U Matuna Si Yu'os: Vol. 66 No. 13, March 25, 2012 by U Matuna Si Yu'os

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

VOL. 66, NO. 13

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Head of Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt Dies Patriarch Shenouda III, of Alexandria, dies at the age of 88 See Story Page 10 CNS Photo

A man weeps during the funeral of Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, Egypt, at the Abassiya Cathedral in Cairo March 20. Pope Shenouda, who served as patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church for 41 years, died March 17 at the age of 88. CNS photo/Amr Abdallah Dalsh, Reuters

First Secular Business Files Lawsuit Over HHS Mandate

SCHOOLS

NDHS Alumni Prepare for Annual Gala Big event set for March 31, 2012. Tickets and contact information may be seen on PAGE 4

TO KEN

FAITH

“Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who has God finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” St. Teresa of Avila

(CNA/EWTN News) ST. LOUIS, MO. — A Missouri business owner has become the first employer of a for-profit, secular company to bring a lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s contraception mandate. “Religious liberty is not limited to institutions,” said attorney Francis J. Manion, who says his client believes the administration is forcing him to violate his conscience under the new federal rule. Manion told CNA on March 15 that the lawsuit is important for private business owners because it asserts that “they too have religious rights, and the government has to respect those rights under the Constitution.”

The most recent lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was filed March 15 in a federal district court in St. Louis. Manion, who serves as senior counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, is representing Frank R. O'Brien and the company that he chairs, O'Brien Industrial Holdings, LLC. The holding company, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri, operates numerous businesses that explore, mine and process refractory and ceramic raw materials. Its products go to more than 40 countries around the world. O’Brien says his right to religious freedom is being threatened by a

federal mandate announced Jan. 20 that would require employers to offer health insurance plans that cover contraception, sterilization and drugs that cause early abortions, even if doing so violates their religious beliefs. His company, which employees 87 people, now join numerous religious organizations that have brought lawsuits against the mandate. The most recent legal challenge asks the court to issue a permanent injunction to halt the implementation of the mandate for all those who have religious objections to it. See LAWSUIT, Page 3

OFFICIAL AVISO His Excellency, the Most Rev. Anthony Sablan A puron, OFM, Cap., D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana, hereby announces the following appointment: Reverend Father Aurelius Stoia, Pastoral of San D imas Church, Merizo and San Dionisio Church, Umatac March 22, 2012

ARCHDIOCESAN

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SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

MATUNA SI YU’OS

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Next Week: Guam Celebrates World Youth Day Next week, Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012 youth from our island’s catholic community will gather at the Father Duenas Phoenix Center to begin a day of activities to commemorate the world-wide celebration of World Youth Day. Hundreds of youth from our island’s parishes and catholic schools have registered, and more are expected to sign on in the coming days. For those who have not yet registered, registration on the day of the event starts at 12pm, registration fee is $15. We encourage interested participants to attend Mass in the morning on Palm Sunday; as Mass takes priority over all other activities on Sunday. The program for the day includes a light snack in the early afternoon and dinner. More details, and recommendations for how to be prepared for the day’s events, please visit the ‘event’ section of our website, http://guam2012awyd.tk.

For the U Matuna Si Yu’os

The month of March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it is a time to increase awareness in the community on developmental disabilities and the life of people who live with these disabilities. While there are many developmental disabilities, Helen Middlebrooke, mother of nine, has a daughter, Deborah, who lives with Down Syndrome. “My daughter Deborah is 12 and lives with Down syndrome,” says Helen in an email (a response to questions sent to her). “Her developmental disability is rooted in the cells of her body. The extra chromosome in each cell is active, creating a multitude of biochemical imbalances. Some of these imbalances lead to physical problems; others lead to cognitive delays. One of the greatest challenges, especially on Guam, is finding specialists who understand the complexities of her condition. Another challenge for us is church. Her condition has been overlooked by people who should

PUBLISHER

Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron O.F.M. Cap., D.D. DIRECTOR

Reverend Monsignor James L.G. Benavente EDITOR

Jeffrey L. Fitzgerald GRAPHIC ARTIST & WEBMASTER

AWYD 2012 bag: Here are some of the items participants may receive at AWYD 2012. Pictured left to right; a World Youth Day 2012 cross, and a participant tshirt.

Sedrick S. Serisola STAFF

Luz S. Oberiano CONTACT

Phone: 671.989.6391 Fax: 671.472.1729 news@umatuna.org NEWS DEADLINE

Down Syndrome Teaches Lessons of Love, Humility By Dana Rohr

is an entity of the Archdiocesan Development Group 207 Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores Street Hagåtña, Guam 96910

care. Instead of looking at her unique needs and presenting the Bible in a way she can understand and believe, she's ignored. I don't believe that is the heart of the Saviour. Jesus told a parable where the maimed, lame and blind were invited to a feast. When those with disabilities come into churches, they should be welcomed because, among other things, they are a picture of our helplessness before a holy God. They can teach us much about ourselves. We should embrace them, not shun them.” When asked what good things she had experienced from having a daughter who lives with Down Syndrome, Helen answered, “A medical doctor I knew once said, "I don't know why it is that an extra chromosome should alter personality so consistently, but it does." People with Down syndrome are literally wired to love. They love unconditionally, having no concerns about the other person's status. Deborah has hugged the governor, and she's hugged many people who live in poverty. Deborah has taught me to love, to slow down, and to never give

up.” Helen’s understanding of what her daughter is going through is exemplary, and her point stands out noticeably: Deborah is overlooked because people do not understand, or care to understand, when they should. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a step in the direction of educating our community to be aware and to strive to understand what their neighbor, co-worker, fellow parishioner or family member is living on a daily basis. Community awareness, acceptance and basic education would make a difference, a huge difference, to struggling families who feel as though they are alone in what they are going through. Helen’s daughter,Deborah, is, “physically and cognitively delayed.” When Helen was asked what she thinks are her child’s special needs in particular, she replied, “I have nine children and they all have special needs. That is, they all have needs that are unique to themselves. Deborah's unique needs grow out of the metabolic

mayhem that exists in her cells. Deborah has low tone, which means her nerves don't work efficiently. This leads to problems with walking, talking, writing, speaking, eating, etc. All of these needs must be addressed in turn, but simultaneously, in order for her to make progress.” Helen is a parent who understands her responsibility to her child, and what she needs to do for her daughter, Deborah. Helen doesn’t want to keep her knowledge and resources to herself, she says, “You are responsible for your child. The school isn't responsible. The island isn't responsible. The federal government is not responsible. You are! And because you are responsible, it is up to you to learn what you need to learn to help your child achieve his potential. If you can't get that help here, find it somewhere else. (I recommend that parents investigate the National Association for Child Development, www.nacd.org. This organization does help children with all kinds of disabilities find and reach their potentials.)”

Bank of Guam Hosts NEW VISION GUAM Local Visually Impaired Group Learns Banking Tips March 6, 2012 – Hagatna, Guam – On Saturday, March 17, 2012, Bank of Guam hosted members of the NEW VISION GUAM alliance for the visually impaired of the island. The forum, organized by the group, featured Bank of Guam officers Jennifer Sanchez (Vice President/Hagatna Branch Manager) and Pauline Adawag (Assistant Vice President/Hagatna Branch Operations Manager) present ways to make banking easier for group members. According to the group’s secretary, Kathy Millhoff, “There is no doubt that all of the information was useful, helpful and fundamental to the future success of all of our efforts, whether personal, business or organizational. The Bank of Guam can be proud of such business-worthy yet down-to-earth representation. We all look forward to continued work together to make banking and financial matters a basic part of the lives of all blind people here on Guam.”

Deadline for news stories and photos is noon Tuesday prior to the date of publication. Please note that the U Matuna reserves the right to select and prioritize content based on relevancy and editorial discretion. ADVERTISING DEADLINE

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MISSION The U Matuna Si Yu’os is published every week by the Archdiocese of Agaña, Guam. Our mission is to print and distribute a true report of the Roman Catholic Church’s ministry of changing lives though the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By offering news and commentary about issues impacting the Catholic Church, it aims to serve as a focal point for the expression and discussion of the Catholic faith on Guam.

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DID YOU KNOW? Photographed are the attendees of the forum - Seated far left: Pauline Adawag (Bank of Guam Assistant Vice President/Hagatna Operations Manager) Standing far left: Jennifer Sanchez (Bank of Guam Vice President/Hagatna Branch Manager). Photo courtesy of Bank of Guam

U Matuna Si Yu’os is committed to bringing news to Catholics on Guam, but without taking funds from the Archdiocese or its parishes. Please support our advertisers who help make our weekly editions possible.

