LO N Issue 36, Advent 2017
Light of the North: the magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen
Good News! The Light of the North is free of charge but a suggested donation of £1.00 will be gratefully received and will be used directly to benefit your own parish.
• Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima - Page 4 • Little Lives Matter - Page 17 • The Very Rev Iain Torrance’s favourite hymns - Page 18 • Memories of Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor - Page 19
RC Diocese of Aberdeen Charitable Trust. A registered Scottish charity no. SC005122
A Letter from Bishop Hugh Gilbert O.S.B.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In his recent book, The Light of Christ, An Introduction to Catholicism1, Thomas Joseph White OP has a thought-provoking passage on spiritual friendship among Christians. He prefers to speak of this than of ‘spiritual direction’. It is a theme worth pondering. The passage comes towards the end of the book when he is speaking of prayer and the interior life. He writes: ‘The cultivation of an interior life is also greatly helped by spiritual friendships with other Christians who are seeking God. Christianity is not a closed sect whose adherents seek to avoid others, and if it were, then such behaviour would be morbid. But spiritual friendships between Christians are the deepest and most noble form of friendship that human beings can experience, and such friendships “in Christ” are virtually necessary for anyone who aspires to genuine union with God in the spiritual life.’ This is a thought that could be unpacked. He goes on: ‘To have friends is natural, and the grace of God does not destroy nature but elevates and sanctifies it. We have need, then, even in our life with Christ, for human friendship, and in a sense we have need of true friendship in this domain above all.’ The motto of our diocese is ‘Together in Christ’. This could be thought a little banal, but not if given its full content. That content is the Body of Christ in which we are members one of another, by virtue of our common baptism, our immersion in Christ. Thanks to this, we are brothers or sisters one of another. And it is through spiritual friendship that some of these brotherly connections can take on still more depth and colour. A parish should be a matrix of such friendships. As Fr White says, ‘Fellow travellers help us by their example, encouragement and understanding. They give us good advice and the consolation of their presence and kindness. 1The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism, by Thomas Joseph White OP, The Catholic University of America Press, Washington, 2017.
HUGH
God often works through spiritual friendships in profound ways to stabilise and enlighten us in our journey towards God in this life’ (The Light of Christ pp. 299-300). This issue of the Light of the North will reach you as we prepare through Advent for Christmas. It has elements of a ‘new look’ to it. Perhaps, in its modest way, it will help us to take a new look at why the Father has come so close to us, to the point of sending his Son as a human being. We can say that the Lord has come close precisely to befriend us. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke to Moses face to face ‘as a man speaks to his friend’ (Ex 33:11). In the New Testament, the circle is widened beyond a single prophet: ‘You are my friends, Jesus says to his disciples, if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you’ (Jn 15:1415). Here, incidentally, is a very good description of what a friend is: someone with whom one can share what is hidden in the heart. In spiritual friendships among Christians, the circle is widened still further. The Wisdom literature of the Old Testament already glimpsed this: ‘A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbour also’ (Sirach 6:14-17). Wishing you all a joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, Devotedly in Him, +Hugh OSB
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f you have access to the internet do take a look at some of the many inspiring talks and homilies given by Bishop Hugh Gilbert and other members of the clergy and which are now available on “You Tube”. These include videos of the Diocesan Faith Formation Seminars led by Bishop Hugh which cover a wide range of topics such as “Why does God allow evil?” and “The Seven Deadly Sins” . To access these videos just go to the You tube site and search for the Diocese of Aberdeen channel.
Contents
Editorial
A letter from Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB ..............................2 DIOCESE News ....................................................................................4 FAITH IN ACTION Little lives matter ...............................................................17 LITURGY The Very Rev Iain Torrance’s favourite hymns .................18 WITNESS Cardinal Cormac remembered ..........................................19 EDUCATION AND FORMATION The right hand of God ........................................................21 Glory in the Cross ...............................................................22 FAITH AND CULTURE The Word made flesh ........................................................23 We can never stop saying thank you ................................24 Shedding light on Catholic church music ..........................25 “Scorchio” in Santiago ......................................................26 Too canonical for Fr Coll! ...................................................28 Engelberg - The Hill of Angels ...........................................29 The White-faced Nunbird ..................................................31 Poetic Licence - Walter de la Mare ....................................32 Food and Faith - A Nigerian Christmas .............................33 Humour .............................................................................34 Crossword and Sudoku .....................................................35
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ur cover this issue features a detail from a painting of “The Adoration of the Shepherds” (c. 1554) by the Venetian born painter Lorenzo Lotto. Lotto worked mainly outside Venice creating paintings that are more like dramas than conventional representations. For example, his depictions of the young Christ in this detail show the Christ child behaving with the innate curiosity and playful nature of a real baby. Lotto really seemed to understand and sympathise with the characters he was portraying, whether he was painting portraits or religious scenes. His works are characterised by the use of deeply saturated colours and bold use of shadow. He is one of the most individualistic of the great Italian painters and a deeply religious man. in 1552 he joined the Holy Sanctuary at Loreto, becoming a lay brother. When he died in 1556 he was buried, at his request, in a Dominican habit.
up front
Managing Editor Deacon Tony Schmitz Editor Cowan Watson 07816344241 editor@lightofthenorth.org Editorial Advisors Canon Bill Anderson Dr Glen Reynolds
aving just recently celebrated our tenth anniversary, we thought it was about time we asked you, the reader, for some feedback on your magazine. Accordingly, I must thank all of you who took the time and trouble to complete the Readers’ Questionnaire which was included in our summer issue. It was very encouraging to receive so many positive comments, and rest assured that all your ideas and suggestions have been taken on board. One interesting idea from a reader was that we make some room in the magazine for a regular “Parishioners Memories” feature where readers contribute a photograph, perhaps recalling a pilgrimage or special Mass or social event with an accompanying paragraph to help identify the occasion and the participants. There must be lots of great photos stored away in people’s homes! And when it comes to news, we’re always eager to receive stories and pictures from around the Diocese so please do let us know if you’ve been celebrating a special occasion in your parish or are planning an event which you’d like other parishes to know about. Just drop us an email at: editor@lightofthenorth.org. After more than ten years we also felt it was the right moment to give the magazine a face-lift, hence our new cover. Don’t worry though, we’ve no intention of straying too far from our usual eclectic mix of news and features designed, not just to keep you informed, but to help us all continue to grow in our faith. My hope is that this Advent issue will do just that: Bishop Hugh Gibert OSB discusses the nature of true friendship in his letter (page 2); Dr Roger Williams talks to the Very Reverend Iain Torrance about his favourite hymns (page 18); Mark Morley offers his own personal reflections on the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor (page 19); Clare Benedict looks at how the mystery of Christ’s birth is depicted in some of our best loved carols (page 23) and Sr Janet Fearns reminds us to always say “Thank you” (page 24). And as this is Advent let me just leave you with this seasonal quote: “Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money. We can communicate this joy simply: with a smile, a kind gesture, a little help, forgiveness. And the joy we give will certainly come back to us.…Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.” ( Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) Cowan
Advertising Manager Jim Skwarek 01233 658611 jim.skwarek@geeringsprint.co.uk The Light of the North St Mary’s Cathedral 20 Huntly Street Aberdeen AB10 1SH www.lightofthenorth.org
DIOCESE
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary witnessing to Gospel values BY SR CAROLINE FMM & SR WIESIA FM
Srs Wiesia & Caroline FMM with a mission to proclaim the hope of the Gospel
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he Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is an international congregation of women religious founded in India in 1877 by Mother Mary of the Passion. They were the first missionary community of women to be founded by a woman and dedicated to universal mission. For Mary of the Passion, the witness of sisters from different cultures and nations living together in community was an expression of the universality of the Church. Our mission today is reflected in many diverse works that witness to Gospel values, with a commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. We are present in 75 Countries throughout the world. Here we would like to share with you what makes us live in hope and joy inspired by the simplicity of Saint Francis. Charism Offering of self.... Our charism which God confided to Mary of the Passion, commits us to follow Christ as He gave Himself up to the Father for the salvation of the world. We, as missionaries, are ready to go anywhere and to anyone, witnessing to the Gospel by our life and service. Eucharist Celebration and Adoration From our Eucharist celebration and adoration springs the contemplative and missionary dynamism of our whole life. The
strength to live this self offering is drawn from the Holy Eucharist, offered, adored and contemplated, the place where every day we carry the joys and sorrows of the world. Mary our Model Our charism is lived in the fundamental attitude that was Mary’s the Mother of Jesus who gave herself to the plan of God for our World. Franciscan Like St Francis we desire above all else to possess the spirit of the Lord. We realise our vocation within the Franciscan way, living the Gospel in the midst of the world and journeying with our brothers and sisters in simplicity and joy. Our community mission is in Our Lady of Aberdeen, Kincorth and Portlethen. We respond to the needs of the local people offering: a ministry of presence among them, visiting the sick and elderly, supporting local charity and befriending lonely people. We also do chaplaincy ministry in hospitals, adult education, and work in St Peter’s school and have an ecumenical group in Portlethen. For us as FMM mission is what we do and who we are. We continue to follow the example of Christ by helping those in need and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel.
Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima to mark 100 years of grace BY ANNA AND MARGARET
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s many readers will know this year is the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal. To commemorate this, the St Andrew Community, who are based at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, led a pilgrimage of youth from all over Scotland and Ireland in August. The first destination was Fatima itself, where we stayed with a very generous couple. Our kind hosts spoiled us with delicious food every day and allowed us to make free use of their property for our activities which included a talent show and dramas. On the first day we went to Santarem, not far from Fatima, for Mass and adoration at the Church of the Holy Miracle, home to a celebrated 13th century eucharistic
The Fatima Seers - Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta miracle. Later that day we had the privilege of hearing the insightful and inspiring testimonies of two men in Cenacolo, a Catholic rehabilitation centre. Afterwards we explored the tiny hamlet of Aljustrel, the home of the three “Little Shepherds“ and their families. On the following days we spent time at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. On August 6th we all took part in the consecration of our lives to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at the Fatima Two Hearts Youth Conference. It was
an invitation to young people to receive and open the Gift of Fatima; to journey with Mary through the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, to encounter Jesus Christ Her Son, to receive anew the fire of the Holy Spirit and become the builders of a new civilization of truth and love. Our Music Ministry led the worship for the consecration holy hour in the main chapel in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima. On the following day we attended Mass at the Holy Cross Monastery with a German group who had joined us for the conference. The German group had invited us for a barbecue that same evening and they were overjoyed to be able to join us in celebrating some great Scottish traditions including a highland Games and Ceilidh. Our next destination was Santiago in Spain but on the way we made a stop at Balazar to learn about the life of Blessed Alexandrina, Balazar, one of the great mystics of modern times who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004. In Santiago de Compostela, we had a Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of St James the Apostle; this has been a favourite pilgrimage destination for over a millennium. After our flight back to the U.K. we journeyed to the National
Shrine of England: Our Lady of Walsingham, which was once the most prominent pilgrimage site in Britain. In the few days there we went to the beach, had many barbecues and learned about, not only the history of the shrine, but Catholic Britain as it used to be. Our next stop was at Alton Castle, a residential youth centre in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. It was a great experience for us all. There were bonfires, roller-coasters, a lot of mud, and an equal amount of fun. As we made our way back to Scotland we were able to enjoy some time together in the Lake District but our final day together was spent at Castlerigg Manor where we went on a picturesque hike. After some emotional farewells we went our separate ways, some returning to Ireland and others to Aberdeen. United more in the end than at the beginning, closer to God and to each other, we are all grateful for this time together and now are united in prayer, awaiting next year’s trip!!! We are so grateful for all who helped make this trip possible, and we prayed for you all everywhere we went! May God bless you!
Fatima 2017
Bishop Hugh Gilbert addresses the pilgrims before they leave Fr Andrzej Niski who accompanied the pilgrims celebates Mass in the garden of their hosts in Fatima for Fatima
Pilgrims and group leaders in Fatima
Fatima 2017
Celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela The Pilgrim Way Late to sleep, early to rise, start the trip clueless and come home wise. Some have gone on these before they get famous, The pilgrimage shapes the people who are nameless. Around the world, too many faces but on this trip we come from similar places. Leaders givin’ testimonies tellin’ about how God helped them change from so much strife, Gives us hope to work towards a new life in Christ. Sisters took our phones which made me want to break a bone, but the Messiah God brought down my anger tone. I loved it with the crew, despite the different food, but overall, I thought that the trip was really good. I will go on one next year if I get the chance, I loved every bit of it, especially the bants. And though we were all not here out of choice, the distance lets us hear the beauty of God’s voice.
