The Record Newspaper 11 May 2011

EASTER

How one mission family from overseas gave up everything to come to Perth to preach the Gospel to our neighbours Pages 12-13

Wednesday,11 May 2011

Tweets at St Pete’s

What happens when bloggers and the Vatican meet

VATICAN CITY (CNS)Some things just can’t be done online. Like shake the hand of a blogging Benedictine nun (aka @Digitalnun on Twitter) and get her advice on how to create a profitable app with no start-up money.

Or drink prosecco, nibble on focaccia and discover while chatting with a scientist who blogs about biology and religion that he is a Protestant married to a Muslim and couldn’t believe he was invited to a Vatican event.

At a landmark “Blog Meet,” the pontifical councils for culture and for social communications brought together 150 bloggers - in the flesh - from all parts of the world on 2 May to get a sense of their hopes and concerns.

Once again, the Church insisted the virtual world should only be a tool, not a substitute, for real human contact, even when the meeting underlines the extraordinary powers of new media. Greeting people face-to-face also broke down some barriers and suspicions that have built up over the years between some bloggers and the sometimes communication-challenged Catholic hierarchy.

And create communion they did; the St Petermeets-tweeters blognic was a real coup - a mini Berlin Wall knock-down - as calling cards, emails and hugs were exchanged.

“The Church has something to learn from bloggers,” Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of Vatican’s communications council, said in an interview with L’Osservatore Romano on 5 May.

By listening to inhabitants of the blogosphere, the Church can learn not only what people in the pews are thinking and feeling, Church leaders can get a sense of how important it is to speak about the faith in a language that is less “ecclesial” and more “understandable,” he said.

Thousands across WA rememberand rejoice

This year, Catholics and Christians across WA and around the world gathered to remember in faith and then celebrate in joy the sacrifice of Christ and the vistory of His resurrection. All celebrated the same thing, yet every parish event was marked by unique contributions from national background, spirituality and locale.

By anThony Barich

Archbishop Barry Hickey baptised six adults using a form of full immersion at St Mary’s Cathedral in a historic moment charged with symbolism at the 23 April Easter Vigil Mass. It was the first time such baptisms have taken place in the Cathedral’s history.

The six new Catholics were also confirmed together with four adults already baptised in other denominations during the ceremony; all want to start a Bible study group to learn more about their faith, together with three others who prepared with them over the past year but could not attend on the day.

“The baptism was the most moving part of the Easter Vigil; it captured the very essence of Easter – Christ is risen and they become new creations, went from death to life, from darkness to life - all the images we were celebrating that night. That’s the miracle of Easter,” said Cathedral assistant priest Fr Jean-Noel Antoine Marie who had prepared the new Catholics over the past year.

“They have changed now; they have this glow about them when I see them every Sunday when they all come to the Cathedral for Mass.

“On the night, they were living proof that Christ is risen. We made a point of them entering the baptismal pool from the west and emerging to the east – symbolising Jerusalem in the east where the sun, Christ, rises from.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

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Chrism, the sign of priests, prophets and kings

of Christ through Baptism, Confirmation and, for some, Holy Orders. The Oil of Chrism will be used to baptise, to confer Holy Orders and to consecrate churches. The Chrism Mass, as this unique Mass in the Church year is referred to, focuses on the sacramental and ministerial priesthood. PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

‘The entire cosmos rejoices at this moment’

At Easter, Pope prays for peace, freedom in world trouble spots

By John T havis

VATICAN CITY - In an Easter blessing to the world, Pope Benedict XVI prayed that Christ’s resurrection may open paths of “freedom, justice and peace” for troubled populations of the Middle East and Africa. The Pope urged an end to violence in Libya and Ivory Coast, assistance to refugees flooding out of North Africa and consolation for the victims of the Japanese earth-

quake. He prayed for those persecuted for their Christian faith, and praised their courage. He spoke from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on 24 April in his blessing urbi et orbi (to the city of Rome and to the world), after celebrating Mass for nearly 100,000 people in St Peter’s Square. Broadcast to many countries and live-streamed on the Internet, it was the last major event on the 84 year old Pontiff’s heavy Holy Week schedule.

Pope Benedict said the resurrection of Christ must not be viewed as “the fruit of speculation or mystical experience.” Please turn to Page 18

Rockingham remembers

PAGE 9

The Ukrainian Way

Perth is home to the Ukrainian Catholic community. Because they follow a different calendar, Eastern-rite Catholics often celebrate the major events of the Christian year on different dates to Roman Catholics. This year, however, Fr Wolodymyr

Baptisms, Confirmations bring new life to Church

Perth l St Mary’s Cathedral

Year Award – Archbishop Hickey

26 Redemptoris Mater Diaconate –Archbishop Hickey

Fr Marie said the Archbishop was also very happy to do the full immersion baptisms, as they had never been done before in the Cathedral and because it was his first and possibly last, as he has submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI.

In what Fr Marie called an “inspiring, spontaneous, emotional moment”, people in the congregation flocked to the rear of the Cathedral for the baptisms to get a better view, with up to 30 cameras documenting the moment. “It was quite moving,” said Fr Marie, who ushered them into the pool with towels and thongs on standby after they went into changerooms to wear white albs.

