Catholic Opinion Issue #7 January 2023

Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI passes

misunderstood by non-Catholics is in fact a beautiful testimony to the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit among us when it comes to central teaching on the deposit of faith.

weakened when divisions are nourished.

Archbishop Richards Homily P2

Are Deacons Needed? P3

Jamaican Catholics give thanks for the life and ministry of the retired Pope Benedict XV1 who died on New Year's Eve, aged 95 years. Elsewhere, the homily delivered by Archbishop Richards at the memorial Mass on January 4th, is presented.

Catholics believe, on the words of Jesus Christ and the unbroken tradition of the Church, that the Pope leads the universal Church in matters of faith and morals and in many areas of its governance. We donotworshipanyPopenordowe claimthathecannotmakemistakes inhispersonalandofficiallife.Papal infallibility, which is often

Unfortunately,manyCatholicswant aPopewhotheythinkalignstotheir social and political views and so havesoughttopointoutdifferences between the personalities, pronouncements and emphases of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. The witness of the Church is

Read the encyclical letters and apostolic exhortations of both Popes and we will discover differences of style but common faithfulness to the Gospel message of loving God and service to neighbour. In future editions of Catholic Opinion, we hope to offer excerpts of the teachings of both Popestoshowtheircommoncause inbuildingthekingdomofGod.

Pope calls for humane use of AI P4

Called to Serve P6

Consider Prayer APPS P7

Good Shepherd’s Outreach P8

Pope on WYD 2023 P9

Mass of the Holy Spirit P10

Youth Page P11

Tragedy in Nigeria P13

Priest Burned to death in Nigeria P14

(Click page number)

Dignitaries during the funeral from left to right in the front row, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, Elke Büdenbender, First Lady of Germany, FrankWalter Steinmeier, President of Germany.

Quiz!!!

What are nine unusual things you may not know about Pope Francis:

(See page 11 for answer)

Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.

- Pope Francis

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti sprinkles water on the dead body of Benedict XVI as part of the funeral Rite of Reception

Archbishop Richards Homily at memorial Mass Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) was born on 16 April 1927in Bavaria, Germany.Joseph’syouthfuldayswere duringthetimeoftheNaziregimeHe recalls seeing his parish priest being beaten by Nazis before celebration of Holy Mass, in view of the fierce hostilitytowardtheCatholicChurchat thetime.

He was a student of philosophy and theology at the University of Munich and in Freising. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1951 in the Cathedral at Freising. He became a university professor, teaching at Freising; Bonn; Münster; Tübingen andRegensburg,whereheeventually became Dean and Vice-Rector. From 1962 to 1965 he was present during allfoursessionsoftheSecondVatican Council as a chief theological advisor totheArchbishopofCologne,Cardinal JosefFrings.

On 24 March 1977, Pope Paul VI appointed him Archbishop of München und Freising. He was proclaimedCardinalbyPopePaulVIin theConsistoryof27June1977,ofthe Titles of the Suburbicarian Church of Velletri-Segni (5 April 1993) and Suburbicarian Church of Ostia (30 November 2002). On 25 November 1981hewasappointedbyPopeJohn Paul II as Prefect of the Congregation

for the Doctrine of the Faith. He became President of the Biblical Commission and of the Pontifical InternationalTheologicalCommission. He was President of the Commission for Drafting the Catechism of the CatholicChurch.

On 6 November 1998, he was appointedVice-DeanoftheCollegeof Cardinals;on 30November 2002,the Holy Father approved his election, by theorderofCardinalBishops,asDean oftheCollegeofCardinals.AsDeanhe presided over the College's deliberations during the Vacancy of the Holy See following the death of PopeJohnPaulIIonApril2,2005.On Friday, 8 April, Cardinal Ratzinger presided at Holy Mass in St Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope John PaulII.

On Tuesday, 19 April, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th PontiffoftheRoman CatholicChurch, selecting the name Benedict XVI. He served until he resigned from the officein2013,thefirstPontifftodoso in six hundred (600) years. He was known as a great defender of the Catholicfaith.

Benedict had a commitment to the advancement of civilization with the Church leading the charge. He was concernedthatGodandtheprecepts

of the Lord were being set aside. A milieuthatcontendswiththeorderof The Creator. The Word of God from Isaiah29:16.

“How perverse you are! Is the potter no better than the clay? Something thatwasmade,canitsayofitsmaker, 'He did not make me'? Or a pot say of the potter, 'He does not know his job'?”

Benedict describes the character of the Church’s response: “The church is not a political power; it's not a party, but it's a moral power.” Hence the Baptized,leadersandlayfaithful,must intervene with lives of integrity and consistencyinordertoalignpeoplein right relation to God, as the sign that “Godiswithus”.Benedictstates:“God is not distant: He is 'Emmanuel,' Godwith-us. He is no stranger: He has a face, the face of Jesus.” Christians are theBodyofChrist.

Questioning the Church’s failure, Benedict asked: How can the Church that celebrates the Sacraments be plaguedwithsomanyscandals. Locallywecanask:“Howcana nation that has so many Churches be plagued with so much corruption, crimeandviolence?”Theanswer: Because as God’s people we implore God’s intervention for change and transformation in our Nation. But,

OUR EYES ARE MEANT TO LOOK INTO THE EYES OF OTHERS - Pope Francis

Pope Francis has urged youngpeopletolookaway from their cell phone screens and make eye contact with the people aroundthem.

