The Record Newspaper 02 August 2007

Year of thewhirlwind

Pope Benedict has declared a special year focusing on the greatest

http://thecatholicrecord.org

CATHEDRAL NEWS: Renovation of Church offices to

Hospital rejects abortion talk flyer

SJOG Subiaco has refused organisers of a seminar for medical professionals on post-abortion trauma permission to distribute fliers promoting the talk.

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Father Page 5

At last

Who dares interrupt the Monsignor?

By Anthony Barich

St John of God Hospital in Subiaco has been criticised by the Abortion Grief Counseling Association for being the only meteropolitan hospital to refuse the promotion of forums for staff dealing with abortion grief. Two forums were offered by AGCA as professional development for staff who may encounter women experiencing unresolved grief or trauma following the experience of abortion.

Over 12 public and private hospitals and numerous other welfare providers across the metropolitan area accepted the forums when approached by AGCA, including St John of God Hospital in Murdoch, who have provided the venue for one of the two forums being presented on August 6.

But after requesting in mid-July that SJOG Subiaco display fliers promoting Continued - Page 2

A dream is realised, and St Anne smiles on her children in Perth Croatian Catholic Church

Before Mgr Peter McCrann was ordained 50 years ago, Archbishop Barry Hickey knew him as a man of action who carried himself with dignity as the Head Prefect of St Charles Seminary in Guildford. As a seminarian, the Archbishop was two years behind the Monsignor, and as he spoke last week at the priest’s 50th anniversary Mass at Holy Trinity parish, Embleton, clearly nothing has changed.

The Archbishop had to interContinued - Page 14

It’s Irish, for sure

Last week’s edition of The Record carried a report from CNS that the date for St Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2008 would change from March 17 to March 15.

However after The Record went to press CNS issued a correction, which is that the change will only apply in Ireland.

In Perth, Archbishop Hickey told The Record the saint’s feast will still be celebrated here on March 17.

The change for Ireland’s patron saint was made in Ireland because March 17 next year is also the Monday commencing Holy week Easter celebrations.

It will be the first time in nearly 100 years that St Patrick’s day in Ireland will not be celebrated on March 17, traditionally the date Continued - Page 4

Julie Cook

STORY - Page 4

Photo: Michael Wardle

Monsignor McCrann

After 151 years, Church offices close for refit

Church offices close temporarily in preparation for renovations

After 151 years, the Catholic Church Office and Archbishop’s office will close at the end of the month and relocate to the former Finance Office at 21 Victoria Square.

The Church Office will close at 1pm on Friday August 24 and reopen on Wednesday August 29.

All phone numbers and e-mail addresses will be retained after the shift.

The Church archives will also close on August 24 and will not be available for some months until they are re-established in the Highgate church hall.

The transfer of Cathedral priests to the Pro-Cathedral in Victoria Park will be completed earlier, after a final meal on Sunday, August 5.

The moves are a prelude to the repair and renovation of the Cathedral presbytery and Church offices.

The original building, the western half, was built by Benedictine monks as the Bishop’s House and opened in 1856. Extensions on the eastern end in 1911 added what are now the Archbishop’s office and parlour, the office of the Dean of the Cathedral Mgr Thomas McDonald, and the board room.

A later extension on the west-

ern end in 1938-39 added the main office reception area and offices now occupied by Bishop Don Sproxton, the Vicar General Fr Brian O’Loughlin and the Archbishop’s secretary Jane Pilkington.

The broad outline of the renovation plan was given to the College of Consultors last month and they encouraged the Archbishop to proceed. The College consists of Bishop Sproxton, Fr O’Loughlin, Mgr Peter McCrann, Mgr Michael Keating and Frs Michael Casey, Greg Carroll and Bryan Rosling.

The closure of the Cathedral and relocation of the cathedral parish to St Joachim’s had provided an opportunity to proceed with work that had been under consideration for some time.

Although final plans have still to be approved by the Perth City Council and the Heritage Council, the intention is that these historic buildings will be retained as office spaces and living facilities brought up to contemporary standards.

The renovated living quarters will include an Archbishop’s suite and a guest suite as well as reorganised accommodation for priests. The very small chapel will be relocated to the area now occupied by the archives.

The front of the presbytery – on the south side facing Hay Street – has for a long time been isolated from the gardens by a bitumenised

A LIFE OF PRAYER

...areyoucalledtotheBenedictinelifeofdivine praiseandeucharisticprayerfortheChurch?

Contact the:

TYBURN NUNS

parking area which has been at some risk of becoming a public thoroughfare.

A raised rooftop garden will be built from the existing building at the height of the top step to cover the parking area and restore the connection between the house and

garden. This promenade will run almost the length of the building and will restore the privacy of this part of the presbytery, as well as providing a large space for functions such as receptions after ordination ceremonies.

A major internal change will be

SJOG denies pro-life goods

Continued from page 1

the forums for staff, AGCA were informed by a hospital representative that their request had been denied.

AGCA Assistant Director Mary Boston told The Record a hospital spokesperson said the issues that were to be discussed were too sensitive for a private Catholic hospital to promote.

AGCA Director Julie Cook told The Record she was perplexed to hear that the Catholic hospital in Subiaco would deny their staff the opportunity to gain valuable skills in abortion grief counseling.

“These are very real problems that many Australian women and men will face. St John of God Hospital in Subiaco is becoming part of the landscape that suppresses the need to speak out on the dangers of abortion related trauma,” she told The Record

AGCA has presented the forums, which deal with unresolved abortion grief and strategies to promote healing, at Royal Prince Albert Hospital in Sydney, Brisbane Private Hospital and Bunbury Regional Hospital.

Ms Boston said she began promoting the forums among the North Metropolitan Health Services, which she said welcomed the opportunity for staff to attend the abortion grief forums.

“Health care providers in the southern suburbs also welcomed our forums, which will focus on the signs and danger of abortion related trauma and the ways in which

those suffering can be assisted,” she said. One prominent health provider even wrote a letter to the AGCA, thanking them for offering such pertinent assistance to those within the health care field who have come face-to-face with abortion trauma.

With over two million abortions performed across the nation in the last three decades, Ms Cook said that “abortion trauma is a major mental health issue for women and for men that is not being adequately expressed.”

“Staff are calling out in this area. A significant number of callers to our crisis line, are health care professionals unable to access information on abortion trauma through their own peer sources,” she added.

Ms Cook said that AGCA wanted to set up a structure where women could speak about their pain to health care professionals who have the skills to address the issues.

“Abortion grief is too big to ignore, the way that St John of God Hospital in Subiaco have done. Those suffering often self-medicate, attempt replacement pregnancies and end up with abusive partners,” she said. Ms Cook told The Record that it was not the fist time the issue of abortion trauma had been ignored and suppressed.

SJOG Subiaco Mission Director, Anne Fox, declined to comment when contacted by The Record

the installation of a lift in the foyer, running from the basement to the third floor.

All historical features such as the Benedictine coat of arms embossed on the foyer wall and the portraits of all previous Bishops in the dining room will be retained.

Old faithful: The Catholic Church office on the corner of Victoria Square and Victoria Avenue.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Spectacular

■

By Sylvia Defendi

Now in its fourteenth year, the Mazenod Annual Fine Arts and Exhibition Sale is set to stun with pieces by Mel Brigg, Rebecca Cool, Greg Baker, Diana Johnston, Ulla Zettergren, Jill Yelland.

The exhibition will feature paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery and photography and can be enjoyed with a champagne supper on opening night, Friday August 17. One of the featured artists at this year’s Art Exhibition will be Chris Kandis, who is considered to be one of Australia’s outstanding landscape artists and whose canvasses are distinctive with his astounding use of colour, light and technique; a truly imaginative artist.

“The Mazenod College Exhibition has gained a reputa-

tion for excellence in high quality artwork and its presentation. This year there will be over 450 paintings on display as well as sculpture, pottery, photography and glass work,” events coordinator for the Mazenod exhibition, Colleen Wilson, said.

The exhibition, held at Mazenod College, Gladys Rd, Lesmurdie, will continue, freeof-charge, on Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19, from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and from 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

For further information, contact Colleen on 9293 4719, Sandra on 9293 4734 or the College office on: 9291 6500. Tickets to opening night cost $25 each and are available from the College office and at the door.

I’m John Hughes, WA’s most trusted car dealer

Is it true that most of my sales are not from direct advertising, but from personal recommendation, repeat business and reputation?

Is it true I have my own finance company to assist good people with poor credit to buy cars from me?.

Is it true I sell over 1,300 vehicles every month in Victoria Park, and that is the biggest number from any one location in Australia?

Is it true that I refuse to sell any vehicle that has had previous major accident damage?

Is it true that when people come to do business with me, I guarantee they will be treated with courtesy, sincerity, professionalism and efficiency?

Is it true “I want your business and I’m prepared to pay for it” and “I stand behind every car I sell”?

Is it true that every year for the last 20 consecutive years I have been Australia’s top selling Hyundai dealer?

Gorgeous: Chris Kandis’ Katherine Gorge painting is part of the exhibition.

■ By Paul Gray

Centre closure ominous St Patrick’s Day still a goer here

Queensland Senator and prominent embryonic stem cell research opponent Ron Boswell has warned that the much-hyped embryonic stem cell industry is in serious trouble after the withdrawal of a significant international player from the field.

In what Science magazine described as a sign that hopes for quick medical benefits from stem cells are fading, ES Cell International, a joint AustralianSingaporean enterprise, is halting work on human embryonic stem cell therapies. A report in the magazine on July 20 said that the seven-year-old company has found that work on the envisioned therapies was proving “very expensive.” One of the therapies the company had been working on, to generate insulin-producing cells for the treatment of diabetes, would require at least a billion cells for each human dose.

Senator Boswell said that the withdrawal of ES Cell International must be sounding alarm bells to investors in the sector. ES Cell International was set up with the help of Australian investors and

the Singapore Government, with the aim of being the world leader in embryonic stem cell technology. However, said Senator Boswell, the facts of the science “have finally defeated them.”

“So much for all their claims about miracle cures and billions of dollars of returns for investors,” he said.

The withdrawal of ES Cell International has major implications for debate over the allocation of resources in the developing medical field of stem cell technology and research.

The Catholic Church has put considerable weight, including grants and scholarships for leading edge researchers, behind the development of adult stem cell technologies. Several of these technologies have proven records of success. Adult stem cell technologies avoid the ethical problem inherent in embryonic stem cell research, namely the killing of living human embryos.

However, embryonic stem cell research has received an enormous amout of public attention because of campaigning by celebrities including the late Hollywood actor Christopher Reeve, and in Australia more recently, the

PRINCIPALSHIPS

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE, KALGOORLIE

actions by Federal and State parliamentarians to legalise the killing of select embryos to assist in the development of therapies.

Senator Boswell said the withdrawal of ES Cell International casts a shadow over this history of campaigning for embryonic research, and more recently, cloning.

“Embryonic research for therapies is a no go because of the limitations of the science,” he said.

“The only breakthroughs that can be realistically applied to patients are in adult stem cell technology.

“The exit of ES Cell International from embryonic therapies is most significant and vindicates my often-criticised position. There will be none of the promised miracle cures from embryonic stem cell research.

“Members of parliaments have been conned into supporting the destruction and cloning of embryos purely to support a highly risky investment market which is now falling apart.”

Senator Boswell called on Queensland state MPs, who are still to vote on cloning, to take note of the company’s withdrawal.

Continued from page 1

given for the saint’s death.

In 1913, the same conflict occurred, and in that case the Church marked the feast on April 1.

St Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the year 432, and his preaching won the Emerald Isle the title of “land of saints and scholars.”

The next time St Patrick’s Day will fall during Holy Week will be 2160.

Bishops of each nation may decide whether or not to move St Patrick’s Day, a Vatican official said on July 25.

Last year, however, the Vatican announced that the dates of the feasts of St Joseph and of the Annunciation of the Lord were moved for all liturgical celebrations worldwide.

The Humble Messenger has closed its doors

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments announced last year that in 2008 the feast of St Joseph will be celebrated on March 15, the day before Palm Sunday.

The feast of the Annunciation will be celebrated on March 31, the Monday after the second Sunday of Easter.

In 2008, if the feast of St Joseph were to be celebrated on March 19 as usual, it would fall on the Wednesday of Holy Week, and if the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord were to be celebrated on March 25, it would fall on the Tuesday during the octave of Easter.

While the two feasts are among the 14 solemnities marked with special care in the Catholic Church, they do not take precedence over the commemoration of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, the Vatican said.

in brief...

John Paul College is a five-stream Catholic co-educational secondary school situated on 5.4 hectares in KalgoorlieBoulder, a city of 30,000 residents, located 598 kms east of Perth. The College opened in 1984 following the amalgamation of Prendiville and Christian Brothers’ Colleges to serve the communities of the Eastern Goldfields. By the end of 2007 it is anticipated that the College will have an enrolment of 700 students from Years 8-12.

The College is proud of its rich heritage and strives to make relevant to students and the community the charisms of its four founding patrons: Bridget Clancy (John of God Sisters), Catherine McAuley (Mercy Sisters), Blessed Mary MacKillop (Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart) and Blessed Edmund Rice (Christian Brothers). Students are encouraged in their pursuit of excellence to live out the values of the College motto – Justice, Peace and Charity Parents are encouraged to be involved in the College community through the Board, Parents and Friends’ Association and the Aboriginal Parent Group.

A comprehensive curriculum provides opportunities for each student to develop fully as individuals within a Christian environment of care and respect, supported by a dynamic vertically-structured Pastoral Care system. The College is proud of its holistic education, providing diverse opportunities in all areas of academic, spiritual, sporting and cultural fields.

John Paul College has experienced an exciting period of growth that has seen a major building, renovation and refurbishment program. It boasts well-equipped, air-conditioned facilities set in very pleasant environs. Applications are sought from enthusiastic, experienced and visionary educators committed to Catholic education in country Western Australia.

ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, KALGOORLIE

St Mary’s is a historical and picturesque double stream co-educational Catholic school located in the centre of the large regional city of Kalgoorlie, 600 kms east of Perth. Kalgoorlie is connected by road, train and air and is well served by modern community infrastructure and services.

The school has a rich history, founded in 1900 by the Sisters of St John of God, as well as having connections to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and Mercy Sisters. The spirit of the past and the gifts of the present are drawn upon by the active school community to provide a dynamic and innovative school. It has embraced Information Communication and Technology and has a vibrant Physical Education and Health and Library program with specialist teachers in these areas.

The School Board and Parents and Friends’ Association work closely together to maintain and refurbish the school’s facilities and resources. The current resources and facilities are a feature of the school environment.

The Christian values of trust, respect and love for God and one another are nurtured within the whole person by a caring and committed staff.

St Mary’s enjoys a strong relationship with the parish and for over 100 years has played an important role in the establishment of Catholic education in the Goldfields.

ST PAUL’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, MOUNT LAWLEY

St Paul’s Primary School was established in 1929 by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. Today, St Paul’s is a single stream co-educational primary school catering for the families of St Paul’s parish and surrounding areas for students from Kindergarten to Year Seven.

The school has an excellent reputation for providing a welcoming, involved and academically challenging environment for its students and has excellent infrastructure and strong parental and community support.

A whole school approach to curriculum design and delivery allows the values of success, excellence and collaboration to be central to all learning. School initiatives include senior school Integrated Curriculum Modules for multi-age groupings, the use of Interactive Whiteboards in all classrooms to enhance Literacy and Numeracy teaching and learning, an intensive Literacy Intervention program to assist all students in achieving their potential and engagement with the new Primary Connections program in the area of Science.

St Paul’s seeks an energetic leader to implement an educational vision which strengthens the relationship between family, school, parish and the wider community sharing the mission of the Church.

