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WA's only Catholic weekly newspaper

Catheorai choir to hold first reunion in many years

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- Page 4

- Pages 8-9

Fatima secret's keeper awaits the Vicar of Christ

Eleven new priests this year seminary for mature-age students which recently closed. Deacon Shelton studied in Rome and Eight men will be ordained priests in Deacon Harris studied in the Philippines; the biggest ordination ceremony in the both completed their formation at St history of Western Australia on Friday Charles. 30 June in St Mary's Cathedral at 7pm. The other four deacons will be ordained Archbishop Barry Hickey will ordain as archdiocesan missionary priests from the eight on the Solemnity of the Sacred Redemptoris Mater. Students for the priesthood at RedempHeart of Jesus. toris Mater come almost exclusively from A further three will be ordained on 15 abroad to study in Perth. December, making 11 for the year. After being ordained for the Archdiocese The previous record was when six were of Perth they spend two years working in ordained together in 1974. On that occa- and for the archdiocese. sion, the six had studied together in the After that time, under an agreement same class for the priesthood. between Archbishop Hickey and the NeoHowever, June's ordinands will have Catechumenal Way which saw the Morley come from disparate backgrounds and seminary set up, they may be released by travelled widely differing paths to the the Archbishop for work abroad, probably somewhere in the Oceania region, as mispriesthood. Half the deacons Archbishop Barry Hick- sionaries. The Year 2000 will turn out to have been ey will ordain have pursued their studies at either St Charles Seminary in Guildford, a big year for ordinations in Perth. Another three seminarians, all VietSt Paul's National Seminary in Sydney or namese-born Australians, are due to be in Rome. The other four come from the Redemp- ordained priests on 15 December. All completed the full complement of toris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Semstudies through St Charles Seminary. their inary in Morley, which is run by the They are: Deacons Phong Nguyen, Huy Neo-Catechumenal Way. The four seminarians who will be Nguyen and Son Nguyen. Father Corcoran, the Rector of St Charles ordained as diocesan priests are Deacons Peter Meo, Richard Robertsen, James Shel- Seminary in Guildford, told The Record the three Vietnamese deacons were curton and Douglas Harris. Deacon Moo studied at the Beda College rently working in parishes and combining their role as deacons with study. in Rome. Deacon Robertsen studied at St Paul's, a Priests' International Jubilee - Page 2 By Peter Resealing

The last of the three Fatima sews, Carmelite Sister Lucia dos Santos, 93, prays near the grave of Francisco Marto before her meeting with Pope John Paul II last Saturday, 13 May, hi FaUma, Portugal. She and her beatified cousins - Francisco and Jacinta - witnessed six Wilms ef the Virgin Mary in 1917 at Fatima. Sr Lucia is the source of the third secret of Fatima that Pepe John Paul has declared should be made public. Photo CNS/Reutets

By Cindy Wooden FATIMA, Portugal (CNS) - On the 19th anniversary of the attempt to assassinate him, Pope John Paul II listened as his top aide announced the Pope's decision to reveal the so-called "third secret of Fatima." Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, told an estimated 600,000 people gathered in Fatima last Saturday, 13 May that the Pope believes the secret refers to the assassination attempt and to the Church's struggle against Communism. Pope John Paul had just finished celebrating Mass for the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the shepherd children who saw Our Lady of

Fatima in 1917 During his homily, he once again thanked Our Lady of Fatima for saving his life when he was shot on 13 May, 1981, and he spoke of the "horrors" of the 20th century, which he said were foretold by Mary in the Fatima messages. Cardinal Sodano said the secret "concerns, above all, the war waged by atheist systems against the Church and Christians." But it also referred to the ministry and suffering of a "bishop clothed in white," whom the children believed was the pope, Cardinal Sodano said. Continued on Page 11; Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia, solemn feast, next Thursday - Page 6

Archbishop urges evangelism By David Kehee Australia's Catholic Bishops should make the conversion of Australia to the Gospel of Jesus Christ their aim at the beginning of the third millennium, Archbishop Barry Hickey urged this week Archbishop Hickey, who was elected to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference committee for evangelism, told the bishops the Year 2000 was 'the right time to commit ourselves to a vigorous program of evangelisation.'

Setting such a task would be a fitting conclusion to Pope John Paul II's Decade of Evangelisation which ended with the triduum of the Year of Jesus (1997), the Year of the Holy Spirit, and the Year of the Father. He asked his fellow bishops meeting in Sydney this week to issue a joint statement 'outlining their vision for the Third Millennium especially in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Australia, not just to the Catholics.' Continued on Page 10

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World's priests head for Rome By John Norton VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II ordained 26 new priests for the Diocese of Rome and encouraged them to spread God's merciful love. "The mystery of divine love," the Pope said during the ordination Mass, "is so big it more than abundantly fills each day and each moment of your ministry. "Incessantly draw upon this mystery, above all in the celebration of the Mass, the spiritual energy to faithfully fulfil your mission," he said on 14 May, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. "By means of your hands, the Good Shepherd will continue to

sacramentally offer His life for the salvation of the world, attracting everyone to himself, and inviting everyone to accept the embrace of the one Father," he said. The new priests, ranging in age from 24 to 5Z were mostly Rome natives, but four were from Latin America, three from Africa, and one each from Spain, India and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, at a 15 May celebration in the Basilica of St John Lateran, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, urged hundreds of priests from around the world to grow in their love for Christ and his Church. The cardinal, celebrating the opening Mass of the 14-18 May Jubilee for Priests, told them not

New priests prostrate themselves around an altar in St Peter's Square during their Mass of ordination on 14 May. Photo: CNS/Reuters

to be discouraged by human weakness in the Church's past and present. "A serene gaze over the 2,000-

year history of Christianity allows us not to be disconcerted by difficulties and reminds us of the law of graduality by which the king-

dom of God grows according to the mysterious designs of providence," he said. "By meditating on the history of the Church, we can perceive more clearly how the Church is an Intersection between God's grace and man's freedom," he said. The Jubilee for Priests was to culminate in an 18 May Mass at St Peter's Basilica, in which some 3,000 priests were expected to concelebrate with the Pope for his 80th birthday. The Congregation for the Clergy, presided over by Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, received an avalanche of requests for participation in the Mass, making it the largest concelebrated Mass in history.

Sister's life spanned from country to sacristy Pope asks Obituary The long-serving Sacristan at St Francis Cathedral, Geraldton, Sr Margaret Mary Shaw died at St John of God Hospital after suffering a stroke. Mary Shaw was born in the Parish of Rossmore, County Tipperary, on 30 May 1920, to Thomas and Bridget Shaw. With nine other young women, she responded to the invitation of two Presentation sisters from Geraldton who were in Ireland recruiting postulants for the Geraldton Diocese. In 1937, the group arrived at Geraldton, and with the energy of youth, immediately put on a concert for the community at which Mary, now known as Margaret Mary, gave a rendition of "Tade" one of her favourite poems from her school days in Ireland. Arrival at Geraldton was a shock to the system in many ways, there was the excessive and oppressive heat, the mosquitoes, the flies and the sand. . . . lots of it. Then there were the rules of Religious Life and one of the hardest of these was the rule of silence which was often broken. Their first eight-day retreat was meant to be one of total silence, but was relieved by an hour of recreation in the bush each day. On 19 December 1940, this group of women was professed by Bishop O'Collins. After her initial years of training, Sr Margaret Mary began her teaching career in towns which spanned the State - these included Wonthella, Mullewa, Greenough, Tardun, Northampton, Stella Mans and St Francis Xavier in Geraldton, Collie and Carnarvon. She spent some years at St Peter's Boarding School at Greenough, where 'mod cons' were

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Sr Margaret Mary unheard of. When a difficult task had to be performed, Sr Margaret Mary would suggest: "Let's cast lots" and the task usually fell to Margaret Mary who willingly undertook the job. It was from Greenough, during the years of World War II that the Sisters were evacuated to Tardun. Sr Margaret Mary remained at the Agriculture School there, caring for the boys for four years. In 1983 she spent a period of time at Hawkstone Hall, England, a Redemptorist Centre for spiritual renewal. Her latter years were spent in Geraldton ministering as a sacristan in the Cathedral for approximately fourteen years. Sr Margaret Mary was very observant and had a very retentive memory. It was said at her Golden Jubilee celebrations that she would miss even a pin taken by one of the priests and Fr Michael Morrissey

recalls that it was impossible to sneak things out of the sacristy without her knowing who the culprits were. This exactitude was also shown in the way she cared for Cathedral property, always ensuring that vases and other items she had loaned, were returned. Care of the altar linen and vestments was similarly thorough. According to Fr Michael Morrissey, Sister had a mat group of helpers which grew in numbers, enabling her to continue in the work which had become her life. Something she herself had learnt from the helpers was, if one of the people rostered did not turn up, there was no criticism of that person. Fr Michael said that Sister would check out the Cathedral from the convent verandah to see if there were any suspicious people around, and at the first sign of trouble, would ring the Bishop's House to inform the priests. She even had the Bishop running to a 5.30pm Mass because there was no one there to celebrate it. None of the priests had to worry about the Cathedral being ready for ceremonies with beautifully maintained vessels and vestments. Sr Margaret Mary was also accepting of any strange and puzzling arrangements placed in the sanctuary, providing their significance was explained to her. Fr Michael declares that Sr Margaret Mary was the sacristy. She was a hard-working, dedicated and caring person whose life was one of self-giving service for the children and people of Western Australia. Reprinted from The Sower, newsletter of the Diocese of Geraldton

Strong pastor loved priesthood ble or complaint. Fr McGrath was a strong and sterling person who loved his priesthood. By Fr Michael Ryan He was indeed a Pastor in the true sense of the word I am happy to be given by his readiness to share the opportunity to pay tribwith his flock their joys and ute to a close friend of sorrows, their heartaches, nearly half a century but their blessings. yet unhappy that the cirThis quiet unassuming cumstance of his death has man was a true shepherd intervened to sever the of his flock - his shepherdbond of friendship that ing reminiscent of that of remained constant over an the Good Shepherd as extended period. recorded in the Gospels. It all began in 1947 when There will be widespread a friendship was formed Ft John McGrath sadness at the death of this a friendship that redounded to our mutual benefit in the years ahead. beloved pastor - his friends are legion, so too, Our common interest in sport - tennis and his mourners. golf made our free day - Monday - enjoyable To his family in Ireland, his brothers Denis and gratifying, not to mention tea and a game and David and their families and to his many of cards with his uncle, Monsignor Moss, to friends in and around Omagh, we tender our round off the day. deepest sympathy. But in 1954 there was the parting of the Iam well aware of the great love they had ways as Fr McGrath was moved from High- for the deceased but I cannot gauge the gate to Kalgoorlie, the first of the many coun- degree of sorrow they are experiencing at try appointments he received over the years. his parting. Let the fond memories of a brothAfter Kalgoorlie, there were postings to er, a priest and friend sustain them in their Denmark, Narrogin, Wagin, Margaret River, time of sorrow. Bunbury, Albany, Harvey, Waroona, DonnyAnd let us pray that this good and dutiful brook and finally Dardanup. Pastor will already have heard from the lips This surely suggests his influencing num- of Christ, his Master, whom he sincerely berless people in the Archdiocese of Perth loved and dutifully served, these saving and the Diocese of Bunbury. words: "Well done good and faithful servant, And I know from our association that he enter into the joy of your Master." accepted the many changes without grumGo ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam.

Obituary

Camillans to focus on poor By John Thavis

VATICAN crrY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II encouraged Catholic health care workers to focus medical and spiritual efforts on the sick and suffering in poorer countries, where AIDS and drug addiction are spreading. The Pope made the comments on 15 May in a message to the Order of St Camillus. whose members provide health care in five continents. The religious order was celebrating the 450th anniversary of the birth of its founder. The Pope said that like other religious orders with a special charism in health care, the Camillans are called to give particular attention to the poorest and weakest in society, including the elderly, the disabled, the terminally ill and the victims of drug abuse and new contagious diseases. "The option of being with the poor, promoting community health and witnessing the Church's love for the weakest is especially urgent in developing countries," he said. He said the chronic poverty of the Third World "aggravates the health condition of the people, favouring the spread of new social diseases, in p.a.Helder drug addiction and AIDS, expressions of the moral degradation of civilisation and of social injustice." The Pope said the religious should bring the influence of the Gospel to health care, an area threatened by "enormous ethical conflicts." He warned of a growing separation between health care technology and "authentic respect for the rights of the human person in the various stages of development." He encouraged the religious to cultivate a solid spirituality and strive to be "contemplatives in action," overcoming the danger of a "soulless pragmatism" in dealing with the sick. The Pope praised the Camillans for expanding their activities to 20 new countries over the last 50 years, especially in the developing world. He said their work was particularly gratifying in Armenia and Georgia, former Soviet republics where the Church's charity work was once repressed.

'Other Aborigines benefited' New Norcia's Benedictine children there. "Confrontation of monks said this week they were this kind does not help in the sorry that a number of Aborig- process of reconciliation, and ines had unhappy experiences as does not always heal unhappy schoolchildren at New Norcia memories," he told The Record. while saying they believed many "I can't comment on the film others had benefited greatly by itself until I have seen it." growing up there. Abbot Spearritt said some AboFollowing the publication of an riginal children may even have article in The West Australian last been treated harshly by today's Monday, 15 May, Abbot Placid standards and he was sorry if that Spearritt, of the Benedictine Com- was the case. munity at New Norcia, said he It was probably also the case for was sorry the company that pro- some students of St Ildephonsus' duced the documentary film was - and St Gertrude's Colleges, and using advance newspaper public- indeed for students of most other ity that would stir up controversy boarding schools of those days, over the treatment of Aboriginal he said.