Praying the Stations of the Cross with Fr Andrzej Niski
Sharing some Scottish traditions with some German pilgrims
Chorus x 2 The pilgrim way, Our Father we pray, nothings gonna stop us reaching heavens bay, and to be honest, this has been the best of my times, making reparation for all of our crimes. Pilgrim “Rap” by Josh McLean Pilgrims at Castlerigg Manor in the Lake District
Leaving Dingwell after 21 years of service
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he congregation from St Lawrence Church in Castle Street Dingwall bade farewell to their Parish Priest who is retiring after over 21 years of service in the town. Fr David Kay S.J. arrived in Dingwall in 1996 and, although he had never been a Parish Priest before he soon settled in. Over his time in Dingwall he has performed 144 baptisms, 55 weddings and 81 funerals. He also covered Ullapool and Gairloch parishes and then more recently Fortrose. Following a spell of declining health, he made the decision to retire and is now moving down to Glasgow. A farewell meal was held for him and attended by 72 parishioners at the Storehouse restaurant in Evanton on
Parishioners express their appreciation of Fr David Kay S.J. at a special farewell dinner Friday 25th August. Entertainment was provided by some of the teenage members of the congregation determined to give
him a good send off. He was also presented with a cheque following his final Mass on Sunday 27th August. He will be very sadly missed but assures everyone he will come back in the future to provide holiday cover once his replacement is in place. Tina Swanson
Journey’s end for ‘Pluscarden 1230’ pilgrimage walkers
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n Friday 1 September the 1230 Pilgrimage Walk came to an end.
Father Giles Conacher was on the expedition which took the first steps back to Moray in May. He said, “There was an amazing amount of generosity along the way. “We stayed in church halls, monasteries or sometimes just camped out….whether in Britain or France, the friendship was amazing. “There was a phenomenal atmosphere on the walk. We were such a disparate group of international people, not pre-selected or anything. We just came together and I’m glad we did.” Money raised from the expedition will fund a £2million project to create a new women’s guest house at the abbey as well as a building to house the substantial library. Bids are being prepared to the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for the rest of the project. The final leg of the journey attracted a good deal of attention
The triumphant last leg of the pilgrimage walk and many walkers, including pupils from local Mosstowie Primary School. The whole group triumphantly came up our front drive with banners flying, and to the joyful ringing of bells. In the abbey, Al Monkman and Maria Byron formally handed over to Fr. Abbot Anselm Atkinson the stone from Val des Choux that had been carried throughout the journey, and which is designed to be set in the projected new South Range at Pluscarden. Accompanied by Rinnes the dog, these two walkers had completed the entire journey of around 1,230 miles from Val
des Choux in Burgundy to Pluscarden. The trio spent 89 nights on the journey while walking nearly 20 miles a day for six days a week. Pluscarden, of course, was founded from Val des Choux in the year 1230. Fr. Abbot Anselm Atkinson gave a most eloquent speech of welcome; a fine letter from pilgrimage patron Princess Michael of Kent was read out, and Archbishop Mario Conti, another pilgrimage patron, pronounced a blessing over the assembly, over its achievements, and over the lunch it was about to eat. A fine spread was set out in a marquee on the lawn; the sun
Al Monkman and Golden Labrdor, Rinnes who both walked all 1.230 miles of the pilgrimage, with daughters Sarah and Joanne who walked Week Ten
Alnwick marked the 1000 mile point of the pilgrimage and the household staff at the Castle presented the walkers with a cake to mark the occasion
shone; the pipes played, and a most joyful atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Those present who had participated in any way in the three month long pilgrim walk each received a certificate, presented by Lord Lieutenant Grenville Johnston. Bishop Hugh Gilbert, former Abbot of Pluscarden, commented, “I am delighted that such an imaginative and ambitious project has come to a successful conclusion. It has proved an enriching experience for those who took part, and will surely have helped the appeal for the first phase of the Abbey’s South Range Project, designed to extend further the accommodation for women guests and make accessible the rich resources of the abbey’s library. As a Benedictine monk and former Abbot, may I thank all who have taken part in this unforgettable venture.”
Walking in the footsteps of St Drostan BY GLEN REYNOLDS
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he Banffshire Pilgrimage Group has now been in existence for around four years, with the purpose of offering to everyone the benefits, blessings and graces flowing from Christian Pilgrimage. For the first time, the Group collaborated with the Church of Scotland congregation of Aberdour Saint Drostan’s church, not only to promote Pilgrimage, but also to heighten awareness of the Pictish proto-missionary and abbot, Saint Drostan. His traditional stories are woven throughout the annals of local Christianity, arguably to get lost in the post Reformation period. This Banffshire comeback of Saint Drostan and Christian Pilgrimage was planned with much enthusiasm, including local children at Rosehearty primary school who were invited to provide an imaginative 21st century perspective. Deacon John Woodside, joint organiser of the pilgrimage and author of Together in Christ: Following the Northern Saints (Diocese of Aberdeen, 2016) stated: “The objective was realised last Saturday morning, when women, men, and children, of various Christian denominations or none, gathered early outside the community hall at New Aberdour to set
Rededication and blessing of St Drostan’s Holy Well
Tina Harris
out on a pilgrimage walk in the footsteps of Saint Drostan. The incessant rain of the previous 48 hours did not deter the brave, it only provided an opportunity to change the planned route to a safer and no-less challenging walk. This was made possible by the provision of a bus from Watermill Coaches who conveyed the pilgrims to the various places where the
planned activities were to take place. Opportunities for community prayer, reflection on scripture, and reminiscing on the stories of Saint Drostan and his companions as they brought the Gospel to Pictland, were shared with the pilgrims. Time was set aside for hospitality, community, learning, and experiencing the wonder of God’s creation that is so evident in the dramatic Buchan coastline.” To illustrate the religious and non religious aspect to the event, local Councillors joined the pilgrims. Cllrs. Charles Buchan, Ross Cassie and Dr Glen Reynolds from Aberdeenshire Council joined in the walk and Cllr Glen Reynolds (who is also the Aberdeen Diocese Communications Officer) said: “From young to older participants, from people who would walk in prayer to those who simply took in the music and the stunning coastline and enjoyed the local history from historian Alistair Mason who spoke at the Old Kirk, this was a wonderfully moving day in so many ways.” The accordionist at the event, Bob Watson, said: 'We were all worried about the weather, but it turned out to be a very special day, despite the clouds and spells of rain. The paintings and drawings by Rosehearty Primary School children displayed in the New Aberdour Parish Hall were terrific and the kitchen volunteers produced a delicious 'soup and sweet', which all conbined to make it a truly memorable day. The legacy of St. Drostan lives on!' John Woodside added: “The children’s exhibition in the hall was a tribute to their wonderment, imagination, talent and knowledge – Saint Drostan was indeed their saint. An interesting DVD of old photographs of the inhabitants of New Aberdour compiled by Graeme Bruce provided a fascinating insight of the local community throughout the years. Sadly no original image of Saint Drostan survives. Christians have always recognised the spiritual merits of hospitality expressed in sharing a meal. The affordable pilgrimage lunch of soup and sweet was no exception with 40 or so diners growing closer in friendship and sharing the stories of their journey.” The pilgrimage day closed with everyone walking down to the beach for a most fitting service of rededication and blessing of the holy well, whose waters were once renowned for the miraculous healing of the sick and still trickle to the
Rosehearty Primary School pupils produced a magnificent exhibition Deacon John Woodside illustrating the life of St Drostan sea. In conclusion Deacon John said: “One thing is certain, for many who set out as strangers on a pilgrimage for the first time, they have discovered the many benefits of being friends together on ‘The Way’, being inspired by the stories of Saint Drostan, the service and authentic Christian witness of the team members, which renews enthusiasm and commitment to embrace an accessible spirituality rediscovered.” One of the pilgrims, Lynda Wiseman, commented: “it was a lovely day, a great opportunity to meet some great people and learn the history of the area and about those who walked before us. Spiritually very uplifting. Thanks to all who organised the day.” Somehow, I don’t expect that we have heard the last of Saint Drostan and Pilgrimage among the Banff and Buchan communities!
You Must be Joking - AGAIN!!!
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fter the success of their first joke book for charity, You Must Be Joking!!!, Tim and Rick were persuaded to publish a second book of hilarious jokes, one-liners and exam howlers. As with their first book Tim, a parishioner at St. Joseph's in Aberdeen, is offering to donate copies of his book to any church or Christian charity in the diocese to support their fund raising. The way the scheme works is simple: contact Tim at tim@stapenhurst.co.uk and let him know how many copies you would like. Tim will send you the books, you sell the books at £4.99 and keep the money for your church/charity. The 160 page book, You Must Be Joking AGAIN,
includes a humorous look at international affairs and traveller's tales. For the home there are priceless quotes, comical stories and jokes about kids, parenting and pets, as well as a side splitting look at the lighter side of the battle of the sexes. All this topped off with brain teasers, puzzles and fascinating weird facts. Tim says that many people are buying the book as a stocking filler or Christmas present and some are selling copies to friends and work colleagues - with all the proceeds going back to their Charity. If your church or charity wants to take advantage of Tim's side-splittingly hilarious offer email him on tim@stapenhurst.co.uk and remember: he who laughs last thinks slowest!
Polish School celebrates 10th anniversary
BY JOANNA SCHMITZ
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lthough ten years ago, in 2007, there were more than ten thousand Polish people in Aberdeen there was yet no Polish School. In October 2007 Fr. Piotr Zieliński, Arleta Jasinska and Joanna Schmitz set up the first Polish School in the city. In the course of that first year the number of pupils increased from 30 children to over 130. Initially, the school was located at St. Peter’s church. The then parish priest Fr. Keith Herrera was very supportive of this initiative and kindly offered to let us use the church’s premises for classes. A year later, the growth in the number of pupil enrolments forced a move to St. Mary’s Cathedral where the school remained for another year where the number of pupils increased to 150. In 2009 the school was forced to move again, this time a local high school - the Aberdeen Grammar - where it remains today. But further growth (in May 2017 300 pupils attended the Polish Saturday School) caused the management to decide to spread the school’s classes over two sites and, thanks to the generosity of the City Council, some of our classes were moved to Harlaw Academy. Over 70 staff currently work at Polska Szkola im. sw. Stanisława Kostki in Aberdeen and the school gathers over 500 Polish people. Our school is the biggest Polish Saturday School in Scotland and Northern Ireland. At the Primary & Secondary School (P2-S2 levels), for pupils from 6 to 13 years old, we conduct at all levels Polish language classes, catechesis, Polish culture and history. This year we introduced, at S2 level, preparation for GCSE exams in Polish language. (This class is now full). The school offers an after-school Theatre Class. Last year our school won first prize at the Theatre Competition in Edinburgh. There is a children’s choir, and one to one speech therapy services are also provided. Central to our provision is preparation for the Sacrament of Penance (last year 100 pupils were prepared) and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation (over 20 teenagers were prepared in 2017). We also have a Polish Football Club - FC Brave Eagles
is registered with the Scottish Football Association (with over 100 members) and we conduct English for Adults classes, with around 30 students. The Polish school also provides other formation opportunities: in October this year we start for the second time a ten-week parenting course. The principal aim of the school is to teach Polish language, tradition and history but this is supplemented by religious education at all levels. From its very beginning the school worked closely with the Catholic Church and has always been supported by our bishops, not least today by Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB. Not only does the school prepare children for the sacraments, but it also helps the Polish chaplain to organize the Children’s Mass - the children’s choir, offertory gifts, a play during the sermon, welcomers, the universal prayer, the Mass readings. All these are prepared and executed by children of all ages. We also prepare a weekly parish newsletter, especially for children. All the children always sit at the front of the church and sing songs with gestures. Shows and other school events are important elements of the curriculum: each year we have a show for Polish Independence Day on the 11th of November, a St Nicholas Day, the Nativity Play for Christmas. There is also a show for Polish Constitution Day on the 3rd of May and there is always an end of the school year presentation. As an alternative to Halloween we hold an All Saints Ball. Further, the school organises reading competitions and exhibitions, including one on World War II and others on the Polish hero Jozef Pilsudski and on Saint John Paul II. The school holds charity events, fairs, retreats for children, pilgrimages, music workshops and we recently also invited two Polish artists to conduct a workshop on painting and an exhibition of famous Polish painters of the 18th to 20th centuries. We have organized meetings with historians, authors and musicians, and a Polish actor. A Liturgical Music choir will be visiting the School and offering a thirty minute performance in November this year. Today we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our school. We thank God for His care and blessing over the years, we thank all parents, children, all staff, priests, the Polish Government, and all the other local organisations for their support.