Their candles lit from the Paschal Candle, the six processed back to the sanctuary to recite the Profession of Faith and for Confirmation after the baptism, newly dressed in white garments “as a sign of their Christian dignity”, Fr Marie said.

Four others who had already been baptised in other Christian denominations and received into the Catholic Church - William Maslen, Donna Chandler, Irene Margaret and Jasmine Wong – joined newly baptised Tegan Chubb, Romy Rohmann, Jaya Pydiah, Albert Falout, Joseph Mabala and Jasmeet Padam, to be confirmed by the Archbishop.

All 10 then received Holy Communion for the first time. Also for the first time in St Mary’s Cathedral since it was re-opened and re-dedicated in December 2009, three sacraments were offered in the one Easter ceremony – Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Last year, there was only the one sacrament –the Eucharist. “It doesn’t happen very

often; and all this happening in the glow of Easter; the church was packed,” Fr Marie said, describing the event as “awesome”.

Clergy changes

Archbishop Hickey has announced a number of clergy appointments for the Archdiocese of Perth, including the four recently ordained priests.

present in Kalamunda, will receive a posting in the country as Parish Priest.

Fr Rainier Fernandez , Parish Priest of Corrigin, will leave the parish on 20 May to join Royal Perth Hospital Chaplaincy Team to help Fr Jeronimo Flamenco Castillo

On 2 May, Fr Paul Raj took up his position as Parish Priest of Hilton.

Fr Greg Donovan , currently overseas, has been appointed Parish Priest of Kalamunda, and will take up his duties there on 20 May.

Fr Sebastian Fernando, at

Fr Joseph Angelo currently Parish Priest of Midland, will take over the parish of Leederville on 23 May. The parish was cared for recently by Fr Roy Pereira

Fr Ossie Lewis will commence his duties as Parish Priest of Embleton on 27 May.

from the new Catholics keen to do more than just attend Sunday Mass.

“Two weeks after the event they are still talking about their experience of what happened to them; they’re glowing. It’s a day they shall never forget,” Fr Marie said.

“These people know this is the beginning, not end, of their journey, and they’ve expressed interest in building on this experience, having Bible study meetings to learn more about their faith.

“That’s very encouraging as they want to know more about Scripture, the Mass and the Sacraments, which we are planning to do within a few weeks. I’m sure this will attract others as well.”

The Bible study group at the Cathedral Parish Centre will take place in the evening, but a start date is yet to be

confirmed. There will also be a thanksgiving Mass for them. The Easter Vigil Mass also reflected the universality of the Church, Fr Marie said, as the newly baptised and confirmed came from a wide range of backgrounds, including German, Singaporean, Indian, Polish and Malaysian. “These Sacraments made it an awesome experience. The energy was palpable and the Cathedral was alive – Christ is risen (and this was especially felt when) when we sang the Litany of the Saints as we all processed to the baptismal font after the homily and the anointing of the Oil of Catechumens in the Sanctuary.

More than 12,000 people attended all the Easter events at the Cathedral; the Saturday Vigil and the 11am Sunday morning Masses drawing the most crowds.

Marie during a smaller Mass on 22 May at 2.30pm at the Cathedral. Since the 23 April event, Fr Marie has received emails

Emil Ciecierega

work with the Aboriginal Apostolate on a full-time basis, and reside in one of the two new units erected on parish property by the Archdiocese.

On 1 June, Fr Trevor Simons returns to his parish of Woodvale, following an illness. Fr Dennis Sudla, who has been looking after the parish for some months, will move on to other duties. Fr Anandarao Reddy has been appointed to the par-

ish of Kalgoorlie as Assistant Priest on a temporary basis. The four recently ordained priests will serve in the following parishes: Fr Daniel Boyd –Kalgoorlie/Boulder

Fr Emmanuel Dimobi –Canning Vale

Fr Anibal Leite de Cunha – Willetton

Fr Michael Do Huy Nhat Quynh – Greenwood Fr Cyprian Shikokoti Kelmscott. The announcments appeared in the latest ad clerum newsletter to clergy.

Another three who trained with the 10 - Charmaine Soh, Patrick Jin Wei Ling and Aimee Yunarsa - will be baptised and confirmed by Fr

Archbishop Barry Hickey processes the shrouded Blessed Sacrament, above, to the Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday. Earlier in the Easter ceremony, he washed the feet of 12 men, right, just as Christ did at the Last Supper.

PHOTOS: FR ROBERT CROSS

Rachel Waters, left, of Whitfords parish presents the Oil of Catechumens during the Chrism Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on 19 April. The Perth Archdiocesan clergy participate in blessing the holy Oil at the Chrism Mass. Archbishop Hickey, right, distributes Holy Communion.

PHOTOS: FR ROBERT CROSS

Fr

SDS, the current Parish Priest, will resume his

moral good of society;” placing priority on people and families; respecting the free initiative of people; and aiding the neediest in society.

of the common good, “which is not reduced to one’s nation but considered from a world standpoint; awareness that this good cannot be limited to material goods but must include the

Putting those priorities into effect is necessary in these times, he said. In an earlier interview, Cardinal Turkson said numerous recent events point to the need for the modern world to take to heart the encyclical’s lessons. The efforts in several US states to do away with collective bargaining by state employees are among several notable examples of insecurity among workers in many parts of the world, the Cardinal said.