GOSPEL & REFLECTION

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF GUAM Mar. 29, 30 &31: Spring Production; The Wiz Mar. 30: Early dismissal, 1:45pm; Staff Development, 2:00pm Apr. 2-9: Holy Week, NO CLASSES

Academy’s much anticipated Spring Production of The Wiz will be held for three days at the school’s Fine Arts Auditorium. Thursday, March 29: Opening Night Special, “Soul Food” Delights, for alumnae, benefactors, parents and friends. Show begins at 6:30 p.m., tickets are $25, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served; Friday, March 30: Tickets are $10; 7 p.m. curtain call; Saturday, March 31: Tickets are $10, 4:30 p.m. matinee. Tickets will be $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the school’s Business Office. AOLG’s 1st Annual Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, March 31, at Leo Palace Resort. Registration from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m.; Shotgun Start at 8:00 a.m. Prizes for Top 5 Flight Finishers; Hole-In-One Prizes all Par 3; Awards banquet and raffle. Registration forms available at the school’s Business Office. $125 per golfer. Tournament limited to the first paid 144 golfers. Enjoy 18 holes of championship golf while helping raise funds for AOLG building project. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Mar. 29: Ring Ceremony; NDHS to host ACB high school matches Mar. 31: Annual Alumni Gala @ Hyatt Regency Guam Apr. 2-9: Easter Break Apr. 10: Classes resume

Notre Dame High School Alumni and the Parent-Alumni Advisory Board are preparing for the annual Royal Gala, on March 31, 2012. The Alumni Gala is a fundraising event that started in 2010, and all proceeds benefit Notre Dame High School. If you would like to purchase tickets please contact alumni@ndhsguam.com or call the school at 789-1676 for more information. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Mar. 24: STA Third Annual Golf Tournament at GICC Mar. 30: End of third quarter STA’s Open House for March 28th has been rescheduled to April 27th. Please contact the school office for more info. MASS FOR AN INCREASE OF VOCATIONS All those interested in the vocation to the priesthood or religious life are invited to attend a weekly Mass for Vocations offered every Wednesday, at 7 pm at Santa Barbara Catholic Church. For more info, please contact Fr. Paul Gofigan at 488-0613. Those interested in the permanent diaconate ministry are also invited to attend. GUAM ARCHDIOCESAN WORLD YOUTH DAY (AWYD 2012) April 1, 2012. FD Phoenix Center & Chalan Pago Catholic Church young people age 14+. Email: awyd2012@gmail.com Register Online Online Registration available at http:// guam2012awyd.tk, a signed liability waiver must be turned in to your parish or catholic school, registration fee is $5. Late registration begins March 18; the late reg. fee will be $15. Just 7 more days before AWYD!!!

Please send all announcements to news@umatuna.org or contact 472-6201 or 989-6391.

ARCHBISHOP

Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M. Cap., D.D.

isters and Brothers: American Arthur Ashe became Wimbledon champion in 1975, beating tennis enfant terrible Jimmy Connors and showing how colored people could excel in the game. But in February 1994, at the age of 49, Ashe died an AIDS victim. He had caught the virus ten years earlier through a blood transfusion given after a byTODAY’S GOSPEL pass operation. It was John 12:20-33 the greatest irony that the blood intended to maintain his life caused his untimely death. She did not wallow in self-pity when he learned of his terminal ailment. Instead, he spent the remaining time of his life helping other AIDS victims. He set up an AIDS foundation, became active in AIDS research, and spoke before gatherings on the nature of his disease and how it was to live in the shadow of death. He was a loving father to his young daughter Camera whom he prepared for his eventual departure from the world. Arthur’s outlook is exemplified more strongly in today’s gospel. To bear fruit and bring life to many, one must be ready to give up one’s life. Jesus illustrates this with a powerful image derived from the workings of nature: the grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die before it can produce fruit to give life to people. This law of nature also applies to human life. Jesus uses this image in talking to his disciples about his death. He knows that to show his love for the Father and for the men and women he has come to save, he must make the supreme sacrifice of offering his life. He shudders at the thought of his painful death, but he

Lawsuit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Manion said that the mandate would require business people such as O’Brien to abandon their religious beliefs in order to continue running their companies. O’Brien says that his Catholic faith serves as a foundation for the operation of his business and his company’s website explains that its mission is “to make our labor a pleasing offering to the Lord while enriching our families and society.”

never wavers from his destiny. It is in this manner that he would glorify the Father and the Father would glorify him in turn. It is in this way that he would draw everyone to himself and ensure that humanity would receive God’s gift of salvation. To die in order to live and give life is true of death as a “final event.” It is no less true of the “little deaths” that take place in our life. Parents die to their personal desires and plans so they could attend to the needs of their children. Priests and religious die to purely human inclinations so that they could live obedient, poor and chaste lives. Government officials die to the desire of enriching themselves so they could minister well the pat-

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ha ha gasta i tietienan i tiempo-na ha ayuyuda i manninayi AIDS. Ha establesi i ma’a’alok AIDS foundation, sumen aktibu gi ma’inan i AIDS, ya kumuentos gi me’nan linahyan put i naturan este na chetnot yan hafa taimanu luma’la’ gi anineng i finatai. Guaiyayon na tata para i haga-na as Camera ni ha pripara para yanggen ha dingo este na tano’. Este na inatan Arthur hana’a’annok gi mas metgot na banda i ibnagheliun pa’go na Damenggo. I para ta fanmanfruta yan para ta chuli’e’ lina’la’ para meggai, debi di ta fanlisto para ta na’in naihon i mismo lina’la’-ta. Si Jesu Kristo ha na’annok este na metgot figura gi mariparan i finacho’cho’ natura: i granun trigu’ debi di u poddong

sesen uga hit na i piniti yan minasapet patte gi ma tattiyen Jesu Kristo. Ti sina hit man disipulun Jesu Kristo yanggen ta suhahayi i kilu’os, yanggen ta gogo’ten mamaisa ha’ hit, yanggen ti sina ta sotta’ ya ta sedi si Yu’os na u dirihi i lina’la’-ta. Gi rainon Jesu Kristo, tio sina hit man dangkolo solu ta espiha i impenu para ta fan humitde yan para ta po’lo i pumalu na u fan mo’na ki hita. Este na pinagat ma chuchule ginen i lepblon San Pablo 366 dihas yan i Saina. Ohalara ya u bula guinaiya i ha’anen-miyu ya i todu hana’sina na Yu’os infambinendisi gi na’an i Tata yan i Lahi-na yan i Espiritu Santo. Amen.

Ibangheliu (Juan 12:20-33)

ane’lu-hu, i Amerikanu as Arthur Ashe manganna gi Wimbledon gi 1975, ha ganna gi tennis si Jimmy Connors i ‘champion’ ya hana’annok na sina i man atilong manmanganna gi huegu. Lao gi Fibreru 1994, annai 49 anos i idatna, matai komu inatditi ni AIDS. Tinanmi ni este na peknu chetnot dies anos taftaf annai mana’i haga despues di ma’upera i korason-na. Gof tatkilu na dinimalas na i haga’ ni para u nina’i’ lina’la’ ha sedi i chaddek na finatai-na. Si Ashe ti ha ma’asen-maisa ha’ gue’ annai ha tungo’ put este na chetnot. In lugat,

papa’ gi edda ya u matai antes di u gai pruduktu para u na’i’ lina’la’ i taotao. Este na lai natura sina mumagahet para i lina’la’ taotao. Si Jesu Kristo ha usa este na figura annai ha kuentusi i mandisipulu-na put i finatai-na. Ha tungo’ ha’ na yanggen para u fa’nu’i i guinaiya-na para i Tata yan para i taotao siha ni matto para u satba, debi di u fa’tinas i mas tatkilu’ na sakrifisiu gi ma’ufresen i mismo lina’la’-na. Fufugu’ gi mahasson i sen puti na finatai-na, lao ti ha suhayi i ma destina-na. Ginen este na manera na ha glorifika i tata yan i Tata u glorifika gue’ lokkue. Gi este na manera na sina ha rikohi todu guatu giya guiya ya ha na’ siguru na i taotao siha u ma risibi i rigalun Yu’os satbasion. I para ta matai kosaki siha luma’la’ yan manna’i lina’la’ magahet put i finatai komu i “uttimu na sinisedi.” Mumagagahet ni “mandidike’ na finatai” ni masusesedi gi lina’la’-ta. I manaina manmamatai gi petsonat na dinisehu yan planu siha kosaki sina ma atiende i nesesidat i famagu’on-niha. I mamale’ yan manrelihosos yan relihosas manmamatai gi minalagu i tataotao ha’ kosaki sina manla’la’ ubidiente, mamopble yan mangasgas na lina’la’. I ufisiales gubietnamento manmamatai gi dinisehan para una’fanriku siha mismo kosaki sina ma atminestra maolek i patrimoniun i tano’. I ibangheliun pa’go na Damenggo ha

uaha siha unos kuantos na Manaotao Greek gi entalo’ ayu siha i manhanao hulu’ gi gipot Pasgua para u fanmanadora. Manmalak guatu gi as Felipe ni ginen Bethsaida giya Galilea, ya mafaisen gue’ ni este na kuestion: “Sinot, manmalago’ ham lumi’e’ si Jesus.” Humanao si Felipe para u sangani si Andres; pues entonses si Felipe yan Andres humanao para u masangani si Jesus. Manineppe siha as Jesus: “Matto esta i ora para u ma’onra i Lahen i Taotao. Bai asigura hamyo ni minagahet, na solu poddong ya matai i granon trigu’ gi hilu’ tano’ pues granon tririgu’ ha’. Lao yanggen matai, manonokcha’ meppa’. I taotao ni gumaiya i lina’la’-na ha na’falingu siempre, lao i taotao ni chumatli’e’ i lina’la’-na guini gi tano’ siempre ha satba para i taihinekkok na lina’la’. Yanggen guaha malago’ sumetbe yu’, sotta ya u tattiyi yu’; amanu nai gaigi yu’, siempre mangaigi guennao i tentago’-hu. Hayi sumetbe yu’, siempre inenra ni Tata. Gai atburotu pa’go i anti-hu, lao hafa para bai sangan--Tata, na’safu’ yu’ ginen este na ora? Lao put este na matto yu’ guini na ora. Tata, onra i na’anmu!” Pues hongga un bos ginen i langet: “Esta hu onra, ya bai onra ha’ ta’lo.” Annai ma hungok i bos ni linahyan ni manotohge gi uriya, ilek-niha na huhulu. Otro siha umalok na “Kuinentutusi gue’ ni un anghet.” Manoppe si Jesus, “Ayu na bos ti matto put guahu, sinoki para hamyo. Pa’go nai matto i sentensia gi hilu’ este na tano’, pa’go na u madulalak i prinsipen este na tano’, ya guahu--yanggen mahatsa yu’ hulu’ ginen i tano’--bai rikohi todu i taotao siha giya guahu.” Ha sangan este ha indidika hafa na klase para finatai-na.

