The Record Newspaper 08 June 2006

A refugee boy... Australia... and the death penalty

My friend... Van

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OUT OF STEP: Jesuit says Pell not nuanced enough on embryos Page 6

Vatican criticises couples in marriages ‘willingly made sterile’

■ By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Couples who use natural family planning to have only one or two children allow “brief parentheses” in a marriage “willingly made sterile,” said a new document from the Pontifical Council for the Family.

The document, “Family and Human Procreation,” was released in Italian on June 6 and issued to mark the 25th anniversary of the council’s establishment.

“Never before has the natural institution of matrimony and family been victim of such violent attacks,” said the document, signed by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, council president.

The cardinal said “radical currents” are not simply promoting acceptance of new models of the family, but actually are proposing them as positive alternatives to the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman open to having children.

“Couples formed by homosexuals claim the same rights reserved to a husband and wife; they even claim the right to adoption,” he said. “Women who live in a lesbian union claim analogous rights, calling for laws that give them access” to artificial insemination and fertilisation.

While various factors are contributing to the problem, the

Continued on Page 2

See also Perth trains 8 in NFP page 5

VISTA 1-4

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On December 2, 2005, Nguyen Tuong Van was executed in Singapore by hanging despite a national campaign here in Australia and pleas for clemency from two popes and a prime minister - among thousands of others. In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Van’s lawyer speaks to The Record about his friendship with Van, the case, and the injustice of the death penalty.

MASTER CRAFTSMAN: Student excels in woodwork Page 12

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UNWORKABLE: John Heard on why ‘gay’ marriage can’t succeed Page 7

NFP is for life

The Spirit abounds in Perth parishes on Pentecost Sunday

Confirmations have just been held across Perth

Parish churches were packed across the archdiocese as confirmations took place last weekend on Pentecost Sunday, June 4.

All parish priests were authorised in February by Archbishop Hickey

NEW, DIFFERENT AND HERE

One of Pope Benedict’s first expressed desires was to meet with representatives of the Church’s movements - at Pentecost. That meeting has taken place in Rome.

Pages

to conduct confirmations as close as possible to Pentecost.

It was a busy time for clergy; Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton presided at three separate services involving 175 young people at Ocean Reef on Saturday and Sunday. Elsewhere, parish priests were kept similarly busy with larger than normal congregations as candidates for

confirmation – the majority from Catholic school classes-received the Sacrament.

In recent years approximately 4000 candidates have received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the archdoicese each year.

Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the milestones in the Christian life; it con-

firms the already-baptised individual as a Christian adult and, most importantly, confers the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Christian belief the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is described in the Creed recited at Mass as “the Lord, the giver of life,” also confers the gifts given by the third person

Continued on Page 2

PRAYING BY THE HOURS

Why are more and more men and women, mostly laity, rediscovering the ancient

Honouring Mary: A couple rides on a horse beside the sanctuary of Our Lady of Rocio in the village of Almonte in southern Spain on June 4. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims converge at the shrine each year for a local feast devoted to Mary.

Photo: CNS

Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family

Couples urged to live NFP’s spirit

Continued from page 1 document said, the root of the crisis is a lack of recognition of God as the creator of all human life.

The document said the development of a “theology of creation,” explaining the religious obligation to respect nature and the environment, should be extended to include a “theology of procreation,” explaining the religious obligation to respect the fact that God created human beings male

Spiritual Seal

The sacrament of Confirmation is a gift of the Holy Spirit that directs the baptized toward service to the church and the world.

and female so that they would give themselves to one another, cooperate with him in bringing new life into the world and educate children in faith and civic values.

While the equal dignity of men and women must be affirmed, the document said, feminism has contributed to the problem by trying to “free women from masculine oppression and from the family.”

The document called for greater

church efforts to educate married couples in responsible parenthood, which is not simply refusing to use artificial means of birth control.

When for the good of the entire family it is best to avoid having another child, couples can abstain from sexual intercourse during fertile periods to avoid a pregnancy, it said.

However, using natural family planning to have only one or a maximum of two children “is nothing

other than a kind of series of brief parentheses within an entire conjugal life willingly made sterile,” it said. The document also said the Catholic Church’s understanding of responsible parenthood does not end with conception; parents are called to educate their children in the faith and in values, including passing on to them an appreciation for the vocations of fatherhood and motherhood.

Oneofthree sacraments of Christian initiation

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THE RITE Bishop extends his hands over candidates and asks God to send the Holy Spirit to “be their helper and guide.”

He anoints each candidate’s forehead with chrism oil, says his or her name and “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

CHRISM OIL

Consecrated perfumed oil used for anointing at confirmation and ordination and at the dedication of churches and altars. It is traditionally made from olive oil.

Confirmations in Perth

Continued from page 1 of the Trinity; they include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. At Our Lady of Mt Carmel parish in Hilton regular church-goers had been warned to expect a longerthan-usual Mass on Sunday afternoon, and there was little space for latecomers.

The church was packed as Father Gerard Beeson lead candidates and sponsors to the front pews. A total of 37 candidates were con-

Mission office offers special Confirmation gifts

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firmed, including two adults, nine students from state schools and 26 pupils from Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Primary.

Fr Joseph Cardoso assisted Fr Gerard during the ceremony.

In his homily Fr Beeson urged those receiving the Sacrament to draw closer to God.

“Do not fear God. God loves you and you have to love him back,” he said.

At the end of Mass each confirmed participant received the Confirmation certificate.

a quarterly up-date on Mission projects that your donation will be helping. It is hoped that such a gift will strengthen the faith of your Confirmation Child by making them more aware of the work of the Catholic Church in helping children living in poverty in developing countries and appreciative of God’s love working in our world.

For further information on how this can be arranged in time for Confirmation or after, please contact the Catholic Mission Office, Perth on 9422 7933 or email catholicmissionperth@bigpond.org

Soon to be filled: Candidates wait for the ceremony of Confirmation as Hilton Parish Priest Fr Gerard Beeson addresses the congregation. Photo: Eugene Mattes

Big ‘thankyou’: Scalabrinian Missionary Fr Tizian Martellozzo CS, presents Mr Hari Suharsono with a Scalabrinian

‘He saw, stopped - and he cared’

Perth Catholics honour inspiring advocate for human ‘birds of passage’

■ By Peter Rosengren

Exactly 101 years after his death, an Italian bishop who is now remembered as a great reformer in the interests of migrants the world over was commemorated in a simple ceremony last week.

The Mass, celebrated at St Brigid’s Church in West Perth before a largely migrant congregation, commemorated Bishop John Baptist Scalabrini, founder of two religious congregations devoted to assisting migrants as well as an independent association of lay people committed to their care.

Bishop Scalabrini died on June 1, 1905 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1997; last week’s Mass was celebrated on Thursday, June 1.

By the time he died – of exhaustion in the opinion of some – he had created an entirely new field of work for the Church – the pastoral care of migrants.

In Perth, one of the congregations founded by Bishop Scalabrini, known as the Scalabrinian Missionaries, has been serving migrants for a quarter of a century.

Fr Anthony Paganoni CS, the Episcopal vicar for Migrants in Perth and a Scalabrinian missionary, told those attending that Bishop Scalabrini had seen the desperate plight of millions of poor and usually illiterate migrants in search of a better life, and determined to help them.

Concelebrating the Mass with Fr Paganoni were fellow Scalabrinian Fr Tiziano Martellozzo CS and Fr Kin Son Nguyen, assistant chaplain to the Vietnamese community in Perth.

The Bishop had, he said, “set in motion this fruitful thing.”

Scalabrini had become a prolific letter-writer, rushing letters off to politicians, bishops in Italy and Europe – even to the US President and the Pope on their behalf.

The intelligent bishop also knew the power of the press and how to use it.

“But most of all he enjoyed meeting his beloved migrants – and he crossed oceans to recreate a sense

Sacred Heart invite

■ By Sylvia Defendi

The Sacred Heart Catholic Society invites all to an evening of prayer and praise in Italian on the upcoming feast of the Sacred Heart on June 23.

The evening of worship will be led by Fr Antonio Paganoni

of worth, a sense of dignity,” he said. Like the Good Samaritan in the Gospel reading for the Mass commemorating the bishop, “he saw, he stopped and he thought – but above all he cared,” Fr Paganoni said.

Shortly before his death Bishop Scalabrini had sent a detailed proposal to the Pope for a worldwide plan of care for migrants, Fr Paganoni said.

After Mass, one person was also honoured with a presentation made on behalf of the Scalabrinian Missionaries.

Mr Hari Suharsono and his son Leonardo were accompanied by the Indonesian Consul Mr Aloysius Maja and his wife Francisca as Mr Suharsono was presented with a silver medallion of Bishop Scalabrini and a separate Scalabrinian coat of arms in bold relief.

He was honoured for having translated, printed and financed 2000 copies of a biography in Indonesian of Blessed Scalabrini.

The book will be distributed throughout Indonesia, including to bishops, seminaries, formation houses and as a resource for vocations.

The Mass concelebrated at St Brigid’s before a largely migrant congregation was also the first time that the Mass officially devoted to his memory has been celebrated in Perth.

On previous occasions commemorations of Blessed Scalabrini in Perth have been conducted on a Sunday when the readings and prayers for that particular Sunday of the year have replaced those used in the official Mass to commemorate the reforming bishop.

When appointed to his diocese Bishop Scalabrini saw great needs, including one for catechesis among his people, who, while baptised, were often largely ignorant of the basic content of their faith.

He also introduced reforms in schools to enable the children of the poor to escape their poverty through the benefits of education.

Apart from the Scalabrinian Missionaries, a congregation of priests, he founded the Scalabrinian Sisters and an independent Lay Scalabrinian Association.

The musical accompaniment for the Mass was provided by Perth’s Indonesian Youth Choir, who impressed all with their performance, including the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

CS at Our Lady’s Assumption Church, 356 Grand Promenade, Dianella from 7-8.30pm and will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, sermon, hymns and solemn benediction.

The feast, which was extended to the universal Church in 1856, venerates Jesus’ physical heart as united to His divinity, as a symbol of His redemptive love.

Those who are unable to attend

should feel welcome to gather for a procession and solemn Mass on June 25 at 2.30pm at the Dianella parish. All associations who may feel inclined to attend are encouraged to bring banners.

“Join us in praying for peace both throughout the world and within our families,” says Fr Paganoni.

For all enquiries, contact Franco on 9275 4504.

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plaque bearing the congregation’s coat of arms as an expression of thanks for Mr Suharsono’s production of a biography in Indonesian of Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini. Photo: Peter Rosengren

Trafficking a deeper problem

Church plays increasing role helping human trafficking victims

■ By Barbara Fraser

LIMA, Peru (CNS) - In many countries, the Catholic Church is playing an increasing role in helping victims of human trafficking - a crime that has spread to nearly every country in the world, according to a new report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

“There’s been a really significant upswing in the response by the Catholic Church and other churches,” said Mary DeLorey, Catholic Relief Services adviser on Latin American issues, in an interview with Catholic News Service. “Women’s religious orders are definitely in the lead.”

When victims of trafficking manage to get away from the criminal organisations that have enslaved them, “they are so traumatised and brutalised that they need a secure place” that is often provided by church organisations, said DeLorey, who also advises on migration and trafficking for CRS, the US bishops’ international development and aid agency.

The US State Department estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders worldwide every year, with between 14,500 and 17,500 entering the United States. If those trafficked within their own countries are added, the number increases to between 2 million and 4 million.