The congregation prays during the Easter Saturday Vigil at St Mary’s Cathedral on 23 April. Left, the Archbishop calls the candidates who will be welcomed into the Catholic Church either with the sacrament of Baptism or Confirmation. Above centre, Archbishop Hickey baptises a catechuman during the Easter Vigil. Above left, the Archbishop confirms a young woman in the faith.

PHOTOS: FR ROBERT CROSS

Archbishop Barry Hickey and concelebrating priests prostrate themselves on the sanctuary before the 3pm ceremony on Good Friday at St Mary’s Cathedral on 22 April. The Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Mgr Michael Keating, above, bears the wood of the Cross during the ceremony. Left, an acolyte holds the shrouded crucifix during the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at St Mary’s Cathedral. Below left, Archbishop Hickey venerates the Cross.

PHOTO: FR ROBERT CROSS

Balcatta l St Lawrence & Mary Immaculate

Dawesville l St Damien

Parish. Nation. World. The Record

Ballajura l St Mary MacKillop

New

Bateman l St Thomas More

Bishop theologian to model himself on Pope

By Anthony BArich

POPE Benedict XVI has appointed as the country’s youngest Bishop a moral theologian who wantsto model himself on the Pontiff to evangelise in an increasingly secular Australia.

Bishop-elect Fr Peter Comensoli, 47, was appointed on 20 April as an Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney under Cardinal George Pell.

He described being Australia’s youngest Bishop as “daunting”. His priority is the challenge every Christian faces - “letting people know Jesus is here, in our lives, which is sometimes difficult in a society where the Lord is often forgotten or even rejected. I think that’s the chief task for me.”

Bishop-elect Comensoli was undertaking doctoral studies in theological ethics at Edinburgh University during the Pope’s visit last year, and witnessed “something of the picture towards which Australia is heading” in the “stridently secular” United Kingdom.

He said that secular attitude brings with it “a sharpness - a wanting to reject the possibility of faith and the place of faith in public life”.

Bishop-elect Comensoli said that, in the face of this hostility, the Pope provided the model for every Christian in his 17 September 2010 presentation to public leaders in Westminster Hall, London.

“There, he proposed in a very reasoned way the role of Christian faith and its place in public life in our western culture. He presents all of us with the way to live the faith today.

“Here is a man who had a proposal, not an imposition, and he does so with such intelligence and a wonderful sense of joy about being a person of faith.

“I have a hope in Jesus Christ that he saves our world, but it needs to be explained in a reasoned way and that can be done with a sense of dialogue with our culture. That’s what the Pope models for us, and it’s good if I can model that too.”

Cardinal Pell wants him to continue in his role as professor at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, where he specialises in moral theology and its philosophical and anthro-

pological bases. “I am delighted with the appointment of Bishop Comensoli,” Cardinal Pell said.

“He is young and energetic, and has an unusual blend of extensive pastoral experience and high academic achievement.” Bishop-elect Comensoli, the first Wollongong priest to be appointed to the episcopacy, will be ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney on 8 June at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide, said that “having been the Bishop of Wollongong myself, I know and have worked with Father Peter and I can attest to how well suited to this ministry he is”.

“He will bring many gifts of grace and intelligence to the role of Sydney Auxiliary Bishop and my brother Bishops and I will, in a special way, hold him up in prayer during Holy Week.”

Bishop-elect Comensoli fills the role left by Dominican Bishop Anthony Fisher, who at 51 was

Australia’s youngest prelate and was the chief organiser of World Youth Day Sydney 2008. The Archdiocese of Sydney has been running on only two Auxiliary Bishops since Bishop Fisher left his role as Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney when Pope Benedict appointed him Bishop of Parramatta in Western Sydney on 8 January 2010.

Fr Comensoli, born in Bulli, New South Wales in 1964, completed a Licentiate in Moral Theology at the Alfonsianum in Rome before studying moral philosophy at St Andrew’s University in Scotland. He studied Commerce at the University of Wollongong before entering St Patrick’s Seminary College in Manly in 1986 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Wollongong, NSW on 22 May 1992. He undertook parish duties on the south coast before roles as diocesan Chancellor and then Parochial Administrator at Berkeley, Port Kembla and

Pictured with the Parish Priest of Ballajura (left to right) are Jack Hooper (8), Anthony Rajendran (7), Anne Marie Rajendran (5),

Zarah Mohammad (5) and Georgia Hooper (5). There were also five adults received into the Church at Ballajura.

MacKillop parishioners hold candles as the exultet the Easter song of rejoicing at Christ’s resurrection, is sung at the Vigil Mass in Ballajura.

Corrimal.

Fr Peter Comensoli

Deacon Bruce Talbot carries the cross during Bateman Parish’s commemoration of the Passion of Jesus.

Parish youth prepare to distribute communion after the Commemoration of the Passion.