In a meeting on Dec. 15 withyouthgroupsaffiliated with Catholic Action, the pope warnedthat “a great risk for a boy and a girl today is to spend our days keeping a cell phone screen in front of our eyes.” “Our eyes are meanttolookintotheeyes of others. They were not

made to look down at a virtual world that we hold inourhands,buttolookup to heaven, to God, and to look into the eyesof those wholivenexttous.”

Pope Francis told them to remember that Jesus teachesthat “everyperson is important.” He said that the Lord is particularly concerned not with “the rich and powerful” or “those who are on the covers of glossy magazines or on television, but the smallest, the poor, the

forgotten, the rejected, thosenoonecaresabout.”

“In a world that tends to isolate us, divide us, and that pits us against each other the secret is precisely to take care of others,” thepopesaid.The feast of Christmas, now close at hand, reminds us precisely this: that God enters the world and gives us the strength to go, to walk with him,” Pope Francissaid.

because the children of light are not revealed (cf. Rm 8:19), leading the change we allow the church and Godtobemocked.

We can agree that our milieu is characterized by loose ethical and moral values. An apt description by Benedict states: “We are moving toward a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as certain and which has as its highest goal one's own ego and one's own desires.”

The family is indispensable to change this reality as Benedict XVI says: “The family unit is fundamental for the educational process and for the development both of individuals and states; hence there is a need for policies which promote the familyand aidsocialcohesionanddialogue.” Our catechetical programmes must prudently facilitate the renewal and empowering of the family structure for this mission. Benedict explains: “Prudence does not mean failing to accept responsibilities and postponing decisions; it means being committed to making joint decisions after pondering responsibly the road to be taken.”

POPE FRANCIS’PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY, 2023

“That educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.”

“I would like to propose that educators add new content to their teaching: fraternity. Education is an act of love that illuminates the path for us to recover a sense of fraternity, so we will not ignore those who are most vulnerable. Educators are witnesses who not only impart their mental knowledge, but also their convictions, their commitment to life. They know how to handle the three languages well: that of the head, that of the heart, and that of the hands, all in harmony. And hence the joy in communicating. And they will be heeded much more attentively and will become community builders. Why? Because they’re sowing this testimony.

Let us pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than confrontation and helping especially the youngest and most vulnerable above all.”

- Pope Francis.

Are Deacons Really Needed? - Ronald Thwaites

“I wish you spent as much time encouraging men to become priests as you do promoting the diaconate”, chided the pious lady, after the St. Stephen’s Day Mass at St. John the BaptistChurch,whenmorethanthirty deacons of the Archdiocese of Kingston renewed their commitment. “Andpleasestopthisnonsenseabout trying to train women to function almost like ordained men in the CatholicChurch”.

All this and more from a deeply spiritual person living in but outside the 21st Century. She concluded decisively. “The Bible doesn’t mention even one woman, not even Mother Mary,attheLastSupperorevenwhen the apostles laid hands on Stephen andtheothers”.

This year, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the first permanent deacons in the Jamaican Catholic Church by Archbishop Carter SJ at Immaculate Conception Church, Stony Hill. Since then more than 80 men across the island have been ordained. Nearly 40 are in service. Between Montego Bay and Kingston,another15orsowillbe ordained this year and hopefully, another dozen aspirants will begin

their4-yeartraining.

Deaconsrely on theheroicsupport of their wives and children in their work of“servingatthealtar,proclaimingthe Gospel and tending to widows and orphans”.Somewiveswhoareableto accompany their husbands in the trainingexercises,havebeeninstituted as Lectors and Acolytes, not as a consolationprizeortoshow-off,butto invest them with the grace to better fulfill the liturgical and pastoral needs oftheirchurches.

All these happenings are healthy elements towards localizing the Jamaican Catholic Church culture, adapting to changing times and recognizing the scope of baptismal vocation. We have all benefited from 150 years of largely overseas missionaryactivity.It isnotpossible to dependonthisanymore.Asamature church, we have to provide our own ministers.

“Soaredeaconssubstitutesforabsent priests”? My troubled lady friend wouldask.No.Thecalltothedeacon’s ministry is a specific call from God, endorsed by the Church and given authority by the laying on of hands. They are men (and hopefully soon, women) who are graced to carry out

the acts of service to the church and the world which Jesus, the original Deacon,commands. Thereareno limits to diaconalservice under the auspices of the diocesan Bishop. Just think of the ministry of Stephen, Ephrem, Lawrence and Francis of Assisi. Reflect also on the profound impact on the Jamaican Church and society of deacons like Robert Verity, Francis Tulloch, Aubrey Williams, Ignatius Patterson and Ron Hamilton.

So the married diaconate is not to be seen as weaning men away from the celibate priesthood. Nor is their presence cramping lay leadership, as someclaim. Sacraments, avenues of God’s presence, are available for clear purposes: personal sanctification, service to others and the building of the kingdom of God in this place and time. No sacrament is in contention withanyother.Differentgiftsaregiven to individuals. Ministries are distinct, complementary and yes, often overlapping It is as exacting, sacred and thrilling to be happily married as it is to be comfortably and fruitfully celibate. And this applies equally to women

and men. Capacity, charism and commitment–notrace,class,wealth, gender or sexual orientation, should determine role and function in the BodyofChrist.

Jamaica, as elsewhere in the world, is becoming more secular with less people coming to church and embracing spiritual values. In this reality, deacons are called to play flexible and expanding roles. To be a “Sundaydeacon”onlyisnotenough. In a fewyears, and even now, existing parishes and hopefully new ones, will have to be clustered and served by a single circuit-riding priest attending periodically to do what priests alone can do, whiledeaconsand lay leaders evangelize, administer and serve. This will require realignment of responsibilities, respect for differing functions and acceptance of changed circumstances.

