EE FR
PRINT POST APPROVED 100005051
ISSUE 19 JUNE 2019
Why Believe In God?
N ATI O N A L
O R D I N ATI O N
S I STE R S O F LI F E
Religious Freedom Review PAGE 10
Historical first Somascan priest in Australia PAGE 20
Emphasise God’s benevolence PAGE 13
Official magazine for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 1
4/06/2019 12:53:20 PM
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 2
4/06/2019 12:53:21 PM
FEATURED THIS MONTH
13
8
Plenary 2020 Discernment: A ‘gift we must implore’
18
Emeritus Archbishop Hickey
“Anyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles
Sixty Years of Priesthood
22
himself will be raised up” — Matthew 23:12
FROM THE EDITOR Jamie O’Brien In this Issue 19 of The Record Magazine, we take a look
Michael Galovic Iconographer
at the topic of ‘Why Believe in God’. Recent events across Australia and the world are indicating that Church and faith communities are under scrutiny and question
26
from governments and individuals alike now more than ever, for example, the unfortunate and distressing facts relating to abuse, the highly debatable issue of the
ACYF 2019
freedom of religion, and the challenging of our beliefs
Volunteering puts faith into action
and practises (eg the Sacrament of Confession) are some of the recent situations the Catholic community in Perth and across Australia is facing today. For the Archdiocese
F R O N T C O V E R : Christ Pantocrator, by Michael Galovic, March 2019.
of Perth, we are blessed to have some positive stories
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
which have emerged, which this Issue 19 celebrates. We
From Archbishop Timothy Costelloe
4
From Bishop Don Sproxton
6
speak to the Sisters of Life, who recently visited Perth from the US. We interview Morley parishioners, Andrew and Glenys Wright, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. We also share an insight into the life of Spearwood man and Australia’s first Somascan, Fr
IN THIS EDITION Plenary 2020: Discernment Religious Freedom Review
Chris de Sousa. I was also grateful for an interview with
Sisters of Life
renowed artist and iconographer Michael Galovic, who
Post Confirmation Program
speaks about his life and work as he celebrates 30 years
Fr Chris de Sousa: First Aussie Somascan
in Australia and 50 years as an icongrapher. The Record
60 Years Marriage Anniversary
Magazine is a magazine for the people and I hope you will
Colouring Page
enjoy taking the time to engage with us. Please feel free
Activity Page
to share your thoughts via editor@therecord.com.au.
Recipe: Healthy baked spring rolls
08 10 13 16 20 24 28 29 30
I S S U E 1 9 J U N E 2 0 19 3
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 3
4/06/2019 12:53:37 PM
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB speaks about Why he believes in God. Photo: Ron Tan
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 4
4/06/2019 12:53:43 PM
ARCHBISHOP’S WORD
Why Believe In God?
I
was born and grew up in a faithful Catholic family and
every day, points unfailingly to the existence of the Creator
had the enormous benefit of a good Catholic
– and reminds me not to let myself fall into the trap of
education.
thinking that I or anyone else can ever fully grasp the
Belief in God was, in a sense, the unspoken foundation of
depths of the mystery of this creating God.
our family’s life and equally the foundation of the schools I
Saint Augustine of Hippo, the great theologian of the fifth
attended. And of course, in the Australia of the 1950s and
century, invites me to turn my attention, from time to time,
1960s, belief in God was also the “default position” of
away from the greatness and vastness of the creation to
almost everyone, even if formal religious practice was
the other place where God is to be found: in the depths of
already beginning to decline.
the human heart.
In the Australia of 2019, this unquestioned belief in God is
Saint Augustine captures beautifully something of this
no longer as widespread as it was and many people of faith
mystery in some famous words he addresses to God in
now find themselves challenged by what we might call the
prayer. They are found in the “Confessions of Saint
“practical atheism” of some of their family members, their
Augustine”, an autobiographical work.
friends, work-colleagues, and the wider society in which we
“You have made us for yourself, O God,” Augustine prays,
live. And so we find ourselves asking if faith in God is
“and our hearts are restless until they rest in you”.
reasonable, or sustainable, or relevant in today’s world.
Here, Saint Augustine catches what I believe is a universal
Whenever I reflect on these things – and I often do – I find
human experience: that sense of restlessness, of always
myself reflecting on two things: One is a verse from the
looking for and striving for something more.
psalms, and one is a thought from one of the great Christian
Reflecting on his own journey through life he offers a
writers of the early Church.
response which my own experience confirms: that the God
Psalm 8 invites us to reflect on the beauty and wonder of
who made us intends, because of His great love, to fulfil all
the world around us.
the longings He has placed within us.
“When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,” writes
As another of my favourite spiritual writers puts it: “God
the psalmist, “and the moon and the stars which you
creates in human hearts a huge desire and a sense of need,
arranged, who are we that you care for us, mere human
because he wants to fill them with the gift of himself”
beings that you keep us in mind?”
(Monica Boulding, The Coming of God).
Some people see the unimaginable complexity and size of
Why believe in God? Because, at least for me, it is the only
the universe, and the tiny part of it which we occupy, as an
way to make sense of the world in which I live, the people
obstacle to belief in God.
whom I encounter, and the depths of longing and hope
For me, however, the extraordinary nature of the creation,
within me that I refuse to believe are destined to be for
about which we seem to discover new wonders almost
ever unfulfilled.
+ Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB A RCH B I S H O P O F PER T H
5 The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 5
4/06/2019 12:53:43 PM
Why believe in God?
“
The atrocious and senseless
killing of Christians and tourists in Sri Lankan is still on my mind. These acts of terror were uncivilised, in fact, barbaric, perpetrated on the most sacred day of Easter. Our prayer continues for the dead and injured, and for the families and friends who live with disbelief and fear that further crimes will be committed against them by extreme fundamentalists.
�
Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton speaks about Why he Believes In God. Photo: Matthew Lau
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 6
4/06/2019 12:53:59 PM
BISHOP ’S WORD
F
ollowing on from the tragedy in Sri Lanka, we heard
very humble circumstances. His family was not part of the
of yet another attack in a synagogue in San Diego,
elite and powerful.
California, another hate crime against a minority.
He lived as all people live and experienced all that a human
Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo authorised the cancellation of
must experience, including suffering and eventually death
Sunday Masses and the closure of schools across Sri Lanka
itself. Jesus had to deal with the temptations that come
when he was given an assessment that more terrorist
through life to take short cuts, to be a success and to work
attacks were possible.
things out for himself and not depend on God and his plan.
News like this will provoke deep questions for us. It will be
Those who were the first to follow Jesus spoke about how
easy for us to become confused and angry with the actions
he was impacted by evil and how he confronted evil.
taken by extremists which have no moral justification.
His passion and death were the indelible events that they
The cardinal remarked on the immorality of the bombings
would never forget. Jesus freely accepted the horrific death
in Sri Lanka by saying: “We cannot kill someone in the name
of crucifixion with nothing left for him but trust in God: that
of God…”.
somehow by yielding to his Father’s will, the plan to save
For some of us, the questions will be about the very
humanity would be served.
existence of God or what kind of God do we have anyway.
It has been by looking at Jesus, his life experiences and his
The existence of evil is a problem for us and always will be.
faithfulness that I have found the path to better understand
Of course, the question of God is age old. Every people has
my life with its joys and sufferings.
pondered on this question and found reasons for believing.