The business owner has instituted multiple programs to help his employees in purchasing homes, paying for their children’s college education and saving for retirement. Manion explained that O’Brien is not trying to prevent his employees from accessing contraception, which is already widely available at low cost, but simply objects to paying for it against his beliefs. He noted that the state of Missouri currently has a contraception mandate in place, but added that it exempts employers with religious objections. He called on the federal government to show the same re-

spect for the religious convictions of its people. A recent New York Times / CBS News poll shows that the majority of Americans support an exemption for all employers who have religious or moral objections to the mandate. Manion fears the administration sees the current debate as a religious organization problem only. The new lawsuit illustrates the large scope of those who would be affected by the mandate, he said, explaining that he has had numerous other individuals express similar concerns over the mandate to him. Manion is confident that the out-

come of the case will be positive. He pointed to a recent ruling by a federal judge that Washington pharmacists could not be forced to dispense the “morning-after pill” against their religious objections. The case was decided in favor of a for-profit, secular pharmacist with similar arguments, he said, adding that he thinks the courts will continue to acknowledge the strength of such arguments. “We’re a pluralistic society,” Manion explained. “There are ways to accomplish things without trampling on people’s religious rights.” “It’s just not the American way, and it never has been,” he said.

We cannot be Jesus’ disciples if we shy away from the cross, if we hold on to our dear selves, if we cannot let go and let God direct our lives. rimony of the country. Today’s gospel also impresses on us that pain and suffering are part of following Jesus. We cannot be Jesus’ disciples if we shy away from the cross, if we hold on to our dear selves, if we cannot let go and let God direct our lives. In the kingdom of Jesus, we cannot be great unless we strive to be humble and put others ahead of ourselves. This gospel reflection is taken from St. Paul’s 366 Days With The Lord. May your day be filled with love and may Almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pinagat Atsubispo Anthony Sablan Apuron, Kapuchinu

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

STA at Berkeley’s Model UN From March 8-13 eight students from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School experienced the excitement and challenges of working with their peers on solutions to world problems at a Model UN Conference on the campus of UC-Berkeley. From this event at the university, they came to understand the importance of cooperation, negotiation, critical thinking, presentation skills and much more. And during their off- campus excursions, they could experience the city of San Francisco in all its wonder, both the glorious (cable car, Union Square, STA Photo the Mission, In-and-Out hamburgers, Forever XXI store, Fishermen’s Wharf) and the inglorious (the desperation of the homeless, the busyness and clamor of city life). Would they do it all over again? It seems so, given the accompanying student testimony. (Dr. Tim Guile, MUN advisor). Recently the Model UN Club of Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic School visited San Francisco to participate in the 60th Annual United Nations Conference held at Berkeley. The experience of representing a country and meeting representatives of others, and to find a comprehensive way to create resolutions is educational within itself. I am proud of each of the MUN members, and am glad to have had the privilege to partake in the off-island conference this year. (Anastasja Pierson, class of 2014) I felt privileged to have participated in the 60th Berkeley Model United Nations Conference. Our Model United Nations Club worked very hard to fundraise and prepare for the conference. The conference itself was overwhelming and intimidating as it was our club’s first conference and many other mainland students had participated in other Model UN conferences. The experience was, nonetheless, rewarding because I got a chance to meet a lot of new people. The time and work spent in preparation for the conference was worth it. (Priscilla Manglona, class of 2014) The St. Thomas Model United Nations Club had their first conference this year. We attended the 60th annual Berkeley Model United Nations held on the Berkeley campus of the University of California. It was the first time for most of us. It was a learning experience for everyone, not only for us but also for the people at the conference because they had no idea about one of the countries we represented, which was the FSM. I represented the country of Nauru and I felt very confident going into this conference because of all my preparation for the conference. Overall the conference was a great experience, and I got a chance to learn from many people. I was able to meet and cooperate with others. I would love to attend the next Model UN conference. (Breian McKinnon)

Jazzin’ it Up at the Academy By Marilyn Manibusan For the U Matuna Si Yu’os

The Academy of Our Lady of Guam celebrates 63 years of performing arts with this year’s Spring Production of THE WIZ, the jazz version of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. “THE WIZ” is a dazzling, lively musical mixture of “rock, gospel and soul” directed and choreographed by reknown Benjie Diola. Dorothy, as in the original story, befriends modern versions of the original characters Scarecrow , Tinman and the Lion, who are also on a quest to find and seek help from the Wizard in Emerald City. As encountered in life, obstacles are placed before them on their journey and in Dorothy’s pursuit to return home. Experience the adventures in the Land of the Oz and the lessons learned along the journey down the yellow brickroad on Opening Night, March 29th, starting with felGLINDA (The Good Witch lowship at 5:30 P.M. and a taste of soul/cajun/southern food of the South" - Kristina delights before the show at 7:00 P.M. Tickets for Opening "Kai" Young '99 graduate of Night are $25 for general seating and $50 for reserved seats. AOLG currently the Program Tickets for Friday’s Night Performance (March 30th) at Director, Station Manager and 7:00 P.M. and Saturday’s Matinee at 4:30 P.M. are $10; howMorning Show Host on Guam's ever, tickets are $15 at the door for these two performances. radio station, Photo courtesy of So Ease On Down The Road on the journey as the susMarilyn Manibusan pense unravels on stage and our friends in the new Oz land overcome, Evillene, the wicked witch, and Dorothy finally finds her way home. Like Dorothy, all of us no matter where the road may take us and whatever obstacles we may face, just need to “ease on down” the road of life and always remember to reflect on God’s gifts to us: the ability to THINK, to FEEL, and to ACT courageously, and above all else, to have FAITH. Call 477-8203 / 300-8755 and reserve your tickets for a jazzy evening of fellowship and entertainment at the Academy Fine Arts Auditorium.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

Notre Dame High School’s Alumni Prepare for Annual Gala

The Class of 1982 Photo courtesy of Jessica Perez-Jackson ‘96 By Jessica Perez-Jackson ‘96 Notre Dame High School Alumni and the Parent-Alumni Advisory Board are preparing for the annual Royal Gala, on March 31, 2012. The Alumni Gala is a fundraising event that started in 2010, and all proceeds benefit Notre Dame High School. Aside from Songfest, the Alumni Gala is Notre Dame’s biggest event in which alumni, family, friends, and the Notre Dame community come together to celebrate lasting friendships, happy memories, and the spirit of their Alma mater. Last year, Senator Mana Silva Taijeron presented Notre Dame with a resolution, honoring the school for its work in educating our island’s young women and men. The hosting Class of 1982 entertained guests with dance numbers from ABBA, while alumni and friends spent the evening catching up and enjoying Royal company. If you would like to purchase tickets please contact alumni@ndhsguam.com or call the school at 789-1676 for more information.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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Recall of The YOUCAT? ITE MISSA EST

From the Mass to the Market: Engaging the World Beyond the Church Doors By Tim Rohr The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, nicknamed YOUCAT, has been increasingly criticized ever since its release in 2011 and there is now a serious petition to recall it. At first the protests seemed to be confined to issues related to the phrasing of particular entries in the Italian and German versions, but it appears that the English version contains several issues and we would do well to be advised of them. The first problem occurs in Question 15 which reads: “How can Sacred Scripture be “truth” if not everything in it is right?” The question is awkwardly worded and could easily lead the young reader to suppose that somethings in Scripture are wrong. The YOUCAT’s answer attempts to clarify what is meant by the question but further confuses matters by stating that the Sacred Authors were products of their culture and “dominated by its errors”. This is a rather amazing statement since we know 1) that several of the Sacred Authors were persecuted precisely because they contradicted their culture, 2) not only were NOT “dominated by its errors” but in fact condemned those errors, and 3) while fallen men like the rest of us, were protected from error by the Holy Spirit as regards what is ultimately recorded in Holy Scripture. A more informed and mature reader might be able to apprehend a more complex understanding of the question as regards particular challenges related to translations, versions, or even the historicity of certain events, but the young reader is simply led to believe that Scripture may contain errors - something repeatedly condemned by the Church for centuries. Another problem occurs in Question 42 in which the reader is asked: “Can someone accept the theory of evolution and still believe in the Creator?” The problem occurs in the answer to the question which essentially answers “yes” so long as one “does not fall into the heresy of evolutionism”. The young reader, fresh from his high school exposure to Darwinism, is not likely to understand the “heresy of evolutionism”. The understanding of evolution within the context of revelation is extremely complex and even John Paul II’s skilled treatment of it (1996) has met with skepticism and opposition. To simply throw the whole question of evolution into a radically simplified and