Sodeaconsarereallyneeded–notas substitutes or stand-ins for anyone else;ratherasPopeFrancisaffirms: “The Church sees in the permanent diaconate the expression and, at the same time, the vital impetus to become a visible sign of the diaconia of Christ the Servant in the history of humankind”. 

French nun—world’s oldest person—dies at 118

(ICN) - Sister Andre Randon, a French nun, has died aged 118. She died in her sleep at her nursing home in Toulon, France.

Sister André, a French Daughter of Charity who was the world's oldest known person, is pictured in an undated photo. Sister André died Jan. 17, 2023, at age 118 in a nursinghomeinToulon,France.(OSVNews photo/courtesy EHPAD Sainte Catherine Labouré)

Born in 1904 in southern France, she lived through two world wars. She had been Europe's eldest for some time, but she enteredtheGuinnessBook of Records in April 2022 as the world's oldest person following the death of a Japanese woman who lived until she was 119 years old. It was not her

first time in the record books.In2021shebecame the oldest person to recover from Covid-19. Sister Andre was born into a Protestant family but convertedtoCatholicismat 19yearsold.Shejoinedthe DaughtersofCharityatthe ageof40in1944.Shewas assigned to a hospital in Vichy, where she spent most of her working life. A spokesman from her nursing home, David Tavella, said, "there isgreat sadness but... it was her

desire to join her beloved brother and for her, it's a liberation." Sister Andre was said to have had a close relationship with her brothers. She once told reporters that one of her fondest memories was their safe return from fightingattheendofWorld WarOne."Itwasrare,"she recalled, "for in families there were usually two dead rather than two alive". Upon her 115th birthday in 2019, Sister Andre received a card and

ablessedrosaryfromPope Francis, which she used every day. When she turned 116 in 2020, she shared her "recipe for a happy life" - prayer and a cupofhotcocoaeveryday. In one of her last interviews, she told reporters: "People should help each other and love each other instead of hating.Ifwesharedallthat, things would be a lot better."

While warning against misuse of technology and artificial intelligence, Pope Francis has encouraged using thesetoolsinwaysthatsafeguardthe human family and promote the common good. "Fraternity among all," he underscored, "is the condition fortechnologicaldevelopmentalsoto be at the service of justice and peace

The Pope recognized that artificial intelligence is increasingly present in every aspect ofdaily life, affectingthe way we understand the world and ourselves. He encouraged algorethics,thatis,ethicalreflectiononthe use of algorithms, to be increasingly present not only in thepublicdebate,

but also in the development of technicalsolutions.

“

Everyperson,infact,mustbeableto enjoy human and supportive development, without anyone being excluded. We must therefore be vigilant and work to ensure that the discriminatory use of these instrumentsdoesnottakerootatthe

expense of the most fragile and excluded.

”

"Let us always remember that the waywetreatthelastandleastamong our brothers and sisters tells us the valuewerecogniseinhumanbeings."

ThePopesaidinhiscallforfosteringa humane development of new technologies.

New Coordination at Saint Mary’s Above Rocks and Sister Church Communities

The combined church councils for the churches of Saint Mary’s Above Rocks, Our Lady of Lords, Rock Hall, Cassava River and Pinto have begun to meet to plan evangelization and effecting of the archdiocesanpastoralplan.

At a Commissioning Mass on January 1st, Deacon Ronald Thwaites encouraged the combined congregations to recognize that the Catholic Church witness in their communities have historically

provided the main opportunities for education, health, welfare, and community uplift. The gospel message in the Catholic tradition, remains an important humanizing element. Thedignityandresponsibility oftheirrolewasemphasized totheincomingcouncil members. Theymustbesaltandlightfor all.

TheB.A.inGuidance& CounsellingofferedbySt.Michael’sisadegreewithadifference. Itisa research based undergraduate degree, which has sociology, pastoral care and spirituality as its underpinnings. It is designed to prepare its graduates to work in schools, and church-based organizations. Agraduateofthisdegreewillbeableto:

 Analyze the psychological, sociological and cultural factors which lead to functional and dysfunctionalbehaviorinstudentsandfamilies.

 Planandconductschoolassemblies;

 Offercareerguidancetostudents.

 Produceanddeliverlessonplansforclassesinlifeskillsandhealthylifestyles;

 Train youth and adult leaders to be comfortable in exercising authority, and in relating to authorityfigures.

 Assist young and old to perform self-examination, and thereby in maintaining a healthy mentalprofileandremediatingdysfunctionalbehaviour;

 Counsel parents and children, couples and families, towards conflict avoidance and resolution;

 Assistintheformationofstrongself-disciplinedmenandwomen

 Provideindividualizedandgroupcounsellingtoyouthandadults.

 Promotehealthyinterpersonalrelationshipsbetweenmenandwomencomfortablewith theirbodiesandtheirsexuality.

 Provideassistanceinavoidingsubstanceabuse,andinbreakingbadhabits.

 Remediatenegativeself-imageandpersonalitydisorders.

 Conduct qualitative and quantitative research in their field, analyze the results, and write themup

Presentations on this programme toyour organization are available on requestbyemailing us atdeanstmtc2012@gmail.com

Apply now for September 2023!