His experience of suffering did not destroy him but resulted
The Catholic catechism characterises humans as religious
in something unimaginable. His resurrection gave answer to
beings, predisposed to religious belief.
his obedience and dreadful suffering.
Yet for all the arguments for God’s existence there will
By being raised to life, the greatest good was achieved for
always remain the problem of how to explain the existence
humanity. Evil was defeated and life was restored for Jesus
of evil, which seems to contradict the notion of the God of
and the sons and daughters of Adam.
goodness, love and mercy.
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus points us to a
Questions rise up within us: if God exists and he is good,
pattern that exists in our lives. There is in life the pattern of
why is evil, injustice, and suffering permitted? Why are
dying and rising.
these so much part of the world which God is supposed to
Suffering often is followed by real happiness. It was
have created?
because of the goodness and love of God that he has
I have struggled with these questions like everyone else.
revealed this to us in the life of Jesus.
What I have had to acknowledge first is that I will be able to
Our suffering can have meaning and can serve our
see or understand only a part of reality. This is the
continuing growth as persons, and our deepening in faith
limitation in being human. I will never have the ability to see
and trust in God.
and know everything as God does.
So it has seemed to me that evil and the suffering that
The next thing I have learnt has been that I need to keep
results are not enough to dismantle the idea of a loving,
looking at the life and teaching of Jesus in order to know
good God. Instead, there is a paradox. Because of their
God. Again, my particular experience has limitations. Yet
existence, we have been given greater insight into God,
pondering on the experience of Jesus has allowed me to
through Jesus, who confronted evil and destroyed its
discover much more about God.
power over us.
Jesus knew very well the power of evil. He was born to
This is why I believe in God.
+ Bishop Donald Sproxton AUXILIARY BISHOP OF PERTH
7 The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 7
4/06/2019 12:53:59 PM
PL E NA RY
2 02 0
Discernment: A 'gift we must implore' With the commencement of the second phase of the Plenary Council process this month – Listening and Discernment, it is important to understand what discernment means.
I
n his Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice
“Practising discernment in our communities and in our
and Be Glad), Pope Francis dedicates a section to the
preparation towards the Plenary Council will help to ensure
topic of discernment.
we are listening to God, listening to each other and
He writes: “How can we know if something comes from the
considering our path forward as the People of God in
Holy Spirit or if it stems from the spirit of the world or the
Australia,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
spirit of the devil? The only way is through discernment,
The initial phase of the Plenary Council process – Listening
which calls for something more than intelligence or common
and Dialogue attracted some 220,000 responses.
sense.
Reflecting on the almost 10 months since the Listening and
“It is a gift which we must implore. If we ask with confidence
Dialogue process opened at Pentecost in 2018, Archbishop
that the Holy Spirit grant us this gift, and then seek to
Costelloe said it had been impossible to predict how things
develop it through prayer, reflection, reading and good
would unfold.
counsel, then surely we will grow in this spiritual endowment.
“With no precedent for a national invitation to prayer, dialogue
“The gift of discernment has become all the more necessary
and sharing of stories, there was a sense of stepping into the
today, since contemporary life offers immense possibilities for
unknown and being unsure of what the experience might
action and distraction, and the world presents all of them as
become,” he explained.
valid and good.
“What we found, though, was an Australian community that
For Plenary Council President and Perth Archbishop Timothy
was enthusiastic to consider the question, ‘What do you think
Costelloe SDB, discernment is a term that we hear quite often
God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’”
these days.
“We have heard from our colleagues at the National Centre for
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 8
4/06/2019 12:54:00 PM
PLENARY 2020
ABOVE
Archdiocese of Perth Plenary Council Coordinator
Tony Giglia, Centre for Faith Enrichment Director Dr Marco Ceccarelli, Communications Manager Jamie O’Brien and a representative from the Diocese of Wagga during the Local Coordinators meeting in Parramatta in May. Photo: Abbel Gaspi
responded to the question ‘What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’,” explained Dr Dantis. Among those in attendance during the presentation of the data were members of the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, the Plenary Council Executive Committee and the Plenary Council Facilitation Team. Archbishop Costelloe said it was a significant responsibility to listen to the stories from the hearts and minds of ordinary Catholics across a huge variety of contexts – sometimes in harmony with one another, at other times divergent.“This was done by listening to the information Dr Dantis and her colleagues presented, then taking time for reflection on those subject areas in prayer,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “There were many moments of communal and individual Pastoral Research that there was an influx of submissions during February and a deluge in the final days leading up to Ash Wednesday,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “This is a landmark moment for the Church – not only in terms of the stories that have been shared, but also in the new relationships that have formed after encountering one another in dialogue. The change that this brings is already evident among people from all parts of the Church,” he said. In the last weeks of May, more than 75 people met to listen to and understand the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the submissions received during the 10-month Listening and Dialogue phase.
prayer, as part of communal discernment over the three days we met. Indeed, the next phase of this preparation stage of the Plenary Council is Listening and Discernment, so we practised discernment ourselves to help us consider how we can move into this next phase of preparation.” Members of the Plenary Council Local Coordinators Network, representing dioceses and archdioceses, also met during this time to discuss how the National Themes for Discernment could be communicated and considered by people in their local faith communities. “As with other meetings of this group of about 50 people from around the country, there was an incredible energy in the room,” said Plenary Council Facilitator Lana Turvey-
Headed by Director Dr Trudy Dantis, the National Centre
Collins.
for Pastoral Research team, used best-practice social
“The enthusiasm of people for the Plenary Council process,
research analysis skills and software to analyse the almost 17,500 group and individual submissions. Over three days, the team provided their insights for those attending the meeting. “Our job was to review and report on how people
and the desire to be involved, was evident during the Listening and Dialogue phase. The reality is that the local coordinators are the heartbeat of local activity for the Plenary Council process and seeking their wisdom and advice was essential as we prepare to move forward together.”
I S S U E 1 9 J U N E 2 0 19 9
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 9
4/06/2019 12:54:02 PM
The long awaited Religious Freedom Review, chaired by Philip Ruddock, was released at the close of last year and its findings and recommendations are being welcomed by the majority of Australian religious leaders and communities, including the Catholic Church.
“T
he major political parties have expressed
SPECIAL REPORT
Religious Freedom and the Ruddock Review
their support for freedom of religion to be adequately addressed in Australian
WO R D S Eric Martin
law, and we look forward to them making good on their commitments,” said Archbishop Comensoli, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference spokesman on religious freedom. “We look forward to engaging with each of the parties to discuss the report’s recommendations and come to an acceptable way forward.” Twenty recommendations were submitted to the Australian Government for examination based on the findings of the Religious Freedom Review. The Review Panel found that Australians enjoy a high degree of religious freedom and that basic protections are in place in Australian law, found in the Australian Constitution and in
Of these, 198 submissions were from organisations and a further 57 submissions from academics and individuals with a public professional profile. Many included extensive detail supporting their arguments and came from a broad mix of stakeholders, including religious organisations, legal and academic institutions, secular and humanist groups and a wide range of advocacy and interest groups, including a number of LGBTI groups. In total, the Review Panel held 90 meetings, with 152 organisations and 32 individuals. The range of groups consulted included:
Commonwealth, State and Territory laws.