Group photo outside Aberdeen Grammar School (2016) The school was first located at St Peter’s Church, Aberdeen
Seaton Park picnic at the beginning of the school year (2008)
First class at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen (2008)
Feast of St Nicholas at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen (2008) School moves to Aberdeen Grammar School (2010)
School Ball (2010)
Bishop Hugh Gilbert puts the school on the map! (2010)
Ogilvie Centre offering new opportunites The Ogilvie Centre, which many parishioners will remember for the sterling work it carried out from its base at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, is now directed from Elgin by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia. BY SISTER ANNA CHRISTI
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ver the years, the Ogilvie Centre for Catechesis has done wonderful work in equipping catechists for their ministry in the parishes of the Diocese of Aberdeen. As each year passes, new needs arise and new opportunities present themselves. We want to share with you some of the exciting new developments for the faith formation of adults, catechists, families, and young people at the Ogilvie Centre. The Church in the past few decades has repeatedly emphasized the idea of the “new evangelisation.” This is a long phrase which means that the announcement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be pronounced in a new way for a new generation of people. As we know, all too often people fall away from their faith or are being raised without any faith. The New Evangelisation is the Church’s effort to proclaim, especially to the baptized, the somewhat shockingly good
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If catechesis has suffered in the past few decades, it is because we are trying to catechise those who have not yet been evangelised and the message can fall flat as a result. For this reason, the Ogilvie Centre is focusing on evangelisation as well as catechesis. news that God loves me, that I suffer blockages to that love when I sin, that Jesus has saved me, and that by repenting and putting him at the centre of my life, I experience a new joy and inner strength that I never knew before as I journey through life with him in the community of believers, the Church. Those who have internalized this message can then begin to unpack it by being catechised and formed in their faith. If catechesis has suffered in the past few decades, it is because we are trying to catechise those who have not yet been evangelised and the message can fall flat as a result. For this reason, the Ogilvie Centre is focusing on evangelisation
This year’s Retreat for Mothers held at Kilcoy castle near Inverness
Filled to overflowing - Catechists’ Retreat at St Francis of Assisi Church, Aberdeen as well as catechesis. Over the past year, the Ogilvie Centre has run Retreats for Mothers which proclaim this good news in a powerful way. This year, the retreat held at Kilcoy Castle near Inverness is fully booked as the news of its life-changing effects begins to spread. A Retreat for Men is also in the planning stages. Also, the Centre has run retreats for youth ministers and those interested in youth ministry. We desire to form and equip adults in the important work of helping secondaryschool age youth stay connected to the Church. This year’s Youth Ministry Weekend is scheduled for 25-28 January 2018, again at Kilcoy Castle. The “filled to overflowing” Catechist retreats in Aberdeen and Elgin have been well-attended. Catechists feel rejuvenated in their important and sometimes difficult ministry, saying, “There were a lot of good ideas and information and it was worthwhile,” and “I feel completely refreshed after this retreat!” We hope to make these retreats a yearly event. The Ogilvie Centre has partnered with Catholic Distance University to provide low-cost adult formation and catechist formation to all adults in the diocese. By accessing www.cdu. edu and selecting the “Continuing Ed” tab on the top bar, you will see “Group Subsidy Partners.” Selecting this link, you will see “Aberdeen, Scotland” listed as a partner. Information about modules (called “Courses”) and non-credit certificate courses is listed there. Whether you are an aspiring catechist and want to be grounded in solid methodology and the Church’s teaching or an “armchair theologian” who wants to study the faith in a more systematic way, or simply have an area of interest you would like to delve into more deeply, there are courses and modules that could be a fit for you! Everyone in the diocese will benefit from the excellent resources provided at the Centre’s new web site: http:// ogilvie.rcda.scot. Clean, attractive, and easy-to-use, we hope that adults, families, and catechists will find it useful. If you would like any more information about the opportunities the Ogilvie Centre for New Evangelisation and Catechesis has to offer, please contact us at: www.ogilvie@ rcda.scot.
Prayers answered as six of the Malaviya Seven seafarers return home to India “Our prayers have been answered, thanks be to God!” says Doug Duncan, Aberdeen port chaplain for Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) who has been supporting the abandoned seafarers from the Malaviya Seven ship stuck in the port. The plight of the Indian men, who were not paid their wages and were marooned in Aberdeen over the past 15 months, has ended after a court decided that the ship could be sold and the seafarers paid and return home. At the end of September, six crew members flew back to India while another six remained on board. “Finally, after a long hard struggle six have returned. Our prayers are with them and their families, especially those who are staying to maintain and manage the vessel,” Doug said. Doug organised a small celebration on the ship the day before their departure with the crew and several from the local community who have been helping them through this ordeal. It was a happy occasion with everyone bringing along some food, ending with some games. On the morning of the court hearing, Doug and the whole ship crew assembled in St Peter's Church to pray in front of the statue of Our Lady of Aberdeen. Men of all faiths came together to pray to Mary, Stella Maris, Star of the Sea, Guide to all Seafarers. “Faith and reason prevailed, and justice was granted,” said Doug. The prayers offered have gone a long way towards comforting and lifting the spirits of the Malaviya Seven crew. In September the seafarers took turns to join Doug in the four Stella Maris Masses organised by AoS in Scotland - Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh. At the Aberdeen Mass, Clay the ship’s bosun, was invited to do the first reading on behalf of seafarers. Another crew member, Ashish Prabhakar, said: "This has been the most beautiful celebration. It’s given us another chance to pray for our families back home.” He added, “We thank AoS for all they have done for us. They
The seafarers in celebratory mood after a court decided that their ship could be sold have given us tremendous support throughout all of this.” On the day of the Aberdeen Mass, AoS Scotland Bishop Promoter Stephen Robson visited their ship where he took time to speak with the men. Bishop Robson also praised the local community under the direction of Doug for their sterling support. In his homily at Mass Bishop Robson said, "The crew of the Malaviya Seven have suffered far more than they should have through no fault of their own. The local community of Aberdeen have been so generous and caring in coming to the aid of these seafarers all the way from India as much as they possibly can.” Doug added, “May God bless all those who have assisted these men through their long hard struggle. Our prayers go out to the remaining seafarers who have volunteered to look after the vessel until the ship is sold. Bids have been made for the ship and it is hoped that, within a short period of time, this sorry state of affairs will be over.”
Joyce’s journey to gold award
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oyce Webster, P.A. to Bishop Hugh Gilbert, recently completed her Gold “Discovery Award”. The presentation was made at the Scout Annual General Meeting in Aberdeen’s Town House by Lord Provost, Barney Joyce (Left) with the Gold Discovery Award which was presented by Crockett. Lord Provost, Barney Crockett The scheme was founded 30 years ago on the same basis as Commenting on her journey to Gold Joyce remarked: “It has the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme but for the over 50’s. been a really interesting and rewarding experience and one I Joyce took six years to complete the scheme. After would encourage others to take up. There are many groups in completing the Bronze and Silver award programmes Joyce Scotland which you can join, or, if not in your area, then why went for Gold which, in her case, meant reporting on “A not start one. It’s a great way to meet new friends and keep Year in the Life of a Beaver Scout Leader”, knitting, learning active.” calligraphy and researching Aberdeen’s church spires.
Highland Deanery Pilgrimage to St Peter & St Boniface’s
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his year the annual Highland Deanery Pilgrimage took place on 9th September to St Peter and St Boniface’s in Fortrose. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB after which the pilgrims processed to the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral. The Cathedral was built for the Bishops of Ross in the first half of the 13th century. The founder was Bishop Robert, who moved the see from Rosemarkie to Fortrose from around 1236. The diocese of Ross may date to the early 8th century, but the first written record of a bishop comes from 1130. In 1236 Pope Gregory IX granted Bishop Robert of Ross permission to enlarge the cathedral chapter. This papal charter prompted the bishop to move his see and start a new cathedral dedicated to
Royal Visit to Pluscarden
Pilgrims gather in the ruined South Aisle of Fortrose Cathedral St Peter and St Boniface. After the Reformation the cathedral fell into ruin, though it was for a time used as the parish church of Fortrose. In 1572 lead from the roof was sold to Lord Ruthven, which hastened the decay of the cathedral building and in the 1650s Oliver Cromwell used stone from Fortrose to build a new fort at Inverness. Cromwell’s men did such a thorough job of robbing the cathedral of material that not even the bases of the cathedral pillars remain. The site was used as a burial place for centuries, and the graveyard contains numerous examples of very finely crafted gravestones. The chapter house and sacristy were later used as a courthouse and as meeting chambers by the town council.
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n Sunday 17 September Princess Michael of Kent, who is one of the Patrons of Pluscarden South Range Appeal, attended Mass at the abbey. At the end of Mass she carried out a simple act of dedication of the stone which had recently been carried all the way from Val des Choux in Burgundy by those who took part in a sponsored pilgrimage. The stone will be set, God willing, among the stones of the projected South Range building. A special slot had been drilled into the stone, and the Princess placed in it a medal of St. Benedict. She then sealed in the medal with cement. A practising Catholic, Princess Michael was happy to meet various members of the community, and to stay with her old friend Angelika Countess Cawdor at her Castle not far from the Monastery.
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21/11/2017 11:39
Vital medical supplies still needed in crisis - hit Venezuela
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olunteers from St Mary’s Cathedral have rallied round to collect vital medical supplies for people in crisis-hit Venezuela. Last year Aberdeen became the first UK city to support the Programme of Humanitarian Help for Venezuela by gathering and delivering medication. The charity focuses on collecting donations for people in the South American country who need food and medical supplies. Since the death of President Hugo Chavez in 2013, Venezuelans have endured economic and political turmoil. Inflation has spiralled to its highest ever level, making buying and finding medicine difficult. The welcome donations from the people of Aberdeen can be as basic as a box of aspirin. Venezuelan Daniela Padilla, who has lived in Aberdeen for several years, helped prompt the UK’s involvement after noticing the country was not following the lead of many European nations and making a contribution to the appeal. Daniela said: “I contacted the foundation to get set up and made a connection with a church in Venezuela that would be receiving the medication.” Media contact and volunteer Diego Mejias Morffe spent two months in search of a North-east community member to represent the cause. It was then that Father Keith Herrera of Aberdeen’s St Mary’s
Cathedral offered the church as a centre for donations and there has been a positive response from the community with people helping in many ways. Diego commented: “The reception has been very supportive from different communities Team leader Diego Mejias Morffe in Aberdeen that have come out to help and make it the success it’s been so far. “I did this because I’m Venezuelan, but to see how people, independent of their nationalities, can come together for a just cause – it was incredible!” He added: “This job doesn’t stop, because the situation in Venezuela is still critical and medical supplies are still desperately needed. Donations are collected at St Mary’s Cathedral, 16-20 Huntly St, Aberdeen, AB10 1SH, on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm. For more information contact Diego Mejias Morffe at 07960325046 or dmejiasmorffe@gmail.com
Here’s how ........... to deal with a bereavement
A se r look ies whic s prac at som h and tical iss e ue co eve ncerns s ryda y life of .
In this two-part guide Amy Watson, an Associate with Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace Solicitors, explains what practical steps you may be required to take after someone dies.
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he death of a loved one is never easy to bear. Thankfully, most of us experience death in an intimate way on only a few occasions during our lifetime. At this point, many find solace in “keeping busy” with practical considerations, while for others this is a necessary but tortuous task. For those in this position it can be useful to have a guide to help navigate the road ahead.
Registering the death Once a medical death certificate has been produced by the attending physician it will be necessary for the death to be registered. For deaths occurring in Scotland, this is to be done at any local office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages within eight days of the death. It may be necessary to make an appointment with the office and, as well as the medical death certificate, you should also take with you, if possible, copies of the person’s birth and marriage certificates (if applicable). This is so that the Registrar can identify the correct individual on the register and information regarding the death can be recorded accurately.
Many Registrars operate a “Tell us Once” service whereby they will notify various government agencies of the death, such as the DVLA, DWP and Council Tax office. If you wish to use this service you should additionally take details of the person’s National Insurance Number, their passport and driver’s licence. It should be noted that the death must be registered before the funeral can go ahead and so it is wise to attend at the Registrar’s office as soon as possible. Arranging the funeral Many individuals will have given thought to their preferred funeral arrangements during their lifetime and this is always to be encouraged. Decisions regarding the funeral usually have to be made very quickly following the death and it is helpful if the deceased has left some guidance as to their wishes for those left behind. A statement of whether cremation or burial is favoured is useful as well as more detailed provision regarding the nature of any service to be held. It is important to make contact with the deceased’s solicitor as there may be a Will or other paperwork which covers these points. In most cases, the deceased’s bank accounts will be frozen once notification of the death has been given to the bank. However, the bank will release funds to settle the funeral invoice and this can be presented to them for payment provided there are sufficient funds in the account. The Will As well as providing details of funeral instructions, the deceased’s Will should also specify who is appointed as the Executor. The Executor may be a family member, a close friend of the deceased, or even a professional person such as a solicitor, or a combination of these. It is the responsibility of the Executors to find out what assets the deceased owned, to pay
any debts due, and to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries as directed in the Will. The Will may leave legacies of particular items such as pictures or jewellery (called “specific” legacies) or of money (called “pecuniary” legacies) to one or more individuals or charities before stating how the remainder of the estate is to be distributed. The beneficiaries who receive the remainder (or “residue”) of the estate are called the “residuary” beneficiaries. Intestate estates If there is no Will then the estate is “intestate” and the law provides rules to determine who is entitled to be appointed as Executor and how the estate is to be divided. Where the deceased is survived by their spouse and/or children, one or more of these relations can be appointed to act as Executor and this is done by making an application to the local Sheriff Court. In such circumstances it will also usually be necessary for the Executor to obtain a Bond of Caution (pronounced “Kayshun”) which is an insurance policy taken out to protect the estate beneficiaries and creditors in the event that the Executor does not distribute the estate properly. There are detailed rules governing who is entitled to an intestate estate and the surviving spouse will not necessarily inherit everything under these regulations. Whether there is a Will or not, it is helpful at this stage to obtain some guidance from a solicitor who will be able to advise what action is required in order to administer the estate to ensure that this is done in accordance with the law. The second part of this article will deal with the administration of the estate of the deceased. Amy Watson is an Associate at Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace Solicitors.