People from Latin America and the Caribbean are trafficked mainly to the United States and Western Europe for the sex trade or other types of labor. Of the 127 nations identified in the report as points of

origin for trafficking, five in Latin America and the Caribbean - Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republicrank as having a high incidence. Seven others - Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Peru and Venezuela - are ranked as medium.

Latin America has lagged behind other parts of the world in addressing the problem, DeLorey said, “because it is overshadowed by massive migration flows.”

Experts draw a distinction between the smuggling of migrants and trafficking. Smugglers are paid to take people without legal documents into another country. Once there, they often abandon their “clients.” Traffickers often promise their victims jobs and safe passage, but once they reach their destination they keep the victim’s identity documents and force the person to work in the sex trade or as a laborer, supposedly to pay off travel expenses. Nevertheless, the line between smuggling and trafficking can become blurred.

“Labor exploitation is not (necessarily) trafficking, but at some point it can meet the criteria - when there’s no exit from the job or when the person is not getting paid,” DeLorey said. Traffickers often prey on people who live in desperate poverty or who have been uprooted by violence or natural disasters. Refugees, of whom a “disproportionate number” are women and children, DeLorey said, are also targets.

Children who have been orphaned by AIDS “are being targeted because they have no support structures,” DeLorey said. “And kids are being trafficked (for the sex trade) because they’re less likely to be HIV-positive.”

Experts are increasingly concerned about children from Latin America who are not accompanied by relatives and who are slipping across the border into the United

States to be reunited with parents who have already migrated.

While they start out the journey with smugglers, “those kids are much more vulnerable to being trafficked, and some of them are disappearing” along the way, DeLorey said. “There have been a few documented cases and a number of suspected cases of kids ending up being trafficked.”

In April, the Inter-American Center Against Disappearance, Exploitation and Trafficking, based in Lima, Peru, launched a Web site that enables people in Latin America to report missing persons and cases of suspected trafficking. The information can be submitted anonymously, and police in nine countries have been trained to follow up on trafficking cases.

The UN drug office report, “Trafficking in Persons: Global Patterns,” noted that trafficking is rarely prosecuted successfully. DeLorey said that an increase in prosecution would be a sign that Latin American countries are taking the problem seriously. The report said another way to combat trafficking is to reduce the demand

for the victims’ labor. “A main challenge is to reduce demand, whether for cheap goods manufactured in sweatshops, or for underpriced commodities produced by bonded people in farms and mines, or for services provided by sex slaves,” the report said. It also called for targeting “the criminals who profit from the vulnerability of people trying to escape from poverty, unemployment, hunger and oppression.” According to the report, traffickers are often part of well-organised international criminal bands that deal in people, drugs and weapons.

Economic hardship often pushes people to take the first step toward becoming victims of trafficking.

“People are going to make desperate choices that they know to be dangerous, and other people are going to profit off that,” DeLorey said. “If you care about trafficking, you’ve got to care about economic policies. You’ve got to care about trade policy that displaces people. You’ve got to care about providing for aid in emergencies. You’ve got to care about migration policy. They’re not divorced from each other.”

Children share connection of Eucharist

NEW YORK (CNS) - The Holy Childhood Association has launched a new mission education module on “The Bread of Life” through its Web page.

In addition to featuring “fun facts” about breads of the world, the Web site explains to young Catholics the connection they share with children of the developing world through the celebration of the Eucharist.

It also encourages them to be missionaries by sharing news of Jesus’ “special meal” and offers grade-specific mission education/activity sheets for free downloading.

“This most recent addition to our Web site demonstrates our continued commitment to enhancing mission education through the use of new technologies,” said Msgr. John E. Kozar, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

“We are confident that teachers, catechists and all those engaged in formation of our young people will find this a useful tool for missionary catechesis and religious education,” he added.

An interactive geography/ mission education Web-based program for children also is in the works, as are interactive world mission rosary modules for adults and children.

The Holy Childhood Association is one of four pontifical missionary societies working to gather support for the efforts of the church in more than 1,100 mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and remote regions of Latin America.

Slavery:Vietnamese girls, one as young as 8, sit on a bed in a brothel in the Cambodian village of Svay Pak near Phnom Penh in March. Photo: CNS

Catholic schools give green light to OBE

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Director of the Catholic Education Office, Ron Dullard said that if Education Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich instructed the CEO to introduce the 17 Outcomes Based Education courses into the year 11 syllabus next year, that is precisely what would happen. The new system, which is due to be implemented next year, will see all Western Australian year 11 students enrolling in courses based on the OBE model, which, the Curriculum Council states, has been gradually implemented from

years one to ten since 1998. “OBE has been very successfully implemented in all schools in WA and we’ve got to recognise that,” said Mr Dullard.

Amidst the reported fears that teachers will not be ready to deliver the new syllabus, Mr Dullard said, “the government has been elected to govern.

If the decision is made to go ahead with the new curriculum then that is exactly what will be implemented in Catholic schools.”

“Catholic schools are legally obliged to implement the State Government’s OBE plan. We will make the most of it and we will do it extremely well,” said Mr Dullard.

Many Western Australian teachers have voiced their concerns regarding the looming implementation date, reportedly asking Minister Ravlich for a one-year delay.

Premier Alan Carpenter responded to these concerns by saying there will always be those who have concerns and are in need of more assistance.

Supporting the Premier’s statement, education director-general Paul Albert says support for teachers is already in place through the department’s development centres, which offer teachers professional support for each new course.

Mr Dullard voiced the concerns of various Catholic school prin-

Hawes program to air this Sunday

The life and architectural achievements of Monsignor John Hawes, the famous priest who designed Geraldton’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral, will feature on ABC television’s Compass religious affairs program this weekend.

The program, which will be of interest not only to WA Catholics but also to many others interested in the heritage and architecture of the state, will go to air on Sunday night, June 11, at 10pm.

It will feature interviews with Tony Evans and John Taylor, both Western Australian biographers of Hawes and his architectural achievements.

Monsignor Hawes is one of the most notable personalities to have been part of the history of the Church in WA and is famous chiefly for the 24 buildings, many of them churches, he designed and built in WA between 1915 and 1938.

An Anglican minister who converted to Rome and studied for the Catholic priesthood there, he was recruited to Geraldton by its thenbishop, Bishop William Kelly.

The numerous buildings he designed and built are now regarded as heritage features of Western Australian life.

Tony Evans biography of Hawes,

and Desire, was published by UWA Press. Hawes retired to the Bahamas where he lived the last years of his life as a hermit.

cipals who said that they would prefer to have a delay.

“If the government decides to delay them we’ll delay them,” he said. However Mr Dullard also added, “It’s not my call and it’s not any school’s call. The courses will go ahead in Catholic schools next year if the Government decides they will.”

Under the new education rules students of high schools which refuse to teach under the new OBE system will not qualify for university, consequently “putting schools who desire to stay with the old courses in an impossible position,” said Notre Dame University dean of education, Michael O’Neill.

Perth gains in fertility care

Eight new workers for Natural Fertility Services

■ By Derek Boylen

Eight new Natural Fertility Services workers received training in Sydney last week to help meet Perth’s Natural Family Planning needs.

Christina Graves, Director of the Administrating Agency of Natural Fertility Services, said that the training of new workers was critical.

“Training new workers was essential for us to meet the requirements of Catholic schools for Family Life Education of students and to teach couples natural family planning methods,” Mrs Graves said.

Participants on the weekend received part-one training in Natural Family Planning (NFP). The intense course involved training in NFP methods, historical background informa-

tion, the science behind NFP and ethical and pastoral issues. Attendees of the course will fulfil either of two main roles at Perth’s Natural Fertility Services. Some will become part of the Family Life Education (FLE) program. This involves visiting schools and other interested groups to provide information on how to have positive relationships and develop a healthy sexuality.

Others will become teachers of the NFP method of family planning for couples. Mrs Graves said that having sufficient workers was essential to effectively meet the needs of those keen to learn NFP. “Natural Family Planning is an effective and healthy way for couples to manage their fertility and has the full backing of the Church.”

Those who would like to learn Natural Family Planning or who want to find out more about Family Life Education can do so by contacting the Natural Fertility Services office on 9223 1396 or by email at admin.nfs@aanet.com.au

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Commencement : July 2006

Hitting the books: Nancy Turner, Amelia Graves and Sofia Campbell study Natural Family Planning in Sydney.

Photo: Derek Boylen

The Conscious Stone, won the WA Literary Award in 1985.

John Taylor’s study of Hawes’ architecture, Between Devotion

Cultural identity: The numerous buildings designed by Mgr Hawes are now regarded as heritage features of Western Australia.

Mr Ron Dullard

letters

The Lord, the giver of life

The celebration of Pentecost in the Archdiocese of Perth has been significantly different this year because Archbishop Hickey invited all Parish Priests to bestow the Sacrament of Confirmation on the young of the parish during this weekend or as close to it as possible. The Holy Spirit was called down on nearly 4000 young people, and hopefully was renewed in many of their alreadyconfirmed parents.

Every year the Church celebrates Pentecost – the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, on the Church and on us – to remind us that life, the universe and all that do not have to be the way they are. They can be different – and the choice is ours.

We don’t actually run the world. The Holy Spirit does that: he was there at creation, he was there as God became man when the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, he was there when the Church was launched at Pentecost, and he has been guiding the whole of creation at all stages. As Pope Benedict said recently, the Holy Spirit is the bridge between heaven and earth and he is the power that builds whatever is built.

Within that great truth, however, lies another great truth of God’s love and it is that we do have a choice. In a nutshell, that choice is whether we live with the Spirit or inflict on ourselves the great frustration of trying to live without the Spirit. The nature of that choice is the heart of the sacrament of Confirmation and at the heart of the annual celebration of Pentecost. When we accept Confirmation we say Yes to life with the Spirit, but as with all human decisions, we have to keep renewing it. As philosophers and psychologists tell us, we do not have a continuous will. Whether we decide to stop smoking or decide to say the rosary every day, we are faced with many daily decisions in order to make the initial decision come true.

The on-going process of living in the Spirit is spelt out for us in St Paul’s list of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self control. The Apostles taught that these qualities together are the True Self, because they are the image and likeness of God’s great love for us.

St Paul also listed the opposites, which the Apostles taught us are the false self: Impurity, idolatry, hostility, bickering, jealousy, rage, selfish rivalries, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness and so on.

The questions we need to ask ourselves about these states of mind are: Which group do I prefer? How much do I find myself attracted to the other group?

When we have spent some time thinking about those questions, we can ask the very practical questions: How much of my time, energy, thought and action are spent in each set of characteristics? How much of my relationships are motivated and expressed by the true self or the false self?

Finally, can you feel the difference between the two in your muscle tension, blood pressure, anxiety and other bodily responses? Biochemists with modern equipment can measure these differences and tell us what state we are in at any time. They probably wouldn’t tell us we are living in the Spirit because that’s not scientific even though it’s real, but they can certainly tell us the difference and they are beginning to be able to measure the impact on our health.

Gangs of young men rampaging thought the streets of Dili, or random killing with car bombs in Iraq, or the brutality of a wide variety of governments around the world are conspicuous examples of the false self at work, but each of us needs to know the extent to which the false self is at work in our own lives and personal relationships.

Our choice of the fruits of the spirit or their absence does not empower or disempower the Holy Spirit, but it makes a difference because God does not work against us, he works through us. The Holy Spirit does not make us do things; he helps us to do things.

Choosing to allow the Spirit to work in us and through us in whatever way he chooses is our contribution towards establishing the kingdom of God on earth. It seems almost too easy to be true, but, as Jesus said, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”, so, take up his yoke and enjoy the difference.

Right from wrong

It’s not surprising that the “reported message” that the “Pope calls for an apology” to our Aborigines relative to their plight has stirred up some press reaction.

