coptic Orthodox Church) - Bishop Healy

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JANUARY 2000

Golden Jubilee of Archbishop Faulkner, Adelaide Archbishop Hickey

Archcliocesan Panorama PRAYER VIGIL A peaceful prayer vigil with Rosaries and hymns is made outside the abortion clinic at 2 Cleaver Tce every third Saturday of each month. from 11am to 12 noon. The next vigil will be on Sat 15 January. Please join us. For inquiries ring Damian 9342 8256. SCHOENSTATT SHRINE- ARMADALE The Schoenstatt Shrine is one of the places designated by our Archbishop as a place of pilgrimage. The Shrine is located at 9 Talus Drive, Armadale (off South West Highway) lkm south of the Church of St Francis Xavier. You are invited on pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine which is open every day. Holy Mass every Friday at 10am followed by Adoration till 9pm. Information: Sr Lisette on 9399 2349. LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR GLENDALOUGH We are looking for a retired gentleman who would voluntarily drive the Sisters to the Canning Vale market, once a month. Please ring 9443 3155 and ask for Sister Gertrude.

DIVINE MERCY An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary's Cathedral, Victoria Square. on Sunday 2 February 2000 at 1.30pm. Program: Rosary and R econciliation. Sermon: Fr Marcellinus Meilak OFM (The Epiphany). followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Afternoon concludes at the Mercy Convent with a video (family life made holy). Refreshments provided, please bring a plate. Inq: John 9457 7771. A dam 9448 0002. THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE The Beginning Experience (WA) runs a six week (one night per week) Coping Program designed for people who are in the early stages of loss. Do you know anyone who may benefit from some support from people who have also experienced this loss? If so, this program i s for them. Our next Coping Program commences on Tues 18 Jan. Information: Adell 9367 8794.

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Numbers show a national declining trend for religious marriages By Glynnis Grainger Twenty three years after the introduction of the Family Law Act, the Australian Catholic Church in 1998 was still conducting the most celebrations of marriages. The figure was 19.235. or 17.4 per cent of total marriages, or 34.5 per cent of religious marriages. The figures were contained in the latest edition of the Christian Research Association's quarterly newsletter. The year 1998 also marked 25 years since the introduction of a broader civil option for the celebration of marriages. In those 25 years, the change has been considerable, with a decline of 40 per cent

in real terms or 33.1 per cent in the total proportion of religious celebrations. Most of this fall took place in the first few years after the introduction of a broader civil option for marriages. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics report illustrates that the percentage of people marrying at some time in their lifetime is continuing to decline, more rapidly for women. In the comparative period 1985-87 and 1995-9Z the gap between men and women fell two full percentage points, from 79 per cent - 72 per cent for men and 86 per cent - 77 per cent for women. There has been little change in the state of marriage in Australia during the last couple of years. In 1997, 106,700 marriages

were registered and in 1998, 110,598. The marriage rate (marriages per 1000 population) was 5.9 in 1998, compared to 5.8 in 1996 and 199Z This was the lowest rate recorded this century. NSW and Queensland continued to have the highest rate (6.2) compared to the Northern Territory at 4.3. The percentage of religious celebrations continued to decline, down to 52.3 per cent in 1997 (only a decline of 0.9per cent from 1996) after a period of slow decline. But in 1998, the decline doubled, and only 50.5 per cent of marriages were celebrated by a religious celebrant (or priest). The year 1997 was the first year in which the indicator codes were used for cohabitation, being drawn from the 'Notice of

Intended Marriage." Previously, figures were supplied by surveys such as the 1992 Family Survey. In 1997. 60,045 (65 per cent) of the marriages celebrated were between people who had cohabited. In 1977. about 25 per cent of those marrying indicated they cohabited. The 1997 figures represent an increase of 160 per cent in the two decades. Of the group marrying for the first time. 71 per cent of women and 70 per cent of men cohabited. The Northern Territory had the highest cohabitation rate (81 per cent), followed by Queensland and Tasmania (73 per cent). The States with bigger populations had around 65 per cent. The Record, January 6 2000 Page 15