• human rights institutions
In the absence of any specific law dealing with freedom of
• 74 religious groups
religion, the review noted the key role of legal ‘exceptions’ to
• 7 secular and humanist groups
discrimination laws in the protection of religious freedom.
• 24 LGBTI groups
It also found that the right to freedom of religion or belief
• 13 education providers
is mutually supportive of a range of other rights, which
• 21 academics.
collectively are essential to the proper functioning of
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC)
Australia’s democracy.
presented a submission to the review panel on behalf of
The Review considered opportunities to improve protection
the Catholic Church in February 2018, calling for religious
of religious freedom through reforms such as legislating a
freedom to be enshrined in Australian law and recognised as
Commonwealth Human Rights Act; developing a Religious
a right, rather than an exception or an exemption.
Freedom Act; and replacing the current framework of
Then Broken Bay Bishop, Peter Comensoli, joined by a group
exceptions to anti-discrimination law with a general
of lay Catholic leaders with expertise in health, education
limitations clause.
and law, represented the ACBC.
A total of 15,620 submissions were received which included
Their submission also called for allowing Churches to
approximately 2,500 substantially similar proposals.
determine the use of their premises for purposes that
These were usually provided by individuals, drawing on
are not contrary to Catholic beliefs, the expression of
text provided by an advocacy group, and ranged from being
religious choice in one’s professional life and the protection
completely identical to subtle variations on a template
for persons not to perform a duty at work to which they
document.
conscientiously object.
10
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 10
4/06/2019 12:54:02 PM
The first tasks facing the Review Panel was to review the
aspects - first, belief in a supernatural Being, Thing or
international legal framework of treaties and covenants
Principle, and second, canons or rules of conduct that
that Australia is committed to upholding - the human right
support and demonstrate belief.
to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a right
The fourth aspect examined by the Review Panel was how
recognised in international human rights law.
religious belief is manifested in actual practice, and how that
International law has been influential in shaping broader
‘living out’ of one’s faith may affect other rights, such as anti-
understandings of, and approaches to, freedom of religion
discrimination.
or belief.
For example, a number of stakeholders suggested to the
International human rights law derives mostly from
Panel that people of faith should be able to refuse to provide
multilateral human rights treaties, which are legally binding
goods and services if doing so would be contrary to their
on the states that are party to them and determining
personal religious beliefs.
questions of international human rights law involves the
Some submissions cited high-profile cases in other countries
interpretation and application of those treaties.
in which service providers have been the subject of legal
For example, Australia is a party to the International
proceedings as a result of their refusal to provide services
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the ICCPR or
for same-sex marriages.
Covenant), which recognises the right to freedom of
The fourth area of investigation was the vital role that faith-
thought, conscience and religion in article 18.
based organisations play in providing social services to the
Accordingly, as a party to the ICCPR, Australia has an
Australian community.
obligation to ‘respect’ the rights secured by the Covenant
They assist the needy, provide hospitals and aged-care
and to ‘ensure’ those rights to individuals within Australia’s
facilities, provide homecare and company to the elderly, run
territory and to do so in a non-discriminatory manner.
schools and universities and provide humanitarian assistance
Australia is also a party to the Convention on the Rights
in times of natural disaster.
of the Child (CROC) and the International Convention
Two key issues were the receipt of public funding and an
on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
organisation’s ability to maintain their legal charitable status
(ICERD), both of which also recognises the right to freedom
while manifesting their faith.
of thought, conscience and religion and obliges parties
A number of organisations were concerned that public
(including Australia) to guarantee the right of everyone to
funding to religious organisations providing services, such
equality before the law.
as education or healthcare, may be tied to undertaking
The second factor for consideration by the Review Panel was to produce an accurate, holistic definition of religion or belief that best suits the Australian context. For example, The Human Rights Committee says that article 18 protects theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well as the right not to profess any religion or belief. The Religious Freedom Review then focused on the adequacy of Australian laws in protecting: •
freedom of thought, conscience or religion, including freedom from coercion
•
the freedom to manifest religion or belief
•
the liberty of parents and legal guardians to ensure the moral and religious education of their children
•
freedom from discrimination in the enjoyment of the right, and
•
the obligation to prohibit religious vilification.
Australian courts have taken an inclusive approach to defining religion. In general, Australian courts hold that, religion has two
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 11
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 11
4/06/2019 12:54:03 PM
activities, or giving up exceptions from anti-discrimination
Government implementation of the recommendations of the
law, and this might conflict with their religious views.
Religious Freedom Review falls into three categories:
The Panel also heard from stakeholders who argued that
• Fourteen recommendations to be implemented as soon
religious bodies should not receive any public funding
as practicable (being recommendations 2 to 4, 9 to 14
and should not be eligible to provide government-funded
and 16 to 20);
services, regardless of whether or not they discriminate.
• One recommendation to be implemented following
A number of charities expressed concern that they may lose
consultation to seek bipartisan support for the Religious
their charitable status should they continue to support a
Discrimination Bill (being recommendation 15); and
‘traditional’ view of marriage.
• Five recommendations which require further
The fifth item of investigation was the right of parents to
consideration (being recommendation 1 and
ensure the moral and religious education of their children
recommendations 5 to 8) which will be referred to the
- religious schools from different faiths and denominations
Law Council of Australia.
operate throughout Australia.
• In relation to the first and second categories of
Many religious schools strive to create an environment
recommendations set out above, the Australian
that accords with the values and beliefs of their faith, and
Government intends to:
that this was critical to the achievement of their religious
• Develop a General Amendment Bill for introduction
purpose and was the reason for their existence in the first
to Parliament containing amendments to existing
place. Religious schools currently benefit from exceptions
Commonwealth legislation relating to freedom of
to discrimination law with respect to the employment of
religion, including amendments to marriage law, charities
teachers or other staff in throughout Australia, however,
law and objects clauses in existing anti-discrimination
there is considerable variation between the states.
legislation.
It was generally held that schools should be free to select
• Develop a Religious Discrimination Bill to provide
staff that adhere to and model their beliefs - where the
comprehensive protection against discrimination based
position involves religious education or responsibility for the
on religious belief or activity.
overall culture of the school, such as principals.
• Establish the position of Freedom of Religion
According to Commonwealth law, in the Fair Work Act,
Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights
employers, including religious schools, are prohibited from
Commission.
terminating employees on the basis of a variety of protected
• These moves have been welcomed by legal and political
attributes.
commentators but concerns were still expressed around
Religious institutions however, are exempt from this
the issue of potential discrimination by religious schools
requirement if the action meets the ‘good faith’ and
against students whose lifestyles do not conform to the
‘religious susceptibilities’ tests in section 351 of the Act.
school’s ethos.
Similarly, the Review Panel examined the potential of
“A Religious Discrimination Act presents opportunities to
religious schools to discriminate against students whose
consolidate and perhaps strengthen the protections against
lifestyles or sexual orientations may be counter to the
discrimination and vilification on the basis of religion at the
school’s ethos.
federal level,” said Law Council of Australia President, Morry
It was widely accepted that though this may be allowed in
Bailes.
some situations, it would be almost impossible to legislate
Mr Bailes said the Law Council was extremely concerned
due to its direct conflict with aspects of the various
that the question of whether LGBTI+ students could be
international treaties and covenants to which Australia is
discriminated against has been referred for further review.
party.