But a person can only apologise for what he or she has done wrong.

If some other person or party has

done something wrong, then we may express regret but we cannot really apologise because we have not done the wrong.

Neil Mannolini Booragoon

Denying the truth

In your long and interesting article about reactions to “The Da Vinci Code” (The Record, 25/5/06) you make the important point about the disturbing denial of truth, as prevalent in our society. Many people are only too ready to accept any new idea which casts doubts on long-held beliefs, be it their own or that of others, as long as these ideas titillate their imaginations, or in the case of the media or “show-biz,” provide something topical, shocking or controversial.

Denial of truth or possibly caus-

ing offence to the religious beliefs of millions of Christians were notions far from the mind of Rove McManus last week, when he speculated on the possibility of “Jesus and Mary Magdalene having it on” (his own words).

I object to this shameful denigration of the second person of the blessed trinity; never mind about public objection to the movie or the book leading to increased sales! As Catholics, we should be much more concerned for Christ’s honour. If we deny Him here, He will deny us before His father.

With regard to protests about offensive material on TV, forget about this famous “code” which is supposed to govern what is screened on TV channels – I’ve seen it and the thing is like a giant Gruyere cheese – holes in it large enough to sail the Queen Mary II through.

Diana Fox Bicton

Jesuit challenges Pell on global warming

Fr Brennan says church leaders at odds with ‘conscience of the nation’

■ By Paul Gray

I n a lecture in Queensland, highprofile Jesuit Fr Frank Brennan has launched an attack on Cardinal George Pell over his remarks on

global warming being “a symptom of pagan emptiness.” Fr Brennan also criticised “church leaders” who oppose the deliberate creation of excess human embryos to assist infertile couples with IVF, saying these church leaders are at odds with “the conscience of the nation.”

“There are times when I think church leaders like Cardinal Pell do a superb job in presenting the Catholic view to the world,” Fr Brennan said in his lecture to a Catholic schools parents and friends group, “but there are

occasions when we must be able to disagree respectfully and publicly.”

Fr Brennan quoted a China-based priest who wrote a rebuke to Cardinal Pell in Britain’s Catholic Tablet newspaper recently, over the Cardinal’s global warming remarks.

Fr Brennan said there are “many issues in our lives today which are so complex that they do not permit of simplistic assertions by church leaders insufficiently engaged with people’s experiences and considered reflection on that experience.”

Barrack for Poms, says theologian to Scots

Priest: Scottish soccer fans may sin if they don’t support England

■ By James Hastings

GLASGOW, Scotland (CNS) - A Catholic theologian from Scotland told Scottish soccer fans they might be committing a sin if they do not support their historical and soccer archrival England in the World Cup. Scotland’s national team did not qualify for the World Cup, and Father William McFadden told soccer fans north of the English border that they need to examine their con-

sciences before deciding where their allegiance lies for the June 9-July 9 games in Germany.

Father McFadden, who also serves as rector of Scotland’s national seminary, Scotus College in Glasgow, said the determining factor was motivation. “If a Scot has an automatic negative reaction to supporting England, then they would have to question where that feeling is coming from,” he said. “As Christians we are called to have positive relationships with others who may be different from us. If we have an automatic antirelationship with someone simply because they are English, then that is anti-Christian.

“On the other hand, if your motivation comes from the enjoyment of

Golden mile for couple

■ By Jamie O’Brien

Bayswater couple Allan and Lorraine Water believe the secret to a long marriage is to give and take.

The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 2 and said sharing was also an important aspect for a long and happy marriage.

“You have your ups and downs,” Mrs Water said.

Born in Bunbury, Mr Water moved to Bayswater at the age of 12.

Mrs Water was born in Mt Hawthorn but grew up in Bayswater and met her future husband at the age of 10, as the two familles lived

next door to each other. “Our fathers went to school together,” said Mrs Water, who also admitted it wasn’t love at first sight.

“I was only ten,” she exclaimed.

However, the couple both agree the highlight of their marriage has been the birth of their six children, Vicki, Bill, Sharon, Greg, Stephen and Russell.

The couple married at St Columba’s Parish Bayswater in 1956, at the old church, which is now the Library of St Columba’s Primary School, when the present church was under construction.

The couple remember their wedding day with nearly 90 family and friends, and was one of great joy, even

football (soccer) and you choose to support a different team for that reason, then there is no sin in not supporting England. The key question is what is our motivation,” he said.

Scotus College has two English students in residence, although England’s national flag, a St. George’s flag, has not yet been unfurled on the premises, Father McFadden said.

“As a community we pray together, work together, study together and will watch the World Cup together,” he said, noting that there was “nothing wrong with healthy competition.”

“Our college football team recently played against the English seminary, Ushaw College, Durham, and we beat them soundly in a most enjoyable game,” he said.

and Mrs

though it was raining. “The couple have been St Columba’s parishioners for 50 years, so their anniversary is a very special occasion for parish community,” said Parish Priest Fr Huynh Nguyen.

“They are also very active parishioners and have done a lot for the community.”

Mr

Water together with St Columba’s Bayswater Parish Priest Fr Huynh Nguyen.

My friendship with Van

Twenty-five year old Nguyen Tuong Van, an Australian citizen, was executed by the Singapore Government last December after being caught with 396 grams of heroin strapped to his body at Changi airport in 2003.

Melbourne criminal lawyer Julian McMahon represented Mr Nguyen throughout his detention and trial, and up to the day of his death. In an exclusive interview with The Record, McMahon tells of the friendship he formed with the condemned man, reflects widely on Australia’s stance towards the death penalty, and on which sections of our community should be doing more to oppose it.

By Paul Gray

When lawyer Julian McMahon first met Tuong Van Nguyen in March 2003, he was not impressed.

“I suppose you’d say he was a relatively typical young Australian offender. Not a great deal of insight, and probably a bit scared of us,” McMahon says of the young man he would represent through three years of trial and appeal against a sentence of death for drug trafficking.

McMahon had just flown to Singapore with fellow barrister, Lex Lasry QC, for the first of many meetings with Van who had been arrested while attempting to carry 396.2 grams of heroin through the transit lounge at Singapore’s Changi airport. This foolish escapade had been designed to pay off debts owed by Van’s twin brother in Melbourne.

McMahon remembers the fear shown by Van at their first meeting.

ness men and women who fund it behind the cloak of legitimate and decent lives, in our country.”

From these unpromising beginnings, a strong and lasting closeness eventually grew between McMahon and Van. “Gradually, as the stakes got higher, and as we got to know

“

At that stage he hadn’t met lawyers like us. We were pretty serious Australian lawyers, and we grilled him for days.

That was the first time in his life I’m sure that had ever happened. It was probably a changing experience for him. ”

“He was a deeply holy and spiritual person.”

- Julian McMahon, lawyer for Nguyen Tuong Van, speaking about Nguyen as he was shortly before his execution.

“ At that stage he hadn’t met lawyers like us,” he recalls. “We were pretty serious Australian lawyers, and we grilled him for days.

“That was the first time in his life I’m sure that had ever happened. It was probably a changing experience for him.”

Though well-regarded within a legal fraternity which is often at the forefront of liberal causes, McMahon is not sympathetic to the illegal drug trade.

“I have very strong views regarding illegal drugs,” he says. “I think it’s a shocking trade. I’m a criminal lawyer, so I see the effects of drug abuse more often than do most people in the community. I think they’re very destructive of everyone involved with them.”

While McMahon says he has sympathy for everyone harmed by heroin - particularly “the users, their mothers, fathers, children and spouses and the silly young fools who get involved in trafficking it” - he has “much less sympathy” for “the calculated, suit-and-tied busi-

him better, and became his trusted advisers, friendship developed,” he says. “Everyone involved in the case developed close friendships.”

As a lawyer, McMahon says friendship is not part of his business. “Our primary goal is firstly to be an officer of the court, and then to defend the citizen as best we can. In some cases you have no relationship really with the client, and other times it becomes very close.”

Nevertheless a criminal lawyer often gets to know an accused person better than most people do, and “sometimes better than any person ever has,” McMahon says.

“For quite a few clients we are the only person who is well educated and well placed in society who gives them the time of day. So all sorts of peculiarities and relationships arise.”

In later years, the lawyer says, Van used to laugh with Lasry andContinued on Vista 2

Battle for Van a life-changing experience

Continued from Vista 1 McMahon about how he had felt intimidated by them in those early days.

McMahon, who has been a criminal defence lawyer exclusively for the past eight years, worked previously in commercial law, and then for three years in the Victorian prosecutor’s office.

While his initial interest in criminal law was inspired by Leo McKern’s famous TV character Rumpole of the Bailey, his longterm commitment to the job came when he realised that he needed something more fulfilling than the work he had been doing

“Cardinal Pell spoke forcefully about this case and made the time to give press conferences specifically devoted to this case. He showed a great deal of leadership. he also very willingly assisted us in making application to the Pope to ask for clemency.

elsewhere in the law. He finds that fulfillment in defending an accused.

“Most of the time you’re acting for someone who is facing the full weight, force and authority of the state, and your client is relatively powerless,” McMahon says. “So you can use your education to, firstly, defend the individual client and, secondly, and in a broader perspective, to work towards maintaining and improving the rule of law.” This is a particular area of responsibility for criminal lawyers, McMahon says, because “that’s where the rule of law is always tested, at the margins.”

Before his involvement in Van’s case, capi-

tal punishment was not an area which had previously interested McMahon very much, though he was aware of other Australian lawyers being involved in death penalty cases overseas.

He now sees it as an area in which he hopes to make a difference in future, by encouraging Australia to adopt a more clear and unequivocal stance of support for the abolition of the death penalty in all cases, worldwide.

“The worst country in the world, in terms of the number of people executed, is definitely China,” McMahon says. “America is, I think, about the fourth worst.”

“The worst country in the world on a per capita basis of executions is Singapore. Of all the advanced countries in the world, Singapore is the only one to have a mandatory death penalty for many crimes.

“It was one of the shocking injustices in our case, that our client was never allowed to be in a position to say, before a court, ‘even though I’ve done the wrong thing and even though I deserve to be punished, for the following reasons I don’t deserve to die.’

“He was never allowed to say that in a

court. That offends the principles of justice as recognised pretty much throughout the rest of the world.”

In Singapore, “relatively minor offenders like my client and many others, even much more minor offenders than him, are executed because of the mandatory nature of the penalty.”

There were many ups and downs and dramas during the three years McMahon spent representing Van, during which time all possible appeals were launched, and international figures including Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Australian Prime Minister John Howard were among many people who appealed directly to the Singapore Government to spare the young man’s life.

But for McMahon, the hardest part in all those years was undoubtedly the last few hours of Van’s life. He can barely speak about it, even six months later.

By the day of his execution, says McMahon, Van had not only undergone a spiritual conversion to Catholicism but had also become a deeply loveable and good person. This made the prospect of his being killed by mandatory

order of the state “even more senseless than it might be in some other cases of execution, if that’s possible to say.”

“In that context his mother and brother as they left him for the last time, on the evening before he was executed - he was executed at 6am, so they had a visit with him on the Thursday afternoon - and ah, um [pause] being involved in those last 12 hours was the hardest part of the whole case.”

“Their suffering was” - McMahon pauses here - “intense. And helpless, as they had to say goodbye to a healthy, happy, beautiful family member, knowing that he would be choked to death the next morning by order of some official.”

Van’s body was immediately flown back to Melbourne where permission had been granted for a funeral Mass, said in Vietnamese and English by Fr Peter Hansen, in the city’s main Cathedral, St Patrick’s. McMahon estimates 4000 people attended.