The successful applicants for these positions will be required to commence on 1 January 2008. Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four-year minimum tertiary qualification and will have completed Accreditation for Leadership of the Religious Education Learning Area or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.

The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au

Enquiries regarding the position should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Leadership Team on 6380 5237 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au

All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later than 21 August 2007.

As from the 13 July 2007. To all my valued and regular customers who have supported the shop and whom I made good friendships with over the past few years,

THANK YOU ALL!

I shall be back; not in the near future though, but in due time.

I am still very much around so if you want to contact me, please give me a call on 0421 131 716

SEE YOU AROUND!

Persi A Espeleta Proprietor

Sixty-three per cent of Australians believe in heaven or some form of life after death, according to a survey by the Australia Institute.

The influential Canberrabased think-tank commissioned polling company Pollinate to conduct an online survey asking people whether they believed in heaven, and whether they believed that people who lived a more moral life are more likely to go there.

Of the 63 per cent of respondents who said they do believe in an afterlife, only half answered that people who lead a moral life are more likely to go to heaven.

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer - August

General intention: Those suffering in turmoil - That those who are suffering with inner difficulties and trials may find in Christ the light and support that leads to authentic happiness.

Mission intention: Church in China

That the church in China may grow in unity and in visible communion with the Pope.

Don’t leave having children too late

Children can be one of the great joys of married life. However, a couple can’t have children forever. After the mid-thirties the number of follicles in a woman’s ovaries rapidly declines, making pregnancy increasingly difficult. Research also shows that one in six couples will never be able to have children. Don’t leave family planning too late.

Getting to know our heavenly Father Priest

■

By Mark Reidy

leaves Jesuits to devote his life to carry out the mission of Jesus

It was only when Father Douglas Rowe sfp dramatically experienced God as his Father, that he felt complete as a priest and as a Christian.

A series of events in 1979, 12 years after his ordination, led him to realise that his priestly life to that point, despite its perceived productivity, was, in fact, a life founded on his own desire to be successful.

As a Jesuit he was, amongst other things, conducting retreats and spirituality workshops for hundreds of priests, sisters and even bishops and was, in the eyes of many, very successful.

He later realised, however, that he had, in his own words, only been “building my own kingdom, in which success had become my god.”

With the wisdom of hindsight, ‘Fr Douggie’ now recognises that his long and often painful journey in the 12 countries he has worked in as a priest, was divinely inspired.

It has led him to the revelation that there is nothing more important in this world than to continue the mission of Jesus, which, he believes, is to bring people to an intimate relationship with God the Father.

“I gave up all my other ministries, after much discernment, to focus on this one most important and vital ministry so close to the heart of Jesus,” he said.

The call to continue this mission led Fr Douggie, with permission from his General, to be released from the Jesuits, and found his own order in the Philippines, “The Patrist Society of the Sons/ Daughters of the Father”.

Fr Douggie said that when Archbishop Barry Hickey visited this community in recent times, he was deeply edified by the spirituality and way of life, and has now invited the society to establish two communities within the Perth Archdiocese.

Fr Douggie, who is currently based at All Saints Chapel in Perth, says that founding an order based on a passionate love for God the Father was the last thing he would have expected to be doing when he first began his vocation.

Coming from a “very Marian family” Fr Douggie developed a strong devotion to Mary, which in turn guided him in his formative years in the Jesuits to experience a deep love for Jesus.

At this time he felt that his spiritual formation was complete and did not even consider the concept of God the Father.

Filling a hole

After many years he again realised that something was missing in his life, this time in his role as a priest.

After a long search, he came into contact with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) and his experience and embrace of the Holy Spirit brought a new dimension of God into his life, although there was still no relationship with the Father.

As a leader in the CCR, Fr Douggie conducted many Charismatic retreats, seminars and prayer groups for laity and religious, but after several very active years, emptiness again began to pervade his life.

The next stage of his search gradually led him to discover the intimacy of the Father, although his pivotal experience was still several years away.

It was during his time in India where he was baptising hundreds of babies that he recognised a deeper meaning to the Sacrament of Baptism.

He began to recognise the concept of sonship and daughterhood as the very essence of Christianity and this understanding became foundational to the revelation in later years of God as his loving Father.

The underpinning moment of this revelation occurred after a near fatal car accident in 1979 in Kenya, where he had been setting

Concerned: Fr Douglas Rowe, above, left the Jesuits and gave up his many ministries to start a new order focused on bringing people into an intimate relationship with God the Father. Children of God:

“I gave up all my other minist ries, after much discernment, to focus on this one most important and vital minist ry so close to the heart of Jesus”

up a Jesuit Retreat House. During his “Afterlife Experience”, Fr Douggie found himself in the presence of God the Father and this was to change his life completely.

The intensity of that experience exposed him not only to the depths of intimacy of the Father’s love, but also to how separated from this love he had been.

This experience led him to recognise that the primary mission of Jesus was to reveal His Father to mankind (John 17:25), to bring people into a loving and intimate relationship with the Father as His sons and daughters, and to the fact that most Catholics, including himself, lived in ignorance of this.

Fr Douggie was left with no doubt that his life’s mission was to assist others in becoming open to this intimacy.

Contagious radical change

By 1982 he found himself in Singapore and India, creating and conducting yearly 75-hour courses to thousands, known as “Exodus”, designed to lead people from their own ‘Egypt’ into the ‘Promised land’ of the Kingdom.

He helped them to recognise the barriers in their lives that had caused them to wander aimlessly in their own deserts and had prevented them from experiencing the love of the Father.

He later developed a week-end experience known as “Origins,” which has since led to his current program, “Awakenings”, a more compact five-hour program which gives an insight into the concepts developed through Fr Doug’s experience and insight.

He focuses on bringing participants to a place where they are able to recognise for themselves the earthly and eternal importance of the Father’s love and the steps required to enter into this relationship.

To further explore this relationship, Fr Doug then offers a 20-week School of Contemplative Prayer based on the Spirituality of Jesus.

Fr Douggie is convinced that a contemplative prayer life is vital to a Christian existence.

Fr Douggie’s own life has been radically changed through his experience with the

Father and this has inspired him to share his passion with thousands around the world.

“The knowledge I have received has completed my picture of God”, he claims.

“Before, my prayer was to Jesus, with no reference to the Father or the Holy Spirit. Now, I pray with Jesus and through Him, to the Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit”.

Being a classical violinist and playing several other instruments, music has played an important role in the spiritual life of Fr Doug and he has composed 60 hymns.

He also conducts Bible courses and talks on the ‘Our Father’ prayer every Friday at St Joachim’s Church hall in Victoria Park.

He has produced a number of CD’s on the Mass and personal prayer as well as teachings on a number of topics, which have received excellent reviews, including those of Archbishop Hickey.

Anyone wanting to discover a deeper relationship with God the Father is invited to attend the next “Awakenings” presentation from 2pm to 7pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate, on Saturday August 11.

For further information or registration contact Fr Douggie on 9325 2009.

HARVEST

Thinking Lord

Stop a moment within my day, To say Hi to the Lord to whisper a prayer and say love you Lord. Please stay within my heart within my day.

The sun shines warms my soul, the grass Just so green I thank you again.

A friend walks in my moment shared A prayer for them A perfect day.

A prayer to the Lord A thankyou for the moments, the world a wonder A day to ponder.

Poems may be submitted to the poetry editor, Hal Çolebatch c/o The Record, PO Box 75, Ledderville, WA, 6902.

CATHOLIC HEARTLAND

The Patrist Society of the Sons/Daughters of the Father in the Philippines.

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The healing power of conversion

To start a series of reflections, Perth Vicar General Fr Brian O’Loughlin ponders what St Paul’s conversion means for us, in light of the Pope declaring a jubilee year dedicated to the apostle

On the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul at the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI prayed evening prayer and announced a Pauline Year to commence in 2008. This year will mark two thousand years since St Paul was born at Tarsus in present day Turkey. During his lifetime, especially after his conversion to Christianity, St Paul became the Apostle to the Gentiles. Like St Peter, St Paul was martyred in Rome and thus Rome became the city of these two great Apostles.

During the Pauline Year, the memory and enduring legacy of St Paul will be celebrated in Rome and beyond. The Basilica of St Paul outside the walls of Rome, has an additional attraction for West Australians, for it was in the Benedictine Monastery here that Bishop Salvado died in 1900. Rome will be the centre for pilgrimages, prayer, study, cultural and ecumenical events. Similar events will be encouraged in dioceses, parishes and religious communities dedicated to St Paul.

St Paul’s entry onto the Christian scene is at the martyrdom of the Deacon, Stephen. The Acts of the Apostles notes that those who stoned Stephen to death, threw down their clothes at the feet of Saul from Tarsus. After St Stephen, the first Christian martyr

has witnessed to his faith in a profound testimony and yields his life, Acts 8:1 notes wryly “Saul entirely approved of the killing.” Paul will become known by his Greek name. The Acts of the Apostles notes, then adds: “That day a bitter persecution started against the Church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles fled to the country districts of Judea and Samaria.”

Only the Apostles stay in Jerusalem, strengthened by the Spirit, like Stephen, they are prepared to witness to their faith, even if it means dying like their Lord.

St Stephen’s profession of faith has inspired countless Christian men and women down through the centuries.

In Roman times, the persecutors even remarked: “See how these Christians love one another.”

In our day, it should prevent us from becoming smug in our faith, preventing us from compromising the Gospel by accomodating ourselves to the values of the world in contemporary society, rather than Christ and His values.

Saul is filled with hatred for the followers of the Lord Jesus and like a fanatic, he sets out against those who have fled Jerusalem.

The Acts continues: “Saul then worked for the total destruction of the Church; he went from house to house arresting both men and women and sending them to prison.” Acts 8:3.

Saul was so intent on destruction of the Church that Acts tells us: He had gone to the high priest and asked for letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, that would authorise him to arrest and take to Jerusalem any followers of the Way, men or women, that he could find. Acts 9:1-2.

The first Christians were known as the “followers of the Way”.

Notice how this name emphasises the call of Jesus to the Apostles “follow me”.

The call to the Apostles to follow Jesus echoes down through the ages, from the Apostles who left their fishing nets to follow him; to the monks who left the city to find God in the desert; to the great founders of Religious Orders, who left everything to live a life of chastity, poverty and obedience in imitation of Jesus who made Himself poor for our sakes. Saul was on his way to Damascus when God intervened in his life and changed him.

A blinding light made him fall to the ground and he heard a voice from heaven: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Who are you, Lord? He asked, and the voice answered, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, and you are persecuting me”.

Paul was instructed by the Lord to present himself to a disciple, Ananias, to receive his sight back.

Ananias couldn’t believe that the former persecutor was now a disciple, but he was assured by the Lord that Paul was now a “chosen instrument to bring my name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he himself will have to suffer for my name” Acts 9:15-17.

Paul’s conversion rivets in him an understanding of the close relationship between Christ and his followers.

The Lord does not ask ‘Paul why are you persecuting my followers’, but ‘why are you persecuting me?’ Paul will later teach this close relationship when he will speak of the Church as the body of Christ.

Mt Lawley does its bit to usher in the Pauline year

■ By Anthony Barich

Mark it in your diary. November 25: the day Perth’s Catholics can do their own bit to usher in the historic Jubilee Year of St Paul.

To emphasise to the world’s billion-odd Catholics that the Church needs Christians who will imitate the Apostle’s energy and spirit of sacrifice, Pope Benedict XVI recently announced that a special Pauline Year will run from June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009. This period will, appropriately, include World Youth Day in Sydney. The announcement of the Pauline Year couldn’t have come at a better time for St Paul’s parish Mt Lawley or its priest Fr Corran Pike.

Fr Pike will have Jubilee Doors ready for Archbishop Barry Hickey to bless on November 25 on the feast of Christ the King when the parish celebrates its 50th anniversary.

He also expects to present the Archbishop with a cheque for $10,000 from the impending sales of a recipe book collated by his parishioners who contributed 108 recipes.

It is hoped that these funds will pay for St Mary’s Cathedral’s new Ambery, which holds the chrism oils for baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick.

Fr Pike was ordained in 2002 but already he has started renewing the parish church and has had a hands-on role in the formation of students at the adjacent St Paul’s Primary School.

He has been inspired by the same charism of St Paul, that also had a lasting impact on

Perth’s Vicar General, Fr Brian O’Loughlin, when he was parish priest at Mt Lawley.

The Vicar General says he has always been impressed by St Paul, whose impact on him traces back not only to his theology studies at the seminary but when he did his Canon Law studies at St Paul University in Ottowa, Canada.

He said that St Paul, “after the Lord Himself, has had the strongest impact on Christianity, and that’s attributable to the fact that he took the Church out of its Jewish environment and opened the Church up to the Greek world, that was the cultured world of the day.”

“In St Paul’s missionary journeys he was indefatigable in wrestling with shipwreck, abandonment, desertion, the elements, persecution; and through all these obstacles he clung to that tenacious proclamation of the faith,” he said. “When I came to St Paul’s parish it really crystallised and brought to the fore all that St Paul meant to me in my preparation for the priesthood in my seminary studies and the fact that his letters are read on almost every Sunday of the Church’s year, and usually on weekdays.”

Fr Pike is doing his Masters Thesis in Theology at the University of Notre Dame on St Paul’s effect on the four Divine Authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Leading up to the Jubilee Year, Fr Pike is taking 33 parishioners on a pilgrimage following in the footsteps of the Apostle – to Corinth, Thessalonica, Athens, Ephesus and Philippi, finishing at the Basilica of St Paul in Rome which holds the Apsotle’s remains.

Above: The stained glass window image of St Paul at Mt Lawley church, installed for the parish’s 40th anniversary in 1996.

He is surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists - the lion (Mark), a winged man (Matthew), an eagle (John) and the ox (Luke).

Right: The icon of St Peter (at left) and St Paul that depicts the moment in time when, as legend has it, the two fathers of the Church embraced before they were executed separately.

Fr Brian O’Loughlin picked up the icon from the Holy Land and presented it to the Mt Lawley parish as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

Today the icon hangs in the sacristy of the St Paul’s Church in Mt Lawley.

PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH

Archbishop Barry Hickey has begun a series of short talks on his website explaining the Beatitudes and their application in daily life. All the talks may be found on Archbishop Hickey’s website at www.perthcatholic.org.au

Blessed are they that mourn

WPerspectives Around t he tabl e dnuorA t eh lbat

elcome to our second beatitude: “Blessed are they that mourn for they will be comforted.” Comforted means strengthened. This beatitude tells us that suffering is the way to strength. It is the counter to our inordinate desire for pleasure.

As infants grow they have a natural desire for sensation in the form of pleasure and stimulation. If this need is adequately met, the desire for pleasure of the senses can be integrated into a balanced personality.

But if there is a neglect of affection, or if there is excessive fear, or erratic and unreliable parenting there may be distortions in the desire for affection, esteem, popularity and sexual relations as the child grows to adulthood.

The extreme examples of a distorted need for approval, fame, celebrity, and sexual gratification are repeatedly found in the entertainment world. Unfortunately, these weaknesses are justified and glorified throughout the media, and especially in magazines and fashions aimed at the young. They justify and glorify pleasure so they can sell it to us.

Self-denial and suffering are necessary to strengthen us for growth as human beings. Our tendency to arrange our lives too comfortably and not to let anyone interfere is a sure indication of our focus on pleasure. We need to stretch ourselves so that through difficulties undertaken on behalf of others we can be strengthened. Acts of self-denial, generosity and kindness to others are the traditional means. The positive acceptance of pain and suffering are great sources of strength; the Catholic tradition of “offering it up for the holy souls” deserves a revival.