“Children should not be discriminated against, period,” Mr
Responding to the findings of the Religious Freedom Review,
Bailes said.
the Australian Government stated that it, “accepts either
“Questions around the employment of teachers are more
directly or in principle 15 of the 20 recommendations
complex and are more appropriate to be reviewed by the
and, while agreeing with the principles underpinning the
ALRC, but any discrimination against children cannot be
remaining five recommendations, is of the view that further
countenanced.”
consideration is necessary to address the complexities
Mr Bailes said the Law Council will need to see the detail
associated with those recommendations.”
before reaching a final position on any draft legislation.
12
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 12
4/06/2019 12:54:04 PM
Sisters of Life emphasise God’s benevolence Q. For most of you, this is your first time in Australia.
What has been your impression of our nation?
During the Sisters of Life’s visit to Perth and Sydney in May 2019, Sr Antoniana Maria SV, Sr Mary Grace SV, Sr Zelie Maria Louis SV, and Sr Jeanne Marie SV sat down with Archdiocese of Perth Communications Officer Matthew Lau to explain “Why they believe in God.”
Q. What made you lead a life as a consecrated sister? Sr Antoniana Maria: “When I went to World Youth
Sr Antoniana Maria: “We’ve been surrounded by love,
Day 2000 in Rome, I had this powerful experience
openness and warmth, which has been a beautiful
before the Blessed Sacrament of Him. At that moment,
experience of, in a sense, a ‘homecoming’. When we
when I experienced a powerful love from the Lord and
came [to Perth on 23 May], people of the Church
a proposal to love with an undivided heart, I couldn’t
welcomed us so warmly. We’ve felt right at home, and
help but say ‘yes’ to that. Then, two years later, after
recognised that we’re all one body in Christ, we’re all
I had finished my university degree, I entered the
members of the mystical body. No matter where we are
Sisters of Life with this knowledge that my heart was
in the world, Catholics are real universals – there’s a
created to love in this consecrated way by pouring out
sense of ‘home’ here.”
my love so that others may live in the charism of life.”
“
... that my heart was created to
love in this consecrated way by pouring out my love so that others may live in the charism of life.
” Q. What is your advice to someone who
is discerning a religious vocation? Sr Mary Grace: “Be open to what the Lord is doing in your own heart, to listen to it, and not to be afraid to follow your own desires. Ask the Lord what He desires to do with your love, because each of us have been intended and willed by God with a unique way of loving in the world; He is calling some of us to belong entirely to Himself and to give ourselves entirely for His Church. If God is inviting us into that, then don’t be afraid because it’s a beautiful and adventurous way to live.”
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 13
4/06/2019 12:54:11 PM
Q. Who is your favourite saint? Sr Zelie Maria Louis: “St Thérèse of Lisieux was my first saint friend. I grew to love her entire saint family, hence why I’m named after her parents. My experience of them has strengthened my belief in Heaven because I know they are with me; that only can happen if they’re interceding for me from eternal life. She lived everyday deeply and fully, her way of loving and her confident ‘I am a child of God – that is who I am and I am loved’ mentality.”
Q. What do you think Perth Catholics gained from encountering the Sisters of Life? Sr Jeanne Marie: “[Our talks] were received very beautifully; there were some people who I spoke to that were really struck. Our Sisters way of giving talks and of presenting the topic comes from a place of love and meeting people where they’re at. It’s about being there for that person, a ministry of presence, bringing Christ to others as Christians – bringing His love, mercy, and healing to people. They were really moved by the stories we shared and what we do in our missions, they were just really pleased.”
14
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 14
4/06/2019 12:54:17 PM
Q. Why do you believe in God? Sr Antoniana Maria: “Because He believes in me. To live with the knowledge that I am beloved of the father of God is a beautiful place to live, because then I don’t have to earn anything, I don’t have to manufacture my own happiness for my own purpose, it’s laid out by a God who is love and has a loving plan for my life. I can rest in that, there’s a lot of restlessness and hopelessness in the culture which has rejected God or hasn’t encountered God. But if a heart is able to turn to God with even just a fleeting prayer of ‘if you are there, show me’. All God needs is a little opening.”
Sr Jeanne Marie: “I know that there’s this deep desire within us for true happiness, the world today teaches us to find pleasure in so many different and even disordered ways. But common to every human experience, these pleasures that the world offers are fleeting and they never fully satisfy. Truth be told, every person who has been addicted to something can say that addiction isn’t the path to true happiness. When I’ve experienced His personal love and His desire for my love for Him, all of the other pleasures that I’ve been searching for or have gone
“... when we discover the truth of ourselves and the truth of God
after, they pale in comparison.” Sr Mary Grace: “I believe in God because I’ve never been more alive than when I believe. The more I discover the truth, and my deepest desire is the heart of Jesus Christ, I
– when those two collide, we
become more and more myself – and I want to keep going
rediscover out true selves again.
when we’re able to articulate and tell other people of this,
”
Q. What do you hope the attendees take away from listening to one of your talks?
down that journey. The second greatest joy to this is and see their hearts and their lives come alive, people become more truly themselves. That is a gift, not only to receive, but also to give: the joy of knowing Christ, the joy that that is to discover His love, and then the joy of seeing other people come alive in that too.”
Sr Mary Grace: “I hope they discover, more and more, the beauty of their own self. Honestly, that
Sr Zelie Maria Louis: “For me it’s been so often
they encounter a real experience with the Lord
experiencing that I am not made for this world. My heart
Jesus – whether it be through music, or through
was always restless, always seeking friendships, trying to
hearing the truth of God’s love in a talk, or through
find a relationship that could carry all the weight of my
Eucharistic Adoration or prayer, that in some way
love; I’ve only found rest and meaning in the Lord. Coming
they experience again their own worth and their
to realise that I’m made for Heaven, not made for this
deep value. That ultimately is what is moving, is
world, because this world can be very dark, really full of
when we discover the truth of ourselves and the
suffering, it’s easy to wonder why we’re so discontent
truth of God – when those two collide, we
with this world sometimes. I’ve found that I’m made for
rediscover out true selves again; we just hope
the Kingdom of Heaven, and that all my desires are
people experience that at every opportunity.”
fulfilled in God.”
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 15
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 15
4/06/2019 12:54:20 PM
Top: Youth and sponsors of the Post-Confirmation Program. Photo: Supplied
Post-Confirmation program a bridge to adult faith
T
he six-year program is based on intuitions of the initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello and aims primarily to accompany young
people from the ages of 12 or 13, who have recently celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The young people are helped to live the graces received and to allow the gifts of the Holy Spirit to appear in their life. Following a simple rhythm based on the Catechism of the
WO R D S Eric Martin
Catholic Church, the program looks at a series of themes in a cycle of four different meetings a month. Mirrabooka Parish Priest Fr Giosue Marini, said the “results” of the program became clear within a few months of its commencement in 2013.