ambiguous entry for consumption by youth is dangerous. But the real issue is that the entry entirely misses the ultimate qualifier for the Catholic acceptance of any theory of creation and that is that the Catholic must believe that the first man and first woman were directly created by God. There are other problems which we do not have space to address here so we will skip to perhaps the most problematic entry of all - given the current national drama over the contraception debate. Question 421 asks: “Why are all methods of preventing the conception of a child not equally good?” The question presupposes a graduated moral grade for different methods of birth control which is not only FALSE but a grave error when one considers the Church’s outright condemnation of deliberate contraceptive acts as “intrinsically evil”. (CCC 2370) The question is a setup to highlight the Church’s acceptance of NFP (periodic abstinence) but grossly misrepresents it. The YOUCAT states: “The Church recommends the refined methods of self-observation and natural family planning (NFP) as methods of deliberately regulating conception. These are in keeping with the dignity of man and woman; they respect the innate laws of the female body; they demand mutual affection and consideration and therefore are a school of love. [2370–2372, 2399] Actually, the Church does NOT recommend NFP. As per paragraph 2370 of the official Catechism, NFP is only allowed for sufficient reason: “Periodic continence, that is, the methods of birth regulation based on selfobservation and the use of infertile periods, is in conformity with the objective criteria of morality.158” (CCC 2370) There is no recommendation here. Periodic continence is simply allowed due to its “conformity with the objective criteria of morality” and the footnote “158” provides the key to a serious treatment of this “objective criteria” which centers on the necessity for “grave reason”. Treatment of this requires a whole other column, but in short, 158 is a footnote to a section in Humanae Vitae which itself footnotes a critical reference to a teaching by Pius XII on the necessity of “grave reason”- upon which the morality of periodic continence depends. The official teaching of the Catholic Church commonly builds upon previous teaching, and a single footnote can often lead to whole tomes and presumes familiarity with them. The YOUCAT, while its intent to reach the younger Catholic is laudable, tragically dumbs down critical issues and endangers its readers. Use with caution. For more references contact the author as per below. This column reflects only the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff and management of the Umatuna. Hyperlinks to supporting data can be found on the online version at www.themassneverends.com The author can be contacted at timrohr.guam@ gmail.com or “friended at facebook.com/timrohr.guam

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CHURCH & SOCIETY

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

Us Bishops Decry ‘Illegal And Unjust’ HHS Mandate, Call for Prayer and Penance Decrying the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate as “a mandate to act against our teachings” and “a violation of personal civil rights,” the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement calling upon “the Catholic faithful, and all people of faith, throughout our country to join us in prayer and penance for our leaders and for the complete protection of our First Freedom--religious liberty.” “The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered for its March 2012 meeting, is strongly unified and intensely focused in its opposition to the various threats to religious freedom in our day,” the statement began. “To address the broader range of religious liberty issues, we look forward to the upcoming publication of ‘A Statement on Religious Liberty,’ a document of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. This document reflects on the history of religious liberty in our great Nation; surveys the current range of threats to this foundational principle; and states clearly the resolve of the Bishops to act strongly, in concert with our fellow citizens, in its defense.” “One particular religious freedom issue demands our immediate attention: the now-finalized rule of the US Department of Health and Human Services that would force virtually all private health plans nationwide to provide coverage of sterilization and contraception--includ-

ing abortifacient drugs--subject to an exemption for ‘religious employers’ that is arbitrarily narrow, and to an unspecified and dubious future ‘accommodation’ for other religious organizations that are denied the exemption,” the bishops continued. After thanking “all who have stood firmly with us in our vigorous opposition to this unjust and illegal mandate,” the bishops stated that we wish to clarify what this debate is—and is not—about. This is not about access to contraception, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive, even when it is not provided by the Church's hand and with the Church's funds. This is not about the religious freedom of Catholics only, but also of those who recognize that their cherished beliefs may be next on the block. This is not about the Bishops' somehow "banning contraception," when the US Supreme Court took that issue off the table two generations ago. Indeed, this is not about the Church wanting to force anybody to do anything; it is instead about the federal government forcing the Church—consisting of its faithful and all but a few of its institutions—to act against Church teachings. This is not a matter of opposition to universal health care, which has been a concern of the Bishops' Conference since 1919, virtually at its founding. This is not a fight we want or asked for, but one forced upon us by government on its own timing. Finally, this is not a Republican or Democratic, a conservative or liberal issue; it is an American issue.

The bishops then asked, “So what is it about?” They answered:

An unwarranted government definition of religion. The mandate includes an extremely narrow definition of what HHS deems a "religious employer" deserving exemption--employers who, among other things, must hire and serve primarily those of their own faith. We are deeply concerned about this new definition of who we are as people of faith and what constitutes our ministry. The introduction of this unprecedented defining of faith communities and their ministries has precipitated this struggle for religious freedom. Government has no place defining religion and religious ministry. HHS thus creates and enforces a new distinction-alien both to our Catholic tradition and to federal law--between our houses of worship and our great ministries of service to our neighbors, namely, the poor, the homeless, the sick, the students in our schools and universities, and others in need, of any faith community or none. We are commanded both to love and to serve the Lord; laws that protect our freedom to comply with one of these commands but not the other are nothing to celebrate. Indeed, they must be rejected, for they create a "second class" of citizenship within our religious community. And if this definition is allowed to stand, it will spread throughout fed-

eral law, weakening its healthy tradition of generous respect for religious freedom and diversity. All—not just some—of our religious institutions share equally in the very same Godgiven, legally-recognized right not "to be forced to act in a manner contrary to [their] own beliefs."

A mandate to act against our teachings The exemption is not merely a government foray into internal Church governance, where government has no legal competence or authority--disturbing though that may be. This error in theory has grave consequences in principle and practice. Those deemed by HHS not to be "religious employers" will be forced by government to violate their own teachings within their very own institutions. This is not only an injustice in itself, but it also undermines the effective proclamation of those teachings to the faithful and to the world. For decades, the Bishops have led the fight against such government incursions on conscience, particularly in the area of health care. Far from making us waver in this longstanding commitment, the unprecedented magnitude of this latest threat has only strengthened our resolve to maintain that consistent view.

A violation of personal civil rights The HHS mandate creates still a third class, those with no conscience

protection at all: individuals who, in their daily lives, strive constantly to act in accordance with their faith and moral values. They, too, face a government mandate to aid in providing "services" contrary to those values—whether in their sponsoring of, and payment for, insurance as employers; their payment of insurance premiums as employees; or as insurers themselves—without even the semblance of an exemption. This, too, is unprecedented in federal law, which has long been generous in protecting the rights of individuals not to act against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. We have consistently supported these rights, particularly in the area of protecting the dignity of all human life, and we continue to do so. “We want to indicate our next steps,” the bishops added. “We will continue our vigorous efforts at education and public advocacy on the principles of religious liberty and their application in this case (and others). We will continue to accept any invitation to dialogue with the Executive Branch to protect the religious freedom that is rightly ours. We will continue to pursue legislation to restore the same level of religious freedom we have enjoyed until just recently. And we will continue to explore our options for relief from the courts, under the US Constitution and other federal laws that protect religious freedom. All of these efforts will proceed concurrently, and in a manner that is mutually reinforcing.”

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

NATIONAL

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Southern Catholic Boom Advances Plans for Seminary, Monastery

US Bishops Stand in Solidarity with People Facing Middle East Violence

(CNA/EWTN News) CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A community of cloistered nuns and a future regional seminary plan to occupy newly purchased property in Cleveland County, N.C., to serve a flourishing Catholic population. The Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration and the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Te Deum Foundation will acquire 484 acres valued at $2.9 million in Mooresboro, which is about 60 miles west of Charlotte. “Most seminaries only teach how to close parishes, cluster parishes, and how to administer to several parishes in light of dwindling numbers of Catholics,” the foundation said on their website. “Praise be to God that this is not a problem in the South!” The planned seminary, for which 151 acres have been set aside, will be the only one in Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina, the Catholic News Herald reported. Seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte currently attend seminaries in Maryland, Ohio and Rome. The Te Deum Foundation website said that seminarians in Southern dioceses would be “blessed” to be able to stay in their own region. In addition to the necessary academics and formation, they could learn how to approach “the everyday challenges of living in the 'Bible Belt'” as well as how to open parishes and build churches. The Catholic population in the region is said to be rapidly increasing, as the Diocese

By Dennis Sadowski

of Charlotte expects to reach 120,000 by 2030 – twice its current population. For their part, the Poor Clares plan to build a permanent monastery for their community, which has lived in a temporary monastery in Charlotte since moving from Ohio

‘Most seminaries only teach how to close parishes, cluster parishes, and how to administer to several parishes in light of dwindling numbers of Catholics’ in 2010. They noted that the first thing that will be built in the 333 acres allotted to them is a chapel. “We figured if we put the Lord first, do His building first, He will provide for ours,” Mother Dolores Marie, abbess of St. Joseph Monastery, told the Catholic News Herald. The order plan for a cloister of 40,000 square feet, including interior courtyard space, areas for recreation and prayer, an infirmary and a cemetery. The Te Deum Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates separately from the Diocese of Charlotte to support seminarians in their education.