The demand to make Mass and other forms of worship “fun” or entertainment is another symptom of the modern addiction to pleasure. To think that God does not warrant worship unless we get “fun” out of it is irrational in the extreme. The Cross is the centre of Christianity and the centre of every life. We must learn to embrace it in order to achieve our own true happiness.

Next week - Blessed are the meek

Editorial

Four more months!

The horses have had their birthday (August 1), but there is no celebration in sight for us poor beknighted voters. We’ve suffered about four months of an undeclared Federal election campaign, and if the election is held off until December – as they often have been – we could have another four months of the nonsense we have suffered for the last four.

We could save you a lot of trouble by telling you now how to vote – the answer is “wisely” – but even that will not save you from the flood of soporific inanity that passes for political comment these days.

The problem with the phoney campaign so far is that it is almost entirely a media campaign. For most of this year, most of Australia’s newspaper, television and radio journalists have interpreted everything that has happened in and around Canberra – indeed, everything that has happened this side of Mars – in terms of the forthcoming Federal election. It is boring and inadequate.

The chief inadequacy is that when all things are interpreted in terms of entirely hypothetical voting intentions, the affairs of the nation are not discussed or understood in terms of their own meaning and their possible effects on the life of the community. Since Federal governments govern for only three years at a time, it means that a third of their business – law-making and administration – is poorly examined in the light of reason rather than the in the shadow of elections. This is a serious loss in public communication.

The Federal budget last May (remember that?) was a good illustration. Tax cuts and welfare changes (for families or pensioners) were almost exclusively presented (for weeks) in the news as ‘election sweeteners’, but rarely discussed in terms of their impact on the community. Tax cuts are not a gift from the government; they are not an item of expenditure. Governments tax us to meet their financial needs, and if the existing tax rates would take more from us than the government needs, they must be adjusted downwards. Rational criticism about whether the government should be taxing more in order to spend more in particular areas is largely ignored.

One of the clearest examples of how election fever is influencing political coverage came when Kerry O’Brien, of the ABC’s 7.30 Report, interviewed the Prime Minister about that recent book. He opened by wondering whether it was worth doing the interview because the Prime Minister wouldn’t tell him what he really thought, and, having failed to get the PM to express himself the way O’Brien wanted him to, he closed the interview by telling us he was sure the Prime Minister hadn’t told us what he really thought. Even those who wanted to agree with O’Brien might find it on the nose for anyone to open an interview by suggesting there would be no truth and to close it by declaring there had been none.

The point of all this is that Australians are going to have do some clear thinking for themselves if they are to get a reasonable understanding of what is going on in our nation. We won’t get much that is useful from the mediums for the next four months.

letters to the editor

Be wary of Harry mania

Iread your article on Harry Potter by Peggy Webby (July 5) with some misgivings.

When the Harry Potter series were first published, there were several letters to The Record pointing out some important aspects of Rowling’s writings.

If I may list one or two – that Harry fought evil with evil – the end justifies the means, eg. lying, stealing, etc.

Not a good example for children you’d agree. All the wonderful last century writers of this type of fantasy, viz – JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, etc, fought evil with good, which didn’t detract from the storyline and yet conveyed the right message to readers.

Seeking statue of St Francis

Further to a recent article in The Record wherein a person had enquired about a statue of St Francis, the Board of Management have asked me to write and request your assistance in communicating to your readership on this same subject.

We at Mt LaVerna Retirement Village, incorporating St Francis Hostel, wish to locate a life-size statue of St Francis that may have become surplus to a Religious organisation’s needs.

We have all the contact details of where to obtain a new statue but find the cost a little out of our price range.

Any assistance you may be able to offer us in advertising this matter would be appreciated.

A G Cicci

Chief Executive Officer

St Francis Hostel

Telephone (08) 9445 7030

Facsimile (08) 9445 7029

Not all cut and dry on warming

It’s good to hear some debate about the theory of “manmade global warming.”

The debate is not over, unlike what the global warming messiah Al Gore would want us to believe.

The pundits are probably scared it is more than the earth warming up.

It’s a fact that a number of scientists dispute the theory entirely.

They claim to have evidence. Which scientists do we believe?

With respect to the lady who chided you as a hypocrite, I was wondering a few things.

If she is concerned about the environment, why does her whole family fly to Africa annually?

Aren’t planes some of the worst polluters?

And forget the cost of buying a few books and DVDs, what about the thousands of dollars it would cost in airfare flying back and worth? Why not wire the money used for a trip directly to the locals or a charity organisation that is already there?

Wouldn’t that be far more efficient and the money put to far better use - especially if it’s a case where our dollar goes much farther there?

One would think manual labour is not in short supply in many third world countries? Doesn’t that sound rather hypocritical? Personally, I commend their intent and efforts.

Although she is a gifted writer and a great storyteller, it was also mentioned at the time that her own favourite ‘celebration’ was Hallowe’en.

Also, a disturbing trend emerged, in that a column in the Adelaide press announced that the University was now offering courses in satanism.

It was stated by the university that they had been waiting for something like the Harry Potter books before advertising the course (they immediately had 40 enrolments).

How I fervently hope there has been a change in J.K.Rowling’s writings; not having read her latest, I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

As I said, she is a clever storyteller, but so is DH Brown (The DaVinci Code) and others of that ilk. No doubt Professor Dawkins (of Oxford) will convince many with his book denying the existence of our Creator!

I sincerely hope I am mistaken in my doubts. I can only say to parents – be wary – look past the good storyline before allowing your children to join in the “mania”.

M P Walsh East Perth

We should do and give in the manner we see fit.

At the end of the day, though, all of us could do a lot better than we are - myself included.

And we should all be careful when questioning other people’s generosity - unless we are comfortable with being questioned ourselves.

Contact details supplied

Are we living in the Dark Ages?

I read with astonishment the following news item:

“An Australian soldier was forced to remain on the front line in Afghanistan after she fell pregnant, and eventually miscarried before she was sent home.”

I ask myself: are we living in the dark ages when authorities govern with little accountability? We not only see a miscarriage of a human being but

Dominic

1170-1221

feast – August 8

we see a miscarriage of justice. Some might not agree that the foetus is human but there are many who do believe in the sanctity of the unborn child.

I do not want to say that a murder was done, but at least a great wrong was perpetrated.

The officers responsible for this inept miscarriage of justice should be reprimanded and taught better regard and concern for how they deal with women.

I feel strongly on this issue because one inhumane response to one woman in the armed forces might have more to do with woman as a whole.

The armed forces appear in this regard to be unwisely lead based on unwise teaching.

The age of enlightenment should have taken place ages back but some institutions are still lagging behind in catching up.

Lester Murray Perth

As a theology student, this Spaniard sold his books to help others during a famine, and later held positions at the Osma Cathedral, where community life followed the Rule of St. Augustine. Dominic and his bishop went to southern France on a papal mission to fight the Albigensian heresy. He remained in Toulouse, as head of a preaching mission that evolved into the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans. Dominic always preferred persuasion to establish orthodoxy and was said by a friar to have “a lively sympathy with any suffering.”

Dr ANDREA SCHNEIDER

is an economist and adviser to German Chancellor

Vista

‘We are no longer outsiders’

Angela Merkel, which makes her one of the European Union’s high-flying insiders. In an interview with Zenit, she revealed the influence of Catholic social teaching and her faith in how she approaches her job.

When ageold religious issues were making headlines with Benedict XVI’s election, many were confronted with something new, especially in eastern Germany, said an adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Andrea Schneider spoke with the Rome-based Zenit news agency about what Benedict XVI’s election to the pontificate has meant for Germany, Catholic social teaching and the role it plays in her life.

“I think that what happened after John Paul II died and Benedict XVI was elected was that religion came to the forefront; it became a subject to be discussed openly. Previously, it was discussed by Catholics in their parishes, but not in their work place.

“These themes were suddenly making headlines in newspapers, and we could discuss them openly with our neighbours. We were no longer outsiders.

“So it made people recall topics which had been long forgotten or which they tried to erase from their lives. Hence, many people were confronted with something new, especially in the eastern part of Germany.

“When Benedict XVI was elected, people in Germany felt, whether they were Catholics, Protestants or atheists, that something was happening, and that if we were all parts of it, then there was something we had to do ourselves and that this was wonderful. I think that in the long run this election will make an impact.

“We discuss religion more and I think this is what we Catholics and Protestants have to do to talk about our faith, to keep discussing such topics and challenging our neighbours.”

Schneider’s interview came after she gave a lecture in Rome on “Law, Human Rights, and the Free Society,” for the US-based Acton Institute, a conservative thinktank, and talked to Zenit about what struck her as the basic insights of Pope John Paul II’s social encyc-

lical Centesimus Annus. The late Pope had written the encyclical to mark the 100th anniversary of one of the great pioneering social encyclicals Rerum Novarum, written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891.

Schneider said that what matters most “is to understand the nature of man, that God gave man a dignity that cannot be abolished by any system or by any rule of law.

“In order to understand history, social developments or economies, we really need to understand what the nature of man is.

“Once we know this, we can ask ourselves which economic and social system is best suited for man. We then have to have a realistic view of the person and the systems that are congenial to his nature.

“John Paul II highlighted the different aspects of freedom, like the freedom for economic initiative, and wrote about how important it is for humans to ‘unfold’ their talents in the market, to get involved in personal relationships, to cooperate and also to compete.

“Another insight of the encyclical relates to the good side of the market mechanism: that is, we can all benefit from it because it covers our needs.

“It doesn’t do it because, as in authoritarian or totalitarian systems, someone tells us what our needs are, but the other way around. This happens when people tell producers, our neighbours, what they need, and they get involved in productivity.

“The right to private property is also something which John Paul II highlighted very strongly, that is, how much humans have a need to do something of value, to create something, to possess something that they can care for.”

Asked whether there are any recognizable elements in the social market economy that can derive from the Church’s social teachings, Schneider’s answer was a clear yes.

“Definitely. The whole concept

of the person, the theme that we have a realistic view of the ambiguous person: in other words, that people are good but they also can

tend toward evil.

“It also depends on institutions, emphasizing some things as important and what can be brought out of people. This is something that has been at the core of the foundations of the market economy, the real analysis of what it means to be human.

“Secondly, the principles to apply to a just society are those of subsidiarity and of solidarity, which had already been developed in the social doctrine and had been incorporated into the concept of social market economy.

“The economy should not be superior, but it should be a servant to mankind, as one of the founding fathers of the United States put it.

“The market should be balanced with the elements of solidarity and taking care of the poor and the needy.

“This type of thinking toward ideals, from my perspective, is grounded in and inspired by the Church’s social teachings but also drew a lot from it.”

Among the faults of the welfare state, she said, are the way it

exaggerates the role of the state beyond what it normally should be expected to do. “If you take the principle of subsidiarity seriously, then we should leave to individuals, to families, to the local neighbourhood what they can do for themselves.

“If the state steps in, very often thinking it can do it more effectively, it is not necessarily going to be cheaper or better if it does it for a couple of communities.

“I was really amazed when I read it, how much [John Paul II] foresaw...”

“And many things have been taken on by the state that really should be the genuine competencies of families. I think we really need safety nets in any social market economy or free market economy. But how do we decide on them?

“We have to be really sensitive in defining what a good safety net is, one that does not take away the dignity of the person and does not deconstruct the person just to be a needy recipient of welfare.

“For example, in welfare reforms

very often the state simply gives transfer payments to the unemployed, so that they can survive. But we leave them there.

“Sometimes we put them through a kind of retraining program, so that they have an opportunity to learn a new job. But then sometimes these people cannot find a new job with the new competencies they’ve learned

“The real problem of the welfare state is that most of the time it offers merely money, although much more is needed to solve the problem.”

Schneider said that John Paul II had pointed out a lot of dangers of the capitalist system. These include the growth in consumerism and that individuals, workers, employees and employers can abandon their responsibilities.

There is also confusion over who should take up which responsibility between individuals and state.

“So, he really outlined the nature of these problems and believed that, first of all, there is a misunderstanding about the nature of man.

“I was really amazed when I read it how much he foresaw the developments that we now see today.”

“She said the message of Centessimus Annus to politicians, economists and those concerned with social policy in general is that they need to look at and understand ...“the nature of human beings first before we design institutions to bring the best out of man and to help unfold his dignity and the gifts he was given.

“Take labour laws for example: this applies to how we can design institutions to help people find jobs, so as not to be trapped in transfer payment programs.”

The high-flying economic adviser to one of the most powerful leaders in Europe had a surprising message on the role of her faith in her work: “It is the most important basis of my work and of my life for sure. And Centesimus Annus gave me a lot of inspiration, insight and understanding.

“A lot of what I understand now, I did not learn in my economics studies. Many things I learned by doing youth work, for example, by speaking to young people in my parish or at the youth programs.

“I did this by finding out what their needs are, and their wants. They feel insecure, they are afraid but they are also enthusiastic about the future, which is really an important motivation for my work.

“When working on subjects like unemployment, health care reform or whatever, I need sound principles to apply to my thinking. It is not evident what the right social or economic order is. What does a good economic system mean?

“Principles like subsidiarity and solidarity help me to analyse problems, to apply principles and the value system that my faith offers me.

“Personally, it is strengthening; it is good to know I am not alone.”

Work: The key to succesful policy making by politicians, economists and others is to first understand who human beings really are, says German economist Andrea Schneider, who finds inspiration in the social teaching of the Church and its emphasis on human dignity. PHOTOS: CNS

Great influences: Dr Schneider regards Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Centesimus Annus as a highlight in social teaching. Meanwhile, the election of Cardinal Josef Ratzinger as Pope showed German Catholics they were “no longer outsiders,” she says.

the end of HARRY? the end of HARRY?

As the last of the Harry Potter series flies off the shelves a teacher of literature finds the books very good, even in the ultimate sense.

Harry Potter and the Order of Love

■ By Jeff Presburg

As a human being who on occasion departs from his cosy hovel and notices the weather, and more especially, as an educator at a boy’s school who must notice the world outside the classroom now and then, years ago I could not help but notice the buzz, the winds, the maelstrom whipping up in response to the strange, controversial new fiction simply referred to as Harry Potter. The school librarian was swamped with requests, parents were happy that their children were reading books - books with few pictures even - but most were a little uneasy. Was this new fiction good? Was it just more Goosebumps, mediocre fiction interesting to children because of vulgar ingredients mixed with a spoonful of fear and splashes of gruesome horror? Or worse, was it a clandestine sales job for the growing New Age movement replete with witches and crystals and perhaps even subliminal references to and messages from the occult? Well, I was going to find out for myself. I returned to my hovel, closed the door, and with suspicious eyes entered the wildly imaginative world of Mr Harry Potter. Harry indirectly affirms and points to ultimate laws upon which lesser laws must rest and to which they must elastically connect if they are to truly function to protect the good.

I soon found myself discussing the book with students, referencing it in literature class, and responding to the murmurings of young readers of Potter with “yes, I definitely liked the books”. There are numerous reasons why I found the books good, very good - a good entertaining read, a good ignition and engine to exercise and develop the power of the imagination, and good in that the books defend and further an essentially good view of creation and reality - a reality visible, invisible, ultimately ordered, and replete with mystery.

A critique of materialism

One overarching theme to be commended in the books is Rowling’s critique of rationalistic materialism and its essential banality. An elephantine image of materialism and its banality is the Dursley family (though Rowling more often uses the metaphor of a swine). Sketched in Dickensian fashion, using strong lines and colourful images, the Dursley’s are consumers, anxious controllers, and rational - they are “enlightened” in knowing material comfort is the highest good and are sharp at attaining and securing it. They have a limited family in one carefully indulged son, and they have friendships only of use. Friends are used to further position

and salary at work. The Dursleys have little adventure as they have little risk, and they are extremely anxious to preserve their material wellbeing and worldview. Also, they are an image of covetousness -born from an excessive need for security - similar to the “covetous old sinner”, Scrooge. Of course, the great enemy to their “enlightened” world-view, driven by excessive concern for material (and psychological) comfort, is the embarrassing relative, Harry Potter, whose existence points to a realm of reality the Dursley’s would like to forget and repress - a more spiritual, magical realm with higher, supernatural powers battling for good and evil, including wizards, witches, and creatures that suck the life out of you by means of despair and doubt.