Looking back, McMahon is heartened by the support shown by some sections of the Australian community. “Amnesty played a vital role in focussing public attention on

the issue. They worked tirelessly, organising rallies in every big city in the country and speaking to the media.”

McMahon also praises the nation’s elected representatives. “Many parliamentarians of all parties went out of their way to support us in any way we asked them to,” McMahon says. “The two outstanding politicians were Mr Downer who did a great deal of work over 3 years to try to save Van, and Kevin Rudd who constantly supported Mr Downer’s efforts and our own.”

“That was a great insight into the positive side of parliamentary life: the door was always open in different parties for us to lobby for some request or another. In fact, the way it turned out is they [members of parliament] led the country in opposing the death penalty.”

The Catholic Church, led by Cardinal George Pell, also played a strong role,

“

Pope John Paul articulated more than many Popes concerning the Church’s view of capital punishment. He regarded it as cruel and unnecessary. ”

McMahon says. “Cardinal Pell spoke forcefully about this case and made the time to give press conferences specifically devoted to this case. He showed a great deal of leadership. he also very willingly assisted us in making application to the Pope to ask for clemency, and in fact two Popes asked for clemency for Van: one of the last things Pope John Paul II ever did was to ask for clemency for Van, in about February 2005. And then in November 2005 Pope Benedict also asked for clemency. That wouldn’t have come about without Cardinal Pell’s active assistance.”

Pope John Paul II’s teaching and advocacy against capital punishment in general is also important, McMahon says. “Pope John Paul articulated more than many Popes concerning the Church’s view of capital punishment. He regarded it as cruel and unnecessary. In documents like the encyclical Evangelium Vitae, and in speeches, he described the need for capital punishment as being practically non-existent, and certainly in any modern country, completely non-existent.”

McMahon says the Pope was greatly influenced in his thinking on the death penalty

Anaesthetists’ refusal to cooperate in Californian injection opens “a Pandora’s box” in the US

Concerns over lethal injections have ethicists in the US questioning whether capital punishment should be administered there at all

■ By Stephen

WJames

hen two anaesthetists refused to participate in a scheduled execution of a California death-row inmate in February this year, they did so out of concern for the ethics of their profession.

But their actions resurrected broader concerns over the moral implementation of the death penalty and respect even for the life of a condemned criminal.

The doctors, who were in the execution chamber under court order, were supposed to ensure that Michael Angelo Morales was rendered fully unconscious before he was put to death by lethal injection on February 21.

The order was issued by US District judge

Jeremy Fogel in response to concerns that the injections used - pancuronium bromide or potassium chloride - could cause the inmate intense pain.

After the anaesthetists’ walkout forced a postponement of the execution, Fogel immediately issued a second order authorising the state to execute Morales using a single, massive dose of barbiturates, provided the drug was injected “by a person or persons licensed by the State of California to inject medications intravenously.”

Within hours of the judge’s second order, a spokesman at San Quentin State Prison said the execution would be postponed indefinitely because the state could not “find any medical professionals willing to inject medication intravenously, ending the life of a human being.” Further court hearings in the case are scheduled for May.

New challenges

The chain of events that swiftly flowed from the Morales execution debacle was so sudden and unexpected that even the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) was caught off

guard. Late in 2005, the USCCB issued an exhaustive statement, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death renewing its opposition to the death penalty. The statement, however, made no reference to potential problems with the administration of the lethal-injection method.

“This is a brand-new area and one that we haven’t really thought of,” explained Andrew Rivas, an attorney and policy adviser on criminal justice issues for the US bishops.

“We worked so hard advocating to get rid of the electric chair and the firing squad and hanging that everything was pushed toward lethal injection as a more painless way of doing it. So we really hadn’t thought about it, what sort of pain is involved in this.

“There’s just no safe way of ending somebody’s life,” he told Our Sunday Visitor. Under the California lethal injection protocol, known formally as “San Quentin Institution Procedure No. 770” injection of the two chemicals follows an initial injection of sodium thiopental.

The state concedes that without the accurate administration of the first compound,

a sedative to induce unconsciousness, the second two doses would cause excruciating pain. The effect would be similar to that of boiling oil or branding with a red hot iron, according to a Columbia University anesthesiology professor who testified in a court case in Connecticut.

Despite the questions that ensued, Fogel seemed to go out of his way to reassure the government and the pro-death penalty public that the ultimate punishment was secure. Courts in other states, he noted, had previously reviewed and found constitutional lethalinjection protocols similar to California’s.

The judge did, however, acknowledge that the Morales case presented new evidence about the lethal-injection process that was not considered in earlier cases. That new evidence included the sworn declarations of medical experts and detailed logs from prior California executions.

The expert testimony and execution data revealed problems with the process that have existed, but remained essentially under the radar for more than 25 years, according to Fordham University law professor and death-

penalty researcher Deborah Denno. “The first case challenging the lethal-injection process was in 1978, and in that case they didn’t even know what drugs were used; the court said that the department of corrections didn’t even have to disclose what drugs were being used,” Denno told OSV.

“The good thing about Fogel was that he was more involved than any other judge has ever gotten in this country on this issue. Usually judges just turn a blind eye.”

Pandora’s box

But in crafting a solution to the problem, Fogel may have opened a Pandora’s box that may be difficult if not impossible to close.

Fogel inadvertently exposed the primary problem with the lethal-injection process, explained Denno.

“It’s actually a sign of a lack of sophistication as well as knowledge on his part that he would even ask doctors to do that, not realising that they might refuse,” she said.

Indeed, in response to Fogel’s order, the American Medical Association issued a terse statement. “The American Medical

Association is alarmed that judge Jeremy Fogel has disregarded physicians’ ethical obligations when he ordered procedures for physician participation in executions of California inmates by lethal injection.”

Now the genie is out of the bottle. The public and the courts will have to confront the fact that although the lethal injection process used throughout the country is essentially a medical procedure, licensed medical professionals are rarely involved.

Meanwhile, evidence continues to accumulate that without medical professionals performing the procedure, mistakes have been, and will continue to be made.

The situation now invites a constitutional challenge to the lethal-injection process itself — in essence, the same type of challenge that forced a change from electrocution, lethal gas and other forms of execution to lethal injection, Denno said.

“There was always another execution method to change to,” she said. But this is a unique situation because there is not another method to change to; they’ve run into a wall here.” - OSV

by people in America, including prison nun Sister Helen Prejean of Dead Man Walking fame. “She spoke to him and asked him to be clearer in what he said, and subsequently, he was.”

In addition to Van’s funeral Mass, the Catholic Church also granted permission for a multi-faith prayer service inside St Patrick’s Cathedral before the execution, to highlight the case in the public eye. “Probably for the first time ever in Australia, there were Buddhist prayers and Buddhist monks on the altar with Catholic priests and other senior

Catholic clergy, all praying for Van and for justice in this case. That was a very moving ceremony for everyone who went to it.” Less impressive was the public performance of other groups, including other churches, in support of Van’s case. The non-support from business groups or business leaders was particularly disappointing, McMahon says. “I would have hoped that some of our captains of industry would stand forward and try to deal with these issues,” he says. “It’s made me think a lot about the very limited

Brotherly love: Van, left, and his brother Kha in happier days in Australia. Photo: AAP

A reflective moment: Looking back, McMahon is grateful for the support he, Lasry, Van and his family received from throughout the community, but remains disappointed at the way business groups or leaders were not so forthcoming.

Photo: Peter Casamento

Transformed: Lawyers Lex Lasry QC and Julian McMahon outside McMahon’s legal offices in Melbourne. The experience of representing Van changed their lives in many ways. Photo: Peter Casamento

How defending Van changed a lawyer’s life

Continued from Vista 3 responsibilities that our captains of industry take upon themselves, compared with some other countries where the extremely rich and powerful take it upon themselves to use their power and status to effect important social changes and reforms.”

This connects with a wider problem, in McMahon’s opinion. “I think that Australia, with a relatively small number of exceptions, is suffering from a pervasive absence of rigorous intellectual debate on issues, particularly moral issues, and issues concerning justice,” he says.

A change to this is the furore over the violence and abuse that have recently been reported as existing in some remote Aboriginal communities. National attention on this issue was essentially driven by one journalist, Russell Skelton, McMahon argues. Asked if Van’s trial and execution has had a lasting impact on Australia, McMahon first answers by quoting a famous line from Chou En Lai, the 20th century Chinese Communist leader, who was asked to comment on what he thought about the French Revolution which took place 200 years before. “It’s too early to tell,” Chou En Lai

Church in Asia

Australians seem more interested in opposing the death penalty now than they were before Van’s death. “That’s only anecdotal I suppose, but I see regular references to our case in all sorts of media, and usually the assumption of the injustice of the execution is brought into those references.”

McMahon also says there is no “intellectual support” for the death penalty in Australia now. “Although there is some support for it, none of it is coherent,” he says.

One pro-death penalty argument which is advanced by some, including Prime Minister John Howard, is the line that if the death penalty is part of the law in another country someone who is caught breaking that law must put up with the consequences. This argument is being used by Australian political leaders with regard to terrorists being sentenced to death in Indonesia, McMahon says. “People who run that argument, for instance, our Prime Minister who has run that argument in support of the execution of the Bali bombers, are not consistent with it. For example, recently in Afghanistan a man converted from being a Muslim to a Christian, and there was an uproar that that particular law, allowing for execution because he’d converted, should not be followed.

nals, depending on whether the person facing death is Australian or not Australian or depending on the crime.”

McMahon, whose media profile was high during the last days of Van Nguyen’s life, said he was obliged to return to court for another case on the very afternoon of his client’s funeral. Earlier this year, when his court commitments allowed, he finally took a two month family holiday which he says he needed.

Has the experience of defending Van changed Julian McMahon - or, like the French Revolution, is it too early to tell? He believes it has changed him.

“We worked on Van’s case for three years and we worked very hard,” McMahon says. “That work included some close associations with organisations that regularly do this work around the world as we sought to learn more about the international legal position and the history of change in this area. All of those things, combined with being in the middle of a suffering family, hopefully have made me much more - no, I think it has made me more concerned and compassionate for people’s suffering in jails all over the world. It’s made me more aware of that suffering.”

He says he is already working on other death penalty cases, and he hopes to be part of the push in Australia to firstly make the nation’s position clear and unequivocal.

However, McMahon adds that many

“Now the Prime Minister said he was literally sickened by that prospect. But on the other hand, it’s merely another application of the same principle that the Prime Minister had supported in another context.” McMahon believes a more principled stance against the death penalty is needed from Mr Howard.

Photos: Peter Casamento

“The Prime Minister has generally described himself as pragmatic on this issue. That sort of pragmatism leads to the sort of confusion with which we are viewed in other countries. The absence of a principled position is a great mistake. In fact we have almost no legitimacy in international debate on these issues at the moment because of our confused messages and different sig-

All the campaigning in the world, however, cannot bring back a life taken away, as McMahon sees it, unnecessarily. To end the interview, I ask McMahon whether he misses the client he first met in jail in March 2003. He smiles. “Yes,” he says. “Yes. But I see his mother regularly and she’s a lovely person.

“From a Catholic point of view, Van not only became a Catholic, but became a deeply holy and spiritual person who greatly affected everyone who came into contact with him, and .... yep.”

At this stage, there are no more words.

Church in China seeks freedom, not privileges, says Vatican official

Interference in selection of bishops exacerbates tensions among Chinese, says spokesman

■ By John Thavis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican’s top foreign affairs official said the Church seeks no privileges in China, but only wants the freedom to organise its internal affairs.