Catholic News Service

(CNS) WASHINGTON — Citing continuing conflict in the Middle East, the U.S. bishops' Administrative Committee reiterated its support for the region's bishops and all people of faith, urging them to stand against violence even in the face of hostility and aggression. A statement from the committee, which concluded a two-day meeting in Washington March 14, called for a "change of heart and mind on the part of all those who sow division and hatred." Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., a member of the bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, told Catholic News Service the statement calls upon Christians especially to respond to violence in a nonviolent manner. "As the statement says, violence begets violence," Bishop Murphy said. "Pope John Paul II said that many years ago, and it remains true. When one person has his or her dignity violated, then there are three possibilities: They can run away; they can turn around and respond with violence; or they can learn how to stand their ground without being violent. "The third is the one that the Lord imposes upon us. That takes restraint. It takes suffering. But it needs to be supported. That third choice, which is the true choice, needs to be supported by Catholic bishops," he said. Bishop Murphy explained that the statement refers to all forms of violence in the entire region rather than specific incidents. The four-paragraph statement was adopt-

ed unanimously, he said. "I do know from my personal relations with a number of bishops in the Middle East, that they take our words to heart and that they find a great deal of comfort in the solidarity that we offer to them," Bishop Murphy added. The statement acknowledged the difficult circumstances that Catholic bishops face as they guide the church and its members in the face of conflict. "We insist that peace, which is ultimately a gift of God, must be made the goal of every nation not only internally but in consort with all the nations and peoples of the region," the statement said. "When innocent women and children are slaughtered, when journalists are killed pursuing their profession, when the defenseless are cut down on their way to work or even in their homes, then those responsible must be brought to reasonable justice. Violence so often leads to more violence. War is always a loss for humanity whether it be civil and internal or nation to nation," it said. The administrative committee also urged "our brothers and sisters in the Christian churches as well as all our brothers and sisters and the religious leaders of all faiths to renew their commitment to work together, to pray and to use all their good offices to offer an alternative to division, conflict and violence." Bishop Murphy also called for prayers for the people in the region. "I have trust in the Lord and I have trust his power is stronger than our words," he said.

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REGIONAL

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

CHINA

China Tightens Control to Maintain Order

Expenditure on security now bigger than defense (UCA News) Political commentators believe more money spent on maintaining stability makes reforms difficult in China. Its “unique social structure hardly poses a real threat to the Communist regime,” according to one of them, Ching Cheong. However, a wave of social unrest across the country has prompted the government to drastically increase spending on national public security with a budget that exceeds expenditure on national defense. It is the first time this has happened since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, said Willy Lam Wo-lap, a journalist turned commentator on Chinese politics. This year’s budget for maintaining order is more than 700 billion yuan (US$110 billion) and was announced during the recent plenary meeting of the National People’s Congress, or China’s parliament. The number of police officers has also increased remarkably in recent years. In 2011, there were about 2 million police officers nationwide, equal to the size of China’s army. Behind them, are those with vested interests forming a conservative counter-force to reforms, he pointed out. Local officials tend to exaggerate the gravity of social instability and link violent protests with the “infiltration of Western powers” in order to demand more funds from the central government, he said. Then they spend the money on recruiting policemen and agents,

EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Italy June 13 ~ 29, 2012

BRITISH ISLES TOUR

Ching Cheong (far right) and Willy Lam Wo-lap (second left) at the seminar (UCA News photo)

buying weapons and equipment to turn the country into a police state, especially in unstable border areas. “In Urumqi, capital of the northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, one in every two taxi drivers is a part-time agent, who report on their passengers to the government if they look suspicious,” said Lam, quoting a reliable source. “The unlimited expansion of a control network is a gross obstacle to China’s long-term democratic development,” he warned. The government in Beijing will spend even more money on maintaining internal stability after the change in the Communist leadership later this year, he predicted in a Church-organized seminar on March 18. Lam was among three veteran journalists invited by the Hong Kong Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) to share their views at the first of three seminars

themed on the current situation in China. Another speaker, Ching Cheong, said an average of 500 mass protests took place each day last year, where people tried to defend their land rights, the environment, and fought against corruption. This amounted to around 182,500 protests for the whole year, which is three times more than 10 years ago, he said. Despite the scale of social unrest, Ching believes the Communist regime is not under serious threat because of China’s “unique” social structure in which the huge rural population has a “poor awareness” when it comes to revolt. Ching said that in a recent protest in Wukan, in southern Guangdong province, villagers’ slogans called for central government to punish corrupt officials rather than resist the regime itself.

KOREA

Risky Launch ‘Shows Leadership Problems’ Pyongyang’s intended satellite launch could be the result of problems at the top of the leadership, an expert on North Korea has said. North Korea announced on March 16 that it would launch “an observation satellite” into space on the back of a long-range missile between April 12 and 16, as part of celebrations marking the 100th anni-

versary of the birth of the country’s founder Kim Il-sung on April 15. Park Jong-chul, director of the Center for Unification Policy Studies, said the move is a risk considering recent progress in dialogue with the US. “The move suggests its new leader Kim Jong-un has succumbed to the military’s demand to allow it

to flex its muscles,” he said. The announcement of the launch sparked widespread international condemnation and cast doubts over an agreement with the US which was to provide 240,000 tons of food aid in exchange for a North Korean moratorium on nuclear testing and uranium enrichment activities.

1912 by French missioners. Present at the celebration were Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, nonresident pontifical representative for Vietnam, Bishop John Marie Vu Tat of Hung Hoa, priests, government officials and several Buddhist monks. Since it was founded the parish, which is located in Lao Cai City, near the border with China, has overcome Japanese occupation during World War Two, Communist persecution and conflict between China and Vietnam. The parish church was destroyed during fighting between China and Vietnam between 1979

and 1985 and many Catholics fled the area to avoid the fighting. Father Joseph Nguyen Van Thanh the parish priest said it took a long while for the parish to recover. The new parish church wasn’t built until 2001 and the first resident priest since the war arrived two years later, he said. “During the past ten years, we have seen the Catholic population increase from 3,000 to 6,500,” he said. “Our top priority now is to train people as lay missioners to work with other people in areas where the local Church lacks priests and Religious,” he said.

VIETNAM

War-Torn Parish Marks Centenary (UCA News) A northern parish which overcame the threat of destruction from persecution and war has celebrated its centenary this week. Around 2,000 Catholics attended a special Mass on Monday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lao Cai parish which was established in

England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland July 11~ 25, 2012

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

SOUTHEAST ASIA TOUR

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome

Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia Departure date: July 10, 2012

CANONIZATION OF BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD

with PRAGUE (Sto. Nino), KRAKOW(Divine Mercy &hometown of JPII) Plus ROME, ASSISSI, VENICE, VIENNA and BUDAPEST October 9 ~ 25, 2012 All the above tours include roundtrip airfare from Manila-Europe/Asia-Manila, all hotel accommodations including one night stay in Manila, breakfast and dinners throughout, all sightseeing tours and guides and all transfers

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VIETNAM

Laity Get Involved Through Charity Work During Lent (AsiaNews) Phan Thiet — Members of the Phan Thiet Diocese are involved in a number of initiatives this Lent, including proclaiming the Word of God, promoting charitable works for the poor and helping out in a number of projects in their parish. All this is evidence of the role lay people play in the life of the Church in Vietnam. John Paul II highlighted their role several times when, referring to the guiding principles of the Second Vatican Council, noted that “lay people play a fundamental role in the life and mission of the Church.” For Catholic leaders in Vietnam, the laity are tasked “with passing on the moral values of the family” and “helping others with zeal and enthusiasm”. This task is crucial in a society that is on a slippery slope of materialism and capitalism based on the quest for money and wealth. The parish of Võ Đat, Phan Thiet Diocese in the southeastern province of Bình Thuan, organised a number of seminars open to neighbouring parishes on the topic of ‘Meeting together for announcement of Good News’. This is the first initiative of its kind in the diocese; according to organisers, it has had “memorable results”. About 235 parishioners, 27 religious and a few parish priests took part in the seminars. Fr Jean Baptiste Hoàng Văn Khanh, vicar general of the diocese, was one of the participants.

“We engage in missionary action by going to poor communities, talking with neighbours, working and helping in companies, enterprises or offices,” he said. Equally, Benedict XVI’s Lent message was the driving principle that is guiding the journey of 40 catechumens who will be baptised this Easter, a number that hopefully might increase even further. Mgr Joseph Vũ Duy Thong, bishop of Phan Thiet, said he was close to the poorer and more remote communities of his diocese, including those on Phú Quí Islands Parish, composed of a group of ten isles. Some 27,000 people live on the islands, including about 160 Catholics. For 20 years, the latter did not have a church to worship. Last September, they opened their first place of worship, built thanks to the efforts of the faithful and clergy of the diocese. Speaking to AsiaNews, a local Catholic said, “Most people in the area are well-off. About 160 are Catholic and very poor, mostly migrants trying to make a living.” “Each year, the islands are hit by strong winds, high waves and typhoons and people suffer,” Br Triet said. “For this reason, the presence of the church is important in terms of pastoral activities and spiritual support.” According to the latest figures, Catholics number 7 million in a country of 86 million.