"Many other Aboriginal people "We work together with Aborigfound not only a place where they inal people in our Education Cenwere educated, but also a home, tre which provides unique and monks and Sisters whom courses in Aboriginal Studies, they remember with affection," under the theme 'Learning to Live Abbot Spearritt said. Together,'" Abbot Spearritt said. "These happier stories are not "These courses are very popular represented in the newspaper with primary and secondary stuarticle. dents and teachers from govern"We have good relations with ment, Catholic and other the Bwuradjen Yuat Corporation independent schools from many of former Aboriginal students parts of Western Australia. here." "We are proud of our past assoHe said Abbot Bernard Rooney ciation with Aboriginal people, is widely appreciated for his work and we intend to continue and in helping to preserve the lan- develop it appropriately in the guage and culture of the local future." Aboriginal people. - Glynnis Grainger

New Norcia's Abbot Placid Spearritt

Father Terry Raj inducted as parish priest of St Jude's, Langford Archbishop Barry Hickey formally inducted Fr Terry Raj as parish priest of St Jude's Lynwood-Langford parish at Mass on Sunday 7 May. The induction, in which the Archbishop formally presented Fr Raj to representatives of ministries within the parish, was also attended by guest pastors from other Christian denominations in the Langford area. St Jude's was packed for the occasion. Prior to Fr Raj's arrival, the Langford parish had been under the pastoral care of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart congregation. During the ceremony Fr Terry knelt before the Archbishop to accept his office in total obedience. The archbishop urged the new parish priest to be a loving father to his people, a gentle teacher and a wise shepherd. Archbishop Hickey also opened the newly decorated Jubilee Year Holy Door which had been designed and decorated by the parish's liturgy committee. Other parish symbols incorpo-

Fr Terry Raj is inducted by Archbishop Hickey. .. .

. . . . and presented to representatives of parish ministries.

rated into the door's design included a profile of St Jude together with the instrument of his death, a club, and a representation of Mary because parishioners pray the Rosary after daily Mass. The ceremony occurred in a church festooned with mountings, banners and works of art created by students of St Jude's parish

school. The school had just finished celebrating its 21st anniversary two days before including a special school Mass. Meanwhile, the parish is gearing up for its own Jubilee Year pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale on 5 June, the day also set aside as St Jude's parish family day.

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1800 819 156 The Record, May 18 2000 Page 3

Calling all former choristers of St Mary's By Glynnis Grainger St Mary's Cathedral Choir will sing for a canonisation Mass in front of Pope John Paul II at St Peter's in Rome on 1 October this year. The appointment was confirmed to The Record by Fr Timothy Deeter, Master of the Choristers, on Tuesday. When the choir sings for the Pope, it will have come a long way. The appearance in the Vatican will be part of the choir's tour of Europe in September and October. Earlier in the year, on Pentecost Sunday, 11 June, the choir will hold a reunion with Mass at 10am and morning tea afterwards in Mercedes College Hall. Archbishop Barry Hickey will concelebrate the Mass with a former Director of Cathedral Music, Fr Pat Ahern. The choir was formed in 1938, 62 years ago, under Fr Albert Lynch. This was achieved, with strong support from Archbishop Redmond Prendiville, who offered 30 to 40 scholarships to St Malachy's Christian Brothers' College, in St George's Terrace. The choir joined the St Cecilia's men's choir, which had been launched on Palm Sunday of the previous year, and consisted of 30 basses and tenors. Before this, Sydney Smith was the conductor of a mixed choir at the Cathedral, which included his soprano wife and daughter Lorna. Hr Lynch had became Diocesan

Director of Sacred Music and was responsible for the musical training of the CBC boys. The Cathedral organist at the time was Dr C. Edgar Ford, Doctor of Music of New College, Oxford. Miss Frances Moran was assistant organist, who taught the probationers the elements of music. They did all their practising at school where they were boarders. Music for them was a school subject and each boy entered for the University singing exams as a subject for the Junior certificate. During his visit to Perth in 1941, at a special dinner, Archbishop Panico, the Apostolic Delegate, said that St Mary's Cathedral Choir was the finest he had heard in the Southern hemisphere. Subsequent organists were Miss Mary Kinlock (Mrs Mary Kerr), Miss Angela Travia and Miss Annette Parkes (Mrs Annette Goerke), who became Director of Music at St Mary's Cathedral, both directing the choir and playing the organ for 40 years (195898). Mrs Goerke got her Licentiate In Organ Music and Bachelor of Music degree from UWA, according to Fr Pat Ahern. Mrs Goerke was awarded a Churchill scholarship to study in Paris with organist Marie-Claire Alain, and broadcast frequently for the ABC, having a long association with the WA Symphony Orchestra. Annette was much in demand as an organist with the WA Symphony Orchestra and played at Winthrop Hall and the

Up, up and away. Annette Goerke, fourth from left, with the choir at Perth Airport, heading off on tour to the International Eucharistic Congress in Melbourne, 1973. Fr Pat Ahern, the-then Director of the choir, is eighth from left.

•

Founding a tradition of excellence - Father Albert Lynch with the choir of St Mary's Cathedral in 1943.

of Fr Patrick Ahem

Perth Concert Hall, Fr Ahern said. Mrs Goerke retired in May last was all sung in Latin and there She was the number one organ- year, after going on long service was a change to the vernacular ist in Perth and one of the best in leave in September, 1998. Under (English) in the liturgy about 1965. Australia." Fr Deeter, the choir wears a red "Fr Lynch composed Masses in Fr Lynch retired from the posi- soutane and short white surplice. English for his parish in Appletion around 1951, handing over Fr Ahern said the full scholar- cross and some are still being the reins to Fr Peter McCudden. ships became partial scholarships used by the Cathedral Choir" Fr In March, 1951, Fr McCudden when he was Director of Sacred Ahern said. became Assistant Director of Music, so the parents had to pay He said he had contacted about Sacred Music, becoming Director part of their fees when CBC 100 former choirboys from the the following March. Fr Lynch became Trinity College, at the past and most had been very helpbecame parish priest of St Bene- Causeway. ful in getting addresses for the dict's, Applecross, at that time. He said when he took over it reunion next month. Fr McCudden didn't change the format or style of the choir. He handed over to Fr Ahern in 1961 after he (Fr McCudden) became parish priest of Floreat Park parish (St Cecilia's), in March, 1960, where he remained for 30 years. Fr Ahern took the choir on many tours, including to Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, the Eastern States and the South-West. Under Fr Lynch the choir wore a black soutane and short white surplice. Under Fr Ahern, they wore a maroon soutane and surplice, which wore out in winter and was too hot for summer, so he changed it to a white alb with red cincture. Fr Timothy Deeter, the present choirmaster, took over in Febru- The choir sings with the WA Symphony Orchestra and the WA University Choral ary last year. He told The Record Society at Winthrop Hall in June, 1972.

It was music a la carte for Antioch musicians' weekend By Michelle Gardner

Well, it was great fun. What? And it rocked. Pardon? Plus, it was all about. . .. music. . . . and God. So I'm glad we've established we are talking about an Antioch Musos' Weekend, and not just any old thing. The Antioch movement gathered as one from 5-7 May for a weekend of celebrating God through music - most of it their own - and to share in His love. Of course, such an event couldn't help but go well, and even the smaller numbers than previous years failed to quell the enjoyment. But why, I hear you ask, is it a special occasion for us to gather, sing, pray and celebrate? Anyone

familiar with Antioch would to the standard program. The Satknow we do this every week in urday was packed with talks from our separate meetings and addi- Antioch members on the importionally on our own weekends. tance of music in our meetings The aim of a musos' weekend. and prayer life and the learning of however, is to give our groups new songs. (and especially our musicians) Saturday was the crowning feathe opportunity to gather togeth- ture with a moving prayer session er and learn a selection of the where we had the option of being musical works written by other prayed over by other members. members over the past year. The Sunday gave more, ending It also means we can meet the with a closing Mass in the aftermembers of other groups, a way noon that was both vibrant and of helping to strengthen our indi- successful. vidual faith and become the true It was, in all, a richly rewarding community that Antioch aspires experience for Antioch members to be. and one that will continue to be The Friday night was altered in the coming years. And, of slightly from the norm to accom- course, we have our co-ordinator modate the Taize Prayer at Chal- Marg Fennessy, our leaders Matlenge Stadium as an introduction tie and Veronica and the muso's to the weekend, before returning Team to thank for it all.

Antioch musos 'clicked' when they got together early in May.

They're really cookin' at Stirling Antioch Melbourne's Blessed Mary house for drugs rehabilitation scheme

Getting-to-know-you skits and games with pasta, jelly and jellybeans were allpart of Stirling Antioch's recruiting weekend at the end of April. The combined Balcatta and North Beach group held the weekend at the North Beach parish centre, next door to Our Lady of Grace church. Youth leaders were Terry Boylen and Rebekah Stumiolo, with adult support provided by Mrs Bev Boylen, left, Holy Family of Nazareth Sister Joseph, right, and Noel De Souza. About seven new members were recruited, with about 26 in the group, including new members, aged 16 to 21.

The Record.- May 18 2000 Page 4

The site where Blessed Mary of the Cross MacKillop was born has been purchased by the Catholic archdiocese of Melbourne for use as a centre to help drug users and their families. The move is part of a major campaign by the Melbourne archdiocese to address the drugs problem. In Victoria, 349 people died from drug-related overdoses last year. Located in the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, the house will be developed immediately as a support,

counselling and referral centre for drug users and their families. It will be known as Mary of the Cross Centre. Initially, the centre will provide drug users, their parents, families and other inquirers with: • spiritual, emotional and other practical support • assistance and information about drug abuse and treatment • family support and counselling • services for a variety of ethnic commtmities.

SVP courts business dollars By Glynnis Grainger After Woolworths, the St Vincent de Paul Society has the second largest number of retail outlets in Australia, according to its outgoing State president, John Meahan. The WA branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society held its inaugural Business Appeal Breakfast Launch at Kings Park Function Centre, last Tuesday to raise funds for Vincentcare, its mental health accommodation in the metropolitan area. Mr Meahan told the 80 business people at the gathering that the Society's origins were not so well known. In 1833 a group of university students in Paris were challenged to show what works of charity they did. Led by Frederick Ozanam, a 20-year-old student, the group decided something had to be done. Ozanam was born in Milan in 1813, died at the age of 40 in 1853, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Paris on 22 August, 1997. Today SW has more than one million members, is one of the largest charities in the world and has extended to 135 countries, including Russia. It takes its name and inspiration from a French priest, St Vincent de Paul, who lived from 1581 to 1660 devoting his life to helping the underprivileged. On the local scene, the Society started in 1911 in Highgate, responding to the needs of West Australians. We now have 922

Photo. George Grainger

Sr Frances O'Halloran, an SVP carer for the mentally ill, with Fremantle Dockers' player Daniel Bandy at the breakfast.

members and 3000 volunteers in 86 parishes from Broome in the North, to Albany in the South and extending East to Kalgoorlie, Mr Meahan said. "By bulk purchasing, we are able to save one-third of the retail cost from our central food purchasing and distribution centre," he said. A fourth low-cost food outlet is opening in Mandurah on Wednesday. 24 May. With Rotary, St John of God Healthcare,

the Catholic Archdiocese, Perth City Coun- work dedication, serenity and patience and cil and the Knights of St Lazarus, the Soci- assist the residents to adjust to living back ety is involved in running the "Passages" in the community without fear, restore their project in Northbridge for young people confidence and develop living skills, with looking for an alternative to substance 24-hour-a-day support. abuse. "It costs the Society $7000 per year to supSince opening in mid-February, 348 peo- port each person which is raised by public ple have been assisted. donations? Vincentcare provides accommodation for The waiting list stands at 80 and SVP is seriously ill people suffering from schizophrenia, hi-polar disorder, emotional dis- only able to meet 10 per cent of the demand for supported accommodation. turbances and anxiety disorders. "Our success rate in helping these people Vincentcare started in 1995 with one house as a result of the Burdekin Report in to maintain independence in the commu1993. nity is more than 90 per cent," he said. "Vincentcare targets the homeless, those Graham Kierath, Minister for Planning, leaving institutional care, those living in represented the Premier, Mr Court, and sub-standard accommodation and the dis- said the target of the appeal was $200,000 advantaged," Mr Meahan said. - "a small target and very realistic? There are three houses in the metropoliThe SVP President-elect Brian Bull spoke tan area, a block of eight units in Leederville and five self-contained units in and said "it is a modest appeal and we Glendalough, with another house due to regard ourselves as a modest organisation." The complimentary breakfast was sponopen shortly in Coolbellup. by Home Building Society. sored This accommodation service provides over 9000 bed nights per year t CC — 261._h Major Jubilee and more than 14,000 meals to resiEvent Update said. dents each year, he "We have been able to develop these houses with help from the Ministry of Housing, the Lotteries Comluboleeoo i mission and the Iona Presentation Order in Mosman Park, which has provided Sisters who are live-in carers," Mr Meahan said. Years oft -"The Sisters bring to this special The organising committee of the major c cot

Singers ▪ Wanted!

Catholic lobbies' mixed response to Budget The Federal Government's Budget support for rural areas and funding for parenting programs has been welcomed by Catholic family and health organisations. The Australian Family Association's WA president John Barich said the six per cent rate was unemployment "unconscionable", especially where 30 per cent of families have two-and-a-half jobs. "About 14 per cent (of Australians) have no jobs at all; about one million have one income," Mr Barich said. The AFA believes three key Issues should be addressed: • A commitment by the Gov-

ernment to ensure that there is a modest commitment to at least one job in every family. improving Australian family • Changes to the tax system, life." The Australian Catholic so that it recognises a family's Social Welfare Commission welcomed some Budget's social capacity to pay tax. • A dramatic increase in par- initiatives but questioned the enting payments so that parents Government's commitment to can exercise choice about how deliver a significant "social dividend" on the fiscal stringency they care for their children. Mr Barich said "we propose a of the past four Budgets. Acting national director John homemaker's allowance for anyone with a child under five Ferguson welcomed the $240 million Stronger Families and years old." He said: "The vast majority of Communities Strategy but said: family payments announced in "this initiative must be seen in the Budget are to offset the GST. light of over Si billion cuts to "The only other significant family and community services family initiative was the $240 over previous Budgets. Catholic Health Australia, repmillion programs over four years. which by any measure is resenting Catholic health and

Financial Administrator The Archdiocesan Finance Office (AFO) administers property and finances of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, on behalf of the Archbishop, the Most Revered Barry J. Hickey. This includes the financial monitoring of the Archdiocesan and parish entities covering the Catholic Development Fund. Lifelink, and Catholic Welfare and Faith Education Agencies. The impending retirement of the current Financial Administrator presents an excellent opportunity for an experienced business-person to accept this important role within the AFO. The Financial Administrator will work closely with the Archbishop on short and long term strategies. Close relationships with the Finance Advisory Committees, the Catholic Development Fund and key groups within the Archdiocese will complement achievement of key objectives. The role requires significant financial and business experience together with a record in leadership and representation at senior levels in commerce. Degree level qualifications in an accounting or business discipline is essential. An extensive involvement with entities and people across the Archdiocese necessitates flexibility strength and strategic vision. This will enable the Financial Administrator to provide the support to His Grace, which will enable Him to fulfil the Church's mission.

aged care services welcomed increases in regional health initiatives, but said the Budget continued to fall behind in palliative and mental health care.

