The Record Newspaper 02 January 1997

The Year of Jesus

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Perth: January 2, 1997

WA's only Catholic weekly newspaper

Urgent challenges for Perth: Archbishop

By Peter Rosengren The Archdiocese of Perth in 1997 must overcome urgent, serious difficulties ranging from the absence of most Catholics at Sunday Mass to the challenge of holding the line on the Church's moral teachings if it is to grow as a vital, evangelising force in the Perth region, Archbishop Hickey warned this week The Archbishop raised these and other problems - including the way Catholic schools are acting as substitutes for parishes through to Catholics becoming hypercritical of their Church - in his weekly perspective column in The Record (See pages 9 and 8).

Archbishop Hickey is also open to debate on these difficulties in the columns of The Record as long as letters address the issues and "no person is attacked by name."

At the same time, he reminds

Perth Catholics that 'human wisdom is not capable of solving problems that are fundamentally spiritual."

"Only the Holy Spirit can offer the guidance necessary," he said.

Other problems placing obstacles in the path of the progress of the Church were the drop in vocations to the priesthood and Religious life, and the use of Vatican II to attack Catholics using devotional practices to sustain themselves spiritually.

Archbishop Hickey said he was extremely distressed by the low rates of Mass attendance for young people - currently at somewhere between 5-10 per cent.

No-one seemed to be bothered by the drift from the Church among youth and adults. "No-one calls, no one asks why, no-one bothers. The message to the people that leave is loud and clear, "we don't miss you.— he wrote.

The Archbishop has also warned against the tendency for people to regard Catholic schools

as their primary point of contact with the Church rather than the parish.

"If that occurs." he said, "students will leave school without any links with a parish and find themselves adrift."

In teaching morals, the Archbishop admitted frankly that "one of the most difficult tasks" facing the Church was what he termed "holding the line", not only with non-believers but also among Catholics, and presenting the Church's teaching, which he described as "Good News," in a convincing way to the young.

This was increasingly important, he wrote, as couples faced a contemporary marital wasteland, created in part by the contraceptive message of the 1960's.

"We have the opportunity to present our teachings clearly and cogently, given today's marital wasteland, but only if our Catholic people are themselves fully supportive of those teachings," he wrote.

He said it was presumptuous to attack devotional piety on the basis that it was somehow contrary to the spirit of Vatican II; Vatican II was not to be used to undermine or scoff at devotional practices, he warned.

Archbishop Hickey said that few priestly vocations would continue to emerge without the solid backing from Catholic families and a strong Catholic community life.

Many parents today did not want a son to become a priest because they regarded it as a waste of a life, he said.

But, a promising sign was that while families were unable currently to nurture vocations, "alternative families and seedbeds for vocations" in the shape of new spiritual movements were springing up. These were emerging at

the same time that existing Religious congregations were facing uncertainty over their purpose and futures.

The Archbishop also discussed the unmet needs of parents with disabled children trying to have their children accepted in some Catholic schools, and lay involvement in the Church.

The Archbishop urged all Catholics to open their lives to the truth and to "allow Jesus' grace to change" them, particularly in the 1997 Year of Jesus.

Accepting Jesus fully as our Way. Truth and Life was the first step in beginning to overcome the urgent problems facing the Church in 1997, he concluded.

Full text - Page 9 and 8 Editorial - Page 7

Letters to the Editor should be no more than 250 words long although lengthier letters may be accepted if the quality of discussion warrants it. The editor reserves the right to edit any letter without reference to the writer and not to enter verbal or written correspondence on this policy or its application.

'Christmas a golden opportunity for reconciliation' Christmas was the golden opportunity for reconciliation among friends and families and for people to come back into close contact with God, the source of all peace, the Church and each other, Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth said at Christmas midnight Mass.

They could recover the love and peace they had lost and heal any divisions between them, he said as he addressed a packed congregation in St Mary's Cathedral.

Six month old Jazelle Francis is a picture of Christmas bliss at the Cathedral with her mother, Lilian.

"It will take courage to do so, to say 'sorry, let's put the past behind us, let's try again in this coming year to live closer to one another,' It also takes courage to receive the forgiveness of somebody else and often we have to abandon our resentment, abandon the feelings that have been welling up in us of anger and annoyance and say 'yes, I do forgive you,'" he said.

Archbishop Hickey urged reconciliation between family members, especially for the benefit of children.

Worshippers crowd before the sanctuary as Archbishop Hickey preaches at midnight Mass.

Portrait of Archbishop unveiled - Page 2

"Many children today are growing up without the love they should have from a father and mother because of the unhappy things that are happening to marriages and families today," he said.

But this could be prevented or rectified through practising forgiveness at Christmas time, he said, so children could up grow up in an attitude of love and of peace.

Thousands of people over the centuries since Christ's birth had witnessed to the love of God, who continued to love each person even when it seemed no-one else did. It was Jesus in the manger as the sign of God's love who gave hope to the world.

"There are so many people in so many different situations who need to know that they are loved, and if they do not receive that love from their own human beings then at least they know there is one who will never abandon them," he said.

"And the child of Bethlehem is the sign that that One, the One who created them.

God, the eternal, will continue to love them," he said.

The Archbishop also called on all people to work and pray for peace at the national and international levels, especially with millions of refugees on the move in Africa and with war and instability reigning in many other places.

- Peter Rosengren

Dominicans honour confreres

Irish Club alive and well in West Perth

- Pages

- Page 8

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LOURDES FATIMA - ROME - HOLY LAND

Archbishop 'hung' Franciscan friar led an in Palace parlour eventful life Rarely is a clergyman hung, especially in the 1990's, but it happened to Archbishop Barry Hickey just before Christmas on the 36th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

The occasion was the unveiling of a commissioned portrait of the archbishop by well-known Perth portrait painter Owen Garde OA. The picture, oils on canvas and measuring 36x48 inches, was unveiled before an audience of Cathedral staff, clergy and several of Archbishop Hickey's relatives at the Archbishop's Palace in Victoria Square.

It joins the eight other portraits of Perth's Roman Catholic prelates going all the way back to Bishop John Brady, appointed Bishop of the Swan River colony in 1845.

The unveiling of the painting came 36 years to the day after Archbishop Hickey was ordained a priest in Rome - 20th December, 1958.

Dean Tom McDonald, who commissioned the painting, said Archbishop Hickey had visited Mr Garde's studio in City Beach on at least a dozen occasions to sit for the painting, which shows him softly illuminated from above.

The sittings lasted about 2 hours each.

Mr Garde has also painted the portraits of two of Archbishop Hickey's predecessors - Archbishops Lancelot Goody and William Foley Dean McDonald said the portrait would be moved to join those of the other Perth bishops hanging in the dining room

Archbishop Hickey with his portrait. when Archbishop Hickey retired. It had been commissioned in line with the tradition of having portraits of each of Perth's bishops painted and hung in the cathedral presbytery, he said.

Speaking after the unveiling the Archbishop said he was relieved by the way in which he had been portrayed.

"I think its a good portrait - the artist is very happy with it - I'm relieved [because] it could have been more revealing, but I think what it does show of me is the kinder side," the Archbishop said. The portrait of Archbishop Hickey will now hang in the parlour beside his office until the time when he retires, Dean McDonald said.

Ban 'abhorrent' Crash film plea Archbishop Barry Hickey has written to the Minister for Fair Trading, Cheryl Edwardes, asking her to ban the film "Crash" in Western Australia.

Among the film's controversial aspects, which have already led to it being banned in London's West End by the Westminster City Council, are the portrayal of characters engaging in sex with road accident victims at crash sites.

"Even though it has been given an "R" rating by Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification, it is widely reported to depict a bizarre sexual fetish

involving mutilation and should therefore be banned as offensive and abhorrent," the Archbishop wrote to Ms Edwardes.

"I write on behalf of many people in the community of the same mind," he pointed out.

As the relevant Minister, Ms Edwardes can have the film's classification reviewed and refuse it classification, meaning it could not be shown in Western Australia.

The film is due to open in Australian cinemas on January 30.

Father Ugo (Samuele) Rodomonti entered into eternal life at Royal Perth Hospital on December 28, 1996, at the age of 81.

He'd had a colourful life, given the restrictions of the Habit of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars which he received on 23 November 1930.

His earthly life began on 18 September, 1915 in Scandiano, Reggio Emilia.

The young Ugo was Solemnly Professed on 8 December, 1936 and ordained on 9 July, 1939, at Modena.

The following January, Fr Ugo became a Padre in the Italian Army and was stationed in Yugoslavia for two years.

But an untimely return to Italy in May 1943, saw his capture by the Germans.

With a certain daring, Fr Ugo escaped under the barbed wire fence enclosure and then having discarded his prison garb for his habit, brazenly hitched a ride from a truck load of German soldiers to his friary.

Hospitably giving them refreshments, they went on their way, unaware of the part they'd played in his escape.

However, he was subsequently unjustly accused of being a collaborator with the Germans, and suffered the indignity of being taken several times before the Italian Partisan courts where he was humiliated by his own countrymen.

In January, 1949, Fr Ugo came to Australia and engaged in Mission work, assisted migrants, visited hospitals, families, and worked for the Italian newspaper La Fiamma, then owned by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars.

He worked in New South Wales.

Victoria, South Australia, and WA. Including Perth where he was parish priest of St Lawrence's, Balcatta in 1966.

Returning to Perth in 1982 on loan

from the province of Parma, Italy, Fr Ugo assisted the bishop with Italian work in various places including Highgate, Leederville and Osborne Park.

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Official Engagements JANUARY 5

Induction Ceremony for Fr Benedict Quadros at Maddington Parish - Archbishop Hickey

12 Mass for Feast of St John the Baptist. Highgate Archbishop Hickey Opening Mass. Youth Convention. St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey

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S UPPORT

WANTED: WORKERS - VOLUNTEERS DIOCESE OF BROOME WA Fhe Diocese of Broome has immediate vacancies for VOLUNTEERS to serve on remote Missions and communities in the Kimberley as: Catechists, farm labourers, handymen, housekeep-

After a funeral, the grieving process begins. And it can be a difficult time for many. We'd like to offer you the support of our comprehensive community library with many books, tapes and videos which may help you understand your feelings. Please telephone 382 3933 for this free service from Chippers.

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 2

CHIPPERS The FAmilv Funeral Director

ers, teachers, nurses, domestic staff, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, administrators. book-keepers, secretaries, general hands, electricians, tutors. For a period in excess of six months up to two years.

Those who apply as LAY VOLUNTEERS will be practising Catholics committed in service to the Faith and the work of Church in the Kimberley. The isolated circumstances of the various remote communities require the talents of people able to work as part of a team.

ATTRIBUTES: Good health, a sound faith, a joyful attitude to life, resourcefulness, a desire to share talents and faith with others, a willingness for self-sacrifice and a dedication to prayer and the Eucharist. These are all part and parcel of the calling. Single people and married couples considered.

Please contacts Bishop Christopher Saunders, fax for application form Fax 091 922 136 or write to: Catholic Lay Volunteers, Diocesan Office, PO Box 76, Broome WA 6725 Please include in your fax or letter a recent reference from a parish priest, or name a person 111N olved in the work of the apostolate as a referee for you.

'Tell truth on abortion effects'

By Peter Rosengren Archbishop Hickey used the Feast of the Holy Innocents last Saturday to issue a call for the truth to be told about the longterm and devastating effects of post-abortion syndrome.

He said that the voices of those who had suffered devastating traumas through having abortions were rarely listened to and called for an investigation of its effects on women.

"So far their voices have been silent. Their experience is rarely reported. The time has come for the true extent of the post-abortion syndrome to be known. It might help turn society from the disastrous path in which it is heading," he said in a statement released on the day before the Feast of the Holy Innocents on 28 December.

Archbishop Hickey said that those who told women that abortion was a "safe and easy option" were really burdening them with "severe long term physical, psy-

agencies deal with the anguish and distress afterwards."

It was also appalling how widespread abortion had become in society, Archbishop Hickey said.

"For those who procure abortions, I can only say in the words of Jesus, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

Speaking next day at St Mary's Cathedral at the Saturday evening vigil Mass which marks the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the Archbishop also called on Catholic women to join in the Church's defence of unborn human life and its related teachings on issues such as contraception.

"The Church is attacked for being 'anti-women.' Therefore it is important that the women of the Church say there is another crosses outside St Mary's last Saturday way," he said during his homily.

"We need the voice of good chological and spiritual prob- range the damage it had done.

Catholic women in the communilems," and were co-operating with "Agencies like the recently ty to stand up for the truth and the taking of human life. established Pregnancy Assistance dignity of women: He added that agencies coun- know this very well," he said.

The Archbishop added that "Once the medical people have there was widespread opposition selling women for the effects of abortion were seeing at close carried out the abortion, these to the Church's defence of human

Christmas cheer a plenty at St Patrick's Care Centre

life but that Catholics had a superior way of defeating the anti-life mentality.

"The opposition to the Church's position is substantial, penetrating and strong," he said.

"To fight it we really only have spiritual means, but they are far superior to any other."

Welcoming the presence of many children at Saturday evening's Mass, the Archbishop also urged Catholics to pray for their opponents on the issue.

"Let us pray also for our opponents, those who become involved in the grisly business of procuring abortions, that they might see the light," he urged.

Hundreds of small white crosses were erected in the grounds of St Mary's to remember children killed by abortion in WA. The Feast of the Holy Innocents recalls the babies killed by King Herod at the time of Christ's birth as he tried to eliminate the Child Jesus as a threat.

A Christmas and New Year's Message from the "Bacon Priest" As Mary went through the thorn forest

A

Plenty of room at this inn - volunteers at St Patrick's Care Centre in Fremantle dish out the Christmas cheer at a dinner for those unable to have if at home on Christmas Day.

Public respond to SVP fire Fire Brigade authorities confirmed last week the fire that wiped out the St Vincent De Paul Society's winter appeal depot in Cannington just before Christmas was being treated as having had a suspicious cause.

The fire, which not only destroyed the brick building located on Sevenoak Drive beside the railway line, dealt the Society's forthcoming 1997 Winter Appeal a major blow, caused approximately $400,000 damage.

Arson squad police last week were handling the case.

St Vincent De Paul spokeswoman, Kirsten Bickendorf, said members of the public had responded well to the news that the depot had been destroyed by fire.

Over Christmas the Society had received many phone calls from people wanting to donate clothes and bedding to help replace what had been lost, she said. The new donations would be stored in the Society's Osborne Park depot until a suitable site in the Queen's Park area Ruined clothing at the fire site could be found.

School of Evangelisation 3rd-21 March 1997 - Perth School in Pemberton this year, the team from successful our to Further Melbourne will visit us again for a School held at the Maylands Catholic Parish Hall.