A post-Confirmation program at
“The young people attending developed a new-found
Mirrabooka Parish is working
their journey of understanding who they are, their vocation,
with youth across the northern suburbs with the aim of creating a supportive healthy environment for young people as they pass through years characterised by many physical, psychological and emotional changes.
appreciation of their life, which encouraged them to grow in and what is the meaning of their life,” Fr Marini said. “In this world where the small screen can be totally absorbing, the Post-Confirmation Program provides a different catechesis that helps the young person to understand that Christ exists, loves them and has an adventurous path prepared for them,” he said. “A path that leads to real happiness in doing the will of God.” The program originally started in the Roman Parishes of Canadian Martyrs and St Francesca Cabrini in 1999. The principal idea is the mentoring of young people by a “sponsor” couple who themselves have had several years of initiation to faith and experience of Jesus Christ in the Neocatechumenal Way. Couples give authentic Christian
16
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 16
4/06/2019 12:54:21 PM
“ The Christian family, the domestic church... is the primary place where we learn to love and to be loved.
”
Top: Youth engage in a team-building exercise for the Post-Confirmation program. Photo: Supplied
witness to the young people – examples of faith, hope and
Fr Marini says that, for the young people from Mirrabooka
love – in groups of about eight, giving the opportunity for
Parish who have already completed the program, each week
each young person to listen and speak at any of the weekly
helped them conquer the challenges of the world and the
meetings.
crises of youth.
“For this reason, the Christian family, the domestic church, is
Jeremy de la Fuente, 21, who is currently studying
offered as the first point of reference for the young people, so that it may be an effective sign of unity and faithfulness,” Fr Marini said. “It is the primary place where we learn to love and to be loved.” The Parish Priest and catechists of the sponsors work together with the couple, providing guidance and direction. “I see that this model of faith formation is needed more than ever,” Fr Marini added. “The time after Confirmation is a particularly important moment in the life of a young person in the Church. Hence this program can be a beautiful way for a young person to continue on their journey of coming closer to God as they progress towards adulthood.” Fr Marini also explained that the sponsor couples all follow the Neocatechumenal Way, while the young people are drawn from all across the parish and many ethnic origins. The experience of the young people is rich, Fr Marini explains, due to the weekly process, which includes
Commerce at Curtin University, said that for him, the Post-Confirmation program had proved to be the bridge between his childhood and adulthood. As one of the first participants in the program at Mirrabooka Parish, Jeremy commenced the program at the age of 15 and followed through until 18. “I really appreciated the time with the couple and their family because it meant I could also share my experiences with them, and gain a different perspective,” Jeremy said. “As I entered high school at the age of 13 and continued to make my way through, I couldn’t see any clear path for who I should be and how I was going to get there. “The Post-Confirmation program was that bridge that I could lean on, without fear of judgement. “It was such an amazing time because it was clear that each one of us in the programme had found common ground, while also growing in our faith,” Jeremy explained.
questions about the dogmatic, scriptural and moral themes
For Jeremy, the conversations and dialogue that took place
in the Catechism, and how these are reflected in their own
during his time in the Post-Confirmation program stay with
lives and the world around them.
him daily.
They also benefit from a regular opportunity for the
“It has helped me to stay grounded, particularly in this
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
world which is so very much consumed by fake news.”
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 17
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 17
4/06/2019 12:54:23 PM
6
0
Y
E
A
R
S
O
F
P
R
I
E
S
T
H
O
O
D
A walk down memory lane for Emeritus Archbishop Barry James Hickey WO R D S Olivia Bunter
L
ooking back over some 60 years, Emeritus
“St Brigid’s was a migrant parish, hundreds of young
Archbishop Barry James Hickey has
families recently arrived mainly from Italy, with Polish,
nothing but fond memories and formative
Greek and Yugoslav newcomers as well,” he said.
experiences to reflect on as a priest,
“The Catholic faith showed its universality as
including as Bishop of Geraldton and later
hundreds of people from small villages across Italy
Archbishop of Perth. The Emeritus Archbishop
found a home in this Australian parish.
shared some of the most formative experiences of his
“It was that warmth, that joy and that energy that
vocation, highlighting memorable moments in an exclusive interview with The Record.
that I have remained close to all over the past 60
Fresh from four years of study at Propaganda Fide
years.”
College in Rome, he arrived at St Brigid’s’ Church,
The growing population and need for social welfare
West Perth Parish (now Northbridge), eight months after his ordination on 20 December 1958.
within the community guided the young Barry Hickey to take up studies at the University of Western
Emeritus Archbishop Hickey explained that at the
Australia in 1968, just three years after he took up his
time, he very much lacked parish experience,
position in Highgate.
although the transition was made easier thanks to
Over a period of five years, he obtained his Bachelor
the guidance and pastoral care of then Parish Priest Monsignor Edmund Sullivan, as well as the enormous friendliness of the people.
18
formed my early life as a priest. I made friends there
in Psychology and Masters in Social Work, while simultaneously holding positions across the Archdiocese.
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 18
4/06/2019 12:54:32 PM
I had always felt compassion for the poor and people in trouble, and
During this time, he was witness to an emerging social change, exposing him to a secular society within the university, an experience
now I wanted to draw on
that did not weaken his faith, but rather strengthened it.
the teachings of Christ
Catholic faith needed to take on-board the range of views in the
about the dignity of every person to everything I was involved in.
“I thank God for this exposure as it helped me understand how my secular society to work out what contribution faith itself could offer.” On completion of his academic career, he relished the chance of having a role in shaping the future of the Catholic community as Director for Centrecare, the then Catholic Marriage Guidance agency, and Catholic Immigration agency. “I had always felt compassion for the poor and people in trouble, and now I wanted to draw on the teachings of Christ about the dignity of every person to everything I was involved in. “In 1974, when I took over Centrecare, the Church had a huge investment in the care of children. It was then and had been of for many centuries, the desire of the Church, to care for orphans. “The Mercy Sisters, the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, and the Pallottines ran a wide range of residential care centres from orphanages to farm schools, including two for Aboriginal children, in Wandering and New Norcia.” Explaining the difficult circumstances in which he found some of the orphaned children, Emeritus Archbishop Hickey explained this also brought much enthusiasm, along with treasured memories, at making radical changes for the welfare of those children and their families. A treasured memory, he expressed, was his time at Royal St in East Perth – now a government building – once a home for the Emeritus Archbishop and where he made many formative relations with people of the Perth community; those homeless and vulnerable who formed a significant friendship with him. “There is no question that the experience of Royal St remains one of my most cherished memories,” he added. “The experience was awesome, all consuming, each day with its own special problems and challenges.” Emeritus Archbishop Hickey also spoke about the re-opening of St Mary’s Cathedral, which took place on 8 December 2009, and included a completely new section, replacing the old, withering subdivisions of the now 150-year-old church. “It was one of the most satisfying and gratifying memories I have,” he said. “The building is still amazing.” Emeritus Archbishop Hickey says that during his time as the Archbishop of Perth, he discovered the need to rely on the Holy Spirit. “I went into the position without a compass,” he recalled. “There was no doubt in my mind that this was to be my vocation because I had not chosen it. “I had been asked by the Church to take it on.”
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 19
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 19
4/06/2019 12:54:38 PM
The Somascan community of Australia have last month celebrated the historic priestly
Perth Catholic community witnesses historic first Somascan priestly ordination
ordination of Australia’s first Somascan, Christopher John Maria de Sousa.
T
he momentous occasion took place at St Jerome’s Church, Spearwood Parish, with some 1000 people, including family, friends and parishioners, gathering to witness the special celebration.