Understanding 1/2 Practical page The passing of friends or family members is an emotional and distressing experience and dealing with the personal affairs of the deceased can be challenging. Our Private Client team understand this and can help guide clients through the legalities of administering the estate with sympathy and efficiency.
Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace Solicitors. Call Douglas Crombie today on: 01224 332 400 or visit raeburns.co.uk
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21/11/2017 11:39
FAITH IN ACTION Little Lives Matter The Most Fundamental Truth
We All Started Small
BY JOANNA SCHMITZ
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od is at work in Aberdeen’s second session of 40 Days for Life which started this Autumn on the 27th September and ended on the 5th November 2017. The action was organized at different levels, including a prayer vigil in front of the Maternity Hospital, fasting, and different community outreach initiatives. A showing of the film “Bella”, a lovely pro-life story, took place in local Aberdeen parishes. St. Mary’s Cathedral also hosted guests such as Rose Docherty from Glasgow, a campaigner heavily involved in 40 Days for Life in Scotland, Robert Colquhoun, Director of International Campaigns, and Rachel from Billingham who gave a testimony on how, after having two abortions, she decided to change her life and was converted to Christ. Bishop Hugh Gilbert also celebrated a Pro-Life Mass on Tuesday 10th October. The subject of abortions is a very controversial one in contemporary society, even though more than half a million abortions will have been performed in Scotland since the legalisation of abortions in 1967. You are given a choice at your first appointment with the doctor whether to keep a baby or abort. What the world forgets is that if these babies are given a chance to be born they would live, go to school, become adults, have their own children, become grandparents … . Another very important consideration is of motherhood being cast aside: women who do have an abortion for whatever reason often cannot erase from their memory the fact that they would have had a child. They often suffer from depression and live unhappily, with the constant guilt. What is also astonishing is that when you speak to young students who choose to study medicine their ambition is to save lives. A few
Pro-Life supporters at a viewing of “Bella” in St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Aberdeen
Members of the 40 Days for Life team days ago, during a visit to A & E at Aberdeen Hospital, I asked a doctor whether he enjoyed his job. He answered: “Yes, I love my job. Every day you have an opportunity to help people and save lives”. My question therefore is why and when did the media and politicians lose their sense of humanity? Why does the world need to convince people that something that is morally wrong is good? No one will judge the history of the holocaust as something good. How many more years will it take for people to return to protecting children and women? The first and most basic right of every human being is the right to life. I feel compassion for all the women whom we meet who had abortions because someone convinced them that it would be better for them, in the name of “free choice”. This freedom of choice causes a very deep pain, remaining unhealed for years and many find no
Peaceful prayer vigil outside Aberdeen’s maternity hospital comfort. Many a woman says that if she could reverse time she would give birth to that baby. The approach of the Catholic Church – the fifth Commandment “do not kill” - is there for our own good and the protection of society. God left us a clear signpost to our way to Heaven on earth. And finding more euphemistic words for abortion will not solve the problem. What is very much needed is support for pregnant women, enabling them to feel that their child is a blessing, giving them the comfort that if they keep their child everyone will help: families, the state, other organizations. So what do we do next? Where, if not in the Church, should this action be more fully supported? We can pray, get involved in small, local, peaceful, prayer campaigns, like 40 Days for Life. We can fast, we can adopt in prayer an unborn child. We can speak openly about the risks of abortion, in our families and in our local circles. We can support young and lost mothers-to-be if they are considering abortion. We can openly say “no” to wrongly presented arguments that are for abortion. All we need is faith and courage. Miracles have already happened. During Autumn’s session of 40 Days for Life in the UK and the USA: more than 143 babies have been saved and will have the indisputable right to live and enjoy life as much as we do. Thanks be to God! For more information see: www.40DaysforLife.com/Aberdeen
LITURGY
MY F A V O U R I T E HYM N S The Very Reverend Iain Torrance, a Chaplain to HM the Queen and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen discusses some of his favourite hymns with Dr Roger Williams MBE, former Master of Chapel and Ceremonial Music at the University. “St. Aidan (d.651)and St. Cuthbert (c.634-687) were two great Scottish saints who lived on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where the influence of St. Columba (521-597), founder of the Abbey on Iona, is very strong. The island was sacked by the Vikings after which the monks carried Cuthbert’s body to Durham Cathedral by a circuitous route. On opening the coffin there was found a comb and the earliest complete book in Europe, a 60 page copy, on vellum, of St. John’s Gospel. After the dissolution of the monasteries it travelled to France, but later returned to England, being known as the Stonyhurst Gospel, but has now been purchased by the British Library (the St. Cuthbert Gospel). There is something very special about knowing that the words in this copy were the very words read by saint Cuthbert, in the Celtic Church instituted by St. Columba. So it is that my first ‘Favourite hymn’ is a setting of words from St. Columba. Christ is the world’s Redeemer to the tune Moville – a traditional Irish tune – although translated from the Latin by Duncan MacGregor, uses St. Columba’s words. The third verse, ‘Down in the realm of darkness, he lay a captive bound, but at the hour appointed he rose a victor crowned’, is a wonderful hymn for Ascension. When I was President of Princeton Seminary, at the opening ceremony of my institution, these words were set to new music by the composer John Ferguson (John Allen Ferguson b.1941, a distinguished American organist, teacher and composer). These ancient words therefore have a very rich sense of association for me. O God thou art the Father, to the traditional Irish tune Durrow, is again a setting of words from St. Columba. Particularly the final verse, with its words, ‘Thou to the meek and lowly, thy secrets dost unfold’, embraces an important concept in an inclusive approach to Christianity. Psalm 103, and its metrical setting – O thou my soul to the tune Coleshill (W.Barton, 1706), and the metrical version of verses 1820 of Psalm 68 – Most glorious Lord, you have gone up to take
The Very Reverend Iain Torrance
Robyn Torrance
your place on high - to the tune Effingham (from Hamburg, 1690) - carries the important sense that however deeply flawed we are, the endless partaking of the Holy Spirit enables our worship to be lifted up. The privilege of taking part in endless worship of the living Christ, is the base of our existence.” Professor Torrance then went on to discuss the importance of the relationship of words and music. “Though I thoroughly enjoy music with which my life is packed, as a child in post-war times, I regret not having done music. My mother was schooled at St. Paul’s Girls School in West London, under the great composer Gustav Holst, and from her I inherited an untutored love of music. In my childhood Church of Scotland services always began with a metrical Psalm. The faith was sung through Psalms and biblical paraphrases which were designed to be sung by everyone, and for a long time this was the only music permitted in that Church. A recent dissertation by Martin Ritchie has uncovered the fascinating origin of one of the most famous paraphrases – Behold the mountain of the Lord (from Isaiah chapter 2). This was written by Michael Bruce (1746-67) after the Jacobite rebellion. He was the son of a weaver from Portmoak, by Kinross, in desperately poor circumstances. But when he was aged 15, a legacy enabled him to go to the University of Edinburgh (where he did not complete his studies). He returned to his home and taught in the village school writing Paraphrases and Odes, and died from Tuberculosis at the age of 21. The circumstances of desperately poor people living off the land, and the struggles of those left behind, was the background to this paraphrase. When I was in America I was struck by the nature of music in the Presbyterian Church which was a ‘singing church’ – not a church at which people sang. There is an important distinction here.” [It is interesting that this has also been the subject of considerable debate, since the institution of the New Translation in 2011 for the Catholic Church – note by RBW] “At the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, until very recently there was a tradition of a cappella (i.e. unaccompanied) male voices singing psalms at the beginning of the session – a most remarkable and moving sound. This is something that happens in
WITNESS of the session – a most remarkable and moving sound. This is something that happens in many places in the American church, and is linked to the many Glee Clubs of American Universities. Perhaps the most celebrated example is the Princeton Glee Club which travels the world. Looking to the future of hymns. When we briefly consider the history of hymns, their origins are very rich. There are Psalms and Biblical paraphrases, Chorales of the Lutheran Church, the great hymns of the Wesleys, and the ‘classics’ of hymn-writers such as Newman. In more recent times there has been a flourishing of new hymns, particularly in the 1970s and 80s. In many of these, the frustrations of life today have been expressed. Authors place their references firmly within such a contemporary context, such as Iain Pitt Watson (1923-1995) – Thou art before me, Lord, thou art behind (adapted from Psalm 139 from the version in The New English Bible). Fred Kaan (1929-2009) expressed a distinctive sense of what it means to sing the faith, and although
not a native English speaker, he adopted a bold, sometimes startling, even challenging approach – Today I live, one day shall come my death. This has opened the door to a new tradition, courageous, interesting, and with staccato rather than smoothflowing use of language. I admire John Bell (b.1949), who is the most articulate of contemporary hymn writers, and some of his hymns are extraordinary in their vividness. Brian Wren (b.1936) is in the same trajectory, using the liberated language of modern translations of the Bible, giving rise to highly intelligent, articulate expressions of God’s people.(‘Let all creation dance in energies sublime, as order turns with chance unfurling space and time’). Religious ‘ditties’ will fall away. Plainchant will probably undergo a revival in many denominations, especially as some of it is easy to sing, and the simpler Taizé chants will remain as shared items of musical participation. Hymns, ancient and modern, still speak to us today.”
Cardinal Cormac - A man whose life and work honoured the Christian message BY MARK MORLEY
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t is a cold September night in 2014. I have emerged from a meeting in Central London and I am walking toward Waterloo station. I notice, just ahead of me, a tall elderly man, slightly stooped, familiar and somehow vulnerable. I think little of it until I draw abreast of him whereupon I notice that it is Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor. He looks older than I remember him and more fragile, frail even. And yet I cannot help noticing that his face has changed very little and for a brief moment, I am drawn to his eyes. They had always struck me as faraway, playful, kind and perhaps a little enigmatic. They still are. There is character too, fully rounded, behind those eyes. A Cardinal yes, but more than that, a man and a complex, kind, gentle, stubborn, infuriating human being. I had not seen him for years and I hesitated. How does one start up a conversation with a Cardinal whom one has not seen for years and one whom one is now meeting, by chance, on a cold night in London? I walked by. I said nothing. I regret that now because I never saw him again. Rewind thirteen years. I had just been appointed the first lay Communications Director for the Catholic Church in England & Wales and these were turbulent times. The 9/11 tragedy had occurred a fortnight earlier, the awful war in Afghanistan was catching fire and the Catholic Church was suffering a fierce media examination across a variety of fronts, most notably the grim and terrible wounds of child abuse.
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The new Cardinal, Cormac Murphy O’Connor was a fine man but he was filling big shoes and he knew it. My role was to work with the church, the laity and the hierarchy, to help it to engage more fully, more courageously and more professionally with the secular media. I cannot lie, it was a difficult job; brutal at times. The new Cardinal, Cormac Murphy O’Connor was a fine man but he was filling big shoes and he knew it. His predecessor Basil
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor Hume had been a remarkable leader and a celebrated champion of Catholicism in England with a global following. A Benedictine monk, he had brought humility, charisma and wisdom to the role. He stands among the pantheon of the greatest of modern Catholic communicators. I never worked with him and, if I am honest as a communications professional, I am glad I didn’t. He simply didn’t need the help. Cormac was not my immediate boss but he was our national leader and so inevitably, we worked very closely. His was a remarkable, almost sanguine style characterised most notably in my mind’s eye by a rare talent to somehow breathe, where others gasped; to glide where others hurried and to soothe when others chafed. He worked well under pressure and, for a variety of reasons, our time working together was shaped by suffocating external pressures the like of which I have rarely encountered in my professional life. Cormac though, when faced with frantic and frazzled advisers, was able to slow things down in such a way that time itself seemed to stop or at least diminish. Elsewhere he was humble enough to accept that he had made mistakes in his earlier career, some of them
EDUCATION AND FORMATION serious, and yet he drew great strength from his faith, insisting on simplicity and plain honesty in those around him. Moreover, he in fact positively embraced candour, to a surprising extent, indeed he invited his advisers to shed their fears and simply tell him the hard truths about things. This was a trait of leadership which surprised many and yet stands out to me now, having had years to reflect and with a great deal more experience, as a striking quality in such a senior figure. Yes, now that I cast my mind back, that humility and gentleness commends itself all the more strongly. This was the nature of the man. Here was a prince of the church, a man of great rank and station, a physically imposing figure and a highly respected pastoral leader. And yet here too was a man who welcomed the truth of a situation, however difficult and however challenging to his own peace of mind or view of the world. He simply refused to deploy his rank in order to shield the honest observations of friends and colleagues. Though born in England, he was Irish and proud of it. He spoke soothingly in a pure Cork burr and he never raised his voice, not once. Here was courtesy writ large and dignity in measures close to its purest form. He would determinedly resist the siren calls of sycophants and he was humbly aware of his weaknesses, often encouraging colleagues to help him learn to overcome them. He avoided conflict, even some necessary ones, and difficult decisions were often stored away for another time. He could be swayed easily by forceful argument sometimes against his better judgement and the interests of others. Here though, in an age of secular encroachment and in a time now echoing to the sometimes vacuous cruelties of social media and coarsening civil discourse, was a church leader who, without fanfare and with real courage, kept things simple. He preached beautifully, reaching out to precisely those for whom the Christian
message was first fashioned. The poor; the lonely; the lost; the sad; the wounded, these were his truest constituents, the audience he cared most about. Truthfully, he was never much good at engaging with the modern, secular media despite his best efforts and, in a number of sincere cases, theirs. His was a message shaped for those whom he was called to reach, those who needed to hear the Christian message unadorned by spin. He was a man of the Church. He was a man of God. He was a man of kindness and prayer. And he laughed. Yes, he laughed like a cumbersome steam engine travelling uphill. Slowly at first but with gentle strength. He had a fine sense of humour too and would gently tease, not mock, his targets, those sea grey eyes peering, curiously, kindly. I was glad to see that those eyes still twinkled with a gentle mischief that night I saw him again in London so many years later. I wish though that I had summoned the courage to overcome my own shyness to thank him for being the man he was. I know he would have found words of kindness and humour for me, he always did, as he had always done for great and small alike. He was a fine man. A kind and gentle man and a man whose life and work do great honour to the Church and its people and, perhaps most of all, to the Christian message. That is a legacy I know he would welcome. Mark Morley lives near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. He served as Communications Director to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales (2001-2003) and he was appointed interim Press Secretary to Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor (2002). Mark has advised companies and government agencies in the UK, Switzerland and the Middle East.