Come along and learn through prayer, study and practice how to "pmclaim Christ to all peoples" as Pope John Paul II calls us to do.

For more details please contact Marcelle IngoId or Peter Merrifield on (09) 344 7480.

s Mary was returning from her visit to Elizabeth. bearing Jesus beneath her heart, she had to pass through a forest of thorns that for seven long years had borne no leaves. For a moment she hesitated to go on in the fading twilight. But then she thought of the Son the Almighty in her womb and of Joseph. who was waiting for her. So she stepped forward into the dark thicket - which was suddenly bathed in golden light_ And as she bore the Babe through the forest, so the thorns brought forth roses."

Can we see this beautiful legend as a source of hope for those countless souls in Eastern Europe who, freed from communist exploitation and repression, have now been cheated for six years of their rightful expectation? And can it bring a glimmer of comfort to the flock of the murdered Archbishop of Bukavu (Zaire) or to the many religious working in Eastern Zaire and Rwanda, who are now being crushed under the pressure of a million starving and thirsting refugees, so desperate that they murder one another for the sake of a bowl of water or a handful of manioc?

No, not even the most beautiful legend can bring hope to the countless millions of hopeless people whose lives have become, or remained, entangled in a forest of thorns and who, even at Christmas, must remain trapped where they are.

Herod, Nero, Hitler and Stalin have gone but other tyrants have appeared. For all their differences they have this in common: they do not know God, or else they hate Him, and their hands are stained with innocent blood„And so little

This beautiful picture of Mary and the infant Jesus is available to anyone making a donation to the Church in Need.

The coloured card and text measures 21x 10cm

or nothing has changed. Indeed, without God nothing can change.

For no external liberation can free man from himself, can reform him inwardly, make him different and better. For once man has spoiled and distorted his own image there is only One who can restore him to his original wholeness - the Creator who made him. And He makes him completely new. That is what the Son of God did when He became man. He freed fallen

man from sin and enmity with God. He reconciled him to the Eternal Father, making him once more His child. The first blessing that Christmas has brought is that there is once more a Man of whom God can say: "This is my Beloved Son. in Whom I am well pleased".

This New Man, Jesus Christ, is the Firstborn of the new People of God, a people who serve the Father and find happiness in His service - not just un times of peace and freedom but also in trials and in defeat. For the form of this world is passing away (1 Cor 7:31).

Two thousand years have come and gone, and countless people are unhappier than ever before.

Come, dear friends, let us. like Mary. conceive Jesus Christ in our inmost hearts and bear Him through today's world. May His Heart beat within us, His love burn within us and His Light shine from our eyes and from our entire lives.

Bring your prayers and your gifts to the manger in this spirit. For it is only thus that you can truly celebrate Christmas. Only so can the New Year be a blessed and happy one for you. Only so can a legend become reality.., and somewhere In this wide world the thorns can once more bring roses forth.

Dear friends, 1997 is the Golden Jubilee year of Aid to the Church in Need. Through the generosity of our benefactors world-wide we have been able to set in motion bold projects for the re-evangelisation of the East and the Third World. Let us pray for their success and perhaps too you would like to remember the Church in Eastern Europe or the Third World with an additional Gift this year.

Your gift for the Church in Need GIFT 1

GIFT 3

GIFT 2

GIFT 4

A food parcel and medical Because of the new dam A Bible for a priest, a A month's board and project on the Yangtse supplies for a refugee nun or family in lodging for a nun servRussia ing God in the poorest family in Eastern Zaire or River five churches will be flooded.Iam ready to Rwanda $ 100 E $ 10 E of the poor $ 50 ill help to construct a new Church in China (Please tick the gift of your choice) (Please send me ..... copies of the above card) $ i,300Lii To: Aid to the Church in Need, PO Box 1, Eastwood NSW 2122, Tel + Fax (02) 9679 1929 Aid to the Church in Need

A Universal Public Association within the Catholic Church dependent on the Holy See. providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches and aiding refugees

1/We enclose $.............. as a gift for the projects of Aid to the Church in Need Mr/Mrs/Miss/Rev

.Address..

Postcode

A (Ivy of They call Me The Bacon Priest- by F Werenfried van Straaten, the founder of Aid to the Church In Need will be sent free of charge to anyone who gives a donation of $50 or more and ticks this box

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The Record, January 2 1997 Page 3

Pilgrim youth prepare for Paris in August

By Dean Britton In anticipation of the World Youth in Paris this year, to be attended by Pope John Paul II, young men and women members of the Neo Catechumenal Way held a pilgrimage from Morley to Perth on Saturday, 7 December.

While thousands of people flocked to the city to see the Christmas Pageant, the group of more than 60 people between the ages of 14 and 35 from the Neo Catechumenal communities at St Gerard's, Mirrabooka, St Dominic's, Innaloo, and Our Lady of the Rosary, Doubleview, walked in procession from Carnboon Rd, Morley to the Pro-Cathedral.

The group also included some diocesan seminarians.

The pilgrimage began with Morning Prayer and finished with a Eucharist in the Pro-Cathedral.

Along the way, the youths sang psalms and prayed.

They also made stops at St Peters in Bedford and St Francis Xavier's in East Perth, where they listened to the Pope's greeting and his invitation to the young people of the world to attend the meeting scheduled for August in Paris.

There were mixed reactions along the route, which included residential and commercial areas, such as Beaufort St. While some residents were pleased with the enthusiasm of the youth, others were simply amused.

There were those, like the motorists yelling abuse as they passed, who did not seem too impressed.

The sixty young pilgrims take a rest on the road through Perth The spirit of the group, however was not dampened.

Even after 8 hours of pilgrimage they could be seen on Victoria Ave, singing with strength in several languages and holding their banners aloft, one of which read: "Peter, you are the rock" and the other: "World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II - Paris 1997"

Fr Don Sproxton, the parish priest of St Gerard's, said he was delighted by the response of the young people to the Pope's invitation and by their eagerness to attend the celebration in Paris with the Holy Father. He added that some of his young parishioners had mentioned to him that they had already begun saving in order to go to Paris.

THE VOICE WITHIN

1997 Catholic Youth Convention January 12-18, 1997 THE VOICE tV,THIN is your chance to join hundreds of other young people for seven nights and six days of excitement, challenge and fun. For the first time in its seven year history the convention will he rim in the beautiful surroundings of St Brigid's College, I-esmurdie, and will feature inspiring speakers, great music, and many outrageous, action packed events!

Come to THE VOICE WITHIN for an unforgettable week of c omedy, drama, reflection and the challenge to achieve your best. You will be inspired by the dreams, encouraged by the hopes and uplifted by the vision of what THE VOICE WITHIN can be.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE TODAY!

A ccommodation Option 1: 'Tent City' Registering early will guarantee you a spot in the roomy eight-person tents making up Tent City. With comfortable camp beds and its own lighting system, Tent City will be the place to be all week.

Option 2: 'Dormitory Style' For the more sedate, St Brigid's College and nearby Mazenod offer first class dormitory style accommodation, however, only limited beds are available on a first come, first served basis.

Cost The cost of the convention includes all meals, accommodation. transport and entr\- to TI-IF VOICE WITHIN Youth Rally on January 18 at Perth's Superdrome The cost for accommodation in Tent City is only $225 ($195 for Club Members) The cost for those choosing Dormitory Style accommodation is $255 ($225 for Club Members). A deposit of $30 should accompany your registration form, with the remainder due by 5pm Friday, January 3rd 1997.

Age The convention is open to those aged 16 - 25, those turning 16 in 1997 or those entering Year 11 in 1997

T-Shirts 'THE VOICE Wll'HIN' T-Shirts will be available at the Convention. The cost is $25 and should be added to your registration fee.

Part Payment Why pay the whole cost of the convention at once when you can pay it in instalments between now and January? Phone Penny at the Youth Office for details

How To Register To receive a registration form, send this form to: Catholic Youth Convention PO Box 141 North Perth WA 6006 Telephone: 328 9622

Please send me a registration form for the 1997 Catholic Youth Convention, "THE VOICE WITHIN".

Name: Address: P/C: DO NOT MISS OUT!

NEED MORE INFORMATION? Call the Catholic Youth Office on 328 9622

REGISTER NOW! The Record, January 2 1997 Page 4

Government should spend more 'to give unemployed work' Archbishop Barry Hickey last week urged Governments to undertake needed public works urgently to give work to the unemployed, especially the young.

In a New Year message sent to media outlets, Archbishop Hickey also urged the Churches to show concern for the poor in their ranks.

"We need to recall the words of the early Church martyr, St Lawrence, who described the poor as the 'treasures of the Church—, he said.

"The poor often have a more immediate trust in God than others insulated by worldly goods.

"We must remember that many people today are poor for reasons other than lack of income.

"Those who are in the grip of addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling and even sex, are truly poor and need compassion and support.

Much can be done at local Church level to offer that help.

"It seems to me immoral to maintain a pool of unemployed simply to control inflation and increases in wages.

"If private enterprise cannot take all those who need or want jobs, Governments, State and Federal, should not hesitate to initiate needed public works to absorb the unemployed, especially the young.

"Money spent on public works eventually finds its way back to Government coffers through direct and indirect taxes. It is money well spent. " How can young people put aside anything for their future marriage and family if they face years on unemployment benefits?"

Bishops' title plea unaffected: Jesuit The High Court Wik decision had not substantially affected the Australia's Catholic Bishops' submission to the Government on proposed amendments to the federal Native Title Act, one of the Australian Catholic Church's leading analysts of Aboriginal issues has said.

The High Court decision effectively said that pastoral leases and native title could co-exist.

Fr Frank Brennan SJ told The Record the bishops' submission was a statement of principle in relation to legislation which should be non-discriminatory. It was also a statement of principle regarding honouring agreements that had been reached between the Government, the Senate and Aborigines in 1993.

The Bishops' submission was made to the Federal Government shortly before Christmas and just days before the High Court handed down its Wik decision.

The bishops submitted the balance of proposed Government amendments to the Native Title Act strongly favoured industry rather than native title holders.

The heads of Australia's Catholic religious orders supported the bishop's submission.

In so far as the Wik case impacted on the bishops' statement there were two things to note, Fr Brennan said.

"The bishops welcome the government's decision not to seek parliamentary extinguishment of native title on pastoral leases, and that is the bishops' position whatever Wik would have decided," Fr Brennan said.

"They also said the Parliament should await the High Court's judgement in the Wik case before deciding to grant additional rights to pastoralists."

He said the current position was that pastoralists continued to enjoy all the rights they had in the past, and the only issue they effectively faced was if they wanted to increase their rights as, for example, in becoming freehold land owners.

This would mean an increase in pastoralists' right and a decrease in the rights of Native title holders, he said.

However the bishops' position was that where this occurred it should be done in a way which did not violate the Racial discrimination Act, Fr Brennan pointed out Continued on Page 5

Correction It was incorrectly reported on Page 15 of The Record's Christmas edition that 20 retirement villas had been opened in a joint project between St Lawrence's parish in Balcatta and Homeswest. The story should have said that the villas were part of a joint project between St Gerard Majella's parish in Westminster and the Government agency. The Recordapologises for the error.

New resting place for Sisters Dominican sisters, family and friends gathered at Karrakatta Cemetery shortly before Christmas for the final step in a historical two-month process which saw the remains of 35 pioneering sisters plus those of a young girl relocated from Dongara to Perth.

The remains included those of the foundress of the Dominican sisters in Western Australia Mother Gabriel Gill - and the three other sisters who came with her in 1899 from New Zealand to begin the congregation's work at Greenough.

Together with Mother Gabriel were Sisters Bonaventure McIntyre, Dominica Murphy and di Pazzi Miscall.

Mother Gabriel, who was born In 183Z died in 1905 while the last of the pioneering group to pass away was Sister Bonaventure, who died in 1957 at the age of 77 Also included were the remains

of Clare Punch, a young girl and student of the Dominican nuns who was a boarder at Dominican Ladies College in Dongara, who died in 1927 at the age of 17.

Two of Clare's sisters became Dominican nuns and when she died her family chose to have her buried in the congregation's private cemetery in the town.

The decision to remove the remains of the 35 sisters - who were buried at Dongara between the years 1905 and 1971 - was made to ensure their graves received the care and attention the congregation have not been able to maintain since they withdrew from the town in 1971.

The process began in September when sisters, ex-students and friends of the sisters gathered at the priory cemetery in Dongara for a Mass of thanksgiving for the contribution the early sisters had made to the agricultural and gold-

fields areas of the Geraldton diocese.

Over several days the remains of the sisters were then exhumed and later re-interred in Karralcatta cemetery.

On November 1, the eve of All Souls' Day - a commemorative stone bearing the names of the sisters and Clare Punch was laid above their final resting place in Karralcatta cemetery.

The pre-Christmas ceremony was not only held to honour the memory of Mother Gabriel and the other sisters.

It was also the first opportunity for all of Western Australia's Dominican sisters to gather at the new resting place.

At one stage an excerpt from Mother Gabriel Gill's diary was read out.

In it she wrote: ".... It is a strange but a real missionary experience to be walking along the middle of

A Dominican Sister places flowers on the new resting place of past Sisters.

a lonely road with green fields stretching along both sides, in the dark chilly morning."

An ex-student of the Dominican nuns, John Rowland, is currently

planning with other members of Dongara's townscape committee to erect a memorial to the sisters in the town's cemetery.

A bishop's blessing for Mary's baby Bishops Were you wondering what had happened to Mary, left, from the Catholic Church Office?

Mary and her husband, Frank, are enjoying the glorious moments of parenthood with their new baby, Anthony Julio.

Anthony was baptised recently by Bishop Healy at Mary and Frank's Parish at Queen's Park.

Mary has now "retired" from her work at the Catholic Church Office after 11 years' service. All the energy she gave to her work at the office will now be put into full-time motherhood.

Many blessings to Mary, Frank and Anthony.

land title plea not affected

Continued from Page 4 "But its clear from the Wik judgement that there's almost no way that that can be done in a way that doesn't discriminate on the basis of race, and, therefore, the position of the bishops' statement is that given that the High Court has said that these common law rights exist, then they should enjoy the same protection as do the common law rights of - Jane Pilkington any Australians," he said.

The Catholic bishops' submission focussed on issues of principle, such as the equality of all Australians before the law, and the importance of the Mabo decision to the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.

It also urged all Australian governments and parties to cooperate and negotiate in JOHN XX111 COLLEGE LECTURE THEATRE good faith as the Native John 23rd. Avenue, Claremont.

Title Act had itself resulted from comproagreements mise Thursday January 23 to Sunday January 26 1997. between Aboriginals and other parties.