The comments by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo came after a month of heightened church-state tensions in China over the ordination of bishops unapproved by Pope Benedict XVI.

The archbishop said interference by Chinese authorities in the bishop selection process ends up exacerbating divisions among Chinese Catholics.

He spoke in an interview with a Romanian newspaper, and the Vatican translated and distributed

the text to journalists on June 1.

“As in all countries of the world, the Church in China does not seek any privilege but only wants to be free in its internal organisation,” Archbishop Lajolo said.

He said this was a matter of church law and did not represent an intrusion in the affairs of the Chinese state.

“Likewise, Chinese political authorities should not interfere in the internal ordering of the Church and especially in the appointment of bishops,” he said.

The archbishop said noninterference by the state in bishops’ appointments would bring greater social peace among the Chinese people, who at present are forced to choose between “forced obedience to a so-called patriotic church and belonging to the one Catholic Church in communion with the Pope.”

From the late 1950s, when the Chinese government formed the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, until the mid-1980s, the only Catholic bishops in China

recognised as legitimate by the Vatican were those chosen and ordained secretly by other bishops in the underground Catholic community. Since then, however, many government-approved bishops reconciled with the Vatican, and, increasingly, new bishops were approved by the Chinese government and the Vatican.

In late April, China began ordaining bishops who had not been approved by the Vatican, and sources in China indicated some of those participating in the ordinations were pressured by the government to do so.

In the interview, Archbishop Lajolo also spoke hopefully about relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, saying it should not be too difficult to overcome practical problems that have afflicted ecumenical relations in recent years.

“I am confident that Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Alexy (of Moscow) will be able to meet in the not-distant future. It will be a significant gesture for the ecumenical journey,” the archbishop said.

Communion: A Chinese Catholic receives Communion during an early morning Mass at the government-sanctioned Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Photo: CNS

Opinion

How coldness kills love

■ With Derek Boylen

Dr John Gottman has been videoing married couples chatting to each other for decades. He watches everything; body language, the content of the conversation, tone of voice, mannerisms and expressions. Gottman, a marriage researcher, has made some startling discoveries. He can now predict with approximately 90 per cent accuracy whether a couple is likely to divorce from watching 15 minutes of video footage.

Being Heard

He knows what to look for - the warning signs. He sees the seemingly-insignificant things that happen as a couple communicates which, with time, signal a slow erosion of marriage. He has found that while there are many factors that can work negatively in couple communication, four which spell the most trouble: defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism and contempt.

Defensiveness occurs when we put the barriers up in a conversation. Instead of trying to hear things from our spouse’s perspective, we view suggestions, requests or opinions as a personal attack. The barriers go up. When a person gets defensive it becomes almost impossible for them to empathise with their spouse. To be truly open to the needs of our spouse we need to let the barriers down.

Stonewalling equates to what many people call the “silent treatment.” It’s when a person erects a wall and completely withdraws from communication. A look changes from being a warm loving gaze to an icy chill. It damages because it shuts off the possibility for commu-

nication, resolution, reconciliation and understanding.

Criticism, Dr Gottman says is a “global condemnation of a person’s character.” Instead of focusing on the problem we focus on the person. It’s the difference between “I wish you’d put your shoes away after you take them off” and “I wish you weren’t so lazy.” One focuses on the issues and desired behaviour, the other is a condemnation of the other’s character.

But the worst of the four is contempt. Dr Gottman says that when he detects contempt in a couple’s communication it spells real trouble. Contempt is distinctly different from criticism. It occurs when a person talks to their partner from a superior perspective, from an “I’mbetter-than-you position.” In the worst-case it might include namecalling such as “stupid” or “jerk.” This, says Gottman, is the worst kind of communication a couple can engage in.

Most people use these kinds of communication when they’re highly emotional. When we are very emotional something else occurs too,

what psychologists call ‘flooding.’

Flooding is when we start a little internal dialogue that confirms how we feel and actually fuels the emotions: “I wish he wouldn’t leave his shoes on the floor all the time… He never puts things away… 90 per cent of all the cleaning I do around here is usually his things…”

Often this will follow with an internal litany of past grievances. We get flooded with these little thoughts and instead of dealing with the situation appropriately we get more and more worked-up.

Psychologists suggest that one effective way of dealing with flooding is to challenge those little thoughts. Instead of allowing ourselves to become overly worked-up

we should stop and ask: “are the thoughts I’m having really true of the situation?”

We can start to gain control of our emotions rather than allowing them to have mastery over us.

But all this is nothing new to Christians. As Jesus said 2000 years ago, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brothers eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother ‘let me take the speck out of your eye’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brothers eye.”

(Matthew 7:3-4).

Comments:

production@therecord.com.au

In the gay marriage debate, mothers will be key

■ With John Heard

Catholics everywhere have a stake in the ‘gay marriage’ debate. In a world too often dismissive of family, too ready to discount the wonder of procreation and cynical about the sublime cohesion achieved in marriage (where body and soul fit together), we’re called to witness to love.

This means ensuring that political correctness and other aspects of the ‘dictatorship of relativism’ don’t make us too fearful to speak out against ‘gay marriage’, otherwise innocents may suffer. That’s precisely what’s happened in the US.

Recently, the Archdiocese of Boston’s Catholic Charities wing announced, with great regret, that it could no longer continue to operate as an adoption agency (Boston Globe, March 10 2006).

Catholic Charities of Boston had served for decades, placing kids from troubled or broken homes with parents who promised to care for them.

A Massachusetts law banning State-associated entities from discriminating on the basis of sexual

orientation effectively killed the Church’s good work.

After a November 2003 ruling in which the State’s Supreme Judicial Court unilaterally introduced ‘gay marriage,’ Catholic Charities of Boston was forced to choose between fidelity to Catholic teaching which counsels against ‘gay marriage’, ‘gay adoption’ and other social experiments - and the State’s adoption agency licensing conditions.

After a period of serious consideration, furious political lobbying for an exemption and a great deal of anxiety, the agency was forced to forfeit its licence.

‘Gay marriage’, some claim, only impacts the parties directly involved.

“Catholic women, especially, have a duty to live their motherhood loud...”

In this instance, however, ‘gay marriage’ has ruined the deeply important work of a renowned Catholic charity and proved disastrous for thousands of the most vulnerable children in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

The pro ‘gay marriage’ claim that people should be left alone to do whatever they like, so long as they’re not hurting anyone, is demonstrably false.

As expected, the first to suffer from such social experimentation are the children: none of whom chose to enter into a ‘gay marriage’ but who are, regardless, disadvantaged by the choices made by adults

who should know better. Australians should therefore be wary of any sweeping ‘anti-discrimination’ laws that might sound harmless or even noble, but effectively amount to an attack on religious liberty. We must resist any Bill of Rights that really only catalogues the secular-relativist creed, especially when such a thing would exert coercive force to exclude expressions of faith.

It is an open secret that, having failed to stir up any significant support for ‘gay marriage’, homoactivists are now counting on Bills of Rights and activist judges to force their views of human sexuality on everyone else.

Indeed, homoactivists – who have been working for decades to

achieve a deeply anti-Christian agenda - often point to the Church’s reluctance to support sexual orientation-inclusive anti-discrimination legislation as proof that the organisation is homophobic or worse, actively interested in the poor treatment of homosexuals. Such claims, however, are obvious nonsense.

The fact is (and it’s the best rebuttal to the activists’ rhetoric), not all discrimination is ‘unjust’ and the Church’s position on ‘gay marriage’, certainly as it impacts on children, is a model for moral clarity in an otherwise irrational and often disappointingly equivocal political climate.

For, simply being opposed to ‘gay marriage’ and ‘gay adoption’ doesn’t

make a man a homophobe. Rather, good people are right to question ideas that further weaken the family, a central social/religious/cultural/legal institution, indeed the foundation upon which our civilisation is built.

Catholics across the nation should challenge politicians who would legislate to please the whims of a minority of the same sexattracted minority, especially as such changes would harm the men and women involved in ‘gay marriages’ and result in negative outcomes for innocent children.

Catholic women, especially, have a duty to live their motherhood loud: to model a feminine ideal that ensures not only the replenishment of the population but also the flourishing of future generations of little Australians.

The best answer to the shrill cries of radicalised lesbians and other products of the extremist ‘gay culture’ is the gentle, honest witness of an experienced and dedicated mother.

She who rocks the cradle does, after all, rule the world and she must not be silent now.

Indeed, all Catholics can help to ensure that governments put the family first.

In your workplaces, social circles and other spheres of influence you should never be afraid to speak up for the good of the family and we should be ready to fight any attempt to limit the free expression of our Catholic faith.

- Substantive arguments against ‘gay marriage’ from the Catholic perspective - and others - are available on DREADNOUGHT http://johnheard. blogspot.com

False assumptions? ‘Gay marriage’ is not about equality, writes Record columnist John Heard, but about our real nature as human persons.

The World

Lay movements a powerful evangeliser

Catholic lay movements discover commonality during Vatican congress

■ By Cindy Wooden

Whether they meet for prayer daily or monthly and whether they live together or spread out around a city, members of Catholic lay movements and communities are discovering what they have in common.

“We all want to grow. We want to make a difference. We want to witness,” said Lorna Mueni Kilonzo, the international Marianist Lay Community’s representative in Africa.

Kilonzo, who lives in Nairobi, Kenya, was one of about 300 participants representing some 100 lay movements and communities at a May 31-June 2 congress sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Participants at the congress in Rocca di Papa, south of Rome, heard from founders and early members of the Focolare movement, the Sant’Egidio Community, Communion and Liberation, the Neocatechumenal Way, L’Arche and the Catholic charismatic renewal.

A high percentage of the participating communities are, like the Marianist Lay Community, groups affiliated with Catholic religious orders or, like Trinidad’s Living Water Community, small groups that trace their roots to the Catholic

charismatic renewal. The theme of the congress was “The Beauty of Being a Christian and the Joy of Communicating This.” Outside the formal presentations, which focused on beauty as the expression of God’s love and the experience of knowing Christ, congress members discussed their groups’ process of maturity and learned about each other and ways they could cooperate to spread the Gospel.

Kilonzo said: “I am learning

Communion and Liberation

New movements give strength and comfort to Catholics in hostile lands

A bishop told a gathering how ecclesial movements helped to rejuvenate his flock in a predominantly Muslim land.

Coadjutor Archbishop Fouad Twal of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem gave that testimony at the 2nd World Congress of ecclesial movements and new communities, which closed on Friday in Rocca di Papa, near Rome.

The prelate shared his own experience, when he was bishop of Tunis, Tunisia, in the 1990s.

“I found an apparently fragile community but in reality it was solid and used to having a temporary character,” said Archbishop Twal.

“It was strongly rooted in God.”

“New sap was necessary,” he said, “to give it greater visibility and pride of being what we are, ‘disciples of Christ,’ without any complexes, a mini re-conversion took place to rediscover the exigencies of baptism in truth, to avoid a ‘low profile’ and to get used to a dignified and visible ecclesial life, constantly turned toward the universal Church and the magisterium.”

The ecclesial movements and new communities responded to the

call: Communion and Liberation, the Neocatechumens and the Focolarini.

“Thus our Church has begun to be rejuvenated and to live its universality more, through the diversity of charisms,” recalled Archbishop Twal, 65.

The prelate continued: “While Muslim Arab youths dreamed of going to Europe, to flee from a context where violence, fear, and the absence of security in the future reigned, European young people, enthusiastic and committed, members of ecclesial movements, left comfort and freedom behind and began to work with generosity and discretion, thus showing the beauty and grandeur of him who sent them to the Arab world.