Such a realm may be more mysterious and beautiful, full of higher joys, pleasures, and adventures, but it is also perilous, uncontrollable, often uncomfortable, partly unfathomable, not to be judged by appearances and, all in all, not for the Dursleys.

A foil for the unimaginative and banal Dursley life and family is the Weasley family. They live in the more dangerous magical realm - though they do not judge the muggle

world, but rather risk their wellbeing to protect it.

They are generous, have numerous and authentic friendships, often are in material need, are imaginative, passionate, and live a risk-filled life. By no means rash thrill seekers nor opposed to material comfort, their life is risky as they have many children, not enough money to be without financial concern, see the battles for good and evil at play, and take stands to defend life and the goodrisking personal and (at least for Mr Weasley) professional well-being as a result.

Though at times heavy with serious concerns, the Weasley family life is mostly playful, affectionate, sometimes chaotic, and always alive.

The Weasley children are educated by the parents, indirectly via example and directly though corrections and advice, to look to serve the world and defend what is good, rather than prudently calculate their path to personal security.

Of course, the results may vary with different choices by their children. It is within such a realm and family life that Harry is affirmed, where his desires and perceptions of reality can expand. It is where, released from

“T his theme of a paradoxical love - a selfsacrificing love that defeats death through death - is present throughout the Potter stories, especially in the self-sacrifice of Harry’s mother and of Ron Weasely, in the symbol phoenix, and in numerous other characters who suffer while defending the good.”

the materialistic world of the Dursleys, he can get his wings - or broomstick.

The Potter universe

And what of that world? How can witches be good, literally, or even symbolically, as traditionally they are metaphors for evil? Isn’t the use of magic to manipulate reality and gain power over others wrong and immoral? Isn’t the world of Harry Potter essentially gnostic - simply a duelling world of equal powers of good and evil - and morally confused? Harry and his friends disobey, break rules, have little respect for authority, to name a few flaws.

My simple response is that J.K. Rowling works within the parameters and rules of story, and more particularly within the general genre of fairy/folk tales, legends, and myths. She uses the tools of a writer, especially metaphor and analogy, and paradox. It is not appropriate to analyse or judge stories solely on the literal level, even when asking moral questions.

Good stories aim at tuning perception - as artists like Joseph Conrad and Flannery O’Connor assert - to help tune the interior eyes to see Reality, especially the interior workings of reality such as the mysterious workings of the human heart, light and dark, and the unseen workings of evil, love, and grace.

In so doing, art is not restricted to comfortably pleasing its readers nor required to deliver clear examples and arguments for the sake of good behaviour or proper manners.

And, more so than plain philosophic or theological principles, metaphors can dance - they are not inextricably tied to the idea or thing they represent. A wolf may metaphorically represent an evil - as found in literature throughout the western tradition - but it would be incorrect to argue that a wolf is essentially evil and must always metaphorically represent evil; he is a creature and essentially good.

To argue contrarily is to infer a gnostic, unchristian view of the world.

To suggest that all artists must keep within a code of metaphors is simply fearful and unnecessarily rigid. (Kipling in his Mowgli stories pictures wolves differently, for example).

Metaphors are free to dance, to move with the current of time, or the intuitions of an artist who seeks to represent truthful things.

A writer can have good witches and bad - as is the case in the Brothers Grimm, the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, the Wizard of Oz, or the stories of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, to name a few. Also, magic is a tool within literature, especially within the folk genre of literature.

The ethical questions of good or bad are tied to how the metaphors and literary tools are used - do they aid a more truthful perception, even if the perception is not fully

conscious, or do they manipulate and invert a perception?

Ultimate order

Changing to a thinner brush, let us look at specific aspects of the conclusion of the first Harry Potter book. As we approach the conclusion of the series, a review of the beginning may help us link the whole narrative and underlying themes woven throughout the stories, not to mention we may discover foreshadowings, which are often found in good literature.

Let’s begin with Harry’s first direct encounter with Voldemort, occasioned by the entering of the forbidden forest by the students Harry, Hermione, Malfoy, and Neville who are serving detention. Hagrid, the good-hearted, giant gamekeeper is charged with ministering the detention.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Scenes from a wizard’s life

The punishment to satisfy the detention is to follow the trail of blood left by a wounded unicorn and help solve the mystery of what is harming the white unicornsa strange and abnormally risky punishment for detention.

It is especially egregious since the students’ offence was wandering around Hogwarts after hourssomething “dangerous” as Professor McGonagall declared. Here we see a literary device sustained throughout the book: the juxtaposition of the normal and fantastical.

“The Weasley children are educated by the parents, indirectly via example and directly though corrections and advice, to look to serve the world and defend what is good, rather than prudently calculate their path to personal security.”

“A nd what of that world? How can witches be good, literally, or even symbolically, as traditionally they are metaphors for evil?”

“Awriter can have good witches and bad - as is the case in the Brothers Grimm, the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, The Wizard of Oz, or the stories of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, to name a few.”

The device of holding in close proximity and tension two opposing worlds, the ordinary and fairy, is a device constantly employed by Lewis in the Narnia stories: afternoon tea with a faun, a civilised meal with beavers, etc.

It is a necessary device in telling fairy stories. True to the style of the genre, the normal characters simply accept the fantastical qualities without astonishment or wonderthose are saved for the reader.

In the forest they meet two centaurs, Bane and Ronan, who are questioned about the new disturbing events happening in the forest - the perverse murders of white unicorns. The centaurs respond with dreamy looks at the night sky and repeated references to the brightness of Mars (god of war and sign of bloodshed), and with a pagan (or pre-Christian) sense of nobly, but hopelessly, bowing to unavoidable negative fate, the centaurs dispassionately respond to the query about the innocent unicorn with: “Always the innocent are the first victims... So it has been for ages past, so it is now.” (p. 253)

Resolved not to act, they are shocked and upset when they discover another centaur, Firenze, has precipitously acted to defend the wounded unicorn and Harry, whom the centaurs know has been marked by the scar and marked as the hunted object of Voldemort.

Adding to the offence, Firenze humbly allows the boy to ride on his back. These actions meet with strong derision. “Have you no shame?

...Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets?

...[C]entaurs are concerned with what has been foretold! It is not our business to run around like donkeys after stray humans in our forest!” (p. 257) The humble, courageous, and hopeful Firenze is unwilling to accept this cosmological view and attitude of his fellow centaurs. The rebellious Firenze later discusses the issue of murdering and taking the blood of the innocent, pure,

and beautiful unicorn (a rare pairing in any art: “pure and beautiful”). This pure blood will give life, but he who violates the unwritten “law”, this tenet of an ultimate order, will be internally marked. Here, aside from referencing a mythical pattern involving the sacrifice of an innocent victim, Rowling gives a sense of something mystically and interiorly pureshown, not philosophically explained - and a sense of ultimate order and good that pervades the whole magical world of Potter. In breaking these “laws” one has not simply broken a positive law, he has broken something greater and in so doing has harmed his own internal order and relation with the whole. This sense of ultimate order is, as Chesterton argues, true to fairy tales and runs throughout Harry Potter. In this context we can put Potter’s apparent disregard for rules and authority in perspective: he disobeys most often not out of simple curiosity or an inveterate inability to respect rules and authority, but because he is moved to defend the higher good - higher, more ultimate (can we say “eternal”?) laws.

He is not a budding Nietzchean hero, a passionate, heroic and intuitive soul who is not to be constrained by “good and evil”. Harry disobeys because others do not or cannot see the danger, and he risks his life defending Life against an evil force who is the one who declares there “is no good and evil”. (p. 291)

Harry indirectly affirms and points to ultimate laws upon which lesser laws must rest and to which they must elastically connect if they are to truly function to protect the good.

The power of love

Potter safely leaves the forest after his first real encounter with Voldemort, but is troubled as his mysterious scar continues to ache and he is gloomy as he wrestles with the foretold and possibly fated notion that he will be killed by Voldemort.

Harry’s next meeting with Voldemort is the final confrontation of the first book. Flush with his own courageous drive to defend others against the powerful evil that could ensue if Voldemort were to attain the Sorcerer’s Stone, and dismissing the ominous warnings of an evil fate awaiting him, Harry boldly moves to his confrontation. Rushing to the depths of Hogwarts, Harry and his two closest friends get past the guardian of the trapdoor, the threeheaded dog, Fluffy - an obvious reference to the mythical threeheaded dog, Cerberus, who guards the entrance to Hades. Harry is accompanied by two true friends and needs their help for success. To move past the game of chess, he needs the skill of Ron, and Ron’s willingness to sacrifice himself. (The theme of sacrificial love echoes throughout the book). Moving on, he needs the logical ability of Hermione to solve the riddle of the various glass bottles. (This also shows the balance of Rowling - there is no extreme of a “new age” dismissal of harsh “male” logic opposing mystical intuition. Hermione quips: “A lot of the great wizards haven’t got an ounce of logic...”) (p. 285). When Harry finally meets his nemesis and sees the failure of his own intuitional

The boy wizard himself: Daniel Radcliffe became the face millions of viewers know as Harry Potter. Here, Harry studies in a scene from Harry Potter and the “Sorcerer’s Stone.” PHOTO: CNS/ WARNER BROS.

Packed full with drama: Gary Oldman and Radcliffe star in the movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” PHOTO: CNS/ WARNER BROS.

It’s always something: Emma Watson, Radcliffe and Rupert Grint star in the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” PHOTO: CNS/ WARNER BROS.

What’s this? Harry surveys another weird and wonderful things in

scene from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

BROS.

of wonderful characters: Warwick Davis plays Professor Flintwick at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first of

Opinion

It bloody hurt, and I gave it all to Him

Being Heard

“The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross… Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes (2015)”

 THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

i say, i say

The pain, when it came, was extreme. The needle drew across my skin and worked at an insane, staccato stab. It seemed to stick in places and I was sure the flesh would tear. There is a reason why tattoos inspire solemnity, a peculiar seriousness, in otherwise cynical, cavalier types. They bloody hurt.

I had been a long time deciding.

I’ve always admired tattoos. My father has vintage ink - much disdained by my convent-schooled mother - of the sort that is now suddenly back in vogue. It is like something you’d see on a sailor. But I didn’t want that sort of thing. If I was going to undergo such intense, albeit temporary, suffering I wanted it to be meaningful.

So I flirted with the idea of a religious tattoo. I went drunk a couple times to parlours on the Lower East Side in New York and - back in Australia - started collecting examples I thought might suit.

But something always held me back. I never made an appointment.

I simply didn’t have a good reason to welcome the pain. After all, self-mortification without spiritual foundation is more properly called self-mutilation.

Then came Good Friday.

We had stayed up late that night. One of the networks was screening Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ without advertisements.

I’d seen the film before, a number of times, but I sat still and watched

again. It was the familiar narrative arc: Christ alone in torment, Christ arrested, Christ bound and scorned, Christ unfairly judged, Christ mercilessly scourged, Christ beaten, Christ carrying His cross, Christ falling, Christ humble throughout, Christ lifted high on Calvary, Christ speaking to His mother, Christ speaking to His disciples, Christ calling to His Father, Christ forgiving His enemies, Christ dying – all for that final scene, the remarkable fact - Christ is risen.

Of course I cried.

I had cried the first time too, watching the film with friends in a dark cinema.

I had been a little ashamed of my tears until I noticed that they

were crying too; that the whole cinema was united in the suffering on screen. We all cried for Him, Gibson’s bloody work made sure of that, it was impossible to avoid Christ’s suffering. One could turn away, or walk out – some people did – but one could not deny the fact that Jesus suffered mightily, it was all there, in giant images, for violent periods of sustained reflection.

“But he was pierced for our offences, crushed for our sins... by his stripes we were healed...Though he was harshly treated... he was silent and opened not his mouth.”

(Isaiah 53:5, 7)

This time, however, I cried for me too. For my loneliness, my torment, my hardships and beatings,

for my particular crosses and my frequent falls.

I was lifted high with Him and looked down on a snarling crowd: those who hate me because I’m an Australian, because I’m a Catholic, because of what I write and who I love.

I saw His mother and mine, sorrowful, solid, still standing there while her heart tore apart and her love was crucified between thieves. I saw my friends and His friends, the whole community of the Church, the wide net of human affection that stretches beyond the present into eternity.

How could I fail, then, to do as He did: to bear in my flesh something of the suffering he bore for me in His?

So I prayed. I decided to alter some bad habits, but I also resolved to practise corporal mortification.

So in a clean, small shop on a busy strip, I sat down at last. I lifted my tee shirt and kept silent, while a skater dude in black shorts and a wife-beater worked to ink a version of the Holy Name - complete with a cross and nails - in the living canvas of my upper arm.

I cried out, but no one in the shop noticed. My sense receptors were shrieking, but as far as anyone could tell I was silent, teeth gritted, taking it like a lamb.

‘That’s the outline done. This next bit is worse’.

As the pain shot up in intensity, I said ‘thank you’, and managed a smile.

And I gave it to Him.

Giving credit where it’s due, Scout’s honour

Guy Crouchback

It was good to read that Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of support to the Scout movement on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

August 1 marks the centenary of the first Scout camp, organised by Sir Robert (later Lord) Baden-Powell on the island of Brownsea, in England.

Kipling was closely associated with publicising Scouting in its first days, though he seemed to see it as a military organisation or a training-school for junior spies.

Winston Churchill paid tribute to Scouting, saying the believed the creation of Lord Baden-Powell (“The most famous General I have known”) would live on long after the names of Generals who had commanded greater armies and won greater battles had been forgotten.

Now in a letter addressed to Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, President of the French bishops’ conference, His Holiness has stated:

“For one century, through play, action, adventure, contact with nature, life as a team and in service to others, you offer an integral formation to anyone who joins the Scouts.

“Inspired by the Gospels, scouting is not only a place for authentic human growth, but also a place of strong Christian values and true moral and spiritual growth, as with any authentic way of holiness.

“The sense of responsibility that permeates Scout education leads to a life of charity and the desire to serve one’s neighbour, in the image of Christ the servant, based on the grace offered by Christ, in a special way through the sacraments of the Eucharist and forgiveness.”

“Inspired by the Gospels, scouting is not only a place for authentic human growth, but also a place of strong Christian values and true moral and spiritual growth, as with any authentic way of holiness.

The Pontiff encouraged the brotherhood of the Scouts, “which is a part of its original ideal and makes up, above all for young generations, a witness of that which is the body of Christ, within which, according to the image of St Paul, all are called to fulfill a mission wherever they are, to rejoice in

Tributes flowing: The Scouts, founded by Lord Baden-Powell, who Winston Churchill said was the “most famous General I have known”, were praised by Pope Benedict XVI recently.

another’s progress and to support their brothers in times of difficulty.”

Pope Benedict XVI continued: “I thank the Lord for all the fruits that, throughout these last 100 years, the Scouts have offered.” He encouraged Catholic Scouts to go forward on their path, offering “to boys

and girls of today an education that forms them with a strong personality, based on Christ and willing to live for the high ideals of faith and human solidarity.”

Pope Benedict XVI’s message ends with advice from Baden-Powell:

“Be faithful to your Scout promise, even when you are no longer young, and may God help you to do so!

“When man seeks to be faithful to his promises, the Lord himself strengthens his steps.”