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The Record, May 18 2000 Page 5

Our hearts and acts will judge us Yianna's graceful Peter Dwan continues with his meditations on the readings for Sunday Mass. This week the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B

oday's liturgy highlights Christ as the true vine, and reminds us that we are the branches. The gospel (John 15:1-8) comes from St John's account of Christ's discourse at the last supper. The opening words are significant: "Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." Our Lord went on: "Every branch in me that bears no fruit, he cuts away." This is a warning that if we do not practice our Faith we are in danger of losing it. It is no good to say that we don't harm others, what we shall have to answer at judgment is what we have done to help them. Our Lord has shown that it is on our performance or non-performance of the works of mercy that our salvation or damnation will depend. Our Lord said: 'Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more." We are sometimes puzzled by the mystery of suffering, why good people should suffer. Yet sometimes it becomes apparent that, following a period of trial, people's faith is strengthened and they undertake more apostolic work than before. The late Bern Foley and his widow, Margaret, had always been good Catholics. Yet it was only after their daughter, Margaret Mary, was involved in a sari-

Layman 's Meditation ous car accident, after which she never regained consciousness, that their faith deepened, and they felt called to undertake their life's mission. They inaugurated the Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady's Birthday in 1977, and by 1979 the Movement had been introduced into 110 countries. It has continued to progress rapidly during the following years. Those wanting further details about this heart-warming story can contact the Rosary Bouquet at PO Box 88, Eagle Heights, Queensland 4271 If our lives are to bear fruit, we need to heed the words of the second reading (1 John 3:18-24) "My children, our love is not to be just words or mere talk, but something real and active." Christ proved his love by what He was prepared to suffer for us. It is no good, for example, to shed crocodile tears for the plight of the hungry or the illiterate, unless we are prepared to make financial sacrifices in order to help them. It is wise to direct our donations trough missionary orders or congregations, for they can often do as much good with $100 as secular organisations can do with $1000. Those wishing to help the Salesians in Bangalore, India, feed and educate the poor may send their donations to the Salesian Mission Office, PO Box 80, Oaldeigh, Victoria 3186. Giving money is only one way of helping others; personal service is more

demanding, and hence more praiseworthy. Today's first reading (Acts 9:26-31) highlights an often-forgotten aspect of charity, namely charity to converts. The reading tells us that the conversion of their persecutor, Saul, so surprised the Christian community that they couldn't believe it. Paul wouldn't have been accepted without the sponsorship of Barnabas. From the moment of Paul's acceptance and of the confidence shown him, Paul was able to become the apostle, who played a decisive role in the building up of the Church. Let us not make any mistake, converts need the help of their fellow Catholics, especially during the difficult first five years after their reception into the Church. There are the sobering statistics that 20 per cent of converts are no longer practising Catholics five years after being received into the Church. Yet if converts receive the help they need, they are often among the best Catholics in the parish. Converts are easily discouraged by what they see as the mediocrity of many cradle Catholics. They need to be encouraged to join Catholic organisations and movements, for they have much to give and much to receive. Not only are they brought into contact with good Catholics, their enthusiasm is a tonic for cradle Catholics. If cradle Catholics will only befriend converts, they will receive far more than they give, and experience for themselves the truth of the words of the Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, "for it is in giving that we receive.

To Jesus through Mary ... a column of Marian devotion

hen Cardinal Patrick Moran of Sydney wrote his History of the Catholic Church in Australia, he recalled the laying of the foundation stone of what was to become the first cathedral in this land. The cardhial declared: "Who was the patron selected by the people and their newly arrived pastor, Fr Therry, for the Mother Church? Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, under the special invocation of Help of Christians, was chosen patroness" In choosing Mary, the young Church was following a sure Catholic instinct. But why the particular title of Help of Christians? Events had happened in Europe only several years earlier, and this no doubt was still fresh in people's minds. Napoleon Bonaparte had jailed Pope Pius VI who died in jail, after which Pope Pius VII was elected. Just a short time later, he too was jailed by Napoleon, who kept him prisoner at Fontainbleau, 35 miles from Paris. The Holy Father vowed to God that, if he were restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honour of Mary. Military reverses forced Napoleon to release the Pope, and on 24 May, 1814, Pius VII returned in triumph to Rome. 'flivelve months later the Pope decreed that the feast of Mary Help of Christians, be kept on 24 May. The infant Church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. In those early and mostly priestless days, it was largely the Rosary that kept the faith alive. Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary, and was the first nation to choose her, under the title of Help of Christians, as principal Patroness. It was in 1844, at the first assembly of bishops ever held in the British dominions since the Reformation, that Mary was re-accorded her place of honour. It was a long way and a long time from Sydney Town to Walsingham; but the South Land was to become her Second Dowry

nity). It seems likely that it was the choice of the lay Catholics themselves, as they leaned heavily, as the Church did, on Mary's help for the establishment of the Institutional Church. It was precisely during this priestless period (1802 - 1819) that Pius VII returned to Rome from exile and instituted the feast on 24 May. . . . Sydney Archbishop Michael Kelly's pastoral letter of 1904 lends strong weight: "The first Catholics here had brought strong devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, who was the Patroness selected by the people and Fr Therry for their mother-Church, Mary Immaculate, under the special invocation of Help of Christians." Indications are that Fr Therry simply watered a Marian seed already planted by Church-minded lay people. While Dr Polding was away in Rome, Archdeacon McEnroe took it on himself to publish a melodramatic letter on Australia's "real peril of a Russian invasion" during the Crimean War. "The whole letter reminds the diocese The statue of our Lady Help of Christians of Mary's powerful assistance throughunveiled at Good Shepherd Church, Kelmscott out all history as Help of Christians." on 24 May 1998. In a remarkable way Australia became the first nation in the world to have Mary, Help of Christians as Patroness: the first Church to celebrate 24 May on a national scale (elsewhere the feast was restricted to Rome and specified places); and the first country to have a mother-cathedral under the same title. Although not officially approved by Today. . .. we live in a very fragile world Rome until 1852 (due to the decree going astray in Bishop Pompallier's mislaid where mortal sin is glorified. We do need to be reminded of Mary's suitcase), our patronal feast was already being celebrated in Sydney as early as powerful intercession throughout the centuries under the title Help of Chris1844. So the Morning Chronicle of that year tians. We need to pray relentlessly for reads: "Votive Mass of Mary, Help of her powerful intercession as we enter Christians, the title of which she is this century, for guidance, strength, perpatroness of our Ecclesiastical Province." severance and discernment while we are In 1847 a plenary indulgence was grant- facing a very different enemy, who loves ed "to those who receive Holy Commu- the body while killing the soul. nion, under the usual conditions, on 24 Reproduced with the permission of May each year." Apostles of Mary magazine. Annual subBy 1862 an Ordo, still in St Mary's scriptions to the magazine are $12. archives, gives 24 May as "a double of Servants of Mary, PC) Box 86, Broadthe first class" (in today's terms, a Solem- way. NSW 2007, ph (02) 9212 1457.

Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia, 25 May

Pope at Fatima reports - Page 11 The Record, May 18 2000 Page 6

forgiving of Kevan Gosper: a mighty act

With Penny Ashcroft

he six o'clock news last Sunday, bringing to us the story of the devastation caused by a blaze ripping a Dutch fireworks factory apart, and the severe bashing received by a young man in Mandmah, was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I noticed that in our lounge room, I wasn't the only one affected. Graphic scenes from Enschede and graphic description of the bashing incident, left one and all feeling saddened and bewildered. The first tragedy may have been an accident, but the second was totally senseless and needless. As I am sure would have been the case for others, we found ourselves shaking our heads in disbelief and our hearts went out to all those affected by both incidents. The saving grace for the evening was the news item about Sydney schoolgirl, Yianna Souleles. With all the outrage that has been expressed over the past week regarding the foolish decision by Kevan Gosper, the International Olympic Committee Vice-President, to have his daughter replace Yianna in the Olympic Torch relay, it was heartwarming to hear about the olive branch offered to him by the delightful 18-year-old. With dignity and grace the young schoolgirl has set an example for us all, showing us how to forgive. Ibelieve that Kevan Gosper, apparently tearful and remorseful, would have been deeply touched by the attitude of Yianna, her parents and her school. How could one help but be affected by such a gracious attitude? Having been publicly disgraced, publicly forgiven, that should be the end of the public lashing he has received. I am sure the IOC's ethics committee will deal with the matter, but as for the rest of us, let's follow Yianna's example, forgive and get on with things and try and salvage some dignity for the commencement of the Sydney Olympics. We all know the thoughts of Jesus about forgiveness, "I do not say to you seven times, but seven times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22), but I am sure we have all experienced difficulty at some time in putting His words into practice. While Jesus' words sound marvellous in theory, in reality ills difficult for us at times to be faithful to them. Often, we may find that it is reasonably easy to forgive minor upsets and hurts, but when someone hurts us deeply, that is another story. We not only find it hard to forget, we find it almost impossible to forgive. We may just feel totally crushed by what has happened. I have found in my own life, that forgetting and forgiving are two totally separate issues. Perhaps we may never forget a deep hurt, it may always stay somewhere in the deep recesses of our being. That would be natural. It has occurred and there is no getting away from that. I do not believe Jesus meant that we should forget, so much as strive to forgive from the heart as He forgives us. In the Lord's prayer we continually say "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." I have come to understand that those words are very powerful. I am grateful that Jesus loves me so deeply that Iam totally forgiven every time I ask Him for forgiveness. Ihope and pray that one day I will have the grace to forgive more freely. Perhaps every timeIsee, hear, or read about an example such as Yianna's it will take me another step forward on my journey.

Respect for one's adversary rules out sledging

The Record

ussie rules fans earlier this month were treated to the spectacle of sports commentators pontificating on the ethics of sledging in sport. If you are not one of those addicted to sport, you may not know that the tactic of of the best interior energies of man sledging involves trying to distract your ful for those who cannot control them- sion and his capacity to overcome difficulties selves. opponent's attention by insulting him or While the general run of tallcback radio and to choose goals to be gained with sacher with either outright lies or some event on the Gehrig incident condemned sledg- rifice, generosity and perseverance in facfrom their past that is likely to upset them. ing, there were enough callers defending ing the challenges of competition," the That's a mild definition of what is, in sledging - as long as it was kept on the effect, a vicious and demeaning tactic for field among the boys - to show that a Pope said the day before the race. The current Jubilee year presented an all involved. sneaking regard for the vice still rests in important opportunity for reflection on Having failed to break an opponent's the hearts of sports' fans and players. and renewal of the necessary relationship bones, the less noble among sportsmen The miracle is that there are still players, between sports and spiritual values, the and women know words can hurt people, fans and commentators in this age, when Pope said. no matter what the child's rhyme might obscenities are creeping further into He highlighted the values of "rigour in say. prime time family television, who are pre- preparation, perseverance in training, At least one sports' commentator tried to pared to condemn sledging. knowledge of the limits of the person's defend sledging as an acceptable sporting A clarifying light was shone into this abilities, fairness in competition, acceptactic in the wake of WA's own Fraser arena last week when an old former soc- tance of precise rules, respect for one's Gehrig's retaliation to Western Bulldog cer goalie in the shape of Pope John Paul adversary, a sense of solidarity and altruprovocation. IIreminded soccer players and cyclists of ism." The usual justification for sledging in the good that sport can achieve if players, Interestingly, in light of the present swim any sport is that whatever is necessary to fans and officials act ethically. suit controversy in world swimming, the win a game and is technically legal should Done well, sports become a significant Pope praised technical advances designed be done, a motivation that has become expression of high human values, Pope to make sports more competitive, although even more significant now that commer- John Paul said during a meeting with the he warned that they must be placed at the 180 cyclists participating in the 2000 Giro service of the athlete, not the other way cial sport is triumphant If an Olympic gold medal can be won by d'Italia, a professional bicycle race that around. Four days earlier, Pope John Paul urged 0.01 of a second, then the temptation to began on 13 May in Rome. Sporting activity was "a unique expres- Europe's soccer stars to act as role modsledge must be present and very power-

Usgae

a-'ouno

Take up Fatima Family is real, not ideal torch of peace I

was most impressed by the enthusiasm of the over 1,000 participants at the Family "Dare to dream" (4 May), one third of whom would have been under

ow that Pope John PaulIIhas decid- 30. One glitch in the conference was the caved to make the third message from Fatima a worldwide news event, it alier attitude of the Governor-General, who Is up to us - the `the masses' Catholics or unsuccessfully attempted to show that the otherwise - to make this urgent warning a Vatican supported his extremely liberal definition of family. central focus in our lives. His Excellency's repeated use of 'ideal' Thousands of people attended Mary's last message at Fatima, emphasised with the to describe the universal concept of the dancing of the Sun, an event witnessed by natural family was a put down because an Christians and non-Christians. Catholics ideal is almost unachievable - it is but a and non-Catholics; this must impress on us goal - whereas millions of hard-working Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus do the extreme importance of this occasion. hold to the optimum structure of mother, This was not a fancy firework but a last father and children. warning of the power and concern of the This, of course, does not mean that other Creator of the universe about our mis- forms of households are not given the management of his creation and our fate - respect owed them as human beings. If we will not change..! The Governor-General's approach was in The first two messages have come true sharp contrast to that of Archbishop Chaand how the world suffered. just think of put and Kevin Andrews MP who supportour Anzac day remembrances. ed marriage and stable families. This begs the question: If Fatima in 1917 J R Barich had been given worldwide publicity, would Ardross It have prevented or even moderated the evils of the wars that followed? Do we now risk leaving our fate in the ith the great feast of the Solemhands of some power or money-besotted nity of Mary, Help of Christians, government and risk a very final World our Patroness of Australia, due War III? Wednesday 25 May, let us not fail to next Like the Olympic flame, we should have a peace flame in every city in the world honour her and implore her powerful intercession for the safety and preservation of and possibly every house. This will help us realise the consequences Australia as a Christian country. Let us also beg the fulfilment within our of our actions on our family and friends, ifetime of Mary's promise made at Fatima l our neighbours and business enterprises, . . . . "But in the end my Immaculate Heart our relations with fellow Australians, men triumph, Russia will be converted and will and women around the globe and, of an era of peace will be granted to the course, with God, our Creator and His Cre- world." ation. Our Lady has said that through her Mary was God's messenger, if we ignore Rosary and Scapular she will conquer the her, we ignore God! world. josie Leeden Mary, the Blessed Mother of God and our South Perth Mother, has positively saved Christendom