REGIONAL

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

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SAUDI AR ABIA

70% of Filipino Domestic Workers Suffer Physical, Psychological Violence (AsiaNews) RIYADH — Underpaid, exploited and often abused by their employers, Filipino domestic workers are one of the groups most at risk in Arabian countries, especially Saudi Arabia. A study published by the Committee on Workers Overseas Welfare, says that 70% of workers employed as caregivers or without a specific work qualification suffers continous physical and psychological harassment. Despite repeated calls by human rights organizations and associations in defense of immigrants, to date the Philippine government can only defend the rights of skilled workers: engineers, doctors, nurses. They are the most requested by the Saudi labor market and also the ones who have registered contracts, because employees in national hospitals, research centers or large companies. The unskilled workers who arrive in the Arabian country have no guarantee of employment, wages or protection. With more than 10 million workers worldwide, the Philippines is the third country in the world for the number of emigrants after China and India. In 2008, over 600 thousand Filipinos have chosen to travel to the Middle East in spite of continued incidents of exploitation. For Christians, it also comes to the persecution. Mainly women are suffering: the cases of rape are commonplace and often those who suffer can

AsiaNews Photo

not sue because their documents are seized by the employer. Lorraine is a young 27 year old Filipina who arrived in Saudi Arabia in early 2010 to work as a domestic worker for a family of Jeddah. She said that the violence began just days after her arrival at the airport. "When my boss came to pick me she says - he tried to touch me at once to see if I was available. In the first weeks I constantly suffered his advances which became more insistent every time I refused." In nine

months of employment Lorraine was raped five times. She said that in addition to the sexual violence she suffered all kinds of abuse: "I worked 20 hours a day without a break. The wife of my boss insulted me and beat me because I did not understand Arabic, and did not do her bidding. My lunch was a piece of bread and leftovers from the plates of the family. " After months of harassment on December 30, 2010, the young woman got in touch with the staff of the

Philippines Overseas Labour Office (POLO), who reported the case to the police. After months of investigation the authorities arrested her employer. To date, the girl is hosted by POLO and must remain in Saudi Arabia until the case against the perpetrator is concluded. In recent years, POLO and the Philippine embassy in Riyadh have collected hundreds of testimonies of young women and men tortured and abused in the workplace. The cases also involve important com-

panies. On February 24, 89 Filipino employees of the Swayaeh cosmetics Company, launched an appeal to President Aquino to ask to be repatriated as soon as possible. In recent years they have been abused, left hungry, unpaid for over 5 months. In October, to quell a factory protest the owners called the police armed with shotguns to force workers to work. Similar cases are seen by Indonesian employees. The relations between the two countries broke down after the decapitation of Ruyati Binti Satubi Saruna, a Indonesian migrant of 54 years, sentenced to death for murder. The Saudi authorities prosecuted the woman and sentenced her on 18 June 2011 without any consultation with the Indonesian government. Since November 3, the government of Manila and Jakarta have been trying to reach an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Labour to ensure migrant workers a minimum wage and protection from physical and psychological violence. Riyadh has so far responded to these requests by closing its borders to the unskilled. In recent days, the Saudi Minister for Labor has defined the demand for an increase in wages and greater protection of workers illogical, stressing that his office has already contacted the governments of other countries that have no such pretensions.

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INTERNATIONAL

Shenouda III, Patriarch of the Egyt’s Coptic Christians, Dies (AsiaNews / Agencies)  CAIRO — The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, Shenouda III has died at age 88. According to official media, hesuffered from liver failure and lung cancer. Because of his illness severaltimes he had received treatment abroad. The last week he had cancelled his catechesis on Wednesdays. Assoon as the news spread, thousands of the faithful went to St. Mark's Cathedral to pray for the deceased. Muslim leaders also expressed their condolences. In a statement, Ali Gomaa, In Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher March 18, a priest Grand Mufti of Egypt, said lights a candle in front of a picture of Coptic Orthodox Pope that his death "is a major diShenouda III of Alexandria, Egypt. Pope Shenouda, who served saster that affects the whole as patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church for 41 years, died of Egypt and its noble people, March 17 at the age of 88. CNS photo/Ammar Awad, Reuters Christians and Muslims." The Freedom and Justice Party of the Muslim Brotherhood, cur- through study, catechesis, wards Mubarak was a cause rently in power in parliament, through the books he au- of controversy. He deeply spoke of Shenouda III's "big thored, opening upto the criticized him for not stopecumenical movement, rela- ping theviolence perpetrated role" in Egypt. "Baba Shenouda," as he tions with the Pope of Rome by Muslim extremists against was called, led one of the an- and strengtheningties with the Christian communities, cient Eastern Churches for 40 the Copts abroad. During his but he also defending him years. He was born August 3, years monastic vocations in- in the first period of Tahrir 1923 in Asyut in Upper Egypt creased inEgypt and Coptic Square movement, which led andbecame monk in 1954. On communities grew in the U.S., to his downfall. This position made him the death of Patriarch Cyril, Australia, Canada. His relationship with the target of criticism from in 1971, he waschosen as the patriarch of the Copts. He had those in power saw periods of many young Copts, who chosen the name Shenouda tension. He collided with An- wanted a greater commitat his episcopal ordination in war Sadat for his overtures to- ment to democracy and great1961, aftera fourth-century ward Israel and his appease- er guarantees of freedom for ment of radicalMuslims. In Christians. saint. But Shenouda had always The Patriarch led the 1981 Sadat put him under Church, the largest in the house arrest in the monas- played the card of the EgypMiddle East (approximately tery in Wadi Natrun, north tian nationality of whichboth 6-10% of Egypt's population of Cairo. Sadat was assassi- Christian and Muslim are part of about 80 million people) nated a few months later, and and had always tried to mend over a period of greatchanges the power shifted to Hosni every division, even with the and tensions with the Islamic Mubarak who freed the patri- army, by emphasizing that the Copts were in Egypt longworld. On the one hand, he arch in 1985. Shenouda's attitude to- before Islam arrived. drove to a deepeningof faith

Hindu Nationalists Attack Three Christian Communities (AsiaNews) Mumbai — Three anti-Christian attacks were recorded in West Bengal, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh just in the past week, the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported. Like Advent and Christmas, Lent is a time when Hindu ultranationalists tend to intensify their harassment and terrorising of minority Christians. For GCIC president Sajan George, the situation shows the "total lack of justice towards Christians who are increasingly vulnerable." On Wednesday, police in Burnpur (West Bengal) arrested five members of the Brethren Gospel Pentecostal Church after some residents of the village complained about their prayers. Although police released

them, they were forced to rearrest them when Hindu ultranationalists complained. This time the five Christians were charged with violating various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those against "causing communal disharmony" and "unlawful assembly". On Monday, some 30 activists from the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist group, broke into a private home in a slum in Govindpuri (South Delhi). After dragging out Rev Jagdish, a Pentecostal clergyman, they called police and had him arrested. He was released, but only after he signed a pledge not to visit that home again or conduct prayer meetings. On Sunday, other Bajrang Dal activists stormed a house

church in Multai, Betul District (Madhya Pradesh), accusing Rev Motilal Gujare of engaging in forced conversions. When the local police arrived, they arrested the clergyman and a member of his congregation, Prakash Masih, citing Section 298 of the Penal Code, which bans "Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent" [. . .] of wounding the religious feelings of any person". "Hindu radicals enjoy political protection," Dajan George said. "They feel so strong that they fabricate charges to harass the Christian community. In order to satisfy nationalist feelings, police arrest innocent Christians without a fair trial."

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

FEATURE

Teens HYPE IT UP! in Their 3rd Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk

Hagåtña, Guam — To many teens, April 1st will be more than just pulling pranks this year. The Youth for Youth LIVE! Guam is hosting its 3rd annual HYPE IT UP! 5K Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. Alongside its presenters, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Department of Youth Affairs and Hyatt Regency Guam, the youth group will hold their 5K event to raise funds for their annual conference, now on its 22nd year in running. The grand raffle prize for 5K participants is a round trip ticket to Japan. In addition, the winning school with the most number of race finishers will also be awarded with 10 scholarships to the 3-day Youth for Youth Conference. The 3rd Annual HYPE IT UP! 5K Fun Run/Walk will start at 6AM on Sunday, April 1st, in front of the Hyatt tennis court. Participants are encouraged to arrive as early as 5am for a Zumba warm-up exercise headed by Synergy instructors. The race route will continue towards Ypao Beach Park then back to the Hyatt, where exciting giveaway items, prizes, and breakfast items will be given away. This year’s grand prize is a roundtrip ticket to Japan, courtesy of sponsor E VE NT D ETAI L S Delta Airlines. The first 700 finishers will receive a limited edition RadFad Hype It Up! t-shirt, while Pre-registration for the 5K event will all finishers will get a chance to win prizes such be held on March 30 – 31, 2012, from as gym memberships, restaurant coupons, movie 10am – 8pm, at Agana Shopping Center passes, and overnight hotel accommodations. The in Hagatna and Hornet Sporting Goods top three finishers in all eight categories will also in Tamuning. Registration fees are: receive a certificate and ditty bag from Youth for Youth LIVE! Guam. Adult (pre-race) = $7.00 Public and private middle and high schools are Adult (race day) = $10.00 highly encouraged to invite their students to parStudent (with valid school ID) = $5.00 ticipate in the 5K event. The school with the most number of race finishers will receive 10 scholarGroup of 4 = $20.00 ships that will enable 10 students to attend the 3-day youth conference – 20:12 Time for Change, For more information, contact Sara 22nd Annual Youth for Youth Conference – to be Dimla at 477-9082 or through held at Hyatt Regency Guam on April 27 – 29, 2012. sara.dimla@mail.dmhsa.guam.gov The scholarship will include registration fees, daily lunch and snacks, and conference resources which usually coasts $100 per attendee. That is a total of $1,000-worth of scholarship to be given away just for being at the 5K!

Special thanks to our presenters and sponsors PRESENTER

PLATINUM

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SPECIAL THANKS Mobi Tango Theatres Market Wholesale Dist. Inc. Kontenda’s Paradise Fitness Pacific Islands Club (PIC) MidPac Dist. Inc.

Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort (La Cascada) Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods Westen Resort Guam Fish Eye Marine Park GuamGrabs.com

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FAMAGU’ON Yan MANHOBEN

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Puzzles & Games WORD SEARCH THEME Holy Eucharist Part 1

N O I N U M M O C Y L O H C B

ADORATION ALTAR BENEDICTION BLESSED SACRAMENT BLOOD BODY BREAD BREAD OF LIFE CALVARY CIBORIUM CONSECRATION FAITH GRACE HOLY COMMUNION

SUDOKU

A C Z Q B H U G O R Y W C G E

R K F R B B X M U X A O Q Z N

Soldiers Without a Name

Find all the words hiding within the puzzle. Words are placed diagonal, forward, backward, up and down.