I was never a Scout myself, but I was active in a rather similar youth organisation, and can testify that the value to me and those I knew was incalculably great.

As well as teaching valuable aspects of character such as team-work, self reliance and friendship, scouting skills and discipline have saved many lives and enriched countless more.

It is an interesting exercise to imagine the attitude of other world leaders today to scouting.

I can imagine Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition leader Kevin Rudd taking an interest, even accepting honorary scouting positions and occasionally donning the uniform.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is much harder to imagine in the role - he was too concerned with an up-to-date image.

Present British Prime Minister Gordon Brown seems too dour.

George Bush and Vladimir Putin?

■ with John Heard

The World

Chinese bishops thank Benedict for Sheshan blessing

SHANGHAI, China (CNS) - A Shanghai priest said he and his fellow clergy feel honoured that Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the Sheshan Marian shrine in his recent letter to Catholics in China.

In his June 30 letter, Pope Benedict urged the whole Church to pray with Catholics in China each May 24, which he said is “dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”

Father Ma Dachao, parish priest of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan, told the Asian Church news agency UCA News that the papal mention was an honour for the Shanghai Diocese. He added that it was a great encouragement to all clergy. Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian

of Shanghai and his Auxiliary, Bishop Joseph Xing Wenzhi, expect more pilgrims to travel to Sheshan next year, and the diocese should be prepared, the priest said.

“This day will be not only festive for Sheshan but also big for the whole Church in China,” he added.

He also noted that all Shanghai diocesan priests are obliged to host the prayer day solemnly in their respective parishes.

Father Ma said the two Shanghai bishops met with all clergy and seminarians in early July to study the papal letter.

He said the bishops plan to extend the scale of the evangelisation assembly held at the shrine each year, with detailed planning to start in September.

About 20,000 pilgrims visit Sheshan each May; they include about 3000 who gather for the special occasion each year on May 24, Father Ma said.

The present Sheshan church was built in 1935. In 1942 Pope Pius XII made it a minor basilica, an honour granted to some important churches.

The Marian shrine includes the basilica as well as separate pavilions for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary and St Joseph.

All of them were built in the 1890s along the path up the hill to the basilica.

Much-loved Monsignor celebrates 50th

Continued from page 1

-rupt the Monsignor when he was about to close the Mass, to give his own speech honouring the priest – something that clearly has never happened before, and is unlikely to again.

“I’d say that’s the first time that’s happened,” the Archbishop quipped once the Monsignor, taking his pastoral boss’s orders, stood aside.

“And I wouldn’t recommend it,” the Archbishop added.

This joke, which drew laughter from the crowd of 150 who have grown up with the Monsignor, was not disrespectful – quite the opposite.

As the Archbishop went on to say, as parish priest Mgr McCrann has been as faithful to his duties as he was when conscripted to serve during World War II – with honour, dignity and as a man of prayer.

The Monsignor’s voice has been a familiar one to generations of West Australian Catholics.

One of the first things the Archbishop says he remembered after his ordination was listening to the Monsignor’s sermons on ABC radio broadcast from St Mary’s Cathedral, where Mgr McCrann was based for over 34 years.

“As a commentator on the radio he opened the hearts and minds of generations of people to the mysteries of the Mass,” Archbishop Hickey said.

More than that, as a priest based at the centre of the West Australian Church, St Mary’s Cathedral, he has had a hand in many achievements over 50 years.

He has touched countless lives in the number weddings, baptisms, Masses of Christian Burial, Confirmations and first Holy Communion celebrations he has presided over at St Mary’s Cathedral alone, not including his 11 years at Cottesloe/Swanbourne.

In the latter role, he even celebrated Masses at Rottnest Island.

And the Archbishop can’t see an end to the Monsignor’s ministry any time soon.

“You’re fit, well – he seems to run everywhere,” the Archbishop said. “We thank you today for 50 years of responding to God’s call, and we your bishops and your people honour you.”

Pinpointing the moment Mgr

McCrann was called to the priesthood proves a tough task. There has been a strong spirituality that pervades his entire life, starting from when the Dominican Sisters in Yalgoo trained him as an altar boy at their convent chapel about the time the famous architectpriest, Mgr John Hawes, was based at the town.

Two of his mother’s sisters were nuns – one a Presentation Sister in WA, the other a Sister of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Sydney.

His grandmother had already taught him to read and write, so he spent barely a fortnight in first grade, and after Yalgoo they moved to Kalgoorlie, where the Christian Brothers educated him.

He was also altar boy at the Fremantle church while in high school. But it is persistence that marks the Monsignor’s priesthood.

Once he’d finished school at Christian Brothers College Fremantle – where he played in the premiership-winning First XVIII football team – he asked his local parish priest if he could join the priesthood. That local priest, an Irishman who Mgr McCrann would not name, knew this, but his response was basically: “No, we’ve got too many priests in Perth, you’ll have to go over East.”

The young man preferred to stay in Perth, so he embarked on a career with the Commonwealth Bank, which gave him Executive Cadetship and he attended its staff college at Kirribilli, NSW.

At 18 he was conscripted into the AIF, signing up at the Claremont Showgrounds and was posted

to Hollandia at the eastern end of Dutch New Guinea, where he learned to drive. He was also based at Morotai - where the AIF launched its Borneo operations – at General Blamey’s Headquarters as Warrant Officer. When he returned from the war he continued working for CBA and also majored in economics at the University of WA.

While there he also gained his accountancy secretarial and banker’s institute qualifications.

He’d already learned to type in the army, which served him well in his priesthood – “I’ve never needed a secretary,” he said after the his 50th anniversary Mass.

He was president of the Nedlands branch of the Holy Name Society when he was finally accepted into St Charles Seminary in 1952.

After completing the theology part of his training at St Patrick’s in Manly, NSW, where he was also Head Prefect, he was ordained by Perth Auxiliary Bishop John Rafferty at St Mary’s Cathedral four days shy of his 34th birthday.

But it was no late vocation, as the priesthood was always on his mind throughout the war, and he never doubted his vocation.

He was Chancellor of the Archdiocese for 15 years and was a long-term chaplain of the Knights of the Southern Cross, who acknowledged this after the Mass when their deputy State chairman Peter Jack presented him with $250.

But he has remained, at heart, a deeply spiritual man, as he reflected after his 50th anniversary Mass, concelebrated with Vicar General Fr Brian O’Loughlin, Carmelite Frs Paul Maunder and Joseph Kelly, Fr Dan Foley, Fr Richard Doyle, Redemptorist Fr Hugh Thomas, Franciscan Fr Michael Brown, and presided over by the Archbishop and his Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton.

“(The priesthood) has always been a very spiritual thing, my vocation,” he said. “I’ve never regretted it for a second.”

The Archbishop also presented Mgr McCrann with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI, and read it out to the congregation who came to honour both the priesthood and, as Archbishop Hickey said, the man who carries it.

Next week:

Right: Women pray in the outdoor pavilion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Sheshan Marian shrine in Shanghai, China. PHOTO: CNS

50th celebration for Fr John Reynolds O. Praem

Special blessing: Children from the Embleton parish sing a song of blessing for Mgr McCrann in front of the Archbishop and concelebrating priests in the hall.

Congrats: Archbishop Hickey presents the Apostolic Blessing to Mgr McCrann. PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH

Go in peace: Mgr McCrann, after a few kind words from the Archbishop, gives the final blessing for his anniversary Mass.

Delicious: Mgr McCrann cuts the cake at his 50th anniversary celebration.

The World Work harder for Iraqi refugees: bishops

US Church leaders plead with Condoleezza Rice to do more for stricken

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Just back from a trip to the Middle East, a US Cardinal and a Bishop are pressing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to do more to help Iraqi refugees.

Cardinal Theodore E McCarrick, retired Archbishop of Washington, and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, NY, urged Rice in a July 26 letter to do more to resettle Iraqi refugees in the United States and to provide additional financial, medical and other types of support for refugees in other countries.

“It was clear that the countries we visited are in dire need of additional support from the United States and the international community in order to provide safe haven to the almost two million Iraqi refugees in the region,” their letter said.

Cardinal McCarrick and Bishop DiMarzio, both board members of Catholic Relief Services and both consultants to the bishops’ Committee on Migration, recently toured refugee settlements in Turkey, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon with a delegation from the International Catholic Migration Commission and CRS.

“Without a heightened commitment from our nation and others, we are fearful that these countries will no longer welcome and protect these refugees,” their letter to Rice said, “particularly if the security situation in Iraq deteriorates and more Iraqis flee their homes.”

They said the countries lack sufficient funding to meet refugees’ basic needs. Many families have spent their savings and are dependent upon the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, nongovernmental organizations and host governments to survive.

Cardinal McCarrick and Bishop DiMarzio said they found many people in need of medical care, as well as help dealing with severe psychological and emotional trauma. “Children are particularly vulnerable,” they said. Besides physical and psychological ailments, access to education remains a major problem.

“The situation of children is made worse because many are compelled to work illegally in order to support their families.”

The letter also asked Rice to do more to resettle Iraqi refugees in countries, including the United States. Some refugees, particularly those who have worked with the US government or contractors in Iraq have been targeted for retaliation and are unlikely to be able to return to their homeland, they said.

They said they were encouraged by the State Department’s commitment to process 7000 Iraqi refugees for admission to United States by the end of the 2007 fiscal year, but were disappointed in the few arrivals to date.

Anastasia Brown, interim director of Migration and Refugee Services for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that as of June 30, 133 Iraqi refugees had arrived in the United States. Another 1270 had been approved for admission and about 2050 were ready to be interviewed.

“After our visit, we see that even the 7000 refugee resettlement slots to which the US has committed is insufficient to meet the need,” said Cardinal McCarrick and Bishop DiMarzio.

“We urge you to do all that you can to ensure that you reach your initial processing goal of 7000 as soon as possible and to increase significantly the number of arrivals for fiscal year 2008.”

They said that, as the leader of the coalition force in Iraq, “the United States must show leadership with regard to Iraqi refugees.”

“Without our leadership, it is unlikely that the international community will fill the void. We urge you to bring this critical need to the attention of the President and act as soon as possible to protect these vulnerable refugees,” they said.

Above: An Iraqi girl carries her sister while asking US soldiers for toys during a military inspection at a school in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 19. CNS

Right: Residents call for help from a burning building following a car-bomb attack in Baghdad’s Karrada district in Iraq on July 26. Twenty-five people were killed and 115 wounded when a bomb exploded in a car parked at an intersection, police said. CNS

Bolivian Church wants religion safeguarded in constitution

Catholics throughout Bolivia gathered for a day of prayer for the assembly drafting a new constitution

LIMA, Peru (CNS) - The Catholics of Andean nation Bolivia, on the verge of an historic event, united in prayer for the success of its new constitution.

“This is a major task and it requires serious consideration,” Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, said, announcing the July 27 day of prayer. “We can’t think about justice and truth without turning to God.”

The Church is calling for all Catholics to pray “that the country find the road to true development, and that the assembly have the wisdom to draft a constitution that includes everyone, that respects the dignity of all, and that truly puts the country’s goods at the service of all, especially those who are in greatest need,” Cardinal Terrazas said.

“It has to be a constitution that encourages people to share, that encourages the practice of justice, that ensures that the country’s enormous natural wealth is at the service of all and not just the privilege of a few,” the Cardinal said.

The Constituent Assembly has been meeting since August 2006 in sessions often fraught with conflict. Currently, there is a dispute over whether the seat of government should be moved from La Paz to Sucre, the former capital and the city where the assembly is being held.

The conflicts in the assembly have highlighted deep divides between the Andean highlands in western Bolivia, where the population is largely poor and indigenous, and the wealthier eastern lowlands that are home to the country’s gas fields and most of its agricultural production. About 30 per cent of all Bolivians live in poverty, but in some rural areas that figure climbs to 80 per cent of the population. The wealthiest

one-fifth of the population receives about half the country’s income, while the poorest one-fifth accounts for only about two per cent. Before taking office in January 2006, President Evo Morales, who is of indigenous descent, pledged to call an assembly that would rewrite the constitution to make Bolivian society more equitable.

Since the assembly was first announced, the Catholic Church has sponsored forums throughout the country to encourage debate on key issues. The Bolivian bishops’ conference recently presented its own proposals for articles on education, the family and churchstate relations.

While the current constitution, which took effect in 1967, gives the Catholic Church special status, the bishops’ proposals if adopted would recognise “the contribution of various churches, especially the Catholic Church, in the formation of Bolivia’s identity and its development.” Most of the 17 points in the bishops’ proposed text dealt with education,

which they called a “fundamental human right and a public good.” Cardinal Terrazas said education should be “liberating, should promote values and should give meaning to life.”

“We want education that is not monopolised by the State, so there is not a single educational (system) imposed by the State,” he said. The bishops’ proposals would ensure that non-governmental entities such as the Church could operate schools and would safeguard parents’ right to choose the type of education they want for their children.

The points in the proposal dealing with family life, highlighted the family as the “fundamental cell of society” and stated that marriage is “the union of love between a man and a woman,” although the bishops said that homosexuals and lesbians “are children of God like all other people, and the state has the duty to guarantee them the opportunity for professional fulfillment with no discrimination.”

The World

Church’s role tough when in a minority

Catholic Church’s key role during violent domestic conflicts assessed at peace conference in Colombia

■ By Mike Ceaser

BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS)African Catholic leaders discussed the Church’s different roles in some of the world’s most intractable and violent conflicts during a recent Catholic peace conference in Colombia.

Across Africa, where Catholics and Christians are minorities in most nations, the Catholic Church’s role is different and difficult, said some of the leaders.

“In Nigeria, we are only 20 per cent Catholic, so what the Bishop says doesn’t carry as much weight as in countries where Catholics are a majority of the population,” said Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria.

“We have learned to speak a language that can be heard by everybody,” he said. “Although we still hold our Christian position, we speak a language that can address everyone.”

Archbishop Onaiyekan said Nigeria suffers from tensions between Christians and Muslims, and poverty produced by corruption.

Dialogue with the country’s Muslims is central to the Church’s efforts, said the Archbishop, who heads the Christian Association of Nigeria.

Archbishop Onaiyekan and others were speaking at the Fourth International Conference of the Catholic Peacebuilding Network in the Colombian capital of Bogota

In brief

Families proclaim the Gospel

estimated at more than three million people . Leftist guerrillas have been fighting the Colombian government and its paramilitary allies for four decades.

in late June. Catholic leaders and lay workers from around the world met to discuss strategies for building peace and helping the survivors of conflicts find reconciliation.

Bishop Francisco Joao Silota of Chimoio, Mozambique, said his country had worked to focus on the positive and to look ahead to the future after his country’s civil war from 1977 to 1992, when an insurgency, financed partly by South Africa, tried to topple the country’s government. The conflict killed close to a million people and forced 1.3 million people to flee before it ended with a 1992 peace treaty.

AURONZO DI CADORE, Italy - Catholic families that are nourished and penetrated by faith are particularly beautiful proclamations of the Gospel today, says Benedict XVI. The Pope said this last Tuesday during a question-and-answer session with 400 priests of the dioceses of Belluno-Feltre and Treviso, in the Church of St Justina Martyr in Auronzo di Cadore, near Lorenzago di Cadore, where he spent his vacation. “Christianity is not a complicated package of many dogmas, so that no one can know them all; it is not something exclusively for academicians, who can study these things, but rather it is something simple: God is, and God is near in Jesus Christ,” the Holy Father said. “Bringing God to others implies above all, on one hand, love, and on the other, hope and faith. Therefore the dimension of everyday life, the best witness for Christ, and the best proclamation is always the life of true Christians. If we see families nourished by faith, how they live in joy, how they live suffering in a deep and underlying joy, how they help others, loving God and their neighbour, this seems to me to be the most beautiful proclamation today. For me, the most comforting proclamation is always that of seeing Catholic

“Look at one another not as enemies, but as brothers,” said the bishop, who is the vice president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

“We should forgive one another. We know a lot of things happened.