Special Guest Speaker: Proposed amendments to the Native Title Act, however, Guest Speakers: would further complicate a document which Mrs. Demise Hennessy & Mr. Guy Sutton-Mattocks. some sectors of the FMISpeakers: community were Eddie Russell FMI - Frank Tassone FMI - Steve Peake FMI describing as 'unworkable' the bishops said.

Four Evening Rallies - Thursday. Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

In their summary they said it was essenDaytime Sessions - Saturday & Sunday. tial Australians recomThursday 7.30pm - "Lift High The Banner" mitted themselves as a Registration for the entire Friday 7.30pm - "Baptised Prophet, Priest & king" nation to reconciliation daytime sessions - $50 Saturday 9am - "The Role Of Women In The Church #1" through recognition, To book single sessions Saturday 1 I am - "The Role Of Women In The Church #2" respect and justice. $10 per session.

Saturda) 2pm - "Before The Throne" "The national settleThe evening rallies are concerning ment Saturday 4pm - "The Corner Stone Of The Covenant" open to the public and do native title must be Saturday 7.30pm - "Behold The Lamb" not require registration. based on a faithful Sunday 10-30am - MASS - (Lunch) a "Love Offering" by our implementation Sunday 2pm - "Ruah! - The Victory Shout" will be taken up parliaments of the spirSunday 4pm - "Raising The Standard" each night. it and principles of the Sunday 7.30pm - "Restoration & The Final Victory" High Court's Mabo decision which Come to "Lift High The Banner" that the world may know that Jesus is Lord of all ensured that Australian to the Glory of God the Father. (There will be healing ministry for the sick). law should not be frozen in an era of Phone (09) 382 3668 ('alter 107) to Register. racial discrimination," they said.

Flame Ministries International 7th Annual Congress

"LIFT HIGH THE BANNER" Archbishop, Barry James Hickey

A PRAYER IS FULL PAYMENT We'd like to send you, free, this 44 page pocket diary. It shows our Missions in action throughout the world. It marks Saints' days, school terms and Public Holidays. It will be a daily reminder to enmesh your life (with its own important dates) with the life of the Church, near and far. It will bring you closer to the 700 Australian missionaries working overseas preaching the Gospel, helping the poor, healing the sick, comforting the dying.

We are not being generous in sending it to you free. Your prayers are invaluable, And we know that sometime in 1997 you will be supporting what we consider to be the most important financial appeals of all.

• The Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

• The Society of St Peter Apostle.

• Children's Mission.

This year's Diary also tells the stories of the lay women Pauline Jaricot and Jeanne Bigard who founded the Societies.

Please post the coupon now so that people all around the world won't miss out on your prayers for the Missions.

Please send me free of charge my 1997 Diary Name Address

Catholic Mission 23 Victoria Square Perth WA 6000

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 5

Helping life's travellers to Faith Peter Dwan continues meditations on the readings for Sunday Mass.

This week the readings for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Year B

T

he word 'Epiphany' comes from the Greek word for "manifestation", and in the context of today's least refers to Our Lord's first manifestation of himself to the gentile world in the persons of the Magi.

In the early centuries. Our Lord's birth was celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany and even when Christmas was instituted as a separate feast, it was envisaged that the Epiphany would remain the greater feast.

Today, Christmas is the major celebration in popular piety but liturgically, the Epiphany remains the greater feast.

While at Christmas we remember that the Saviour was born and was worshipped by Jewish shepherds the Epiphany is a cause for even greater joy, for it shows us that the Saviour's coming was to benefit gentiles as well.

The first reading (Isaiah 60:1-6) is Isaiah's prophecy that people of all the nations would come to Jerusalem.

The reading says: "Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears. The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness."

We need to remember that pilgrims

A Layman's

Meditation visiting the Holy Land are motivated by faith. They realise that Jesus who was born in Bethlehem is the Saviour of all nations.

The response to today's responsorial psalm. Psalm 71, is: "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

These words remind us that Christ's coming is for all nations.

This theme is taken up in today's second reading (Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6) which reminds us: "Pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them."

In Old Testament times, God dealt exclusively with the Jews and they thought that God was exclusively concerned with them, whereas the mission of Christ was to show that God was concerned with the Jews, not exclusively, but because He wanted to use them to convey His message to other nations.

We have been given the gift of Faith in so that we might share it with others.

God uses different means to bring different people to Christ.

At Christmas, we remembered how a vision of Angels brought the shepherds

To Jesus through Mary. . .

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to Bethlehem. Today's Gospel passage (Matthew 2:1-12) tells us how the Magi or Wise Men saw a star and deduced that a-new King had been born.

The use of reason aided by God's grace leads people to faith.

God's grace comes through prayer.

We need to pray for those on the way to the Church.

Many converts, like the Magi. have had a long and difficult journey before they found "the Child with his mother Mary," in the Catholic Church.

The Magi were guided by a star, Different stars have guided different converts.

The Catholic Enquiry Centre has been the star which has guided over 14,000 converts to the Catholic Church.

Are we keeping that star shining brightly by our prayerful and financial help to the Enquiry Centre?

On reaching Jerusalem, the Magi were greeted with blank stares when they enquired where the new King of the Jews had been born.

Can we say we are helpful to those seeking Faith?

The Feast of the Epiphany 1997 challenges us to decide whether we shall be stars guiding those searching for Christ, or whether we shall offer nothing more than blank stares to those wise men and women who are seeking Christ just as the Magi sought Him centuries ago.

a column of Marian devotion

mericans have so much of everything that they need to learn how to share their bounty with other countries such as those in Africa, where people are hungry and dying, said Ivan Dragicevic of Medjugorje. Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Dragicevic, who was recently in the Los Angeles area, is one of six young Catholics who say Mary began appearing to them 15 years ago in their hometown of Medjugorje.

He made the comments in an interview when asked what message Mary has for the United States.

Mary never directs her message "to one specific country. She is a mother who loves all," according to the 31-year-old Dragicevic, who is married to an American and has a 1-year-old daughter.

But he said it was important for him to visit and share what he said is Mary's general message that people need to change in order to bring about peace.

Ivan Dragicevic at St Mary's cathedral in Perth "She comes as a queen of peace. She earlier this year. comes to bring peace. She comes to tell us that peace is in danger. We must start a gift. And then we must open ourselves changing. We must have peace with God, to that gift of peace. And we must pray with people," he added. for the gift of peace. We can receive the And peace does not just refer to ending gift but we can lose the gift." "a physical war," according to Dragicevic.

Dragicevic would make no comment "Lack of peace first starts in the heart on the ongoing tensions between of the human being. And that is where Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim peoples war begins," he said. in Bosnia and elsewhere in that region 'Today war is present in the world in because, he said, he does not like "to go many, many ways - in families, among into political questions." the youth. Our Lady is always asking us "Each person is responsible for the to 'culture' our heart. And she prays for peace in the world, to share the good and that peace. He continued, "peace is only the peace," he said, adding that in the

last 15 years at Medjugorje, he has seen people of all kinds of religions come together.

"And that is the greatest sign," he added.

He came to the United States for a November peace conference, which drew more than 5,000 people.

Dragicevic also visited parishes in the Diocese of San Diego.

In an interview with The Southern Cross, San Diego diocesan newspaper. and talks at Holy Family and Blessed Sacrament parishes, he was asked to sum up the message of Medjugorje. "(It is) peace, conversion, prayer, penance, fasting, strong faith, love, and hope." he said.

"These are very important for our own peace."

Again and again, Dragicevic repeated that families must pray together in order to have peace.

He said people ask him how to pray better and that he tells them "the only way to pray better is to pray more. To pray better is a grace, to pray more is a choice."

Dragicevic said he receives the apparition of the Blessed Mother every day, no matter where he is, at 5:40 p.m.

The Catholic Church has not said whether it finds merit in the claims of the now-adult visionaries.

However many thousands of faithful have made pilgrimages to the once obscure little town of Medjugorje in order to visit the site where the apparitions are alleged to take place..

Conference considers special needs children

ECU lecturer, Heather Jenkins (left) with Barbara Harris at the conference.

The Record. JarnAary .2 1997 , Page 6

Actively determining the future for students with special needs was the main topic for over 130 academics and policy advisers from around Australia at a conference in Coffs Harbour, NSW, recently.

Barbara Harris, Coordinator of the Emmanuel Centre attended from the Archdiocese of Perth.

The conference addressed the key issues that determine the future direction of inclusive practices in Australian school and community settings, she said.

"We examined the social, political, legal and resourcing forces that drive and contribute to our present situation which see many children excluded from schooling in their local community," she said.

Conference participants all received copies of the CASES publication, Invitation to the Banquet - a report on the survey of the educational needs of Catholic Children with special needs.

The survey was commissioned by Archbishop Hickey in 1995.

Generosity is not meant to be a once-a-year phenomenon s4y, s4y..

With Elizabeth Way

C

hrishnas is over, ring in the New Year.

Pack away the tinsel and trimmings. take down the tree.

Store away the gifts we loved, and hated, to receive.

What to do with the Christmas cards - let the kids recycle them, or relegate them to the green filing system? (Monday is rubbish day where we live).

In no time at all, all signs of festivities are gone.

Memories alone remain, of the feasting and the family reunions, the gift giving, and the groaning of the family budget, that has been so much a focus of our lives in the past couple of months.

Now too, New Year has passed.

Before our new year resolutions die the slow death of human forgetfulness and the difficulties of shaking our comfortable old habits, there is yet time to ask: what was it all for?

A child who approached a stranger in a shopping centre before Christmas asked: "Are you a Christian, do you believe in Jesus?"

The answer was "yes".

The child continued "What do you think Jesus thinks about Christmas?"

The stranger looked back at the child and asked "What do you think?" and the sad and strange reply came "I think he thinks its yuklcy".

There is a lot that is sad and yukky about the commercialised Christmas we experience.

The wonder and mystery of God among us, and His enormous love, too quickly gets shrouded by the "specials" and the pressures of presenting the perfect presents, and being the perfect family.

The realities of living in an imperfect world simmer underneath, and the strain of trying to hold together an unreal picture can mean more pain and misery - instead of the peace and joy we all hope for.

Yet, there is something in the Christmas message that should never be packed away.

Something that we should always be celebrating.

Christmas isn't only about telling the stories of Jesus as a baby.

It's about God coming to live among us, daily. Every day.

The infant of the Christmas nativity wants to live and love, and grow up in my family, and in yours too.

And he wants to live in the midst of the reality and the mess.

My babies are all growing up and, like Jesus, they challenge me to see the world anew.

They challenge me to demonstrate justice and peace, and love and joy.

Through our family sharing we see that true prosperity is simplicity of living for all, rather than the advancement of the few at the cost of the many.

At Christmas we all found some way to extend ourselves to those poorer and less fortunate than ourselves.

This kind of generosity is not meant to be the once a year special effort.

It is a simple reminder of how our lives ought to be all year round.

Celebration of these values is so important, especially when economic rationalism is the common ethos of our society.

We are called to announce different values to live by - not just at Christmas but throughout the New Year - and ills the Good News indeed.

• Elizabeth Way is the pmJect officer for the Archdiocese of Perth's Catholic Social Justice Commission. She is married with three children.

Penny Ashcroft is taking several weeks' break during the Catholic Youth Convention.

Support the Archbishop, Perth's vicar of Christ

The Record

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rchbishop Barry Hickey's survey of the state of life in the Church today at the beginning of the Year of Jesus amounts to a timely stock-take of Church affairs at the start of the new year.

But this is no ordinary post-Christmas sale, with all the misleading promises of advertisers and public relations experts, designed to make us feel good while we part with our money.

It is a clear and forthright listing of the problems the Church faces without any attempt to cover-up the seriousness of the inertia afflicting many parts of the Church in the Western world.

Naturally, his teaching refers directly only to the Archdiocese in Perth, but the list of problems applies to most parts of Australia and other English-speaking countries, if not the whole of the modern Church.

What is refreshing is that there is no attempt to cover up the problem with a true but pious reference to the essential unity and victory of the Church as a whole In the war with evil when, on the ground, In the daily battles, the foot-soldier laity know the Church's vitality is being sapped.

It is being weakened by either open or underground dissent on key Church teaching or by a "she'll be right, mate" attitude to solving the problems of near-complete lack of Mass attendance by people under 40 and by an apostolic inertia among those who faithfully attend.

The archbishop takes seriously the Sec- afflicting the Church at present as it conond Vatican Council's restatement of templates its Master's call to find the lost Jesus' command to the apostles and their sheep of the Church - Catholics who are successor bishops to "go preach the not practicing and separated Christians Gospel to all nations." If this goal is being and the lost sheep outside Christianity. obscured by confusion, lethargy and disIn the Archdiocese of Perth, do all unity in the Church then those problems Catholics who are active in Church life need to be identified so solutions might outside of Sunday Mass - priests, religious be found. and laity both in the parish and the Problems Archbishop Hickey points to Church administrative, education, health include the 20 per cent Mass attendance and social welfare bureaucracy - fully among Catholics overall and the five per support the aims of Archbishop Hickey as cent rate of attendance among young peo- he leads us to a deeper spiritual life and ple and the serious lack of vocations from consequent evangelism? the traditional Irish and British-based secDo we all seek to understand Church tions of the Australian Catholic Church. teaching as understood by Pope John Paul The archbishop welcomes the eager- II and those bishops, such as Archbishop ness of laity to be involved in the admin- Hickey and others who are in communion istration of the parish and archdiocese but with him, or do we see it through our own wonders how the laity's first mission - to spectacles rather than the 'apostolic specevangelise their workplace and suburb tacles' given to the Pope and bishops by has been neglected.

Jesus Christ.

Finally, he notes that all Catholics have When we see and accept that our archto support Catholic teaching on morals - bishop acts for Jesus Christ in Perth as he for instance, the immorality of contracep- eagerly co-operates with the work of Pope tion, euthanasia, homosexuality, living John Paul, then we will be in a position to together outside of marriage, divorce and participate in the spiritual revolution and abortion - for this true and liberating conversion that Archbishop Hickey is callteaching to gain ground outside the ing us to.

Church.

As Catholics, we only truly accept Jesus Almost certainly, it is the problem of sup- as our Way, our Thith and our Life if we port that is at the root of the inertia that is eagerly accept and put into practice the

T A'ounctl& Compassion the criterion

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y motivation for writing this letter is my disturbed feeling after reading Hugh Ryan's criticism of Peter Stewart in The Record. 12 December.

I am disturbed on several counts. Firstly, the writer, Mr Ryan has chosen in several places to be insulting in a quite gratuitous manner. An example: "Spare us any more of the ramblings of Peter Stewart, director of the Christian Centre for Social Action, whatever that organisation may be".

Mr Ryan, as the editor informs us, is a press secretary to Mr Nichols, Minister for Water Resources.