Fr Philip Perreau lights the Paschal candle held by Deacon Talbot at the Easter Vigil.

Parishioners hold their candles during the Vigil. Afterwards, happy children were presented with chocolates by Deacon Talbot, below. PHOTOS: COURTESY BATEMAN PARISH

Fr Jegorow lifts the garment of suffering prepared by parishioners. PHOTOS: COURTESY MARY MACKILLOP PARISH, BALLAJURA

MINISTERS and people from local churches gathered together at the Dawesville Catholic Primary School oval to walk the Way of the Cross and reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. Each year more people attend. This year over 100 people of all ages walked and reflected on the 14 traditional Stations of the Cross. Afterwards they enjoyed hot cross buns and coffee. WORDS, PHOTO: COURTESY DAWESVILLE PARISH

Bentley l Santa Clara

Geraldton priest returns to his creator

By Fr roBert o’Bryan

GERALDTON Bishop Justin Bianchini recently received the sad news that Fr Pat Littlewood died suddenly in Kaitaia in New Zealand.

Fr Littlewood served the Diocese of Geraldton for nearly 18 years before heading off to New Zealand when the Mill Hill Congregation pulled out of the diocese due to low numbers of men available. He served the parish of St John the Baptist in South Hedland as parish priest before spending two years in Geraldton as assistant priest and another two years as assistant priest at St Paul’s in Karratha.

Born in South Yorkshire in England, Fr Littlewood was ordained priest at St Thomas of Canterbury, Fulham on 19 October 1968 for the Diocese of St Joseph’s Society for Foreign Missions; it was 20 years later that he arrived in the Geraldton Diocese, after spending many years working in various parts of Africa.

In advising the priests of the Geraldton Diocese of Fr Littlewood’s sad passing, Bishop Justin Bianchini wrote, “For many years Fr Littlewood was on medication for a blood condition and at times when things got out of order he had big seizures. This was one he didn’t come out of.”

Bishop Justin continued, saying: He (Fr Littlewood) had only returned a week ago from home leave for two months with his family in the UK – during which time he had celebrated his 70th birthday. From reports from his family, the holiday was a wonderful one.

The priests of the diocese have related many stories of Fr Littlewood, including his liking of a regular serve of bacon and eggs and his many humorous stories of the African Bishops he worked for over the years.

“Pat’s wish was to be buried in Kaitaia, the last place he ministered in and was so happy in. Fr Michael VG represented the diocese at Fr Littlewood’s funeral”, said the Bishop.

“May his wonderful missionary spirit rest now in peace.”

Fr Michael Morrissey travelled from the Army Training Centre near Wagga Wagga in NSW to attend the funeral held on Thursday, 28 April in St Joseph’s Parish

Church, Kaitaia. In speaking after the funeral, Fr Morrissey said, “Fr Pat’s brother, Bernard Littlewood, said that Fr Pat had wanted to be buried in Kaitaia if he died there because that was his home and parish.” The principal celebrant of the Funeral Mass was Bishop Pat Dunn of Auckland and 17 priests concelebrated. Fr Pat’s family was represented by his brother Bernard and his wife Pat, along with cousins living in Melbourne. The local Church of St Joseph was full to capacity with parishioners and the wider community of Kaitaia. The Maori community gave a wonderful welcome to the Mass and their affection and respect for Fr Littlewood was expressed in words and beautiful singing of Maori songs.

Fr Michael Morrissey spoke at the Mass of three things that were important to Fr Pat: his love for his family and their love and concern for him despite the distance, his love for his priesthood, the Mill Hill Society and mixing with fellow priests and, finally, his desire to be a missionary which meant his love and commitment for the local people whether it was in Kenya, South Hedland or Kaitaia.

Fr Michael continued, saying, “All spoke of their genuine affection for Fr Littlewood and he would be missed by many around the world. Fr Littlewood now rests in a beautiful cemetery overlooking Kaitaia. Fr Pat was given to uttering prophetic words at times.

“As he got off the plane at Kaitaia a week before he died, with great joy to his close friends, Jack and Vera Katavich, he said that his home was here and he would not want to be anywhere else. May he rest in peace after labouring for the Lord and the people for 43 years.”

By Glynnis GrainGer

THE life-size wooden cross was made especially by a kind parishioner for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday morning at Santa Clara Church, Bentley. Easter ceremonies at Santa Clara started with Holy Thursday Mass at 7pm, then Stations of the Cross at 10am and Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil at 7pm on Holy Saturday, with morning Masses on Easter Sunday. In his Maundy Thursday homily, Parish Priest Fr Francisco Mascarenhas reminded the congregation that the occasion was the feast of the Passover, which originated with God’s chosen people, the Jews, approximately 3,300 years ago.

The Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of Chrism which had been consecrated at the Chrism Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral earlier in the week were among the gifts presented during the Mass. Also presented were Project Compassion boxes delivered by parishioners holding the contributions from their own almsgiving set aside during Lent.

After Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was processed to the altar of repose on a side altar by Fr Mascarhenas, accompanied by acolytes and altar servers.

About 100 parishioners walked around the church and school grounds for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, with various volunteers carrying the cross between stations. Fr Francisco

blessed those present with the cross in the church after the stations were completed.