“But let us look for a new Mozambique, where everyone should work for a fraternal and peaceful country.”

Rwandan Bishop Frederic Rubwejanga of Kibungo, president of the Rwandan bishops’ Commission for Justice and Peace, discussed how more than 50 per

families and Catholic individuals who are penetrated by faith: The presence of God shines forth in them,” the Pope said.

Stem cell centre closure sign of hope

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - A prominent bioethicist says he hopes that the closure of ES Cell International, a leading embryonic stem cell research facility, is a sign of growing realism. Fr Tadeusz Pacholczyk commented on the closure of the biotechnology firm in Singapore, saying, “We can only hope that a certain realism may finally be sinking in, as Wall Street types recognise that the timeline for clinical therapies is likely to be quite long.” The firm closed when investors concluded that “the likelihood of having products in the clinic in the short term was vanishingly small,” Alan Colman, former chief executive of ES Cell International, told Science magazine.

“The comments of Alan Colman remind us that some investors may have succumbed to the fever-pitch hype that has been a defining characteristic of this area of science for many years,” Fr Pacholczyk affirmed.

“Progress in human embryonic stem cell research has been slow over the past few years, and the proposal to treat sick patients remains largely a speculative endeavor at this moment in time. Beyond the technical impediments and the need for much more basic research, there remain grave moral

cent of the mostly Christian country is Catholic. Rwanda was the scene of one of Africa’s most deadly and infamous genocides in 1994. Some priests participated in the genocide.

Bishop Rubwejanga said that the implication of Catholic religious leaders in the killing has complicated Church efforts to heal the nation, but he stressed that “it has been demonstrated that it wasn’t the Church as an institution, but some members may have been involved.”

A key to healing the nation, said Bishop Rubwejanga, has been dis-

impediments affecting this entire area of research as well, and it is clear that some investors are exercising caution about stepping into the midst of what has certainly become an ethical minefield. On the other hand, there are a number of companies that are pursuing and rapidly developing treatments for patients based on adult stem cell applications, and the timeline for these therapies suggest that investors may actually see returns in just a few years, with the added advantage that no fundamental moral lines will have to be crossed to garner a profit.”

Church rep wins Irish Senate seat

DUBLIN, Ireland - The former spokesman for the Archdiocese of Dublin has been elected to the third seat in the Irish Senate. Ronan Mullen, 36, a first-time candidate, and well-known pro-life media commentator and barrister, pulled off what the Irish Times reported to be a “sensational upset.” Mullen, campaigning on family and community issues, pulled in support from a broad array of voters, the Irish Times reported. Mullen stated that the government should strive to “make Ireland a centre of excellence for adult stem cell research as opposed to ethically controversial embryodestructive research.” In a speech after the election, Senator Mullen said: “We have found a new way to talk about certain values

tinguishing between those morally responsible for the genocide and those who were used as tools to carry it out.

“Those who committed genocide were the politicians,” he said, adding that “the people followed with their eyes almost closed.”

Jean-Baptiste Talla, the Cameroon project manager for peace-building and justice for the US bishops’ international relief agency, Catholic Relief Services, has worked in nations including Rwanda, Burundi, Chad, Nigeria and the Central African Republic.

Talla said that in some nations, like Rwanda, hostility is kept alive by leaders who benefit from the conflict.

In Rwanda, “everything looks cured, but the wounds run very deep,” he said. Still, Talla said he sees signs of healing.

He recalled a visit to a Rwandan diocese where victims and perpetrators of the genocide met for discussions.

A woman at the meeting pointed to a man in the room and told Talla, “I decided to forgive that man who killed my husband.”

Later, the killer told Talla: “I decided to join this group to try to change.” “But the challenge is the politicians,” Talla said. “The leaders are the ones who manipulated the divisions” between ethnic groups.

Talla said the key to moving forward and healing is not forgetting “because you cannot forget.”

Instead, he recommended concentrating on the positive aspects of history - the heroes who risked their lives to help others.

“The history of a country is not a history of war,” he said, “but a history of people during war who tried to defend values, who tried to help others.”

in Irish life and those values have resonated with people and those values are respect for the dignity of the person and respect for life itself at all stages and in all situations.”

Muslim cleric vows to help Orthodox

NICOSIA, Cyprus - Egypt’s most senior Muslim cleric has agreed to help protect Orthodox churches under Turkish occupation since 1974 in the island republic. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, the Grand Imam of Egypt, told Chrysostomos II, Orthodox Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, that he would support the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus to help prevent further destruction of the religious sites, the Cyprus News Agency reported. The Archbishop reported that more than 500 churches in occupied Cyprus need urgent restoration to avoid collapsing because of structural weaknesses. The Archbishop’s press spokesman, Andreas Demetriou, said the pledge was given at a one-hour meeting between the two held in Cairo, during which the Archbishop outlined the situation on the island. Archbishop Chrysostomos II also explained to Grand Imam Tantawi that the Church of Cyprus had always respected Muslim places of worship on the island. Grand Imam Tantawi said he would work for peace and love in Cyprus.

Peaceful protest: A boy displaced by violence from Colombia’s civil war participates in a rally in Bogota on July 27. The event, staged in the capital city’s main square, called attention to Colombia’s internally displaced population,

PHOTO: CNS/JOSE MIGUEL GOMEZ, REUTERS

Old boy recalls a Brothers’ school

Phillip Somers’ diary entry offers an insight into the school days of old under the Christian Brothers

■ By Clement Philip Somers

Iremember so many things about St Patrick’s Boys’ School East Perth in the years about 1925 to 1928.

Firstly those great Christian Brothers and teachers, Brothers Downes, Dixon, and Carvetto who individually taught classes of over 90 boys - taught them not only their lessons but also religion, sport, singing and above all discipline.

I believe these teachers were very conscious of this and made sure that school leavers were used to discipline and able to learn whatever was required.

I remember - consider the times, the last few years of the great depression in Western Australia when it was necessary for boys to get work as soon as possible to help support their families.

I believe these teachers were very conscious of this and made sure that school leavers were used to discipline and able to learn whatever was required.

The boys of St Patrick’s all seem to have done well in their careers - Archbishop Goody is an outstanding example.

I remember - the class size over 90 boys in each class - and

if all didn’t pass exams - it was “please explain” - the sport on Wellington Square - football, rugby, cricket etc.

Brother Downes’ magnificent garden of prize blooms ,the choir taught and conducted by Contessa Phillipini, which won many eisteddfod prizes and was regularly used in St Mary’s Cathedral, the discipline imposed with instant justice and precision, the boxing ring introduced for boys with an argument to settle, the homework - and the “moments of truth” the next day the companionable walk home each day, (with a case full of books) my classmates, many of them good friends since those days, some who gave all in wartime.

Above all I remember with affection that great trio of Christian Brothers - Downes, Dixon and Carvetto and their helper Joe O’Dea who took a motley group of boys and made of them a controlled, creative group and taught them not only school lessons, but how to be men.

La Salle College, Year 11 student Arielle Cooper was the grateful recipient of this year’s Hasluck Leadership Award, which recognises outstanding leaders in schools within the Hasluck electorate. The award is sponsored by Hasluck MP, Stuart Henry, and was awarded to Ms Cooper on July 6 by the Hon Juile Bishop, minister for education and training. Arielle competed against students from

ten other schools for the prize that will see her travelling to Canberra to meet Prime Minister John Howard, visit parliament house and experience leadership at the highest level. Ms Cooper’s success follows current Head Girl, Tara Franzinelli’s win last year.

“The College congratulates Arielle on this fine achievement,” principal at La Salle College, Wayne Bull said

Thanks from a sculptor

Well-known WA sculptor

Phillip Somers didn’t stay at school for long but made the most of it nonetheless.

■ By Sylvia Defendi

As a Christian Brothers ‘old boy,’ prominent Western Australian sculptor Phillip Somers, now deceased, probably would have attended the state-wide Christian Brothers reunion that is scheduled for August 26.

In 1928 Mr Somers fell very ill and had to leave school to be hospitalized, where he met the French sculptor Edward Kohler, who had trained at the Sorbonne.

“He took dad on as his apprentice as dad was especially good at equestrian statues. They had a very productive partnership,”

The St Vincent De Paul Society thanked students from St Jude’s School in Langford for clothing the needy this winter

■ By Sylvia Defendi

After collecting over 16 kilos of pre-loved clothes, students from St Jude’s School in Langford were rewarded by the St Vincent De Paul Society with a Mini-Vinnies’ Fun Day on July 6.

Many Catholic schools in the Archdiocese participated in the Society’s Mini-Vinnies Clothing Drive, which saw over 25 tonnes of clothes being donated for use by those less fortunate.

“We found lots of people that were generous and kind to help us out with our clothing drive.

“It was great to win but it was better to feel that you helped the less fortunate people in WA,”

daughter Trish Somers said. Mr Somers worked on the Equestrian St George in Brisbane’s main square, the Captain James Stirling in Barrack St, Perth, the Hard Rock Miner in Boulder, and Russian Jack to name a few of his large bronze public statues.

He is however, mostly remembered for his large body of religious works such as the St John of God in Subiaco, the Madonna at Mercy Hospital, many sets of Stations of the Cross and the Our Lady of the Rosary outdoor statue in Woodlands.

“He was always grateful for his education and the start in life that the brothers had given him,” Ms Somers said.

The Record presents one of Mr Somers’ many diary entries (at left), written in honour of the Christian Brothers who gave him the opportunity to receive a worthwhile education. A special thankyou to the Brothers is being planned in August (see details at right).

Christian Brothers

REUNION

All past students, staff and friends of all Christian Brothers Schools are invited to a unique reunion to celebrate the contribution by Christian Brothers to Education in Western Australia.

Date August 26th Time: 4.30pm

Venue: Burswood Theatre

Cost: $25

Drinks and canapés will be served in the Grand Ballroom from 6.00pm. All seats must be registered and ticketed. Children free, however must be ticketed. For further information please contact: Maureen Colgan on 9317 2753 (all hours)

Michael Perrott: 9474 1799 (business hours) or Download a Registration Form on: www.edmundricecelebration.com

said Phillip, a year 7 student at St Jude’s. The campaign ran for 10 weeks and St Jude’s managed to collect over 3 tonnes in total.

Students participated in a letter drop around the school area and collected 13 large bags from the houses surrounding the school.

“The Drive gave the opportunity for all members of our community to contribute and help others.

“This was a tangible way that the children could see they were helping,” Principal at St Jude’s, Lyn Stone said. To donate to the Society call: 13 18 12.

Talented: A young Phillip Somers works intently on an equestrian sculpture. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TRISH SOMERS

Clement Phillip Somers

Great collectors: Two of the lucky winners from St Jude’s School in Langford. PHOTO: ANDREA MARTIN

Awarded: Hasluck MP, Stuart Henry, the Hon Julie Bishop and Arielle Cooper.

Future of UNDA discussed

Leadership conference opens forum for change

Senior staff from the Broome, Fremantle and Sydney Campuses of The University of Notre Dame Australia, united at WA’s campus recently for a leadership conference on the future development of the University as a national institution.

At the two-day seminar, the Fremantle campus’ Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and Acting Provost Professor Mark McKenna, Professor McKenna challenged staff to examine ways that Notre Dame could continue to be one University while offering distinctiveness at the campus level.

“We also asked the University leaders to consider the same question that we ask our students - Amongst all the pressures on me, am I becoming who I want to be’?” Professor McKenna said.

The Broome UNDA campus’ significant contribution to reconciliation between non-indigenous and indigenous Australians was also discussed.

Good Samaritan Sister Sonia Wagner, Broome’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, reminded staff that a key objective of the campus is to provide strong support for the process of reconciliation, providing an educational arena for non-Aboriginal people to relate directly to Aboriginal people and to learn about their law, history and culture

“In establishing and remaining committed to the Broome Campus, Notre Dame acknowledges that access to education is critical to the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities,” she explained.

Another important challenge for the University was identified as competing in an ever-increasing competitive tertiary education market whilst retaining its

unique Catholic identity. Staying true to its Objects which focus on the provision of University education within a context of Catholic faith and values; and the provision of an excellent standard of teaching, scholarship and research; training for the professions; and pastoral care for students.

Staff agreed that the University’s Core Curriculum – Philosophy, Theology and Ethics, part of every undergraduate degree, was fundamental to the provi-

sion of a unique tertiary experience for students.

Questions were also posed as to what type of leaders the University wants to graduate. It was noted that while there will be graduates who go on and achieve significant milestones, the University also aspires to graduate students who, whilst not necessarily becoming high profile leaders, live out their life and career with the hope of making a difference to society.

No Clone Zone hits the streets again

■ By Anthony Barich

The fight against the therapeutic cloning Bill currently before WA Parliament’s Legislative Assembly is far from over as more than 300 people showed up for the second time in a month to educate the public.

The successful day came a month earlier when over 300 youth – Catholic, Baptist and non-religious alike – staged a protest outside WA Premier Alan Carpenter’s office, gained 200 signatures and presented them to the Premier’s office.

But the latest episode on July 18, at Forrest Chase mall in the heart of Perth’s central business district, was less a protest and more about education.

However after many discussions with the general public, organiser Margaret Laundy was disappointed at the general consensus.

“The general consensus is that the general public know almost nothing about the real issue, and those who do, were actually badly informed,” she said after fellow campaigners distributed over 5000 flyers.

The flyers informed the public about a major recent breakthrough when Japan’s leading genetics researcher Shinya Yamanaka said skin cells of laboratory mice were genetically manipulated back to their embryonic state.

This can be adopted to enable scientists to produce human stem cells without using embryos in a relatively straight-forward procedure.

The Human Reproductive Technology Amendment Bill 2007 retains the ban on cloning for reproductive purposes but

allows for the creation of embryos “by means other than fertilisation” and the use of those embryos for research.

Though disheartened by the public’s level of education on the issue, Mrs Laundy said the next step is to mobilise groups to actually approach WA politicians on the issue.

The Forrest Chase project was also beneficial as it gave the youth a look at public lobbying that will serve them well in the future as they form the front line of defending human life from misguided legislation.

Mrs Laundy said though the group did

Monsignor a victim of entrapment: Shadbolt

Provocations by skate-boarding teenagers that led to a priest’s outburst at Melbourne’s St Patricks’s Cathedral were described as a “conspiracy of entrapment” by supporters of the priest. Mons Geoff Baron was widely criticised by media figures for his outburst, which was anonymously filmed, edited and published on the internet. But another Melbourne priest, Fr Michael Shadbolt, described the incident as a “grubby exercise in character assassination.” A string of letters to Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper supported Mons Baron, with one writer who has known the priest for 35 years saying he is “calm and affable.” Another writer said the priest had been taunted, pushed, abused and spat on by the teenagers before his outburst. Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has granted Mons Baron stress leave

Rudd-Howard lock horns for Christians

Christian church audiences around Australia will follow a live discussion between Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd next week, to be broadcast via the internet. The Australian Christian Lobby has arranged the debate, to take place at Canberra’s National Press Club on August 9, with a group of church leaders posing questions from the floor. Mr Jim Wallace from the ACL said the event is all about influence. “We need to be influencing all political parties to develop well-considered policy initiatives and a vision for Australia that engenders an increasingly moral and caring society,” he said. The debate will be displayed on screen for audiences at 31 church venues around Western Australia. For full details go to www. australiavotes.org

Bracks side-steps abortion war

The surprise resignation of Victorian Labor Premier Steve Bracks has averted any danger that Mr Bracks, a Catholic, will go into the history books as the Premier who oversaw the complete decriminilisation of abortion. Signaling a renewal of legislative conflict on the issue, Victorian Labor MP Candy Broad has proposed a private member’s bill to totally decriminalize abortion. Despite abortion already being legal in Victoria because of the 1969 Menhennitt ruling by the Victorian Supreme Court, Ms Broad said that the State’s Crimes Act retains a technical ban on abortions. Pro-abortion activist Leslie Cannold argued the Broad bill is necessary to prevent prolife activists using the Crimes Act to prosecute abortionists. This appeared to be a reference to a Victorian doctor who aborted a child at 32 weeks when the mother mistakenly feared it suffered from dwarfism. Despite an inquiry, the doctor was never charged.