E F E G C R U H S C N T F C E

M A H D R I E F H S W Q L B D

D I T P R A U A E V I M X A I

S T R O T T C C D R A Y T R C

H H B S K W R E S O R K V C T

R I I Q B A U M U Y F N J B I

C G O A T B O D Y R R L I Q O

J F H I U P I W M A C S I C N

A D O R A T I O N V B W T F X

H N X N E D V T Q L N D Y V E

D O O L B C R Z Z A I X R G M

A T F M O N D Y K C R W O G A

Fill the empty cells so that each column, each row, and each of the 3x3 regions contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.

TIPS

No region can contain any duplicate digits. There is only one solution to a Sudoku puzzle.

Use a pencil.

8 Last Week’s Solution 9 6 1

8 7 2

8 3

6 4

7 2

8 6

5 9 3

3 7

5 4 6 8

2 4

6 9

5 9

8 9 2 3 4

3 4 6 7 2 9 8 4

5 1

2 3

1 9

1 8 9 7 5 6

3 2 7

SCRIPTURAL CRYPTOGRAM

The sentence below is encrypted using a secret code. Your job is to break the code by substituting the correct letter for the ones given. Each letter given in the code always represents the same letter throughout the puzzle. HINTS: O = o J = p

W Z B C V B

M N G Q Y

Z T V

M G J

Y O C V S

Last Week’s Solution

J O T N M

X R N M

G J

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

N B O M V

S O C P

“I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you lived as slaves.“ (Exodus 20:2)

Our fight against abortion. Santa Teresita Parish stands firm in respecting human life in all stages of development. Below is a reflection written by our parish Chief Columbian Squire By Donovan Manibusan

Taking the risk to make you, Yet they failed the responsibility to raise you. She didn’t give it time to show, “Doctor, it’s time to let this baby go.” Her parents are furious giving her no other choice, “You’re too young to raise a kid,” it’s a baby who doesn’t even have a voice. A voice to say what’s on their mind or express how they feel, You go around saying murder is wrong, but still, it’s okay for you to kill. Throwing them on the battlefield helpless, with neither shield or sword for protection, You open up a door for them to experience life, but closed it back for rejection. Now being classified as a bully for picking on someone smaller than you in size, “Don’t ever underestimate” is saying, but in this war, the underdog always dies. “The pregnancy is still fresh though, I wouldn’t be causing the baby any harm, It’s better to do it early,” but girl, you just threw away your most precious charm. You thought you won, but really you lost this fight, Just like the chance you had to cuddle with them and read a story before they sleep, To see their first steps, for them to run and hug you tight. You see, the doctor, the hitman who you just paid to scratch your kid’s name off their list, It’s just a job for them, but for you, it’s another opportunity missed. An opportunity to raise them to stand on the world and watch them shine, The opportunity for you to say, “Yes, that child is mine.” So how can you do this now when I just heard you saying “abortion should be banned,” You were blessed with a gift, to make your baby feel the warmth of your hand. But it’s a different story, isn’t it, when you’re in that position, Going back to fix this is the only thing you’re wishin’. Now, Judge, tell me, how can my client be sentenced to death when no crime was ever committed, A paper with the approval saying, “yes, my daughter will pull through with this,” was the only document submitted. What happened to the law, I thought everyone was innocent until proven guilty, What evidence do you have besides those thoughts in your head which should I mention are filthy. Voices in your mind saying, “there’s no other option, it’s only for the best,” You didn’t even give it a chance, so who are you to say “this baby should forever rest.” There were so many options; I know abortion wasn’t the only way, But people advertise these shortcuts... “all you have to do is pay.” “The doctors are good, you wouldn’t feel a thing. The money and authorization are all you need to bring.” Yes I understand, it’s a free country, so we can do anything we want, but to a c ertain extent, Where’s the fairness at, killing a soldier who is silent? A soldier who can’t speak to say whether they want to go or not, Going into a war, but getting killed before they even fought. But when it’s all said and done, your baby just never got the chance to take its first breath, No ultrasound or birthday parties were thrown, because a positive pregnancy test was all that was left. So please understand, I don’t mean to offend anyone, I just feel that abortion shouldn’t be under the spotlight having all the fame, I’m just standing up for those soldiers without a name.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

FAMAGU’ON Yan MANHOBEN

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Reflection: Journey’s Ended, Journey’s Begun Santa Teresita Confirmation Class Completes Retreat Experience By Kevin AN Delgado, Conference Committee Member For the U Matuna Si Yu’os

By the grace of our Lord, I have been given the tremendous privilege of working with our youth, namely at Santa Teresita Parish in Mangilao. In these 19 years of working with them in committees, in the CCD program, in youth ministry activities and in community projects, one would think that everything would be “routine.” It would seem that every service project would be the same… every year, the same lesson plan… every retreat, the same emotions. However, this is never the case when you work and serve our God. On the weekend of March 9-11, the Confirmation class of Santa Teresita in Mangilao had engaged in their weekend retreat. The word ‘retreat’ means ‘to get away.’ And the candidates did just that. During this short period of spiritual connection, reflection, and strengthening, the candidates ‘got away’ from the normalcy of life – school work, family obligations, social networking, friendship dramas, and, well, daily life. It was truly a sacrifice in itself to ask today’s youth to refrain from going on the internet, or to play virtual games, or to stop texting… especially for a full weekend! But by the grace of God, and through the prayers of their parents, families, friends, and our parish community, the Santa Teresita Confirmation Class of 2012 took the sacrifice, and trusted in what God had to offer them that weekend. Many were afraid. Many, excited. Many admitted that they were looking for excuses to ‘be sick,’ while others were yearning for what past confirmation candidates recalled as their best life experience ever. Thanks to God and His abundant gifts, our Archdiocese of Agana is blessed with the Carmel on the Hill Retreat Center in Malojloj. This facility was home to our Carmelite

Sisters on Guam. Amazingly enough, the Carmelites had moved to their new home in Tamuning, but their spirituality and holiness continues to dwell at the Retreat Center. After months of planning, the Confirmation team and our pastor, Fr. Felix, decided that Carmel would be the most appropriate place for this years’ experience. God, too, blessed our efforts by affording beautiful weather, opened minds and hearts, and a supportive parish family. In thinking back to my time as a Confirmation candidate, I recalled my theme for the year… “journey’s ended, journey’s begun.” I remembered that my catechist in 1995 was Karla Gogo Borja, and her assistant was Joe Mafnas. Then, after praying for a theme, the Spirit prompted me to go back to what I had learned when I was in the shoes of this year’s candidates. Hence, the theme, ‘journey’s ended, journey’s begun.’ The weekend was nothing short of amazing. God infused the weekend with blessings galore. How did He do this? By simply doing what He does every day – allowing the sun to rise… allowing the darkness to be shattered by light… by having time to eat with those you love… by being present in the Blessed Sacrament… by allowing the wind to blow. These are daily things. These are routines. But the difference is that the candidates now ‘see’ and ‘realize’ what has been around them all this time. They now recognize each other in school, at stores, and even in their own families. Candidates now see their parents as ‘Jesus-on-Earth,’ no as ‘go-to’s.’ The journey of Confirmation for all candidates around the world is about to come to an end. But the true journey – the journey of life – is about to begin. Thankfully, through the power of God, the Confirmation students now feel more equipped and ready for what the sinful world has to offer. This is what they had to say:

A one paragraph reflection on my retreat? That's going to be pretty hard, considering how much the retreat as a whole just totally changed how I look at life, problems, and God. In a nutshell, the retreat was wonderful. So much of it inspired me to look deeper within myself, deeper so as to find a way to better myself with Jesus. Before the retreat, I was very excited. Right now, after experiencing it, and after reflecting back so many times at all the great moments I had, I'm glad to say that my excitement was not, in any way or form, let down. I do sincerely hope that other people could feel the same bliss and joy as I do. I myself, personally, will help to ensure that. - Ted DeLeon Guerrero

The retreat this past weekend was beyond amazing. It was life changing in so many different ways. After thinking that I would never be touched by the Holy Spirit, I had the time to sit down and meditate and really observe my surroundings. I finally noticed that God was in me and surrounding me all along. I learned so many different tips on how to interact with God. I learned how to get into a deep meditation by just shutting up and by focusing only on God. I learned that life without the “social network” is one of the greatest lives to live. I learned that talking to people outside of your certain group doesn’t hurt. I also learned that time away from society is healthy. The feeling that I have knowing that I was touched by the Holy Spirit is indescribable. Overall, this retreat will be an experience that will be in my heart forever and with God anything is possible. - Jaret Castro

Attending this year’s Confirmation retreat at Carmel on the Hill was an overall life-changing experience for me! The whole retreat was so peaceful and I was very blessed to share it with such an amazing group of people... my STC CCD family! The retreat allowed me to form closer relationships with not only people, but mostly God. Furthermore, it made me realize how my journey ends, and how my life’s journey begins. This retreat was so AWESOME! - Mary Borja