The Right Hand of God
BY A. PHILOKALOS
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hen we looked at the imagery of the Harrowing of Hell painting (opposite), we read how the King of glory stretched out His right hand, and took hold of our forefather Adam, and raised him. There are many paintings, icons, frescoes, carvings etc which depict this scene – Christ raising Adam (and others), with his right hand clasping the wrist of the first man as he rescues him from darkness and death. The phrase “right hand” occurs c.166 times in the Bible. In Scripture, the right hand is frequently used as a symbol of power, of strength: it is by the right hand of God that the enemies of the Children of Israel are defeated. “Thy right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, thy right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (Ex 15:6). And the Israelites have faith in this right hand of God: “That thy beloved may be delivered, give victory by this right hand and answer us!” (Ps
The Harrowing of Hell and Christ raising Adam
60:5) The Evangelists and SS Paul and Peter talk of Jesus in glory, sitting at the right hand of the Father, applying the prophetic words of the Psalm to him: “For David himself says in the book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” (Luke 20:42); “It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us (Rom 8:34). The right hand is the hand of blessing. In Genesis we hear of the aged Jacob blessing the sons of Joseph, though not in the order Joseph expected: “But Israel [Jacob] stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn” (Gen 48:14), for Jacob knew that the younger son would be the greater. And when it comes to Judgement Day, those who have been found worthy of Our Lord, “the blessed of my Father”, will be placed at his right hand. Painters, iconographers and other artists over the centuries have found great inspiration from the concept of the right hand of God raising up not only the dead, as in the images of Christ’s descent into hell, but also the sick, the endangered and, even, Jesus himself. The concept had been used in classical, pagan images depicting the power and strength of, for example, the Roman Emperor, selfdesignated and believed by the people to be a god himself. Thus we may still find coins in which the emperor of the day is shown with his right hand raising up a kneeling man, symbolising a conquered city. St Paul described Jesus Christ as the “last Adam”; Bl. John Henry Newman as the “second Adam” who “to the rescue came”. In a beautiful parallel to the raising up of the dead, many artists have shown the moment of the creation of our first parents, when the Creator God, through his Word, having fashioned the first Adam out of clay and breathed his spirit into him, raises him up to life; and likewise, having fashioned her out of the sleeping Adam’s rib, he raises Eve to life. In both events, he clasps their forearms with his right hand.
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We cannot rise by our own efforts, our own puny human strength; only the powerful right hand of God can raise us up to new life. In the New Testament, similar images abound and proved fertile ground for the iconographers and others. Even where it is not stated in Scripture, it is understood that it is the right hand of the Lord that raises the fallen. There are many examples of such images to be found of Jesus’ healings of the sick, the paralysed, even the dead (though, of course, these would die again, to be raised up to eternity on the last day). Not surprisingly, a favourite has been the story of Jesus’ raising up of Jairus’ little daughter, believed by all to have died and passed beyond help before Jesus reached her. Icons, paintings and stained glass windows nearly all depict Jesus’ right hand clasping the girl’s wrist: “he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and she got up at once” (Lk 4: 54-5). In similar fashion we find another little scene, often glossed over, depicted, especially in Eastern icons: the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. “Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them” (Mk 1:30-31). Eastern iconographers found further evidence of the saving right hand of God in the story of the paralytic languishing by the Pool of Bethesda in John’s Gospel. Interestingly, the story of Peter and John healing the cripple at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, also much painted, is the one time the phrase “right hand” is actually used. “[Peter] took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong” (Acts 3:7). Even Jesus came to be depicted thus, with the Father’s right hand reaching out of the clouds to grasp the Son
Jesus rescuing Peter from the turbulent sea by the Canadian sculptor and stained glass designer, Jonathan Pageau and raise him up to heaven. One delightful image I found shows the Good Shepherd finding the lost sheep, which has fallen over a cliff, and grasping its leg with his right hand to lift it to safety. One of the most dramatic scenes in the Gospel of St Matthew tells the story of Jesus rescuing Peter from the turbulent sea. It has been reproduced in many icons, paintings, frescoes, illuminated manuscripts and in carvings; and a particularly beautiful example is in this magnificent carved wooden icon (4’ x 5’) by the Canadian sculptor and stained glass designer, Jonathan Pageau, made for an Orthodox church in Florida. Pageau himself talks about feeling “ecstatic” when the icon was commissioned; in writing about the ideas behind his work he tells of how he sees that the image of “St Peter being pulled out of the waters is an image of our salvation in so many ways, and I find great joy in having made it.” It is a Gospel reading familiar to us all: When Peter recognises Jesus walking towards the boat across the water, he at first has the courage and faith to step into the sea and begin to walk to meet his Lord. But he feels the strength of the wind and the waves pulling at him and, losing his confidence, he begins to sink and cries out to Jesus: “‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Why do any of us doubt when we feel ourselves sinking beneath stormy waters? In all these scenes, artists and theologians alike saw the right hand of God as symbolising salvation. We cannot rise by our own efforts, our own puny human strength; only the powerful right hand of God can raise us up to new life. “My soul clings to you; Your right hand holds me fast” (Ps 62:9) Links: www.pageaucarvings.com www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/icon-carving-of-christ-pulling-st- peter-from-the-water
Glory in the Cross BY EILEEN GRANT “Hail, O Cross. Brighter than all the stars thy name is honourable upon earth. To the eyes of men thou art exceeding lovely. Holy art thou among all things that are earthly. Thy transom made the one worthy balance whereon the price of the world was weighed. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee. O that every one that is here gathered this day to praise thee may find that thou art indeed salvation for him.”
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he Ancient Liturgy has left us this lovely Magnificat Antiphon for 1st Vespers of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. We are all familiar with Crucifixes, of all styles and sizes and materials. The large Crucifix behind or near the altar is one of the first objects we notice whenever we enter a Catholic church. We dip our fingers in the Holy Water stoup, bless ourselves with the sign of the Cross and look towards the Cross hanging at the far end of the church. We are people of the Cross and it hangs there as a sign of that great love of the One who suffered on a cross to offer us the hope of eternal light and life. Cross or Crucifix – for Catholics the word has the same meaning; in Church documents, the word crux always signifies crucifix, a cross bearing Christ. In the Early Church, it was not always considered safe to display this emblem of Christianity too blatantly but by the 5th century, Christians were beginning to adorn their sanctuaries, in gratitude and pride, with the Cross of Christ. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, revised in 2010, emphasises the requirement of having a Cross prominently situated for the gathered people to see: “Likewise, either on the altar or near it, there is to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, a cross clearly visible to the assembled people. It is desirable that such a cross should remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations, so as to call to mind for the faithful the saving Passion of the Lord” (308). Why is this necessary? Referring to a U.S. Bishops’ document on the Sacred Liturgy, Built of Living Stones, it went on to state: “The cross with the image of Christ crucified is a reminder of Christ’s paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that our suffering when united with the passion and death of Christ leads to redemption.” In the Mass, we unite ourselves to Christ’s saving sacrifice and offer up ourselves and all our grief, joy, hope and love, and are transformed with him on the altar. If you visit a lot of churches, you will note a variety of crosses on the sanctuary walls. The Church specifies that a “cross with the image of Christ crucified” must be clearly visible, but does not give precise instructions as to what design this should have; thus the considerable variety, some which we may like, others about which we are not so sure. Often, it is a matter of personal taste; but all, hopefully, serve as a reminder of that sacrifice of love. Sometimes, only the figure of Christ crucified hangs on the wall, leaving the actual wooden cross to our imaginations. In other churches, there may be a painted depiction of the Crucifixion scene (although, in such a case, an actual crucifix should be placed on the altar during
The strikingly modern crucifix at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen the Mass). “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:14-16). Christ himself may be depicted in different ways: hanging dead on the cross, with his wounds clearly displayed; or he may be displayed as the triumphant, risen Christ, robed as a priest and crowned as a king. The Cross may be simple or it may be elaborately decorated, in icon form, such as painted crucifixes by artists such as Giotto or Cimabue. One of the best known, often used in miniature form for individual devotions, is the famous San Damiano Cross, the magnificent wooden Romanesque Cross before which St Francis is said to have been praying when the Lord called to him to “rebuild my Church”. You can see a beautiful example of this Crucifix at Pluscarden Abbey, made especially for the sanctuary there by iconographer David Clayton. San Damiano was, after all, a Benedictine church. The original was made in the 12th century by an unknown Umbrian artist, possibly influenced by Syrian monks in the area. As well as Christ Crucified, other figures feature: Our Lady, St John, Mary Magdalen, Mary Clopas; the Centurion of Capernaum and other lesser “characters” of the Passion who have since been given names by Tradition. Various saints are also depicted, with the Ascension of Christ in a small medallion at the top. Such a Crucifix served for centuries as a focus, not only for worship, but also for meditation for those who could not read the written word of God but nevertheless knew the Gospel. In the cathedral of our diocese, in Aberdeen, we find yet another type of sanctuary Cross, a modern Crucifix supported by a roodbeam, the first of its kind in Scotland, made by Charles Blakeman
FAITH AND CULTURE of London, prominent in the mid-20th century. It is very striking and immediately catches one’s eye on entering the cathedral. Despite the modern design in fibre-glass, it is a very “traditional” cross, based on the account of the crucifixion in St John’s Gospel. Jesus’ arms are outstretched to embrace the whole of humankind; his expression is serene as he acknowledges the consummation of his mission and gives up his spirit. On his right stands Mary, his mother, and on his left, the young “beloved disciple”, John. Jesus has entrusted his
BY CLARE BENEDICT “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). Each Christmas we listen to these words; each Christmas we sing these words: “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see/ Hail the Incarnate Deity!” “Word of the Father/Now in flesh appearing.” Even those who have little or no knowledge of Jesus Christ know and may even sing these words at Christmas. Yet how many of us ever pause for a moment to reflect on the meaning of these unusual words? How many of us are stopped in our tracks at the sudden realisation, each Christmas as if for the first time, of the riches contained in these well-loved carols which we bring out and dust down every year? The Church prefers us not to sing Christmas hymns before Christmas is actually here, although certain carols may be sung in the last week of Advent. This surely helps to enhance the wonder of the Birthday of Our Lord. We sing of a Mystery, an incredible, amazing, wonder-filled truth: that the eternal, living, active Word of God – he who was with the Father above and beyond time; he through whom all things were made – came down from heaven to live among human beings. “Lo, within a manger lies/He who built the starry skies!” He who made the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, became a tiny, helpless, vulnerable infant, dependent on his mother for nourishment, for tender care, for love, for his very life. “Tears and smiles like us he knew” but – and we may marvel at the almost unbelievable truth – “that child so dear and gentle/Is our Lord in heaven above!” “And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” How can any one of us truly comprehend the enormity of these few little words? You couldn’t make it up; it would be too unbelievable. Like the shepherds, we come each year to the stable to see a little baby lying in the crib and like them, we can hardly even begin to grasp the significance of the world-changing event which we celebrate on this day. We know that we are
mother to the disciple’s care and has named Mary as mother of the disciple, one who is seen as representing the Church. “Woman, behold your son!” “Behold your mother!” She is our Mother and we are reminded that, as he died for us, Jesus was thinking of all of us. “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).
in the presence of a great Mystery and like those first visitors 2000 years ago, we can only fall on our knees and wonder and worship. “Worship we the Godhead/Love Incarnate, Love Divine!” Wonder that the Lord through whom all things were made became a tiny child in an animal’s feeding-trough in a cold and draughty barn; worship the God who, in his great love for His children, entered into human history in the lowliest form of all. In doing so, he willingly exposed himself to all the indignities and dangers to which a human child is vulnerable. Just think of the dangers facing the unborn child in our own time. “How silently, how silently/The wondrous gift is given!” Our God has stepped into our world, into our time, and transformed it and us utterly. “We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” God, in his incredible generosity has given us the perfect Christmas gift: a gift that is given, not lent; given with true love, not grudgingly; never counting the cost; a gift that cannot be returned; a gift that offers us the chance to move into God’s time, into God’s everlasting today. We who gather to celebrate the anniversary of that first coming in human flesh are so much more fortunate than our brothers and sisters who are left out there in the cold of unbelief, because we know what we are celebrating; we know whose birth we are celebrating. How sad it is that we do not always act and speak as if we believed in this knowledge. Yet each Sunday we profess our belief that the eternal Son of God, God himself, because of his great love for us – for me and you – left his glory above, that glory which lies far beyond our time and space, to become one of us – not a strong grown man, not a powerful earthly king, but a tiny, helpless baby, born of a human mother into a world full of dangers, peopled by those whose mockery and hatred and unbelief have echoed down through the centuries to our own day. “This was the moment when Before/Turned into After” (U.A. Fanthrope). God has entered into human history and we can never be the same again. As another poet says of another occasion: “All is changed, changed utterly/A terrible beauty is born” (Yeats). As we look at the baby in the crib and wonder how and why, we don’t really need complicated explanations or theories; we already know the only important answer to any of our wondering questions – “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not die but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In His goodness and wisdom God gives us each year the chance to wonder all over again at this simple truth, the chance to adore the Infant Jesus and to worship our God made flesh. God came down from heaven to become Son of Man so that He might raise us up to become sons and daughters of God (cf Catechism of the Catholic Church 460). “Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.”