“It was a clash for the Muslim, but a healthy clash which asks questions and invites to reflection. It is the beginning of a dialogue, the beginning of an interior conversion.”

Archbishop Twal added: “So the proclamation of the good news becomes possible.

“Our presence is already Word and testimony.

“The well-restored Cathedral is visited regularly by a certain number of Muslims.

“It also becomes Word, testimony, a beautiful occasion to forge ties of friendship with the Muslims.”

about how the gifts of the Spirit are present in the movements. We all have different gifts, which we are using for the same goal.

“We are different, but one community is not better than another just because it is bigger,” she said.

Patti Mansfield told the congress about the 1967 retreat she attended as a student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Some two dozen students experienced a vivid outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the

retreat, which is seen as the birth of the Catholic charismatic renewal movement. Mansfield said 119 million Catholics around the world have had some experience of the charismatic renewal movement, but very few live in charismatic communities. The Duquesne students are not founders of a movement like some of the other speakers at the congress are, she said, adding, “We are

simply witnesses to what God has done.”

Mansfield said that despite her enthusiasm learning how to be an effective witness took time.

As for competition among the movements, Mansfield said there is a growing appreciation of the fact that “we each have to be good stewards of the vineyard given to us.”

The variety of movements and communities, she said, is a concrete expression of the diversity of spiritual gifts poured out on the universal Church.

Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, resident of the council for the laity, told the congress that as the movements mature bishops and parish priests are recognising their value and counting on them more and more for assistance.

Church leaders, he said, now “are seeing them as a gift of the Spirit and not as an annoying intrusion as sometimes happened.”

The beauty of a life lived for Christ and for others, he said, is a powerful tool for evangelisation.

“The world that surrounds us is a world dominated by a cult of the ugly, subjugated by the aggressive strength of false beauty which fools many, making them slaves and prisoners of lies,” he said.

The beauty of a committed Christian life, the archbishop said, challenges “the indifference, grayness and mediocrity of many people’s existence, sparking in them a desire for something different, something more beautiful and true.” CNS

Faith in the heart and in the mind

Ecclesial movements tackle the big questions at their second World Congress

How can the beauty of Christ be presented in a society that seems to live as if God did not exist?

That question was tackled by Church representatives at the 2nd World Congress of ecclesial movements and new communities, held near Rome.

The question was addressed Thursday at the round-table discussion that focused on the theme “To Give Reasons of the Beauty of Christ in the Contemporary World’s Settings.”

Father Bernard Peyrous, of the Emmanuel Community, focused on sects and New Age.

He called the New Age “a phenomenon that had spread throughout the world, through organised ways, but also as a great market of beliefs, in which a generic form of spirituality finds room, from which all can obtain elements, even in contradictory ways.”

The speaker further described New Age as “a great escape from reality,” fruit of the itinerary initiated in the 19th century, according to which “God did not exist or had nothing to do with man,” and which burst in the 20th century with the failure of man to obtain happiness on his own.

Father Peyrous invited his audience to “take up the interesting aspects of the 20th century, the novelties and discoveries that must be acknowledged” and, at the same time, not forget that it was a century that witnessed God’s constant intervention through “the gift made to men and women of having the courage to be Christians in a difficult world.”

“The subject of Christian education is the complete human individual, wounded and at the same time saved.”- LUIS FERNANDO FIGARI

Luis Fernando Figari, of the Christian Life Movement, addressed the topic of the education of young people.

“The subject of Christian education,” he said, “is the complete human individual, wounded and at the same time saved.”

Figari spoke of the spiritual pedagogical itinerary that young people must be invited to follow, and suggested two key dimensions of faith: “faith in man’s heart and faith in the mind.”

In regard to the first dimension, the speaker said: “It is not enough to accept faith in a cognitive way but it must be experienced as gift, in which affection arises for the

one who proclaims Christ.” The second dimension, Figari insisted, is the “rationality of the faith,” in which there is “real respect of freedom.”

For his part, Dino Boffo, editor of the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire, began with a reference to the Second Vatican Council and spoke about the presence of Catholics in society.

Quoting section No. 32 of “Lumen Gentium,” Boffo suggested emphasising the passage in which the laity is asked “to illuminate and order all temporal things,” living immersed in daily reality.

“The spirituality to which we, the laity, are called is not an escape from the world, but an appreciation of the world and its beauty,” he said.

Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, spoke about Christ’s testimony in situations of poverty and violence.

“A Christian is presented with a grave question in the face of war, violence and sorrow, because they are situations in which almost always one fears being affected by the sadness and sufferings of others,” Riccardi said.

“Prayer for peace is the great strength of believers and expression of the certainty of faith,” he said. “We are all called to communicate from heart to heart the beauty of peace.”

Leaders of Catholic lay movements meet with bishops in Rome on June 1.

Photo: CNS

The World

Students honour Defiant Requiem

Catholic University students perform ‘Requiem’ at site of Nazi camp

■ By Ben Gruver

Aone-legged piano and a chorus was all Jewish prisoners at the Terezin concentration camp in Czechoslovakia needed to express their defiance of the Nazis.

Sixty-three years ago, Jewish prisoner and conductor Rafael Schachter gathered 150 fellow Jews in a basement at the camp to perform Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem” for the Nazis in Latin. Throughout the piece was a plea for liberation.

The prisoners felt safe singing it because the Nazis did not get the meaning the Jewish people put behind it, said Natalie Pyle, a music student who will be a junior at The Catholic University of America in Washington in the fall.

Through the “Requiem,” Schachter wanted to achieve justice for himself and other prisoners, said Pyle, who was among Catholic University students who performed in a concert on May 21 to pay tribute to Schachter and his fellow Jews at the site of the former camp. Terezin is a small town 30 minutes northeast of Prague, in what is now the Czech Republic.

People from around the world gathered to witness the tribute.

Dean Murry Sidlin and music students, including Pyle, from Catholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music performed

“Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin” as part of the Prague Spring Music Festival. It was the first time a school of music has performed at the festival. One hundred and twenty-five students and 50 musicians from Prague and the Washington Chorus performed. Sidlin’s “Defiant Requiem” is based on why Jews performed Verdi’s work in Latin at the camp, the dean said in an interview with Catholic News Service in Washington on June 1.

“I called the statement that (the Jews) made ‘Defiant Requiem’ because in the ‘Requiem’ Mass ... it says, ‘Judgment, day of wrath ... God will punish all those who

abuse humankind’ and it calls upon us to be judged and so for the Jews to sing such a powerful statement in a concentration camp to their captors is an act of defiance and ... resistance,” Sidlin said.

During their rehearsals, the Jewish prisoners often said, “We sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them,” Sidlin noted.

“They couldn’t say to the Nazis what they felt and how God would punish them and how barbaric and unspeakable their behaviour was to mankind... ,” Sidlin said. In a telephone interview with CNS after returning from Terezin, Pyle, an alto in the choir, said the Nazis used

Terezin as propaganda. Terezin housed artists, who were allowed to create art, unlike prisoners at other camps, such as Auschwitz, Pyle said. SS officers, troops used to keep prisoners under control, were not allowed to come inside the camp.

It was run by Jewish elders, she said. The Nazis forced a filmmaker to make a film about Terezin, which was shown during one of the sections of the “Defiant Requiem” concert, Pyle said. Musicians in the camp were not allowed to perform Jewish pieces, Pyle said. That is why they chose the “Requiem,” which is a Mass. CNS

Orange meeting

Members of two of the largest Protestant fraternities, known as “the Loyal Orders,” met with Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh on June 5.

It was the first meeting of its kind between the archbishop, president of the Irish bishops’ conference, and members of the Loyal Orange Lodge and the Royal Black Preceptory, two of the fraternities known for their summer parades through Catholic neighbourhoods.

“Coming into a time when tensions often rise in Northern Ireland, the symbolism of such a meeting is powerful,” Archbishop Brady said in a statement after the meeting.

“In a divided society the temptation is always to remain among one’s own people. The desire of the leadership of the Loyal Orders to come to Armagh today represents their willingness to go beyond the barriers of history,” the statement said.

“It represents a desire to explain the customs, principles and values of their organizations to leaders in the Catholic community. This is to be greatly welcomed.

“The openness that this gesture and this meeting represents is an important first step. People on both sides of our society, in local communities, need to be creative and generous in finding ways of reaching across the divide and reciprocating gestures of friendship and efforts at fostering understanding. It is ultimately at this local level that contentious issues will be resolved,” the statement said. CNS

Church must step up to the challenge of global corruption

Church must fight global corruption, say Vatican forum participants

The Catholic Church can do much more to fight corruption and promote economies that put citizens’ needs ahead of individual interests and private gains, said some participants at a Vaticansponsored conference.

Bribery, patronage, extortion,

the world in brief

Catholic women meet

embezzlement, nepotism and other abuses of power for personal gain are unethical, hinder economic growth and development, and divert needed resources from going to the poor, participants said at a June 2-3 conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Some 80 experts from across the world were invited to the closed-door meetings. Participants included church leaders, government advisers and representatives

Arlington was awash with the brightly coloured native costumes of countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Europe as more than 700 women from 39 countries gathered for the international meeting of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations May 31-June 7.

The conference, to discuss social justice and world peace, was hosted by the National Council of Catholic Women, which has its headquarters in Arlington.

“Unless we are aware of what is going on, we can’t do anything about it,” said Mary Rickaby, a conference attendee from England.

The conference featured speakers from

of local non-government organisations, the United Nations and the World Bank, including its president, Paul Wolfowitz.

Both the council’s president, Cardinal Renato Martino, and its secretary, Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, said corruption has increased due to globalisation, so greater global efforts are needed to prevent, monitor and prosecute corruption.

In many parts of the world,

around the world including Flaminia Giovanelli from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; Father John Jai-Don Lee, the first priest to run the Office of Environmental Ministry in Seoul, Korea; and a panel of women peacemakers.

Faith in the joy of love

Pope Benedict XVI said young people should understand that the Church does not want to “suffocate” the joy of love between a man and a woman.

The Pope made the remarks at a June 5 Rome diocesan conference dedicated to the theme of religious education for younger Catholics.

After praying with participants in the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Pope told them that love must be at the heart of

church officials have played an important role in speaking out against corruption and even acting as whistle-blowers against corrupt practices, but Cardinal Martino said in written remarks on June 3 that the church “must do more and must do better.”

One participant said some surveys have shown that countries with a predominantly Catholic population tend to be more corrupt and that the average citizen in these

every generation’s education in the faith.

“Adolescents and young people, who feel inside themselves an urgent call to love, need to be liberated from the widespread prejudice that Christianity, with its commandments and prohibitions, places too many barriers to the joy of love,” he said.

He said the Church does not seek to prevent couples from “tasting fully that happiness that a man and a woman find in mutual love.”

Tiananmen remembered

Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun joined about 100 Catholics praying for religious freedom and democracy in China while commemorating 17 years since the Tiananmen Square incident.

Cardinal Zen said people cannot forget

countries tends to be more tolerant of corruption.

The data concerning people’s religion and their values, including their tolerance of corruption and bribery, come from two polls - one from 1995 and another from 19992001 - conducted by World Values Survey. But while the surveys’ findings are “disturbing and uncomfortable, the church can take advantage of its historically influential role in society. CNS

the 1989 tragedy and should demand that Chinese authorities give a clear explanation, especially in accounting for the hundreds allegedly killed, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The call for democracy and sacrifice had motivated him to spend six months each year in China educating new religious leaders, he said, referring to the time he spent teaching in major seminaries on the mainland from 1989 until 1996.

He expressed his belief that the same motivation “encouraged Hong Kong people to show their concern about state affairs and to commemorate those who died in Tiananmen Square.”

