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Archbishop warns Dead Sea against 'playing' Scrolls still with occult ideas fascinate

20th anniversary of Archbishop Romero's assassination

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In the steps of Moses By John Mavis MADABA, Jordan (CNS) - Standing on the mountain where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land, Pope John Paul II prayed that peace and justice would come to the modern peoples of the troubled region. His face lit by the afternoon sun on the heights of Jordan's Mount Nebo, the Pope looked out upon a dramatic biblical landscape stretching from the Dead Sea to Galilee. "Our gaze directed to Jerusalem, let us lift up our prayer to Almighty God for all the peoples living in the lands of the promise: Jews, Muslims and Christians," the Pope said. "They share the same place of blessing. where the history of salvation has left an Indelible trace.... Bestow upon all who live here the gift of a true peace, justice and fraternity." he said. The ruins of a sixth-century church that commemorates the place of Moses' death provided a setting for the Pope's stop. about 40 kilometres south-west of Amman and several kilometres from the hill city of Madaba. where thousands of residents cheered as his motorcade passed. It was the first day of a weeklong visit to holy places in Jordan. Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Pope began his jubilee pilgrimage in prayer at the Vatican on 23 February, since he was unable to visit Iraq, then continued his journey in Egypt, where he visited Mount Sinai and evoked the start of Moses' mission. On Mount Nebo. the Pope read the biblical account of how Moses led his people for 40 years through the desert before reaching the mountain, where he died before he could enter into the Promised Land.

Pope John Paul II takes in the view from Mount Nebo last Monday.

The Pope paused before a mosaic cross that marks a possible ancient burial place of the prophet. A choir of schoolchildren, led by Franciscan nuns and accompanied by a Yamaha electric piano, sang hymns in Arabic and Latin, then chanted "John Paul II, God bless you!" in English. The Pope slowly manoeuvred the various levels of the church, viewing mosaics excavated by Franciscans, including an early scene that depicted Christian symbols of prayer. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the Pope found Moses a fascinating figure who was relevant to Christians of every era.

Photo: CNS/Arturo Man

"On Mount Nebo, the Pope wants to see the Holy Land with the eyes of Moss. But unlike Moses, the Pope intends to reach it," the spokesman said. Before stepping out onto a mountainside platform to take in the panorama facing Jerusalem, the Pope said he wanted to turn the focus of his pilgrimage toward Christ. "To HimI dedicate every step of this journey I am making to this land, which was His land," he said. The Pope travelled by car to the biblical mountain plateau shortly after arriving at Amman's Queen Alia Airport. where he appealed for regional peace and interreligious cooperation. After kissing a bowl of earth, he was

warmly welcomed by Jordan's 38-year-old King Abdullah. who called the 79-year-old pontiff "a symbol of all that is pure and noble in this life." The Pope, seated at a wooden table inside a temporary pavilion on the tarmac, encouraged the king's efforts to promote tolerance and reconciliation in the Middle East. "Your majesty, I know how deeply concerned you are for peace in your own land and in the entire region and how important ills for you that all Jordanians - Muslims and Christians - should consider themselves as one people and one family," the Pope said. Continued on Page 13

Archbishop blesses pilgrims en route to the Holy Land joining an estimated 50,000 other Neo-Catechumenal Way pilA large group of 70 pilgrims grims from around the world. Archbishop Hickey told the associated with the Neo-Catechumenal Way movement left Perth pilgrims he was envious of Perth last Saturday to visit the their trip to Israel and Rome. Holy Land and then Rome. "It is a unique opportunity for They are going to meet up with you to recall St Peter and the Pope John Paul II in the Holy Peter of our age [Pope John Paul Land, who is also visiting Israel III," he said, a trip that was a mix of the old and the new. on a Jubilee-year pilgrimage. The Archbishop presented Archbishop Barry Hickey farewelled the pilgrims with Redemptoris Mater seminarian, prayers on Friday night in a spe- Deacon James D'Souza, with a cial ceremony at St Mary's Cathe- candle to be presented to the dral. Basilica of the Annunciation in The pilgrims include seminari- Nazareth. ans from the movement's Year Eleven Mercy College stuRedemptoris Mater seminary in dent Emmanuela Sala was given Morley and lay people, mostly a candle to be presented to the youth, associated with the Neo- Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Catechumenal Way. Sites in Israel in appreciation of The Perth group is the largest in the work the F'ranciscans carry an Australian contingent of 205 out maintaining Christendom's By Peter Rosengren

Archbishop Hickey biesses the Neo Catechumens! Way piigtims last Pititay.

holiest sites. The Archbishop said the Church had to redouble its efforts to preach the Good News. "Remember. . . . you are part of a long, long, tradition of God's

love for the world and for the human race," he said. While in Israel and Rome they would feel the Old Testament come alive, the time of Jesus

come alive and see in Pope John Paul II the long tradition of the Kingdom of Jesus, he said. People today needed more and more to know of this kingdom, he said. The Archbishop prayed over each of the pilgrims during Friday night's ceremony. The highlight of the pilgrimage is set to be the 24 March celebration of the Eucharist with Pope John Paul II near the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached his famous Sermon on the Mount The Pope is also due to open and bless the newly-completed international study and retreat house known as Domus Galilaeae built by the Neo-Catechumenal way for students, pilgrims and others visiting the Holy Land.

Sacraments protect against Satan's influence T

here are persistent reports young people, yet they remain control of our free will, as if we circulating that Perth is one dangerous, as many have found had no choice. of the major centres for to their cost. We are responsible for our own Satanism. Psychological and spiritual actions. At the same time the devil I am not in a position to verify harm can result. is at work drawing us to defy God. the claim, but I do hear of covens Early in Lent we are asked to The Second Vatican Council operating around the suburbs. dwell on the temptations of Jesus stated the position quite clearly At the same time I know that in the desert. when it said: A monumental many young people are fascinatThere He encountered the devil, struggle against the powers of ed by occult practices and, while who was intent on frustrating darkness pervades the whole histhey might draw back from Jesus' whole mission by turning it tory of man. The battle was joined Satanism, they "play" with satan- into mere worldly success, which from the very origin of the world ic symbols, magic and objects for doesn't last and does little good. and will continue until the last which special powers are For Jesus, Satan was very real. day (Gaudium et Spes 37). claimed. He called people to draw away These "powers of darkness" are In doing so they are treading a from Satan's influence, and a clearly at work today, leading the dangerous path. destructive life of sin, in order to human race to commit terrible While ills fashionable to dis- enter His own kingdom of light. atrocities around the globe. miss the devil as a medieval myth, The evangelists often depict We must, therefore, be very carethe truth is that the Church is Jesus' life as a triumph over the ful to recognise the power of these acutely aware of the devil's influ- forces of darkness that are capa- dark forces and not dabble in ence and warns us very strongly ble of destroying us forever. practices that could unleash them. to avoid occult and satanic pracThe modern tendency to dismiss If we have been baptised and tices. the devil is quite dangerous. have frequent recourse to the Many of these practices seem Of course, one should not Sacraments, we have the protecharmless and probably are no attribute to the influence of the tion of Jesus Christ around us. more than the normal curiosity of devil things that are within the He has already won the victory NUNGALINYA COLLEGE DARWIN

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR To promote Nungalinya College, Wontulp-Bi-Buya College and other network partners with an emphasis on expanding the funding base Full time position - salary negotiable Details: The Assistant Principal PO Box 40371 Casuarina NT 0811 Phone (08) 8927 1044, Fax (08) 8927 2332 Closing date 12 May 2000

Good Shepherd Parish

fubilee Rally of Reconciliation Come and experience the saving. restoring, healing power of Jesus. Speaker Fr Vinh Dong

9 April, 2-4pm

(Refreshments afterwards) Good Shepherd Parish, cnr Morley Drive & Altone Rd, Kiara. Entry off Altone Rd.

MANNING & ASSOCIATES

OPTOMETRIST'S Contact Lens Consultants Mark Kahienas (B. optom) Grove Plaza, Cottesloe 9384 6720

St Joseph Pignatelli Parish Attadale requires the services of a

Youth Ministry Co-ordinator to commence May 2000 as a part-time paid position. Written applications by Friday 14 April to Father Geoff Beyer 35 Davidson Rd Attadale 6156 The Record, March 23 2000 Page 2

over Satan, so we need not fear. If we neglect prayer, neglect the Sacraments and slide into sinful practices, we are more open to the influence of Satan. If we believe that certain objects have special occult powers, like charms, we are dishonouring God. If we consult horoscopes, palm reading, astrology, mediums, witchcraft, sorcery or magic charms, no matter how innocent they may appear, we are on dangerous ground. The point is not that occult powers do not exist. It is precisely the point that they do exist and that we are taking a risk by exposing ourselves to them. Parents should gently persuade their children to leave them alone and trust in God and the legitimate sources of His power and grace that He has given us.

Archbishop's

Perspective

Ireland rules for a day By Peter Rosengren A sea of green, from gaudy hues to subtle tones, filled St Joseph's Church in Subiaco last Friday for St Patrick's Day. The day, the major celebration in the year for the Irish community, saw St Joseph's filled to capacity as Perth Auxiliary Bishop Robert Healy and eight other Irish-born priests concelebrated Mass for a standing-room only congregation. Enthusiasm for all things Irish and pertaining to St Patrick ran high. Symbols of the Emerald Isle adorned nearly every frock or suit on the day, Irish-themed T-shirts abounded: here and there throughout the congregation Irish heads sported green hair in not-sosubtle statements of Irish pride. Piper Tom Cunningham piped a procession of Irish community representatives, dancers and clergy into the Church at the commencement of Mass. But aside from the colour, the move-

ment and the action of the morning, a more important lesson underscored the whole celebration as Fr Liam Keating told worshippers in his homily. Scholars had questioned much of the received wisdom about St Patrick but the fact remained that St Patrick was a real person who had had an enormous Impact on the future of Ireland, even if many of the myths associated with him could be dismissed. Even then, he said, "we have not disposed of the real, intrinsic historical Patrick" And, "We are justified in honouring him here today as the national apostle tof the Irish]," he said. The lesson of St Patrick was simple: members of the Irish community must live up to the essential truths of the faith they share, just as Patrick had. The most important truth about the saint was that he was a man "totally centred on Jesus Christ - this stands out most clearly in his life and the writings about

Symbols of Ireland, ranging from the Celtic harp to shamrocks were among the offertory gifts presented for the St Pat's Day Mass.

him," he said. St Patrick had not retreated from his vision. In the end he had no regrets, even though he had often been misrepresented, he said. "We Irish have much to offer our society if we do our best as Patrick did," he said, adding that it would be through the example of their own lives that they could be true missionaries of the Gospel. The Irish have a "long experience of the reality of the Cross in our history" but they also have a saving sense of humour. he pointed out. These could help them to show moral leadership in a sometimes-confused world, just as St Patrick had in his own day, he said. St Patrick, often known as the Apostle of Ireland,' was born in Great Britain in approximately 385 AD, was taken captive as a youth and sold as a slave to Ireland. He worked as a shepherd, escaped and later decided to become a priest. • He was made Bishop of Ireland, Sister Kerry Willison, left, co-ordinator of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Committee, Greg Russo preached the faith tirelessly and organfrom the Archdiocesan Finance Office, and Julie Jeacock, right, office manager of the 459 ised the Church in the country. He died Hay Street office shared by archdiocesan agencies were among the many Catholic Church in approximately the year 461 AD and is workers who rose early for breakfast at Miss Maud's to celebrate the Great Day for the Irish. buried at Downpatrick.

If you believe it, there is a little bit of Irish everywhere The St Patrick's Day Breakfast at the Novotel Langley was a multicultural affair this year. Members of the Irish Australian Business Association were treated to a performance by the 40 strong Aramnore College Entertainers only three of whom were of Irish descent! With over 60 cultures at the Irish-named Aranmore, it wasn't surprising to see Irish song and dance performed by students from all over the world. But as deputy principal Jef Middleton said: "There's a little bit of Irish in us all." The college resurrected its grand final winning Irish dance from last year and sang old favourites like Danny Boy and Tell Me Ma. A repeat performance later in the day at Burswood Family Celebrations was enthusiastically received with audience singing along and a local musician joining in the fun.

Aranmore students sing "Danny Boy" at the Burswood celebrations.

Rosary Crusade back in Perth By Glynnis Grainger After nearly 50 years away from Perth, the Family Rosary Crusade of Father Patrick Peyton, is returning. Fr John Phalen, the current president of the Family Rosary Crusade in the USA, will arrive in Perth on 15 April for 20 days till 5 May. The Crusade will be opened on 15 April by Archbishop Barry Hickey in St Mary's Cathedral at 730pm, after the Vigil Mass. On 16 April, the Palm Sunday Eucharistic Procession will begin at 2pm, led by Archbishop Hickey, up Barrack Street, from the

Esplanade, culminating in a Passion Play at approximately 3pm in Forrest Place. Other events are planned for April and some venues are still to be confirmed. Fr Phalen will visit Bunbury from 5-7 May. His "real goal is the commitment of families to pray the Rosary daily." "At the end of the year 2000, we would like to present to the Holy Father the names of all those who make such a commitment from around the world," Fr Phalen said in a letter to Archbishop Hickey. Fr Phalen is also president of Family Theatre Productions, one of the two ministries founded by

the late Fr Peyton, who died in

1992.

"The whole purpose of our organisation is to do what we can to foster family prayer, especially the Rosary," Fr Phalen said. Fr Peyton was enthusiastically received in Perth when he visited here in the early 1950s, after founding the crusade over 50 years ago. He is remembered as the priest who made popular the following sayings: "The family that prays together stays together," and "A world at prayer is a world at peace." Fr Peyton learnt the power of prayer as a child in Ireland, where

April inner-city churches walk looks to a 1500-year-old Roman tradition By Peter Rosengren

Catholics in Perth have been Invited to go on a Lenten 7church walk around central city churches on Saturday 1 April in a pilgrimage that traces its origins back to a Christian custom of the first millennium. The Perth day hearkens back to the time of St Gregory the Great, the Pope who established the Seven Churches Walk in Rome when disease struck the city in the sixth century. The invitation was issued by Father Paul Fox who is based at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth and who is co-ordinating the event together with cathedral parishioners. At 7.5 kilometres in length the walk will commence at 9.30am from St John's pro-Cathedral opposite the Catholic Church

Fr Paul Fox

offices in Victoria Square. However, early birds will also be able to avail themselves of Confessions at 8.15am in St Mary's Cathedral followed by Mass at 8.45am. The Jubilee Year indulgence proclaimed by Pope John Paul ll will also be available to pilgrims

at the final destination of the walk when it returns to St Mary's cathedral. The Stations of the Cross, with two stations recited at each church, recitation of the Rosary and hymns along the way will be a part of the walkers' itinerary. The seven churches to be covered are: St John's proCathedral, All Saints Chapel in Allendale Square, Perth; St Brigid's Church in West Perth: the Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth; St Andrew's Melkite Church and then Sacred Heart Church in Highgate; finishing at St Mary's Cathedral. A 20-seater bus will accompany pilgrims for elderly walkers to be able to take a rest. Fr Fox urged anyone interested in going on the walk to bring a hat, a water bottle and good walking shoes.

education and the welfare of and Aborigines, migrants refugees. Adelaide's Archbishop Leonard Faulkner said that Archbishop Gleeson had died of a heart attack at his North Adelaide home at 9.30am, after spending an hour in prayer in the chapel as he prepared to celebrate Mass for the Sisters of Mercy Angas Street. "He died as he lived," Archbishop Faulkner said, referring to the spirit of prayer and service which characterised the late Archbishop Gleeson's life.