FrLeft:Fr.FrancisMusyoka,Mrs.BeverlyMurphySt. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (Above Rocks), Cameo Pryce Holy Family Catholic Church (Rock Hall), Marlon Stewart Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary (pinto), Raymond Dubidad, Our Lady Of Lords(RockHall)and AcrhbishopCharlesDufour.

Fr. Francis Musyoka St. Mary’s Above Rocks (Centre) with the young members ofhischurch.

St. Michael’s

College

and

Seminary

Invites you to The six-week short course

“The contribution of Christian Thoughtto Contemporary Political Philosophy: A Critique of the Liberalism of the Right & Left” Facilitated by Rev Ronald Thwaites

St. Michael’s

This course will explore recent thinking on ideological alternatives which touch religious faith and are relatable to the Caribbean reality.

Content pulled from:

This Economy Kills – Pope Francis

Post Liberal Politics – Adrian Pabst

Conscience & Its Enemies – Robert George

Liberalism & Its Discontents – Francis Fukuyama

Caribbean Theology as Public theology – Garnet Roper

Date: February 2 to March 7, 2023 *every Thursday

Time: 6:00 – 8:00PM (7:00 – 9:00 PM EC Time)

Cost: J$5000 or US$35

VIA: Zoom (link will be sent once you register) Register at https://www.stmtc.edu.jm/short-course-application

St.

Michael’s College and Seminary

Invites you to The six-week short course

Facilitated by Mrs. Grace Baston and Mr. Anton Thompson

Highly recommended for All Board Members. Topics include: Catholic Philosophy of Education Responsibilities of the Board and the Board Member

Date: February 28 to April 4, 2023 *every Tuesday

Time: 6:00 – 8:00PM (7:00 – 9:00 PM EC Time)

VIA: Zoom (link will be sent once you register) Register at https://www.stmtc.edu.jm/short-course-application

and Seminary Invites you to The six-week short course

College

“Introduction to ParishFinancialManagement”

Facilitated by Fr, Rohan Tulloch, SJ

Highly recommended for Pastors, Parish Administrators, Financial Officers, and Church Secretaries.

Topics include:

Keeping basic church accounts

Monthly financial reports to the Chancery

Standard operating financial procedures

Investing church funds

Date: January 17 to February 21, 2023 *every Tuesday

Time: 6:00 – 8:00PM (7:00 – 9:00 PM EC Time)

VIA: Zoom (link will be sent once you register) Register at https://www.stmtc.edu.jm/short-course-application

“Effective School Board Management”

CALLED TO SERVE

Dear friends in Christ, as our Blessed Saviour was designated Servant of God in order to reconcile and unite, we, too by virtueofourbaptismhave been called to the role of service. Whether it be in ourfamiliesorourplaceof work, we must ask ourselves this question: “Do we follow the example set by Jesuswhogavehisall for the good of others?” This is a definingmomentforusas Christians.Asweobserve oursocietyingeneral,itis very obvious that selfserving tops serving others. Each one for himself or herself is the norm,andbecauseofthat we are no longer our brothers’ or sisters’ keepers. For instance,

whenthereisanaccident, being a paparazzi to capture the gory details trumps our extending a helpinghandtothosewho are injured. We are so taken up with self that we refuse or unable to see theneedsofothers.

God’s love is outgoing. HisSon,Jesus,theChrist (Messiah)didnotcometo serve self, but to serve all of humanity. We who are calledtobe“otherChrists” in today’s world if we want to live up to our Christianfaith mustfight the inherent temptation to be selfish and serve others for the upbuilding of our homes (cells of society), our society in which we live (especially those who are in need), and our Church

Community (the Body of Christ). We can only succeed if we are built up in love in imitation of the FatherandHisSonJesus, andarewillingtodenyself which is tantamount to embracing the cross. Needless to say, we of ourselves cannot accomplish this drastic denial of self; the Holy Spiritwithinwillenableus. Therefore, a regimen of daily prayer, scripture reading and reflection are sine qua non spiritual exercises that will enable us to understand that serving others makes sense. Paradoxically, true sincere service powered by love brings us lasting happiness! Isn’t that what wealltrulydesire? 

- Archbishop Emertius Donald Reece

What yuh think?

Wherearethe men?

I have a feeling that in your parish there are far more female than male regular members of the congregation. Sometimes maybe 80% female to 20% male. Why is this so? Why do so many men seem to drop away from church once they haveleftschool?Isitpart of our macho culture? Is church seen as for females? Is it not manly enough to publicly pray and praise God? Or is it that the attractions of the flesh and the world drive men to turn away from Christian living and

worship? (I think this is high on the list!) Is it because girls are brought uptobemoreresponsible and trained to be more spiritually oriented than boys? Does the failure of sufficient male role models at church contribute?

How do we change this reality around? Can the women be mobilized to encourage their men to church? Can the children be mobilized to encouragetheirfathersto church? Can there be special programmes to encourage men to Mass? For example, special fathers’ Sundays? Can Men’s Fellowships be

more appealing, maybe by using sports and outreach?Canwetapthe expertise of various men to help in church activities? Engage them in our webpages and online communications? Or in our music ministries, including training them to play different instruments? What is yourparishdoingtobring in the men? Can we shareexperiencesofhow to get men involved and live more actively Christianlives? 

-JoePereira

CONSIDER PRAYER APPS [OR

An online contemplative prayer aid produced by the British Jesuits is a popular app for your spiritual strengthening.