At the Commemoration of the Passion at 3pm, Fr Mascarenhas told the congregation: “Today is the only day in the life of the church when we have no Mass – we have a celebration of the Passion of the Lord, including in it some parts of the Mass.”

Fr Francisco said the amount of money raised by the collection for the Holy Land last year in the Archdiocese of Perth was second only to Melbourne.

At the 7pm Easter Vigil Mass, Fr Francisco baptised Aiden and Taylor Ferullo.

“In Baptism, we come from darkness to light, from death to life.

“Every morning can be an Easter day, not only for us but for others.”

In the Beginning - a special edition of The Record coming soon.

Gingin-Chittering l Our Lady of the Visitation

PARISHIONERS from Gingin-Chittering Parish participated in the annual Lenten Carrying of the Cross on 3 April. The procession commenced at the end of the 9.30 Sunday Mass. The route is a 15km walk from Bullsbrook to Maryville in Lower Chittering, the site of the new Divine Mercy Church.

The weather was perfect with a cool breeze and Stations of the Cross were prayed at set points along the way. Upon arrival, participants enjoyed a light lunch and refreshments.

The parish is set to commence construction in the next few weeks of a magnificent stone church dedicated to the Divine Mercy. It will be a parish church and also a place of pilgrimage. Fr Paul would like to thank all those who have contributed generously towards the costs of construction and asks for continued prayers and support in the months ahead.

Santa Clara Parish Priest Fr Francisco Mascarenhas performs a Baptism at the Easter Vigil in his parish, at left, and washes the feet of parishioners at the Holy Thursday commemoration of the Last Supper. PHOTOS: GLYNNIS GRAINGER

Belmont l St Anne Dongara l Our Lady Star of the Sea

City Beach l Holy Spirit

Disciples of Jesus l Fremantle

OVER the Easter weekend, Fremantle was abuzz with last minute shoppers, buskers and street performers. There seemed little to identify the real meaning of the holiday until 40 Catholics brought the message of Easter into the heart of the shopping precinct and Jesus was proclaimed through a dramatic re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross.

In the midst of busy shoppers and tourists, the Stations of the Cross captured the attention of even the most disconnected, presented by the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community, in what has become a tradition in the streets of Fremantle for some years now.

As curious shoppers looked on, Jesus was dragged before Pontius Pilate, condemned to death, and then had a huge rugged cross thrust on his shoulders.

He was led to Calvary, and was crucified.

Onlookers and shoppers alike became absorbed into the spectacle, much like the crowds in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.

Some were moved by the drama of the Stations and its eternal message. They followed intently. Others gave the event a casual glance and continued with their shopping. A few even ridiculed the Passion of Christ and yelled abuse.

One of the actors, Michael Carter, shared his testimonyhow knowing Jesus had changed his life.

Afterwards, a number of onlookers approached the actors to share how the drama had touched them, and ask how they could become more connected with God.

The drama has been presented in the streets of Fremantle for the last 16 years by the Disciples of Jesus Community.

The Disciples also presented the drama at Holy Spirit School in City Beach. Parish Priest Fr Don Kettle began with prayer and a stirring speech about the Holy land.

For more information about the Passion Play, ring Janny on 9202 6868.

Clockwise from top left, the altar boys ready for their mission during City Beach Parish’s Easter celebrations, Fr Don Kettle washes parishioners’ feet as Jesus did to His Disciples on Holy Thursday, Fr Armando Carandang kisses the Cross on Good Friday, Fr Kettle puts the Blessed Sacrament in his newly created altar of repose, an interested parishioner looks on during the Easter Mass, altar boys stand to attention during the Easter Mass.

The Disciples of Jesus re-enact the Way of the Cross in the streets of Fremantle. Above, Christ carries the Cross; Christ falls, below, several times on the Way; Christ is nailed to the Cross, left.

Other denominations l Ecumenical Easter

A colourful array of balloons, banners and flags accompanied more than 2,000 Christians as they sang, worshipped and then marched through the city streets on Easter Sunday. The “Awakening WA Easter” celebration was a gathering of many Christian churches from across Perth who wanted to publicly proclaim the true message of Easter. Green and gold balloons declaring “Jesus is Risen” were handed out to curious bystanders as the crowd made its way through the Murray and Hay St Malls.

Glendalough l St Bernadette

How we Celebrated Easter

Gosnells l Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament

By Anthony BArich GOSNELLS

parish priest Fr

Dariusz

Basiaga SDS has warned parishioners not to let the complexities of everyday life determine how they celebrate the “Work of our Redemption” leading up to and after Lent.

In a special insert in his parish bulletin on the Easter weekend, the Salvatorian priest urged the faithful to defy society’s trends and take the “great opportunity” to renew their prayer life for both personal and family intentions.

As the 90 days (the 40 days of Lent followed by 50 days of the Easter season) are not of great importance to the business and commercial world, “we need to remind ourselves that they are very important to us Catholics”, Fr Dariusz said. “It is not surprising that the rhythms of the Church year do not respect, and are not respected by, the calendar and financial years. We are all

used to thinking in terms of different deadlines and to juggling school, work, sport and holidays,” he said. “These things, however, cannot be allowed to determine the way in which we celebrate the Work of our Redemption.”