Rosary Crusade founder Fr Peyton.

Clergy Appointments

International National Local

Fr Wayne Davis has been appointed Parish Priest of John Paul parish in Willetton, effective from Friday 28 April 2000. Father Wayne is currently Parish Priest at Wongan Hills. Fr James Corcoran, the current parish priest of Willetton, will take up the position of parish priest at Manning at that time.

Harye

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Archbishop Gleeson dead at 79 Emeritus Archbishop James William Gleeson, a beloved leader among Adelaide's Catholic community, died peacefully as he was preparing to celebrate Mass last Tuesday morning. Archbishop Gleeson, 79, who retired as Archbishop of Adelaide in 1985 after major heart surgery, played a pioneering role in the modern Australian Catholic Church with a deep involvement in welfare and charitable work, the ecumenical movement, social justice issues,

his whole family knelt together to pray the Rosary. He emigrated to the US at the age of 19. While a seminarian, through Our Lady's intercession, he experienced a miraculous cure from TB, which forged his lifelong commitment to Our Lady, and allowed him to be ordained. His personal mission inspired the creation of Family Theatre Productions, which produced more than 600 radio dramas and 60 television programs, with the help of Hollywood stars of all faiths. Fr Peyton's Rosary Crusades have had an amazing impact in 40 countries, calling millions to prayer.

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Ursula Frayne celebrates first 10 years By Philip Bayne of CEO media Not even the threat of inclement weather could dampen the spirit of the hundreds of students, teachers, families and friends, past and present, that celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Ursula Frayne Catholic College with a special Community Eucharist held at the school earlier this month. With a joint focus of reflecting on the past, giving thanks for the present and looking ahead to the future, the celebration attracted a number of special visitors including Archbishop Barry Hickey, Mrs Therese Temby, Director of Catholic Education, Mr Ron Dullard, Deputy Director of Catholic Education and Sr Maura Kelleher, Con- Archbishop Barry Hickey concelebrates Mass at the gregational Superior, Sisters of Mercy, Perth Con- 10th anniversary celebrations of Ursula Frayne College In Victoria Park. gregation. The evening commenced with a welcome for lion around which the evening was based, the both Archbishop Hickey and the large crowd school choir and band led the crowd in the profrom the students of the primary campus who, cession song "Sound the 'Trumpet" as the procesdressed as pilgrims and bellringers, helped por- sion made its way past illuminated trees to the tray the story of Mother Ursula Frayne's arrival in central altar draped in the jubilee 2000 shroud. what was then the bushland of Victoria Park. Acting Principal, John Armstrong, officially welAn Irish Sister of Mercy who led the first group comed everyone attending. of Sisters to come to Australia, Mother Ursula Ursula Frayne Catholic College began in Februestablished a number of schools in WA, both pri- ary 1990, the result of a conglomeration between mary and secondary. St Joachim's High School, Xavier College and St Emphasising the prominent, sense .of celabra- joachim's Primary School.

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Sect lured with a tape of alleged words of Mary

KAMPALA, Uganda (CNS) - A misled youths and children that looked miserable, as if they had tape recording alleged by sect were involved." The bishops said no plan in life. They moved aimleaders to be of the Virgin Mary the two suspended priests lessly around the compound, very helped convert many to the Uganinvolved, Fathers Dominic quietly," he said. dan Cluistian sect that apparentKataribaho, 64, and Joseph He said he had gone to the comly committed mass suicide. Kasipurari, 38, were repeatedly As many as 500 people might pound to buy beans. The sect admonished by now-retired Bishhave died in a blaze in the church op John Kalcubi of Mbarara before members were selling their propof the Movement for the Restoraerty and all of their belongings. their suspensions. tion of the Ten Commandments The victims "were misled by "They told me it was to buy a the night of 17 March. obsessed leaders into an obnox- new jeep and an electricity genThe doors of the church were ious form of religiosity complete- erator. I did not suspect a thing," locked and the windows had been ly rejected by the Catholic he said. nailed shut. Church," the bishops said. Two leaders spoke on behalf of The sect's followers had been The bishops appealed to "all the sect, whose followers were the expecting the end of the world. faithful, even to those groups The sect leadership, which claiming all classes of visions, to forbidden from speaking. included an excommunicated "I asked them why they were pay heed to the Church authori•,. Catholic politician who founded ties and to the authentic preaching the end of the world. teaching the group, Joseph Kibwetere, 68, A Ugandan boy holds rosemary to his face at the scene of a mass suicide in of the Church lest they risk going They said it was coming, but I Kanungu, Uganda, on 19 March. At least 330 people were found burned to and two suspended Catholic astray in the footsteps of the Kib- never imagined it would happen priests, claimed to have received death - some of the cult leaders were former Catholic priests and nuns. wetere group." this way," he said. regular visitations from the Virgin Commandments,— she said. followers of a cult lead by a US Father John Mary Waliko, an A stream of local people and relMary. speaking outside the church pastor, Jim Jones, in Jonestown, official in the justice and peace atives of the dead visited the sect's Kibwetere and the two sus- where the sect faithful perished Guyana, in 1978. office of the Ugandan bishops' pended priests are thought to in the fire. compound on 20 March. However, regional police com- conference, told CNS on 21 March have perished in the blaze. On 20 March, the bodies of five mander Stephen Okwalinga said that those killed in the blaze were They clutched sprigs of roseKibwetere's son, Maurice people, believed to have been he was treating the affair as a buried in a mass grave and would mary to their noses as they silentRugambwa, said his father had murdered, were discovered in the "murder/suicide." not receive a Catholic funeral. ly filed past the piles of charred predicted the mass suicide in a compound's pit latrines. Many local people believe that -They've been members of a cult bodies inside the rough church letter just days earlier, local Visiting the scene that day, Ugan- while the leaders were aware of which had been condemned by building. papers reported. dan Minister for Internal Affairs the suicide plan, many of the the Church, whose leader was a In a statement issued on 20 Those sceptical about the cult Edward Rugumayo said he was sect's followers were not. lay Christian, he was excommuMarch, Bishop Robert Gay of were converted using the tape "99 per cent certain" those who In a statement released on 20 nicated. Kabale said, recording, which was heard by a perished in the blaze committed March, the Ugandan bishops' "These innocent vic"There is no way they can hold local nun, Our Lady of Good suicide. conference decried the "barbaric a religious service, a Catholic ser- tims are mostly baptised ChrisCounsel Sister Stella Mans. "A This would make the mass sui- act" of "this unfortunate mas- vice," he said. The local Catholic tians who should be the object of woman's voice said: 'I see that the cide the second largest in living sacre" and expressed condo- priest, Father Christopher Bus- our prayers to the merciful God, world is suffering. Now I want to memory lences to families and friends who ingye, visited the compound one who is the sole judge of human come down and restore the Ten The largest was the death of 914 lost loved ones, "particularly the week before the fire. 'The people frailties."

Servite sisters start in Kojonup

A new community of Servites - Fr Michael Slattery, Fr Jess Navarra, and Bishop Peter Quinn, at rear, gather in the Kojonup convent with 11 Servite Sisters. On the feastday of the Seven

Holy Founders of the Servites, a new Servile community at Kojonup was blessed by Bishop Peter Quinn of Bunbury. It was the fourth convent which the sisters, from India, have opened in WA. Sister Superior Sr

Carmelin Money and Sr Candida Pereira, who is a recent arrival from India, formed the new community, and a third sister will join them in a few months' time. Sr Carmelin has been in WA for 30 years and has been a pioneer Servite sister in the State. Fr Jess

Novarra, parish priest of Kojonup. and Fr Michael Slattery, from the neighbouring parish of Narrogin, concelebrated a special Mass on 17 February with Bishop Quinn in the convent chapel, which was full of parishioners and 11 Sisters. After Mass, a special dinner was held in the convent for Bishop Quinn's birthday. The Sisters' Indian-based Superior-General, Sr Corona, sent her best wishes and blessings to the two Sisters. Bishop Quinn said "Today we made history." He welcomed the Sisters and asked them to bring the good news to the people. The convent has been taken over from the Sisters of Mercy who left two years ago. The two Sisters will carry out parish pastoral work and work at the school in Kojonup. In 1998, at the invitation of Bishop Quinn, three sisters moved to Narrogin; Kojonup is their second convent in the Bunbury diocese. - Glynnis Grainger

Pilgrimage hearkens to 'Miracle of the Frogs' A pilgrimage to the site of the "Miracle of the Frogs" at Lake Mollyalup, will take place on Sunday, April 2. More than 500 people are expected to attend the historic event to one of the first missionary sites in WA. Lake Mollyalup, 30 kilometres north-west of Mount Barker, was the site of the Sancta Maria Mission, established in 1846 by French missionaries. The history of the mission holds significance for the surrounding Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Bunbury, as it was the first Catholic mission in the area. In 199Z visitors travelled from as far away as France for a pilgrimage to celebrate the mission's 150th anniversary. This year, Mollyalup has been chosen as the location for the Bunbury Diocese's Jubilee 2000 celebrations. Bishop Peter Quinn will travel from Bunbury to celebrate a special Mass and members of the surroundingparishes will plant trees

50 years of wedded bliss

A marriage which has stood the test of time - Anna and Dick Zalmstra, of Brentwood.

A couple who arrived from the Netherlands, now Holland, in 1958 will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year. Anna and Dick Zalmstra were married on 9 May, 1950, and had four children when they migrated to Australia. Mr Zalmstra, a professional mechanical engineer, did not find it difficult to find a job here In the Pilbara, Hamersley and Mt Newman. Mrs Zalmstra,

sion was settled, Fr Thierse and another missionary, Brother Vincent, were saved from starvation by a plague of frogs that mysteriously disappeared as soon as they secured other supplies - this strange event became known as the "Miracle of the Frogs." The location of the old mission was forgotten over time and only How Australians can work rediscovered in 1960 when the together with migrants and then parish priest of Albany, Fr refugees who come to Australia Fitzsimons and the parish priest and face racism, economic disadof Lake Grace, Fr Dwyer, found vantage and other social injustwo pairs of antique rosary beads tices will be discussed at a that were left by the missionaries conference to be held in Sydney at the site about 100 years earlier. in July. Today, all that remains of the Entitled "Building Bridges: commission is a small mound of rocks munities of faith working togeththat served as a fireplace. The er in multicultural Australia," the spot is marked by a plaque and a conference will be held at St wooden cross that was carried to Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, the site by pilgrims in 1997. Sydney, from 7-9 July. The pilgrimage will begin at Ills being organised by the Aus11.30am with a picnic lunch. tralian Catholic Migrant and At 12.30pm there will be a sym- Refugee Office and the Australian bolic tree-planting ceremony, fol- Catholic Social Justice Council. lowed by the Rosary and then Topics for discussion will Mass at 2pm. include: Multicultural Australia - Glynnis Grainger Today, Women, Young people,

describes herself as the best "domestic engineer" ever seen. In the year 2000, they now have 10 children and their partners; 19 grandchildren and 3 mat-grandchildren. And all these years later they still have as their motto: The more you love, the more you will find, that life is good, and friends are kind, and only what we give away, enriches us from day-today.

Migrant justice meeting

Mass being offered at the original mission site in 1979.

at the site. The history of the Sancta Maria Mission involves several events regarded as miraculous by locals. On the ship out to Australia, one of the French priests, Fr Bouchet, predicted his own death and the survival of another ill priest, Fr Thierse. After the mis-

The Record; March 23 2000 Page 4

Schools, Fighting Poverty, and Refugees and Asylum Seekers. The conference will focus on practical ways in which people of faith can build bridges between various communities. There will be an emphasis on sharing experiences of positive action and ideas for further action. People who work with migrants and refugees, particularly the aged, youth and families, are invited especially to attend. About 200 people are expected to attend from all religious organisations and groups, not only Catholics. Booking information can be obtained from Ms Sandie Cornish at the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council on (02) 9956 5811.

Lily's century lived to the full sents" and "he used to take on all the Legacy girls," her daughter A lover of television, whose Rona told The Record. "Ten of the girls have been meetnephew by marriage was the late Archbishop William Foley, will ing every year since they first met under the Town Hall clock one turn 100 on April 10. Mrs Lily Maria Barber told The Guy Fawkes' Night. "Called the 'November Girls' Record "everyone wants to know about me" and added "it's a mar- they have been coming out to Trinity Village to see Mum for the vellous thing to be at." Mrs Barber was born at Bea- last 10 years. "They are all younger than consfield in 1900, and went to a convent there, where she was Mum." At one stage, Mrs Barber worked taught by Sisters of Mercy who at home to look after her mother, came from Fremantle. A Hagarty, she was one of six but she hated doing alterations. She also did some sewing for children and she said she had the North Perth Monastery for "good Catholic parents." She married her first husband, about a year where she made Bernie Landquist, in her 20s, and some curtains and did some perhad two daughters, Rona and Ber- sonal sewing for the priests. Rona remembers her sewing nice, but he died after eight years of marriage, when Bernice was every night; they couldn't hear the wireless (radio) above the sound only 18 months old. She became a dressmaker, a job of the sewing machine. Mrs Barber did housework as she continued throughout her 27 years of widowhood, and origi- well as gardening, fixed a door nally moved back to her parents' and did some plumbing. "She really tackled things and home. Her boss, a Mr Cohen, used to [was] a very hard worker," Rona "send us beautiful Christmas pre- said. "She made all our clothes By Glynnis Grainger

Still as bright as a button - former dressmaker Lily Barber, who will turn 100 on 10 April, at home at Trinity Village, Duncraig.

their mother to get the old age pension at the age of 90. "I have never had so much money in my life," Mrs Barber declared. When she turned 90, she said: "I suppose you can call me an old lady now." At the age of 60, she met her second husband, a widower with

we were the best dressed in the parish. "I could go to a magazine and she could design things herself and make them. "If she had more confidence in herself she could have had a boutique or something." Rona said the family never had much money and had to persuade

four children, Roy Barber, at the Royal Park Bowling Club, and married him in 1962. After living in West Perth, Mrs Barber has now settled in the hostel at Trinity Village, Duncraig, where she has her own room and ensuite. Still very thoughtful, she telephones her brother, Lou Hagarty, 96, every week One of her three sisters was Sr Bernard, a Mercy Sister, who died in 1990, aged 93. "Rona takes me out twice a week and does all my shopping for me," Mrs Barber said "There are lovely carers (here). I cannot ask for better." Mrs Barber enjoys watching the serials on her television set in her room but says, with regret, they cannot have an animal at the village. She receives Holy Communion every Monday and watches the 6am Mass on television on Sunday mornings. For her 100th birthday, she said "I think everybody in the place will be coming up for it."