He should have been quite capable of discovering for himself what "that organisation" actually is.

For those who do not know, its activities include fostering Christian social action for justice, advocating on behalf of refugees, campaigning to oppose the death penalty in Western Australia and the privatisation of prisons.

I certainly believe Mr Stewart deserves more respect than was given to him by Mr Ryan.

Peter and his wife, Marya, were recipients of the inaugural Mercy Foundation Award three months ago.

Part of their citation read: ". . . with their personal and working lives integrated in a remarkable way, Peter and Marya have shown a deep respect for those whose lives are weary from dysfunction and brokenness".

I would suggest The Record should in future delete paragraphs such as the one quoted above from Mr Ryan's letter or simply not publish such letters. And I expect much better from a press secretary, writing in a personal capacity or not.

The second disturbing aspect of Mr Ryan's letter was the complete lack of compassion expressed by him for a Mr Simon, a long term employee who was faced with losing his employment because of "restructuring".

Certainly the man in question had severance pay and some choices. He also got some evidence-based advice on how to handle "the mere loss of a job" from Mr Ryan.

On the other hand, there was plenty of justification by Mr Ryan for profit and loss as the sole determinants of a government decision making.

But Mr Simon got no compassion. This word has been lacking form the economic rationalist's lexicon for some time, a fact

teaching of the Magisterium, not secretly harbouring the belief that a change of Pope or bishop will bring about a change in teaching on contraception or women priests.

If we do not whole-heartedly accept all Church teaching how can we engage in apostolic works with fruitful integrity?

If a priest, a religious, a lay man or woman mouths the words of Church teaching on contraception or women priests, among other things, but is silently hoping for something else then the Church's evangelising role is comprornised.

It is impossible for the Church to be fully fruitful if ills in two minds.

If we do not accept all Catholic Church, and thus God-Oven, teaching, then perhaps we should stand aside and let those who do take our place.

When all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Perth - priest, religious and lay - support Archbishop Hickey, according to his mind and not their own agenda, then the apostolic inertia that hurts him and other bishops keenly will begin to be overcome and the lost sheep given the best chance to return to the fold.

Only when the archbishop is fully supported will the full power of the Holy Spirit be fruitful in this archdiocese.

• The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

Leffe.rs fo

Ccluor

Persuasion and politics

remarked upon by Bishops, social critics fled the Bill as a significant incremental including the West Australian Council of step in the homosexual lobby's quest for Social Service and many ordinary people. hillip Pendal N1LA (The Record. 26 the complete normalisation of homosexuThe argument these days seems to be December) chooses to quibble about al relationships, which ultimately requires between one who shouts for efficiency and the meaning of the verb "to ignore". homosexual marriage and adoption rights. another who cries out for compassion. We I congratulate Mr Pendal on his re-elecThe fact is he twice voted in favour of legneed both. islation that Archbishop Hickey publicly tion and I am sure he will continue to vote But we need to be cautious with efficien- warned against. on legislation according to his best judgecy. We should remember that thinking that It would have been irresponsible of me ment. "it is better that one man die for the peo- not to mention this fact alongside a generIf! disagree with that judgement again in ple" was one of the justifications for the ally favourable assessment of Mr Pendal's the futureIwill continue to try to persuade most anti-Christian act of all time. Our faith public record. him otherwise. says there is no mere individual. no 'mere I have never thought of Mr Pendal as Richard Egan job loss". either my representative or the Church's in Ferndale Therefore we should broaden our eco- Parliament. nomic thinking so that compassion and Nor do I expect him automatically to foljustice are the major, if not the first factors, low archiepiscopal edicts. in the economic decision making process.

Many of us were pleased that he ignored rchbishop Hickey's words (The the late Archbishop Foley's endorsement Record. 12 December) on priests are Thu Leahy i n 1989 of the decriminalisation of sodomy timely considering 1996 must have Roeburne legislation and voted against that Bill. been one of the worst years for the 'tearHowever, I think Mr Pendal was wrong, ing down' of priests and religious. and Archbishop Hickey right, on the MedThey are not exactly being hung, drawn and quartered but they have had to suffer heartily endorse Hugh Ryan's reply to ical Care of the Dying Bill.

Despite the "detailed advice" Mr Pendal the mental agony of seeing the dignity of Peter Stewart's utopian romancing. It is high time, realism and commonsense took from "Fr Walter Black of the L J. Goody the presbyterate deteriorate in the public of the Hugh Ryan sort asserted itself, that Bio-Ethics Centre" and Mr Pendal's ability mind because of what the sex-obsessed is, if there is any left in these high sound- to "change the shape of the Bill", the Arch- secular media classifies as 'news'. ing named organisations that have prolif- bishop pointed out in his statement of 24 As lay Catholics have to live in society we erated during the last 20 or so years, many, August 1995 three major ambiguities in the cannot just sit back and allow the popular if not most, being based on Government or Bill that needed "to be carefully addressed image of priests to be destroyed. lest the Bill have unintended conseChurch funding.

We depend on them to say the Mass. No But the lolly jar of Government funding quences, opening the way to practices that priests - no Mass. It is that simple. At least is empty as the big 'bad' money lenders - are unacceptable". not in the way we have always had it and These included the definition of terminal which was the will of the most perfect who supply the 'ready' for funding the evergrowing Australian debt to the world - have illness, which could encompass "a medical Priest - Christ Himself. grown nervous, skittish as they now have condition that one day will lead to death"; Therefore, to encourage vocations we to lend us to meet interest, let alone pay- the issue of "reasonable" provision of food must help lift their image - as well as pray and water, on which the Bill opened the - by the widespread dissemination of inforing off principal.

Australian politics and, perhaps, philoso- way for inappropriately withholding "med- mation on the true nature and service of phy has created and institutionalised a ically assisted nutrition and hydration"; the priesthood. For that, Catholics themlargely cargo cult culture where money and the problem of assessing "the true selves need to be educated on the kind of grows on trees. Australian politics has wishes of temporarily depressed and dis- religion we are.

However, it is exceedingly encouraging to loaded its primary producers, the manu- abled patients" in a decision which could hear of the start of special days of prayer facturers of exportables, with ever crush- lead to their premature death.

No opponent of the Bill ever claimed it being held for priests and of the good ing tax burdens, high labour and regulatory active euthanasia by lethal injec- crowds they attract because we can never permitted costs to the extent that there is an expandunderestimate the power of prayer. ing dependence on foreign capital to keep tion.

A strong case was put, most eloquently in It is hoped that 1997 will see an upsurge operating. the Legislative Assembly itself by Ernie of more days of prayer for priests in more These, and more, are the realities that Mr Bridge that vulnerable patients, especially Stewart and others apparently fail to see or those with low self-esteem, could unnec- parishes across the state. After all 1997 is appreciate, to a large extent, supported and essarily die as a result of being refused the 'Year of Jesus' and the priest is 'another Christ.' encouraged by even the hierarchy of the medical treatment under the Bill.

It is not uncommon though for lay peoChurches.

On the Equal Opportunity Amendment We should hold no brief for any particu- Bill 1996, which sought to extend anti-dis- ple to be thwarted in their efforts to prolar ideology of economics. Our brief should crimination provisions to homosexuals in mote the Christian Gospel by some well be only to, hopefully, Christian principles regard to housing, employment, education meaning priest or religious. But if they let which require that I not live off the efforts and provision of goods and services, Mr these experiences deter them it will ultiof others, be self supporting, producing at Pendal identified such provisions as pre- mately be Christ's Church which suffers. least whatIconsume and not expecting the venting "unjust discrimination".

When such things happen they must ask government to do it, as so many are now On the other hand, Archbishop Hickey, in themselves whom do they love most doing. line with the 1992 statement of the Con- Christ's Church or themselves?

Peter Bertola gregation of the Doctrine of the Faith on Patricia Halligan such anti-discrimination legislation, identi- Mandurah Gairdner

p

Support our priests

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Never-never living

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The Record, January 2 1997 Page 7

Features

A little bit of Ireland in the gentility of West Perth developed a strong connection with the Pope. In April that year, he basks resplendently in His Lordship, Bishop Matthew the sunshine or twinkles Gibney cabled his Holiness, Pope her chandeliers invitingly Pius X, thanking him on behalf of on a cold winter's night, every bit the Irish of Western Australia for a well bred lady of class and dis- receiving one of their members.

The Celtic Club's first address The federation grandeur of the current home of the Celtic Club in West Perth tinction who is at peace with the was on the corner of Irwin Street William Foley was present. The world.

The tall white trunked eucalypt and St George's Terrace, West tasteful refurbishment had turned 41111118" 1 111 .

181111111181411111111018 — with its leafy crown in its fore- Perth, in a premise owned by a this former 'gentleman's resicourt, near the impressive Feder- founding member. There were 66 dence complete with stables' into ation two-storey building with its foundation members and the club a club of class, while retaining its shady verandahs, rather resem- was licensed in 1903. inherent grandeur. The genteel But with the rapid growth which air has been maintained in the bles a parasol, dating back to took place, larger premises had to decor and furnishings while the another era.

And somehow, the image and be found. This saw a shift to the distinctive building fits well into 101 'Ire AIt Mph setting, fit so well into the well corner of Hay and Pier Streets the West Perth scene, where it is where the Club rented until 1928. manicured, notable establishsought by a large membership of At this point the Celtic Club businessmen. ments in West Perth.

The Celtic Club, with its address members decided to purchase And it certainly does have a sigat 48 Ord Street, West Perth, is 94 their own building on the corner nificant line up of distinguished years old since its inception, of 26 St George's Terrace and past presidents whose names which is something to be proud Irwin Street. have helped make Perth history But yet more growth took place, such as Sir John Lavan, Mr Jack of, according to recently elected, President Bob Johnston, who so they sold these premises and Gabbedy. claims Irish Catholic roots and bought a site at 2 Kings Park Road, Others which catch the eye on who is also a former Our Lady of renting temporary premises at 25 the Past Presidents board are the Grace, North Beach, parish coun- Outram Street, West Perth, until first president Jim Maxwell in their new establishment was 1902, to memory stirrers such as cil president. *VW Looking back at the past and the completed on 20 May, 1970.

Mulcahy, Dwyer, Lloyd, O'Lough34 woven strands of its lengthy hisMembership by now had gone lin, Monaghan, and Challis, to tory, while bringing fresh vigour from 498 to 1,750 during this tran- name a few.

NP D WILLIAMS IISS°6 to the scene, Mr Johnston says the sition period and swelled to a It also boasts four living past M' P J,ROXBY I947 club is non-sectarian and non- peak of 3,184 by 1974. presidents, the oldest of whom is NP P R JACKSON INR political, but believes it should These and the following four Bernie Prindiville.

NP F.J BRYANT NNIND retain and strengthen its Irish years marked the golden period.

The previous two past presipast, "which is part of its essential But in 1978 there was a down- dents have been Bob Tyers, folMs G F CHALLIS OM identity." turn for various reasons in social lowed by John Devine, and now NV BF PRINDIVIUE 19524 There's always been a strong clubs all over Australia, and they Bob Johnston.

M! J.M.LAVAN 19558 Catholic connection, he points experienced great losses.

No longer a 'men only' club, the Mt J.C. MOT J88) out, with its original membership The premises were accordingly layout of the Celtic Club is such of Irish/Australian founders and sold in 1983 and a temporary club that it lends itself to confidential Mt J. P GAMIN meow the clergy. base secured at 48 Ord Street. chats between two people, netAl. GERICK IMO Aott From its early days, the club was Appropriately the new club working, or business functions, a convivial place for Irish priests home was officially opened on St wedding receptions, and even (and a bishop or two!) to catch up Patrick's Day, 17 March, 1984. conventions featuring banks of with their countrymen and "have It was considered a temporary computers. a jar!"

But what would have to be a home. But once the Perth City It was one way of hearing news Council and Licensing Court gave winning aspect is the luncheon Celtic Club president Bob Johnston before the list of names of illustrious past from the Emerald Isle and worked approval to operate as a perma- service for members and guests presidents of the club, including Bernie Prindiville, fifth from bottom on left. well for awhile, but then gradual- nent club in May 1988, members which has all the hallmarks of five ly the clergy faded out and more settled in and decided to renovate star gourmet appeal headed by members of the Celtic Club, meet- Mr Johnston is happy with membusinessmen phased in. an executive chef, for low cost to ing there on a regular basis; while ber numbers, "there's always with permanency in mind.

The Celtic Club's distinguished Celtic Club members are also in more room for active members."

Renovations were completed by members. history began in 1902 as a club for Friday, 3 March, 1989 and the Irish The Celtic Club is also very many cases members of these two Meanwhile, with it's strong Irish men of Irish birth, background, or Ambassador to Australia, Martin involved with the Irish-Australian organisations.

Catholic connection, Mr Johnston sympathies, whose members Burkett, officially opened the new Businessmen's Association and Various personalities such as notes "there's a lot of that unique were largely Catholic. home in August, 1990 in a cere- the Australian-Irish Heritage singer Val Doonican have been Irish humour around the Club, And by 1905, it had already mony at which Archbishop Association, both of which are given membership and although making it a great place to be!"

By Colleen McGuiness-Howard

S

PRESIDENr

'Open our lives to the truth, and allow Jesus' grace to change us' Continued from Page 9

Moral Teaching

0

ne of the most difficult tasks facing us is holding the line on Catholic moral teaching on life matters, and presenting it in a convincing way to the young.

Society makes the acceptance of Catholic teaching very difficult.

What the Church says about marriage, living together, divorce, contraception. homosexual activity, abortion and euthanasia meets almost automatic resistance and rejection in today's climate.

And yet her teaching in all these areas is

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 8

Good News. We were told in the 60s, for instance, that easy contraception would improve relationships, make marriages more stable, avoid poverty by not having too many children, avoid unwanted pregnancies and reduce abortions.

None of this has happened.

We have the opportunity to present our teachings clearly and cogently, given today's marital wasteland, but only if our Catholic people are themselves fully supportive of those teachings.

Christ as the Way

M

ost important of all is the way we Catholics live. It is one thing to accept the teachings of the

Church handed down faithfully from Jesus and the Apostles. It is another to open our lives to the truth, and allow Jesus' grace to change us.

Without the witness of changed lives, our truth will be ignored.

Only Jesus, through His power working within us, through our encounters with Him in the Sacraments and in prayer and in loving service, can draw us along a path of continual conversion.

Daily, we should grow in love, forgiveness, humility, gentleness, compassion, courage and hope if we have truly accepted Jesus as our Way, our TY•uth and our Life.

Sudden conversions are rare.

Even those who have had a "Damascus experience" must also begin to move with

the rest of us on a path of slow, gradual conversion of our lives to Christ.