Inthe16yearssincePray

AsYouGo wasfounded, “millions of people around the world” have logged on, according to the Jesuits. Each daily meditation lasts around 11 minutes and uses Ignatian spirituality and contemplative music to aid reflection on a Bible

WEB SITES]

reading. The app and website also include podcasts that can be used for online retreats. The app can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple Store. All resources are free to access. [You can also access on-line at https:// pray-as-you-go.org/] Word of mouth has also contributed to the growth of Pray As You Go, particularly via

CATHOLIC ELECTRONIC MEDIA SITES FOR YOU TO EXPLORE

spiritual directors. The Pray As You Go team receive less feedback from US Catholics, who may be using an app called Hallow [https:// hallow.com/] which is based around Catholic prayers. Pray As You Go, whichisdonor-funded,is recorded using volunteer writers and “voices”.

(Information based on articleinTheTablet)

POPEFRANCIS’ADVICEFORTHE NEWYEAR

“Ifwetrulywantthenew year to be good, if we want to reconstruct hope, we need to abandon the language, those actions and those choices inspired by egoism.” People must

“learn the language of love,whichistotakecare … of our lives, of our time,ofoursouls;totake care of creation and the environment we live in; and even more, to take care of our neighbours,

of those whom the Lord has placed alongside us, as well as our brothers and sisters who are in needandwhocallforour attention and our compassion.”

POPE FRANCIS CELEBRATES 86th . BIRTHDAY

In keeping with his constant care for others, Pope Francis chose to celebrate his 86th birthday on Saturday, December 17,

9

by honouring three people who “live charity on behalf of the poorest ofthepoor.” Itishis10th birthday as pope. “Yes, I've already reached the

 Hespeaks7languages....

 Hewasknownfortakingthebus, subway.

 Hecookshisownmeals....

 Heonlyhasonelung....

 Helovessoccer....

 Heusedtoplaybasketball....

 Helikestango....

 Heusedtobeaclubbouncer.

There are many sites ontheinternetthatcan beusefultousCatholics for our religious and spiritual strengthening and information. You are encouraged to visit them and deepen in faithandknowledge.

A very useful regional site is Trinity TV. Some local providers include it in their packages, for example, Flow offers it on channel 599. It has rich You Tube presentations on a range of relevant topics, for example: https:// www.youtube.com/ user/Trinitytvtt/playlists

Another Trinidad site is its weekly news site: https://catholictt.org/

catholicnewstt/Thereis also regional material to be found on the Antilles Episcopal Conference site: https://aecbishops.org/ The weekly Catholic Standard in Guyana is alsointeresting:https:// rcdiocesegy.org/ St, Michael’s College also has a range of homilies and talks of general interest on You Tube: https:// www.youtube.com/ playlist?

list=UUHurH6APDZnmXL-ZMviYLw

For news and material further afield, we can go for example to Vatican News https:// www.vaticannews.va/

en.html or Catholic News Agency (out of the USA) https:// www.catholicnewsage ncy.com/ or the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (which has various pages for teachings and news) at https:// www.usccb.org/ For a Canadian view and reflections, there is https:// www.catholicregister.o rg/

Do you have any other similar sites? If so, we invite you to share them with other readers. Send the information to theeditors.

age where people feel obliged they must say, 'You look good!'” said PopeFrancis.

Things you may not know about Pope Francis

V Mansukhani Foundation boosts Good Shepherd’s outreach with nebulizers

Through the auspices of The Good Shepherd Foundation Board, donationswerereceived from Mr. Gul Mansukhani of Pavilion Jewelers of 6 nebulizers for use at the Diocese's Hope Teaching Health Clinic. This is a major boostintheclinic'sability to care for persons with

asthma and upper respiratory infections from the neighbouring school population and the environs of mainly inner city residents. Making the presentation to Mother Joy is donor Gul Mansukhani, flanked by Board member Deacon Baldwin Powell (far left),

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20230126/v-mansukhani-foundationboosts-good-shepherds-outreach-nebulisers

A FI MI HEALT!

Welcome to this health feature called “A FI MI HEALT!” which, in our uniquely Jamaican way means

(1)ItisMYhealth!(2)ItisFORmyhealth!

SOWHOAMI?

Well, I’m just someone who is passionate about goodhealthandhealthyliving.

WHATDRIVESTHISPASSION?

Ok, my faith tells me that I am created by this TrinitarianGod whodoesallthingswell.Whatever He created He pronounced as GOOD! When He created Man (me, you, all a wi) He declared this event as VERY GOOD! So! I’ve gotten a head start frommyveryconceptiontobeverygood!So why should I mess that up? Shouldn’t I make every efforttokeepME “verygood”? Yes,Ishould! And so,Ido.

HOWDOIKEEPME“VERY GOOD”?

ByembracingalltheGOODNESSofGod’screation, as best as possible. This means that I need to PERSONALIZEthiswellnessplaninsuchawaythat it is affordable, available and accessible. I cannot,

andwillnot,likeorappreciateallofwhattheworld offers as healthy. I need to be prudent and create formealifestylethatmakesme ME!whileatthe sametimecelebratingthegoodnessreceivedfrom Godthatisintrinsicallymine.Inotherwords,Ihave to craft my health and lifestyle to suit the specific purposeforwhichIhavebeencreated;Ihavetofit thatniche.

PRINCIPLESOFAHEALTHYLIFESTYLE Stayfocused

Keepthingssimple

Begentlewithone’sself!

Embracedisciplineanddeterminationinallaspects oflife

Block out the noise, the distractions! Remember? STAYFOCUSED!

WEarethetempleoftheLord!Solet’skeepGod’s templecleanandhealthy!