Celtic cross to mark priests' graves Politicians congratulated In May a Celtic Cross will be blessed and placed at East Perth Cemetery to remember six Irish priests buried there in the 19th century. Archivist for the Archdiocese, Presentation Sister Frances Stibi. said the Cross would be unveiled at 3.30pm on 7 May by Bishop Healy. Members of the Friends of East Perth Cemetery, the Royal Historical Society and the Heritage Council will attend. "A man from the Friends of East Perth Cemetery wrote to me last year and wondered if we had ever thought about doing anything about it." Sr Stibi said. The six priests are: Fr John Coyle. who died on 23 December, 1853; Fr Thomas O'Neil (25 April, 1854); Fr Michael Kirwan

(14 November, 1872); Fr John Quinn (23 September, 1896); Fr Denis Long (14 May, 1899) and Fr William Prendergast (2 July, 1899). A seventh priest, Fr Michael O'Shea, who died on 16 December, 1898, was exhumed to Karrakatta on 30 August, 1939, 41 years after his death. He is being remembered on the plaque under the Cross. which has come from Karrakatta, where it is no longer being used. His grave has a monument. Fr Denis Long is believed to have been involved in the WA gold rush. Many Irish priests had tuberculosis and were sent to the warmer climate of WA for their health. The Celtic Cross that has been chosen is being refurbished on

a granite plinth. "The Cross is about three-quarters metre high as you cannot have anything very big," Sr Stibi said. "In the 19th century in The Record there was made mention of the fact that nothing had been done about Fathers Coyle, O'Neil and Kirwan." It is known exactly where the priests were buried, in an area for clergy. "There was a Cemetery Board in those days and the cemetery records show which was the priests' plot." Sr Stibi said. She said Karrakatta wasn't opened until 1900 but there was a burial ground in Victoria Avenue in the city in the grounds of the pro-Cathedral, near Mercedes College. - Glynnis Grainger

for euthanasia defeat

Politicians Tom Stephens, Nick Griffiths, Ed Dermer and Ljiljanna Ravlich have been praised by the Coalition for the Defence of Human Life for defeating Norm Kelly's euthanasia Bill. The Bill called for support for legalised euthanasia and was defeated last Thursday week in the Legislative Council. The defeat of the Bill and the continued failure of Dr Philip Nitschke to gain registration to practice in WA were significant victories for the "Euthanasia No" campaign conducted by the Coalition for the Defence

MORIERTINE CANONS

Humble bowl a Lenten reminder

ORDER OF CANONS REGULAR OF PREMONTRE finding unity with the brethren on the way to God ...

Once a year, on Ash Wednesday, the children and staff at St Jude's Catholic Primary School, Langford, tuck into a bowl of rice, replacing their lunchtime sandwiches. The annual "Rice Day," held again at the school this year, as shown at left, prepares them for Lent and reminds them that it is a season of prayer, fasting and self-giving. They remember the people in the world who are hungry and poor. This also ties in with giving to the missions, as part of Project Compassion.

Tranquillity Farm Christian Residential Drug Rehabilitation Program

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of Human Life and by independent groups of palliative care experts, its secretary. Dr Ted Watt. said. "Norm Kelly's death Bill is dead, and West Australians can get on with the proper care for the terminally ill, the elderly and the disabled by valuing all human lives rather than regarding some as 'unworthy to be lived,'" Dr Watt said. Dr Watt said the international trend is firmly against legalised euthanasia, with only the Netherlands and Oregon as exceptions. - Glynnis Grainger

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Let the Lord expel all distractions Fr Adrian Pittarello, Vicar for Migration, continues a series of reflections on the readings associated with the Lenten and Easter seasons

any social institutions and customs that are now taken for granted had their origin in

religion. Religion is to be considered a most creative social force, one which has shaped human living perhaps more than any other force. This is not the place to make a list of those aspects of our living that can be traced back to religion. Suffice it to say that it was religion with its festivities and celebrations which gave rhythm and spice to human life. No doubt the year, the seasons, the week have been shaped from the course of the sun and the moon; but it was religion which translated their recurrence into something meaningful in the life of the individual and of the group. Not only the division of time, but also many other social customs and traditions originated from religious observances. Gradually, however, and in a very subtle way, economic interests and secular forces encroached into the religious practices and traditions to the point of emptying them of their original religious character. So, Sunday and other religious feast

With Fr Adrian Piftarello days were days set apart for people to attend to their religious duties - rest from work and community worship. Nowadays they are less and less days of rest, and ever fewer people dedicate them to worship. Some observances, which had a religious origin, went through such a metamorphosis as to become anti-religious manifestations. Take for example, mardi gras, which was observed as the last day Christians could eat meat and fat food before beginning Lent, a time when people abstained from them for the forty days of its duration. Now mardi gras is used in some places to mock religion. Not only religious days but other religious observances, with time, came to be used for economic or other worldly gain. Jesus was strongly critical of the attitudes of those who used religion for their own advantage - social power, personal prestige, economic profit. Religion is to put man at the service of

God, and not God at the service of man. When he entered the temple, Jesus could not tolerate all the commercial activity that took place there. Of course, it was done under the pretext of helping people to worship. Perhaps it all started for a good reason. But when religion and money are mixed together, money soon takes over. Lent must be a time of examination for all Christians. We must examine how we live our religious life. And one aspect that perhaps we need to fix our attention upon is to see whether we have allowed secular aspects to enter and take over our religious practices and observances. Lent is a time of penance. It does not suffice to do some acts of self-denial. The whole of Lent should be a time of penance, during which we renounce all that which is not consistent with the spirit of this season. We should see how we observe Sunday, the Day of the Lord. Perhaps we should review the way we have planned to spend the days of the Holy Week, particularly Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. It is easy to let secular concerns and interests take over the religious purpose for which these days have been set apart. Perhaps Jesus has to drive away some secular encroachments in our religious life.

To Jesus through Mary ... a column of Marian devotion This Friday-, 25 March. is the celebration of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord The following paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (484-489) sets out the beauty of the Church's teaching on the Incarnation of the Lord.

Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit .. . .

he Annunciation to Mary inaugurates "the fullness of time," the time of the fulfilment of God's promises and preparations. Mary was invited to conceive him in whom the "whole fullness of deity" would dwell "bodily." The divine response to her question, "How can this be, sinceIknow not man?" was given by the power of the Spirit: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you." The mission of the Holy Spirit is always conjoined and ordered to that of the Son. The Holy Spirit, "the Lord, the giver of Life," is sent to sanctify the womb of the Virgin Mary and divinely fecundate it, causing her to conceive the eternal Son of the Father in a humanity drawn from her own. The Father's only Son, conceived as man in the womb of the Virgin Mary, is "Christ," that is to say, anointed by the Holy Spirit, from the beginning of his human existence, though the manifestation of this fact takes place only progressively: to the shepherds, to the magi, to John the Baptist, to the disciples. Thus

a body for him, he wanted the free cooperation of a creature. For this, from all eternity God chose for the mother of his Son a daughter of Israel, a young Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee, "a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary": The Father of mercies willed that the Incarnation should be preceded by assent on the part of the predestined mother, so that just as a woman had a share in the coming of death, so also should a woman contribute to the coming of life. Throughout the Old Covenant the mission of many holy women prepared for that of Mary. At the very beginning there was Eve; despite her disobedience, she receives the promise of a posterity that will be victorious over the evil one, as well as the promise that she will be the The angel Gabriel appears before Mary in a mother of all the living. By virtue of this promise, Sarah conmosaic of the Annunciation. Photo' CNS/Crosters. ceives a son in spite of her old age. the whole life of Jesus Christ will make Against all human expectation God manifest "how God anointed Jesus of chooses those who were considered Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with powerless and weak to show forth his power." faithfulness to his promises: Hannah, the . Born of the Virgin mother of Samuel; Deborah; Ruth; Judith Mary and Esther, and many other women. Mary "stands out among the poor and What the Catholic faith believes about humble of the Lord, who confidently Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary hope for and receive salvation from him. After a long period of waiting the times illumines in turn its faith in Christ. are fulfilled in her, the exalted Daughter Mary's predestination: of Sion, and the new plan of salvation is "God sent forth his Son," but to prepare established."

God shared His fatherly love with St Joseph

ear Brothers and Sisters: In popvocation to domestic love into a superBefore leading the recitation of the ular Christian tradition the human oblation of self, an oblation of his Angelus on Sunday, 21 March, last month of March is dedicated to St heart and all his abilities into love placed year, the Holy Father spoke on the Joseph, whose liturgical feast we celeat the service of the Messiah growing up fatherhood of St Joseph. whose brated on 19 March. in his house" (ibid.). solemnity is celebrated on 19 March. To this end, God shared his own fatherJoseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin ly love with Joseph, that love 'from Mary, is patron of the universal Church Joseph is the father of Jesus because he [which] every family in heaven and on and enjoys special veneration among the earth is named" (Eph 3:15). People of God, as is also attested by the is really Mary's husband. She conceived virginally through God's Like every child, Jesus learned about great number of Christians who bear his action, but the child is also the son of life and how to act from his parents. name. How could we not think, with deep Ten years ago I dedicated an Apostolic Joseph, her lawful husband. This is why in the Gospel both are wonder, that he must have developed the Exhortation to his person and mission as Guardian of the Redeemer and of the called the 'parents" of Jesus (Lk 2:2Z 41). human aspect of his perfect obedience Through the exercise of his fatherhood, to the Father's will particularly by folChurch, which todayIwould like to offer lowing the example of his father Joseph. again for everyone's reflection during Joseph cooperates, in the fullness of time, 'a just man' (cf. Mt 1:19)? this last year of preparation for the Great In the great mystery of salvation (cf. Today I would like to invoke the heavJubilee, dedicated precisely to God the Redemptoris Custos, n. 8). enly protection of St Joseph on all fathers Father. "His fatherhood is expressed concrete- and on their duties in family life. In Joseph, called to be the earthly father ly in his having made his life a service. I also commend to him Bishops and of the incarnate Word, the divine father- ... to the mystery of the Incarnation and priests, who are entrusted with the serhood is reflected in a most extraordinary to the redemptive mission connected vice of spiritual and pastoral fatherhood way. with it; . . . . in having turned his human in the ecclesial Family... The Record, March 23 2000 Page 6

In those dark

times, stop worrying - just look at Jesus

With Fr Anscar McPhee

met a missionary priest one time holidaying from far away. He was a priest who really cared about his people but nothing seemed to be going right. . He prayed day and night for them but things only got worse. Those who had wonderful conversions were found to be that very same day back where they were. The priest would review his strengths. There was only one - Jesus. But Jesus wasn't saying anything and it was getting harder and harder as the priest's energy got less and less. To keep believing in spite of all the evidence of total disaster around him was becoming impossible. He had learnt that you mustn't keep looking at the problem. You must take your eyes off the problem and look at Jesus. Jesus would, at times, be very warm to the priest but the priest got to know that this always happened when hard times were coming up - it would be an experience of light on the mountain before the shock of the crucifixion. . But the warm experience was at least an anchor and a promise that Jesus would he there with him in the new crisis. St Peter took his eyes off Jesus when walking on the water and looked at the wind and the waves. So he began to sink. The priest felt himself sinking too. My thought is this. If we look overly at ourselves and the sins around us; if we can't take our eyes off the cruelty of betrayal; allow ourselves to be sick at heart over lies we've been told; to be fed up with those who lapse back (like we do, in any case, into sin and addiction - then doubt and total confusion will increase. That priest had to look at Jesus, just look at him, and not allow himself to wallow in pain and heartburn. He had to plug up the tear duct and take time to touch the Presence - just touch it, that's all. not looking for answers. We humans are not God. He's God. Jesus is God and He is right here right now in our mystery. Faith is exercised in mystery, among things we can't understand. All life is mystery and our faith is to be lived in that mystery. Sometimes that priest would blame himself, blame his people, blame those who sell drugs, grog, and make money out of the weaknesses of others, and he would become bitter. Songs of praise and thankfulness would die on his lips. Then one worker (Rohr) brought it to his attention. Does Jesus in the Gospel blame the Apostles for cowardly running away? Do we hear him blame Judas? Blame Peter? Blame those who crucified him? Blame Barabas? Blame Pilate? He doesn't bring it up! He doesn't even bring it up! Instead, Jesus takes blame to the grave. He buries it. He rises above it. So none of us ever has to blame anyone ever again. But the mystery of our lives remains and we are to fix our eyes, our attention, our love, our security, our solutions, our long, long term solutions on Jesus, looking at Him, at His wounds that heal, at his face turned to us in all the pain. We're not alone when we cry out that we thirst, when we say, "Father, forgive them." What priest, what Bishop, what person in the world can save our world except as one with Jesus. Jesus saves. "Help us, Lord, to look at you and not just at our problems, and this our very first problem that we fail to look at you." It is all part of the mystery. "Jesus, be with us in our mystery. Just be with us." We are in love. "God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved." Psalm 79.

A Church to move the times, not with them M The Record uc.h social and religious debate today often takes place on the assumption that democracy is a true and efficient way of arriving at the truth of what it is to be a human being and, consequently, how society should be organised. Since there are benefits in using democratic means to choose our leaders, democratic means - deciding an issue be a majority vote - are often unquestioningly applied to deciding what is the correct answer to any kind of question. But all that democracy can ever be is a method for ensuring that we all get along together in a group as well as we possibly can by getting rid of potential dictators or dictatorial parties every three years. Even then, it may not work. As Britain's wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, once observed of democracy's workings: "It's the best of the worst." Suppose 100 or so people are asked important questions about life such as: should a person be allowed to kill other people he or she doesn't like? Do you think it would be alright to kick in the doors and windows of a car that is parked in your own parking bay? Do you think it would ever be permissible to paint insulting slo-

gam on the homes and businesses of people we think are a burden on our society ? - and so on. They would probably get the answers right, but they could quite conceivably answer 'yes.' Democratic votes are not a guarantee that the public can understand or choose what is good. Slavery, for example, existed for generations in the fledgling democracy of the United States; abortion exists throughout most of the democracies of the industrialised First World (euthanasia may very well be in the foreseeable future, too), and women were denied the vote in societies which called themselves democracies for generations. And of course, Hitler had to be first elected to power before he could begin to realise his real political and military intentions. For many years we have all heard an increasing number of calls from inside and outside the Church for it to 'move

Anywhere else, this view would be sniggered at. Philosophers do not vote on the proposition that Plato was mortal, electricians do not vote on whether the red wire is the with the times.' This hoary old chestnut one carrying 240 volts, plumbers do not usually comes from outside the Church, hold a plebiscite to determine which of from individuals who, looking at it, can the two pipes they have to cut is the sewscarcely believe that such allegedly out-of- erage pipe. date beliefs can continue to exist in a Any child could see what chaos this world full of such civilising achievements would lead to in record time. as megabytes, compact discs, arts proTruly definitive statements cannot be grams and video rock music. true after one vote and not after another. But some Catholics also call for a Church Democracy is useful for c.hosing reprethat is more 'in tune' with the 'spirit of the sentatives and leaders but is of no use in times.' deciding what is true or good. The great English Catholic writer and These things are to be understood as journalist, G K Chesterton, once wrote and good in themselves, and no numtrue something on this very topic. "People say of human votes can change those realber we need a Church that moves with the ities. times," he said. "But I say we need a The only variable is human ignorance Church that will move the times." weakness, and only someone without and Nothing could be more a sign of modern a sane grasp of reality would take a punt times than the triumph of mass democracollective ignorance and weakthe on cy. nesses of others when trying to decide This has led to calls for democratic pro- what the meaning of life and love is. cedures in the Catholic Church, with epis• The opinions expressed in this editorcopal appointments, policy and doctrine to be decided by all members without a ial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman papal veto. Perth. Catholic Archbishop of