Mary, our Aussie help

els to promote the sport's educational possibilities for young people. He called on delegates from the Union of European Football Associations officials to ensure the multi-billion dollar soccer industry was "not submerged by other concerns, especially economic ones." And Pope John Paul would also recognise that the principle of "respect for one's adversary" can only come about if a player has some idea of respect for human dignity, something which true religion can provide. But as the practice of noble human and Christian virtues is currently ridiculed in Western society, then more and more citizens can be expected to fall back on base motivations to justify sporting behaviour. Of these, making money is the most obvious potential source of corruption. Players keen to win or keep lucrative contracts or develop a notorious media profile will readily sledge if public opinion does not pull them up. Pope John Paul has given all players, fans and administrators a timely reminder in this, Australia's, Olympic year. • The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

L'ellers lo /4e Colifor All thoughtful people reject this approach. from a spiritual dark age on three occaIn the human family, every one of us sions during the past two and a half centuries by virtue of the offering of crusades needs to be accepted and welcomed and loved, whatever our disabilities. of prayer through her Holy Rosary. Destroying humans because they have She will surely do so again in our current pressing spiritual and social needs for some disability should never be allowed, at deliverance from the evils that threaten to any stage in their lives, even the earliest stage. engulf us. We would not allow the killing of todOur Lady also said at Fatima: "More souls or teenagers with disabilities. dlers for any the flesh than go to hell for sins of We should not allow them to be killed at other reason." Jesus has assured us that certain demons the embryonic stage either. A human embryo is one of us, already livcan only be driven out by prayer and fasting. distinct, and genetically complete. ing. Any weeding out whether at the embryIf we play our part in this regard, the demon of lust, who is even now hell-bent onic stage or during pregnancy, says to peoon destroying the moral fibre of our nation ple who live with a disability: "Your and the world at large, will, along with his existence offends us. We wish that people satanic minions be assuredly hurled back like you were dead, and if we had been into hell by St Michael and his host of heav- able to test you sooner would be dead." Mr Day needs to recognise that there is enly angels under his command. support for schemes of human reprono Then, in turn, the abominable crimes against God and man of abortion and ductive meddling. His second proposal, tabled on 24 euthanasia and the soul destroying corlast year, would allow the Dr November and prospornography influence of rupting titution can well be totally banned and Strangeloves in the IVF clinics to conduct destructive experiments on human outlawed. embryos, with no intention of allowing William Thomas them a chance to be born. Medina Once again, thoughtful people will reject with disgust any proposal for human vivisection, at any stage in human life. The best thing for Mr Day to do with his n Tuesday, 9 May, the Liberal and proposal is to shelve it quietly. second parliamentary party National Parents have no power in law to consent room rejected the Court Government's draft bill which would have allowed to experimental procedures on their chilIVF clinics to test human embryos and dren which are hazardous, and of no benefit to the children themselves, whatever destroy those which did not pass the test claims may be made concerning the benof Human Defence Coalition for the The efits the experiments may provide for other Life welcomes the decision. Embryonic screening cannot be done people. In the same way, the Human Reproducwithout killing some embryos. Technology Act 1991 permits experitive In rejecting the Health Minister John procedure on a human embryo mental room the party Day's ill-considered Bill, made a sensible and humane decision that only if it is for the benefit of that particular embryo. That is the law. It should continue most people will applaud. Any picking-and-choosing among human to be the law. beings treats the human family like a herd Dr Ted Watt of farm animals, culling the weaker mem- Secretary Coalition for the Defence of Human Life bers of the herd.

Embryo test decision

Send Pope John Paul II a happy e-mail birthday via Vatican web site By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Birthday wellwishers for Pope John Paul II won't have to garner tickets to a private papal audience to extend their congratulations: They can post them online. A Web-based initiative will allow people to send their greetings via the Internet. The Vatican's Web site. www.vatican.va. activated a link on 16 May. In the section titled The Holy Father." users can send an e-mail directly to a Vat-

ican address. "Happy Birthday Pope John Paul II" was also expected to be available on popular portals like Yahoo! and msn.com by the Pope's 80th birthday, on 18 May. Vatican officials said the links on other Web sites would be active for a minimum of a week but could be extended further, depending on how many people put a virtual birthday card into the online mail. The link, proposed by the Freiburg, Germany-based Ele Foundation and provided free-of-charge by the Web sites, will also include information on a Vatican charity

fund for AIDS orphans in Africa. According to the latest UN statistics, by the end of 2000, 13 million African children will have lost one or both parents to the AIDS pandemic. The donations collected online by the Ele Foundation will then be delivered to the Vatican charity "Cor Untun." Ele founder Karl-Reinhard Zeiss, a Lutheran, told Catholic News Service on 15 May that the initiative was aimed at paying homage to the work of Pope John Paul. whom he called "one of the biggest personalities of this century."

Zeiss donated about US $50,000 to "Cur Unum" in late 1999 and said he was eager to collaborate with the charity on the AIDS orphans project. Giovanni Bianchini, a "Cur Unum" official, said the participation of major Web sites in the initiative represented a "small example of solidarity." In a 12 May press release, "Cur Unum" called Africa's orphan problem a "unique and tragic crisis." -Neither words nor statistics adequately capture this human tragedy," said the statement . . The Record, May 18 2000 Page 7

•a

Features

Hanging 'loose' on a climbing wall.

Joanna Sadoissita enjoys volleyball in the Aquinas gym.

Full-time CYM worker Kate Maasson, from Whitfords Antioch, covered in flour More mischief - Kate Maasson puts a spray can to good use to Dawn on Sunday morning, and participants after picking a lolly out Time for some quiet reflection after the dilW11 service held on Sunday. were only too happy to meet over breakfast with her mouth. vent all that "zeal for the Kingdom".

Catholics and other youth make Sig Day In' a hit ly Catholic feel about the CYM's events, ing with Outreach Adventures, to picking a 'there is definitely a more ecumenical lolly out of a plate of four with the mouth, it approach.' Ms Prentice said GYM was part- was definitely a Big Day Out. oung people from the Catholic, Unit- ly The goals of the Big taking the lead from ing and Anglican churches got togethDay In were to: the Pope in his efforts to it bolding deep nal* as nelL Here, at fun, but liglay& war not only er for the one event last weekend as • celebrate youth unite Christians, but the two paradpwesI t time for some quiet chat aid reflection. the Catholic Youth Ministry held its 'Big Day Fr Ian Esmond celebrates Mass. Initiative has been culture; In' event at Aquinas College, Manning. the occurring since 1998. • showcase GYM director Karen Prentice later told The On the weekend many variety of youth groups Record that approximately 200 youth attend- organisations grabbed and organisations availed the event over the 24 hours that it their chance to plug able to youth in the spanned. their particular charism Archdiocese; The Big Day In, which kicked off at 1.00pm or ministry, with numer• make it known on Saturday afternoon, was officially opened ous stalls laid out at the that youth are 'alive and by Perth vicar-general and Rector of St entrance of the Aquinas well' within the Church Charles' Seminary, Fr Tim Corcoran. College gymnasium. the • celebrate But the big day was also something of a Big Among them were the ecumenian Jubilee in THE Night In as well, concluding with a dawn Legion of Mary, the cal way; IN service at 6.30am the next day, after which Curtin University Chapthe • explore breakfast was served. laincy, as well as nonJubilee themes and their Ms Karen Prentice said the event had been Catholic stalls such as 1411 relevance to young peoan ecumenical effort to 'let people know that the Youth Christian YCW fulltime worker Greg Daly, right, and ple; and youth do exist in the church. Workers, the Anglican Catherine Colace at the Big Day In. the • celebrate 'We began working with the Anglican and Youth Ministries and the • Uniting churches' youth ministries ever Student Christian Movement. The Willetton The whole event was a bit of everything since our frelformation two years ago,' Ms Parish even sent a soccer team to display a cross between a carnival atmosphere and some skills on the wide-open spaces of a conference - which for those attending Prentice said. 'We also want to encourage young adults Aquinas' playing fields. combined Jubilee celebrations with fun Signing a youth mission stairment that From face-painting (voluntary and forced - events such as the netball and soccer com- will be placed in the City of Perth Year to take an active role in the Church. akorbers of Nis illiselpiss of Jests cawormily pstiwer a likogical aces& 2000 time capsule. She said that while there is still a distinct- Derek Boylen, case in point) to wall-climb- petitions, prayer and reflection.

By Anthony Barich

AIL"

Best feet faward time in square dancing, one of the many activities on the weekend.

Photos Adrain BartclvDerek f3oyfen

In the Confessional, priests can increase their own sanctity while giving the faithful the direct way to God's forgiveness

t is my intention that the gratitude and exhortation expressed here should reach all the priests of the world, to encourage and support them In their work dedicated to the salvation of their brothers and sisters through the ministry of confession, one of the most significant expressions of their priesthood. Our Lord Jesus Christ redeemed us through the paschal mystery, whose heart, so to speak, is the moment of his bloody sacrifice. The priest, as the minister of forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance, acts in persona Christi: how could he not feel obliged to share Christ's sacrificial attitude with his whole life? This perspective, while firmly maintaining the value of the sacraments ex opere operato - regardless, that is, of the minister's holiness or worthiness opens before him an immense ascetic wealth and offers him the loftiest reasons why he should be holy precisely in and through the exercise of his sacramental duties and find incentives and occasions for further sanctification in the very exercise of his ministry The divine work of forgiving sins should thus be done with dispositions so elevated that one could say that this sublime ministry is carried out digne Deo, insofar as human limitations

The Record, May 18 2000 Page 8

The human and spiritual effectiveness, beauty and relevance of individual confession to an ordained priest was highlighted in a 1 April message from Pope John Paul H to the head of the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary, Cardinal William Baum. The occasion was the annual course the Penitentiary organises for seminarians and priests on the concept of the 'internal forum' in questions of confession and conscience. After extending the usual thanks and greetings, the Pope began with the reality that a priest is sanctified through the ministry of penance. allow. This will certainly increase the trust of the faithful. The proclamation of the truth, especially in the moral-spiritual order, is all the more credible when the one who proclaims ills not only an academic teacher but, above all, an existential witness. Reconciliation also gives special graces to resist sin. Consideration of the essentially sacrificial nature of the sacrament cannot fail to give the penitents themselves a demanding incentive to respond to the Lord's mercy with a holiness of life that unites them ever more closely to the One who became a Victim for our salvation. paschal mystery is the reality f the of death - the sacrificial aspect - it was ordained by God only for the life of the Resurrection. The sacrament of Penitence - a conformation to the dead and risen Jesus - also entails the restoration of the supernatural life of grace, or its

increase in the case of venial sins. fulfils Jesus' command to the Apostles Therefore, the mystery of this sacra- on their first mission: "You received ment can be fully understood only in without pay, give without pay" (Mt relation to the parable of the Prodigal 10:8). Son: "It was fitting to make merry and I n sacramental Reconciliation God's forgiveness is the source of spiritual be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found" rebirth and the effective principle of sanctification, to the very summit of (Lk 15:32). he sacramental minister of Christian perfection. If the sacrament of Reconciliation is Penance is the teacher, the witness and, with the Father, the father of divine received by the repentant sinner under life restored and offered in its fullness. the proper conditions, it not only gives His teaching authority is the him God's forgiveness, but also, Church's, because, when acting in per- through the Father's merciful love, spesona Christi, he does not proclaim him- cial graces that help him to overcome self, but Jesus Christ: "For what we temptations, to avoid repeating the sins preach is not ourselves, but Jesus he has repented of and, to some extent, Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your to have a personal experience of that servants for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor 4:5). forgiveness. In this sense, there is a His witness is entrusted to the humil- close connection between the sacraity of virtues practiced but not parad- ment of Penance and that of the ed: "Thus, when you give alms, sound Eucharist, in which, by recalling Jesus' no trumpet before you.... When you Passion, "mens impletur gratia et futupray, go into your room and shut the roe gloriae nobis pignus datur". door and pray to your Father in secret" Practically speaking, in fidelity to (Mt 6:2,6). In giving the life of grace, he God's saving plan, as he in fact wished

positions of holiness or at to fulfil it, "we must overleast of striving for holiness. come the rather wideIndulgences, therefore, "far spread tendency to from being a sort of 'disreject any salvific medicount' on the duty of conation and to put the indiversion, are instead an aid to vidual sinner in direct its prompt, generous, and contact with God" radical fulfilment" (General (Audience to the PorAudience, 29 September tuguese Bishops on an 1999, n. 5; L'Osservatore "ad limina" visit, 30 Romano English edition, 6 November 1999, n. 4; October 1999, p. 15). L'Osservatore Romano A plenary indulgence, in English edition, 15 fact, requires complete December 1999, p. 9). detachment from sin and Thus, "may one of the reception of the sacraments fruits of the Great of Penance and the Jubilee of the Year 2000 Eucharist in hierarchical be the general return of the with communion the Christian faithful to Church, expressed through the sacramental pracprayer for the intentions of tice of Confession" the Supreme Pontiff. (ibid.). Priests must fully live their he merciful love of mission of forgiveness God, who invites us strongly urge priests to to return and is ready to the faithful, with teach forgive, knows no limits Meet confession - a Catholic priest listens to a woman's confession on a sandbagged street in Slubice, Poland, in 1997 appropriate and intensive of time or place. Ilisst residents of the city had been evacuated for fear of sodden dikes giving way from Hoods that year. rah-chests, to take advan• mlirougn tile mims of the Church, not only for Jerusalem, (12:10). The love of God, although not to the consequent remission of infernal tage of the great good of indulgences as Zechariah prophesied, but for the restricted in time and space, shines punishment, the Lord, dives in miseri- according to the mind and heart of the whole world there is always "an open forth in a most special way during the cordia, also adds, through the Church's Church. In particular, priest confessors could fountain to purify from sin and Jubilee Year to the essential gift of the ministry, the remission of temporal uncleanness" (13:1), pouring out upon restoration of grace, ordinarily given punishment by the gift of indulgences, very usefully assign indulgenced pracall "a spirit of grace and petition" through the sacrament of Penance, and obviously if gained with the proper dis- tices to their penitents as sacramental

penance, provided that the criteria of due proportion to the sins confessed are always observed. If for no other reason than the ministry of forgiveness entrusted to him by the Lord, the priest's mission deserves to be lived in its fullness: the salvation of his brothers and sisters cannot fail to be a source of profound spiritual joy for him. With this certainty,I raise my prayer to the merciful Lord for all the members of the Apostolic Penitentiary and for the young men preparing for their future priesthood, that he will grant them total generosity in offering themselves for the service of souls in the intimacy of the penitential dialogue, for it is especially then that the priest Is 'God's co-worker' in constructing 'God's building" (cf. 1 Cor 3:9). As a pledge of abundant heavenly favours, I send a special Apostolic Blessing to Your Eminence, to your collaborators, to the father confessors and to everyone attending the course on the internal forum. From the Vatican, 1 April 2000. Joamies Paulus II Translation: courtesy of L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 12 April 2000, page 5, and Eternal Word Television Network The Record, May 18 2000 Page 9

News and Features The ecord 100 years ago With Mary Busher, Perth Catholic Church Archives volunteer

Excerpts from the WA Catholic Record 19 May, 1900.