Perhaps this year, the Year of Jesus, can be a turning point for us, to set our lives again on the right path, and be filled with the fullness of God. No doubt I have omitted matters which others consider should be vital challenges in this coming year. I can't mention everything.

Nevertheless, as I ponder on the life of the Church around me, I cannot but conclude that there is still much to do.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we must press ahead.

Most Rev B 51kkey Archbishop of Perth 24 December 19%

Archbishop Hickey writes on the challenges of 1997

'Open our lives to the truth, and allow Jesus' grace to change us' At the beginning of the Year of Jesus in the lead-up to the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Archbishop Barry Hickey speaks here to the Catholics of Perth of the difficulties facing the Church and the issues he says need to be confronted and resolved before the Church's mission of evangelising and re-evangelising can be fully fruitful.

New Year Challenges

W

ith the good of the Church at heart, it is important for a person in my position to establish a few priorities for the coming year.

That is an extremely difficult task because there is so much to do.

The best I can do is list a number of very urgent Church issues, without even presuming to know the solutions.

Human wisdom is not capable of solving problems that are fundamentally spiritual.

Only the Holy Spirit can offer the guidance necessary.

It is therefore in submission to the Holy Spirit that I offer the following comments.

They may even provoke some response from the readers.

If so,Imust ask that no person be attacked by name. Stay with the issues.

Drift from Practice

T

he identifying mark of a Catholic has been, and still is, active participation in the life of the Church, particularly at Sunday Mass.

Iwonder if that is still the case. Many people obviously identify as Catholics. as the Census clearly shows, but only about 20 per cent attend Mass on a weekly basis.

The figure for young people is more like five to 10 per cent.

Does that worry you?

I am extremely distressed by it, and pray often for shepherds to go out to bring back the lost sheep.

There is no doubt that Sunday Mass is still a binding obligation.

The Catholic Catechism says that, unless one is excused for a serious reason, the obligation binds under pain of "grave sin".

(No 2181) Yet, we do not want people to come to Mass solely out of fear of sin.

We want them to come because they are part of the Body of Christ and, as God's People, to worship God together in the Mass, enter His Sacrifice and share His Supper.

The message is not getting through.

Many commentators try to analyse why there is the drift away from Mass.

Some say it is to do with the way Mass is celebrated, flat and boring, others say ills to do with the lack of friendship and community.

Many enter the Church as strangers and depart as strangers.

Again others say it has more to do with the modem world and its secular culture, or with family breakdown, or with the lack of a sense of sin, or the lack of a spiritual outlook Maybe all of these factors are working together to produce the present malaise.

There are plenty of other possibilities as well that commentators pose as alleged problems - male authority, rigid Church teachings, scandals in the Church, and so on.

One aspect that worries me as much as any of the above speculation is that when a person or a family drifts away from regular attendance at Mass, no-one seems to care.

No-one calls, no one asks why, no-one bothers.

The message to the people that leave is loud and clear, "we don't miss you".

This is not the way we should think or act.

If the Priest himself is too busy, surely someone in the Parish can take on the

responsibility of searching out the lost sheep.

We have such a long way to go to take on Jesus' concern for the lost sheep.

Two Communities

/

am told that in many parishes there is one Catholic community centred on the parish church and the Parish Priest.

There is another almost entirely separate Catholic community centred on the Catholic School, particularly a secondary school, with no particularly strong parish ties.

It would not matter much if the teachers and students were part of their own parishes.

The school would then continue to build up the faith and Catholic identity of both staff and students, even if it had a life somewhat separate from the Parish.

But is that always the case?

Perhaps for some, even many, the school becomes not something supplementary to the parish but a substitute for it.

If that occurs, students will leave school without any links with a parish and find themselves adrift.

As families are becoming less able to nurture the faith of young people, I see many groups that become alternative families and seedbeds for vocations - groups like the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community, Antioch, Christian Life Groups. Neo-Catechumenal Communities, Marian Groups, Focolare and Social Awareness Groups.

I encourage these groups, turn up at their meetings and rallies, enjoy the strong faith they express, and am always on the lookout for likely candidates for the priesthood.

Many are suspicious of these groups.

I can only say, look beyond some of the Immediate forms of expression, the music, the style of prayer, because these are not to everyone's taste, and look to the fruits, the deep and lasting conversions, the attitude of prayerfulness, the joy of service.

Nevertheless, our vocations are down at present Over the past eighteen months we have lost a number of likely prospects from our

Since Vatican Two

I

have noticed a suspicion and even a rejection of devotional life in some Church circles, justified by being "against the spirit of the Second Vatican Council".

Of course, one must expect educated people to have an adult understanding of their Faith, and not use religious objects or practices as lucky charms to gain God's favour or the favour of the Saints.

Nor should devotional practices be the full extent of Christian life.

Catholic life demands an outreach to the poor and suffering and a Christian witness in the world.

Yet Idiscern the sin of presumption here.

Some presume that people are attached to devotions as a refuge from real life.

That may be true for some, but most people Imix with who have a tender devotion to Mary or the Heart of Jesus, are fully alive to the duties of Christian charity and give themselves to others in a most exemplary fashion.

Vatican II cannot and must not be used to undermine or scoff at devotional practices.

Without them one runs the risk of draining the Faith of all emotional and expressive content.

Devotions draw people in to the reality of the Communion of Saints and help them withstand the forces that would make them part of the surrounding empty materialistic culture.

Imagine my displeasure when I discovered that a group of Catholics felt they had to go "underground" to say the Rosary together for fear of ridicule from other Catholics - not from unbelievers, but from other Catholics!

The Church of today must draw from the best of our traditions of 2000 years.

Devotional life is an integral part of that tradition - for many, a window to the Divine.

Archbishop Hickey: calling to conversion

new seminary. It is time to fill it up again.

Give every support to the new Rector, Fr Tim Corcoran, as we thank the outgoing Rector, Fr Paul Fogarty, for his persistence and dedication to his task over the past few years.

Religious Life

F

,ebruary 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, has been selected by the Pope as World Day of Religious.

We all know that Religious Congregahis should be my top priority, but I tions in the Western world have gone know that vocations will not come through very difficult times in recent years, without the backing of solid Catholic with the loss of traditional apostolates, with families and strong Catholic community the relaxation of excessively rigid rules, life. and with the emergence of personal autonSmall families and the scourge of broken omy to counterbalance corporate identity. families make vocations rare.

One has seen a drop in recruitment, some In earlier days it was an honour to have "Invisibility" with the change from uniform habits, a certain lack of clarity of purpose a son a priest.

While it still is considered an honour by in a changing society.

Al the same time a lengthy and serious families to have a priest in the family, many process has been going on for some years parents don't want it. Why? Some of the answers - waste of a life, to address the problems, with a view to the priests get a bad press, we want grand- future.

I want to say to you that I see signs of a children, low status, he could do somere-awakening of interest in Religious Life. thing better.

As a reaction to our very secular society, Is this mentality not an enormous chalmany young men and women are coming lenge in itself?

Priestly Vocations

T

forward to search for ways in which they can live a consecrated life, either privately or in community.

I have seen new groups of males and females springing up all over Europe, and see the signs of new beginnings even here in Australia.

Whether there will be new growth within our traditional Congregations or entirely new forms remains to be seen.

But don't become pessimistic about Religious Life. Things are happening. One can never crush the desire to consecrate oneself to God.

Lay Involvement

I

t is at an all-time high. Whether we look at parishes or Catholic organisations or the central administration of the Church, we find lay people coming forward to offer their gifts.

This is one of the most pleasing aspects of the call to lay people at the Second Vatican Council - to be involved in the Church.

The other call, to be involved in the world, has not been as clearly heard.

As a young priest, I well remember the vision transmitted by Cardinal Cardijn to energetic young people to take the Gospel into their workplace.

It transformed them into apostles and gave them a sense that they were truly representing the Church as they brought the good news of social justice and morality into areas of employment and management. How loud is that call now and who is listening?

Ills my hope that our Catholic young people will take advantage of the education they receive through the Church at primary, secondary and tertiary levels today, by being agents of change in the world.

They are to reflect on what they encounter, judge it in the light of the Gospel, and act, sometimes fearlessly, to make changes for the better.

What sometimes happens is that they abandon the standards called for by their Faith for the standards accepted by the world for the sake of promotion or in order to hold on to their jobs.

An even worse outcome is when Catholics are educated to be hypercritical of Church teachings and ecclesiastical structures and want to rebel against them.

They are no longer capable of being true apostles of Jesus because their attention has become focussed on their own internal agenda instead of the evangelisation of society.

Let us have more of the Cardijn formation process of see, judge and act.

Disability

D

espite the steady progress that has been made to include children with disabilities into our Catholic school system, there are still many parents who are unable to find places for them.

If anyone has a right to be included, they do. Their families have followed the Church's teaching in not giving way to the pressures to abort but to give birth to and treasure these children.

They see in their children the image of Christ and accept them, as the Church teaches, as persons of eternal value.

They take on responsibilities on behalf of us all.

They are instructed to send their children to Catholic schools, but when they try to do so, they find the doors closed.

At present ills not physically or financially possible to include all these children, but solutions must be found rapidly or we are not being true to our Faith and we will damage the Faith of many parents.

Perhaps the time has come to broaden this challenge beyond the Catholic school system to the whole Archdiocese, so that we all take responsibility for finding the money and the personnel to include these precious children into our schools without delay.

Continued on opposite page The Record, January 2 1997 Page 9

Holiday Book Page

A literary cocktail of life with the Jesuits Heaven Where The Bachelors Sit, Gerard Windsor (Univ of Queensland Press).

RRP $19.95 Reviewer George Russo.

I

t was 1963 when I first read of Gerard Windsor, topping the year's Leaving Certificate, seeing his photograph on the front page, and marvelling at his going off to join the Jesuits.

I had met his father, the first heart-transplant surgeon, at Lewisham hospital in Sydney, and he had told me of his son.

And I turned up at Watsonia in the 1960s when young Windsor was in his novitiate.

So, I was pleased when I received his stimulating book about his life in the Jesuits.

It is not, as the introduction perhaps suggests, merely a regurgitation of collected pieces for journals.

Instead it is an original mixture of stories associated with his life and friendships in the famous Order.

If it is a slightly surprising literary cocktail to come from the hand of this one-time Jesuit, the answer is that Gerard Windsor is a Catholic gentleman after the manner of Cardinal Newman and one of our most exceptional writers.

Whatever his present day position, he possesses a genuine religious soul combined with a real love of words. He is a superb writer.

Twenty three young men joined the Jesuits in 1963 to begin their

training together at Watsonia seminary, but only two survived to be ordained as priests.

In the meantime they received strict discipline; much silence, study, penance, and rules that were designed to protect them for life.

There was an anonymity, and unworldliness that was valued.

In fact, young Windsor trained in a culture that had been proven over centuries - from the time of St Ignatius Loyola in the 16th century - 'appreciative of the genius of the past, but not shackled by it'.

It was a highly literate culture but, more, it was a quest for sainthood.

Human endeavour, the hard work of cultivating the mind, was accompanied by prayer and sacrifice.

He gives us the feel for the Jesuits; a sense of their reality, and their originality; it is a magnificent statement of spiritual development.

The Jesuit spirituality defined their personalities; stamped an impression that would never erase.

It was all important to St Ignatius that the young Jesuit cultivated his mind (he drew up the Order of Studies), and his soul (the Spiritual Exercises). It was the true and unique mark of the Jesuit.

Windsor invoked Newman for his light in his vocation: "Alas, for those who die without fulfilling their mission; who were called to be holy and who live in sin; who were called to worship Christ and who plunged into this giddy and unbelieving world. . . . who had

gifts and talents and who have not used, or misused, or abused them."

And, commented Windsor, 'the chorus of his phrases, the authority of his pronouncement, was a trumpet across my soul.' And he sought to follow.

He enunciates his rich personal experiences to help the reader understand the motives behind the practices in the life.

He makes few comments; the story is enough. Of course, with Windsor, we are in the hands of a competent writer of fiction.

The young Windsor also identified with the young Newman ('I read on into Newman and never stopped. I believed in the enterprise of his life, I warmed to the man engaged in it').

He was writing about the young nactarian (the Oxford graduate and priest, who had returned to England 'ready to combat. ... the national apostasy'.

Surely, Gerard Windsor and his friends at Watsonia would have been formidable opponents to our own modern apostasy.

So, why did he leave?

"Temperamental incompatibility with the vows, I answered when the question was asked," replied Windsor, but he elaborates on the answer in the terms of the Catholic culture and the times.

He had responded to the Master's call to follow Him; it was 'dedication and the spirit of sacrifice and a belief that hardship was a fit sharing of the way of the cross for a cause that was. . . . the only one that mattered.'

HEAVEN WHERE THE BACHELORS SIT

But there was a 'drift', which he explains in the text, and it is for the reader to discern for himself.

A great gap separates us from the intellectual and moral values of the Jesuits.

The triumph of the Society was its capacity to combine intellectual culture with Christian religious beliefs and morals.

The new age ethos has only cre-

ated a moral desert and called it 'the good society', whereas Jesuit spirituality worked because it turned on a concept of a Christlike self, one that has been eroded in our society, where we distance moral responsibility from the spiritually formed individual of the Ignatian exercises.

I recommend this book, unreservedly.

The links between knowledge Rediscovering the magic and the soul's deepest yearning of our daily lives Spirituality and Morality: Integrating Prayer and Action.

Billy C. Ss.R., Dennis J. and Donna Lynn Orsuto eds. Paulist Press, 1996.

Reviewer: Fr Peter Black C.Ss.R.

S

pirituality and Morality is a collection of eight essays written by Catholic scholars exploring what should be the living connection between the disciplines of spirituality and moral theology.

This living relationship or interaction between the two disciplines is probed though the perspective of history, conversion experience, a sense of vocation, personal prayer life, participation on liturgy, striving for right relationships, docility to the spirit and discipleship.

The work is generated by a real tension, a tension no doubt experienced by the eight contributors who are all teachers of theology.

This creative tension is between theology as an academic discipline and life in the spirit, academic excellence and faith convictions, action (moral theology the practical science) and prayer.

If this tension is not addressed then moral theology, as Johnstone suggests, could be reduced to supplying logical arguments which consist of the abstract linking of propositions with no power.

Or, as Orsuto implies, moral the-

ology could join the ranks of so exercises, Christopher O'Donnell many theories that rarely compel. thaws on the Carmelite tradition While moral theology is about especially Teresa of Avila and what we should do and who we John of the Cross. should be (to use the present Integrating prayer and action is argot of the discipline) it will a community task in the sense become an empty rhetoric if it that it is carried out within a tradoes not possess the power to dition of faith while drawing on change and persuade. common human experience.