,7IrounJIIe 7a_kt Women and alienation

too, attended the forum for the presentation of the report Woman and Man One in Christ but, unlike Elspeth O'Connor (The Record, 16 March), didn't think the few lively interjections from the floor aggressive or hostile in the real sense. They would not have happened at all if two of the speakers hadn't wanted to make women's ordination an issue at the forum, which was not for that. Since it was clear that that was what they wanted, people had a right to express their indignation at the blatant abuse of power displayed. The Pope has clearly said that the Church has no power to ordain women so what point is there in constantly bringing it up? I thought it was a shame that this should come up because the report was delivered in an otherwise excellent manner. Although I can't speak for all the discussion groups the atmosphere of the group I was in was very congenial and tried to keep a focus on the questions asked. If the forum made some aware, perhaps for the first time, of the reality of the divisions within 'Our Church.' then I would urge them to seriously ask themselves why they haven't heard of them before. Moreover, before 'isolation and alienation' can be discussed it should be remembered that the faithful meet the Church at two levels. These are at the Universal level and at the local or Parish level. At the parish level it would depend on the people one came in contact with as to how alienated or otherwise one might feel. Those with a more liberal view of the Church are always going to feel dissatisfied with the Church at the Universal level but they may not always feel it at the parish level. On the other hand, an orthodox Catholic would never feel alienated at the Universal level but may or may not feel it at the parish level. Therefore we should not talk about 'isolation and alienation' as if it belongs to one exclusive club. Human diversity is a sign of God's Greatness and somehow that diversity has to be accommodated within 'Our Church'. That will take a great deal of love and tolerance from us all. However, the Church has never been a democracy and never will be. Even Christ who founded it did not please Himself. Christ established the papacy as a great gift to His Church and every time we reject papal teaching we reject Christ. Patricia Halligan Mtindurah ,

Roots of compassion

ow that Project Compassion is in full swing again, it is an appropriate time to consider how it started In Australia. My friend Bishop John Jobst, the emeritus Bishop of Broome, told me the story some years ago. Immediately after the last war, despite the ravages-of war in Germany, the German Bishops, to make Lent more meaningful, started a charitable project called Misereor to collect money during Lent for the poor in overseas countries. Bishop Jobst, the new boy on the Australian block, suggested such a program at one of his early Bishops' conference but was rebuffed. However, after the meeting he was approached by a couple of older Bishops. Bishop Tynan of Toowoomba gave him a cheque for 400 pounds for the Kimberleys and Bishop Henscke of Wagga organised a Lenten Bowl for the Kimberleys and New Guinea. These two men encouraged him to persist with the idea and supported him when it was raised later. As a result of those efforts Australia got what became Project Compassion, which now is helping Caritas Australia with overseas aid. J W Dallimore Floreat

Lest we forget ichard Egan's letter (16 March) "Another apology called for" is to be pplauded. He has said should be proclaimed from the rooftops about the brave women and men who dedicated their lives to the sick and the poor from the earliest days of the Church. The story of the dedicated, skilful St John of God Sisters, among others, needs to be told aloud and clear, a story of liberated women who went into unknown territory at great personal cost to ease the suffering, the poverty and abandonment of Aboriginal people. Let us hear more. The records are there. Younger people in the Church and newcomers need to know. Johanna Bowen Stoneville

Media head hunters

here is a pretty exact parallel between the story of John the Baptist and Herodias in the New Testament and the secular media and the Holy Roman Catholic Church today. Herodias couldn't take the heat of John's pointing out to her that her lifestyle was grossly immoral so she had him put in prison and then beheaded: he cramped her , . . s,tyle. As the saying goes, the truth

Leffers lo offends. So it is with various editors and columnists/article writers today: the heat is so bad that they want Pope John Paul's head badly, as well as the heads of the socalled 'conservatives'. Jerome Gonzalez Willetton

Dogs are not humans

was expecting there to be a large number of letters praising your editorial of 2 March about people's attitude to abused dogs. I could not believe my eyes when I saw that a letter claimed that you cannot compare the deaths of babies and old people with a brutal killing of a dog. The writer also said they did not agree with abortion for convenience. Presumably, the use of the word 'convenience' was just an unintentional and inappropriate choice of word and they meant to say that they did not agree with abortion at all. I read your editorial and meant to write congratulating you on hitting the nail on the head exactly. It certainly is wrong to inflict a particularly vicious death on a dog but it is not wrong to kill a dog or a cat or a cow or a chicken. There are a whole host of good reasons why one may do so. There are no good reasons at all to commit murder. Dogs are not made in the image and likeness of God, as unborn babies are. John A Rayner Hillarys

A worthy Pope

he examples of humility, love, courage, fortitude and holiness, in conjunction with practical pastoral activity by Pope John Paul II, should hearten all Catholics, indeed every Christian and human being. The fact that nearly every major as well as minor nations and cultures have accorded him respect and hospitality is a tribute to his persona and, hopefully to Catholics. We are more than fortunate. So let us appreciate this great Pole as a worthy representative of Christ. Peter Bertola Esperance

Can to Catholic women

he Magdalene Foundation welcomes the recent news from America that a coalition in support of the Holy See' Permanent Observer status at the UN has in the last 60 days gathered support from over 1,015 non-government organisations from 44 counties and many religious groups. The Magdalene Foundation is concerned about a petition from

Cofilor

anti-Vatican sources which threatened to oust it from the UN. But,in the end, the offending petition only managed to gain 300 signatories to its cause despite taking many months and the backing of wealthy and powerful interests. The Vatican has consistently defended the rights of women at the UN in terms of freeing them from the oppression of abortion and contraception and arguing for their rights to spend time being mothers to their children. For this reason the Magdalene Foundation would have been deeply distressed if the Vatican could no longer act in this capacity. All Catholic women's groups in Australia and around the world should publicly express their loyalty to the Holy See by supporting its retention at the UN. After all. the Vatican has done so much to defend the rights of women on the world stage, it seems only just that women repay that courage with their support,in response to this attack upon its status. Jane Wilks National co-ordinator Magdalene Foundation Sydney

Of need and greed

ecent events of national interest in days set us wondering: What is happening to the notion of 'the common good' in our nation? Market forces are superseding basic human rights; the right to basic human services (eg, access to adequate communication services) and the right to gainful employment are fast disappearing. The decision by Telstra to shed 10,000 jobs as a consequence of a $2 billion half yearly profit would seem unbelievable. Not so long ago an increased profit margin became a catalyst for expansion, improved services for all and a subsequent increase in job opportunities. Is it a fact that shareholders are blind to the priority of the 'common good' or is this a decision of management? No doubt, the majority of Australians are far more altruistic than boards of directors are able to recognise. We simply need to be reminded of our mutual responsibilities from time-to-time. Does the majority of shareholders of Telstra want escalating dividends at the expense of unemployment for an increasing number of Australians, along with inadequate resourcing of services? Surely a company such as Telstra does have a responsibility to place need before greed. Sr Margaret Cassidy President Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes Malvern, Victoria The RetotdMatch 232000 Page.7' s

Features

I Exhibition shows old habits can die hard

Scrolls offer an intriguing glimpse into Jesus' world a

By Michelle Martin

or many Christians, the Hebrew society of the Gospel stories, so distant from life in United States in the 21st century, can seem almost unreal. The Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of as many as 800 different texts found in the desert of southern Judea in 194Z can open a window on that time and place. The scrolls - documents written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek on parchment and papyrus and hidden in jars near the ancient settlement of Qumran - contain rules for the members of the community for which they were written, as well as the earliest known texts of several Old Testament books. 'They've been called the greatest archeological discovery of this century," said Dominican Father Jerry Kmeger of St Joseph Parish in Summit, who often gives presentations about the scrolls to parishes and schools. Portions of 15 different scrolls are on display at the Field Museum in Chicago until 11 June, along with 80 artifacts found in the archeological excavation of the area around Qumran. Most of the scrolls are in fragments. In all, more than 100,000 pieces of parchment and papyrus were found. Artifacts on display include coins, leather sandals, a scroll storage jar and a pottery inkwell believed to he connected with the writing of the scrolls. The scrolls were kept out of public view for years after a 16-year-

old Bedouin found them while became available. Now the Dead looking for a lost goat 53 years ago. Sea Scrolls Publication Project is The shifting political situation in coming close to completion under the Middle East led to cross claims Israeli editor Emmanuel Toy, who of ownership and jurisdiction, and will give a public lecture at the care for the fragile documents Field Museum. meant they were handled as little The scrolls are of enormous interas possible by conservators. est to Christians and Jews because For more than 40 years, only they were written between about seven scholars had access to the 250 BC and about 68 AD, when the scrolls. The project of piecing them Romans destroyed the settlement together and translating them sped at Qumran. up in 1991, when photographs The settlement was overrun around the same time the Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and laid siege to Masada. The scrolls are believed to have been written by the Essenes, members of an ultra-conservative sect who moved into the desert to get away from the corruption of Jewish society, especially of the worship in the temple in Jerusalem, said Father Robert Schoenstene, who teaches the Hebrew Bible, or the Old Testament, at Mundelein Seminary. The Essenes were an extremist group. Their writings, about themselves and about their society, paint an interesting picture of life in Judea around the time of Christ. "Judaism was not like Catholicism. It had no central authority, and the practice was very diverse," Father Schoenstene said. Some scholars believe that some scrolls might have been brought from Jerusalem to be hidden in the caves, especially the scrolls with books of the Hebrew Bible. A jar, made over 2,000 years ago, was "These are the oldest biblical docone of the many storage containers uments that are preserved," Father found at the site of the Dead Sea Schoenstene said. "We didn't have Scrolls. Photo, CNSilstael Antiquities Authonty any comparable documents from the Hebrew Bible earlier than the fifth or sixth century." Finding the earliest possible documents allows scholars to examine the texts to see if - and how - they have changed over time. In the case of the Old Testament texts in the Dead Sea Scrolls -

Wheat it is, for Tammin church's Holy Door

By Benedicta Cipolia

This ancient fragment of text contains commentary on the biblical verses of Hosea 2:8-14. his part of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 in the Judean desert CNSIsr.lei AntLp.,

including portions of Deuterono- is a portion of Deuteronomy that my, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea. the includes the Ten Commandments; Psalms - the differences are minor. the other four are later writings But the books found among the that have language similar to that Dead Sea Scrolls and the books of found in the New Testament. The scrolls don't mention Jesus the Hebrew Bible that were written down hundreds of years later and his followers, just as the New are remarkably consistent, accord- Testament nowhere mentions the ing to Fathers Schoenstene and Essenes or the community at Qumran. Some scholars have speculatKroeger. Other scrolls give rules for the ed that John the Baptist might have community in which they were had contact with the community at written, and some of the later Qumran, based on similarities scrolls have language similar to between his preaching and the that in some New Testament books. community's beliefs. The exhibit is sponsored by the For example, there is a Messianic apocalypse that refers to the ris- Archdiocese of Chicago, the ing of the dead, and a scroll where Church of Jesus Christ of Latterthe repeated use of the word day Saints, the Fourth Presbyterian "blessed" recalls the New Testa- Church of Chicago, Chicago Sinai Congregation and the Jewish Unitment beatitudes. Five of the scrolls that will be on ed Fund/Jewish Federation of Metdisplay at the Field Museum have ropolitan Chicago. not been seen outside Israel. One - Catholic News Service

oronets - the winged headresses once worn by many nuns - may have died out along with the 1960s television show "The Flying Nun," but one Rome museum has resuscitated them and other religious fashion trends. At an exhibit on display 31 March at Castel Sant'Angelo, reproductions of religious habits and paintings depicting the dress of various orders sought to trace the history of monks and nuns - through their clothing. "Habits constitute one of the most colourful chapters in the history of fashion," read the introductory panel at the show. Colourful, however, may not be the most appropriate word to describe the exhibit, which was dominated by the sober colours religious orders have often turned to for their dress. The Benedictine Rule urged sixth-century monks to disregard colour altogether and purchase the cheapest fabric they could find near the monastery. In the 10th century, Cluniacs prescribed black as a sign of penitence, while Cistercians, Camaldolese and Carthusians chose white as a sign of purity. The red-and-white-striped cloaks of the Carmelites were one of the few examples of bright colour among medieval religious orders. But when the Carmelites arrived in Paris in 1254. fleeing Muslim pressure in Palestine, locals were scandalised. At the time, stripes symbolised transgression, and medieval iconography depicted such undesirables as Cain, Judas and the devil in striped clothes. In 125Z realising their cloaks turned off potential novices, the Carmelites switched to white. Other institutions sporting habits that departed from the norm were the equestrian orders, founded to defend the Holy Land from Muslim attacks. Their two-fold wardrobes reflected the double nature of monastic life during the Crusades. Inside the convent, most monks wore traditional white tunics and hoods, while in battle, they donned the typical armour of the time, complete with shields, visors and swords. With the rise of mendicant orders, and

perhaps most significantly the Franciscans, the habit came to represent the beginning of a new life. Bare hands, even in the cold of winter, symbolised a life free from hypocrisy, while the cross-shaped scapular recalled the brothers' faith in Christ. Among female orders, the Brigittines sewed five red points onto their veils in the shape of a cross, representing the blood Christ shed at the Crucifixion. Amid 15th-century Church reform, though, new clerical orders like the Theatine Fathers and Jesuits moved away from symbolism. Their uniforms were referred to as "nonhabits" and consisted of a simple black cassock, cape and square berefta. The many female educational and hospitaller orders founded in the 16th and 17th centuries drew inspiration from secular fashion. The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary

•

rIvqPenedicta Caw&

A detail of an 1828 painting by Giovanni Antonio Pock shows religious women with school children. In the 1600s and 1700s, many orders were founded with a focus on education and health care, and members often wore secular dress.

followed the Jesuits' example and wore long, black dresses with a white collar. A wimple was added after vociferous objections from the Vatican. The Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul began in 1633 with white caps and simple tunics with a touch of white at the collar - outfits that allowed them frc dom of movement as they visited the homes of the sick Over the years, however, as the Vatican insisted on religious habits that were distinct from secular clothing, the caps became coronets and the white collars grew into bust-covering bibs. In the late 19th century. the Vatican refused to approve any new female order unless its members wore a A reconstruction of a Coptic habit is on display in a special exhibit exploring specific habit. the dress of religious orders through the centuries at the Castel Sant'Ancgeso The orders agreed In Rome, Photo CNSI3enectocta Crpolia with Rome's norms, of men and women reliside photographs as the habit functioned as a declaration of concluding text gious in modern habits, the symbolising service to religious identity, posed a question: "What sense does this society and the Church. After the Second Vatican Council, though. evolution have? Are we perhaps moving toward a unifihabits were radically simplified. cation of institutes, their variety no longer The 1965 Decree on the Appropriate Renewal of the Religious Life declared necessary, as it was in the past?" the text habits "should be simple and modest, poor wondered. But an equally valid response might be and at the same time becoming." that the clothes do not make the man - or Though some orders, like the Benedictines and Cistercians, still don their Medieval woman. Or maybe the modern-day religious in the garb, the majority made major changes. Simplifications were most noticeable photos, their respective orders no longer among women, who tossed aside wimples, instantly recognisable, simply proved that coronets and floor-length hulks in favour of not all old habits die hard. - Catholic News Service modern blouse and skirt ensembles. Along-

Enigma of deathbed tears wept by suspect behind Romero murder By Mike Lanchin

Mrs Gemma Charlton and Fr Steven Casey, parish priest of Kellerberrin, stand beside the Jubilee year Holy Door of Holy Family Church at Tammin. Mrs Charlton, who was since given birth to a daughter, was the designer and creator of the door. In her design she painted ;wheat on the door, symbolising the Wheatbeit region in which the parish is located. The parishioners wanted it simple and wanted wheat," she said. Mrs Chariton is the mother of three and wife of Gavin, son of the former WA Transport Minister, Erk Chariton