A fish turns up - in an unlikely place It will be astonishing to many to learn that there are fish in the floodwaters now lying about the Kalgoorlie district. The fact was clearly demonstrated when a digger, Mr McDonald, brought into the town a tin of water with a fish about an inch long, which he had caught in a small hole near the Orotava. The hole had been dry until the recent rains and it is curious how the fish could have got into the water. It was exhibited yesterday in a glass of water in one of the windows of Messrs Hocking and Co's Hannan Street establishment.

Newcastle and York get ready Both Newcastle and York are preparing for an influx of residents as the herald of coming prosperity The newly opening up of Norman's Estate at Newcastle and the Mount Hardey estate at York, inviting speculators from Perth and the Eastern Goldfields, bids fair to confer incalculable benefits on both old districts. struggling along the roundabout way

MP hoist on his own petard Editorial comment: An impression received from reading a report of the speech delivered at Cue by parliamentarian Mr Illingworth is that he had nothing new to put forward. He rebuked the Premier Sir John Forrest for alleged mistakes, but was not careful to avoid exposure of himself to a similar reproach. Sir John Forrest, for example has been enthusiastic in his advocacy of the Coolgardie Water Scheme and exuberant, as well as premature, in hailing it as a glorious success. But Mr Illingworth is no less at fault in condemning it, as he does, as a disastrous failure.

The attack of the grasshoppers Myriads of grasshoppers are reported to have done great damage to the grass on stations in the Roebourne area. In some places the herbage has been totally demolished. The man who evolves a scheme by which this pest can be exterminated will earn the undying gratitude of the squatters.

New evangelisation call gelise ourselves first That really Continued form Page 1 This proclamation of the con- goes without saying." 'We cannot proclaim the Gospel version of Australia as a priority at national level would "fit in if we ourselves do not believe it extremely well with the forth- and live it. 'But we are always in the coming Exhortation 'Ecclesia in Oceania' that Pope John Paul was process of conversion. 'To wait till that is accomplished expected to present in Noumea in New Caledonia sometime after does not make sense. 'Worse, it would prevent us fulEaster next year. The exhortation would com- filling our mission of evangelisaplete the initial work of the Synod tion 'ad gentes'.' Archbishop Hickey said the for Oceania held in Rome in Catholic Church in Australia's November 1998. This New Evangelisation, as the presentation of the Gospel 'needs Pope calls it, was a re-evangelisa- to reflect the call of Jesus Christ tion "the presentation of the Good to repentance, a conversion to a News of Jesus Christ to a modern life of love in Him lived in the secularised society, even if found- community of the Church, the pursuit of virtue, the eschatologied on Christian principles.' This evangelisation would be a cal dimension of eternal life and personal conversion that simulta- the Judeo-Christian emphasis of neously expressed itself in work- the primacy of God.' Presenting the fullness of the ing to convert non-believers. 'It would be unfortunate,' he truth lived in the community of said, 'if we delayed our redemp- the Church meant escaping the tive mission to the world, our call narrowness of Protestant evanto people everywhere to conver- gelical churches that do not sion, by saying that we must evan- accept the role of the Church and

the "mystical experience of the News and the teachings of the Sacraments' on the one hand, and Church, otherwise we will proa narrow social justice message claim a jumbled and incoherent whose "energy for changing the message.' The new evangelisation would face of the earth does not come from a converted heart fully unit- also mean greater use of the seced with Christ, animated by His ular media to spread Christ's mesSpirit and His teachings,' on the sage. "At present the critics of the Church appear to be in possesother hand. 'Action for justice can easily be sion. 'I would like to see us publicly removed from their Christian context by political parties and commit a major part of our venspecial interest groups that have ture into the E-communications no place for conversion to Christ,' field to direct evangelisation of he said. the world around us.' There would also have to be a 'It is surely Catholic truth that conversion to Christ and work for presentation to the world of the justice are both essential to the Catholic vision of marriage, human sexuality, human dignity, understanding of the Gospel.' Archbishop Hickey said any the equality of all races under new evangelisation in Australia God and the true and eternal desneeded an appeal to Catholics to tiny of humanity Archbishop Hickey asked that "end their internal squabbles and cease vilifying one another, recog- these goals be incorporated in the nising instead their oneness in terms of reference of the committee for evangelisation. The bishJesus Christ." It is most important therefore ops were still considering for all Catholics to be "united in Archbishop Hickey's call at the their understanding of the Good time The Record went to press.

Carroll new President as bishops elect committees Australia's Catholic Bishops have elected Archbishop Francis Carroll of Canberra president of their national conference body at Its meeting in Sydney this week. He replaces Cardinal Edward Clancy of Sydney who is waiting for Pope John Paul II to accept his resignation as Archbishop of Sydney tendered in late 1998 on havnormal ing reached the retirement age of 75 for a bishop. Perth's Archbishop Barry Hickey was elected to two committees of the bishops' conference that he had not previously been a member of - Evangelisation and Missions, and Media. At the same time, he relinquished his posts as chairman of the Liturgy Committee and chairman of Migrants and Refugees. By virtue of his position as a metropolitan archbishop, he remains on the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference central commission, which acts as an executive body of the the conference in

between its twice-yearly meetings. Bishop Robert Healy of Perth is no longer of member of any conference committee as he is expected to hand his retirement to Pope John Paul later this year upon having reached the age of 75. Bishop Justin Bianchini of Geraldton retains his position on the Committee for Clergy and Religious, but as chairman rather than secretary. Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome remains on the Committees for Aborigines and evangelisation and missions, and joins the committee for justice, development and peace. Bishop Peter Quinn of Bunbury remains on the Media committee and joins the Committee for Canon Law. Bishop Patrick Dougherty of Bathurst has taken Archbishop Hickey's place as chairman of the Migrants and Refugees committee. Archbishop George Pell of

Melbourne has joined the Committee for Doctrine and Morals as chairman. Bishops are elected to the different committees for two-year terms. In other news from the bishops' conference, the bishops approved the establishment of a campus of the Rome-based John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family in Melbourne. The campus will be at Victoria Parade, East Melbourne on the site that currently houses the Catholic Theological college, the Melbourne Archdiocese Pastoral Formation Centre and the Mannix Library. The institute, which is part of the Pontifical Lateran University, will offer Masters' degrees in theology in bioethics and in pastoral studies - all with a marriage and family focus - as well as certificates and diplomas in the same areas. Pontifical licentiates and doctorates with specialisations in

marriage and the family would also be offered in due course. All these degrees would be granted by the Pontifical Lateran University It is anticipated the Institute will have its first intake in July 2001. Also in the area of family and marriage, the bishops have chosen Patricia and Glen Mowbray as the official delegates of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference to the world meeting of Pope John Paul with families in Rome in October. In a statement to the media released last Tuesday while the conference was still in session, the bishops also revealed that the Vatican has requested that Australia be the focal point for the World Day of the Sick celebrations in 2001. The World Day of the Sick will be celebrated on Sunday, 11 February 2001 in Sydney Continued on Page 15

Brendan might have discovered the Americas B Lye In ekfist 2000

rendan was born at Tralee learning, with over 3000 monks. in Ireland. According to Unfortunately, the monastery legend, he was raised and and town were destroyed in 1541 educated by the Abbess St Ita at by the English, and only the Perth historian Dr Jennifer Skerritt sheds her school for boys in County Cathedral remains, still occupied some light on Catholic history to mark 2000 Limerick. by the Church of England. years of Christianity. This week: He was renowned as a fearless Saint Brendan's voyages were traveller, at a time when travel transformed into a legendary Saint Brendan the Navigator was neither safe nor comfortable. Christian sea adventure, the VoyAD. 484-577 He made long sea voyages in age of Brendan. his coracle, a small round leather This Irish epic was translated Iceland. (Apparently Irish monks may have reached America is row-boat. into Latin in the early tenth cen- did not have very high expecta- supported by the discovery of According to St Adamnan, he tury, as the Nayigatio Brendani tions of paradise; all these some carvings in West Virginia, and became popular throughout islands are bleak and cold.) visited the Hebrides. reputed to be in Old Irish, using He also went to Northern Scot- Europe. the Irish Ogham script. It has been suggested that BrenAlthough the story is written in land, and possibly visited Wales, They show many Christian have visited the dan might an heroic, epic style, every detail and Brittany in France. symbols and may have been left, Islands, in the Atlantic off Canary After becoming a monk and a is clearly based on authentic the coast of Africa, which are at either by Brendan or by other priest, he was put in charge of sailor's reports. monks who followed in his wake Either monks or explorers least warm. the Abbey of Ardfert, in Kerry. on missionary endeavours. More radically, some people He later founded several other among the Irish had clearly St Brendan's island was sought monasteries in Ireland and Scot- made these voyages at some (mostly Americans) believe that by sailors from the tenth century time. Brendan discovered America on land. until the time of Columbus and his voyage. The Voyage of Saint Brendan The most famous, founded in later. 561, was at Clonfert in County describes a journey by Brendan This theory is not completely Many people even believe that Galway, where Brendan was and sixty monks in a currach (a impossible. it was Brendan's trip which buried after his death, in his 94th small leather covered boat) in I n 1976, an Columbus to discover Englishman, named inspired search of 'a mysterious land far year. Tim Severin, re-enacted a voyage the New World. from human ken'. Brendan's monastery and like that of Brendan and his Brendan is the patron saint of After many wanderings they cathedral at Clonfert expanded monks from Ireland to the Unitsailors and travellers over water. and flourished for many cen- reach "that paradise amid the ed States, in the same type of ship He is also the patron of whales, waves of the sea," possibly the turies, withstanding even Viking as he encountered many on his raids. Clonfert became a cele- Hebrides or the Northern Isles of and using the same technology The possibility that Brendan voyages. brated centre of education and Orkney and Shetland, or even

The Record, 'May 18 2000 Page 10

Fatima's Third Secret Revealed

Assassin Agca claims 'unwitting agent' status By John 'Mavis ROME (CNS) - After the Vatican said the third secret of Fatima foretold the 1981 assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II, the Turkish gunman in that attack proclaimed himself an "unwitting instrument" in a divine plan. Mehmet All Agca, who is serving a life sentence in an Italian prison for shooting and seriously wounding the Pope in 1981, said through his lawyer on 14 May that he felt relieved from the weight of responsibility by the disclosure of the secret "I was an unwitting instrument In a mysterious design: Now I know this with certainty," Agca was quoted as saying by his lawyer, Marina Magistrelli. Agca said he would further explain his thoughts in a letter to the Pope on the occasion of the 'pontiffs 80th birthday on 18 May. Magistrelli said Agca had watched TV coverage of the Pope's Mass at Fatima, Portugal, on 13 May when Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, announced that the "third secret" which was revealed by Mary to three children in 1917 Involved a prediction of a war waged by atheistic systems

Photo: CNS

Pope John Paul ll talks with Tuddsh terrorist Mehmet All Agca in Agca's prison cell in Rome in 1985.

against the Church. The message also referred to a "bishop clothed in white" who "falls to the ground, apparently dead under a burst of gunfire," Cardinal Sodano said. He said Pope John Paul 11 believes this foretold his being shot and seriously wounded in St Peter's Square on 13 May, 1981 the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. The Pope met with Agca in his prison cell first in 1983 and forgave the gunman. On that occasion, Agca later recounted, he asked the Pope about the third secret of Fatima, but the Pope would not discuss it. Later, Agca began claiming that he was part of a divine design

connected with the Fatima apparitions. He also made other claims' that he was Jesus Christ that he was an angel, and that he was sent by God to announce the end of the world. Agca at one point claimed that the papal shooting was carried out on the orders of Bulgarian intelligence officials. Bulgarian and Turkish defendants were acquitted in 1986, in a trial that featured incoherent outbursts by Agca. Agca later said the Bulgarian connection was a fabrication of Italian intelligence officials who had promised him early release if he went along with their plan. In recent years, Agca has said he acted on his own in shooting the Pope. Agca, a Muslim, had publicly threatened to kill the pontiff in 1979 when the Pope visited ThrIcey; in a letter to several 'RAW]; newspapers, he called the Pope a "crusader commander" sent by Western imperialists. After Agca shot the Pope in 1981, he was immediately wrestled to the ground and arrested. A letter found in his hotel room said he had committed the act to demonstrate the "imperialistic crimes" of the Soviet Union and

Pope John Paul II is helped by aides after being shot in St Peter's Square on Photo CNS 13 May, 1981.

the United States. For several years, Agca and his relatives have pressured Italian justice officials to release him, saying he has served long enough. Now 42 years old, Agca would be eligible for conditional release in 2005. Italian press reports quot-

ed Agca as saying that if released, he would travel to Fatima to pray for 10 days. That is an unlikely scenario, since Turkish authorities want Agca back in their country to serve a life sentence for the killing of a Turkish journalist in 1979.