Fr Chris, who became Australia’s first solemnly professed
WO R D S Eric Martin
Somascan last August, was ordained on Saturday 11 May 2019 by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton. Bishop Sproxton was joined by some 20 priests from across the Archdiocese of Perth and beyond for the occasion. Among them saw former Spearwood Parish Priests Fr Valerio Fenoglio CRS, who founded the Somascan Order in Australia; Fr Johnson Joseph CRS, who served as Fr Chris’ Postulant Master; and Fr Beniamino Arsieni CRS, Fr Chris’ former Novitiate Master. Bishop Sproxton’s joy was visible as he accepted Fr Chris’s solemn oaths of obedience and service. In his homily, Bishop Sproxton said communities want and need, above all, priests who are men of God. “They want leaders who can help them grow spiritually; men who know God and understand something of God’s ways,” Bishop Sproxton explained. “Chris has very generously opened himself up to God by listening to the call to follow Christ in the priesthood. [Like Jacob] he has learnt to wrestle with God. As a result, he has come to know God more deeply and to appreciate God’s awesome ways in providing for our true happiness. A local Perth boy, Fr Chris grew up in Spearwood Parish. Speaking about the journey to the priesthood in his priestly vote of thanks, Fr Chris said he did not reach the priesthood alone. “It all started and has been continuously nurtured by my parents,” he expressed. “As we pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life on this Feast of the Good Shepherd, we must recognise that support for these vocations comes from within our own families, because our families also receive graces from those who have their lives consecrated to God.” Fr Chris’ parents, Joao and Maria de Sousa, together with his grandmother, were clearly emotional and proud of their son, with tears of joy flowing freely throughout the night. Greeting his parents in Portuguese, Fr Chris spoke of the
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 20
4/06/2019 12:54:53 PM
" ... support for these vocations comes from within our own families, because our
Shepherd Sunday. He added that called to be “ipse Christus”
families also receive graces from those
(Christ Himself) through acting in persona Christi, Fr Chris’
who have their lives consecrated to God.
role as a priest is to reflect Jesus Christ in his ministry;
" immense privilege he had to be their son. “To stand here now as a priest is because of your great witness of strong faith, abounding hope and unconditional love my whole life,” he said. “I also wish to thank my fervent prayer warrior, my grandmother Avó Cecilia, my brothers and sisters – Sandy, Pasquale, Mathew and Alison – my nephews Christian and Nicholas, and all my extended family and friends. “Thank you for your continued love, sacrifices and support, I thank particularly dear family and friends who have flown in from Brazil, Italy, Sydney and Melbourne to celebrate this joyful occasion with me and our parish.” As a priest of the Somascan Fathers, Fr Chris is not under the authority of the Archdiocese of Perth and may be called on by his superiors overseas for placement in parts of the world where the Somascan have established communities. Fr Johnson Joseph CRS preached the homily for Fr Chris’ first celebration of the Mass the morning following his priestly ordination, drawing on the Gospel for Good
seeking the lost, bringing back the strayed, binding the injured, and strengthening the weak. “Don’t reduce your priesthood to merely being an administrator but to reclaim souls for heaven,” Fr Johnson told Fr Chris. Fr Johnson concluded by referencing the words of St John Vianney on the priesthood, telling the congregation that while Fr Chris now by ordination represented Christ, he still needed to be supported. “Let us not have unrealistic expectations. His very person is also human. He will make mistakes, he may lose his temper, will make wrong judgements sometimes, may have a different opinion or might be feeling unwell. “That’s fine, as a human being we love him with all his frailties and weaknesses, but what do we do? Our expectations have to be realistic, and let’s support him always. “There can be many holy people, but as St John Vianney would say, 200,000 laypeople cannot replace the priest in consecrating the Body and Blood of Christ. Without Fr Chris, there is no Christ,” he stated. “So let’s support him with our prayers and with our understanding, knowing he needs us as much as we need him.”
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 21
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 21
4/06/2019 12:54:55 PM
M I C H A E L
G A L O V I C
C E L E B R A T I N G I N
L I F E
A N D
M I L E S T O N E S
IC ON O G R A P H Y
Twenty-nineteen marks some significant milestones for artist and iconographer Michael Galovic – 30 years in Australia, 50 years as an iconographer and in
The Record Editor Jamie O’Brien met with Mr Galovic at his home on the central coast of
November he will celebrate
New South Wales to talk
his 70th birthday.
about Galovic’s life and work
The milestones have rendered him renowned for creating works of sacred art that are artistically and
as an iconographer and his impact on more than 100 churches and institutions across Australia.
spiritually challenging.
Mr
Galovic is one of the few original ‘writers’ of icons in Australia. After arriving in Australia from the former Yugoslavia in 1989, Mr Galovic had only planned to stay for six months but knew then he wanted to live here.
As the child of an art historian and fresco art restorer, Mr Galovic absorbed the wonders of medieval art from an early age. “I showed interest back then and I didn’t think about that until I enrolled in the Academy of Art in Serbia at the age of 18,” Mr Galovic told The Record. “In my second year of the Academy, I started writing icons because I wanted to understand the mystery behind the story. “I simply wanted to see is it possible to scratch the surface or go deeper. I could see the technicalities of the process and believed I could try.” At the completion of his graduation, Mr Galovic, pushed his work in art aside – but continued working on icons – going on to travel the world and undertaking a variety of jobs. At the end of that journey was his arrival in Australia. However, after a year of not finding employment, he decided to go back to being an artist. At that point, he had not been practising for some 15 years – the odds were against him. Mr Galovic recalls that it was at this point, he had an awakening, an epiphany – emotionally and religiously. “This changed me and my work for the better,” Mr Galovic says. “I accepted the presence of the faith in a way that I hadn’t before. I could not sleep because I was so full of energy and ideas.”
22
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 22
4/06/2019 12:54:59 PM
LEFT
Christ Pantocrator, by Michael Galovic, March 2019.
Image: Supplied. Right: Michael Galovic at his home studio in on the Central New South Wales Coast. Photo: Jamie O'Brien
Up until that point, Mr Galovic had not been practising his faith, and says his icons were based on art, but devoid of theological background.
“A ‘wholesome’ icon should be used within the liturgy. It speaks about the life of Christ. Of scripture with a deeper meaning.
“I realised you could not divorce the two, and it forced me to step into another realm. My icons became better and it was noted by my peers that I had progressed in my skills.
Mr Galovic added that even as he draws closer to 70, he is still full of energy.
Mr Galovic says he is humbled by the fact that it was God that was leading him in those days
“I am now, more than ever, focussed on the sheer quality of my work. I keep trying to surpass myself with almost every new icon I am creating, pushing my own boundaries.”
“It took me 50 years to realise that.”
For more information go to www.michaelgalovic.com
Mr Galovic recalls the first icon he completed was of the Archangel Michael. He still keeps it in his studio. “There were no specific schools (to teach iconography) in those days; I had to do the research, and practise on my own, while consulting with other more experienced iconographers. I was stimulated by the challenge. “I believe very few people in the world have stayed on this path. “When I first came to Australia, people did not know anything about iconography. I have slowly done my best to teach and explain what it is about.” Mr Galovic explained that with iconography, the trained eye has to recognise the symbols; to decode the cryptic language of the icon.