The Record, March 23 2000 Page 8

Maria Luisa D'Aubuisson de Martinez, a follower of slain Archbishop Oscar Romero and sister of an army officer implicated in the 1980 murder of the archbishop, retells how she asked her brother to seek forgiveness before his deal* in 1992. She is helping with preparations to mark the 20th commemoration of Archbishop Romero's death in San Salvador. Photo CNS/Edgar Romero

s Major Roberto D'Aubuisson - the man reputed to have ordered the 1980 murder of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero - lay dying in the hospital, his sister beseeched him to ask forgiveness for his actions. "I took him by the hand," recalled Maria Luisa D'Aubuisson de Martinez, a committed follower of Archbishop Romero. "Roberto,' I said to him, 'You have to die in peace. I beg you, deliver yourself up to Romero, ask him for forgiveness from the innermost part of your heart, this'll give you peace, Roberto,- she said. He reacted by momentarily opening his eyes, drawing her close to his face, then bursting into tears, she said. By that time he was practically unable to speak due to throat cancer that, weeks later, killed him. Eight years later, as she helped with preparations for the March commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Archbishop Romero's death, D'Aubuisson de Martinez admitted having lingering doubts about her brother's final thoughts and whether he had any regrets about his part in El Salvador's bloody past. "I don't know if he meant leave me alone with this, or if it was an outburst of emotion. I never knew what was going through his mind," she said in an interview with Catholic News Service regarding that day at the hospital in February 1992. Even in El Salvador, where the 12-year civil war often divided families, two siblings could not have been more different. Roberto, five years the elder, gained noto-

riety for his persuasive character and skills as a military officer, which he used to organise death squads to hunt out political opponents and prevent what he perceived as the threats posed by "international communism" in the turbulent 1970s and '80s. For her part, Maria Luisa turned to the Catholic Church for her formation and found her inspiration in the doctrine of the preferential option for the poor and later in the homilies of Archbishop Romero. But when young, the two shared a close relationship, D'Aubuisson de Martinez told CNS. Their paths only began to diverge when Roberto entered El Salvador's infamous military school and went on to the US School of the Americas, then based in Panama, while Maria Luisa went to Guatemala as a volunteer missionary with the Sisters of the Ascension. "The two yearsIspent in Guatemala working with poor indigenous communities changed my life. Having come from a very sheltered family,Icame face to face with the harsh reality of poverty and injustice. This made me take a very different path than that of Roberto." she said. "He became a victim of a system that did not allow any other type of thoughts other than an anti-communism mentality," she added. The political situation deteriorated in El Salvador following a massive electoral fraud engineered by the army in 1972. At the time. Maria Luisa was organising agricultural cooperatives in the east of the country to demand land rights from large property owners, while Roberto had joined the intelligence services and was organis-

ing vigilante groups in the countryside to root out troublemakers. When, on one occasion, the D'Aubuisson name appeared in the intelligence reports he was handed. Roberto reproached his sister. She recounted: "He told me that it was shameful and humiliating for him to rind my name mentioned. He was beside himself with anger. He told me that if I was arrested to expect no help from him." During those turbulent days, on more than one occasion they openly argued about Archbishop Romero's use of the pulpit to denounce social injustices and the repression of opposition protests by the state security forces, she remembered. "He warned me that we were all what he called 'useful fools.' ... He said that the social movement and some Photo CAIS/Fieutem members of the Church were being used by interna- At a general meeting in Washington, the US bishops endorsed the tional communism to beatification of slain Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador. destroy the country," she Archbishop Romero, an outspoken critic of human rights abuses In El Salvador, was gunned down while celebrating Mass on 24 recalled. "I told him: 'Open your March, 1980. realised that contradicting him was to no eyes Roberto, this situation is not brought in from outside, there are real avail. As her involvement with community causes to the injustice that cannot be resolved by force," she said. But she soon groups took her into close contact with the

incipient armed guerrilla groups, the distance between her and her brother became ever wider. After a lone gunman killed Archbishop Romero March 24, 1980, as he celebrated Mass, all contact was broken off between them. Rumours abounded that Major D'Aubuisson was behind the killing; a truth commission later found he was. D'Aubuisson de Martinez said that, ironically, it was then her turn to feel "shame and humiliation" for her family name. She felt people pointed her out in public places and began distrusting her loyalties. "If I felt any guilt for him at that time, I think it was thinking that having had access to him, I should have done something. But I soon realised that it was naive of me to think that way," she said. It was not until the civil war was over and her brother was dying of cancer in late 1991 that D'Aubuisson de Martinez decided to go and see him again. Every day for the last three months of her brother's life, D'Aubuisson de Martinez visited him, sitting at his bedside while he watched endless TV programs, sometimes reading him the Bible, as he asked her to do. "Ihad not gone there to tell him he was a bastard, but to see how he was spiritually, what he was thinking at that moment, and, naively perhaps, to see if I could ask him about (Archbishop) Romero," she explained. "That was the only time I broached with him the subject," she said. -Inow regret not having done so at a time when he was more lucid." she aaded softly. - Catholic News Service The Record, March 23 2000 Page 9

Features The cor

years ago With Mary Busher, Perth Catholic Church Archives volunteer

Excerpts from the WA Catholic Record 24 March, 1900.

Separation Movement

he petition to the Queen for Separation on view yesterday at the Mechanics Institute, Kalgoorlie seemed a very formidable document. Mounted on a continuous strip of canvas, the petition is about a mile long, and contains 26,000 to 27,000 signatures. All the members of the Executive Committee will testify on oath that to the best of their knowledge the signatures are genuine.... are those of adults and not duplicated. These declarations to the number of eighteen or 19 will accompany the petition to London. The document should prove to the Imperial authorities that unless the Eastern Goldfields be separated from the rest of West Australia. there will be in this liberty-loving part of the world the curious anomaly of a large community forced to accept and obey an Oligarchy that robs them of their rights and Justly receives their contempt and detestation. .. .

St Patrick's Day celebrations

n Perth a procession of the Irish Catholic Societies was most successful. The line of the march was from the railway station through the principal streets of the city to the Association Cricket Ground. Members of the HACBS and Irish National Foresters wore full regalia. The Headquarters Band headed the procession. Editorial comment: We deny the charge against Irish Catholics brought by a gentleman at a banquet in Perth who said. "That day Irishmen were meeting all over the world to commemorate St Patrick's Day. They were Irishmen first and Catholics afterwards." Nothing in the past history of Irishmen; nothing in their present attitude, at home or abroad, deserves for them such a reproach. That they were first of all Catholics they proved by long ages of martyrdom.

Jarrandale builds

social held on March 16 in Crock's hall to raise funds for a house for a priest was attended by over 300 people. "Though the hall was crowded, everyone was in really good humour and not a hitch occurred anywhere. Mr Williams' string band had been requisitioned for the occasion and, together with numerous vocalists, provided a bill of fare fit for the proverbial monarch." Bell gift: - On St Patrick's Day morning the solemn blessing of the first Angelus bell erected on the goldfields was performed by the Rev. Father Strong . . . .

Palatine priest's life led by Spirit reconciliation 50 years ago in the best way he knew in Tardun and Rossmoyne. "He was convinced that a way to empower Aborigines was through education," she says. Despite the limitations of being his book is a near-perfect a new migrant with little knowlrecord of a migrant priest's edge of the language or Australian life before and after com- history, he struggled against the ing to WA. odds. Described as the autobiography He helped his students achieve of Fr Luemmen, he has dedicated adequate standards of education it to the memory of Edith Little in mainstream schools in Perth, to and ex-students of the Pallottine gain employment, own their own Centre, Rossmoyne, where he homes, and hold their heads high worked. in the community. It was written in 1999 on the eve Students came to the Pallottine of Fr Letunmen's Golden Jubilee Centre in Rossmoyne from all in the Jubilee Year 2000. He was over the State. ordained in 1950. Former students of the centre He was born in 1919 in Germany include Peter Yu, coordinator of and arrived in WA in 1951 on the the Kimberley Land Council; overcrowded Greek migrant ship Stephen Albert, formerly consulCyrenia. tant to the Minister for AborigOn 19 September, 1979, the Gov- ines, and singer and actor jimmy ernor of WA, Sir Wallace Kyle, Chi, playwright of "Bran Nue Dal" conferred on Fr Luemmen the and "Corrugation Road." British Empire Medal, in GovernMigrants also appreciated his ment House, Perth, to recognise encouragement as they made his work with Aborigines and their way in their adopted counmigrants. trY• In her introduction, Brigidine Fr Luemmen spent four years at Sister Brigida Nailon says Fr Tardun, from 1951-1955 and 24 Luemmen was working towards years at the Pallottine Mission Led by the Spirit by Fr John Luemmen and Sr Brigida Nailon, Pilpel Print. No RRP* Reviewed by Glynnis Grainger

Riverton's parish priest, Fr Dean Bradbury welcomes Fr Luemmen, far right, to the opening of the hall named in his honour in December, 1999.

Centre in Rossmoyne until 1980, before taking sabbatical leave from 1980-2981, visiting Germany and the Holy Land. From 1956 he was both parish priest of Queen of Apostles' Church, Riverton, and mission superior at Rossmoyne. In 1981 he was appointed fulltime parish priest of Riverton parish and had an assistant priest for the first time. At the age of 75, Fr Luemmen handed over the

reins of the parish to Fr Bradbury. Fr Luemmen can continue on as assistant priest for as long as he is able and permitted to do so, the book says. If it wasn't for the typographical errors in this book, it would be more easy to read. * The book is available from the Riverton parish, Gallo's and the St Vincent De Paul Bookshop. The purchase price becomes a donation to the SVP.

Holiness is adventure, education a challenge The Adventure of Holiness, by Brother John of 'Mize, RRP $25.95.

Christian Spirituality by Fr Charles J. Healey SJ, RRP $43.95. Gathering the Fragments - A Gospel Mosaic by Fr Edward J. Farrell RRP $13.95. All published by Alba House The Catholic School: paradoxes and challenges edited by Denis McLaughlin, St Pauls Publications, RRP $24.95. Reviewed by Glynnis Grainger

n his introduction to The Adventure of Holiness Brother John says the book seems "tailor-made not to excite the enthusiasm of the masses."

Whether it does or not is up to the Symeon the New Theologian to active-contemplative approach to reader, and the fact that he has Julian of Norwich and C.S. Lewis. daily living. already written four books speaks He writes with an immediacy Those seeking an overview of for itself. ".... it seems only a mat- the various schools and move- that evokes among his readers the ter of time before the last enemies ments which shaped Christian hope, desire and determination to of life - sickness, hunger, decrepi- spirituality down throughout the live more fully a Christian life of tude - will be eliminated by the centuries will find much to pon- love and prayer. scientific and technical mind," he der here. In The Catholic School three writes. In Gathering the Fragments this contributors from the Australian Are we merely a society of bored easy-to-read little volume gives Catholic University in Queenspeople? he asks; do we live in delightful spiritual guidance and land provide the body of this mortal fear of silence as we will uplifts the soul, without dwelling book. hear only "emptiness" and the on the Bible too much. The book provides a review of "relentless ticking of the clock of The many chapters are brief and empirical and philosophical literour mortality." succinct, the words simple and ature and examines the historical context of Catholic education in But, as he points out, the essence well-chosen. of the book is that "the only way Fr Farrell says sometimes peo- Australia, its post-Vatican II perout of the current crisis of confi- ple quote back his words to him, spective, and explores the implidence in humanity will involve a the uniting of souls in one accord, cations and outcomes of school rediscovery of the holy." communicating "something of the renewal. It also contains a detailed set of Meanwhile, in Christian Spiritu- spirit that received them." Fr Farrell's reflections arise out citations, which will be helpful to ality, all the classics are represented here from Ignatius of of his pastoral experiences in an scholars of Catholic education. Antioch to John of the Cross, from Inner-city Detroit parish with an and an extensive bibliography.

St Helena: the lady was also an archaeologist

t Helena is one of my favourite saints, because she was the first lady archaeologist. As the mother of the Emperor Constantine, she lived through a very important time for the Church. Christianity went from being illegal to becoming the state religion. Helena was born a pagan, the daughter of an innkeeper in Bithynia. A Roman officer, called Constantius Chlorus, passing through on his way to fight Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, stopped at the inn, fell in love with her and they married. Their only son, Constantine, was born in 274. Helena's husband, Constantius, was very successful in his career. In 292 AD, he became Caesar of the Western Empire. As part of this promotion, he was obliged to divorce Helena; she then lived in retirement until Constantius Chlorus died in 308. Her son, Constantine then became Caesar, and immediately recalled his mother to court and showered her with honours. In 312 Constantine was forced to fight the Emperor Maxentius. Although Constantine was not Christian, a vision had told him that he would be victorious if his

The Reeord;MEIrth 23-100Ch•Page te'r

Le in eAlist 2000 historian Dr Jennifer Skerritt sheds Perth some light on Catholic history to mark years of Christianity. This week. 2000

Saint Helena (248-327)

A mosaic of St Helena in the 1913 Catholic Encyclopaedia

army marched under the sign of Christ. Consequently, his warriors, most of them pagan, had the ChiRho symbol painted on their shields. When the two armies met at the Milvian Bridge over the River Tiber, Constantine's 20,000 soldiers defeated Maxentius' army of 100,000. In gratitude for his victory, through the Edict of Milan, Constantine made Christianity legal throughout the Roman Empire. This had many advantages; Christians no longer risked death and persecution. The Church could preach the gospels openly. It also had some disadvantages.

People who were ambitious in Jesus had died. Helena had the the government or military spot excavated, and discovered became Christians only to fur- three wooden crosses. These ther their careers. were each taken to the bedside The Emperor also introduced of a worthy woman at the point his mother to this new religion, of death. The touch of the first and Helena soon became a bet- two had no effect, but upon ter Christian than her son. touching the third, the woman She lived an intensely Christ- immediately got up from her bed, ian life, and used her influence completely restored to health. to encourage the wider spread of In gratitude for this magnificent the Faith. She gave generously to discovery, Helena erected a the poor and built many impor- basilica in Jerusalem, where a tant churches across the Empire. portion of the True Cross When Helena was in her eight- remained, enclosed in silver. The ies, she decided to make a pil- rest, with the nails, were sent to grimage to the Holy Land, Constantine. Helena died in building churches to commemo- about 330 AD, well over eighty rate significant events in the life years of age. Her son was with her when she died. He buried of Christ. While in Palestine, she was her in Constantinople, in the approached by a Jew, with the Imperial vault of the Church of unfortunate name of Judas, who the Apostles. Her remains were claimed to know the where- later transferred to the Abbey of abouts of the Cross upon which Hautvillers, in Rheims.