We can never stop saying Thank You BY SR JANET FEARNS FMDM
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ovember was the month of the Holy Souls and Remembrance Sunday and of looking ahead to Advent and Christmas preparations. The Feast of All Souls is, I think, a sombre day, when all of us to some extent are in mourning. Each and every one of us knows someone who has died. Sometimes the deceased is someone so dearly loved that his or her death has turned the whole of life upside-down. It gives us a reason and an excuse to remember, perhaps with sorrow, but definitely with love, those who are no longer with us on this earth. It is a day for prayer and perhaps also grief. Perhaps the placing of the Feast at the start of the Month of the Holy Souls is sensible, at least in the northern hemisphere. November is the month when the dying year is usually cold, wet and miserable, grieving over a departed summer. Sometimes the Feast of All Souls is memorable for its religious associations and also for autumnal glory when a brilliant sun transforms brown leaves into gold, paints the sky a deeper blue than any human artist could create and softens the edges of a chilly breeze. The truly beautiful autumnal day holds nothing of November misery and mourning. Does God decide that although we are remembering the dead, there is no need for sorrow? He even allows the sun to twinkle upon untimely Christmas
decorations, shimmering as they slowly rotate upon their strings. A few years ago, also on the Feast of All Souls, I had the misfortune to attend a Mass at which the celebrant preached for forty minutes (I timed him!) on the theology of Purgatory. Perhaps he had missed the point. If we are all thinking of, and praying for, those who have died, are we perhaps all in need of some pastoral care and support on such a feast? Are we perhaps searching for some hope and meaning in the midst of memories which might be acutely painful? Certainly, our religious faith has a rational aspect. We need theology. However we also need hope that is expressed in words that touch the heart as well as the intellect. It may be that the priest had never experienced bereavement. How will he preach when he has learned the lesson it teaches and his heart has been broken? Will he then reach out and heal aching hearts with the benefit, not of sympathy, but of empathy, with the learning, not of bookish theology, but with that taught directly by God, as a result of walking with him through the darkness and discovering the light in its midst? Perhaps God has the right idea in preaching a different sort of homily. Instead of filling the day with doom and gloom, he offers sunshine, autumn russet and gold, blue skies and Christmas decorations. It isn’t that God was unseasonal: in November, we know that there will be grey, miserable days when it seems that the world and everybody in it appears colourless, cold and uninviting. However, God is also saying that, even in November, there are moments of sheer loveliness. Even when there are tears, there can also be laughter. Where there is death, there is also life. When someone who is loved dies, it is painful. Those who glibly theologise without reference to the human heart miss the point. Yes, we know that there is the resurrection and that the one who has died is no longer suffering. We are confident that those who have died, especially after living a good life, filled with love, are at peace. But that knowledge takes time to travel from the head to the heart. There is a part of that
organ that feels as though it has contracted into a tight, painful little knot which does not respond to platitudes. With the best will in the world, most of us, however deep our faith might be, do not use death as an occasion to sing alleluia and to turn sudden cartwheels of joy. Human nature doesn’t work in that way. Death is truly one of the greatest mysteries any of us will ever encounter. It is the end to which we are all travelling. When someone dies, those who are left behind know only too well that they really are left behind and cannot follow the same path, at least for the moment. They know only too well that all the memories of moments shared will remain precious, but will gradually recede into the distance as the days march on into the future. Yet how many of us, even at a funeral, find some shared moment of laughter as mourners share a story? Even in the darkness, there is light. The only thing that makes sense of death is the Resurrection. It makes sense of nonsense. The Resurrection tells us that death is not the end. It is merely a beginning, a transition into a new life. It is the sunshine on a November day, transforming the cold and drab into a world of wonder and beauty. As we celebrate the month of the Holy Souls, we remember ‘all those who have died and have gone before us’, but we couldn’t remember them had we not had the opportunity to be with them, knowing and loving them, sharing conversations, adventures, meals and all the good things that converted acquaintance into friendship and possibly love. We can look at November and see only the grey, but we might also examine the jewels embedded in the month. Instead of regretting the ‘cup that has been drained’, perhaps we are also able to rejoice in the fact that there was a full cup to be enjoyed. We can only say ‘goodbye’ because there has also been the chance to say ‘hello’ ... and for that, we can never stop saying thank you. Sr Janet is a Book Editor with Redemptorist Publications and a regula contributor to the Catholic Press.
enthusiastic. At St Gregory’s, Preshome, a ‘powerful and elegant Organ’ was already in place before the Directory commenced publication in 1829 (it had been installed in 1822).The people of St Peter’s, Aberdeen were keen to announce through the Directory that they were one of the first churches in Scotland to acquire an organ; one was installed there in 1814. The organ at St Lawrence’s, Carsdyke, received particular mention for its ‘very rich and powerful tone.’ Pride of place, however, must go to St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, where ‘a powerful and magnificent organ, one of the finest in Scotland’ was acquired in 1862. After the mid-nineteenth century there were fewer reports on new instruments being installed, presumably because by then most churches of any size already possessed one What of the organists? Needless to say the reports were always favourable, though none quite equalled the praise heaped upon Miss Monteith. In 1847 it was reported that ‘Signor Paolo della Torré ably presided at the organ’ in the private chapel of Sir William Drummond- Stewart of Grandtully, another notable convert to Catholicism. In 1881 Signor Torré’s daughter Clara played the Conacher organ at St Joseph’s, Peebles. Of the thirty four organists mentioned by name in
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one must feel a pang of sympathy for Mrs Michelowski (organist) and Mr Walker (singer) whose efforts at Dumfries in 1838 earned them only a grudging ‘on the whole the music was excellent’. One wonders what disasters this laconic comment concealed.
Catholic Directory sheds light on the development of Catholic church music BY Dr SHELAGH NODEN Shelagh Noden gleans some fascinating insights into Catholic church music making in the 19th century from the Catholic Directory for Scotland.
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iss Monteith played the harmonium with exquisite taste and skill. So states an article in the 1869 edition of the Catholic Directory for Scotland, reporting on the ceremony to open the new Catholic Church in Fort William. As it happens, Miss Monteith was the daughter of Robert Monteith, a wealthy mill-owner, Catholic convert and generous benefactor to the Church. Hardly surprising then that his daughter should receive such fulsome praise. But what of other accounts of church music-making recorded in the Directory? First, some statistics from the Catholic Directory for the period from its first issue in 1829 (when it was entirely in Latin!) up to 1939, an era of unparalleled growth in Scottish Catholic church music. We find 37 mentions of church organs or harmoniums being installed, and the reporting is invariably
the Directory between 1829 and 1939, twelve are women and several other women are mentioned as choir directors. There were probably more women who played the organ or harmonium, or who led choirs. We know that often the local school teacher played or conducted, especially in smaller churches, but their names have not been recorded. There is plenty of evidence for musical priests acting as organists or choir directors. The first to be mentioned is Rev. Alex Reid of Glasgow who ‘presided at the organ’ in 1847, the first of many appearances in the Directory. Other priestmusicians included George Gordon of Dufftown, who trained many organists himself in the early nineteenth century. In all, no fewer than thirty-five names of musical clergy are recorded in the Directory, some of them several times. Special mention was given to Rev. E Small ‘whose vocal talents are well known and appreciated in Glasgow’ and who was also known as the conductor of a brass band that played for some services. The choirs themselves were greatly appreciated: in the 1859 Directory we read that ‘Great praise is due to the choir of St Andrew’s, Glasgow, for their very efficient services on this occasion’. A typical report from 1847 described an occasion at St Paul’s, Lennoxtown, where ‘the musical department was ably conducted by Mr Montignani of Edinburgh, ably assisted by several amateurs, among whom the most distinguished was Miss Margaret Lutenor of Glasgow, whose beautiful singing excited universal admiration’. Tenor and bass soloists were also frequently named and acclaimed, as in a report from the funeral of Bishop Kyle in 1867, when the congregation listened, no doubt with awe, to ‘the fine tenor voice of Mr MacDonald, Tombae, ringing out amongst the choir’. We can deduce therefore that it was common to hear soloists singing during Mass at this time. With all this excellence and beauty to be experienced, one must feel a pang of sympathy for Mrs Michelowski (organist) and Mr Walker (singer) whose efforts at Dumfries in 1838 earned them only a grudging ‘on the whole the music was excellent’. One wonders what disasters this
laconic comment concealed. So what music delighted the ears of the Catholic congregations in Scotland? Here lies frustration for the music researcher. The Catholic Directory reporters were far more interested in listing the names of the musicians than they were of providing information about the music these people performed. However, some information can be gleaned here and there. Of the works named in the Directory, the most often performed was ‘Mozart’s Twelfth Mass’ as at Girvan in 1862, when the choir ‘delighted the congregation with the sweet notes of Mozart’s [Mass] number Twelve’. However, we now know that this Mass was not written by Mozart but by a little-known composer, Wenzel Müller. It was attributed to Mozart by the prolific Catholic publisher Vincent Novello, the Kevin Mayhew of his day. Some of the music heard may still be familiar to modern ears. These works include Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ (which is indeed by Mozart) Gounod’s ‘Messe Solennelle’, and ‘Mass of St Cecilia’ by the Benedictine Fr J E Turner. Some hymns, such as Hail Queen of Heaven, God bless our Pope and Faith of our Fathers, were and still are popular. Less well known today are such compositions as Battmann’s ‘Mass in F’, ‘Laudate Pueri’ by Zingarelli and ‘Sub Panis Alma Specie’ by Klug. (I have been completely unable to trace this last composition; if anyone knows it please enlighten me.) Most of the compositions listed in the Directory are grandiose works featuring soloists and often orchestral accompaniment. Hardly surprising, because the Directory was reporting on significant events, such as church openings, rather than a usual Sunday liturgy. But what of plainchant and polyphony? That will have to wait for consideration in a later article. Watch this space.
Of the thirty four organists mentioned by name in the Directory between 1829 and 1939, twelve are women and several other women are mentioned as choir directors.