The prayer service was organised by the Union of Hong Kong Catholic Organisations in Support of the Patriotic and Democratic Movement in China.

Pope Benedict XVI prays at the Nazis’ Birkenau death camp in Oswiecim, Poland on May 28. Photo: CNS

Book Review

Capturing Benedict the man, perhaps

BENEDICT XVI

The man who was Ratzinger

By Michael S. Rose

RRP $39.95 (inc GST)

Hardback, 184 pages

Available from Connor Court Publishing www.connorcourt.com.au

■ Reviewed by Tony Paganoni CS

While I enjoyed reading this book, I was rather perplexed as I neared the end. Was the author’s objective to write about the present Pope?

The title and specifically the subtitle would lead any reader to believe that the declared intention of Michael Rose, a New York Time’s Bestseller, was just that: to reveal the human side of a person who is presently carrying a weighty responsibility.

Many others have written about the Pope, and Rose would be just one of many. But the chapters in the book, as we shall see a little later, do not dwell at all on ‘the man who was Ratzinger.’

Preceding the book’s introduc-

tion Rose indicates, through G.K Chesterton’s quote, “a man with a definite belief … does not change with the world; he has climbed into a fixed star and the world whizes below him,” that the Pope, or ‘man who was Ratzinger,’ resembles the condition of a ‘fixed star,’ watching over a ‘whizzing world.’

However, this ethereal and almost celestial position of the Pope contradicts the successive contents of the book. The chapters deal exclusively with contemporary issues of the Church community, with some chapter headings demonstrating this quite clearly: “The Besieged Soul of Christian Europe”, “Islam and the Crisis of Christian Identity”, ‘Expelling the Filth, Purifying the Church” and “Insisting upon Sound Doctrine”. The chapters remaining deal with contemporary realities, as they are often reported in the media. In the mind of the author, does this mean, then, that the Pope cannot be understood, both as a

person and as a role, without the Church community and the world in which it lives? If this is indeed the case, it is a stance, which I believe, would render a great service to the Church and to the papacy itself. Yet the title does not allude to this at all. The author is a brilliant writer and readers can be the judge of that. The chapters, all dealing with some of the known contemporary challenges faced by the Church, are concisely and masterfully analysed, without running the risk of boring the reader.

However, all ills, merits and demerits, filth and compromises or hidden shortages of the Church cannot be resolved or tackled merely through the ability and inner strength of Christ’s Vicar. The Church is founded as a community, guided by the successor of Peter and of the apostles, who share responsibility over the faith and tradition of the Church. ‘Tending the flock,’ as the Gospel states, clearly indicates

a need to resemble a responsible and mature flock/people of God - who are indeed all called to a life of holiness.

There is a profound mutual interdependence in all the faithful baptized. As it is often stated, the Holy Spirit chooses a man (the Pope) right for the times in which he happens to live, so it is also true that the Holy Spirit is guiding the Catholic Community to the fullness of truth. Misunderstandings, misapprehensions as well as opportunity and growth must be seen and understood in this light. The world cannot be saved without a Church that cannot save itself as a Church! The 2000 year-long history of the Church reminds us that there were times when the papacy saved “the sinking boat of Peter”; as well as times when the faithful community of Christ persisted in their belief and praise of the Lord, notwithstanding the troubling fallacies of the papacy.

Praying to the Lord and sanctifying our days - hour by hour

Lay Catholics and other Christians are finding spiritual benefits in the Liturgy of the Hours.

■ By Gigi Fotou

Mention the Liturgy of the Hours to the average Catholic and if you’re lucky enough to not get a blank stare, he or she may mutter something about monks chanting in Latin at odd moments of the day and night, faces mysteriously cowled in black hoods.

This stereotyping is not necessarily false, but incomplete and one the Church seeks to rectify.

By its simplest definition, the Liturgy of the Hours is a series of prayers to be recited and reflected upon at fixed hours of the day

or night by priests religious and laypeople. Also called the Divine Office, Opus Dei (Work of God) and the Breviary, the Liturgy of the Hours has an ancient history rooted in Old Testament Judaic tradition, its devotion encompassing both religious and the laity throughout the ages.

Historic development

After the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, synagogue services that included Torah readings, psalms and hymns developed as a substitute for the bloody sacrifices of the temple, instead becoming a sacrifice of praise. The inspiration to do this may have been taken from David’s words, “Seven times a day I praise you” (Ps 119:164).

After the temple was rebuilt, prayer services continued. Although the apostles no longer shared in temple sacrifice since they had its

fulfillment in the Eucharist, they continued to frequent the temple at the customary hours of prayer.

Through the centuries, the Liturgy of the Hours has gone through various forms and reforms, including that of the Second Vatican Council, but its basic structure has been relatively constant since the 11th century. As the liturgy became more clericalized, however, the Liturgy of the Hours increasingly became viewed as something that belonged to monks and clergy. Realizing its importance and benefit, there is now a movement to restore it to the whole Church, thereby fulfilling the Lord’s precept to “pray without ceasing?’

Not just for priests

The Liturgy of the Hours consists of morning prayer (lauds), prayer before noon (terce), prayer during the midday (sext),prayer during the

afternoon (none), evening prayer (vespers), office of readings (matins) and night prayer (compline). The structure is similar for each set of meditations and includes psalms, canticles, prayers and readings. However, Maxwell Johnson, professor of liturgical studies at the University of Notre Dame and author of Benedictine Daily Prayer: A Short Breviary, (Liturgical Press), observes that although priests and other religious promise to faithfully pray the Liturgy of the Hours, anyone who desires to pray with the Church can do so in a simple manner by following a shorter daily prayer model.

“The purpose of any prayer is to offer praise to God and intercede with the Church for the salvation of the world,” Johnson told Our Sunday Visitor. “It is not against Church tradition for the layperson to pray an abbreviated version,

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Sunday June 11

FATIMA DEVOTIONS

The World Apostolate of Fatima Aust Inc. Invites you to attend devotions – rosary, sermon and benediction – in St Jude’s Church, Prendiville Way, Langford at 3pm on Sunday June 11. Enquiries: 9339 2614.

Sunday June 11

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

ACCESS 31: 1  2 PM

Mother Angelica’s miraculous healing / with Jeff Cavins and Mike Manhard [Life on the Rock]. Don’t miss this special program, a heartwarming testimony to God’s Providence in the life of the foundress of EWTN and her remarkable mission. Please continue to support her inspiring work, by sending donations to The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enquiries 9330 1170.

Sunday June 11

PIPE ORGAN PLUS

Duyfken Variations are holding the 2006 Pipe Organ Plus Series Concert at 2.30pm at the Basilica of St Patrick, Cnr Parry and Adelaide Streets, Fremantle. Tickets; Standard $22; Concession $17. Subscription Four Concerts for the price of three. Standard $66; Concession $51. Door sales available. Complimentary Essenza coffee and Leaf tea served with Picobello Patisserie biscuits at interval. Bring a cushion for extra comfort! Bookings can be made

on 08 9339 7418 Email info@pipeorganplus.com. Information www.pipeorganplus.com.

Sunday June 11

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Administered for spiritual and physical healing during Holy Mass every second Sunday of the month at the Bullsbrook Shrine. Enquiries: 9447 3292.

Wednesday June 14

” ENRICHING FAMILY”

Presenter: Ean James (Clinical Psychologist) $10 (Donation Unwaged) 7.30-9.30PM Wed. 14 June. The MacKillop Room (Multi-Purpose Room) John XXIII College. Details: Murray 9383 0444. Thanks for your on-going support, Murray Graham.

Saturday June 17

GOLDEN JUBILEE

Friends, former colleagues and parishioners are invited to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of priestly ordination of Mgr James Nestor. Mass at 10am at the Carmelite Monastery, Adelma Rd Nedlands, with refreshments to follow. To assist with logistics and catering, please advise of attendance to Rosemary Hill on 9389 8805 or fax 9389 8801.

Sunday June 18

FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI

To celebrate the special feast of Corpus Christi a procession and Rosary will be held in the grounds of St

Anne’s Church, 11 Hehir St Belmont. Procession will commence at 5pm and conclude with Benediction. St Anne’s is one of the churches of the Archdiocese that has Perpetual Adoration. Why not come and spend some time with Jesus? For further details contact 08 9277 2251.

Sunday June 18

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” The words of scripture describe the Corpus Christi procession honouring Jesus’ presence among us. Come join in the Corpus Christ Feast 9am Mass with procession followed by parish and school BBQ. St Joseph’s Parish Community, 20 Hamilton Street, Bassendean.

Sunday June 18

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION  TOODYAY

The annual Corpus Christi procession will be held in Toodyay, commencing at St John the Baptist Parish Church (36 Stirling Tce, Toodyay) at 12.30pm (holy Mass at 10.30am). The procession will honour the Blessed Sacrament with prayers, hymns and benediction. A reception will follow (please bring a plate). Bus services will be available – please contact either Nita Campbell on 9367 1366. Flo Cue on 9367 8632 or Chia Sticca on 9337 3831. Enquiries please contact Franciscans of the Immaculate on 9574 5204.

especially if one does not have the time or the experience of praying the extended form.”

Johnson notes that the Liturgy of the Hours is a recovering classic Christian spirituality of corporate prayer that is finding its voice not only with Catholics but other Christian communities as well.

“Christians are called to consecrate every moment of every day to God’ he said. “The Liturgy of the Hours helps and guides us to fulfil this mission.”

Johnson urges laypeople to explore the many available versions of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Looked upon through the eyes of knowledge, the Liturgy of the Hours sheds its aura of inscrutability and becomes yet another tool the Church gives us to fulfil its ultimate goal: The sanctification and holiness of its people for the purpose of knowing and loving God. - OSV

Friday June 23

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Being held at St John and Paul’s Church, Pinetree Gully Road Willetton at 7.30pm. There will be a Praise and Worship evening followed by a talk with Fr Greg Donovan titled Heart Speaks to Heart and a Thanksgiving Mass. There will be light refreshments after Mass. You are all welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends to this evening of fellowship. For more information contact Rita on 9272 1765 or Rose on 040 330 0720.

Friday June 23

SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

To be held at St Mary’s Cathedral commencing at 6.50pm with the Rosary and Litanies. Mass at 7.30pm and consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed by Benediction. Principal celebrant is Archbishop Hickey. Novena to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart from Thursday June 15 to Friday June 23 after weekday 12.10pm Mass, after Saturday 6.30pm Mass and after Sunday 11.30am Mass at the Cathedral.

Friday to Saturday June 23-24

ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Holy Mass at 9pm on Friday evening. At St Bernadette’s Church 49 Jugan

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HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ BED AND BREAKFAST

Holiday Accommodation. B&B. Pt Mandurah Canals. Boutique B&B. Walk to CBD. www.mandurah.com/pncanalb&b.htm. 9535 2252.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ DENMARK

Holiday House 3bdr x 2bath, sleeps up to 8. BOOK

NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377.

PAINTINGS

■ CHRISTIAN ART WORKS

Wide range of secular and Christian paintings and art works. Tel: 9358 1886.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

Tydewi Bindery offer handcrafted fine bindings, journals, leather recovering. Repairs fo all your books, liturgical, bibles, missals and statues. Ph. 9293 3092.

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For favours granted.

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St Glendalough followed by an all night Eucharistic adoration in reparation to the two hearts (including rosaries, hymns, scripture readings and reflection during the night). Please join us for any length of time at your convenience. Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary – Saturday morning with usual parish Mass at 7.30am. Reconciliation available prior to both Masses. There will be a first Friday all night vigil winter break from June to August. We will recommence from Friday 1 September. Enquiries 9444 6131 or 9342 5845.