Movie Reviews

I Movie Racis s haunting face Ratings By Gem Pare

enzel Washington gives a knockout performance as wrongly-convicted lifer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in the powerful fact-based drama, "The Hurricane." Director Norman Jewison turns in what he feels completes his racial trilogy that began with 1967's "In the Heat of the Night" and was followed by 1984's "A Soldier's Story," also starring Washington. The biographical drama at hand covers boxer Carter's nearly 20year struggle to regain his freedom after he and fan John Arils (Garland Whitt) were railroaded for a 1966 New Jersey barroom triple murder. Carter's story may be familiar to many since it was the subject of a 1975 Bob Dylan protest anthem. "Hurricane"; Carter's eventual release won national coverage in 1985. But the creative combination of Jewison and Washington

Everyone hangs up By Anne Navarro

harried middle daughter copes with the hospitalisation of her difficult, senile father while dealing with self-centred sisters in the contrived comedydrama "Hanging Up." Eve (Meg Ryan) is desperately trying to manage her roles as daughter, wife, mother, sister, and entrepreneur. She has just admitted her crotchety father (Walter Matthau) into a geriatric psychiatric hospital for some testing. She is two nervous weeks away from a hugely important luncheon that will put her fledgling special events business on the map. And her sisters - older, domineering Georgia (Diane Keaton) and younger, flighty Maddy (Lisa Kudrow) - keep hanging up on her each time she calls. Every time the phone rings, Eve is convinced her father has died, but instead he's the one calling, either to gripe about wanting Chinese food or to retell some story from his glory days as a screenwriter. "Hanging Up" is more about a responsible middle child still needing approval from an alcoholic father now going senile while struggling to come into her own as opposed to being her sisters' doormat. Because of some rough language and brief sexual situations, the US Catholic Conference classification is AIII - adults. - CNS

Denzel Washington stars as wrongly-accused boxer Rubin Carter in the film 'The Hurricane." Photo: CPAS/Universal

now makes it an expose of institutionalised racism with a hauntingly human face. Jewison chooses to jump back and forth in time, which is at times confusing but serves to keep the audience on its toes. Carter is shown as the target of

a racist cop (Dan Hedaya) who had him unfairly arrested at age 11 and then pressures witnesses to identify the adult boxing champ as the barroom killer since he was in the vicinity that evening. Married to Mae Thelma (Debbi Morgan) and the father of two, his

career and life come to a grinding halt when eyewitnesses testify against him. An all-white jury convicts and both men are sentenced to three life terms. Several years after Carter's autobiography, The Sixteenth Round, is published, an alienated AfricanAmerican teen, Lesra Martin (Vicellous Reon Shannon), buys the used book and becomes convinced of Carter's innocence. Now filled with a purpose and direction in life, Lesra persuades his idealistic guardians to take up the cause after he writes to Carter and receives a grateful reply. Jewison's sober direction does not inflame the audience in the way Spike Lee might have and the movie emerges as a moving, muted portrait of racial hatreds finally brought low by the power of unselfish commitment to a just cause. Because of brief violence, fleeting rear nudity, some profanity and recurring rough language, the US Catholic Conference classification is Al!! - adults. - CNS

Marriage movie a could-have-been By Gem Pare

couple faces a marital crossroads in the earnest but underwhelming "The Story of Us" (Universal). Director Rob Reiner looks at what happens when two opposite personalities marry and then realise - 15 years later - that their opposing traits are driving them apart. Particularly frustrated is Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer), who found husband Ben's (Bruce Willis) carefree approach to life initially appealing, but now feels she is carrying most of the burden of daily details and disciplining preteens Joshua and Erin (Jake Sand-

vig and Colleen Rennison). However, she insists on pretending all's well in front of the kids until they're off to summer camp. Realising that they are constantly bickering, Ben reluctantly moves into a nearby hotel and each mopes near the phone, willing the other to call. They almost make up until a illchosen remark gets them back in full-screaming mode. With the return of the children looming - and Ben and Katie's married friends offering only confusing advice - they must come to a fateful decision on whether to split the family asunder. A limp comic fantasy scene has Ben and Katie sitting in bed, suddenly joined there by their two

sets of pesky parents, each dispensing unwanted advice. But the movie ends up increasingly shrill and overwrought as an excessive number of flashbacks are used to detail the couple's fights over the years. So, despite an ultimately positive message about the worth of marriage - delivered in nearly hysterical fashion by Pfeiffer - the well-intended movie never finds an agreeable balance between invective and inspiration. Due to much shrill marital discord with profanity and rough language, a few sexual references and fleeting rear nudity, the US Catholic Conference classification is AIII - adults. - CNS

Mars flick is one for sci-fi buffs By Gem Pare

fter something goes horribly awry on the red planet, a NASA rescue team heads there hoping to find survivors in "Mission to Mars." The year is 2020 and four NASA astronauts led by Commander Luke Graham (Don Cheadle) have successfully landed on Mars. A catastrophic event involving a dust storm and huge funnel leaves only Luke alive but unable to communicate what happened before his computers fail, stranding him on the barren planet. It's a six-month voyage to Mars for the four rescuers; as their ship nears Mars it springs a leak and the tail portion blows off, forcing them to abandon ship. Against the odds, three make it onto the planet, where in the stillfunctioning greenhouse a wild-

The End of the Affair

T ondon-based World War II-era roman-

c triangle involves an unfaithful wife (Julianne Moore), her dullard husband (Stephen Rea) and the adoring lover (Ralph Fiennes) she leaves as part of her vow to God when his life is spared. Adapted from the 1951 Graham Greene novel. Several extramarital encounters with extended nudity. The US Catholic Conference classification is ATV - adults, with reservations.

Scream 3 71re final installment of the campy horror trilogy where the surviving characters from the first two films (played by

Kim Delaney and Gary Sinise star in the feature film "Mission to Mars."

eyed Luke at first thinks they are a mirage. But they are the ones who can't believe their eyes when he shows them what the dust storm revealed - a giant sculpture

Movie Briefs Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette), come together as adults to discover the identity of the masked killer who is still wreaking havoc in their lives. Excessive violence, sexual references, profanity and recurring rough language. The US Catholic Conference classification is 0 - morally offensive.

of a face. Due to brief sci-fi violence and mild profanity, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is All - adults and adoles- CNS cents.

follows the troubled relationships of individual Mystery team members. Stylised violence on and off the rink, several sexual encounters and much innuendo as well as frequent profanity and rough language. The US Catholic Conference classification is AN - adults, with reservations.

AllAbout My Mother

Cpanish production in which a mother aJdevastated by the death of her teenage son searches for his father in Mystery, Alaska Barcelona where she soon becomes Click but mindless sports comedy in involved with a transvestite prostitute, a t3which the title small-town hockey lesbian actress (Marisa Paredes) and a team challenges the New York Rangers to pregnant nun (Penelope Cruz). Subtitles. an exhibition game, but most of the story Some stylised violence, deviant sexual sit-

ere is a list of recent

films the US Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting has rated on the basis of moral suitability. USCC classifications: Al generalpatronage; AH- adults and adolescents; AIII - adults; AIV- adults, with reservations (this indicates films that, while not morally offensive in themselves, are not for casual viewing because they require some analysis and explanation in order to avoid false impressions and interpretations); 0 morally offensive. All About My Mother, AIV American Beauty, 0 Angela's Ashes, AIV Anna and the King, All Any Given Sunday. AB/ The Bachelor, AB/ The Beach, AN Beautiful People, AIII Being John Mallcovich, AN Bicentennial Man, All Boiler Room, AIII The Bone Collector, AB/ Boys Don't Cry, AN The Cider House Rules, 0 The Closer You Get, All! The Cup, Al Deterrence, AIII Deuce Bigalow:Male Gigolo,AM Dogma, 0 Double Jeopardy, AM Down to You. AIII Drowning Mona, AIII End of Days. 0 The End of the Affair, AN Eye of the Beholder, 0 Fantasia 2000, Al Galaxy Quest, All Girl, Interrupted, AIII The Green Mile, AM Gun Shy, MU Hanging Up, A111 Holy Smoke, 0 The Hurricane, Nil The Insider, Nil Nlagnolia, NV Man on the Moon, AM Mansfield Park, AIII Mifune, AM My Dog Skip, All The Next Best Thing. MV Next Friday, AN Not of This World, All Not One Less, Al Pitch Black, AM Reindeer Games, 0 Scream 3,0 Simpatico, AIR The Sixth Sense, AIM Sleepy Hollow, AN Snow Day, Al Snow Falling on Cedars, All! The Straight Story, Al Stuart Little, All Supernova. All Sweet and Lowdown, All! The Talented Mr. Ripley, AIV Three Strikes, AN The Tigger Movie, AI Titus, AN TopsyTurvy, AB/ Toy Story 2, Al What Planet Are You From? AIV The Whole Nine Yards, AIII Wonder Boys, AM The World Is Not Enough, AB/

uations and references, some flashes of nudity, coarse language and sexual expletives. The US Catholic Conference classification is AB/ - adults, with reservations.

Man on the Moon Carrey submerges himself in the / strange character of the late comedian Andy Kaufman in this curious but not very appealing movie. Garrey precisely recreates Kaufman, who died of a rare cancer in 1984 at age 35. Due to sexual situations with nudity, a live-in relationship, brief wrestling violence, occasional profanity and sporadic rough language, the US Catholic Conference classification is A1II adults. The Record, March 23 2000 Page 11

- International News

Catholic identity danger Web sites follow Pope concerns charity head In Brief

ROME (CNS) - Pope John Paul II's historic pilgrimage to the Holy Land this month can be followed by people from around the world on the Internet. A wealth of new or improved Web sites offer text and graphics on every site the Pope has visited or will visit during his 20-26 March trip to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian territories. One of the latest sites has been prepared by the office of the Franciscan Custodian of the Holy Land, at www.custodia.org/papa, where pages of pictures and text are available on every one of the papal stops. The official Israeli government site for the papal visit, www.papalvisit.gov.il, describes planning, events and venues on the Pope's itinerary.

Priest charged SAN SALVADOR (CNS) - A Guatemalan prosecutor formally charged a diocesan priest with the murder of Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera of Guatemala City. Police officers delivered the charges on 10 March to Father Mario Orantes in a city hospital, where he Is recovering from a chronic ailment. Father Orantes lived in the same house as Bishop Gerardi and claimed to be the first person to find his body 26Apr11, 1998.

Kid soldiers free ROME. MARCH 15 (ZENFT) - Rebels of the United Revolutionary Front of Sierra Leone have handed over 212 "child soldiers" to Caritas in the Makeni diocese. The news was disclosed to the MISNA missionary agency by Bishop Giorgio Biguzzi of Makeni, a promoter of the peace process in the country. The 212 children, 32 of whom are girls, have been housed in the building of the Major Catholic Seminary of the city of Makeni, capital of the country's northern province.

Sex ed welcome MANCHES1ER, England (CNS) - In a joint statement issued on 16 'March. Catholic and Anglican bishops who lead their respective education systems in England, welcomed proposed legislation covering sex and relationship education for children. Under the proposed law, schools would be expected to encourage youngsters to avoid sexual relations until they are older, and they will have to teach pupils about the importance of marriage and family life.

Chaplain's video ERIE, Pennsylvania (CNS) A US Catholic chaplain is the brains behind a newly produced video highlighting Christ's passion, death and resurrection. "Meditations on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus," a 40-minute video, was produced by Father Daniel Dsrmski and based on the Stations of the Cross at St Patrick's Church in Erie.

FLORENCE, MARCH 16 (ZENIT) - Fidelity to the Church and the Gospel is the guarantee that immunises Catholic associations working in the field of solidarity from the danger of losing their identity, said Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum." The Archbishop's comments came as he spoke last Tuesday at a meeting organised by the Charity Cultural Centre of the city of Florence. Archbishop Cordes, who has been entrusted by the Pope with the task of promoting the work of Catholic charity institutions, explained on his return from a trip to Mozambique that "faith and ethics cannot be separated in

Christianity. At times one witnesses a perverse imbalance by which for many the love of God is so evident that they think they don't need to `waste time' talking with him," stated the German Archbishop. "And this silence is also spread over the charitable activity of Christians themselves." Among the examples given by Archbishop Cordes were: • According to some Bishops, a US charitable Catholic agency, which has personnel all over the world, is carrying out work that is contrary to the local Churches. "As Cardinal Puljic confirmed to me in the recent Synod of Bishops for Europe, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 10 of the employees of the

agency are Muslims," he said. "The activity of these persons would support the Islamic strategy to foster the expulsion of Christians from Bosnia." • Another case is that of a European nation, in which the local Episcopal Conference and a Catholic agency are involved in an ongoing debate since 1994 because the latter "is refusing to support pastoral projects, as it does not consider them a help to development, which is the agency's primary objective." This kind of mentality, according to Archbishop Cordes, is causing an alteration in the objectives of some Catholic Aid institutions which are simply turned into bureaucratic institutions.

Vatican criticises 'gay' couples vote By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican strongly criticised a European Parliament vote recognising the legal rights of homosexual and lesbian couples, calling it an attack on the institution of the family. "This resolution represents a serious and repeated attack against the family, which is founded on marriage," said a 17 March statement by the Pontifical Council for the Family. The European Parliament, in a 251-169 vote on 16 March, urged member states to extend the same legal status as married couples to couples who live together, whether heterosexual or homosexual. "Doesn't making civil

unions, and even more so homosexual ones, equal to marriage and inviting parliaments to adapt their legislation along those lines constitute a disregard for the deep aspiration of peoples regarding their most intimate identity?" the council's statement said. The statement criticised the European Parliament's interpretation of the definition of marriage, saying the concept of families founded on marriage between men and women represents the "natural patrimony of humanity." The vote by the Strasbourgbased assembly, however, is only a recommendation and does not obligate any of the 15 European Union countries to abide by the resolution. Despite its non-binding nature,

the vote caused concern among Church officials across Europe. "For us, it represents an alarm bell. It's clearly a worrisome issue," Mgr Giacomo Giampetruzzi, secretary to the apostolic nuncio to the European Union, said on 17 March. The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, which did not release an official statement following the Strasbourg vote, addressed the issue in February in a report sent to the European Union. John Coughlan, spokesman for the bishops' conferences commission, told Catholic News Service, "An equal partnership on a civil level is not the same as marriage."

Vatican row 'only for General Assembly' UNITED NATIONS (CNS) - Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, cannot conduct the review of the Vatican's UN status that Catholics for a Free Choice has called for, according to a spokeswoman at UN headquarters in New York Myriam Dessables, a staffer in the office of the spokesman for the secretary-general, told CNS in mid-March that such a review could be conducted only if it was formally requested by the General Assembly. So far, no govern-

ment has taken or proposed any action that could lead to the voting of such a request. Asked about the review after the proposal was renewed at a press conference of Catholics for a Free Choice on 14 March, Dessables said the Vatican, like Switzerland, became a permanent observer under standing rules of the United Nations. Noting that many governments maintain diplomatic relations with the Vatican, Dessables said the UN did not itself make any judgment about

whether the Vatican was a state qualified for the status it received, but followed the judgments made by the UN's member nations. Archbishop Renato Martino, the Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations, has declined to comment on the controversy. Frances Kissling, US president of Catholics for a Free Choice, announced in March 1999 that her organisation was launching a campaign to get the UN to end the Vatican's permanent observer status.

In such organisations, there is a tendency to "reinforce paid personnel," excluding volunteers, and to avoid any "links with the Church." • Another example given by Archbishop Cordes was that of a small country, which a Catholic agency placed on a list for possible funding at the 5th Meeting of Lesbian Feminists of Latin America and the Caribbean. "Although we are not sure if in the end such funding was granted, the fact that they have gone to a Catholic agency with this objective leads one to understand the direction followed by the agency itself."

Unity for Nigeria call By Peter Ajayi Dada LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) - The Nigerian bishops' conference reiterated its commitment to a unified Nigeria where people of different religious and ethnic traditions can live together in peace and harmony. The bishops declared 31 March a day of penance, reparation and reconciliation for Nigeria. "We do not countenance the breakup of Nigeria. neither are we in favour of the split of Nigeria into different pockets, where one state lives under the constitution and a neighbouring state lives under another law," the bishops said in a statement issued at the conclusion of their 13-18 March plenary meeting in Lagos. The statement said the issue of the Shariah, or Islamic law, and its place in the constitution continued to be a source of conflict. Recent attempts in some Nigerian states to extend the scope of the Shariah legal system has led to violence in Kaduna, Aba and other parts of Nigeria, which claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians and left extensive destruction.