The Last Word

Salesians work at rebuilding in East Timor By Br Michael Lynch*

went to East Timor for a field visit of the seven Salesian Houses for 10 days just before Christmas. While Bishop Carlos Belo is the best known of the East Timorese Salesians, there are another 53 Priests and Brothers working in the Territory. Over the past few months Australians, including many readers of The Record, have donated more than $70,000, through the Salesian Missions Office, emergency relief in Fast Timor and to assist with financing development projects. This support is much appreciated by the East Timorese Salesians and I was asked, several times, to convey their gratitude to Australian donors. The devastation in East Timor was far more extensive than I expected. In Dili about 80 per cent of the homes have been torched and in other parts of the Territory that I visited, whole villages have been destroyed. The people, in general, are happy and smiling. They are very grateful to the international peacekeepers for restoring calm after the atrocities perpetrated by the Indonesian military-backed militia. The Australian Army is both highly regarded and respected. and the Aussie troops make friends easily with the locals. I heard many stories of determination and courage. Some people hid in drains to avoid the militia; a countless number of mothers neglected their own health and safety to protect young children; many fled the militia for refuge in the mountains living there for weeks without proper food and shelter. As I travelled through the Territory. I sensed that people everywhere want to move on from the horrific events of September, 1999. They want their vote for independence to be respected and, at the same time, being well

aware that there is much to be done in rebuilding this newlyrecognised nation. The Salesians work with the local people from seven bases. They are in Dili and in six centres in the eastern half of the Territory: Baucau, Fatumac.a, Fulioro, Laga, Los Palos, and Venilale. The Salesian focus is on education - they aim to help provide children and young people with skills necessary for the growth and development of their country, and to be self-reliant While the Salesian approach is to help people help themselves, to set their own goals and not be dependent on outside aid, I'm pleased that the Australian Salesian Missions Office has been able to provide the East Timorese confreres with both encouragement and tangible support to assist their work. The Salesians run twelve schools - two technical, one agricultural, four secondary and five primary. In addition they have been asked to be responsible for the other 17 primary and secondary schools in the Baucau Diocese!. The two technical schools, in Dili and Fatumaca, have an important function. They provide introductory training for carpenters, electricians and motor mechanics - this is especially crucial right now as East Timor's Polytechnic Institute and other Technical School were destroyed by militia and it will take some time for them to restored and re-equipped. I spoke to students in nine schools. They were very friendly, keen to know about the outside world and to get on with their studies. Students everywhere want to learn English. I was very impressed with the students' general knowledge and their perceptive questioning. However, the schools have very poor facilities. School resources were sparse before August, 1999; they are a good deal sparser after the militia Initiated incinerating.

Stotants atI Ikon TectritaiSdne4 rotsanca, in Ent lbw, bow windwit and carpentry Wits.

Residents of the Metinaro (east of Dill), whose village was totally destroyed by the militia, working together to prepare the ground for the planting of crops.

Bishop Carlos Belo, centre, with Br Marcal Lopes, Principal of Don Bosco Technical School, Faturnaca, and Br Michael Lynch.

Some schools are very grateful for the donations of stationery sent by Australian schoolchildren - students helping students. All schools in East Timor urgently need stationery as well as maps, wall charts, basic materials in Mathematics and English and (especially) chalk that does not disintegrate in one's hands even before writing on the board! However the main problem faced by the schools is how to provide teachers with a wage. Back in October to ensure a quick return to "normality" and to keep children and teenagers The charred remains of some of the buildings in the Salesian Provincial House occupied, senior UN personnel in at Don Bosco, Comoro, Dili. Records, documentation and furniture destroyed. Dili urged schools to re-open with see that the losers will be not only to help them prepare the soil for the promise of pay for the teach- the students, but the nation as a planting. ers. whole. When they harvest the crop, a November and December have There are three local self-help portion will be given to the passed and despite repeated Initiatives that it is hoped some landowner as "rent" and the requests from School Principals, community groups, schools, busi- remainder will be sold; the proUNESCO has still not made any nesses, and Government Agen- ceeds will then be shared among financial allocation. cies might like to encourage and the workers. While the funds needed to sup- support. Readers who would like to make port teachers are minimal by AusA group of more than 60 young a financial contribution to assist tralian standards, if they are not people, mostly in their twenties, one of the above mentioned proforthcoming, many of the teach- are involved in rice cultivation jects can send their donation to ers will simply have to withdraw and fish farming on 15 hectares the East Timor Appeal, Salesian from the classrooms and spend near Baucau. Missions Office, PO Box 80, Oaktheir time working in the fields Possessing no equipment, they leigh Vic 3166. Donations $2 and growing rice to support their fam- are now preparing the land with over are tax deductible. ilies. their hands. Br Michael Lynch is a Salesian If this happens surely the wise They would dearly love to Brother based at Don Bosco Cenwomen and men of UNESCO can obtain a couple of hand tractors tre. Brunswick Via

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