Scorchio In Santiago BY NEIL WORK
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remember it well. That week in August 1991 when the temperature in Shetland soared to 24°C and the Gilbert Bain Hospital actually had to deal with sunburn victims. People still talk about it. The thought of plodding miles across Spain in unfamiliar temperatures well over 30° therefore never really appealed to me much. That, and the bedbugs. But after doing the wonderful Norwegian Pilegrimsleden last year I knew I'd have to give the Santiago Camino a go, come what may, while I could. What is the Camino all about? Put simply , there is a tradition, recorded by early Christian writers like Jerome and Eusebius, of veneration towards James the son of Zebedee in the Roman province of Hispania. A story took shape, which said he had evangelized there before returning to Jerusalem to be the first Apostle-Martyr. His remains were then said to have been taken back towards Finisterre ( the "End of the Earth") and buried, and the whereabouts forgotten in the turmoil of history. By the 9th century nearly all Spain and parts of France were
The “Camino Primitivo” - the original path followed by King Alfonso under Moorish control. To be Christian here might mean death. Asturias, along the Northern coast held out, but there were distracting quarrels among the other Christian kingdoms. Then, in historical terms, a miracle. A visionary hermit claimed to have found St. James' bones. His bishop immediately accepted the claim, and King Alfonso II of Asturias made a pilgrimage across the mountains to the new shrine, which became Santiago de Compostela ("St. James of the Field of Stars/ Burial Ground")
The other Christian kingdoms were astonished. Within 30 years it was a major pilgrimage site. A contemporary Arab writer , Ali Ben Yusuf, noted that " because of the multitude... there is scarcely any space on the Westward road ". Spain's liberation began in earnest and the separate European kingdoms were brought together in common purpose on the road to the shrine. As more territory was freed, the pilgrims tended to follow the old Roman trade route from the Pyrenees, which became the " Camino Frances". There is evidence that this was also a pilgrim route of sorts for early tribes , who went to Finisterre to watch the sun sink into the sea. By the 13th century a million or so made the journey each year. Then history's turmoil again, and the pilgrimage tailed off. The explosion of interest in the last few decades is generally credited to Don Elias Valiña Sampedro. He was the parish priest of Cebreiro, a small mountain village on the old Camino route. He studied the Way academicaly then in the 1980's started waymarking it with the now familiar yellow arrows. When the Guardia Civil caught him doing this he replied that he was "planning an invasion from France" which is what happened. Over a quarter of a million pilgrims now arrive on foot each year, and the number is rocketing. I went on the “Camino Primitivo”, the original path followed by King Alfonso. I like mountains, and I thought it might be cooler, being higher. And less bedbugs because less people! My clothing and kit positively crackling with permethrin
Neil’s “Camino Family” The 360km. “Primitivo” is supposed to be pretty tough, but I had given myself lots of time and people tended to flow past. And what a variety. The Camino is truly universal. By day four I'd come across folk from Colorado, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Australia, Vietnam and Korea ( " South " said Kim, reassuringly), apart from the usual EU countries. It was about day ten I think before I met a Brit, who quickly distanced himself, maybe afraid l'd be a bit clingy. A huge Scotsman and his wife strode past me on day 17. However, a feature of Caminos is the tendency to form a “Camino Family” with people you keep bumping into. So I fell in with smart German students Elise and Erik, to be joined by affable Thomas, who had just left the German Navy. Expertly taping up Erik’s sprained leg, he casually mentioned he'd been trained as a combat medic! I'd also walked with Bethany from Tennessee, who understood the farmer swearing at us for going the wrong way when I thought he was just shouting at cows. Going over the big Hospitales mountain, a Finnish lady told me about the Finns’ civil war and the famine of 1880. The scenery of “Green Spain” was pleasantly rural, and sometimes beautiful, but my main memory is of this huge diversity of people all wishing each other well. At journey's end, entering the old centre of Santiago like millions before, we stepped over lettering recently set in the paving. In several languages reads: Jericho Inns:Layout 1 the 11/11/15 08:58 Page 1 " Europe was made on pilgrim road to Santiago".
JERICHO BENEDICTINES
Neil at journey’s end, Santiago de Compostela insecticide. I set out from Oviedo at the beginning of September. It was a just bearable 26°. Primitivo veteran Tim Stapenhurst of St. Joseph's, Aberdeen had given me some sound advice and recommended the Michel Thomas teach yourself Spanish CD's, which a friend got for me at a jumble sale. A bit had rubbed off and I got help from locals, like the barman who put his face inches from mine to say "lechE!!" slowly and correctly, very loudly.
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Eighth Page – The Jericho Benedictines
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21/11/2017 11:39
Too Canonical for Father Coll! BY ALASDAIR ROBERTS & ANN DEAN
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his year I had the pleasure of leading an Aberdeen audience into the Highlands with pictures. Thomas Nicolson, Scotland’s first vicar apostolic or bishop since the Reformation, made the journey from Preshome to Knoydart in 1700 and found it worse than the Alps. This is a diocesan magazine, so the story ends at St Benedict’s Abbey, Fort Augustus. The village was Kilcumein to Gaelic-speakers when English monks arrived, and marginal to the Highland parts of the Northern and Western Districts. The Frasers of Lovat made the abbey possible. They had land in Strathglass near Beauly and Morar in the Rough Bounds. Their Beaufort Castle looked to the Bishop of Aberdeen after the restoration of the episcopal hierarchy and that settled the boundary question.
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Maighstir Coll was the first Gaelicspeaking priest to be called ‘Father’, a distinction earned during the last Highland clearance at Knoydart in 1853. Maighstir Coll MacDonald opted for the priesthood as a mature adult. He was born at Leacroy above Roybridge in 1812 and grew up helping his father - in two inns, the second at Garvamore near Laggan - serving drink to cattle drovers. The early death of a favourite sister prompted him to apply for admission to Blairs at the age of twenty-eight. He was a big man who might have gone for a soldier, and Laggan’s priest commended him to the bishop: ‘Physical powers are not to be disregarded in a laborious Highland mission, and
The chapel-house in Sandaig where up to eight families, rescued by Fr Coll during the last Highland Clearance at Knoydart, lived under canvas in the chapel garden you evidently want a few Grenadiers.’ While studying at the college of Propaganda Fide in Rome Coll defended the papal enclave against a riot on behalf of the Risorgimento, ‘tearing an iron bar from one of their leaders and threatening them to such purpose in Gaelic that they dispersed.’ Maighstir Coll was the first Gaelic-speaking priest to be called ‘Father’, a distinction earned during the last Highland clearance at Knoydart in 1853. Having learned seamanship while serving Eigg and the Small Isles, he sailed his skiff up and down the coast to rescue families clinging to existence. He brought them to the sandy bay of Sandaig. A new chapelhouse had just been opened, and he surrounded it with tents bought in Glasgow. Much later Odo Blundell, the itinerant monk of Fort Augustus, met two pauper women there who had been evicted from their home beside the former chapel at Samadhlan. He photographed them beside their new shelter, an abandoned building in a district otherwise empty of people. After a productive spell in Lochaber’s market town of Fort William the man known for his stature as ‘the High Priest’ was sent to serve the area between Fort Augustus and Glenquoich at the head of Glengarry. His masses there were in barns, not chapels. By the time the Benedictines reached Loch Ness Coll MacDonald was no less popular with Protestants than among his own scattered flock. A gamekeeper’s daughter, the 86-year-old Mrs MacAskill of Mandally, remembered the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign at Invergarry: ‘I can still see it all. Father Coll and Mrs Sinton the minister’s wife led the procession to the sports field, armin-arm like everybody else and laughing and joking all the time.’ He is also remembered for a joking exchange (better in Gaelic) with the Rev. Francis MacBain, minister at Fort Augustus, who asked how long it would take to get him out of purgatory: ‘Man, I would have to get you into it first!’ The monks were led north by Dom Jerome Vaughan whose brother was to soon to be Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. What began
St Benedic’s monastery at Fort Augustus brought to life by artist Ann Dean
as a priory claimed continuity with medieval Scots colleges in south Germany. There was a link through Dom Anselm Robertson, a Scots Benedictine from St James’s Abbey, the ‘Schottenkloster’ at Regensburg in Bavaria. Father Coll went to the clothing of Sir Hunter Blair with a school inspector and fishing companion. John Wilson reported his belittling the whole affair, saying the new monk should have stayed at home as a good Catholic laird: ‘He had no love for the monks whom he saw as interlopers poaching, as he said, in his special sphere of labour.’ This was a time when the Roman Catholic Church brought rules to bear on what, especially in the Highlands, was still a folk religion. People, animals and plants
were imbued with the spirit of ancient Christianity along with an even older paganism. Now there were ‘obligations’ of Sunday attendance, regular confession and so on. One judgement at Fort William was that this clergyman ‘had the lax and easy ways of the old Highland Romanists,’ yet priests were welcomed with joy in glens and on islands and slept under the thatch with their people. Gentlemen with tonsures knew nothing of hard travel on mission and traditions going back to Columba. No wonder he found the newcomers ‘too canonical’. After his death Father Coll’s presbytery outside the walls became a convent for Benedictine sisters.
Oot ‘an’ Aboot with Ron Smith Engelberg, the Hill of Angels
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ack around the early 1100s, Count Conrad von Seldenbüren, who was quite wealthy and a soldier, had decided that he must change his life totally and become a monk. He was wandering in Switzerland on an ox, looking for a place to found a monastery. His wanders took him up a valley that grew steeper and narrower, finally opening out into a bowl surrounded by mountains over 3,000 metres above sea level. The bowl itself is 1,000 metres a.s.l. It was here that the poor ox laid down and died. In the morning, the rising sun came up behind the Hahnen peak, creating an aureole around the craggy summit, looking like an angel with the dazzling light behind it. He named the place Engelberg (angel mountain in German) and decided that this must be the place for his monastery. In those days moving stone was difficult and costly, mules and carts could not carry much, and it was a difficult location, so the monastery was built from local stone. It was completed in spring 1120. The first monks came from the Abbey at Muri in Canton Aargau, and Count von Seldenbüren became a monk in his own monastery. The count died in 1126, leaving all his wealth for the material needs of the monastery. Pope Callistus II in 1124 and Emperor Henry V ratified the foundation and gave many privileges and rights, including the status of a tiny independent state. Pope Gregory lX by Papal Bull granted the monastery authority over 115 towns and villages in 1236. The monastery has suffered from several fires. One of these occurred on the 25th of January 1306. The monastery was rebuilt, and consecrated by the Bishop of Constance on the 31st of August 1325, when he also opened a new church and a convent close by, with 139 nuns. The nuns were there until 1615 when they moved to a convent at Sarnen, where they still are today. There was another fire on August 29th, 1729 which was the worst one, but the monastery was rebuilt again, which took until 1745. It was rebuilt in the new Gothic style, and that is largely as we see it today.
Engelberg or Angel Mountain where Count Conrad von Seldenbüren chose to build his monastery The power and influence of the monastery lasted until 1798 when the French arrived! Napoleon’s army created their usual havoc, changing the government of Switzerland, taking away the powers of the monastery, and even taking away some of the books from their extensive library. One talented monk had built a remarkable scale model in full and accurate relief of the whole territory. Napoleon’s men planned to take this away too, but it is said that the Abbot invited the soldiers for a drink, and then more and more drink, until they forgot all about it. It is still there today. The monastery which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels underwent another restoration from 2005 to 2007 which included the installation of a new main altar. The monastery dominates the town of Engelberg, which has grown up around it. The natural basin creates an ideal centre for winter sports, and summer hiking, so tourists are always there and
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The rule of St. Benedict can be said to have been the corner stone of European civilisation, and it is good to see it still being practised here in this magnificent monastery. there is a buzz to the town. A visit to the monastery is fascinating. Since 1851 there has been a boarding school in the monastery. Today it has 120 pupils. It is not like any school I have ever seen. It is superb, with wonderful facilities, and the lucky students who pass their exams here go straight to university. The school has a vast range of activities too, and the surrounding mountains provide a natural exercise area. The cool clear mountain air makes it a splendid place to learn and live. The library is still important. It contains many books, hand illuminated in the “scriptorium” by monks before printing was invented, and thousands of valuable, rare and important books. The church is used by the public too. I went to the 9.30am Mass on Sunday, and it was well attended. The monks sang, (there are 22
monks there at the present time) and the organ sounded magnificent. It was a truly inspiring Mass. The organ is the “smaller” one. The larger one was originally built in 1877 but has been extensively rebuilt over the years, particularly between 1924 and 1926. It was renovated again in the years 1992 to 1993, but is not currently in operation. It is the largest one in the whole of Switzerland. It has 9,097 pipes, 137 stops, four manuals and one pedal board. The church interior is very bright, ornate, and highly decorated. One thing that it does not have is the stations of the cross! I was told that new ones are planned! There are stations in the chapter house though. In the 1870s and 1880s the monastery founded daughter abbeys in the USA and since 1964 they also have a daughter monastery in Yaoundé in Cameroun, where there are also around 20 monks, all Africans, and several seminarians. The rule of St. Benedict can be said to have been the corner stone of European civilisation, and it is good to see it still being practised here in this magnificent monastery. It is well worth visiting. There are retreats and suitable accommodation for groups. For more information about Engelberg see www.engelberg.ch, and for the monastery see www.kloster-engelberg.ch The monastery has inspired many people over the centuries, including William Wordsworth who wrote the following poem: Engelberg, the Hill of Angels William Wordsworth (1770–1850) FOR gentlest uses, ofttimes Nature takes The work of Fancy from her willing hands; And such a beautiful creation makes As renders needless spells and magic wands, And for the boldest tale belief commands. When first mine eyes beheld that famous hill The sacred Engelberg, celestial bands, With intermingling motions soft and still, Hung round its top, on wings that changed their hues at will.
The magnificent interior of the monastery church Clouds do not name those visitants; they were The very angels whose authentic lays, Sung from that heavenly ground in middle air, Made known the spot where piety should raise A holy structure to the Almighty’s praise. Resplendent apparition! if in vain My ears did listen, ’t was enough to gaze, And watch the slow departure of the train, Whose skirts the glowing mountain thirsted to detain!
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Craig Lodge Family House of Prayer
Spiritual Gap Year | Retreats |Prayerful Breaks
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On a Wing and a Prayer
F
ather Peter Barry has just published an entertaining and informative guide called “What’s in a name?” which explains the meanings of bird names. The beautifully illustrated guide also delivers a wealth of entertaining facts and trivia of interest to all nature lovers. All the proceeds from the sale of Fr Peter’s book which is available from “Amazon” will go to HCPT (Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust), a charity giving life changing pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes, France, for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults, supported by volunteer helpers. The winner of this issue’s crossword or sudoku competition (p. 35) will receive a signed copy. Here’s a taster of “What’s in a name?”: Hapaloptila castanea White-faced Nunbird Many birds are named after members of religious orders. There are cardinals in bright red, bishops in yellow or orange, nunbirds in black, monklets in sombre tones, capuchin birds in brown, and tail-wagging hermits among the hummingbirds. The White-faced Nunbird, a rare species of Andean forests, is the brightest of all those named after religious sisters. The genus name comes from haphe, a Latin word for ‘fine sand’, such as that used by wrestlers to dust their bodies. Optila comes from optomai, the future tense of the Greek verb ‘to see’.Together they say that the plumage ‘looks sandy’. The specific name also alludes to the colour of the plumage.