In other words, the authority of The bottom line common the discipline and the authority of human experience is O'Neil's the teacher will be more con- longing of the human heart, its vincing if there is an integration fulfilment or failure, its love or its with the life in the spirit. loss.

There is an obvious question The liturgy is the focus for a that has to be asked. common vision, a common forHow can life in the spirit, as it is mation and a common transforexperienced in prayer, liturgical mation within the tradition.

This work is a germinal study celebration conversion and right relationships, a sense of call, be and as Billy's ten theses for furintegrated with moral theology? ther study and direction for future For as Dennis Billy ably illus- research into the relationship trates, morality and spirituality between spirituality and morality have not always willingly indicate, the tension between the embraced. Here we find another disciplines has deep roots yet to common thread. be unearthed.

Donna Orusto advises the readThis reader suspects that the er to look to Christian witnesses nexus for spirituality and moraliwhose very lives embody and ty can best be expressed and communicate a paradigm of the encouraged through some form much sought after integration. of narrative ethics and narrative In fact we can narrow our focus theology. even more and with Johnstone Having argued for an intrinsic venture to suggest that we should connection between an authentic look to change in the lives of peo- life of prayer and growth in the ple to see this integration at work. moral life we should not be surSo in the quest for integrating prised to find a passing reference prayer and action, spirituality and to St Alphonsus de Liguori by one moral theology, Johnstone exam- of the contributors. ines the conversion narratives of Orsuto can take pleasure in the Edith Stein and Bartolome de Las fact that Alphonsus who is known Casas, Herbert Alphonso draws as the Doctor of Prayer is also the on the life of St Ignatius Loyola Patron Saint of Moral Theoloand the dynamic of the Ignatian gians.

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 10

making us more productive". The Eternal House: "Modern life favours career and travel over nurturing our need for home. We need a place which jumped at the chance to read resonates with deep memories this book I had just finished and fulfils deep longings." reading Soul Mates and loved A Garden Paradise Thomas Moore's spirituality.

"A garden is the meeting of raw Whereas Soul Mates looked at nature and the human imaginacaring for the soul on an internal tion, in which both seek the fullevel, this book looks at feeding filment of their beauty. Gardens the soul through our external take us body and soul, out of our environment. business of life and into a place Thomas Moore's premise is that set apart." many of the problems of the "Employers can provide a felt world come from a lack of soul in sense of home, where we make Individuals. our work space our own. EmployHe talks about reclaiming this ers can also nurture our souls lost soul, by living in an enchant- need for family, instead of treated way, thereby living "in a state ing workers as if they didn't have of rapture and ecstasy in which families." the soul come to the foreground Archetypes and the Art and the literal concerns of sur"In glimpsing the Archetype, the vival and daily pre-occupation, at artist does not explain it away least momentarily, fade into the and allow us to control them but background." rather allows us to be guided by Instead of living in a culture that them towards our own instinctive "takes pride in disproving and way of life, to feel the very roots exploding the sources of enchant- of our identity and so be able to ment, ... the culture should recog- live in intimate relation with our nise our need to live in a world soul." of both facts and holy."

Thomas Moore talks about spirMoore describes how re- itual reading, where "information enchantment can be found every- gathering has no place, but where where. Here are some excerpts. you read for the edification of your heart."

On nature he says: This book should not be read "We cannot survive humanely, without surrendering some from cover to cover. authority and Initiative to nature.

It should be tasted in small bits, We could incorporate nature into churned over, putting into action our work and home life.... there- ideas presented in the book, and by enriching our daily life and swallowed to nourish the soul.

Re-enchantment of Everyday Life, by Thomas Moore Reviewer: Stephen Johnson

/

Holiday Movie Reviews

Epic story of life and death of the Big Fella T

he life and death of a controversial Irish patriot is dramatised in the sweeping, emotionally engrossing epic, 'Michael Collins."

The picture is about a man who fought brilliantly for Ireland's independence, got caught in the middle of his splintered party's politics and paid the price for it.

It is also a history of the crowded events that begins with the crushing of the Easter Rising in 1916 and the execution of its Republican leaders, except for US citizen Eamon De Valera, who was imprisoned.

Also sent to prison for his part :n the Rising, Collins was released in 1918 and soon resumed the armed struggle against the British.

He did so by organising the Irish Volunteers, an underground force which struck British targets and murdered informers.

Without financial resources, Collins obtained arms by raiding police barracks, relied on surprise to overcome superior forces and used his imagination in operations such as smuggling De Valera out of prison disguised as a woman.

The British responded to Collins' exploits by sending the Black and Tans, a paramilitary force notorious for its brutality, to stamp out Republican sympathies among the Irish populace.

While they were doing their

tcj

C

Wa-^er

Liam Neeson portrays controversial Irish patriot Michael Collins in a new Warner Brothers release.

worst, De Valera was in the United States raising money for the cause, and, by the time he returned. Collins' hit-and-run tactics had brought the British Empire to the point of seeking a truce.

Despite his reluctance, Collins was sent to London by De Valera

to head the Irish delegation.

When Collins returned with a treaty establishing an Irish Free State. excluding Ulster and requiring allegiance to the British Crown, De Valera repudiated it and the Republican cause was split. Collins argued the Free State was a "stepping stone" on the way

to full independence. but De Valera saw it as "treason" and the result was civil war.

Hoping to stop the fighting between old comrades in the Republican cause. Collins set off for Cork to arrange an armistice and was gunned down on the way.

He died in 1922 at the age of 31

under circumstances which were not clear then and have been debated ever since, though the movie presents a credible enough scenario of what happened.

Collins masterminded the terrorist tactics that negated Britain's military superiority and these tactics have been studied by revolutionary movements ever since.

Though the movie has many scenes of terrorist and counterterrorist violence, they are shown as shocking and repugnant It makes no attempt to glamourise the killings or make them seem heroic and certainly does not feed the myth of today's men of violence in the IRA. In Jordan's account of the time of the troubles. De Valera (Alan Rickman) comes across badly as a political ideologue who envies Collins' charisma.

The casting of Julia Roberts as an Irish colleen who falls in love with Collins was an unfortunate miscalculation because her lack of credibility damages some important scenes.

One doesn't have to know anything about Irish history to get Involved in the human level of events, though those who do will find much to discuss and, perhaps, take issue with.

Because of violence, rough language and occasional profanity, The US Catholic Conference classification is AIII - adults.

Imaginative, ambitious but also flawed Thriller will

By Gerd Pare

S

ubstituting guns for swords, Australian director Baz Luhrmann uses a contemporary urban setting - but the Bard's 400-year-old prose - in "William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet" (20th Century Fox).

Although the mix is initially and intermittently jarring, the centuries-old tale of star-crossed lovers pulsates with fresh cinematic energy. ' Such a non-traditional updating of "Romeo and Juliet" will not be to everyone's taste, but Hollywood's main concern is, will it draw in the youth audience normally shy of the Bard's challenging phrasing?

And so in place of Italy's Verona we have the teeming Latin metropolis, Verona Beach, where a gas station shootout between the pistol-packing Montague and Capulet gangs opens the action.

And action is the operative word: Luhrmann's showy techniques include zooming, diving cameras, operatic slow motion

death scenes, rapid-fire crosscuts and a strident, eclectic soundtrack Between the wild visuals and the modern music, the movie looks like a crossbreed of Fellini and MTV Yet grounding all this ear- and eye-popping assault on the senses are Shakespeare's words, unvarnished by English accents from Romeo's Leonardo Di Caprio and Juliet's Claire Danes.

With their faces each a blend of child and adult, they do their best to convey that first love is so overpowering ills worth dying for.

As Juliet's nursemaid, Miriam Margolyes provides the comic banter - but stealing the show is Pete Postlethwaite's Father Laurence, whose failure to reach Claire Danes and Leonardo Di Capri° have the title roles in -William ShakeRomeo about his plan to rescue speare's Romeo and Juliet" Juliet from unwanted marriage to Paris (Paul Rudd) seals the cou- broad a gap to be crossed. Paul uncertain what they have said.

Sorvino turns in a scenery-chewLuhrmann must be credited ple's tragic fate.

As well as a tale of warring fam- ing performance as Juliet's tyran- with an ambitious, imaginative ilies whose hatreds consume nical father, who browbeats every but flawed conversion.

Due to several violent deaths those they most wish to protect, woman in sight. Similarly, the many will find the clash of 16th opposing young bucks in the two and the romanticising of suicide. century Elizabethan poetry with clans shout their tongue- twisting the US Catholic Conference clasjazzed-up urban violence too insults at each other but seem sification is AIII - adults.

Horseman film is a visual feast of love and gallantry

G

alloping into cinema art (Olivier Martinez). The chase is demic. But Pauline and Angelo houses around the coun- on, but there is even greater dan- soon meet again on the road, and try is the breathless ger in the countryside. being a chivalrous gentleman, he romantic adventure, "The HorseAngelo flees but a cholera epi- insists on escorting her to a safe man on the Roof' (Miramax Zoe). demic is decimating the popula- if distant destination, despite This visually lush French filin is tion and strangers are seen as needing to get to Italy with his based on the same-titled 1951 deadly contaminators. hidden gold. novel from author Jean Giono's As they confront pursuers, solA dying roadside doctor (Franclassic set of four called "The cois Cluzet) hands Angelo some diers, an angry mob and the deadHorseman Cycle" and is briskly medicine and onward he rushes ly disease, Angelo resists taking directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, to a town where he hopes to find advantage of their growing closewhose previous films include Italian compatriots. ness - especially after learning 1990's glorious "Cyrano de Berm Instead, what he finds in an the devastating news that she is erac." abandoned house, while hiding returning to her elderly husband.

From frame one, viewers are from a mob out for his hide, is a Adventure, romance, mystery immersed in action as four furtive vision in white. and humour all have a part in this figures burst in on a French home She is the fearless, beautiful and grandly old-fashioned tale. in 1832 Provence during Bastille mysterious Pauline de Theus In fact, so pure of heart is our celebrations.

(Juliette Binoche), who feeds him dauntless romantic hero in fact They are Austrian bounty - and captures his heart - before that audiences may be sceptical hunters seeking the fugitive Ital- he goes on his way, blending into that he can remain true to his ian revolutionary Angelo Pardi the crowd trying to escape the epi- code of honour.

Surprisingly, an unexpected player surfaces to suggest another ending to the young platonic couple's dilemma.

The cholera-ridden French settings offer many gripping visual opportunities and Rappeneau does not squander them.

The costumes and cinematography are also exceptional and contribute greatly to this lavish period piece.

Although this cinematic "Horseman" doesn't quite achieve a lovestory-for-the-ages status, its superior quality makes it splendid viewing and a far cry from Hollywood's formula films.

Because of sporadic brief violence and fleeting full nudity, the US Catholic Conference classification is All - adults.

keep fans seated

T

he one thing the few survivors trapped in a collapsed tunnel between Manhattan and New jersey may never see again is "Daylight" (Universal).

This formula disaster flick from director Rob Cohen must be credited with its share of escapist thrills.

Fire, water, noxious fumes and falling concrete all threaten to turn the tunnel collapse into a no-survivors scenario until Sylvester Stallone shows up. singlehandedly determined to save the day.

Catastrophe occurs when three thieves escaping the city in a stolen car careen through the tunnel, slamming into vehicles including chemicalladen trucks.

Horrific explosions result and a fireball sweeps through the structure, killing most inside before collapsing concrete seals both ends of the tunnel.

Just outside the tunnel, cab driver and former Emergency Medical Services chief Kit Latura (Stallone) realises he knows the tunnel's nooks and crannies best.

While not an outstanding movie, as a disaster film it does succeed in two important areas: a constant succession of perils to be faced and characters the audience can come to care about.

Action fans should enjoy this; the absence of foul-mouthed, villains is actually welcome and the movie certainly does point to the will to survive.

Because of some charred corpses, accident-related fatalities and occasional profanity, the US Catholic Conference classification is AIII - adults.

The Record, January 2. 1B97 Page 1 ,

International News

In Brief AIDS boy dies in US ANN ARBOR, Michigan.

(CNS) - A funeral Mass was celebrated on December 18 for a 9-year-old boy suffering from AIDS who was featured in a December 10 CNS story.

Donald "Donny" Harris, who was born HIV-positive and survived eight years longer than doctors expected, died on December 15 of complications from AIDS.

Poverty problem VATICAN my (CNS) - In a pre-Christmas address to Vatican officials, Pope John Paul II denounced widespread poverty around the world.

"Unfortunately, while the International community reflects on the problems of humanity, often taking a long time to deal with them, men, women and children are experiencing unspeakable suffering." the Pope said on Decernbrr 21.

Masonic snub VATICAN CITY (CNS) Italy's largest Masonic lodge. whose members are considered by the Vatican to be "involved in serious sin," wanted to honour Pope John Paul II with the Order of Galileo Galilei from the Grande Oriente d'Italia lodge for promoting tolerance.

While not specifically confirming that the Pope refused the Masonic honour, Passion1st Father Ciro Benedettini, of the Vatican press office, said on December 21, "The Pope is not in the habit of accepting honours and prizes."

Bishop cancer MILWAUKEE (CNS) - Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland, 69, is recovering from recent prostate surgery but faced treatment for cancer after the disease was found in prostate tissue which doctors removed.

But there is no evidence that the cancer has spread, according to an announcement from the archdiocese.

Bethlehem visit VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul has said he hopes to be able to visit Bethlehem for the start of celebrations for the year 2000 following an invitation from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, extended during a private meeting at the Vatican on December 19. The two also discussed new tensions in the Middle East.

"The Pope said he wanted to come and said, 'I will pray for this,- a PLO spokesman said.

Death of Cardinal VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II praised the dynamism and generosity of retired Cardinal Narciso Jubany Arnau of Barcelona, Spain, who died on December 26 at the age of 83.

In a telegram of condolence, the Pope described the cardinal as well-loved and said he had dedicated himself to implementing the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Papal prayer of peace for Rome and world

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II prayed that the peace and joy invoked in Christmas carols of every language would inspire true harmony in Africa, the Middle East and other places of strife.

"To resign ourselves to such violence and injustice would be too grave a rejection of the joy and hope which Christmas brings," the Pope said on December 25 in his annual message "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world).

Lines of Christmas carols, especially Polish Christmas songs, punctuated both the Pope's midday Christmas message and the midnight Mass he celebrated in St Peter's Basilica.

With a reduced Christmas schedule, which for the first time did not include a public Mass on Christmas morning, the 76-yearold Pope John Paul appeared well-rested.

His voice boomed out "Gloria in excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in

the highest"), proclaiming the birth of Christ during the twohour midnight Mass.

In his homily, the Pope prayed for everyone, "Christians and nonChristians, believers and nonbelievers alike."