MOVIE REVIEW

Uncharted: Golden Abyss By Adam Shaw Catholic News Service

(CNS) NEW YORK — Whenever a new console hits the market, it's a safe bet that the manufacturers behind it are on the lookout for a big "launch title" -- a game so compelling it will convince players to part with their (or their parents') hard-earned cash beginning on day one. Thus, when Sony recently launched the highly anticipated PlayStation Vita, it was clear that "Uncharted: Golden Abyss" (Sony Computer Entertainment) was this latest hardware's big hope. And it's easy to see why. The treasure hunting-themed "Uncharted" series -- of which "Golden Abyss" is the fourth installment -- has been massively popular on the PlayStation 3, and a portable

edition seems to make sense, especially with the Vita's unmatched processing power. The promise of a handheld "Uncharted" -- as well as the delicious graphics shown in previews -- may thus have had the mouths of even the most cynical players watering. Set in Central America before the events of the first game, this entry focuses on bumbling but loveable protagonist Nathan Drake and his search for the remains of an ancient Christian sect that may or may not have possessed valuable trinkets ripe for plunder. Accompanied by feisty sidekick Marisa Chase, and series favorite Victor "Sully" Sullivan, Nate must battle armed thugs determined to prevent discovery, not only of the treasure, but also of the fate that befell those who went before our intrepid explorers. Although decked out with pseudo-religious window-dressing, the story contains little of genuine concern to players of faith. Talk of ancient sects and Gnosticism may initially raise red flags. But these elements ultimately amount to little more than vague ramblings about a sect of Arian bishops and their quest for loot of various kinds. While jumping and climbing feats con-

stitute the main substance of the gameplay, these are interspersed with some coverbased shooting. The violence, however, is not only relatively bloodless; it's also set within the context of Drake and co. defending themselves from villainous opponents. Consequently, "Golden Abyss" is far less objectionable than any number of its competitors. From a technical perspective, the Vita version is absolutely red-hot. The graphics are easily the best ever to grace a handheld console, and the Vita's two touchscreens and gyroscopic capabilities are put to good (if sometimes gimmicky) use. "Golden Abyss" also offers excellent value for money. The campaign is long and is also made replayable by the ability to go back and earn awards by collecting hidden articles and taking accurate pictures of certain sights. Perhaps in an effort to produce what they take to be believable characters, the developers have unfortunately chosen to pepper their dialogue with significant amounts of profane and gritty language. Taken together with the elements of violence outlined

CNS photo/Sony Computer Entertainment

above, these vocabulary issues mark "Uncharted" as territory only adults can be advised to explore. The game contains relatively restrained but frequent gun and hand-to-hand combat, recurring bouts of profanity, much crude and crass language and some sexual innuendo. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board rating is T -- Teen.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

THE LIFE OF FAITH

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First South African Sainthood Cause Goes to Vatican

(CNA) TZANEEN, South Africa — The cause for beatification and canonization of the South African-native Benedict Daswa, who was killed for his refusal to support witchcraft, has arrived in Rome. Bishop Joao Rodriguez of South Africa’s Tzaneen diocese said he hopes devotion to “this apostle of life” will spread and that people “will receive special graces” from Daswa's intercession, especially for “problematic family life relations and bondage to the occult and witchcraft.” Although his cause Benedict Daswa CNA Photo is still being investigated, Bishop Rodriguez told CNA March 14 that Catholics may express private devotion to Daswa and report any favors received through his intercession to the Diocese of Tzaneen. Daswa’s case was sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints after he was declared “Servant of God” and diocesanlevel inquiries were completed. If approved, Daswa would be on his way to being declared blessed, making him one step away from becoming the first South Africanborn saint. Consistently loyal to his profession of Christianity, Daswa refused to take part in anything related to witchcraft or the occult, which is still very much a part of the local culture. His denouncement of witchcraft and the occult eventually led to his violent murder in 1990.

Benedict Daswa, born Samuel Daswa in 1946, belonged to the Jewish Lemba tribe in rural Limpopo in South Africa. Up until the start of the official investigation into Daswa's life in 2005, the members of the Catholic community of the Nweli District gathered every All Soul's Day to pray at his grave. Daswa grew up observing Jewish customs, but was baptized in the Church at the age of 17. He took the name Benedict after the sixthcentury monk and Benedict Risimati, his catechist who instructed him on his faith as a teen. Daswa was confirmed shortly after his baptism. After his confirmation, Daswa took a particular interest in teaching younger members of his community about Catholicism. After a series of unusual thunderstorms and lighting strikes in the area, a group of local men suggested hiring a traditional healer to determine the cause. In order to do this, the men collected money from members of the community. Daswa refused to give any money to the cause. Seeing this act of defiance as derogatory to their cultural beliefs, members of his community conspired to kill him. While driving home from a visit to his sick sister-in-law, some men blocked Daswa's way with several tree logs. When he got out of his car to investigate, Daswa was violently attacked and beaten to death by men from his own community. According to the diocesan investigation, when Daswa saw a man coming towards him with a club to deliver the final blow, he said, “God, into your hands, receive my spirit.” The Diocese of Tzaneen opened an inquiry into Daswa’s death in 2005 completed it on

July 2, 2009. The investigation, which was made public in 2010, resulted in more than 850 pages of testimony from reliable witness to the life and death of Daswa. A copy of the investigation was sent to Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The documents were signed by Bishop of Tzaneen Hugh Slattery, Sister Sally Duigan, diocesan

chancellor Father Andre Bohas, and Promoter of Justice Eddie O’Neill. As one the poorest and most rural dioceses in South Africa, the Tzaneen diocese is accepting donations through a special bank account dedicated to Daswa's cause for canonization. A 40 minute biography was filmed on location in Limpopo to spread Daswa's story to an even greater audience.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2012

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I’m Just Saying

Blanca Gets a Boo-Boo By Jeffrey L. Fitzgerald As one who rarely gets sick, I admit that I’ve always had a bit of a hard time relating to others when they do get feeling kind of under the weather. I say “rarely” only in the loosest sense of the word since for the past two years, I’ve gotten sick more than all other years combined, it seems. It’s strange. Perhaps it’s God sending me a message. Perhaps it’s my body saying, “Woah there, Bub—you need to slow this train WWAAAAAAAYYYY down.” Then again, maybe I am developing hypochondriasis. How funny would that be: someone who hates being sick being convinced he is sick all the time? All in all, as the years have gone by, I’ve learned to take things easy when others are sick or simply not running at 100%. I used to have a supervisor years ago whom each and every time I went to work late and said that I had overslept, he would respond, “Well, I guess that’s God way of saying you need more sleep.” I don’t know if that’s exactly true, but it always made me feel better, and it does go to the point of illnesses in general. Some of us view them as God’s punishment. To a certain degree, that’s true: God does allow for punishments—very real and sometimes harsh punishments—when we do wrong. Admit: God is love, but we all know that a good portion of the time, we deserve a good, hard kick in the pants. But we also need to remember that punishment comes when a parent who loves us wants us to turn away from that path of destruction and unhappiness. That’s what makes God’s punishment a mercy and not a Divine act of “Gotcha, sinner!” But the older I get, the more I think that illnesses are more for the benefit of those around us. They are designed to have a molding effect on the rest of us who live with the ill (particularly the chronically ill), and it should be giving us a better perspective on life. Or at least give us a start. Last weekend, the family went to brunch at a local brunch-a-teria, and upon returning home, we found Blanca the dog waiting for us inside the door (she’s a small, inside dog). Within minutes, she let out a “Yipe!” with every step she took, and we knew of course that something was wrong. For the rest of the day, she would just lay down and not eat or go out to do “her business.” Nothing. It’s our dog, of course, but ultimately, she’s my dog, and I was (to my utter amazement at self-reflection later) beside myself about her. When it was time for bed, I even picked her up to sleep with me. Rather than sleep at my feet, she curled up (without that whole “rooting” thing that dogs do with blankets and sheets) by my side and did not move for the next several hours. In other words, I did not move for the next

several hours for fear of disturbing her. So she went to the vet on Monday and got the “all clear” with the explanation that perhaps she had hyperextended something or that her kneecap had popped out and then back in, thereby making running and walking very sore. I was and am relieved of course, but the fact remains that my response was a total break from my routine. As a person who really needs routine to function well, that would normally be a problem, but the fact is that the possibility of her being injured—or more to the point in pain—lurched me out of anything else going on. By that night, I started getting sick (yet again!), and my wife teasingly asked me if I was not the “sympathy pains pup.” I’ve written here before about how dogs will have sympathy pains when their loved ones (pardon the expression) are sick. But how often is it that the human master gets sympathy pains for the dog? Ultimately, that’s rather how God is about you and me and us. All of us. Not exactly sympathy pains at our sin and penchant for self-destruction, but instead a genuine putting himself in our place and truly understanding—not just as God, but as a human being with all its doubts and struggles and insecurities and hormones and lonelinesses and everything else. Human beings by definition always seek some good (so saith Aristotle) and always seek happiness (likewise with Aquinas and a vast array of others). So it’s funny that in light of these doubts and struggles and insecurities and hormones and lonlinesses, we do everything we can to plug up the holes, as it were, with little created things. I don’t mean just creature comforts here, like money or fame or a delicious doublebacon-cheeseburger with a side of fries and unsweetened tea (unsweetened tea being yet another absolute good—I’m just saying). It’s workplace crushes and a new car every two years and excessive bar-b-ques and reading magazines that make you feel bad about your body image and new technological gadgets and God knows what else that makes the pain subside—even if just for a few moments. In the meantime, the Blessed Lord watches and nudges His glorious way in, if only we would let Him. This phenomenon is often characterized as trying to put pepper in a salt shaker already filled with salt. Unless some of the old stuff is emptied, there’s no room for the new. Blanca is better, but my sympathy pains continue. It doesn’t really matter. I love her, and she loves me. It’s not the love that I know that I would give to my own child, but it’s a love that’s real. And that’s part of what makes the Divine Love so wonderful. I’m not His actual son, but He loves me and you and us just like we were. The question is: how do divine sympathy pains work? Or is it really a moot point since it’s already done its work?

AROUND THE WORLD Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College cheer as their soccer team plays Redemptoris Mater during the Clericus Cup in Rome March 3. The U.S. seminarians won their first game 1-0. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)