Secrets' keeper awaits Christ's Vicar 'Follow Fatima Continued from Page 1 along with her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco, saw Our Lady of Fatima in 191Z gave The cardinal said that in the secret, as the the Pope 300 rosaries she had made. Pope "makes his way with great effort The Pope met privately with Sister Lucia toward the Cross amid the corpses of those in the basilica at the Fatima shrine before who were martyred - bishops, priests, men the beatification Mass. and women religious and many lay perPope John Paul asked Sister Lucia how sons - he, too, falls to the ground, apparold she is, Navarro-Valls said. ently dead under a burst of gunfire." When the nun replied, "93," they both Mehmet All Agca, a lurk, tried to assassmiled. sinate the Pope in St Peter's Square on the As she sat by Francisco's tomb waiting for feast of Our Lady of Fatima in 1981. the Pope, Sister Lucia responded briefly to Cardinal Sodano said that after the shootreporters' questions. ing "it appeared 'evident to His Holiness She said she was "very happy" that her that it was 'a motherly hand which guided cousins were being beatified. the bullet's path,- saving the Pope's life. Already informed of the Pope's decision Pope John Paul has directed the Congreto reveal the secret, which she had written gation for the Doctrine of the Faith to predown in 1943 and placed in a wax-sealed pare a commentary to help people envelope, Sister Lucia said, "It is a day of understand the message, then to make the glory for God and for Our Lady." message and the commentary public, the She said the only thing she had to tell the said. cardinal world was: -Try to be faithful to God and Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Vatican thankful for his graces." spokesman, told reporters on the papal During the beatification Mass, the Pope flight back to Rome on 13 May that publiasked children to try to be like Jacinta and cation was expected "within days, perhaps Francisco in listening to Mary and followa week." ing her to Jesus. In his Mass homily, Pope John Paul said Dozens of children in the crowd were the Fatima children demonstrated how "litdressed in costumes to look like Jacinta tle ones" may be able to grasp important and Franciscos. truths mom quickly than their elders. "You look good," the Pope told them. In the course of the 20th century, the Pope "Our Lady needs each of you to console Pope John Paul II prays at the Fatima said, thousands and thousands of people Jesus, who is sad because of the injustices Photo: CNS/Reuters died in the struggle between good and evil. hiPodugal on 13 May. they do to him," he said. "She needs your "My thoughts go to the horrors of the two knelt in prayer near the statue before lead- prayers and your sacrifices for sinners." 'great wars' and those of other wars in ing a brief prayer service. Pope John Paul said that by listening to many parts of the world, to the concentraApproaching the statue, he left a small Mary, the newly beatified "reached the tion and extermination camps, the gulags, red box and an envelope at Mary's feet. summit of perfection in a short time." ethnic cleansing and persecutions, terror- The box contained the gold ring that the The Pope said Francisco was preoccupied ism, kidnapping, drugs, the attacks on the late Polish Cardinal Stefan VVyszynski of with Jesus being sad because of sinners. unborn and on the family," he said. Warsaw gave him shortly after his election The boy's only desire was "to console In Mary's message at Fatima, the Pope as Pope. Jesus and make him happy" said, "these times of tribulation were foreThe cardinal had told the Pope that he "Little Jacinta shared and lived this afflictold, and Our Lady asked for prayers and would lead the Church into the third mil- tion of Our Lady," that is, Mary's worry for penance to abbreviate them. " lennium. sinners who would end up in Hell, the Pope "Today I want to thank heaven for the Italian and Portuguese newspaper and said. strength of the testimony" given by Jacinta television reports were filled with specula"All the modifications and penances and Francisco, he said. tion that the letter the Pope left spoke of his seemed a small price to her to save sin"And, once again,I want to celebrate the resignation now that he had led the Church ners." Lord's goodness to me, when, seriously Into the Holy Year 2000. The children prayed often, gave their struck that May 13, 1981,I was saved from Navarro-Valls, the papal spokesman, said lunches to poor children and wore rough death," Pope John Paul said. the reports were "150 per cent" wrong; the ropes around their thighs in order to offer "I express my recognition also to Blessed letter simply explains the history of the their sacrifices to Mary. And once people Jacinta for her sacrifices and prayers for ring and its personal significance to the started hearing about the apparitions, the the Holy Father, whom she had seen suffer Pope. children endured harsh questioning at the much," the Pope said, referring to part of The ring, he said, "is one of the most pre- hands of church and civil authorities, the the Fatima message. cious things the Holy Father owns. The doubts of their parents and the constant As a sign of his gratitude to Mary, the Pope was trying to think of what to give attention of the curious. Pope sent one of the bullets used in the Our Lady, and he decided on this precious Francisco died in 1919 at the age of 10. ring. Any other interpretation is without Jacinta died shortly before her 10th birthassassination attempt to Fatima. It is now embedded in the crown on the foundation." But the Pope also received a day in 1920. With millions of Europeans, statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the shrine. special gift at Fatima. they were victims of the Spanish flu epiCarmelite Sister Lucia dos Santos, who demic. Arriving in Fatima on 12 May, the Pope

children's example - now' By Anthony Barich

The occasion of the beatification of the Fatima children last Sunday should be used by Catholics as a chance to reflect and become saints themselves, said Fr Timothy Deeter of the Casa Frassati Vocations Discernment Centre. Fr Deeter gave a talk at St Mary's Cathedral on the significance of the events which occurred in Fatima in 1917 last Sunday, 13 May. the anniversary of the first appearance of Mary to the three children. Fr Deeter said that Catholics should take a leaf out of the children's books if they are to see God's face after this life. 'We live in a society which get . caught up in getting ahead in the day-to-day life. 'As Christians we have to be counter,cultural. We honour Christ, knowing the suffering will end in joy.' 'These [Fatima] kids went from seeing Mary to dying within only two years (1917-1919)," he said. Fr Deeter said adult Catholics sometimes get involved in various Church movements or their parish for two years or so but really go nowhere. 'In fact, we regress,' he said. "We are the same people as we were two years ago. 'Now Jesus gives us a chance to begin again, to become saints in [the period where we are involved in our own Catholic communities]. 'Because we are called to become saints today, not tomorrow.' In his speech to over 700 people, he said: 'We underestimate the power of our children to believe in God and to love Him, and we ourselves need to recapture a childlike spirituality.' he said. While the Fatima children had their own relationship with God, Fr Deeter said we need to make our own covenant. At the time Mary appeared the focus was on peace. 'but peace can't be made by treaties [like those made by world powers at the timer 'We need to make our own treaty with God. Because human treaties tend to fail - we sign and break` The Record, May 18 2000 Page 11

International News

Uni's Jubilee program New York's new bishop 'cultural event of 2000' In Brief

WASHINGTON (CNS) Pope John Paul II has appointed Bishop Edward Egan of Bridgeport, Connecticut, 68, as archbishop of New York, succeeding the late Cardinal John O'Connor, who died on 3 May. Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the US, announced the appointment in Washington on 11 May. Archbishop Egan is a Chicago-area native and canon lawyer who served 12 years as a judge in the Roman Rota, the Church's central appellate court. He was a New York auxiliary bishop for three years under Cardinal O'Connor and was archdiocesan vicar of education there before he was named to head the Bridgeport Diocese in November 1988.

Confession seal MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (CNS) - An Ohio priest who was stabbed while hearing his attacker's confession told police the seal of confession will prevent him from testifying against his assailant. According to a statement from Middletown police, Father Charles Mentrup, 41, an associate pastor at Incarnation Parish, was stabbed early on 5 May at his residence while hearing his assailant's confession. The suspect in the attack, Marcus Finefrock, 25, of Columbus, Ohio, turned himself in on the night of 7 May.

Muslims cancel CAIRO, Egypt (CNS) - Islamic dialogue leaders in Egypt, disappointed in the Church's recent statements of apology for historical wrongs. have postponed a scheduled session Catholic-Muslim scheduled for early May. The conference, on the topic of religious education and spiritual beliefs, was to have Involved participants from Rome's sAngelicum University and the theological college of the Azhar University, Sunni Islam's leading institution of higher learning.

Vatican signs up WARSAW, Poland (CNS) The Vatican has signed a series of agreements with Lithuania regulating the Catholic Church's position a decade after the collapse of communist rule. A Church spokesman said the three texts covering juridical issues, educational and cultural cooperation, and military chaplains could be ratified by the Seimas, or parliament, early in the northern-hemisphere summer.

Grateful GalHot LYONS, France (CNS) - In a sign of reconciliation with his fellow livrich bishops, Bishop Jacques Galllot expressed his thanks for an invitation to participate in an ecumenical meeting. The Vatican removed Bishop Gaillot from his post in Evreux in January 1995 after he publicly challenged Church teaching on contraception, priestly celibacy and the use of condoms in AIDS prevention programs.

By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican announced the program for the Jubilee for Universities, calling it the "cultural event of the Holy Year." Officials released the schedule for the 9-10 September jubilee event, organised by the Congregation for Catholic Education, the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Diocese of Rome, at a 9 May press conference at the Vatican. The Italian Ministry for Universities and Research is also contributing logistical support. Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said the Jubilee for Universities represented an opportunity for "cultural dialogue, an exchange of diverse experiences" that can lead to a "renewed intellectual fervour which cannot help

Photo. CNS

Photo CNS KNA

French Cardinal Paul Poupaid

Archbishop Zenon Grocholewski

but positively impact the progress of all society." Efforts at constructing a "new humanism," the theme of the Jubilee for Universities, can also foster ecumenical and interreligious dialogue by fol-

lowing the "path of friendship and companionship between culture and faith," he said. Archbishop Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, emphasised

the potential long-term positive effects of the event, saying the Jubilee for Universities "cannot and must not end with the celebration." it is a favourable occasion to increase university pastoral care in the local churches, both in the dimension of the spiritual care of university members and in the less developed realm of animating culture, of fruitful dialogue between science and faith," said Archbishop Grocholewski. Exploring the relationship between faith and reason is one of the most important aspects of the event, said Archbishop Giuseppe Pittau, secretary of the education congregation. "A culture based on man cannot give all the answers," he said. "But a faith that is not immersed in reality cannot be a faith for humanity," said the archbishop.

Rights record lack of action rebuked Spirituality By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Helping to present an exhaustive report on religious freedom around the world, the head of the Vatican's missionary news service sharply criticised inaction against countries' failure to respect human rights. "Freedom of religion is often affirmed in words, with no real consequences," Father Bernardo Cervellera, director of Fides, said on 11 May. Father Gervellera cited China's repeated success in blocking discussion of its human rights record

at the UN, despite numerous reports of serious rights violations in the communist country. The Chinese government exercises strict control over religion and recognises only State-registered faiths. Since 1957, China has had a State-sanctioned Catholic Patriotic Association, which rejects papal authority, and an underground Church, which professes loyalty to the Pope. Father Cervellera expressed concern over US moves to establish permanent normal trade relations for China, saying eagerness for trade agreements would like-

ly temper any criticism of human rights violations. "We must convince governments that there can be no economic opening without a political one, without discussing the question of human rights," he said. Father Cervellera spoke at a 10 May press conference to the mark the release of a report on religious liberty by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic organisation supporting Christian communities living in poverty or under severe oppression. The report uses Fides material as well as Vatican statistics and other sources.

Mass diaconate claim to be checked By Jim Hodgson MEXICO Gm( (CNS) - A Vatican official said he was investigating what appeared to be liturgical irregularities carried out by the former head of the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas at the ordination of more than 100 Indigenous men as deacons in January. Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, the head of the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments, told reporters in Mexico City on 3 May he was heading the investigation of Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, who retired in March. Working with the cardinal were representatives

of the Vatican's secretary of state and the Pontifical Congregationsfor the Doctrine of the Faith, Clergy and Catholic Education. "As you see this is not a low-level group, and moreover the investigation is advanced," said the cardinal. He was in Mexico as Pope John Paul II's representative to a National Eucharistic Congress held from 2-7 May. News reports alleged that Bishop Ruiz had ordained women Photo: CNS/Reuter, during the ceremony. But Bishop Bishop Samuel Ruiz Galvin Ruiz's successor, Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, said Bishop liturgical signs used during the Ruiz had blessed the deacon's ordination were "insufficiently wives and had not executed lay- careful," adding that investigators ing on of hands as in an ordina- had asked Bishop Ruiz for his tion. Cardinal Medina said some explanation.

sport link

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Done well, sports become a significant expression of high human values, Pope John Paul II said. Sporting activity "is a unique expression of the best interior energies of man and his capacity to overcome difficulties and to choose goals to he gained with sacrifice, generosity and perseverance in facing the challenges of competition," he said on 21 May. The Pope made his remarks during a meeting with the 180 cyclists participating in the 2000 Giro d'Italia, a professional bicycle race that was to begin on 13 May in Rome and conclude on 4 June in Milan. He highlighted the values of 'rigor in preparation, perseverance in training, knowledge of the limits of the person's abilities, fairness in competition, acceptance of precise rules, respect for one's adversary, a sense of solidarity and altruism." A fortnight earlier the Pope called on Europe's soccer stars to act as role models for the young, but called on officials of the multi-billion dollar soccer industry to ensure that the sport "is not submerged by other concerns, especially economic ones."

Islamic army attacks Catholics in Sudan, hunger looms ROME, MAY 15 (ZENIT) - During Sudanese government-sponsored raids, which wreaked havoc on villages in the Lumun area of the Nuba Mountains last month, more than 1,000 Nuba civilians were abducted by government troops, including two catechists. One catechist managed to escape during the raid, according to Gabriel Meyer of the Sudan Relief and Rescue organisation. He fled with the rest of the population to the surrounding hills. Eventually, the Sudanese People's Liberation Army forces that control the area repelled the Incursion. However, the destruction of villages and agriculture

The Record, May 18 2000 Page 12

has left 5,000 people in Lumun risking starvation. The attack occurred in mid-April as part of a two-month long government offensive against 'rebel strongholds" in the Nuba Mountains. During the April raids, troops burned villages, pillaged livestock and food stores, and kidnapped 1,140 local civilians in an area under the pastoral care of Bishop Macram Max Gassis of El Obeid, a champion of human rights in this war-torn African nation. According to unconfirmed reports, the hostages were taken to government-sponsored 'peace villages' (really concentration camps) in the area where, accord-

ing to some who have escaped,

food and shelter is provided only to those who convert to Islam. Families are often split up in such camps, women forced into prostitution, and the young and ablebodied conscripted into forced labour or into Islamic militias. Captured catechists and other Church personnel are killed, or face months of torture in Sudanese prisons in order to force them to convert to Islam. A decade ago, one of Bishop Gassis' Nuba catechists was crucified by his government abductors. The 5,000 survivors of the Lumun raid also face grim months

in the future unless relief supplies reach them soon. As Sudan's military planners well know, April is the planting season for the Nuba. With their grain stores empty and their fields destroyed, the survivors are in desperate need not only of emergency food supplies, but also of seed and tools to clear new fields and plant before the rainy season begins in earnest this summer. Government raids this spring have successfully targeted Nubas' key agricultural areas, so that emergency food surplus in the region is down, bringing with it the risk of widespread famine this northern-hemisphere autumn.