He said that the three days at the climax of Lent – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil – “need to be kept in mind when we are planning our Easter”. “This time of the year is a great opportunity for prayer. I urge you, do not neglect it; do not neglect your prayers, personal and family.”

He also urged Catholics to keep in mind those who, during Eastertide, will be “rejoicing in their new membership of the Church”, referring to the many Catholics who are often received into the Church or baptised during the Easter weekend celebrations. He also asked Catholics to pray for expectant mothers and their children.

Whitford l Our Lady of the Mission

HOLY Week in Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Craigie was truly a celebration of colour and community. Parishioners worked creatively and cooperatively to make Fr Joeseph Tran’s catch cry, “Let’s make this Easter the best ever” a Christcentred reality.

Fr Joseph and his assistant, Fr Dominic Savio CSsR, recruited and inspired many parishioners to use their gifts and talents to enhance the Holy Week liturgies so that the spirit of wonder and awe was alive in all who attended the ceremonies.

On Palm/Passion Sunday the congregation was invited to dress in red, following the liturgical vestments, and Mass began on the school oval with the Christmas donkey making an encore appearance. As the crowd waved palms and sang hosanna, the excitement of the little ones was infectious and the congregation proudly claimed Jesus as King.

Holy Thursday began the Triduum and, with everyone dressed in white, the church resplendent in white flowers, the celebration of the Last

Supper revealed its history and tradition. The Mass began with the solemn presentation of the oils of chrism. A special minister who takes communion to the sick, an RCIA candidate and Fr Dom presented the oils of chrism which were reverently placed in the ambry. The washing of the feet was re-enacted with 12 parishioners who work in the faith education of the parish community. The Eucharistic prayer was sung with the lights of the church dimmed and all eyes focused on Jesus’ Body and Blood. The most moving part for many was the stripping of the altar and transference of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose. We were called to wait, to stay awake and pray in the darkened church, devoid of colour, devoid of sound ... a silent vigil. Good Friday morning saw the church transformed. The creative liturgy team had once again outdone themselves with the magnificent Calvary backdrop a focus by the waiting tomb. From the church to the school oval,

the youth of the parish led the red-dressed congregation through meditation, reflection, prayer and action in the enactment of the Passion. This moving encounter allowed many to unite their struggles with the suffering of Christ. Later in the afternoon, the church packed past overflowing, with hundreds watching live feed from a television outside, the solemn liturgical action of Jesus’ passion and death was celebrated. We left sombre, yet hopeful.

Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil, started in darkened anticipation. A basket of fresh farm eggs replaced the holy

water at the church doors as we waited expectantly for the start of the service of light. As Fr Joe carried the Paschal candle to its place of honour on the sanctuary, the crackling of glow sticks could be heard around the church. Fr Dom sang the Exultet and the church, alive with colour, resounded with the joy of Easter. We welcomed ten new members into our Catholic faith as they received the sacraments of initiation and finally, dressed in yellow/ gold, we left the church, the tomb open, Jesus risen and newly hatched chicks chirping their own “Alleluias”.

From far left: Visiting Deacon Trevor Lyra holds the newly lit Paschal candle, Fr Dariusz Basiaga SDS censes the fire, altar girls hand out Easter treats for children of the parish and, above, hold candles for parishioners to light their own at the Easter Vigil.

PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH

Fr Doug Harris, far left, washes the men’s feet on Holy Thursday; Fr Doug holds the Blessed Sacrament aloft as he processes to the Altar of Repose, left, followed by Fr Tiziano Bogoni; Fr Doug carries the Cross on Good Friday, above left, proclaiming This is the Wood of the Cross; Acolyte Rex Waddell hands out Easter eggs; Amanda, Peter and Sarah Ratajczak on Easter Sunday. PHOTOS: BRIDGET SPINKS

Greenwood l All Saints

Parishioners

Middle Swan l La Salle College

By

AS is the custom, La Salle College gathered on the last day of Term One to contemplate the Way of the Cross, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Easter Liturgy this year focused on the path walked by Jesus to His death on Good Friday and subsequent resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The De La Dance troupe set the scene with a dance based on Peter Kearney’s song, The Man God Chose

The dance powerfully depicted Jesus’ last days when He was betrayed by a friend and taken away to be tried and crucified.

The dance challenged our perceptions of Jesus who chose as His friends people who were not popular, those marginalised and treated with contempt.

While students narrated the story, Year 10 Drama students mimed three significant reflec-

tion points on Jesus’ journey of the Cross, beginning with Him being taken away by soldiers, and mocked and jeered by the crowd. Jesus then moved on to meet His Mother and the women who followed Him before finally being tied to wire to depict his crucifixion and death. Rather than carry a cross, this Jesus wore a cross around His neck. The School Band and Choir played and sang throughout and this enhanced the reverent mood of the liturgy. Three girls from the Drama class took on the roles of the three women who came to the tomb in the early hours of Easter Sunday morning to discover the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. From this point, the liturgy moved to a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus with the joyful Halle, Halle, Halle ringing out as dancers and drama students danced and skipped down the aisle to end the liturgy.