Friday June 23 – Sunday June 25

WEEKEND DANCE RETREAT

Glorify God with your Body. Venue: Penola by the Sea, Sisters of St Joseph Retreat Centre, Safety Bay at 7.30pm. For more information contact Sr Shelley Barlow on 9271 3873.

Saturday June 24

MASS FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE LOST A BABY BEFORE BIRTH OR SHORTLY AFTER

A special Mass for babies who died before baptism and for the healing of their families will be celebrated at St Francis Xavier Parish, 6 Third Rd, Armadale, at 6.30pm Enquiries: 9399 2143.

Saturday June 24

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDJUGORJE

You are invited to St Bernadette’s Church, Glendalough, for a morning of Prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace commencing at 10am with Rosary at 10.30am and Mass followed by a talk by Fr Timothy Deeter. Concluding with coffee at the LJ Goody Bioethics Centre. Please bring a plate. For more information contact 9341 8082

Saturday June 24

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY will be having its annual fundraising dinner on Saturday the 24th of June at South Fremantle Football Club. Tickets cost $45 per person. Please ring CRC on 9319 8344 to inquire further.

Saturday June 24 to Monday June 26

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LAY PASTORAL MINISTERS

Following the theme River of Life, creating, empowering, renewing a vibrant people of God. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Pastoral Ministers of Brisbane Website on www. catholic.net.au/layministry/pma. Interested persons can contact Margaret Walker 9390 8365 or Lesley McMinn on 9337 6295.

Sunday June 25

AUSTRALIA’S FINEST GOSPEL PERFORMERS

Our Lady Of The Rosary Church, Angelico Street, Woodlands 2pm to 4.30pm Featuring Western Australia’s Finest Gospel Performers. – Camelot, Gospel Train, Indij Spirits, The Cranfields, A Cappella Praise. Tickets - Adults $12 - Children $2. Advance purchase only. For tickets and information contact Carmel Charlton 9446 1558 or erichancock@swiftdsl. com.au. Tickets also available from Zenith Music 309 Stirling Hwy, Claremont.

Friday June 30

LA SALLE COLLEGE QUIZ AND AUCTION NIGHT

La Salle College is holding its 2nd annual quiz and auction night at 7.30pm in the Laurence Murphy Hall at La Salle College. Tables are of 8. BYO snacks and cool drinks only. Alcohol will be on sale. Tickets can be purchased from the College Office at $10 each. Should you have a business and be in a position to donate, please contact Sabrina Lynsdale at the College on 9274 6266 and your company will be acknowledged in our Delagram and Western Lasallian.

Saturday July 1

DAY WITH MARY

St Brigid’s Church, 64B Morrison Rd, Midland. 9am5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the message 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. Enquiries – Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate – 9250 8286.

Sunday July 2

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth, on July 2 at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon: with Fr Tony Vallis on St. Thomas the Apostle followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Enquiries: John 9457 7771 or Linda9275 6608.

Friday July 7-9

ANNUAL FAMILY FORMATION WEEKEND

The Schoenstatt Family Branch invites you to a family faith development weekend. To be held at the IHD centre at Jarrahdale pm Friday 7 July to afternoon 9 July. Working with the theme of hoping and daring to be more than mediocre with our faith, this weekend combines live-in accommodation, faith development discussions with other parents just like you, Sunday Holy Mass, socialising and some fun, for all the members of your family. The Spiritual Leader will be Fr Ivanhoe Allies. Bookings will be required by 18 June to confirm accommodation. For registration and/or additional information contact: Sister Renee: 9310 5461, or Terry Huxtable: 9399 2349.

Sunday July 23

EVERYTHING OUT OF LOVE, WITH JOY

The Schoenstatt Family Branch invites you to a day for families. COME AND SEE. Mark your diary for 23 July, 10am at the Armadale Shrine. More details soon - watch this space!

Sunday September 17

KOORDA CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Our Lady of the Assumption Church at Koorda will celebrate its Golden Anniversary this year on September 17. Past Parish Priests and past parishioners are invited to come and join us for the celebrations. Anyone who has any photos they would like

to include in a display is welcome to send them to Kath Gosper at PO Box 68, Koorda 6475. You could send copies or we will copy and return them to you. The day will commence with Mass at 10.30am to be followed by lunch at the Recreation hall.

Sunday Septermber 24 to Saturday September 30

FIVE DAY DIRECTED RETREAT

At the Redemptorist Monastery Retreat House, 190 Vincent Street North Perth. Director: Fr Joe Carroll CSSR. For more information contact Jan Broderick on 9328 9736.

AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS

If a loved one’s drinking is worrying you – please call Al Anon Family Groups for confidential information meetings etc… Phone Lumber on 9325 7528 – 24 hrs.

ATTENTION COUPLES

Have you or your spouse been diagnosed with a mental illness? Depression? Anxiety/Panic Attacks? etc. Could you do with some help understanding your/their illness? Do you know how to get help when you need it? We can help you to help each other through the Unconditional Love Program. For more information contact: Amanda Olsen. On mobile: 0407 192 641, Or email: mandyfolsen@bigpond.com.au.

TUESDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETINGS

St Mary Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay Street, Perth, 7pm. Come join us! Overcome the burdens in life making prayer your lifeline with Jesus. Personal healing in prayer, Rosary, meditation, Scripture, praise in song, friendship, refreshments. Be united with Our Lord and Our Lady in prayer with others. Appreciate the heritage of the Faith.

EVERY SUNDAY

Bullsbrook Shrine Sunday Pilgrimage Program. Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd Bullsbrook. 2pm Holy Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with holy rosary. Reconciliation is available before every celebration. Enquiries: 9447 3292.

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

The Santa Clara Parish Community welcomes anyone from surrounding parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church, corner of Coolgardie and Pollock Sts, Bentley on the 1st Sunday of each month for devotions in honour of the Divine Mercy. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Reflection and concludes with Benediction.

Saturdays PERPETUAL HELP NOVENA DEVOTIONS

Saturdays 4.30-5pm. Redemptorist Church, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth.

ART EXHIBITION

Art exhibition every Saturday and Sunday at the Parish Hall, Star of the Sea church, Cottesloe, cnr of Stirling Highway and McNeil Sts 11am – 4pm. All

proceeds from the sale towards the extension of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Ring 9325 3566.

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION

Holy Family Church, Alcock Street, Maddington. Every Friday 8.30 am Holy Mass followed by Blessed Sacrament Adoration till 12 noon. Every first Friday of the month, anointing of the sick during Mass. Enq. 9398 6350.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST BERNADETTE’S

Adoration: Chapel open all day and all night. All welcome, 49 Jugan St, Glendalough, just north of the city. Masses every night at 5.45pm Monday to Friday, 6.30pm, Saturday and the last Sunday Mass in Perth is at 7pm.

Wednesdays

SIGN LANGUAGE COURSE

Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Classes are offered free of charge at Emmanuel Centre on Wednesdays at 1pm. If this does not suit you, other arrangements can be made. Please contact Fr Paul or Barbara at Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St Perth 9328 8113.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES SCHOOL

If anyone has information on Queen of Apostles School, Riverton, used to go there or knows anyone who did please do one of the following to tell the extension group – Call 9354 1360 and ask to speak to Veronique or email your information to veronequeregnard@gmail.com.au or janellekoh@yahoo.com.au or you can put your information into the box in the office at Queen of Apostles School. Thanking you in anticipation.

LINDA’S HOUSE OF HOPE APPEAL

To enable us to continue to provide and offer support for girls wishing to leave the sex trade we need your help. We have achieved already with your assistance new offfices which are now complete at the rear of the shelter and are fully functional. Further donations are also required to enable us to complete the internal layout of the shelter itself.

The Last Word

Tim tops the State!

■ By Phil Bayne, CEO Media

Atop 10 ranking across WA for the Furniture Design and Technology course of study at Nagle Catholic College in Geraldton was recognised recently in the awarding to Tim Johnson (class of 2005) of the Subject Exhibition Award.

Officially recognising Tim as the top placed student in the subject throughout the State, the award was presented following Tim’s presentation of his practical work, theory portfolio and performance interview to a selection panel via video conference.

The extent of Tim’s achievement can be measured in the more than 1200 students who completed the Furniture Design and Technology course in 2005.

Even more impressive from the College’s

point of view was the fact that out of the 10 short-listed nominations for the award, two were from Nagle – Tim and fellow classmate, Nathan Tubby.

Nagle’s Furniture Design and Technology teacher, Digby Edwards, said the course offered students “creative opportunities, challenges and the satisfaction of making beautiful items of furniture from native timbers and other materials commonly used in the furniture industry.”

A member of staff for the last eight years, Digby was also nominated for a National Award for Quality Schooling in the Outstanding Teacher category.

At the end of the school year, Digby said he planned to travel to and work in the United States for 12 months in order to gain some knowledge about new and different woodworking and teaching techniques.

Practising, yet unbelieving

■ By Tony Paganoni CS

The cultural landscape of western society has altered significantly over time - the democratisation of culture, the advanced stage of secularisation, an increasing human mobility, just to name a few.

The newly discovered capacity to criticise past forms and achievements has severely tested a faith transmitted in a traditional fashion.

The importance of rituals, rites, myths and common ideals has been replaced by more dynamic and evolving realities.

Values have become increasingly fluid, constantly shifting, forming and re-forming, eventually being abandoned as quickly as they are formed.

The ideal that human life is sacred has altogether been weakened.

“The newly discovered capacity to criticise past forms and achievements has severely tested a faith transmitted in a traditional fashion.”

French academic Pierre-Andre Liege states that the atavistic form of faith and belonging has, perhaps unwillingly,

lessened, at least in the mind of people, the space allowed for freedom of choice.

The repetition of traditional practices has sidestepped the theological concept of tradition, that of a present tradition, which links the realities of today with those of the apostles.

“...it would be legitimate to ask:

“have people left the human institution called Church or the Church itself?”

One thing is to rejoice and be satisfied that the pews in the Church and the desks in the school are all taken. Another, far more important realisation, is to lead believers in their quest to make Christ present in the world of today.

One thing is to promote the idea that there is no salvation outside the Church; and, almost diametrically opposed, the belief that God can save even those living and working outside the parameters of a formal belonging to the Church.

These realities are not as clear-cut as one would desire, yet there is a world of difference between the two.

The argument does not lie in which is better, the “small flock” or the “large flock,” but rather, in the sense that quan-

Mmmmm, Coffffeeee...

Here it is - the news that all caffeine addicts want to hear. Coffee does help your brain to function better.

An Australian experiment showed that a sleep-deprived radio host and new dad performed better on memory and impulse control tests after caffeine - going from 50 to 67 per cent accuracy.

Dr Carrie Wyland explains that caffeine increases the blood flow to the brain, as well as dopamine levels and adrenaline, allowing the brain to have greater activity.”

But all things in moderation: the safe limit, says Dr Wyland, is 400mg a day.

- FamilyEdge e-zine

titative considerations should never displace the motivation behind a person’s desire to belong to the Church.

Indeed, Liege invites the construction of a Church rich in believers, no less human and fallible then the rest of the population.

As Liege contends, the pastoral practice of the Church over the last few centuries could have been responsible for producing practising, yet unbelieving Catholics.

According to Liege, this situation has deprived the Church of its divine origin and reduced it to the level of a human institution. Therefore, it would be legitimate to ask: “have people left the human institution called Church or the Church itself?”

Winning talent: Tim Johnson, at right, with teacher Digby Edwards.

Photo: Phil Bayne