AIMOFTHISCOLUMN



To find simple, creative ways to stay on the healthcourse

 Tohavefungettingandstayinghealthy

 Tohelponeanotheralongthisjourney

 To explore some illnesses caused by unhealthy

lifestylesandtotrytopreventillnessesasbestas possible

 To recognize, as God’s creation, that we are meanttoliveasWHOLESOMEbeings

And so, for now, “beloved, I pray that all may go wellwithyouandthatyoumaybeingoodhealth, justasitiswellwithyoursoul.” 3 John 1:2 Tilnex time

‘ARTfulVibes

January12,2023

Mrs. Jeanne Robinson Foster, Chair of the Good Shepherd Foundation, Deepak Mirpuri and Mr. Lachu Ramchandani Board member who initiated thedonation.

Joining Bishop Burchell in the happy moment are from left: Mr. Deepak Mirpuri, donor Mr. Gul Mansukhani, Mrs. Jeanne Robinson Foster, Mr. Lachu Ramchandani and Deacon Baldwin Powell

Pope onWorldYouth Day 2023: ‘Young people thirst forhorizons’

young people to open their horizons andheartstootherpilgrims.ThePope noted that over 400,000 young peoplehaveregisteredtotakepart in 6August2023.Hesaid their desire to travel to the Portuguese capital later this year fills Thirsttoencounterothers

has the thirst to participate, to share, to tell their experience and receive the experienceofothers.Theyarethirsting forhorizons.”

Pope Francis has recorded a video message to participants in World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, and urges

Pope Francis pointed out that some peoplemaythinktheyaretravelingas tourists, but said there is likely a deeperreasonfortheirdecision.

“AnyyoungpersonwhogoestoWYD, goes because, deep down, he or she

He added that WYD offers young people the chance to expand those horizonsandto“lookbeyond”.“Don't put up a wall in front of your life,” he urged them. “Walls close you in; the horizonmakesyougrow.Alwayslook at the horizon with your eyes, but look,aboveall,withyourheart.”

Breaking down walls, opening horizons

The Pope said WYD brings together

people from many walks of life and cultures, and encouraged participants toopentheirheartstothosetheywill meet. He thanked them for registering so far in advance, and expressed his hopes that others will followtheirexample.

“May God bless you; may the Virgin takecareofyou.Prayforme,forIpray for you. And don't forget: say 'no' to walls,and'yes'tohorizons.”

The motto for WYD 2023 is “Mary arose and went with haste”, taken fromLuke’sGospel(1:39).

Fundraiser for construction of new St. Croix Clinic

in from individuals, the business community and donorsfromoverseas.

InNovember2022,adinnerwasheld atSt.JohnBoscohallinMandevilleto launch fundraising efforts for the constructionofanewbuildingforthe St. Croix health clinic in Santa Cruz. Members of the Mandeville community gathered to give support to the effort, with donations coming

Located in a tiny, crumbling building, the St. CroixCliniccurrentlycaters to 30-50 patients per day. It serves the surrounding areas of Santa Cruz, Braes River, New River, Goshen, Burnt Ground, Burnt Savannah, Knox wood and Mountain Side. The clinic charges a small fee, which allows patients to see the doctor as well as obtain medication, but does not refuse service to those whocannotaffordit.

The clinic started in 1994 in the sacristy,underthemanagementofSr.

YvetteoftheMissionarySistersofthe Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Assumption Sisters of Nairobi took over its management in 2001. With thegradualincreaseinthenumberof patients, there was a need for expansion. A wooden structure was erected under Fr. Joseph Kimani, by Helping Hands, a service group from Chicago-Wisconsin.

The structure has deteriorated badly over the years despite repeated repairs, and there is a great need for thespacetobeupgraded.

A drawing has been made for a new building to be constructed in place of the current one. The new clinic will include a welcome and registration area, expanded,amplewaitingroom,

three rooms for triage/screening, three doctors’ exam rooms, bathrooms for patients and staff, adequate refrigerated storage, new and expanded pharmacy, suitable area for storage and shelving, upgraded,reinforcedelectricalsystem to enable Wi-Fi support and computerizedtele-medicineprocess. Bishop John Persaud, Bishop of Mandeville, is strongly in support of theeffortsto seethisdreamcometo fruition. Persons wishing to assist can contact the Bishop’s Executive Assistantat

tcgivans@mandevillediocese.org

ThecurrenthealthclinicinSantaCruz,St.Elizabeth

Sr.HellenKisolo,ASN,managerfortheSt.Croix Clinic,isassistedbyNatishaDennis.

Bishop John Persaud and patrons of the fundraiserenjoythemusic.

GuestsattheSt.Croixclinicfundraiser.

Mass of the Holy Spirit at SMC

St. Michael’s College opened the semester with the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday January 6, 2023.

Fr. Peter Hunter presided, with concelebrants Fr. Orville Shields, SJ; Fr. Colin Henriques, Fr. Garvin Augustine, MSC, Fr. Emmanuel Kabaga, MOP. Deacon Peter Espeut, was the Deacon of the Mass. During the Mass, the Executive of the Student Government Council was installed for the academic year 2022- 2023. The Council consists of President, Br. Richard Hines, MSC; Secretary, Sr. Annastacia Mule MOP; Br. Joseph Munyao, MOP, and Br. Ruben Turreda, MOP.