How we Celebrated Easter

Kalgoorlie-Boulder l St Mary, All Hallows

THE three priests stationed in the Parish of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, being Frs Joseph Rathnaraj, Daniel Boyd and Anand Reddy, were kept busy throughout Easter. Also, Fr Anthony van Dyke OP, whilst visiting the regional city at this time and having a private retreat in the parish, graced our churches during Easter Week and was a great help to the other priests during all the Liturgies. It was also a busy week for the acolytes, servers, readers, choir, sacristans, cleaners, altar preparers and the liturgy committee. Easter Week began with many parishioners attending Palm Sunday Masses in

Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Coolgardie, Kambalda and Norseman. High numbers of the faithful also continued to attend Masses throughout Holy Week. This was due partly to the end of the first school term holidays, where many visiting families take the opportunity to holiday in the Goldfields from around Australia and swelled the congregation at Easter.

Tuesday of Holy Week saw Frs Daniel and Anand travel to Perth to celebrate with Archbishop Barry Hickey and the other priests at the Chrism Mass.

On the evening of the same day, the parish in Kalgoorlie-Boulder celebrated a Pascal Meal with about 20 parishioners attending. The Wednesday evening

Kelmscott l Good Shepherd

Lockridge l Good Shepherd

THE Easter Message delivered to the faithful at the Easter Vigil by Lockridge Parish Priest Fr Pavol Herda was that Easter provides an enormous injection of hope for the human spirit. Hope is as necessary for the spirit as bread is for the body, he said.

“We can face anything, endure anything, as long as we know or believe it will not last forever, and that something better will happen.

“People can face long, painful and dangerous operations if they believe it will make them well again. Prisoners can face a long sentence as long as they believe it will end, and that they will enjoy freedom again,” Fr Pavol said.

“There is a lot of tragedy in life.

“Many good people such as (martyrs) St Thomas More, Archbishop Oscar Romero are cut down, and so too was Jesus. But Jesus rose again.

“Jesus rose as a sign to those who loved Him and followed Him, that God’s love is stronger than death.

“At Easter, we still feel the pain of the world, pain in our families, amongst our friends, in our own hearts. But all is different because Jesus is alive, and our faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the basis of our hope of eternal life.

“Therefore, there is a deep sense of peace because we know that life is stronger than death, love is stronger than fear, and hope is stronger than despair.”

of Holy Week, the Second Rite of the Sacrament of Penance was celebrated in St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie for the faithful with the four priests present.

On Holy Thursday evening, Frs Anand, Daniel and Anthony concelebrated the Mass of the Last Supper in All Hallows Church in Boulder with many parishioners attending. Fr Joseph travelled to Kambalda that same evening to celebrate the same Mass for the faithful in that centre.

At 10am on Good Friday, about 100 parishioners gathered at St Barbara’s Square to begin the walk of the Stations of the Cross to St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie with the four priests, which is about one kilometre in distance.

After the Stations of the Cross were completed in Kalgoorlie, Fr Daniel travelled to Coolgardie and conducted the Stations of the Cross there for the faithful at midday. The celebration of the Passion of Christ at 3pm on Good Friday at St Mary’s in Kalgoorlie was a moving liturgy and was celebrated by Frs Joseph, Anand and Anthony to a packed congregation in the church. Fr Daniel travelled to Kambalda to celebrate the same liturgy there. The Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening at 6.30pm was a very moving celebration which was concelebrated by Frs Joseph, Daniel and Anthony in St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie. The church was full to

capacity, and during the Mass the faithful were able to witness and celebrate with joy the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation conferred on Deborah Anne Murphy of the RCIA Programme; her husband Michael being her Godparent.

Her two young daughters also joined in the celebration with joy, the family celebration.

Fr Anand travelled to Kambalda on the same evening to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass there. The 8am Easter Sunday morning Mass in All Hallows Church in Boulder was celebrated by Fr Daniel.

The 10am Mass at St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie was celebrated by Fr Anand. Both Masses had many

parishioners attending.

Fr Joseph travelled to Kambalda and Norseman on the same day and celebrated the Easter Sunday Masses there to the faithful.

On Easter Monday, being ANZAC Day, Mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie at 9.30am by Frs Joseph and Daniel to about 25 parishioners.

The Easter celebrations in the goldfields was well received and there are signs from the numbers of attendances of the faithful in the past six months in the parish that people are beginning to come back to the church.

Maybe people are beginning to become concerned about the problems in the world and are returning to God for help, consolation and peace.

Midland l St Brigid

Kalgoorlie parish priest Fr Joseph Rathnaraj baptises Deborah Anne Murphy, who is pictured at right with her husband Michael, her Godparent and her two daughters.

From left to right: Fr Andrew Lotton carries the Cross on Good Friday; a young parishioner venerates the Cross soon after. Hundreds turned out for Good Shepherd ceremonies this year. Marie Hoffman and husband Roberto, who are part of the parish’s Neocatechumenal community, presented their new son Markus for Baptism during morning prayer on Easter Saturday morning with

Lara Malin to be the Godmother. Markus was later baptised at the community’s Vigil liturgy.