"
I accepted the presence of the faith in a way
that I hadn’t before. I could not sleep because I was getting so many ideas. "
“Clarification is not about the time period it was painted, or which country or the person who painted it. “For example, Christ the Pantocrator he has two garments; the garment next to his body should be red or brown, symbolic of his divine nature, and the outer is green or blue for his human nature. The colour symbolism is just one of the facets of what makes icons what they are.” “When Mary is depicted in traditional icons she has two garments. The one closest to her body should be blue or green, for her human nature. And the cloak is red, brown or burgundy for her being the Mother of God. However the writer can also use blue.” Mr Galovic continued by explaining that with an icon, the writer should not need to provide an explanation.
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 23
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 23
4/06/2019 12:55:01 PM
“With God, all things are possible. The fact that we have been so blessed by God especially in our marriage, to be able to overcome all the obstacles we have together, to be healthy, happy and most importantly to be alive to celebrate 60 years together is a testament of God’s grace and love shown to us.”
Mr and Mrs Wight hopelessly devoted to God in matrimony WO R D S Amanda Murthy
G
24
lenys and Andrew Wight spoke with The Record
courage to approach a then 17-year-old Glenys.
about some of the ups and downs of married life,
After three years of courtship, the couple married on 4
emphasising that they would not have been able to gain
April 1960 at St Thomas Cathedral in Kolkata, India – and
their achievements if not for their faith, family support and
soon after, were blessed with a baby girl.
unconditional love in God and in one another.
It was through having a child and seeing her husband’s
The Wights reflected on 60 years of devoted marriage, the
devotion to the faith, Mrs Wight said, that would lead to
day after St Mary’s Cathedral Assistant Parish Priest Fr CJ
her decision to convert to the Catholic faith, receiving her
Millen imparted anniversary blessings on the couple.
Holy Communion on the same day as her daughter and 39
Mr and Mrs Wight’s love story began at a Christmas party,
other six-year-olds.
a romantic love song by Bobby Vinton titled You are my
“It was such a humbling and exciting experience taking this
Special Angel was all it took for Andrew to pluck up the
huge step together with my daughter,” Glenys recalled.
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 24
4/06/2019 12:55:05 PM
“ “I remember how encouraging my husband was throughout the process, he prayed for us, with us, and even encouraged me to sew a white dress along with our daughter Candice especially for the occasion.” Now retired, the former Perth Parliament House Secretary recalls the challenging years that laid ahead, when Glenys and Andrew, with the support and encouragement of their parents, left everything they
When we look back on our marriage, we honestly see past the trials and only find gratitude for all the blessings the good Lord has given us.
owned in India to start a new life in Australia. “When we migrated to Perth in April 1969, we came to
”
a completely foreign place with a young daughter and not much money in our wallet. But we took whatever jobs we got and the moment we had some money, we immediately bought our first home.
“God must be the only reason we got through all these years together – we always start our day with a prayer, or attend daily Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, and often pray for our community and loved ones. “We know how fortunate and blessed we are to be together and in love after all these years, but really it is because we have the greatest example in Him.” When asked to describe their marriage, Glenys said the pair have always done everything together as a team. “For example, if he cooks, I clean, we both love giving our time to help those in need, we both love simple things like having our morning and evening chats outside our little backyard and we often try to find joy in giving our services, time, love to one another and to those around us.” While the couple appreciates the simple things in life, it
ABOVE
A memory on the wall of the Wight couple’s home with their daughter
Candice on the last day they spent in India before moving to Perth in 1969.
Photo: Supplied
TOP
Mr and Mrs Wight recreate their anniversary photo
as they stand at the St Marys Cathedral after attending Mass together on their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 4 April 2019. Photo: Amanda Murthy
is the unique gestures that make them love one another more. “From day one, Andrew has never failed to wake up earlier than me to prepare and bring me breakfast in bed out of his own kindness,” Glenys said.
“Our Church community at Morley Parish, Infant Jesus
“And Glenys chooses my outfit for the day, laying it out
Church, played the role of being our first friends and
for me with my wallet, keys and anything important, to
helped us settle in, especially because we did not have
save me from forgetting things,” Andrew replied.
any family around and it could have been lonely.
Today, the couple are proud grandparents to three
With Glenys managing the finances, Andrew worked as
grandchildren: James, Ebony and Melody, and great
a technician, and the couple managed to pay off their
grandparents to Elliot and Ruby.
house debt in just five years.
“When we look back on our marriage, we honestly see
“My husband probably took two sick leave [days] in the
past the trials and only find gratitude for all the
45 years he worked full-time, he is the most
blessings the good Lord has given us,” Glenys
hardworking man I know.”
expressed.
Andrew, a man of few words, said his wife had always
“We feel that it is so important to never stop thanking
been the family pillar and was often amazed at how
God because He is the reason we exist, He is the
well Glenys managed to juggle a hectic full-time job
reason we found one another and He is the one who
and house chores without fail all these years and not
will continue to guide us in everything we do as a
burn out.
Catholic couple.”
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 25
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 25
4/06/2019 12:55:14 PM
Volunteering puts faith into action: A C Y F
2 0 1 9
WO R D S Olivia Bunter
One of the biggest gatherings of the Catholic Church in Australia looms just six months away, but preparations for the
the formative event, inspired by her own experience from the previous ACYF in Sydney, 2017. Siobhan recently spoke with The Record, recalling her time in Sydney as an “amazing experience she won’t soon
Australia Catholic Youth Festival have
forget.”
been in development for quite some time.
“I met wonderful, faithful people,” she said. “I experienced
V
olunteers play a major role in the success of the Festival, as they connect, inspire and guide the youth
who attend, contributing their own time and efforts behind the scenes leading up to the event.
what it was like to be surrounded by thousands of other young people who shared my belief.” Her time at Spearwood Parish has not only been an on-going exercise of commitment to her faith, but has assisted in developing her skills as a leader; contributing as a music coordinator for the parish young-adults group.
Siobhan Maynard, a Perth local and parishioner at
Siobhan said as well, her participation in the teen’s group at
Spearwood Parish St Jerome’s Church, is just one of the
Bateman Parish, St Thomas More Church has helped her
hundreds of volunteers who cannot wait to participate in
grow in her faith, bringing her closer to the Spirit.
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 26
4/06/2019 12:55:26 PM
YOUTH
She hopes her participation will help other youth will help them feel engaged with the Spirit. “I remember from last time that the volunteers were wonderful. The group leaders for the trip to Sydney were amazing; they were inspiring, capable, and very encouraging! “We all had an amazing time and it was due to their hard work and effort that we got to enjoy the festival so much. It would be great to be able to pass that on to other youth and hopefully give them the same great experience that I got.” As the Acting Director of Catholic Youth Ministry, Vincent Haber, contributes to preparations of the Festival, he said that volunteering can be a valuable tool in aiding a young person to grow into adulthood as it acts as a form of learning that aims to teach a young person patience and discipline. “It helps with decision making when faced with
“
It is learning to think about others first before yourself.
”
difficult situations,” he explained. “It is about learning to compromise and negotiate, especially when dealing with difficult people. It is learning to think about others first before yourself.”
Photos: Cyron Sobrevinas
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that part of practicing ones faith is to participate in voluntary engagement, stating that “it is necessary that all participate,
imperative to rely on God and seek the Holy Spirit for
each according to his position and role, in promoting the
strength and inspiration to keep on going.
common good,” something Siobhan agrees with.