Dorothy Day's cause for beatification to proceed By Tracy Early NEW YORK (CNS) - Cardinal John O'Connor of New York announced "with great joy" that the Vatican had approved opening the cause for canonisation of Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker leader who died in 1980. "With this approval comes the title Servant of God," he wrote in his 16 March 16 column in his archdiocesan weekly newspaper, Catholic New York "What a gift to the church in New York and to the church universal this is!" On the same day, Bishop Joseph Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston. Texas, president of the US National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement calling the Vatican approval "a blessed moment for the Church in the United States." Cardinal O'Connor said that

The 'Record', March 23 2000 Page 12

"much work remains to be done in order to see Dorothy Day's cause to its conclusion." A Dorothy Day Guild should be established to "propagate her life and works," and its activities can involve "everyone of us in the archdiocese and beyond," he said. For the main part of the column, Cardinal O'Connor reprinted a letter he sent on 7 February to Archbishop Jose Saraiva Marlins, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Sainthood Causes, to initiate the process. Cardinal O'Connor recalled he had written about the possibility of seeking canonisation for Day, a native of New York who died in a Catholic Worker house in Manhattan in 1980, and had raised the possibility again in connection with the centennial of her birth in 1997. In letters and in talks with a group of interested people he got many positive responses, he

Photo CNS/Marc

"P Urwersity

Dorothy Day's cause has opened.

said, though he noted that one person recalled Dorothy Day herself protesting against being made a saint. The cardinal said he saw that protest coming from "her understanding of the way in which so many of her day would have dismissed her Catholicism and her

thirst for social justice as only fit for saints." Both Cardinal O'Connor and Bishop Fiorenza mentioned that Dorothy Day, who was born to a Protestant family and lived a Bohemian life before entering the church at age 30, had an abortion prior to her conversion. Bishop Fiorenza said Day "knew the pain" of contemporary women who are "tempted to seek out an abortion." For her now to be considered for canonisation "stands as proof that God's wonderful mercy can reach our hearts with love and forgiveness no matter how we fail." Cardinal O'Connor reported to the Vatican congregation that he had submitted Day's writings to a dogmatist, a moral theologian and a canonist for examination, and all "assure me that her writings were in complete fidelity to the Church."

Pope's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Pontiff seeks peace in shared religious history By Cindy Wooden JERUSALEM (CNS) - Pope John Paul II reached Israel on 21 March, realising a dream that frail health, interreligious squabbles and political tensions could not stop. Arriving at the airport in Tel Aviv, the 79year-old Pope briefly acknowledged the sensitive issues surrounding his visit, but said he came as a pilgrim, "in a spirit of humble gratitude and hope, to the origins of our religious history." His seven-day pilgrimage to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, he said, was "a tribute to the three religious traditions which co-exist in this land" - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. After kissing Israeli soil held up to him in a bowl, the Pope said, "I pray that my visit will serve to encourage an increase of interreligious dialogue." Pope John Paul said the teaching of the three religions should give all their members "the motivation and the perseverance to work for the peace and justice which the peoples of the Holy Land do not yet have and for which they yearn so deeply." The Pope's arrival in Israel coincided with the opening in the United States of a new round of peace talks between Israeli and Pope John Paul ll greets Orthodox and Coptic clergy during a ceremony welcoming him to Israel Photo CNS,Reuters Palestinian negotiators, and amid increas- on 21 March in Tel Aviv. The Pope said he came to the Holy Land as a pilgrim. ing signs that Israel and Syria would restart but also to recognise in every human being nised Israel's existence as a state. Relations direct talks about the Golan Heights, terri- the image and likeness of the one creator on a religious level have improved as well, tory Israel captured in 1967 of heaven and earth," he said. the Pope said. "With new-found openness "May peace be God's gift to the land he The Pope and Weizman spoke of rapid toward one another, Christians and Jews chose as his own." the Pope said at the changes and improvements in Catholic- together must make courageous efforts to rainy airport welcoming ceremony. Jewish relations, especially over the past 20 remove all forms of prejudice," he said. Pope John Paul told Israeli President Ezer years, paving the way for the visit. "We must strive always and everywhere Weizman, Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Pope John Paul, who repeatedly used the to present the true face of the Jews and of other officials at the airport that although phrase "the state of Israel" in his airport Judaism. as likewise of Christians and of he travelled as head of the Roman Catholic speech, said "many things have changed" Christianity, and this at every level of attiChurch, his visit was also a private pil- since Pope Paul VI visited the Holy Land in tude, teaching and communication." grimage that began in late February at the 1964. Weizman, welcoming the Pope, traced the Vatican and in Egypt and continued the day Pope John Paul specifically cited the history of the Jewish people and of their before in Jordan. launching of diplomatic relations with return to the Holy Land and proclamation "Along every step of the way I am moved Israel in 1994 as "a seal on our efforts to of statehood in 1948. by a vivid sense of God, who has gone open an era of dialogue." "During the years of exile, we suffered before us and leads us on. who wants us to For many Jews, the exchange of ambas- religious persecution and anti-Semitism, honour him in spirit and in truth, to sadors between Israel and the Vatican was and a third of our people were extermiacknowledge the differences between us, a long-awaited sign that the Vatican recog- nated, incinerated in the terrible Holo-

caust," Weizman said. The president thanked the Pope for "condemning antiSemitism by labelling it as a sin against God and humanity" and for his 12 March request for forgiveness "for deeds carried out in the past by representatives of the Church against the Jewish people." With the Vatican continuing to insist on the special character of the city of Jerusalem and on the need for internationally guaranteed access to holy sites by all believers, Weizman encouraged the Pope to see for himself how Israel governs the city. "From its inception, the state of Israel has guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom of access to holy sites to all peoples, and you will certainly see the evidence of this, your Holiness, throughout your visit in Israel," the president said. "You are arriving this evening in Jerusalem, the city of peace, the capital of the state of Israel, the heart of the Jewish world, which is also a holy site for Christianity and Islam," he said. The president called Jerusalem "the city of eternity, a city that has been reunified" by Israel in its 1967 war with Jordan. The city, he said, is "the capital and source of pride of the state of Israel." Just before the Pope arrived, the director of the Anti-Defamation League in Israel told reporters the papal visit would be an educational opportunity for Israeli Jews. Pope John Paul II is a "different Pope" than Jews are accustomed to historically, said Rabbi David Rosen, the ADL director. Jews who do not live in predominantly Christian countries might not realise how much has changed in relations between the Vatican and the Jewish people, he said. "What we need from the Christian world is a lot of tolerance, love and patience so the wounds of our boxed ears can heal," he said, referring to the historical animosity between Judaism and Christianity. The Pope's visit, he said, is a "personification, substantiation, witness and recognition of the relationship of the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland."

Like the blind beggar, the children made themselves heard By John Thavis MADABA, Jordan (CNS) - Every papal trip is a mix of the ceremonial and the casual, but on Jordan's Mount Nebo the contrast could not have been more marked. Pope John Paul H arrived on 20 March with his mind on Moses, the biblical leader whose footsteps he was following in his long-planned Holy Land pilgrimage. About 20 Jordanian schoolchildren and their teachers were more focused on the Pope, a figure who seemed to inspire at least as much excitement as an ancient prophet. The Pope was primed for a significant historical moment. The kids, members of a school choir, were very much into the present tense, and their cheers let the man in white know that he was their star today. The setting was austere and dramatic, the ruins of a sixth-century monastic church built to honour the place where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land before dying. When the Pope entered the stone church, he was led to a kneeler to pray silently, then he read biblical texts and a prayer. Surrounded by Vatican officials, it was a

solemn scene. But before long, the place was alive with the music of the children, who sang in Arabic: "In our city, joy has come," along with other spirited hymns. Accompanying them on a Yamaha electric piano was one of their teachers, a Franciscan nun. As the Pope received a tour of the church's excavations and mosaics, the kids tugged on their yellow kerchiefs and peered from behind a wall of the apse, smiling and hoping the slow-moving pontiff would come their way. After debating what language would best catch the Pope's attention, they broke into an English-language cheer, "John Paul II, we love you," then chanted it in Arabic, too. The Pope noticed and started greeting people. Before long the dignified formality of the event turned into something resembling a block party, as the approximately 100 Jordanian Catholics in attendance lined up to kiss the Pope's hand, whisper a few words and show off their infants. All came away with a blessing, and some of the choir members proudly clasped rosaries from the Pope, too. When the Pope walked outside onto a natural balcony that overlooks the Holy

Land to the West, the tone changed back to serious. TV cameras were ready for this Moses-like Pope to stand in Moses' place and gaze out at the land of milk and honey below. Behind him, the kids were working on a new chant that was sure to catch the Pope's ear again, but were hushed by their superiors: The Pope was praying. The quiet lasted a couple of minutes. Then one of the schoolkids knocked over a camera tripod, and the loud crash broke the silence. But no matter, now the Pope was turning back their way again. One last papal wave, and the kids cheered. Then he was off in his Popemobile, and the party was over. The day the Pope came to Moses' mountain, he spent about 10 minutes in prayer and two minutes in scenic contemplation - not long for a man who's waited all his life to arrive at this site. But for the better part of an hour, he let the people come to him. Jordanians will remember that, especially the young members of the Franciscan school choir.

Pope John Paul takes a moment to pray beside a sculpture at Mount Nebo on 20 March in Jordan. Photo CNS/Reuters

John Paul II walks in the steps of Moses in Jordan visit Continued from Page 1 He alluded to a 50-year-old problem in Jordan and throughout the region: the great number of Palestinians forced to leave their homes by past wars. "In this area of the world there are grave and urgent Issues of justice, of the rights of peoples and nations, which have to be resolved for the good of all concerned and as a condition for lasting peace," the Pope said. "No matter how difficult, no matter how

long, the process of seeking peace must earnestly hope that my visit will strengthcontinue," he said. en the already fruitful Catholic-Muslim diaThe Pope had words of encouragement logue" in Jordan, he said. for his tiny flock of 71,000 Catholics in JorThe Pope praised the tradition of relidan, who represent just more than one per gious freedom in predominantly Muslim cent of the population. Jordan, which has largely been protected He said the Church's attitude of coopera- by the country's Hashemite rulers. tion was embodied in its 85 schools and He met privately with King Abdullah later charitable institutions, open to Muslims in the evening to discuss interreligious diaand Christians alike. logue and prospects for Middle East peace. "The three monotheistic religions count In his airport speech, the king said the peace, goodness and respect for the human Pope had already brought a light of hope person among their highest values. I by visiting the region and .had served the

cause of peace by reminding people of "the virtues of faith and the absolute need for forgiveness of one's enemies." Three doves symbolising peace were released in front of the pontiff after he stepped off his airplane, which was escorted into Jordanian airspace by three fighter planes. Security around the papal motorcade route was heavy, and soldiers stood sentry in the bushes around the Mount Nebo church grounds. The Record. March 23 2000 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Dead Kung accused of harming China HONG KONG (UCAN) - The Chinese government has criticised the late Cardinal Ignatius Kung (Gong) Pinmei of Shanghai as "doing many things outside China that were harmful to the Chinese people and the China Church," while Pope John Paul II described him a "noble son of China and of the Church." Pope John Paul, in a telegram of condolence on 13 March, the day after Cardinal Kung's death in the US. praised the Cardinal for his "outstanding witness of communion with the universal Church and the successor of Peter." However, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Chinese Cardinal Ignatius Kung PinAffairs told UCA News on 14 mei who died on 12 March in the US. March, "In 1991, the Chinese gov- asked about the potential impact ernment and the Chinese Church of Cardinal Kung's death on already objected to the Vatican's Shanghai diocese, Bishop Liu said move of installing Kung as cardi- he did not have much knowledge nal." of the cardinal and was not sure "It was an interference in If his death would have any effect. China's internal affairs," said the The only Vatican-appointed written reply, "and we object to bishop in China, Bishop Matthias anyone using Kung's death to Duan Yinming of Wanxian, told make an issue of it." UCA News on 14 March that he The statement said that "in 1955 knew the late cardinal was jailed Kung committed counter-revolu- for more than 30 years and had tionary crimes and treason and done a lot for the Church. was sentenced to life imprisonCardinal Jaime Sin of Manila. ment." and that after long-term re- the first Church official from outeducation and reform, "he side China whom the Chinese admitted the crimes and showed government allowed to meet Carremorse." dinal Kung in Shanghai after his As he was old and sick, the gov- release in 1985, said he was ernment paroled him in 1985 on "deeply saddened" by the death. humanitarian grounds and appr"When I met him for the first oved his going abroad for medical time in Shanghai, in 1986,1 saw in treatment in 1988, it added. him immediately the glory of "However, after he went abroad, Christ crucified," he recalled. he was manipulated and controMeanwhile, Catholic sources lled by outside opponent forces" from northern China told UCA and did many things harmful to News on 15 March that some China, it said. The statement did bishops and priests of the undernot specify what Cardinal Kung ground Church were deeply sadhad done outside China. dened to hear of Cardinal Kung's Chinese government-recog- death. nised Bishop Joseph Liu Yuanren Underground Catholic commuof Nanjing, president of China's nities in Shijiazhuang (Hebei government-controlled Catholic province) and Tianjin and Tianbishops' conference, told UCA shut (Gansu) have held requiem News on 14 March that he learned Masses to honour the cardinal as of Cardinal Kung's death that a spiritual leader, despite having same day and would say a prayer little information about him, they for him privately. said. He said he met Cardinal Kung Cardinal Kung spent 30 years in In Shanghai after his parole but solitary confinement before being had no further contact with him paroled in 1985. He left for the as he left China soon after. When United States in 1988.

Martyrs challenge Pa 's rule said the decision to canonise the martyrs, who were beatified VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vat- between 1889 and 1956, "has been ican's decision to canonise 120 greeted with rejoicing, particularChinese martyrs can be seen as a ly by the missionary Church." "The delayed canonisation challenge to China's communist could be due precisely to concern the Vatican's government, said that the gesture might trigger missionary news agency. "The canonisation of China's harsh reaction against the 'impemartyrs is a challenge to Beijing, rialist' Church and impede the a challenge of courage," said an desired relations between Rome 11 March editorial in Fides, the and Beijing," Fr Cervellera wrote. In particular, he said, the canonnews agency of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. isation of those who died during The Vatican announced on 10 the Boxer Rebellion "was a highMarch that Pope John Paul II will ly sensitive question." Fides described the Boxers as "a canonise the martyrs on 1 Octosecret, pseudo-religious sect" ber. The group includes Chinese cit- which used a campaign of terror izens and European missionaries, against foreigners, who were seen clergy, religious, men, women and as unfairly exploiting the Chinese, children; half of the martyrs were their resources and their territory. "Missionaries were treated in killed during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, and the other half were the same way as all foreigners," martyred during 17th- and 18th- although their behaviour and lifestyles were totally different, century persecutions. Father Bernardo Cervellera, a the editorial said. While the mermissionary and director of Fides, chants lived in luxury in towns, By Cindy Wooden

Priests lead anti-bishop protest MANGALORE, India (CNS) Three priests and several lay people were injured in police action after some 500 people disrupted an episcopal ordination in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Police arrested dozens of people on 20 March - 18 cassock-wearing priests among them - who went onto the altar at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shimoga and prevented Archbishop Ignatius Pinto of Bangalore from giving the opening message. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based In Thailand, reported the incident. Father Abraham Kadaplackal, Vicar General of Shimoga Diocese and one of the 300 concelebrants, said the Mass was delayed for 30 minutes. He said police charged the mob that was protesting against the appointment of

Konkani-speaking Bishop-designate Gerald Lobo from Mangalore as the new bishop of Shimoga Diocese. The protesters "took over the altar immediately after the Mass was started and disrupted the service by shouting anti-Konkani slogans and exerting physical violence," Fr Kadaplackal told UCA News. Bishop Lobo's appointment had upset some Kannadiga Catholics, who wanted a bishop who speaks Kannada, the main language in Karnataka state. Although Mangalore is part of Karnataka, the Kannadigas refuse to recognise as "sons of the soil" Mangalorean Catholics, whose forefathers came from neighbouring Goa state during Portuguese colonial rule. Describing the incident as "a

China-Taiwan move urged TAIPEI, Taiwan (CNS) - Presidential elections in Taiwan show that the people wanted not only stability, "but also thorough change," said the Taiwanese bishops. In a statement issued on 18 March, after election results became known, the bishops called on newly elected President Chen Shui-bian to foster reconciliation and peace with mainland

China and to build up a new society. The bishops said voters exercised their rights and obligation under the democratic system with maturity, and they urged Chen to lead Taiwan to "forgive and reconcile" and to work for stability and progress in the island nation. The bishops also "urged the compatriots in mainland China to respect the choice of Taiwan people under a democratic process."