His prayer, he said, reflected the true gift celebrated at Christmas, which is the salvation God offers all humanity in Christ.

"I pray that this source of joy issuing forth in human history with the birth of the Son of God will be plentiful for all, so that each person may draw from it and quench his thirst," the Pope said.

With thousands of people Including a regiment of the Swiss Guards, Italian soldiers and the Italian pare-military police band - gathered around a life-size nativity scene in St Peter's Square on Christmas Day, the Pope wished peace and joy to the city of Rome and to the world.

In a message broadcast by television stations in about 70 countries, the Pope wished the world a Merry Christmas in 55 Ian-

Pope John Paul II blesses pilgrims during his -urbi et orbi" message on December 25 at the Vatican.

guages. Speaking in English. the Pope said: "May the joy of Christmas and the peace which the birth of the saviour brings into the

Submissions pour in to Vatican on how all Christians can agree to papal primacy

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A Vatican file is filling up with Anglican, Protestant and Orthodox reflections on the role of the Roman Catholic bishop of Rome.

Most of the papers at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity say Christians would benefit from being able to point to one person as the sign and servant of their unity.

A few, however, say the actions of various popes and the historical development of the papacy make the office something they have no interest in sharing.

The comments were solicited by Pope John Paul II in his 1995 encyclical on ecumenism, "Ut Unum Sint," ("That They May Be One.") Non-Catholics are not the only ones making formal replies to the Pope's request for a dialogue on the papal office either.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith gathered Catholic scholars together in

early December to begin outlining the elements of papal primacy that Catholic faith and tradition would dictate as essential and unchangeable.

During a December 5 prayer service with the head of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, Pope John Paul renewed the invitation for ecumenical input on his job description.

In addition to the material received throughout 1996 formal Roman Catholic dialogues with Lutherans, Anglicans and Methodists already have touched on the issue.

In addition, several Christian communities have conducted their own studies.

Msgr. John Radano, an official at the council for Christian unity, said the "harshest" initial reaction to the Pope's invitation came from the general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Milan Opocensky, who wrote in 1995, "For some of us it is =thinkable to accept the papacy as a

symbol of unity among Christians. ... We need a new kind of ecumenism which is not linked to this ambiguous institution.

The very fact that Catholic and other Christian theologians are taking a serious look at the potential for a universal recognition of the bishop of Rome marks a huge leap forward since the Second Vatican Council.

Only 10 years ago that the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, a member of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, declared it no longer affirms sections of the Westminster Confession dealing with the papacy.

The statement, drafted in 1647 said: "He (the pope of Rome) is the anti-Christ, the man of sin and son of perdition who exalted himself in the church against Christ and all that is called God." An ecumenical agreement on the bishop of Rome's job and responsibilities still may be far off, but the discussion is now examining concrete possibilities, not simply serious obstacles.

Driver rams barriers to St Peter's

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A driver A white Ford Fiesta heading up police said, the driver hied to flee with an apparent grudge against Via della Conciliazione, the mon- on foot, but was arrested.

Pope John Paul II came close to umental avenue leading to St. "An act like this cannot be destroying the nativity scene in St. Peter's Square, suddenly revved explained," said a top official at Peter's Square three days before its engine and made for the mid- the police precinct, who asked not Christmas. dle of the square. to be identified.

Instead, the car rammed into a It smashed through the row of "We are not sure of the driver's nearby stone barrier, and no one interlocking wooden barriers sep- mental state, and it could be that was seriously hurt. arating the square from the street. he will be examined by other docPolice charged Pierre Olivi, 26, Police with arms extended stood tors. with aggravated property dam- in its path, but had to hurl themOlivi, an electrical engineer age, assaulting an officer and selves out of the way as the car working in the satellite industry, advanced. resisting arrest. lived in the Castelli Romani, an The driver swerved and contin- area just outside of Rome.

The French-born Italian citizen allegedly said to one arresting ued toward the giant creche that His family, when contacted by officer that the Pope should retire, traditionally remains hidden the press, said they knew nothing and the Italian newspaper Cor- behind a high canvas wall until of his possible motives and would riere della Sera quoted him as Christmas Eve. have nothing to say. telling another, "I did it because He then appeared to lose conthat reported Journalists the Pope has too much power. trol, and the car rammed into one acquaintances said Olivi is norhate the Pope." of the waist-high stone pillars that mally quiet.

The incident took place at 7:30 are a permanent fixture to reguHowever, as one Italian newsam on December 22, as daylight late normal vehicle passage paper pointed out, "he really started to spread over the city on across the square. made a lot of noise yesterday in a quiet Sunday.

With his car out of commission, St Peter's Square."

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 12

world be in your hearts forever."

The Pope also gave greetings in languages spoken in Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire.

The ongoing tensions among the central African nations' ethnic groups and the precarious situation of refugees and displaced people in the region were a key concern in the Pope's message.

"At its very heart, in the region of the Great Lakes, this young continent is experiencing, amid the general indifference of the international community, one of the cruellest human tragedies of its history," the Pope said.

Pope John Paul also prayed that the Christmas melodies would bring serenity to nations recovering from war. including BosniaHerzegovina and Guatemala and prayed for peace in the Middle East.

After his celebration of Christmas, Pope John Paul went to his summer residence outside of Rome for several days of rest.

He was scheduled to return to Rome on December 31.

Sainthood causes for a gypsy and a Queen

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican has recognised the martyrdom of a Spanish Gypsy, preparing the way for him to be the first Gypsy beatified in the Roman Catholic Church.

Ceferino Jimenez Malla was an illiterate horse trader famed for his honesty, religiosity and charity.

He was shot by a Spanish firing squad in 1936 after being arrested for coming to the defence of a young priest who was stopped and arrested by the militia.

His death "in hatred for the faith" was recognised officially on December 17 in a decree published by the Congregation for Sainthood Causes.

The recognition of his martyrdom clears the way for his beatification, without the normal requirement of a miracle attributed to his intercession.

Also being considered for canonisation is Queen Hedwig of Poland, who died in 1399 at the age of 25, considered a saint and political protagonist by Poles for BOO years.

On December 17 she was declared by the Pope to have lived a life of "heroic virtues."

Among her strongest modern-day admirers is the Pope, who as archbishop of Krakow cited her role in many talks and sermons.

Queen Hungarian-born Hedwig was a major figure for the Polish nation. Her arranged marriage when she was only 12 years old marked the birth of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth, which became one of the greatest powers in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Her marriage also marked the conversion of Lithuania to Catholicism.

International News

Doctrines 'will not change' under future Popes

By John Thavis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - In a warning against church dissent, a top doctrinal official said recent Vatican statements on such controversial issues as women's ordination are not open to change under future Popes.

Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, made the comments in a lengthy article published on December 19 on the front page of the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano.

Archbishop Bertone underlined a point made increasingly at the Vatican: that fundamental Church teachings, even when not proclaimed as infallible dogma, must still be definitively accepted.

His article referred to documents that have restated Church

teaching on a wide variety of issues in recent years, including abortion, birth control, euthanasia, the all-male priesthood and the ban on reception of Communion for divorced Catholics in invalid second marriages.

"There is a widespread idea that such teachings could be revised or reformed in a subsequent era or perhaps under another Pope.

Such an idea is completely without foundation and shows a mistaken understanding of Catholic doctrine on the magisterium (the Church's teaching authority)," he said.

Archbishop Bertone said part of the confusion among Catholics stems from widespread misunderstanding of the concept of infallibility.

A declaration of infallibility refers to the level of certainty with

which the Church proclaims a teaching, but is not a prerequisite to the truth of a given doctrine, he said.

Moreover, he noted, infallibility is not always proclaimed in a solemn act by a Pope, but can also be present in the ordinary, universal teaching of the Pope and bishops. New documents that confirm these teachings share in this infallibility, he said.

In 1995 the doctrinal congregation made the same point in reference to the Pope's 1994 document against ordination of women.

Some theologians have objected, however, that some of the recent papal positions are not shared by all the bishops, and that therefore a claim of infallibility based on universal teaching is questionable. In response, Arch-

Pope creates second diocese for East Timor VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II has accepted the request of the Nobel Prize-winning bishop of East Timor to split his diocese into two.

Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, apostolic administrator of Dili and a co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize, told reporters in December that he had told the Pope his diocese was too big for one bishop to give it the attention it needed.

The new Diocese of Baucau, East Timor, covers just under half of the territory of East Timor and includes almost one-third of the territory's 732,000 Catholics, according to the Vatican's 28 December announcement.

Father Basilio do Nascimento, a close collaborator of Bishop Belo's and episcopal vicar for pastoral programs in the Diocese of Dili, was named apostolic administrator of the new diocese.

The 46-year-old bishop-designate was born in Suai, East Timor, and studied at the Dili minor seminary before being sent to Portugal for philosophy and theology studies.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1977, but because of the guerrilla warfare in his homeland following Indonesia's 1976 annexation of the territory, his bishop decided he should not come home, according to the Vatican statement. He returned to East Timor in 1994.

According to the Vatican statement, the Pope decided to erect the new diocese because of "the vastness of the Diocese of Dili and communications difficulties which are an obstacle to frequent contact between the pastor and the faithful."

The new diocese is also part of an effort to facilitate evangelization, it said, and to make it easier for the church to educate local Catholics about their rights and responsibilities given "the new social-political situation of the country."

Bishop Belo met with Pope John Paul on December 20, 10 days

bishop Bertone said the Church's universal teaching is expressed in unanimous" "morally the announcement given not only by today's Pope and today's bishops, but by past Popes and bishops. In this sense, he said, the consensus of the universal magisterium must go back to the apostles.

He added that a truth firmly taught by Popes and bishops through the ages "is not annulled or revised by some dissent that may arise in a later epoch."

In the case of women's ordination, the archbishop said the Church has always held that only men can be priests.

He said the stability and unanimity of that teaching throughout the centuries makes it clear that the all-male priesthood is a definitive norm that is unconditionally binding on the Church.

In the same way, he said, some universal moral norms have been taught consistently and infallibly proposed by the ordinary magisterium.

They include, for example, the immorality of the taking of an innocent life, abortion, adultery and slander, he said.

Archbishop Bertone said the main remedy for doctrinal confusion and dissent is better education in the faith for all Catholics.

He also said theology needs to be taught in a way that is more "organic and systematic."

He encouraged bishops to use their disciplinary authority when matters of Church teaching are involved.

He said a bishops' use of canonical norms can help protect the faithful from falsifications of revealed doctrine.

Archbishop only witness to Peru hostage talks

A Peruvian woman holds a cross while she prays for the release of hostages inside the Japanese ambassador's residence on December 20.

Bishop Belo (centre) is escorted by a security team of Catholic youths after his arrival at the Dili airport in East Timor on December 24.

Bishop Belo meets Pope John Paul.

after he formally accepted the Nobel Prize for his efforts to bring peace to East Timor.

He said the Pope wished him well and told him to continue to work for peace in Timor.

The bishop told reporters he requested the audience "only to thank His Holiness for his support, solidarity and prayers."

"I told him what I was doing in Timor, especially trying to put into practice the social doctrine of the Church ... on peace, justice and reconciliation." Asked if the Pope urged him to be prudent in what

LIMA. Peru (CNS) - Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne of Ayacucho was the only witness at the first face-to-face meeting between Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement leader Nestor Cerpa Cartolini and the government's representative.

Minister of Education Domingo Palermo, on December 28.

The meeting inside the Japanese Embassy in Lima ended with the reading of a new rebel statement and the release of 20 hostages, leaving 83 captive.

It was the only time in 16 years of conflict that a Peruvian government official has met with rebels, with the exception of President Alberto Fujimori's meetings in 1993 with the imprisoned leader of the Shining Path guerrillas.

The archbishop visited the embassy again on 30 December.

He has been making daily visits to the embassy since Christmas when he said Mass inside the residence and heard hostages'

he says and does in light of the higher profile he will have as a Nobel laureate, the bishop responded: "The Pope never recommended prudence for me. I must always work for the people with the same enthusiasm, the same faith and the same fidelity."

Marring Bishop Belo's return to his country, however, was the murder of a soldier by some of the crowd welcoming him home.

Corporal Alfredo Siga was beaten to death by youths outside the Dili cathedral on December 24 as tens of thousands of people cheered the arrival of Bishop Belo.

Bishop Belo apologised for the soldier's death at a public funcVATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vattion on December 2Z newspaper warned that a ican Residents said Siga was found carrying a pistol and was dressed public campaign for greater acceptance of homosexual in civilian clothes. to an "idoll He was targeted, they said, ifestyles was leading homosexuality." of atry because of rumours that an "The leaders of homosexuality attempt would be made on the to win at any cost," said an want bishop's life. published by L'Osservaeditorial On 23 December, Pope John Paul greeted the new Indonesian tore Romano on December 18. ambassador to the Vatican, It was written by Father Gino Irawan Abidin, by compliment- Concetti, a moral theologian on ing his country on its progress, the newspaper's staff.

The editorial said that wellbut reminding him of the need for a speedy and peaceful solution to known homosexuals had adoptEast Timor. ed a "strategy of attack" in order

confessions. Archbishop Cipriani still insists that he is not an official mediator, but both sides agree he is playing a key role in the negotiations to end the hostage situation.

The crisis began the night of 17 December when 20 heavily armed Tupac Amaru members stormed the embassy during a reception and took nearly 500 high-ranking guests and residents hostage.

The 28 December statement marked the first time since the hostage crisis began that the rebels had not requested the freeing of their imprisoned comrades as a condition to achieving a final agreement.

According to government sources, Archbishop Cipriani played a key role in the 28 December meeting, helping draft a less aggressive version of the rebels' communique and also helping raise the number of freed hostages to 20, up from the three originally proposed.

Warning on 'gay agenda' to push their agenda in the wider society.

In recent months, "the siege has become more oppressive and bold," it said.

The article referred obliquely to a well-known Italian homosexual writer, who on a nationally televised talk show bragged about his sexual conquests and said children sometimes seduced adults.

His remarks were widely criticised in Italy.

Recent test cases of same-sex marriage have also drawn critical comments from Church leaders.

The Record, January 2 1997 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Rival churches 'cooperating'

By Carrie McClish SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) - After years of bitter conflict, some Chinese Catholics who favour the state-approved or "patriotic" Church have been taking steps toward reconciliation with those who remain aligned with the Church in Rome, according to an expert on the Chinese church.

The two Church factions have unofficially begun to talk to one another and in several cases are sharing buildings and other resources, said Father Jeroom Heyndricloc at a special conference on China sponsored by the US bishops.

Even this level of cooperation is "a courageous act" in the Chinese Church, said the priest, founder of the Ferdinand Verbiest Foundation at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, an institute that focuses on research, human development and pastoral cooperation with China.