Speakers spotlight conversion of Jews

Campaigns to target Jews for conversion are “no longer theologically acceptable,” said retired Cardinal Edward Cassidy at an interfaith meeting at Melbourne’s Holocaust Centre last week. The Cardinal, former head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, said there has been a deepening Catholic appreciation of the covenant between God and the Jews, and their role as witness of God’s faithful love. Religion journalist Barney Zwartz reported on his internet blog, The Religious Write, that the history of forced conversion of Jews was also addressed at the meeting. “For Christians, it’s a theological issue but for Jews it’s a matter of the life and death of our faith,”said Rabbi Fred Morgan at the meeting.

not have a permit to protest, local police on the scene did not stop them.

The group faced an uphill battle just finding a place and time to stage the event.

Peter Laundy, Margaret’s husband, said initially they called the police, who did not have a problem with it so long as they had council approval – but that proved the big stumbling block,

He said the Perth City Council, while good-natured about it, repeatedly denied them access to public spaces due to public safety, as protestors on footpaths may accidentally force people onto roads.

Islam promotes forgiveness: lawyer

The Australian lawyer for terrorism suspect Mohammed Haneef said his client persuaded him that “forgiveness is paramount” in the Islamic religion. “He talked to me about revenge in the Koran,” Mr Russo said in a press interview. He said his client told him: “You are a better Muslim if you forgive.” Mr Russo said that controversial police interviews with his client had focused on the word ‘jihad.’ The lawyer said his client’s understanding of jihad is that it’s just a “life struggle.”

Loud and clear: Protesters stand strong as passers-by get their crucial message.

PHOTO: MARGARET LAUNDY

Kicker: Senior staff at the UNDA leadership conference, Professor Mark McKenna (Fremantle), Sister Sonia Wagner sgs (Broome), Peter Glasson (Sydney), Professor Hayden Ramsay (Sydney) and Celia Hammond (Fremantle).

PHOTO: COURTESY OF NOTRE DAME

Above all Potter shows love

continued from Vista 3 judgment of the outwardly “nice” but weak and stuttering Quirrell, Harry knows he is not strong enough to succeed. What will ultimately protect him is not of his own doing or power. With no illusions about his own power, Harry only hopes to delay long enough for Dumbledore to save the day.

Countering this young hero and his own knowledge of his limitations is the greatly feared Voldemort, using the body of Quirrell. As frightening and dangerous as he is, Voldemort is here partly unmasked to show what he truly is.

He is not fully real, but “shadow and vapor” in need of another’s body. He is as Harry asserts, a “LIAR!” (p. 293). He is a deluded loner who only uses others to achieve his goals, especially his ultimate desire: absolute power.

He is not simply another duelling dark force; he is a corrupted and proud creature who seeks to be what he is not: the ultimate power.

Feeding the perverse desire, he deludes himself that to destroy and break ultimate laws protecting creation - such as not harming the unicorn, and instead performing certain curses and the like - is power.

He cannot see that to make and create is power and that to do so requires love. Fittingly, his symbol is one of death; it is the source of his delusion of power and the means to having others fear him (and, consequently serve him).

As Dumbledore later explains, love is something Voldemort cannot understand and what ultimately thwarts him - it almost destroyed him when he killed Harry’s parents, and, in this most recent confrontation with Harry Potter, will thwart him again.

Continuing on this theme of love is the obstacle to Voldemort’s attainment of his desired sorcerer’s stone the Mirror of Erised (“desire” spelled backwards) which shows the desires of one’s heart.

The rational and interiorly corrupt Quirrell and Voldemort cannot “solve” the mystery of the mirror, and after capturing Harry, Voldemort orders Quirrell to use Harry to get the stone from the mirror. Harry is surprised

when he easily attains the stone upon looking into the mirror.

Unwittingly, he has passed a test of the heart, of desire.

As Dumbledore later explains, only one who had no desire to use the stone could attain it.

This is also why Quirell and Voldemort were continually baffled by the ultimately simple, child-like solution.

To this highly rational pair, ordering the desires of the heart in truth is fool’s talk; attaining power and whatever goals or desires you have by whatever means necessary is wisdom.

Equally foolish, however, is any idea of the power of love, especially sacrificial love; as Quirell’s hands burn when he touches Potter, there is empirical evidence of love that cannot be denied.

The pulsing power and indelible mark left in Harry as a result of the sacrificial love of his mother, who died to save his life, is the power that protects Harry and repulses the “man with two faces”.

As Dumbledore explains, it is this power that made his touch a painful, burning encounter with Quirell, allowing Dumbledore to save Harry and keep the stone from Voldemort. (p. 299).

In this last encounter we are shown the mysterious power of love.

This portrayal of love is not sentimental, and not a modern irrational worship of eros - a simple following of the whims of any powerfully felt desire as the course to liberation; it is a whole and balanced view of love that is crowned by the ultimate and paradoxical act of affirmation: self-sacrifice.

This theme of a paradoxical love - a selfsacrificing love that defeats death through death - is present throughout the Potter stories, especially in the self-sacrifice of Harry’s mother and of Ron Weasely, in the symbol phoenix, and in numerous other characters who suffer while defending the good.

We shall see how this paradox carries into Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Jeff Presberg is a Muggle. He is also the lower school head of The Heights School in Potomac, Maryland. He has taught Literature for many years. - Mercatornet

LOOKS LIKE BIG NEWS!!!

During August all new advertisers in The Record will receive 10% off advertisements. Need it at Christmas?

Clergy Saint Alphonsus Eucharist and Dinner Redemptorist Monastery - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton 8 Mary MacKillop

Presentation of LifeLink Award, Aranmore Primary School - Bishop Sproxton

Parish Visitation,

Saturday August 4

DAY WITH MARY

9am – 5pm St James Church, 69 Lagoon Drive, Yanchep. A video of Fatima will be shown at 9am followed by a day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO Lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. Bus available. Contact Nita 9367 1366.

Saturday August 4

WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION

The next first Saturday Mass, Procession and Rosary Vigil will commence with Mass at 8.30am at St Anne’s Church, Hehir St Belmont. We proceed prayerfully to the Rivervale abortion centre and conclude with Rosary led by Fr Paul Carey SSC. Please join us to pray peacefully for the conversion of hearts. Enquiries Helen 9402 0349.

Sunday August 5

30TH ANNIVERSARY DONGARA

Celebration of the 30th Anniversary (17th July 1977) Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Dongara will begin with Mass at 9.30am with the Blessing of the Font followed by a Brunch/Luncheon in Rachel Hall. Past Parishioners and friends are all welcome. RSVP 30th July Contact Mary Sterry 9927 1705.

Saturday and Sunday August 4 and 5

LA SALLE COLLEGE

The year 11 drama production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado will be held in the Nicholas Barre Auditorium at La Salle College, 5 La Salle Avenue, Middle Swan. Bookings have opened and tickets can be purchased from the college administration office or call: 9274 6266 for ticket bookings. Tickets are: $9 adults and $7 concessions. Family tickets are available.

Sunday August 5

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim’s Church, cnr Shepperton Rd and Harper St, Victoria Park at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon: Fr Michael Rowe, followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Afterwards refreshments in parish hall then video with Fr John Corapi. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Monday August 6

NEW LIFE IN GOD’S SPIRIT SEMINAR

For those who attended the talk and discussion on ‘Starting a Charistmatic Prayer Group in their parish’ we have our final talk on Prayer Group Leadership on Monday morning 6 August at St Gerard Majella ‘White House’ 36 Changton Way Westminster at 10am – 12pm. Please contact Jenni Young of Healing Fire Burning Love Ministry on 9445 1028 or mobile 0404 389 679.

Wednesday August 8

BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP’S FEAST DAY

Mass will be celebrated at 6pm Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth. Followed by a light supper. Everyone Welcome. Enq: Sr Margaret 9334 0995.

Thursday August 9

HEALING MASS

7pm A Healing Mass in honour of St Peregrine, patron of Cancer sufferers and helper of all in need, will be held at the Church of SS John and Paul, Pinetree Gully Rd, (off South St) Willetton. There will be Veneration of the Relic and Anointing of the Sick. For further information, please contact Noreen Monaghan on 9498 7727.

Thursday August 9

CATHOLICS AND THEIR FUTURE HEALTH CARE

Presented by Fr Joe Parkinson at St Thomas More Parish 100 Dean Rd, Bateman. 7.30-9pm in the parish hall. Enq: Marianne 9310 1747.

Saturday August 11

AWAKENINGS

An internationally accredited program that brings new meaning to our faith as Catholics. It is Free! Your time is your investment for the future. It is an experience you will remember for life. The Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate. (Next to Sacred Heart Parish) Parking and entry from Harold Street. 2pm Sharp, till approximately 7pm. Contact: Fr Douglas Rowe 9325 2009 or personally at All Saints Chapel.

Sunday August 12

FATIMA DEVOTIONS

The World Apostolate of Fatima Aust Inc invites you to attend Fatima Devotions to mark the 90th Anniversary of Fatima, in the Holy Rosary Church, Thomas Street, Nedlands at 3pm. Confession and Enrolment in Brown Scapular available. All are very welcome. Enq: 9339 2614.

Sunday August 19

REFLECTIONS ON THE TEACHINGS OF MEISTER ECKHART

The Annual St Dominic Commemorative Lecture will be presented by Fr Tom Cassidy OP at 3pm in the Parish Hall of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Angelico St, Woodlands. Entry will be by gold coin donation. Fr Cassidy will discuss Eckhart’s teaching on how we become one with God.

Tuesday August 21 – Sunday December 2

SET MY PEOPLE ON FIRE

7.45 pm St Anthony’s Parish, 96 Innamincka Rd, Greenmount. 15 weekly Bible sessions for building a faith building community called “Set My People

on Fire.” Presented by Perth Catholic organisation Flame Ministries International, featuring international speakers and the Flame Music Ministry. Each Tuesday evening with a Friday to Sunday weekend every 5th week. Free admission - Information: 9382 3668 - Email: smpof@flameministries.org - Program: flameministries.org/smpof.html.

Thursday August 30

THE 24TH ANNUAL NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GOOD HEALTH, VAILANKANNI

Starts 7pm and ends on September 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Holy Trinity Church, Embleton. Social get together follows on the first and last day of the Novena. Please bring a plate. Thankyou. Enq; Mons P McCrann 9271 5528 or George Jacob 9272 1379.

Saturday September 1

DAY WITH MARY

9am – 5pm Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, cnr Harfoot & Milroy Streets, Willagee. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am followed by a day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Friday September 7

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FOR CACW FELLOWSHIPS

The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) was established by the Australian Catholic Bishops‚ Conference in 2000. CACW seeks to promote the participation of women in the Catholic Church in Australia. CACW is pleased to announce that the 2008 application package for the Young Catholic Women’s‚ Interfaith Fellowship is now available. The package can be downloaded from: www.cacw. catholic.org.au For further information regard-

PANORAMA continued Classifieds

ing the CACW or the Fellowship, please contact: michelleww@iinet.net.au or 9345 2555.

Thursday to Sunday September 13-16

CURSILLO FOR WOMEN

7pm to be held at ‘Penola by the Sea’, 27 Penguin Rd, Safety Bay. For application forms and/or further information please phone Jeanie Hoff on 95313842 or 0421 725 508

Friday to Sunday September 14-16

RETREAT  PRAYER IN THE FRANCISCAN TRADITION

All those interested in learning more about St Francis and prayer in the Franciscan tradition are welcome to attend. The retreat will be held at the Redemptorist Retreat House. The retreat will be given by Deacon Dick Scallan SFO. For information and bookings please contact Mary on 9377 7925 by August 31.

Sunday September 23

ST JOSEP H’S CHURCH TRAYNING CELEBRATES 81 YEARS

10.30am St Joseph’s Trayning will celebrate 81 years. Mass will be followed by a bring and share lunch. Contacts: Sandra Waters 9683 2048 email: rosalind@bbsat.com.au Val Enriquez 9683 1191, Fr Chien 9685 2399.

First Sunday of each month

DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY

The Santa Clara Parish community welcomes anyone from surrounding parishes and beyond to Santa Clara Church, cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Sts, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayers, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction.

Last Sunday each month

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE

Charismatic Mass celebrated at the Holy Spirit Chapel, 85 Boas Avenue, Joondalup at 5.45pm. Every Saturday PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS

4.30pm. The half hour perpetual novena devotions to the Mother of Perpetual Help continue each Saturday at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent St, in North Perth. Reconciliation available before and after the devotions. All welcome.

Every Sunday

BULLSBROOK SHRINE

Sunday pilgrim Mass is celebrated with Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 2pm at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. Enq: 9447 3292.

Every Sunday RADIO GATE OF HEAVEN

7.30-9pm. 107.9FM. 1. Getting God’s Help w/Fr Benedict Groeschel - “The Gift of Fear of The Lord” Episode #8. Life on the rock w/Fr Francis Mary“Activists & Participants in the Walk for Life on the West Coast” Episode #156.

Every Sunday LATIN MASS

The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal is offered every Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima, 10 Foss St, Palmyra at noon. All welcome.

Every fourth Monday

SCRIPTURAL PRAYER PROGRAM

7.30-9pm. Venue: St Mary’s Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St, Leederville. The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) is offering a scriptural prayer program developed in the Jesuit tradition. This form of prayer can lead to more reflective living, greater spiritual depths and promotes lay spiritual leadership in the Church. Led by Kathleen Brennan (ibvm). Enq: Michelle Wood 9345 2555.

Every Tuesday WEEKLY PRAYER WITH MARY’S COMPANION WAYFARERS OF JESUS THE WAY

7pm, St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay St, Perth. Personal healing in prayer, Rosary, scripture, meditation, praise in song, friendship and refreshments. Appreciate the heritage of the faith united with others asking Jesus and Mary to overcome burdens in life. Prayer is powerful. Come, join us!!

Every Wednesday HOLY HOUR, BENEDICTION, EVENING PRAYER

Holy Hour 4.30 – 5.30pm, St Thomas’ Church, 2 College Rd, Claremont. Followed by evening prayer and Benediction. Personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is adoration of Jesus’ gift of Himself, of His love for you, for your loved ones and for our world. Come and thank Him.

Every second Wednesday FORTNIGHTLY BIBLE REFLECTIONS

Workers in the Garden of the Holy Family are conducting Bible Reflections at St Mary’s Church, Parish

Centre, 40 Franklin Street, Leederville. Commencing 7pm with Rosary, refreshments provided afterward.

Dates: August 8, 22, September 5, 19, October 3, 17, 31, November 14, 28, December 5. Enq: 9201 0337.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett Street, Embleton. Every Monday to Thursday after the 8.30am Mass till 10am. Every Thursday night from 11pm to midnight. Every Friday Eucharistic Adoration after the 8.30 Mass til 6pm. Enquiries: Mons P McCrann 9271 5528 or George Jacob 9272 1379.

Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL

Every 1st Friday - Praise and Worship evening held at St John and Paul’s Church, Pinetree Gully Rd Willetton at 7.30pm. Every 3rd Friday Catholic Faith Education by Fr Greg Donovan, LJ Goody Bioethics Centre, 39 Jugan Street, Glendalough at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Enq: Rita 9272 1765 or Rose 0403 300 720.

Second Friday of each Month

GENERAL PRAYER ASSEMBLY

The Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries welcome all members who now reside or are visiting Perth to join the community in our monthly general prayer assembly 7.30pm, St Joachim Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Enquiries: Tony & Dolly Haber (08) 9440 4540.

Every Fourth Sunday SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.

Every Fourth Sunday WATCH AND PRAY

A Holy Hour is held at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley from 2-3pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour consists of some prayers and Scripture but mostly the hour is silent prayer for Vocations. All are welcome. Please encourage others to come and pray. Prayer - it works! Enq: 9276 8500.

Every Monday WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

The Emmanuel Centre are offering to help people who gain weight because they are using medication for their mental illness. The group helps participants to manage their weight safely and healthily. MindBody-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.30-2.30pm. Free. The group starts with a weigh-in, then a talk on nutrition and healthy eating tips, goal setting and then half an hour of exercise. Enq: Amanda - Emmanuel Centre, 9328 8113.

BOOK DONATIONS

We still seek donations of books and thank you and bless you for your kind, generous contributions of Bibles, Missals and Catholic books on the faith. We are now able to offer a selection of second-hand, pre-loved books to the community in return for a small donation. Enq: 9293 3092.

WINDOW FUND DONATIONS WELCOME

St Catherine’s Catholic Church, Gin Gin Parishioners are currently fundraising to restore the church windows. The cost of each window is $1500. If anyone is able to assist our fundraising efforts please telephone Fr Paul 9571 1839.

CLUB AMICI

Club Amici aims to build community amongst Catholic singles, couples and families (aged 25 and up) by organising social events. If you would like a copy of our new calendar of events or would like to be on our mail out list please contact Therese 9437 5349 or email clubamiciwa@yahoo.com.au.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Ignatian Volunteers Australia calls for part-time volunteers to respond to the needs of people in the community who live in marginalised circumstances. At the heart of this program is a reflective process based on Gospel values, which supports the volunteers in their work. To learn more: www.volunteers.jesuit.org.au Contact Kevin Wringe, Perth Coordinator (08) 9316 3469 kwringe@iinet.net.au .

REUNION

John and Marie Acland are planning to hold a reunion later this year of all past and present members of the Apostles of Christ Prayer Group Willetton and all other persons who took part in their Meetings, Fellowship Nights, Life in the Spirit, and supplementary Seminars, the Alpha Course and other group activities. Further details will be advised when full numbers are known. Enq: Marie Acland. Tel/fax 9537-3390. Email jmacland@bigpond. com or Dianne McLeod 9332-0829 Email danielmcleod@bigpond.com

Classifieds:

ACCOMMODATION

■ BEACH HOUSE ACCOMMODATION

South Fremantle Beach House F/F & equipped. Short or long term $95per/n at min of 5 nights 0409 405 585.

■ DENMARK

Holiday House 3bdr x 2 bath, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377.

■ FAMILY GROUP ACCOMMODATION

Visit http://www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100

■ HOUSE FOR LEASE

South Fremantle large 3x2, close to beach. Furnished or unfurnished. Short or long term $450 p.wk. 9336 3330.

BLINDS

■ BLINDS SPECIALIST

Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200.

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

EMPLOYMENT

■ RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth is establishing a new permanent part time position as a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. The successful applicant will be required to work approx 15-20 hours pw between the hours of 9am and 1pm on most weekdays. The position is ideally suited for a mature aged applicant and individuals who are able to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the Catholic Church ethos and values will be highly regarded.A job description document can be obtained from the Business Manager by phoning on 9328 6600 or by visiting www.themonastery.org.au Please forward applications by 5pm Friday 24 August 2007.

■ CARETAKER WANTED

Church Caretaker Couple (or single man) for St Anne’s, Bindoon suit pensioners, free accomm. Ph: 9571 1839 or 0427 085 093.

■ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Extra income from your own home-based business. Work part-time without disturbing what you are doing now. Call: 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518318 www.dreamlife1.com

HELP WANTED

■ VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is looking for volunteers who support Christian values and want to improve Australia to work at polling booths at the coming Federal election. If you can help, please contact Paul Connelly (CDP’s Perth Candidate) on 0414 247 286 or pmjconnelly@hotmail.com

Authorised by Gerard Goiran 4/294 Gt Eastern Hwy Midland

■ BUSINESS SUPPORT WANTED

The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is looking for businesses in all areas that support Christian values and want to improve Australia to place CDP Candidate campaign posters (various sizes available) in the shop windows of their businesses for the coming Federal Election. If you can help, please contact Paul Connelly (CDP’s Perth Candidate) on 0414 247 286 or pmjconnelly@hotmail.com.

Authorised by Gerard Goiran 4/294 Gt Eastern Hwy Midland

EVENTS

■ RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE 1ST  22ND SEPTEMBER

2007.

A non-residential, one to one, retreat suited for those who need to continue their daily routine while seeking to deepen their relationship with God. The retreat is conducted over 3 weeks, meeting with a Director twice weekly. For more information contact Sr Una O’Loughlin (92051623, email unaol2002@yahoo.com.au) or Maureen O’Toole (9279 9219, email beaudoire@iprimus.com.au).

■ CHRISTIAN BROTHERS REUNION

Christian Brothers “Old Boys” Reunion. All past students, staff and friends of all Christian Brothers Schools are invited to a unique reunion to celebrate the contribution by Christian Brothers to Education in Western Australia.

Date August 26th

Time: 4.30pm

Venue: Burswood Theatre

Cost: $25

Drinks and canapés will be served in the Grand Ballroom from 6.00pm. All seats must be registered and ticketed. Children free, however must be ticketed. For further information please contact: Maureen Colgan on 9317 2753 (all hours) Michael Perrott: 9474 1799 (business hours) or Download a Registration Form on: www.edmundricecelebration.com

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

■ DEMENTIA REMISSION Do you, or your loved one, suffer Dementia. Get into Dementia Remission like me! http://www. wgrey.com.au/dm/index.htm or (02) 9971 8093.

MIGRANTS

■ MIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA For guidance and visa processing, Skilled or Family Visas and Study visas. Call Michael Ring or Ajay Trehan Registered Migration Agent – (MARN # 0212024). Phone: (02) 8230 0290 or 0412 518 318 for a no-obligation assessment, please call or email: michael.ring@bigpond.com

PERSONAL

■ GROOM WANTED

Loving, Smart, Fair, PG in Commerce, 31yo, Anglo Indian Bride living in India, seeks home-loving Catholic groom. Please phone father on: 011-919396 286 495.

PERSONAL

■ FAMILY MINDED GUY SEEKING CATHOLIC LADY FOR COMPANIONSHIP

A caring man 36 yrs of European descent is looking for a similar lady with same interests between 26 - 33 yrs. I enjoy going to the cafes, walks, going to the beach, playing soccer, homely life and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Phone Robert 0403 878 805.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ CATHOLICS CORNER

Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

Panorama entries must be in by 5pm Friday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited or excluded. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly.The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.

The Last Word

If Jesus is converting Jews, it can’t be wrong!

Anna Arco meets the Jewish academic who became a Christian apologist

Looking for meaning in life occupied most of Roy Schoeman’s first 30 years. A convert from Judaism to Catholicism (via Anthroposophy) he now devotes his time to writing, lecturing and praying.

Schoeman is not very tall, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in presence.

Dressed with monk-like simplicity in plain, dark clothes, sandals and sporting a beard, his most arresting features are his piercing blue eyes.

He fixes me with them when I interview him while he is in England on a book tour, and begins to tell the story of his conversion in the slow, modulated voice of someone who is used to speaking about himself.

A writer and a former Harvard Business School professor, Schoeman took a twisting path to Catholicism.

His conversion, he says, was really the work of the Holy Spirit, and he maintains that most Jews who came into the Church did so through miraculous means.

“A Protestant can read his way into the Church,” he explains.

“He can read the Church Fathers and realise that Protestantism doesn’t make sense. But since Jews reject the New Testament and they obviously reject all the stories about Jesus as fictional, you can’t really get traction in that way.”

Schoeman would like the Church to do more for Judaism and laments what he calls the “dual covenant theory”, which he claims has been a prevalent modern attitude in the Catholic Church vis-à vis Judaism.

“What they say is that God established Judaism as a salvific covenant with the Jewish people and then he introduced Christianity to bring salvation to the Gentiles but he never intended for the Jews to become Christians,” he says.

His latest book, Honey from the Rock: Sixteen Jews find the Sweetness of Jesus (details below), maps out the conversion stories of 16 prominent Jewish converts, past and present, and he hopes it will prove instrumental in changing this attitude towards the conversion of Jews.

“I figure if you show that the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus are busy converting the Jews, these modernist Catholic theologians can’t turn around and say it’s wrong for them to convert the Jews,” he says.

Roy Schoeman was born in New York’s Harlem district to German Jewish parents who fled to America to escape the Holocaust.

He grew up in suburban Englewood, New Jersey. His parents were members of a conservative synagogue where the rabbi came from a long line of Hasidic rabbis and “the community was more than typically religious for a conservative congregation”.

He attended Jewish religious schools until university.

In his senior year at high school,

Schoeman “flirted” with Hasidism when he fell under the influence of a charismatic Hasidic rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and spent the summer between school and university travelling with him in Israel.

Schoeman even considered staying in Israel and entering Jewish religious life that summer. He returned to America, however, and entered the celebrated Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the autumn of 1969.

It was at the MIT, he explains, that he lost his faith and discovered The Doors and their charismatic lead singer Jim Morrison.

“I trained mostly as a hippy, but ended up being a computer scientist,” he jokes.

He began to sense “a thirst to find meaning in life” while living in Denmark for his first job.

Danish attitudes to the pleasures of life - good food, family and a sort of hedonism - seemed satisfying substitutes for the meaning he had lost when he gave up God and Judaism.

But the bottom fell out of Schoeman’s life soon after he finished Harvard Business School.

He had thrown himself into work while he was there and it had paid off.

He came at the top of his class,

Hebrew Catholics seek to better explain their message

■ By Barbara Watkins

ST LOUIS (CNS) - The designation Hebrew Catholic may seem incongruous. But not to David Moss, president of the Association of Hebrew Catholics.

Moss, 65, and his wife, Kathleen, 62, recently moved the organisation’s US headquarters to St Louis and the association has planned a number of programs to better explain its message.

“Hebrew is the ethnicity. Our religious observance is Catholic,” Moss told the St Louis Review archdiocesan newspaper.

“There are tens of thousands of Jews in the Catholic Church. ... (The association was formed because) it is time once again for the Jews who entered the Church to come together and live out their eternal calling, their vocation to give collective witness to the truths that God has revealed - first in the Old Covenant, written in the Old Testament, and then the truth of the New Covenant, the New Testament,” he said.

The Association of Hebrew Catholics was begun in 1979 in Israel by two Hebrew Catholics - Father Elias Friedman, a Discalced Carmelite friar, and Andrew Scholl, a Holocaust survivor.

“That was the very year I entered the Church,” said Moss, who was raised in Conservative Judaism.

The organisation is a lay apostolate of Catholics of both Jewish and non-Jewish origins. The organisation’s name is Hebrew Catholics, not Jewish

and was asked to join the faculty the year after.

In 1981 he became the youngest member of faculty at the Harvard Business School, aged 29.

Unfulfilled by this, however, he gave up teaching, and worked as a consultant while he lived for skiing.

“First, I was going to be religious,” he reflects, “and then I pursued worldly goals like leaving home, or getting a girlfriend or getting a driver’s licence or going to college or a career.

But that was more of a career than I expected ever to have.

“You’re really feted if you’re a Harvard Business School professor.

It’s really a big deal and yet there was still no meaning to life and nothing more to look forward to. There was no new accomplishment that could change anything.

I really didn’t know where to turn and just felt this kind of despair.”

Walking along a Massachusetts beach one day in 1987 he had his first epiphany.

Walking along a Massachusetts beach one day in 1987 he had his first epiphany.

His life flashed before him with “incredible clarity” and he felt he “was in the presence of God”.

He begged to know the name of this God, there on the beach, so that he could worship him properly.

“1 don’t mind if you’re Buddha

Catholics, Moss said, because “Hebrew goes back to Abraham and the 12 tribes of Israel.”

In the 1980s Moss was one of several people who helped establish the Association of Hebrew Catholics in the United States.

Moss established the Miriam Press as the group’s publishing arm. Among its publications was “Jewish Identity,” by Father Friedman, which bore the imprimatur, or permission to publish, of the Archdiocese of New York.

“Father Friedman believed we had entered a new time of salvation history, a time for Jews in the Church to live out their collective calling, their calling as a people,” Moss said. “Since about the fourth century there has been no collective Jewish presence in the Church. They have entered the church and assimilated into whatever the national culture was and, in essence, gave up their Jewish heritage.”

The association, Moss said, seeks to preserve and share these Jewish roots.

“Our group has two purposes: one, to enable the Jews in the Church to live out their heritage in the church; and, two, to live out our collective calling, to be a collective witness and servant of God as a people, to give witness to the truth of the one God in the Old Testament and the triune God in the New Testament,” Moss said.

“As a result, Catholics in the Church will better learn the Jewish roots of their own faith and hopefully be strengthened in their faith, and those outside the Church, Jews and others, will see the Jewish witness,” Moss said.

Moss stressed that the Association of Hebrew Catholics does not actively evangelise Jews outside the Church.

“Our work is directed to Jews within the Church. If there are Jews who are searching, we are here to answer their questions. We do not actively evangelise,” he said.  CNS

and I have to become a Buddhist,” he prayed.

“I don’t mind if you’re Apollo and I have to become a Roman Pagan. I don’t mind if you’re Krishna and I have to become a Hindu, as long as you’re not Christ and I have to become a Christian.”

“His encounter with Mary and a burning desire to receive Communion every day eventually led him to Catholicism.”

His initial distrust of Christianity was typical of his Jewish upbringing, he explains.

Almost a year of searching followed, during which Schoeman embraced the Rudolph Steiner inspired Anthroposophist Christian Community movement, before the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream.

When the priest at the Christian Community Centre in Boston said that the Virgin Mary was the reincarnation of an ancient Mayan goddess, Schoeman left the movement.

His encounter with Mary and a burning desire to receive Communion every day eventually led him to Catholicism.

Time spent in a Carthusian monastery in France helped him to disperse the prejudices he had once held against the Catholic Church.

None of the monks tried to convert him during the period he stayed there. He realised the Catholics were “wannabe Jews” because of the close liturgical links between the Old and New Testaments.

Once Schoeman had made the decision to become a Catholic, finding a priest to baptise him was more difficult than he anticipated. He says that one priest in Boston told him that there was no need for him to be baptised because God only wanted him to be a good Jew.

Another told him that Christ’s miracles were merely a literary device. Finally, he found a Charismatic French-Canadian priest living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who gave him instruction and baptised him in 1992.

Schoeman has campaigned for the conversion of Jews and his first book, “Salvation is from the Jews,” explores the role of Judaism in salvation history.

He has abandoned his consulting work in order to concentrate entirely on his faith, but he maintains that he has no vocation to religious life.

Since his conversion he has received Communion every day and now receives it twice daily.

“It’s a Jewish thing,” he says, “if you can, why not? You’ll be grateful for all eternity that you were a fanatic.”

Honey from the Rock: Sixteen Jews Find the Sweetness of Christ is published by Ignatius Press

Full bore for Jesus: Roy Schoeman receives Communion twice daily. “It’s a Jewish thing,” he says. “If you can, why not?”