Maluku trouble re-ignites AMBON, Indonesia (UCAN) Hundreds of Christians on Seram island in Maluku province have fled for safety after their homes were burned by Muslim extremists in the latest sectarian clash in the Maluku islands. Father Simon Wenehenubun, who serves Catholics in Bula, told

UCA News on 13 March that riots broke out in the oil mining town on 10 and 11 March. He said that a group of Muslim extremists, who came by motorboat purportedly to wage a "jihad" (Islamic holy war), burned Christian homes, stores, and one Protestant church.

Belo calls for research on Timorese religions to aid Church DILI, East Timor (UCAN) - In a move to strengthen pastoral ministry in East Timor, Salesian Bishop Carlos Fillip Ximenes Belo has called for research on native religious traditions and practices. While entrusting such research to Divine Word missioners, Dili diocese will also send young priests abroad for studies for the development of pastoral services, and in preparation for a major seminary that will be opened in East Timor, Bishop Belo, apostolic administrator of Dili, told UCA News. The research on native reli-

** • •

•

•-

gions could provide a clearer understanding about syncretism and inculturation issues in East Timor, Bishop Belo said. "The research would help us find an appropriate pastoral method that is suitable with East Timor's socio-cultural condition," he added. He noted that Divine Word misstoners have set up a missiological research institute in their major seminary in Ledalero, in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province. The institute is doing

I typpecproAtarch 23,219O Pagel4

the missionaries went to the farthest reaches of China preaching the Gospel, bringing new farming techniques and new cures for diseases and opening hospitals, schools and orphanages. For China's communist government and its official version of history, the missionaries were tools of the imperialist forces trying to gain power and influence in China. "The canonisation of these missionaries highlights the fact that, despite the ambiguity of the period, what took these men and women of the Church to China was love for Christ and love for the people of China," Father Cervellera wrote. The canonisation also is a proclamation that the Catholic faith has been present in China for centuries and that Chinese citizens were so convinced of the truth of the faith that they have been willing to die for it, the priest wrote.

research on the dynamics of religion in social, economic, political, religious and cultural context. The Rome-based Divine Word congregation has promised to help the East Timor Church with funds and personnel. • Responding to a request from Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo of Dili, East Timor, the Brazilian bishops' conference will send missionaries to the island later this year. A bishops' spokesman announced that nine religious

congregations have agreed to send two to three missionaries each; in addition, two diocesan priests and 10 lay people have committed. Meanwhile, Bishop Belo, one of the most famous alumni of Rome's Salesian University returned to his alma mater for the school's jubilee day. The Bishop celebrated Mass in St Peter's Basilica on 16 March for approximately 1,200 students. graduates and professors from all over the world.

shame for the Catholic Church in Karnataka," Fr Kadaplackal said police protection had been arranged in view of the Kannadiga threat to disrupt the ceremony, but none expected "such open violence by the cassock-wearing priests." The vicar general said some 10,000 people witnessed the "ugly scene," which Father Stany Mariappa. Shimoga diocesan administrator whom Kannadigas had proposed for bishop, described as "unfortunate." Fr Kadaplackal added that some in the congregation joined in attacking the troublemakers. Fr Selva Raj. leader of the Karnataka Kannada Priests Association that led the protest, noted that only one among the state's eight dioceses had a bishop who was not from Mangalore.

Refugees convert Indonesia ATAMBUA, (UCAN) - Hundreds of East Timorese Catholic refugees in western Timor, Indonesia, have become Protestants after receiving material assistance from Protestant donors. Some 400 East Timorese Catholics from 50 families have joined the Bethel Church or other Christian denominations after receiving food, clothes and financial assistance on a regular basis, a refugee source told UCA News. "My family has changed religion because at the time when we were starving and seriously needed help, we did not receive enough aid from the Catholic Church, the government, or any other non-govorganisations." ernmental Domingus Pinto Soares told UCA News on 6 March. "We received a lot of assistance from other religious groups," he said, adding that people from Bethel Church and other Christian denominations regularly visited the refugees and offered them food, clothes and money. "After receiving much assistance and assurance that we would receive more if we move to the religion of the donors, we then left the Catholic Church," said Soares.

7.1 i 4 c,s13:17778 7f43 e te

Official Engagements

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fj t

SIfiNSI

MARCH 25

Pro-Life Mass, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey "Centrecare Celebrates", Burswood - Archbishop Hickey

Acies Ceremony, Legion of Mary, St Mary's Cathedral Bishop Healy

Blessing of statue, Mater Dei College - Bishop Healy

28/29 ACBC Submission on Cloning to Government Committee, Canberra - Archbishop Hickey

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Blessing and opening of extensions at Mater Christi School, Yangebup - Bishop Healy State Reception for Her Majesty the Queen, Government House - Archbishop Hickey

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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 Tuesday, first mail. Deadlines: Editorial: 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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Farewell Mass for Bishop John jobst, CEO Chapel Archbishop Hickey. Bishop Healy Dedication of Flame of Remembrance by Her Majesty the Queen, King's Park - Mgr T McDonald, Rev Fr G Dickinson

3-6

Post-Synod (for Oceania) Council, Rome - Archbishop Hickey

Farewell to Mr Vin Warrener. Catholic Marriage Education Services - Bishop Healy

Archdiocesan Panorama BUSSELTON PILGRIMAGE Will take place on Sun 7 May at Bove's Farm. Holy Mass with Bishop Peter Quinn as the main celebrant. Followed by Rosary procession and Benediction. There will also be the crowning of the statue Queen of the Holy Rosary. Fr John Phalen. director of the Family Rosary Crusade in the US will give a talk for the occasion. lnf: Luisa Bove 9755 7554 or Paul 9444 4003. BUSINESS PERSONS' MASS Will be celebrated at All Saints Chapel. Allendale Square, Perth on Fri 31 March at 7am followed by a Breakfast Meeting at the Alpha Cafe. Wesley A rcade. Cost of Breakfast S8.50.The guest speaker will be Fr Stephen Truscott from the Fullness of Life Centre. Inq: 9384 0809. DIVINE MERCY A n afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary's Cathedral Victoria Square. Perth on Sun 2 April at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon: Fr Kevin Cronan (St Richard of Wyche) followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. It concludes at the Mercy Convent with video Fr Miceli (Evils of the New Age Movement). Refreshments provided, please bring a plate. Inq: John 9457 7771. Adam 9448 0002. PRAYER NIGHT AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH Conducted by Fr Paul Baczynski on the first Monday of each month from 7-9pm. The Church is located at Canning Highway, East Fremantle.This prayer evening is for healing and also for those and their families affected by addictions. *Holy Mass at 7pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Benediction and healing prayers. The next evening is Mon 3 April. All are welcome. C ATHOLIC PASTORAL WORKERS ASSOCIATION Workshop for parish secretaries and people who work in various administrative roles. Facilitator: Brian Moylan, Caritas Australia. Tues 11 April at Mercy Convent, 113 Tyler St. Tuart Hill, 10am to 1pm. Cost S5 (includes morning tea. Please bring your own lunch.) RSVP Sr Margaret Berry 9444 5750; Margaret Walker 9390 8365. K ALGOORLIE-BOULDER ANNUAL FAIR

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A Catholic stall will be present at the KalgoorlieBoulder Annual Fair, 7-8 April. Anyone wishing to donate or help can contact Jenny 9091 3936. Bev 9021 1798. RETREAT FOR CATECHISTS A retreat day providing an opportunity to reflect on the Jubilee themes of "Proclaim Liberty and practice Justice". Mon 3 April. 9.30am-2.30pm,

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Catholic Education Centre, 50 Ruislip St. Leederville Cost S5. BYO lunch. Facilitator: Sr Anne Beech SJA.To register phone Jenny on 9212 9257. SEVEN CHURCHES WALK Sat 1 April. Join us for a Lenten walk around the c entral city Churches. The walk is 7.5km and will begin 9.30am at Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave and end at St Mary's Cathedral Victoria Square for the Jubilee Indulgence. Confession at 8.15am and Mass at 8.45am in the Pro-Cathedral. Info: Fr Paul 9223 1350. INDONESIAN MASS Will be celebrated in St Benedict's Church, Allness St, Ardross, every Sunday at 11.30 am. The Mass will be celebrated by Father Budi Agustriono from Indonesia who has been brought to Perth by the Archbishop to provide pastoral care for the Indonesian Catholic community in Perth. Father can be contacted on 0401 155 112. C ATHEDRAL YOUTH FORUM Sun 2 April, after 5pm Mass. Speaker: Raymond de Souza. Invites teenagers and young adults to the Cathedral parish centre to ask any questions about the Catholic Church, Faith and Morals. Join us for refreshments at 450 Hay St. Perth. Contact: Fr Paul 9223 1350, Raymond de Souza 9453 9177. PRAY FOR THE NATION A night of prayer and worship at Kings Park lookout, Fraser Ave, 8 April, 6pm to 8.30pm. Information: John Acland, Tel/fax 9537 3390. SEMINARS FOR THE GREAT JUBILEE Seminars are held at the Thomas More Centre offices. 949 Wellington St, West Perth on Sundays at 7.30pm. The first seminar on "Jesus Christ: True God and True Man- will be held on Sun 9 April. Inquiries: Richard Egan 9321 2822. COUNTRY DAY OF REFLECTION Join the pilgrimage to St Patrick's Church. York f or the first Country Day of Reflection in the Jubilee Year.The day will be held Mon (Holy Week) 17 April. commencing at 10am, concluding with Holy Mass at 2pm. Speaker: Fr John Phalen CSC. BYO lunch, tea/coffee supplied. Inquiries: York 9641 4015. metro 9446 1935. PAST PUPILS' REUNION Past pupils, friends and sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart are all invited to this event which will be held on Sun, 9 April at St Joseph's Convent, York St. South Perth. Come early enough for a seat in the garden to celebrate the Eucharist at 2pm. Afternoon tea and a gourmet hamper raffle, as well as meeting old friends, are all part of our tradition. Info: Colleen Lowry. 9450 2173.

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For detailed information about advertising in The Record ring Eugen on 9227 7080 The Record, March 23 2000 Page 15

St Augustine's Primary School Rivervale

Helping chart the future for students' lives

School principal Sister Raphael Porter answers questions

t Augustine's Primary school sits overlooking the new Orrong Road extension from the Great Eastern Highway. More importantly, it is located almost exactly where the new Northbridge bypass Tunnel will surface as it connects up with Orrong Road. Sister Raphael Porter, an Irish-born Presentation Sister who is principal of the school, believes that the recent developments may have already begun to show in inc:reased numbers at the school. She came to the school well before the Timnel was commenced, but in the time that it has been under construction. a new Kindergarten has been opened and there has been a steady increase in enrolments. In one sense. the growth in munbers has been nicely timed. Over the last several years, the school has been completely upgraded and refurbished, and only last week a new computer laboratory was having its benches and computers installed to help students 'surf' into the 21st century. The refurbislunent has also included a new Pre-Primary, an upgraded playground which has been planted with trees - what a difference leafy green surroundings make - and three new rooms. ii But although these niaterial things only add to the school, for Sr Raphael the key to St Augustine's is the reason it exists. "The school." she told The Record last week, "is all Is spreading the Gospel and for the support of the Church - that's

Sdtdents learn about history as art ex-Worid War serviceman talks to them about his expetiences in the first half of last century.

and encourages them in the forthcoming school Talent Quest.

advises prospective performers

what we're here for." She pointed out that at school assemblies each week students pray for the sick, for families and for the general intentions of the Church. "I think the main mission of a Catholic school is the promotion of the Church and the education of children in the faith. Having a group of dedicated and committed teachers helps the school to achieve this," she said. "That's the main reason we're here." St Augustine's was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1952. The pioneering sisters taught in an army hut at 34 Gladstone Road, where St Augustine's stands today. It was in 1956 that Sister Raphael's congregation. the Presentations, took over where the Mercies left off. Since then. Presentation Sisters have taught continuously in the school with ter Raphael being the latest in a succession of Religious principals. She described St Augustine's as a community of faith. noting that school bodies such as the Parents and Friends' A.ssociation and the School Board have been both active and very supportive during the refurbishment and upgrading of the school. The P&F: for instance. have been responsible for installing air-conditioning and playground equipment, valuable additions to school life. A close association with the parish also reflects the school's mission. with Parish priest Fr Eamon McKenna a regular visitor and, occasionally, a recipient of students'

St Augustine's today - a modern and more spacious place to learn, an centred on God.

efforts. When he celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the 1990's it was the school choir that sang at the celebratory Mass. Meanwhile, a weekly class Mass is wellattended by parents and provides an opportunity for students to worship with their families. Academically, an educational program has been developed in Language Arts, Maths, Social Studies, Science, Health, and Art and Craft. Children in Years 5 to 7 are introduced to Italian language and culture. Computers are available in the classroom for the development of technology skills and knowledge. Speech and Drama serve to broaden the educational experience, and children are involved each year in the Performing Arts festival They are also encouraged to speak publicly with confidence by participating in the English Spealcing Board Examinations. Swimming is conducted for all children in Years 1 to 7 by Education Department instructors over a ten-day course. On the music front a specialist assists teachers in children's music lessons, with every class having singing once-a-week. Physical education and sport are important parts of school life and an inter-school Lucky Kyle Mackin was Ute winner of a com- sports competition is conducted with other petition which saw him win enough choc milk Catholic schools nearby. Physical Education classes are conducted to fill a desert island - and all his classmates.

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by a full-time teacher on a weekly basis. The school also participates in swimming, athletics, football and netball. The library is currently being automated and children also receive lessons in developing their researc.h Enrichment programs are offered for students needing extra assistance in language or beyond their class level. Pastoral Care, an important aspect of school life, sees a social worker employed on a part-time basis to assist children and families. Now that the upgrade has been finished. St Augustine's is a modem and more spacious school with a playing area consisting of a small oval, adventure playground and a netball court. That's a snapshot of life at St Augustine's, a school where faith complements education, and vice versa - a place where families and their children are the top concern.

Hickey

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