“It is a tool to strengthen a young person’s faith as he/she
“As a small group leader, it is important to guide young
learns to rely on God and the Holy Spirit when it is tough.
teens,” Siobhan explained. “It is important to me as a young
Volunteering can definitely contribute to a young person’s
Catholic to volunteer to help out because that is how I
growth with maturity and growth in character.”
personally feel called to live my faith.
Siobhan Maynard will be one of the 5000 people who are
“I have the capability to help, so I feel like I can bring others
expected to attend this year’s Australian Catholic Youth
to Christ through my helping.” Mr Haber, said that he believes volunteering is “a selfless act, with a desire to give back while modeling Jesus, which is why it is an important part of the Catholic faith.” “It is allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you and
Festival in Perth and she mentioned her hopes to finish the year with fulfilment and assist the youth to move into the new year with vigour. “I learned so much in that weekend in Sydney. My highlight was probably adoration - it was amazing to see 16,000
being a witness of God’s love and compassion to others
people adoring the Lord.”
and those you serve. It is putting your faith into action.”
Online registrations for the 2019 Australian Catholic
He explained that while volunteering might be difficult,
Youth Festival officially opened on 6 May 2019. For more
tiring and challenging, it is when the vocation becomes
information go to www.acyf.org.au.
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 27
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 27
4/06/2019 12:55:28 PM
COLOURING
28
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 28
4/06/2019 12:55:29 PM
ACTIVIT Y PAGE
ACROSS 2 7
Saucer for the
20 Brother of Ishmael
Eucharist
22 Exodus pest
Book containing
23 “Ite, ___ est”
calendar of Masses 8
“…the Father ___”
9
Church assn. for kids
10 Biblical river 12 Solemn holy day 13 A dove brought back this branch back to Noah 14 One of the judges 15 Vestment worn under the alb 16 “Angel of God, my guardian ___…” 18 This king allowed the Jews to return
24 One of the Twelve 26 The heart of fools is in this (Eccl 7:4) 28 “___ Regina” 29 ___ for the poor 31 Israel ending 32 Companion of Paul and Silas 33 Roman emperor who persecuted Christians 34 Letter by which a priest is released from one diocese and accepted into another
to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1–4) DOWN 1
Jesus slept in one
2
St. Martin de ___
3
Diocese in Arizona
4
Mother-in-law of Ruth
5
Saint of Loyola
6
The Infant of
25 An element of moral culpability 27 “I will ___ up for David a righteous Branch” (Jer 23:5) 30 Angelus time
Prague, for one 11 Where Vatican City is 12 ___ of the Lord 16 Tribe of Israel 17 “Our Father who ___…” 19 Member of an order of St. Angela Merici
ANSWERS
21 Catholic United States Supreme Court justice 22 Favorite food of Isaac (Gen 25:28) 23 Prayer book 24 Paul mentions her in Romans 16:1
I S S U E 1 9 JUNE 2019 29
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 29
4/06/2019 12:55:30 PM
Healthy baked spring rolls R EC I PE A N D PH OTO S Inex Rebeka Palit
P E R T H - B A S E D travel food blogger Inex Rebeka Palit has provided The Record with a healthier alternative to the common fried spring roll. This recipe makes a hearty snack for the cooler months. S E RV E S : 4-6
INGREDIENTS •
250g minced pork
•
1 tsp chilli sauce
•
¼ cup carrot, grated
•
1 pack of 12x18cm spring
•
1 cup cabbage, sliced
•
½ tsp sesame oil (can be 1
•
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
•
3 tbsps coriander leaves, chopped
•
2 tsps ginger, grated (optional)
•
1½ tsps garlic, chopped
•
½ tbsp oyster sauce
tsp if you love sesame oil; otherwise, this can be omitted) •
roll wrappers
•
1 tbsp cornflour
•
1 tbsp water
•
4 tsps vegetable or olive oil
METHOD 1.
Preheat oven to 220°C.
2.
Cook minced pork over medium
of the spring roll wrapper. 6.
folding in edges to close.
heat until evenly brown and drain. 3.
Pork mixture: in a bowl, mix
Dip your finger into the cornflour and water mix, and run it around
spring onions, coriander,
the edges to seal the spring roll.
garlic, and chilli sauce. Mix together water and cornflour in a small bowl. 5.
7.
together pork, cabbage, carrot, sesame oil, oyster sauce, ginger, 4.
Roll the wrapper around and
Place one tablespoon of the pork mixture in the middle
8.
Arrange spring roll in one layer on a baking tray.
9.
Brush the spring roll with vegetable or olive oil.
10.
Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.
@inexology is a prominent Perth food enthusiast on Instagram and runs a travel blog: www.inexology.com
30
THE RECORD MAGAZINE
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 30
4/06/2019 12:55:37 PM
Photo: Jamie O’Brien
JUNE
ISSUE 19
2019
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & EDITOR
The Record Magazine seeks to promote awareness and understanding of vocation – God’s particular call to each of us to live and become what we were created to be. There are many such vocations – marriage and family life, priesthood, religious life or being single – with the first and universal vocation being to holiness, as described by the Fathers of the Church in Lumen Gentium.
Jamie O’Brien jamie.obrien@perthcatholic.org.au
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
DISCLAIMER
Matthew Lau
The Record Magazine is published bi-monthly. Views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of the publisher or Editor. The Editor may refuse copy or material, including advertisements, for publication. Inclusion of an advertisement in The Record Magazine does not reflect endorsement or responsibility from the publisher or Editor.
matthew.lau@perthcatholic.org.au
PRODUCTION
Feby Plando feby.plando@perthcatholic.org.au
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
MEMBERSHIP
The Record Magazine is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association and Australasian Religious Press Association.
CONTENT PRODUCER
Joshua Low joshua.low@perthcatholic.org.au
JOURNALISTS
We welcome unsolicited articles and photos; however, we do not guarantee replies to unsuccessful submissions. Please send all information to: editor@therecord.com.au
CONTACT
Amanda Murthy amanda.murthy@perthcatholic.org.au
Olivia Bunter olivia.bunter@perthcatholic.org.au
Eric Martin
Archdiocese of Perth Communications Office Phone 08 9220 5900 Email editor@therecord.com.au Address 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA Postal Address PO Box 3075, Perth WA 6832 SITES + SOCIAL MEDIA
eric.martin@perthcatholic.org.au
ADMINISTRATION
Bibiana Kwaramba bibiana.kwaramba@perthcatholic.org.au
www.therecord.com.au www.perthcatholic.org.au facebook.com/perthcatholic instagram/catholicarchdioceseofperth twitter@perth_catholic issuu.com/archdioceseofperth_therecord
NOTICE The issue may contain images of deceased members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Images are used with respect and appreciation.
© 2019 The Record.
P U B L I S H E D BY T H E
A rchdiocese
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 31
of
P erth
Copyright 2019. No part of The Record Magazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. The Record Magazine liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. Proudly printed in Australia by Scott Print. This publication is printed using vegetable inks, is ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and has ISO approval for international environmental certification.
4/06/2019 12:55:40 PM
The Record Magazine ISSUE19.indb 32
4/06/2019 12:55:42 PM