The White-faced Nunbird never misses the dawn chorus! Illustration by Jane Barry Castana is the Spanish Word for ‘chestnut tree’, and castanea is the name for a genus of chestnut trees. Castanets, indeed, may have called the nuns to prayer during Lent, when bells were silent until Easter, and wooden boards were clapped together as a substitute.
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The ofof The mission the Society the Little Flower promote devotion St.Thérèse Themission missionofof ofthe theSociety Society ofthe theLittle LittleFlower Flowerisis istoto topromote promotedevotion devotiontoto toSt.Thérèse St.Thérèseofof of the Child Jesus, Carmelite Nun and Doctor of the Church. Through prayers and the the Child Child Jesus, Jesus, Carmelite Carmelite Nun Nun and and Doctor Doctor of of the the Church. Church. Through Through prayers prayers and and donations, friends of St.Thérèse enable Carmelites to continue her “Shower of donations, Roses” donations, friends friends of of St.Thérèse St.Thérèse enable enable Carmelites Carmelites to to continue continue her her “Shower “Shower of ofRoses” Roses” inin their ministries throughout the world and in their education of young Carmelites. in their their ministries ministries throughout throughout the the world world and and in in their their education education of of young young Carmelites. Carmelites. Carmelite Carmelite priests, nuns, brothers and sisters serve people parishes, medical clinics, Carmelitepriests, priests,nuns, nuns,brothers brothersand andsisters sistersserve servepeople peopleinin inparishes, parishes,medical medicalclinics, clinics, women’s centres, schools, retreat houses, hospitals, catechetical centres, prisons, women’s centres, schools, retreat houses, hospitals, catechetical centres, prisons, women’s centres, schools, retreat houses, hospitals, catechetical centres, prisons, housing, housing, job and skills development programmes and sacramental celebrations housing,job joband andskills skillsdevelopment developmentprogrammes programmesand andsacramental sacramentalcelebrations celebrations around the world. around the world. around the world. Society Flower Society the Little Flower Societyofof ofthe theLittle Little Flower Barclays House Barclays House Barclays House 51 51 Bishopric 51Bishopric Bishopric Horsham Horsham RH12 1QJ HorshamRH12 RH121QJ 1QJ
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Poetic Licence Canon Bill Anderson delves into some of his favourite inspirational verse
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) He was in his day popular as a prose writer and poet. Aged 16 he began to work for an oil company where he stayed for 20 years. In the meantime he began to write verses particularly for children. Some of us may remember from early school days pieces as diverse as “The Listeners” and “Someone came Knocking”. He also edited a number of anthologies, the best known being “Come Hither” written in 1923. Margaret Drabble, the novelist and literary critic, declared that he was “fluent, highly inventive, technically skilful and unaffected by fashion” and, she added, “Commonplace objects and events are invested with mystery and often with an undercurrent of melancholy.” So, it is in his descriptions of beauty, especially natural beauty, that he most notably excels. Probably we all have literary links with the moon. My first choice is a zany one and comes from a song in “HMS Pinafore”. “Fair moon, to thee I sing, Bright regent of the heavens, Say, why is everything Either at sixes or at sevens?” Even the references in “The Owl and the Pussy-cat” or that which, in the nursery rhyme, “jumped over the moon” make less appeal! My second choice fits into the romantic influence of the moon from Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale”. “Already with thee! tender is the night, And haply the Queen Moon is on her throne, Cluster’d around by all her starry Fays;” My final choice comes from Hilaire Belloc, himself an experienced mariner whose familiarity with the skies brought forth these four lovely lines, sometimes set to music: “The moon on the one hand, the dawn on the other: The moon is my sister, the dawn is my brother. The moon on my left and the dawn on my right. My brother, good morning: my sister, good night.” The imaginative observations in “Silver” may not be profound but they are certainly vivid and evocative. The apparent simplicity of the images carries us happily along while at the same time offering us a childlike insight into the beauty of the moon’s activity: Silver Slowly, silently, now the moon Walks the night in her silver shoon; This way, and that, she peers, and sees Silver fruit upon silver trees; One by one the casements catch Her beams beneath the silvery thatch; Couched in his kennel, like a log, With paws of silver sleeps the dog; From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep Of doves in a silver-feathered sleep; A harvest mouse goes scampering by, With silver claws and a silver eye; And moveless fish in the water gleam, By silver reeds in a silver stream.
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Food and Faith
he Nigerian Community at St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen will once again be holding a traditional Nigerian Christmas Party for all parishioners and their families in the Main Cathedral Hall after the 11.15am Mass on Christmas Day. In Nigeria, Christmas is a time for parties with singing and dancing, fire crackers, dressing in bright new clothes and enjoying special festive dishes. The Nigerian Christmas Party is organised by the women of the Catholic Women’s Organisation and sponsored by them through personal donations. There is no charge for admission, no need to book, and no need to bring anything but your appetite! On Christmas Eve the Nigerian community decorate the hall with seasonal flowers and other decoration and prepare the kitchen. At the 11.15 am Mass on Christmas Day the African Choir will sing traditional songs and, if a thanksgiving procession is permitted, everyone will dance to the altar in traditional African fashion. After Mass the Bishop will declare the party open with a prayer and then he and other members of the clergy will join in the festivities. Needless to say the hall is usually packed out so there’s little room left for dancing. However there will certainly be some African musical accompaniment. The members of the Catholic Women’s Organisation will dress in their Ankara (vibrant, printed fabric) uniform of blue and white with the inscription of Mary and Jesus on it. Nigerians will wear traditional outfits made of lace and other Nigerian Fried Rice With Chicken And Plantain
2 cups of long grain parboiled rice Vegetable Oil Chicken (whole chicken or chicken drumsticks) Chicken gizzards cut into bits, beef or shrimps. 1 tablespoon Nigerian curry powder(from any Asian or African shop) 1 handful green beans and green peas 1 handful diced carrots
with Margaret Bradley
special colourful fabrics. Some bring their outfits from Nigeria and others have them made here by specially trained tailors. The dresses are usually kept to be worn on some other occasion such as Mass on a Sunday. In Nigeria at Christmas, most families cook rice, or dishes made with yam or cassava flour, served with stew or native soups. You will be able to taste many traditional Nigerian Nigerian Fr Christmas with dishes at this year’s party Fr Keith Herrera at the traditional including this particular Christmas party at St Mary’s favourite, Nigerian Fried Cathedral, Aberdeen Rice served with meat and or fish and also a popular pudding made with bean flour. There will be a sweet and assorted refreshments including wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee. It should prove to be yet another spectacular event with all donations going to the St Vincent de Paul Society and SCIAF. Thanks to Stella Onuoha for her help with this article and for revealing her secret recipe for Nigerian Fried Rice! 1 handful sweet corn 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper Salt (to taste) 2 onions 3 stock cubes 1 tablespoon thyme Plantain (look like big bananas). Season the chicken and the chopped gizzards with the salt, stock cubes, thyme, onions, black pepper and curry powder. Rub the spices into the meat. Add some water to cover the meat. Cover and boil for 10-15 mins. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside. Wash the rice with hot water to remove excess starch and drain. Parboil the rice with the chicken stock for 10 mins. adding a little more water if necessary. In another pot stir fry for 3 mins. the diced carrot, green beans and peas, sweet corn, diced red peppers and diced chicken gizzard. Add the parboiled rice and fry with the vegetable in batches for 2 mins. stirring to mix all ingredients together. Rice should not be too soft. Grill or fry the chicken. Cut the plantain tubers into cubes, season with salt and fry or grill for about 10 mins. Serve the chicken and plantain with the fried rice. The fried rice can also be eaten with grilled fish.
Humour from the Vestry “Humour is the sunshine of the mind” (Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton)
Some Punny Funs A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.
IT’S HARD TO EXPLAIN PUNS TO KLEPTOMANIACS BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS TAKE THINGS LITERALLY. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore. They told me I had type A blood, but it was a Type O. What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus giggle? ...ten tickles! A termite walks into a bar and asks “Is the bar tender here?” “Do you know the capital of Alaska?” “Juneau.” “If I knew I wouldn’t be asking.” “I never go to Mass," boasted a parishioner. "Perhaps you have noticed that Father?" "Yes, I have noticed that," said the priest. “Well, the reason I don't go is because there are so many hypocrites there." "Oh, don't let that keep you away," replied the priest with a smile. "There's always room for one more." Clever Dad Teacher: Did your father help you with your homework? Student: No, he did it all by himself. Toiletiquette Little Johnny: Teacher, can I go to the bathroom? Teacher: Little Johnny, MAY I go to the bathroom? Little Johnny: But I asked first! Irisk Situation What did the cross eyed school teacher say to her disruptive children? "I can't control my pupils."
Testing British School Children! Q. What is a common treatment for a bad nosebleed? A. 1. Circumcision. 2. Put the nose much lower than the body until the heart stops. Q. How can you help someone who has fainted? A. 1. Rub the person’s chest or, if it’s a lady, rub her arm above the hand instead. 2. Put its head between the knees of the nearest doctor. Q. Use the word “judicious” in a sentence to show you understand its meaning. A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face. Q. What is a coma? A. A coma is a punctual mark a bit like a period or full stop. Q. What does the word “benign” mean? A. Benign is what you will be after you be after eight. Q. What is a vacuum? A large empty space where the pope lives. Q. Who did not welcome the return of the prodigal son? A. The fatted calf. Q. What are steroids? A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs. Q. How should you remove dust from the eye? Pull the eye down over the nose. Q. What is a Hindu? A. It lays eggs. Q. Name the four seasons. A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. Q. What is the equator? A. A menagerie lion running around the Earth through Africa. Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists. Q. How is dew formed? A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire. Q. What happens to your body as you age? When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental. Q. What is momentum? A. What you give a body when they are going away. A Marriage Riddle Q: "There were some twins. One was 30, the other was 32. One married the other. How can this be?" A: "One was thirty, the other thirty too. One was a priest so he married the other" “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” Albert Einstein
WORD No.36
This issue’s competition winner will receive a signed copy of Fr Peter Barry’s new book, “Birds - What’s in a name?”. Just send your completed entry by the 1st February to: Light of the North, 20 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SH. First correct entry drawn out of the hat is the winner.
from 26 to 36 AD. (7,6) 5. Something given to an adversary in the hope of reconciliation, traditionally an olive branch (5,8) 6. Coventry was blitzed in retaliation for the bombing of this German city. (7) 7. Apple-carts are frequently thus, to cause trouble ! (5)
13. “Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; ------- also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver .” Psalms (7) 15. Uneasy, apprehensive, worried. (7) 17. Very happy, elated; broadcasting live. (2,3) 19 Tuck or Laurence perhaps? (5)
Answers to crossword No. 35 Across 1. Itself 5. Martyr 8. Jesu 9. Ascended 10. Alopecia 11. Aide 12. Psalms 14. Liking 16. Zinc 18. Agnostic 20. Yuletide 21. Ache 22. Atoner 23. Outcry Down 2. Trellis 3. Equip 4. Francis Xavier 5. Michaelangelo 6. Ransack 7. Yield 13. Lectern 15. Neither 17. Inuit 19. Shalt
Little Horror Sudoku No. 23 If you prefer sudoku to crosswords then you still have a chance to be a prize winner with our super tough sudoku puzzle.
Name ............................................................................. Address ......................................................................... .......................................................................................... Telephone ...................................................................... Across 1. “Purge me with ------, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (6) 5. An elevated platform, as for an orchestra conductor or public speaker. (6) 8. Of Hebrew origin, meaning “so be it”. (4) 9. A term commonly used to refer to the region of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. (4,4) 10. The opposite of acidic. (8) 11. “What ---- it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?” King James Bible (4) 12. In government they can be ‘white’ or green’. (6) 14. Relating to the receptacle for baptism. (6) 16. The father of Ham, Shem, and Japheth. (4)
18. An idea that dominates the mind especially for a prolonged period. (e.g. the motif in Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique.) (4,4) 20. Site in Japan of the second atom bomb in 1945. (8) 21. An image, such as the golden calf fashioned by Aaron and worshiped by the Israelites. (4) 22. ‘------ l’oeil’; a French term meaning ‘trick the eye’. where an artist gives the appearance of three-dimensions in a flat painting or mural. (6) 23. “I loved the ------ day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!” Hymn (6) Down 2. A Jewish skull cap. (aka amyl anagram). (7) 3. Plant whose leaves and pods are used as a laxative. (5) 4. Roman governor of Judaea
Name ............................................................................. Address ......................................................................... .......................................................................................... Telephone ......................................................................
Congratulations to our last competition winner, L. Redhead from Sanday, Orkney
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