International News

Methodists apologise to Catholics for past wrongs CLEVELAND (CNS) - Taking a cue from Pope John Paul II, the United Methodist General Conference has asked the forgiveness of Roman Catholics for any Methodist wrongs toward Catholics. Meeting in Cleveland from 2-12 May, the conference issued a statement on 8 May to the Pope, joining him in his jubilee-year expression of sorrow for past misdeeds or failures. Methodists accept the Pope's apology "for the use of force in the

search for truth, practiced against our Protestant forebears in the Christian faith," the statement said. "In the instance of misunderstandings, insensitivities and harm brought about by the United Methodist Church and its predecessors in faith, to the Roman Catholic Church and Roman Catholics, we, in turn, ask forgiveness for our deeds of commission and omission." The statement went on to "recognise our shared culpability in wrongs of both thought and

Pope gives bishop his _ _oral support By Benedicta Cipolla VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II offered his moral support to a Rwandan bishop facing the death penalty in a trial on charges that he was an accomplice in genocide. Prosecutors in the trial of Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro, 5Z asked a Rwandan court on 9 May to sentence the bishop to death. Pope John Paul sent the bishop a telegram on 10 May "in the face of the painful news which has reached me about your detention in prison, which has gone on already 13 months, and even more in the face of the request for capital punishment." "I feel the obligation to renew onto again to you, beloved pastor of the Diocese of Gikongoro, the promise of my closeness as well as that of the whole Church," the pope wrote. "While Ipray that your freedom soon will be restored and you can return to the loving guidance of your diocesan community. I invoke from the risen Lord the consoling presence of his Spirit, while from my heart I send my apostolic blessing," the telegram said. Bishop Misago's lawyers presented their closing arguments at the trial on 11 May. A verdict is expected to be issued on 15 June. In a 10 May Vatican Radio interview, one of the bishop's lawyers said he was "simply stupefied that they could ask for a condemna-

action that Roman Catholics and United Methodists have exhibited toward the multitudes of persons living in poverty, in illness, without education and under the scourges of racism; indigenous peoples of the world; women; Jews, Muslims and peoples of other living faiths." The statement expressed joy at the mutual understanding gained in recent decades and said, "We look forward to increased understanding that is brought about by prayer, dialogue and reflection."

United The United Methodist Church has chairman of the about 8.5 million members. Methodist-Roman Catholic DiaIts General Conference, held logue in the US. every four years, is its highest leg"We are in real, if yet imperfect islative and policy-making body communion with one another. We At an ecumenical service on 10 strive, in response to God's grace May, at which Anglican Archbish- in Jesus Christ, to perfect that op George Carey of Canterbury, communion together." England, was the featured He asked God's blessings on the homilist, Bishop William Skylstad deliberations of the conference's of Spokane, Washington, greeted 992 delegates and offered particthe group on behalf of the ular praise for Methodists' ecuCatholic Church. menical work and their "witness "In Christ we are one," said Bish- with the African-American op Skylstad, who is Catholic co- churches to the sin of racism. . . .

Kenya anti-debt protesters arrested By Declan Walsh

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) - Nine Catholic religious, including an American missionary brother and two Irish nuns, will ill stand trial in Kenya for taking part in a debt relief march. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment Divine Word Brother Andre Hotchkiss of Dubuque, Iowa, Irish Loreto Sister Nuala Brangan and Irish Mercy Sister Therese Stritch are among those going to trial on 22 May. were arrested outside the World Bank building in the capital, Nairobi, on 13 April. Riot police wearing protective helmets and wielding batons struck some of the protesters before forcing 75 people into a waiting van. The group was taken

to the Nairobi central police station, where they were detained for 18 hours in a cramped cell. The following morning, 63 of the protesters, including the nine religious, were charged with unlawful assembly and were released on bail of 3,000 shillings (US$40) each. nocaire, the Irish bishops' international relief and development ca for the charges agency has called against the protesters to be dropped. "This came as a complete surprise to us. We are very uncertain about what is going to happen in court," said Trocaire's Kenya program officer, Nessa Ni Chasaide. She said no one expected trouble because march organisers had given prior notice to authorilies. Police officers watched the group parade peacefully through the city centre for more than an

hour before other police in riot gear intervened. Pleas from World Bank officials not to go ahead with the arrests were ignored by the supervising officer. Sister Brangan said: "I turned around and the police were beating someone with a rod, and next thing I knew we were being arrested." Father Flavian Mwendwa, vicar general in the Kitui Diocese of eastern Kenya, was also arrested, as were three Kenyan Good Shepherd Sisters, a Sister of St Joseph and a Sister from the Our Lady of the Missions order. At first police told the religious they would not be charged if they left, but they refused to go. "We said that if our own people couldn't go, then we weren't going either," said Brother Hotchkiss. The protesters were kept for the night in a cell measuring approximately 7 by 9 metres.

Child soldiers escape rebels By Alpha Jalloh

Rwandan Bishop Augustin Misago is seen on trial for genocide last year in Photo CNS Marco Longan

lion to death only on the basis of deductions and false declarations." Alfred Pognon, the lawyer, said, "There has not been even a minimum clarification regarding the accusations, which multiplied" as the trial went on. Pognon told the radio, "I truly would like to be able to count on justice, butIconfessIam not completely calm. "The fact is that we are facing ethnic prejudices; it is the only explanation for how a man who sought to give a court explanations and clarifications could be 'demonised' to this degree."

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (CNS) - As fighting resumed in Sierra Leone between rebels of the Revolutionary United Front and pro-government forces, about 100 child soldiers cared for by Caritas, the Church's charitable agency. escaped from rebels. The supervisor of Caritas projects in Sierra Leone, John Thorley, told CNS that the children had been in a rehabilitation camp at Lunsar, in northern Sierra Leone. When rebels drove UN troops from the North and fought with pro-government forces on 8 May, the rebels attempted to lure former child soldiers into rejoining the conflict, but the children escaped, he said. They had walked about 50 miles when they were spotted by a helicopter and were airlifted to Freetown, Thorley said. "They have been relocated to Lung! town," Thorley said of the children. The town is a few miles up the coast from Freetown. Thorley said Caritas suspended its activities because of increased fighting. "Those trapped behind rebel lines are suffering because we can

no longer deliver medical aid to them," he said. He expressed fear that more children would be abducted by the rebels. "The rebels usually habituate the children to hashish smoking and consumption of hard drugs. If this continues, we are breeding a generation of wild animals," he said. He said Caritas received reports that most of the Catholic infrastructure that had been restored after earlier fighting had been destroyed again by the rebels. "We have to start all over again when the situation becomes normal," Thorley said. He added that some Caritas personnel were relocated to Lungi because rebels continued to advance toward Freetown. "The situation is uncertain. Lungi town is considered to be safer because of the deployment of British troops," he said. British paratroopers secured the Lungi airport in early May and airlifted some 300 people. Amadu Kamara, an escapee from Makeni, which until midMay was under rebel control, said the Caritas-run Loreto Clinic was "completely vandalised" and rebels burned the furniture to make a fuse for cooking. He said

A refugee boy carries buckets to fill with water at a refugee camp east of Freetown in Sierra Leone 12 May. The camp is occupied by thousands of civilian refugees who have fled rebel attacks. Photo. CNS Reuters

the carnage created by the latest fighting was unprecedented in the nine-year civil war. "The atrocities that were committed were the worst since the war started in 1991. The number of people killed was uncountable. People are starving because Catholic Relief Services can no longer deliver relief aid," he said.

Leif Ericson the Viking now Leif the Catholic and discoverer of the US By Mart Panson WASHINGION (CNS) - Acclaimed navigator Thor Heyerdahl said a document in storage in the Vatican's archives gives evidence for the contention that Leif Ericson, not Christopher Columbus, was the first European to travel by boat to the New World. But cherished elements of the Ericson saga will have to be abandoned, Heyerdahl said in an 11 May address at the National Press Club in Washington. Ericson was not a Viking, nor did he pilot

a Viking ship, although "he may have seen one" during his travels, said Heyerdahl, author of dozens of books, including KonTiki and The Ra Expeditions. What's more, Ericson, an Icelander, was converted to Catholicism by King Olaf of Norway and sent to Greenland to convert the "pagan" people living there, Heyerdahl said. "He took one priest and two catechists with him" on his craft, a merchant vessel more humble than a Viking ship, he added. Heyerdahl said his comments about Leif Ericson's. voyages, are contained in a new

book he has co-written in his native Norwegian tongue but not yet translated into English. He used both No Borders and No Barriers as its English-language title. "The year 1000 was as important to the Christian world as the year 2000 is now," said Heyerdahl, now 86. He said King Olaf of Norway wanted to leave his mark on the world by Christianising Greenland. Late in the year 999, he encouraged Ericson, the son of Eric the Red, to stay over the winter in Norway. It was then that Ericson converted to

Christianity and set out for Greenland, Heyerdahl said. How did Heyerdahl get his evidence that such events occurred? He went to the Vatican archives and asked. There it was - a document dated in the year 1070 reporting on the spread of Christianity in northern Europe. After Ericson made his initial voyage to Greenland, he made his way to "Vinland," so named because Ericson saw that wild grapes could grow in its climate. Heyerdahl suggested Newfoundland province in Canada as the location of Vinland.. ThdoRecor& May 18'2000 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Church in India rejects abortion as birth control

Crosses to stay, 'even if we suffer, die'

QUEZON crry, Philippines (CNS) - Red and white, symbolising a martyr's blood and resurrection, coloured the funeral of Claretian Father Rhoel Gallardo, who was tortured and slain by Muslim extremists in the southern Philippines. Balloons and flowers decked buses of relatives, confreres, bishops, priests, nuns and friends. They escorted the remains of the priest to the Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park in Quezon City, north of Manila, on 10 May. During the funeral Mass, Bishop Romulo de la Cruz of Isabela, Basilan province, said he would send for inclusion in the Vatican's list of modern martyrs the names of Father Gallardo and those kidnapped with him in Basilan. "Not one cross shall be removed in any church in Basilan even if (the Abu Sayyaf Muslim extremist group) will kidnap the bishop," Bishop de la Cruz said at the Claretian Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City. 'This is non-negotiable - we are willing to suffer and die for the cross," the bishop added. The

removal of all crosses was among demands made by the Abu Sayyaf during negotiations in April for the release of children, teachers, school officials and Father Gallardo. They were among 75 people seized on 20 March in Tumahubong, where Father Gallardo was pastor and director of the Claret School. Father Gallardo's remains lay in a white casket. Knots of thread held together his ripped scalp, and half of his left ear was torn off. His abductors shot him and three teachers at close range as the group fled military rescue operations in their mountain camp on 3 May. Survivors said their kidnappers beat up Father Gallardo when he inquired about missing hostages and when he refused to wear Muslim clothes and to pray the Muslim prayers. The priest also prayed the rosary at 6 pm every day. According to Bishop de la Cruz, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 75 people in March, but only 52 were taken to their camp. During his

homily on the eve of the burial, Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila said, "Upon the cross is displayed the reason why Father Rhoel had to culminate his life with a grotesque exit." He said Father Gallardo showed that Christianity is not about victory and power but "about trying and getting wounded and losing, and God taking up the broken pieces and making something of his own from it all." White roses were offered during that Mass. Bishop de la Cruz, a concelebrant, tearfully embraced Father Gallardo's mother during the offertory procession and handed her an envelope. He told UCA News it contained money offerings of people from Basilan, his letter to the Gallardos, a letter from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and the message of Pope John Paul II on the 3 May killings. The slain priest's mother, Raquel Dayap-Gallardo, told UCA News: "I have accepted (Father Gallardo's) fate and I'm very happy. I had offered him to the Lord when he entered the priesthood."

Yes to Chinese bishop: Vatican By John Norton

Those without shelter awake early 10 May in a sleeping area set aside for the homeless in the old section of New Delhi. Photo: CNS/Reuters

NEW DELHI (UCAN) - While India's population reached 1 billion on 11 May, the Indian government is planning stricter family planning measures but Church leaders and experts say that only development will check population growth. India's population reached 1 billion on the birth of a baby at 12:55 pm on 11 May, according to AR Nanda, secretary of the Family Welfare Department. According to the National Population Policy 2000 [report currently] before parliament, the federal and state governments will take population control measures such as giving incentives to small families and advertising birth control methods. Subsidies will be offered for easy abortion and for the production, promotion and distribution of contraceptives, Nanda said. The government's immediate aim is to provide for the unmet need for contraceptives, he added. However Jesuit Father Ambrose Pinto said that "seeing population as a problem is a faulty view," although issues like poverty and unemployment are associated with over-population. Father Pinto, director of the New Delhi-based Indian Social Institute, said that the government should tackle social issues such as poverty instead of interfering a

couple's right to decide on the size of the family He said educated and economically developed families opt for small families with no outside pressure. If the poor were given the same education and facilities to develop, the population would restrict itself, he said. JK Bhandhiya, Registrar General of India, said that nearly 300 million people live below the poverty line, lacking enough food to maintain the minimum needed calorie level. "The Church is aware that overpopulation is a serious problem for India," said Father Dominic Emmanuel, public relation officer of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India. However, it is "opposed to unnatural family planning methods such as abortion," he added. The Church official told UCA News that social, economic and political empowerment should be stressed to reverse overpopulation and "not abortion and forced population control methods." "The government must correct the lopsided distribution of wealth, education and other economic, social and political facilities in the country," he said, adding that equitable resource distribution will result in population control.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican gave prior approval to the ordination of a Chinese bishop and requested for the first time that all the ordaining bishops be In communion with Rome, said the Vatican's missionary news service, Fides. Bishop Zhao Fengchang, 66, was ordained bishop of Yanggu and 'apostolic administrator of Linging, both ecclesial territories in China's eastern Shandong province. The May 7 ordination Mass, attended by some 1,500 Catholics and several government officials, began with a public announcement that the Vatican had explic-

itly approved the ceremony. In the past the Vatican has given other ordinations prior approval. Depending on the circumstances, the prior approval has sometimes also been made public, Fides said on 10 May. But the 7 May ceremony marked the first time that the ordaining bishops were all in legitimate communion with the Holy See, at the Vatican's specific request, Fides said. The Vatican's involvement in the ordination "was a confirmation on the part of the Holy See and the Chinese church of the need for explicit communion with Rome, to also foster a greater unity among all Chinese Catholics," it said. In 1957, China's

Rome, Hanoi in agreement Saint cause advances VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Follow- caps on the number of people ing talks with Vietnamese gov- allowed into seminaries and reliernment representatives in gious orders as two obstacles to Hanoi, a Vatican official said the establishing diplomatic relations Holy See and the Communist with Vietnam. country agreed on the need to Reaching an accord on these resolve outstanding issues. Issues, said Mgr Migliore, can Mgr Celestino Migliore, an lead to "the normalisation of bilatassistant Vatican secretary of eral ties." state, told Vatican Radio on 11 'The picture is by now clear, and May that despite progress over there exists a consensus on the the past few years toward greater steps to take," he said. religious freedom in Vietnam, Vatican spokesman Joaquin "there remain fundamental diffi- Navarro-Valls said on 8 May that culties" that must be surmounted. an answer from the Vietnamese Mgr Migliore and Mgr Barnabe side is expected in the near Nguyen Van Phuong of the Con- future" regarding bishops. gregation for the Evangelisation Episcopal appointments have of Peoples met government and long been a point of contention Church officials during a 2-7 May between the Vatican and Vietnam. trip. Nominations must be sent to the In particular, Mgr Migliore men- Vietnamese government for tioned the nomination of bishops approval before candidates can and the current governmental be appointed.