The Church in China, Father Heyndricloc said, appears to be ready for cooperation after centuries when the opposite was true.

The conference, held from December 2-4 in San Francisco, drew more than 65 people, including 20 bishops.

The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association was created in 1957 in an attempt to remove papal control over the Chinese Church and replace it with Communist Party control.

Catholics who refused to sever their ties to Rome were harassed and jailed for practicing a faith

Air hostess fights on abortion BOMBAY, India (CNS) - A Catholic flight attendant dismissed by Air India for not aborting her third pregnancy was recalled by the airline while a court appeal she filed was pending before the Supreme Court.

Air India gave Audrey Coutinho, 36, a ground job in the flight dispatch section in the Bombay airport with her earlier salary scale, reported UCA News.

India's international air carrier fired Coutinho in 1994 after 10 years of service when she gave birth to her third child against departmental advice to undergo an abortion, which she said was "against her Catholic faith and morals."

Company regulations say an air hostess should retire if two children from previous pregnancies are alive and she does not abort a further pregnancy.

Coutinho said she challenged the dismissal in court as a "denial of her fundamental right to have children," and a case was pending in the Supreme Court when Air India agreed to an out- of-court settlement.

"I'm happy because I could not get a job despite trying at different places during the past two years," said Coutinho. . She said her present job is 'more difficult than the previous one, but I'm learning it, and ills a big help on the home front."

Non-legal Christians a 'prime target of Chinese persecutions WASHINGTON (CNS) - Christians who refuse to participate in government-approved religious associations have been "among the prime targets of military mobilisation and violence" in China, a human rights activist told a US Congressional hearing on December 18.

"Both Catholics and Protestants are saying that religious freedom has steadily eroded since 1989 and that 1996 was the harshest year of persecution since the Mao (Tse-tung) era." said Nina Shea, director of the Puebla Program on Religious Freedom at Freedom House, a New York-based human

rights monitoring organisation.

Shea said in her testimony that "little has been written about the military's role in the suppression of Christians inside China."

She outlined a pattern of repression that included the mobilisation of 5,000 troops to prevent Catholics from joining an annual pilgrimage to Mary this May in China's Hebei province.

Currently, "between 60 (million) and 100 million Christians refuse to register with the governmentcontrolled religious associations and risk their lives and liberty to worship freely in underground 'house churches,- Shea said.

not recognised by the government.

As a result of divisions in the Catholic community, Bishop Tong said, three categories of bishops have developed over the last few decades in China.

There are those appointed by Rome prior to the 1966 "cultural revolution," those consecrated openly afterward with government approval, and those who operate in the underground Church.

In the party-approved Church the first ordination occurred in 1958; by 1966, 45 bishops had been ordained in valid but illicit consecrations.

Since 1979, 70 new bishops have been chosen by the Chinese gov-

ernment none were approved by Rome. Both Bishop Tong and Father Heyndrickx cited reports claiming that many of the "patriotic" bishops have had their status legitimised by Rome, at their request Meanwhile, the official impasse between Church and state in China continues and increased reports of religious persecution remain a major concern of the Church.

In his presentation on "Intervention on Behalf of Prisoners in China," Kamm said China is the only country in the world where bishops, priests and nuns are put in prison simply for doing their work in promoting the Christian faith.

A Chinese altar server yawns during midnight Mass in St Joseph's Catholic Church in Beijing on December 25. Beijing has an estimated 70,000 Catholics out of about 4 million nationwide. Meanwhile, Christmas Eve Mass at the Wuhu diocesan cathedral could not begin until 1:45 a.m., when enough of the thousands of curious non-Christians who had crowded into the Church starting in the afternoon had left. Many of the thousands of youth and families who visited the cathedral that day told UCA News that it was the first time they had visited a church. Some said they were attracted by the -holy atmosphere."

Vatican queries Philippines' catechism MANILA (UCAN) - A new Philippine catechism could win final Vatican approval next year after being in preparation for 12 years,

according to the chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE).

The ECCCE board is set to go to Rome in mid-January to follow up the process with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, according to Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi of Nueva Caceres, who chairs the commission.

The congregation has objected to the "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," (CFC) calling its approach "too socially active," said Archbishop Legaspi, adding that the ECCCE is awaiting the Vatican body's formal observations.

Copyrighted by the ECCCE in 1994, the CFC

has been approved locally by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) "for private use of priests, catechists and teachers for consultation purposes."

Archbishop Legaspi said the commission is working toward final Vatican approval for the catechism's general use, noting that clearance from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is the last required.

"The ECCCE hoped to discuss the congregation's list of their observations for our review during our December meeting, but the list did not arrive," the archbishop said.

According to Archbishop Legaspi, past observations of the congregation concerned the treatment of original sin and the nature of grace, specifically sacramental grace.

AS far as the CBCP is concerned, the question about the document's tendency towards liberation theology is a small matter easily handled," he said.

"We can show (the congregation) that all of our teachings that they mentioned are from CBCP statements or from the (Second Plenary Council of the Philippines) already approved

by Rome," the archbishop continued.

Each chapter of the CFC follows the same format: opening, context, exposition, integration, and questions and answers.

Chapter 14, which discusses the "Challenge of Following Christ," cites Philippine realities including class struggle, political graft and corruption, and exploitation of natural resources.

Korean clergy attack new labour legislation Muslims,

SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) - A priests' group issued a statement strongly criticising amendments to South Korea's labour law passed by the National Assembly In a dawn session.

The Catholic Priests' Association for Justice criticised the government's first effort to revise national labour laws in 43 years, reported UCA News.

The priests said the changes favour economic growth at the

expense of workers' rights. Only members of the government's niling New Korea Party attended the early morning session on December 26, held while opposition party members were sleeping.

The opposition had physically blocked the assembly from convening in earlier attempts to vote.

Asserting that flexible labour practices are needed to keep South Korea's economy competitive, ruling party members passed

the new law which, among other changes, will allow employers to replace striking workers and layoff surplus workers.

In protest, workers went on strike in automobile factories and shipyards on December 26.

Two nationwide workers' organisations, the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the outlawed Korean Council of Trade Unions, also called on their combined 1.7 million members to strike.

End Asian child sex exploitation: director TOKYO (UCAN) - The director of a Catholic fied, especially the distorted thinking that child virbureau for children, addressing an international gins make better sex partners or that women are forum in Tokyo, called for an end to the sexual and second-class citizens with no rights as compared to commercial exploitation of children in Asia. men," she insisted.

Lea Robidillo, director of the International Catholic Robidillo highlighted the problem of pornography Child Bureau-Asia, spoke at the United Nations Uni- and prostitution in Japan, especially among high versity on November 26 at a forum commemorating school girls. the 10th amilversary of Save the Children japan, a She alleged that criminal elements in Japan supnon-government organisation (NGO) promoting port "telephone clubs" that lure minors into conchildren's development. versations with men who often use promises of "Society as a whole must stop viewing children as dinner at fancy restaurants or money to entice the property or as a commodity to be sold," Robidillo girls to meet them. said.

Such meetings often result in sexual relations.

"Many Asian values need to be changed or modi- Including rape and exposure to AIDS, she said.

The Record. January 2 1997 Page 14

Christians meet RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (UCAN) - Muslims and Christians meeting here have resolved to work toward greater religious tolerance.

Labelling South Asia "a cradle of religious conflict," the seminar's 35 participants acknowledged that religion can be a force either to divide or unite people.

The November 25-26 seminar on "The Role of Religion

in the Present Context of Pakistan" was hosted by the Chrisof tian Study Centre Rawalpindi.

Participants included bishops, Muslim and Christian publishers, educators, and workers from non-governmental organisations.

S

firchttiocesan Panorama

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Please send to: The Record, PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902 The Record, January 2 1997 Page 15

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Neighbourhood church nestles in Attadale backstreet

By Peter Rosengren

A

lthough it was never planned as the final Church of the parish Saint Joseph Pignatelli in Attadale, built in 1955 as a temporary structure, has become today's parish Church.

Its permanence was underlined two weeks ago when Archbishop Barry Hickey blessed the atrium newly built at the front of the church.

For what was planned as a temporary structure to fill a gap between the founding of the parish and the establishment of a Jesuit-run college for boys instead became the parish Church when the Jesuit project did not go ahead.

Today, the "temporary Church" has achieved 43 years of service to its busy little faith community in this sleepy Perth southern suburb alongside the Swan River.

A range of parish activities and spiritual endeavours offer witness to the more than four decades of solid work from priests, religious and laity that have created a home for worship and a place for prayer.

Signs and symbols of the original Jesuit plans for the site are everywhere.

For a start there is, naturally enough, the patron saint of the church.

Joseph Pignatelli, declared a Saint in 1933 by Pope Pius XI, is revered as a second founder and saviour of the Jesuits after the suppression, under severe political pressure, of the 23,000-strong order in 1773 by Pope Clement XIV. The stained glass window in the Attadale Church's Lady Chapel, represents the intrepid saint's journeys and sufferings with his exiled brethren.

Outside the Church entrance, in the just-built atrium, there is the Mercy-Jesuit stained glass window, created by Ken Wilde, above

the entrance bearing the Mercy order cross and the initials of the Jesuit motto - AMDG for 'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam' or, in a post-Latin world, 'To the Greater Glory of God.' The Jesuits were asked to form the parish in Attadale in 1954.

Each Sunday a priest was picked up from St Louis' College in Claremont or St Thomas More residential college at the University of Western Australia by a roster of men from the parish so that Mass could be offered at Attadale state school.

The parish also bears the distinction of being the very first parish church anywhere in the world to be named after this remarkable Jesuit saint.

A relative of the Spanish Jesuit, Prince Mario Pignatelli, even visited the parish during a business trip to Perth in the 1970s.

The parish's first presbytery, built in the 1960s by Fr Patrick Tracey SJ, was called Manresa after the site in Spain associated with the founder of the Jesuits, St Ignatius Loyola.

Father Leo Flynn SJ was appointed the first permanent parish priest in 1955 following the temporary placement of Fr Cornelius Finn SJ, and it was during his ten year posting at Attadale that today's church was built.

Jesuits continued living and working in the parish until the appointment of the first secular parish priest, Fr Harry Brennan, in 1972.

Later priests included Fathers Dan Foley and Tim Foster, who built the Lady Chapel beside the sanctuary in the Church and installed the bell tower outside at the front - a sight sadly increasingly rare in contemporary churches.

To see it warms the heart and reinforces the sense of entering holy ground and a place of community worship.

And it is this tower, together with

the more recently built extensions holding the stained glass, that are the first sights that greet parishioners as they attend daily and Sunday Mass; they provide the symbolic welcome to the sacramental reality within.

Fr Geoff Beyer, a convert from Anglicanism, arrived with his wife Dorothy in 1995; they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Within the parish, the Mel Maria Catholic Primary School has two campuses with a third at the nearby Corpus Christi parish at Myaree.

There is also Santa Maria College for girls, one of Perth's major girls' schools, founded by the pioneering Mercy Sisters in 1938.

But among the parish groups can perhaps best be found all the signs of vibrancy.

Centring around the Church are an active pastoral council, acolyte and eucharistic ministry as well as altar servers and volunteers who look after the flower arrangements each weekend.

The new atrium of St Joseph Pignatelli Church, Attadale Also active, just to name a few of the groups, are the Catholic Womens' League, two liturgy groups - one for children and the other for special liturgical feast days - and a fellowship and hospitality group welcoming new parishioners.

The parish can also boast a Marian Movement cenacle and another Marian prayer group - Mary, Mother of Sorrows - as well as a music ministry providing organ music for weekend Masses and feast days.

Pregnancycare Outreach affirms and promotes respect for life by supporting pregnant women and young mothers with friendly, practical help.

The parish religious education program provides catechesis for children in non-Catholic schools while Pignatellicare provides emergency care and assistance not only to Catholic but all residents of the parish in need.

St Joseph Pignatelli would be pleased; his beloved Jesuits laid their foundations well.

The sanctuary, showing the great care taken with decoration of the church.

At a Glance Parish Priest: Fr Geoff Beyer. Ph: 330 3727 Address: 35 Davidson Road, Attadale WA 6156 Mass times: Saturday evening vigil: 6.30pm: Sunday: 730am, 9.30am. Weekdays: The, Thur, Fri - 8.30am; Wed & Sat 9.00am.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 11-12 noon Rosary: Weekdays before Masses Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament: First Friday of each month 3-8pm & every Sunday 8.30am-9.15am

LIFT HIGH THE BANNER Flame Ministries International 7th Annual Congress will be held at John XXIII College Lecture Theatre, John 23rd Avenue, Claremont. Thursday 23 January to Sunday 26 January 1997. Four evening rallies: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Daytime sessions: Saturday and Sunday. Let the world know that Jesus is Lord of all to the Glory of God the Father. Ph: (09) 382 3668 (after 1pm) to Register.

DIVINE MERCY St Mary's CathedralNictoria Square on Sunday 5 January, 1.30pm. Rosary, The Record, January 2 1997 Page 16

Parish priest Fr Geoff Beyer with the retiring principal of Mel Maria Primary School, Mrs Janet Purcell, at a farewell function earlier last month.

Archdiocesan Panorama Divine Mercy prayers, Benediction. Sermon: "Holy Matrimony". Information: Adam 448 0002 or John 457 7771.

ALAN AT MIDLAND PARISH Healing of the Sick will follow a talk to be given by Alan Ames at St Brigid's Church, Cnr Morrison Rd & Gt Northern Hwy on Fri 17th Jan '97.

Alan will speak about his conversion experiences that brought him back to

the Church. The evening commences with Benediction at 7.30pm and concludes with the Healing. Refreshments available in the hall afterwards. Please bring a plate to share. Enq: Russel 274 6018 or Richard 450 2749.

PASTORAL TRAINING SCHOOL '97 The Disciples of Jesus Community invites young Catholics (17-35 years) to its Pastoral Training School, 19 - 26 Jan-

The designer of the new atrium, Dr Alex Willis, left, presents a copy of the plans for the atrium to Archbishop Hickey as the Archbishop entered the atrium for the blessing ceremony on 22 December.

uary 1997 at Catholic Agricultural College, Bindoon. Cost $210 or $195 (conc/students). To register, ph: (09) 341 6171 or (09) 446 1686.

NOVENA OF DAYS FOR PRIESTS The Church celebrates the Annunciation this year on 7 April due to Holy Week and Easter. That day a Novena of Days for Priests will begin at Holy Spirit Church, City Beach. The idea being one day a month for 9 months a day of prayer for priests will be held at different parishes commencing at Holy Spirit Church, and concluding December 1997. Ph: Margaret Bowen 446 1935 or Holy Spirit Church, City Beach.