ChairmanJoePereiraBringsgreetingstothe STMCcommunity

StudentGovernmentCouncilMakingtheirpledgeto serve

Fr.PeterHunterblessingtheExecutiveStudent GovernmentCouncil

MasswasupliftedbytheM.O.P.MusicMinistry

Youth Page

"Joy to the world......" was the happy refrain of these children as they performed at the Annual Children's Christmas Pageant at the Blessed SacramentCathedralduringtheChristmasseason

Fr. Clifton Harris giving Christmas gifts to Children at Christ the King Basic School

The Marists sisters at the Holy Family Centre opened its doors to the children of the Mt SalemareaofMontegoBayandtreatedthem toawonderfulChristmastreat.HereweseeSr Prista Haga about to cut and share the Christmas

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( Photos below)

Jamaican students attend Harrison College

Twenty-two sixth form students from Campion College are on a visit to Barbados as guests of Harrison College in Bridgetown. This follows a visit of twenty Harrison College sixth formers to CampioninOctoberoflastyear.

In addition to attending classes with Harrison College students, theCampionstudentswillalso be

visiting the Cave Hill campus of the University of theWest Indies, the Parliament of Barbados and other places of interest. On Monday, January 30th, students from both schools will be staging asummittodiscussseveralissues of interest of the region. Our next issue will have a full report onthevisit.

JesusLovesthelittlechildren.......andsodidBishop BurchellsharetheloveandblessingontheSunday SchoolchildrenaftertheirclassesatarecentMass.

Picture shows, the Principal of Harrison College from Barbados, Ms. Juanita Wade, at far right, the Principal of Campion College, Mrs. Grace Baston, second right and the Head Girls and Head Boys of both schools.

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APPROACHING THE WORD OF GOD

faith, when we read the ancient text, we have to see how that faith was communicated within the ancient texts to the people of the first century and how it is an interpretation of the law, the prophets and the writings,” the Archbishop said.

make sensible everything that was written before Him.”

Archbishop Jason Gordon of Port-of-Spain Archdiocese gave a feature address for the 4th Annual Sunday of the Word of God in Trinidad, January 22. He reminded faithful when they approach the Word of God, they are not encountering a book that was written by a contemporary of ours who received or wrote it for our society and for our time. Rather, it’s an ancient text that has been written for a specific people and written in a particular way from the perspective of faith.

“And from the perspective of

The eternal Word that existed from the beginning is the one that we seek every time we read the words of the Bible. If faithful understands this, then they must start at the end to interpret the beginning.

The Archbishop referred to several indications within the Bible of how it should be read. He highlighted parts of the text from Nehemiah 8, which says that they started reading from early morning until noon and that not only did they read the Word, but they translated and gave sense of the Word.

The second clue in how to read the Bible comes in Luke 24: the way to Emmaus. “…from Jesus’ perspective in Luke, it must start from the Christ’s suffering and dying and then from the perspective of the end, you

The Bible, Archbishop Gordon underscored, has always been a part and parcel of Christian meditation. The ancient monks developed this way of praying where they would meditate on the Word several times during the day. The Word was so precious that not only did it regulate the life of the monastic community, but the Word also became the inspiration. The Archbishop referred to one of the earliest prayers in the Church, the Lectio Divina which “goes right back to the time of the apostles.”

This ancient prayer which begins with the reading, meditation, contemplation and ultimately to action, “is one of those ancient prayers that has really sustained the Church for her 2000-year history and has really given us a deep, deep sense of the Word of God,” the Archbishop said. He commented that in our current time, it has been “recovered” by the Latin

America movement called Biblical Animation of all Pastoral Life (ABP). It is a movement, Archbishop Gordon said, that really allows the Word of God to become the dynamic force in all pastoral engagements. The Archbishop shared when clergy gather as a diocese, they would first begin with Lectio Divina then into the matter/s to be considered. “And many times, I recount where I went in thinking about the matter to be considered one way and in the midst of the meeting the Lectio comes alive and sheds its light and you find yourself peddling backwards now. Because the Word shedding its light on the matter pens the matter in a very different way and allows you now to see that matter from the perspective of God’s Word and therefore from the perspective of God Himself,” Archbishop Gordon explained.

So we must allow the Word to be a Lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119: 105) 

Sunday School Fun Day!

There was a trip on January 14th to St Mary for the Sunday school and youths and accompanying parents of St. Martin de Porres Church. The children were delighted to have their Priest Fr Roger and the brothers from Missionaries of the Poor to share in the very fun day.

Archbishop Jason Gordon of Port-of-Spain Archdiocese

Catholic priest burned to death in Nigeria; other Christians in Congo killed

Demonstrators march during a protest by the Democratic Republic of Congo's Catholic and Protestant churches, against escalating violence in Kinshasa Dec. 4, 2022. Deadly violencehitChristiansinAfricaJan.15,2023, with a Catholic priest in northern Nigeria burned to death and as many as 17 Christians killed in a blast in eastern DRC.

NAIROBI, Kenya (OSV News) Deadly violence hit Christians in Africa Jan. 15, with a Catholic priest in northern Nigeria burned to death and as many as 17 ChristianskilledinablastineasternCongo.