Catholics stop some Protestants patenting clerical clothes SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) - a patent on the design of its shirt The Korean Catholic Church has uniform for pastors, which won a case against a Protestant includes a "Roman collar." group that patented clerical shirts However, the Catholic Bishops' resembling the shirts of Catholic Conference of Korea filed an priests. objection in July of the same year, The Korean Industrial Property noting that the registration should Office revoked the registration of be revoked since the design is the design for clergy shirts by the hardly different from the shirts of Christian Council of Korea, an Catholic priests. umbrella group of mainstream The bishops' conference said in Protestant denominations. its objection that the clerical shirts According to the office, the reg- are very similar to those worn by istered design has "little differ- Catholic priests, especially the ence" from the design of Catholic removable collar, which "is seen clerical shirts. In May 1999, the as a copy of the Roman collar." council succeeded in registering The bishop noted that the 'attire Record, May 18 2000 Page 14

Communist government formed a Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which elects its own bishops and spurns all ties with Rome. Many Chinese Catholics refused to recognise the new body and were driven into a persecuted underground Church. But even among members of the patriotic church, many bishops are said to have reconciled with Rome. The three ordaining bishops May Z although in communion with Rome, were members of the government-recognised church, said UCA News. Bishop Joseph Ma Xuesheng of Zhoucun was the ordaining prelate, and Bishops Fang Xinyao of Linyi and Wang Dianduo of Heze were co-ordainers.

can cause confusion among people and that any religious denomination or individual cannot monopolise a certain attire by registering the design. They pointed out that it is against common courtesy to use the traditional clerical shirts of another religion for "commercial purpose." Father John Kim long-su, secretary-general of the conference, welcomed the decision and said it was "very wise." The attire that does not show its difference from other religions is not useful since it does not show

its unique identity he said. Father Kim said that the decision would not create "any special trouble" with the Protestants. The Christian council explained that it decided to patent the design so that its clergy have a unique identity in their ministry and in everyday life. "Clergy members must be differentiated in their thoughts, behaviour and even dress," the council said. Protestant pastors "have had unfavourable experience" because their outward appearance does not show their status, it

said.

CALCU1TA, India (CNS) The cause of Mother Teresa's sainthood advanced with the completion of examination of witnesses, a Church official said. The postulator of the cause, Missionaries of Charity Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, told UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, that a five-member team has . 'examined enough witnesses and now would be moving on to obtain documents by and on Mother Teresa" to examine her reputation for holiness. He said the team examined some 100 witnesses but only ''a handful of them gave negative depositions against granting sainthood" to Mother Teresa. The postulator added that some 75 of the witnesses were from the eastern city of Calcutta, where Mother Teresa arrived in 1929 as a 19-yearold Loreto novice and lived until her death on 5 September, 199Z at age 87. The team now has to document the life and activities of the nun, who founded the Missionaries of Charity 48 years ago. It would submit a report to the local bishop to examine if the CAW merits further investigation for sainthood, Father Kolodieichuk said.

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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 Deadlines: Editorial: Tuesday, first mail. Advertising: Booking: Monday midday. Copy: Tuesday midday. Member: Aust Catholic Press Association; Aust Religious Press Association. The Record follows the Holy Spirit's teaching at the Second Vatican Council on the role of the Catholic print media. The Record will not return copy or photographs submitted for publication unless specifically requested in writing upon submission. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted and to edit such material for clarity and brevity without recourse to the author.

Celebration of International Jubilee Day for Clergy, New Norcia -

Archbishop Hickey 21 Confirmation, Bentley - Archbishop Hickey 21 Confirmation, Doubleview - Monsignor J O'Shea 21-25 Clergy Seminar - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Healy 26/27 Confirmation, Beaconsfield - Monsignor T McDonald 27 Investiture of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey 28 Mass and Induction of Parish Priest, Fr Wayne Davis, Willetton Archbishop Hickey Oblates' Centenary Mass, St Patrick's Basilica, Fremantle Archbishop Hickey Memorial Service for Victims of Abortion, South Perth Archbishop Hickey Coronation of Mama Nostra Statue, Guildford Archbishop Hickey 30 Clergy Address by Cardinal Francis George OMI (Chicago), St Patrick's Basilica. Fremantle - Archbishop Hickey 31 Meet Confirmation candidates. Wembley JUNE 1 Archbishop's LifeLink Sundowner, St Mary's Cathedral Presbytery Reception for Italian National Day, Government House Archbishop Hickey

Arch/diocesan Panorama DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR Each Sat of the month (except the 1st Sat) - from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church. 25 Windsor St. East Perth. Celebrant: Fr Marcellinus Meliak, OFM. Inquiries: John 9457 7771 AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST MORNING TEA Thurs 25 May at St Aloysius Church Hall, 84 Keightley Rd West, from 10am to noon. All donations go directly to Cancer research. Music will be provided by Vin Noemes and his guitar. TALK BY FR PATRICK O'SULLIVAN Fr O'Sullivan SJ will discuss his latest book and other insights into life, love and our relationship with God. Sun 21 May 2-5pm at Thomas More College. Crawley, West Tutorial Room. Cost S5 (includes afternoon tea). Ph: Maureen 9279 9219. SPECIAL MASSES AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

No: 3207 ISSN: 1327 - 3531

MAY 19

Hello-Good bye - a Remembrance Mass for the families and friends of babies lost before during or soon after birth. 31 May 7.30pm. Youth Mass will be celebrated on Sat 3 June 6.30 pm. Both Masses at Good Shepherd Church. cnr Morley Dve/Altona Rd Kiara. Details: Cath 9377 4657. K AMBALDA - 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Sun 4 June, 10am at St John Vianney Church. Kambalda. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Hickey. RSVP Nola Banasik 9027 1643. RETREAT FOR CATECHISTS -The Coming of the Holy Spirit- - a reflection on the Scriptures for Pentecost. Fri 9 June, 9.30am2.30pm. Catholic Education Centre, 50 Ruislip St, Leederville. Cost S5. BYO lunch. Facilitator: Carmel Suart. Registration: Secretary 9212 9257. PIONEERS MEMORIAL SERVICE The Royal Western Australian Historical Society and the Australian Irish heritage Association are conducting the Annual Pioneers Memorial Service at St Bartholomew's Chapel, East Perth Cemeteries on Sat 27 May at 2.30pm. Conducted by Bishop Robert Healy. Info: 9386 3841.

EXPERIENCING THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

Sat 10 June.10am - 4pm, at St Mary's Parish Centre Franklin Street, Leederville. Workshops are designed to re-educate, extend and train those already involved and those new to the process .

BYO Lunch (tea/coffee provided), Bible or Sunday Missal. RSVP Fri 2 Jun, Archdiocesan Liturgy Office, 9221 1548 or email litrcia@nw.com.au

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - AGM All primary, secondary and tertiary professional educators in the field of religious education are invited to attend the AGM. 7.30pm. Tues 23 May. Mercedes College. Guest speaker: Archbishop Hickey. Inquiries: Chris Callus 9246 8245. email: ccallus@sacredheart.wa.edu.au BUSINESS PERSONS' MASS At All Saints Chapel. Allendale Square. Perth on Fri 26 May at 7am. followed by a Breakfast Meeting at the Alpha Café, Wesley Arcade, Guest Speaker: Brian Coyne of the Jubilee Committee. BROTHER ANDREW IN WA Jubilee Thanksgiving Retreats by Brother Andrew at God's Farm, 40km south of Busselton. Two weekends: 14-16 July and 21-23 July from 8pm Fri - 2pm Sun. One mid-week from Mon 17 July. 2pm - Thur 20 July. Details: Betty Peaker PO Box 24 Cowaramup WA 6284. Phone/fax 9755 6212. STAND UP FOR LIFE Life Chain Thurs 25 May, 7-9am along Causeway. Collect signs at either end from 6.30am. Rally for Life Thurs 25 May, 12 noon at Parliament House. (Ecumenical) Memorial Service for victims of Abortion Sun 28 May at South Perth Church of Christ, Murray St & McNab Crt, Como. Speakers: Archbishop Hickey, Rev Nugent. Inq: 9321 2822. DAY OF PRAYER FOR YOUNG MEN Sat 27 May. 9am to 5.30pm, Redemptorist Monastery, 190 Vincent St. North Perth. Fr Hugh Thomas will lead a day of prayer and reflection on vocation. Lunch provided. RSVPThurs 25 May. Inquiries: 9328 6600. HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS Sat 27 May. 10-h am at the Redemptorist Monastery, North Perth with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.

PENTECOST JUBILEE CELEBRATION A Charismatic Rally will be held Pentecost Sunday, 2pm till 5.30pm at the Bethel Centre, 236 Railway Pde, West Leederville. Joyous praise with talk and Benediction followed by a time of fellowship.The Rally will introduce Fr HughThomas, Redemptorist. All welcome. Inquiries: 9246 2769.

RETROUVAILLE/REDISCOVERY A self-help communication prgram for marriages with serious problems commences with a live-in weekend an 2-4 June. For confidential inquiries phone 9242 4423.

Bishops' Conference elects new head at annual meeting Continued from Page 10 The bishops also announced that the genThe President of the Pontifical Commis- eral assembly of the Federation of Catholic sion for Health Pastoral Care, Archbishop Bishops' Conferences of Oceania would be Javier Barragan, will visit Australia next held in Sydney, Australia sometime in 2002. The topic of the assembly will be Pope July to help with preparations. The bishops' statement also said revised John Paul's Apostolic Exhortation concernstatutes of the Australian Catholic Bishops' ing the 1998 Synod for the Bishops of Oceania Other action at the conference: Conference have been finalised and • Bishops met representatives of the Ausapproved by the Bishops and will be forwarded to Rome for the Vatican's approval. tralian Conference of Leaders of Religious The statutes govern the work of the bish- Institutes on Saturday, 13 May, at the Chevaops' conference. lier Conference Centre to discuss the draft

research document on sexual abuse among clergy and religious in Australia, 'Towards Understanding". Work on the document continues. • Honoured migrant and refugee apostolate legend Monsignor George Crennan of Sydney who is about to celebrate his 100th birthday. Mgr Crennan visited the conference meeting and Archbishop Hickey, outgoing chairman of the committee for Migrants and Refugees, congratulated and thanked him for his service to migrants

and refugees from 1949 to 1995, before presenting him with a gift. • Sent a letter to Pope John Paul with their • warmest good wishes and the assurance of our prayers on the occasion of your approaching 80th Birthday.' 'We wish to assure you of our affection and solidarity as we meet as a body of your brother Bishops. 'We renew our pledge of communion with you, and seek your Apostolic blessing on our meeting and on all our Churches." The Record, May 18 2000 Page 15

St Paul's Primary Karratha

Amid harsh Pilbara's drought and flooding rains, the best in modem education

aint Paul's, situated in the harsh environment of the Pilbara, is a single stream co-educational school, and although under the direction of Catholic Education it is run by the Presentation Sisters. The Sisters were invited to Karratha in 1978 by the-then Bishop of Geraldton, Bishop Francis Xavier Thomas. It began with an enrolment of 85 students and now has 270 students from Kindergarten to Year 7 with enrolments drawn from an area that stretches from Karratha to Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson. The principal for the past ten years, Sister Margaret McCarthy, said "We try to make St Paul's a place where children can feel happy and secure as well as provide them with a high standard of education. "Being a Presentation Sister,Iam committed to the education of children, and St Paul's Primary School is a very special place in my view. "The dedicated staff all work very hard to create a Catholic school where the students can be surrounded by an environment of faith where they may study, play and develop in all ways." Despite the isolation the school is well up in current educational trends. The new Curriculum Framework and Outcome Statements are currently being implemented. Meanwhile, the Primary Investigations program has been a part of the school curriculum for a number of years. Children in Years 3 to 7 compete

annually in the Maths, English and Science Competitions run by the University of NSW The results of these competitions have been fantastic with a number of both Distinctions and High Distinctions being awarded to students. A medal for the top Maths result in the state was also awarded to a boy in Year four in 199& Although some teachers attend Professional Development in Perth, specialists are usually brought in to the schooL Alternatively, staff run the Proessional Development Days. Given its location, and being a SunSmart school, St Paul's endeavours to supply shady trees for students to rest and play beneath. This can be difficult. At the end of 1999 Cyclone John blew down many big trees while others were damaged. One of our surviving trees is a gum that was planted to commemorate the 150 years of Catholic Education. The cyclone season, which brings rain, transforms the environment to a lush colourful background. On the negative side, the rain causes instant flooding which cuts access from the outer regions of our student catchment area At times like these a good percentage of our students cannot attend schooL Teachers, therefore, learn to be flexible and adjust their programs for such occasions. In 1998 St Paul's celebrated 20

Me front entrance to St Paul's in Kan-atha. The harsh environment of the Pilbara and cyclones are part of life for students and staff in the school.

years of Catholic Education in Karratha. It was seen as an important milestone for the school because of the highly transient nature of the community The children see the Missions as a priority and they hold regular fund-raising activities to raise money. About $2000 is raised each year. This money is spread between Presentation Missions, Catholic Missions and Caritas. Music and drama are highlight-

ed in school assemblies, which are attended by a large number of the parents. These are held monthly and hosted by individual classes. The celebration of the Eucharist is seen as an important part of the school community. Regular Masses are celebrated with the parish and these, along with class Masses, enable the children to better understand the Sacraments.

Year 7 students raise the flag in front of the 'precious' gum tree which was planted to celebrate 150 years of Catholic education - and which survived Cyclone John.

At a Glance Principal: Sr Margaret McCarthy Address: PO Box 1628, Karratha WA 6714 Telephone: (08) 9185 1667 Fax: (08) 9185 1494 Enrolment: 261 boys& girls K-7

Year Six students esjoy assembly with a yaw arik Mod *Sim Me Wars.

Year Seven students with Library Teacher, Mrs Helen Bonnet.

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