InNigeria,FatherIsaacAchiwasburnedto death at his residence in Paikoro, a local government area of Niger state. The armed men had set his houseablaze after a failed break-in at 3 a.m. Another priest who was at the house, identified only as Father Collins, was shot and injured as he tried to escape. An Indigenous priest from the area ordained in 1995, Father Achi recently was the priest in charge of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in the Diocese of Minna, Nigeria. Government and church officials in the state have condemned the killing of the priest. The Christian Association of Nigeria called for speedy investigations and arrest of the killers. “Enoughof theattacksandwanton killings of innocent Nigerian citizens,” said Archbishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the association in Minna in a media statement. Hecalledfortherepose of FatherAchi’s soulandallothers killedin the violence. The association said the attackers had arrived in the area in the

early Sunday hours and shots were heard sporadically, before turning on the priest’s house. The motive for the latest attack was not immediately clear, however. In the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria, armed men commonly referred to as “bandits” in the country have targeted priests and pastors in the recent past, but as the West African country prepares to vote Feb. 25, kidnappings for ransom are on the rise, according to reports. It was not the first attack against Father Achi, who in 2011 survived an attack by Boko Haram, the north Nigerian militant group, during a Christmas church service. The attack left 44 parishioners dead. He also had been shot while blessing a child and had survived an abduction by militants. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the death toll from a Jan. 15 church attack is an estimated 17 people, according to figures provided by DRC’s government spokesman, with some sources however

saying10peoplewerekilledand39others wereinjured.Peoplewerekilledinabomb explosion during a service in a Pentecostal churchintheeasterntownofKasindi,near the DRC border with Uganda. They had been gathered in the church for baptism. “Several among us died on the spot, others had their feet cut in two,” Esdras Kambale Mupanya, the 42-yearold deacon at the evangelical church in Kasindi, told the AFP news agency. “God saved me, and I came out in good health with my choir members. Today was not the day I should die.” The army has linked theattackto theAlliedDemocratic Forces, an Islamic extremist group originally from Uganda, operating in central Africa. In 2019, the militant group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, also known as Daesh. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned the attack saying he was saddened by the “heinous crime.

Pope, Bishops call for peace as violent protests in Peru turn deadly

Anti-government protesters clash with the police in Lima Jan. 21, 2023,astheydemandthe release of protesters detained in demonstrations supporting former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who was ousted. Peru's bishops pleaded for peace as violent protests against the country's current president and legislature haveclaimedthelivesofdozensof people. (OSV News photo/ SebastianCastaneda,Reuters)

(OSVNews) Peru’sbishopspleadedfor peace as violent protests against the country’scurrentpresidentandlegislature have claimed the lives of dozens of people.“Wedeploretheviolencethathas been unleashed because violence only

begets more violence,” the Peruvian bishops’ conference said in a message published Jan. 20. “The death of more than 50 Peruvian brothers and sisters is a deepwoundintheheartofourpeople,as well as the suffering of all the wounded, civilians and police.” “This demands a decisive change of course: We want peace!” the message said. The bishops’ appeal for peace received support from Pope Francis who called on pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to “pray that the acts of violence in Peru might cease.” “I encourage all the parties involved to undertake the path of dialogue as brothers of the same nation, in full respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the pope said Jan. 22 during his Sunday Angelus address. “I join the Peruvian bishops in saying: ‘No a la violencia, venga de donde venga! ¡No más muertes!’ (‘No to violence wherever it comes from! No more deaths!’),” he said. Protests erupted in Peru in early December after then-President Pedro Castillo was impeached by the country’s Congress after he expressed his intention to dissolve it. Castillo’s election in 2021 was seen as a rejection of Peru’s political establishment, However, throughout his

brieftermaspresident,hewasmarredby accusations of corruption. After his impeachment, Castillo attempted to flee Peru but was detained by police and currently remains in custody. Protesters, many of whom are supporters of the former president, are calling for the removal of Dina Baluarte, the former vice president who became the country’s leader after Castillo’s impeachment, as well as for the dissolution of the current congress. According to The Associated Press, the protests and violent clashes betweenpoliceandprotestershaveledto the indefinite closure of Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Incan citadel. The civil unrestblockedtransportationtoandfrom Machu Picchu, resulting in hundreds of visitors left stranded at the ancient site. In their message, the bishops of Peru said the violent protests are a source of “great pain”andsaidthesenselessdeaths“must not go unpunished.” “In Peru, we are all needed to build the homeland,” the message said. “Let’s stop hurting each other! No more confrontations! This situation demands dialogue, listening and resolve.” Citing “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on fraternity and social friendships, the bishops offered to

mediate the conflict in order to “build bridges of encounter.” The bishops also called for unity and for those on both sides of the political unrest to stop “promoting polarization.” Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto Jimeno of Huancayo echoed similar sentiments in an interview published Jan. 19 on his archdiocese’s website. The cardinal said the protests are due to the public perception of “an open and provocative confrontation” between the country’s executive and legislative branches of government. However, he said, “the underlying problem is the diversity of political and ideological positions within the Congress of the Republic.” Cardinal Barreto added that as a result of the political and ideological divisiveness, “Peruviansociety hasenteredinto a spiral of verbal violence between extremes, with the vileness of insults and the lack of basic respect for the individual.” “Meanwhile, it is society that experiences the consequences of social and political conflict: violence, social and economic inequalities, polarization, corruption and lack of hope, especially among the poorest,”hesaid.

Catholic Opinion Online is published with the authority of the Archbishop of Kingston and the Bishops of Montego Bay and Mandeville by St. Michaels College in association with the Communications Commissions of all three dioceses. The publication team comprises Joseph Pereira, Ronald Thwaites, Joseph Lucas, Anton Thompson, Baldwin Powell, Theresa Givans, Peter Espeut and Richard Sinclair (Publication Coordinator). Letters to the editor, notices, suggestions and inquiries regarding distribution and advertising needs may be directed to St. Michael’s College

(OSV News photo/Justin Makamgara, Reuters)