PHOTOS: PETER ROSENGREN

Jennifer Waller

Jesus is tied to a wire to depict his crucifixion and death during a reenactment at La Salle College.

Students from La Salle College mime and dance a re-enactment of scenes from the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the last day of Term One as they prepare for Easter.

Left, Fr Pavol offers Mass; above, a parishioner is baptised; below, the Passion of Christ is depicted. Midland Parish youth depict the Passion of Christ.

Morley l Infant Jesus

Beth Carter Candidate

AFTER having been bought up in a very strict protestant family and always attending church from a young age, I rebelled as a teenager and stopped attending.

When I met my (future) husband Ray, my mother was quite upset when I decided to marry a Catholic AND get married in a Catholic church.

Ray, having been bought up in a Catholic orphanage, was adamant we needed to be married in the Catholic Church.

We were married in St Mary’s Queen of Martyrs in Maylands.

My mother, who had never been inside a Catholic church, admitted that she was impressed with the wedding service. She said it was a very Christian service (one can only guess at what she was expecting).

After building our house, mum, who was blind and a widow, came to live with us. We continued to take mum to the protestant church every Sunday. When mum went into a nursing home we continued to go to church until we decided this particular church seemed to be seriously lacking in Christian values. We tried another church and also found something was lacking. (Was it the Holy Spirit?) On one of

our wedding anniversaries we decided to celebrate by going back to the church we were married in - St Mary’s Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church.

We both felt at home right away and attended there for about a year. The bread and wine was a problem. From that beginning we then started attending Mass at Infant Jesus. I know we couldn’t take the bread and wine but as a protestant this was only a symbol to me. Something to remember Christ by. I did feel guilty that it was a commandment by Christ - ‘Do this in remembrance of me’. If I went back to another protestant church where would I go, and would I feel as comfortable as in the Catholic Church. There was only one answer. Only after joining RCIA did I realise the full significance of the bread and cup What difference it makes to think Christ would offer himself to us so completely. What a wonderful God.

Cloverdale l Notre Dame

North Beach l Our Lady of Grace

There are many false impressions by the protestants of the Catholic Church and we worked through these issues quite thoroughly with RCIA.

It was a happy learning experience both for me and my husband. Our only regret is that our children were not bought up in the Catholic faith (we are working on that).

Thanks to our Infant Jesus family for welcoming us to your community.

Many heartfelt thanks to Fr Sunny, Angela and James.

DonalD laiD law Elect

ALL my life I have never had any contact with religion or been baptised but have always believed that there was a power greater than me.

One night last year while sitting in my loungeroom, a light appeared on the wall in the form of a Cross.

I didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it was just a shadow reflected off some-

thing by the loungeroom light. However, the Cross appeared every night on the wall in the same place for eight days. I tried turning all the lights off but the Cross stayed in the same place. I tried to photograph it but that did not work either. I had to have a document signed and witnessed by a Minister of Religion. Having three churches close to where I live, for some reason I chose the Infant Jesus Catholic Church. After making an appointment and a few stops and starts I finally met with Fr Sunny and had my document signed.

During our conversation Father asked my religion and, telling him I had none and was not baptised, Father then told me of the RCIA and that I was welcome to join the group which met every Tuesday night. Fr Sunny found me a wonderful sponsor and a wonderful group of people in RCIA who I hope will remain lifelong friends. This Easter Vigil I was baptised and I am more than convinced that the Cross was a sign from God pointing me in the right direction. After my first visit to the Church the Cross never appeared again. Now I tell myself every day, “wow - I am now baptised and belong to the Church. It is a great feeling”.

MONTHS of work by faithful and dedicated volunteers came to fruition in Morley parish during the Easter liturgies and celebrations, which truly fed the estimated 4,500 people who attended the Triduum and Sunday Masses. Memorable moments, as various parishioners expressed, included:

l The panicked look on the faces of the Children’s Liturgy team at the Passion Sunday Mass when more than 70 children lined up to join the session;

l Realising that so many people gave unstintingly of their time, talents and energy to make the whole experience so very beautiful and meaningful;

l I was touched by the two barefoot young men, who so quietly and gently placed the twelve chairs on the Sanctuary, and then watching Fr Tighe washing the feet; at that moment I truly sensed God’s presence;

l The meditative and respectful stripping of the sanctuary by the youth, after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday;

l The tearful faces amongst the crowd watching the parish youth’s outdoor presentation of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday morning;

l Stations of the Cross – when Jesus stumbled for

Rockingham l Our Lady of Lourdes

THE 9.30am Palm Sunday liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Rockingham was enhanced by the presence of young people, who used their Godgiven talents to lead the singing and proclaim the Word. The choir from Star of the Sea Primary School led the singing with great enthusiasm. Dominic Casotti, Jasmine Connolly, Benjamin Farrington, Erin and Taylor OldacresDear – all from Year 7 at Kolbe Catholic College – proclaimed the readings confidently and then joined Fr Michael Separovich to proclaim St Matthew’s

the second time - was a solemn reminder of Christ’s struggle to save us. Our sacrifices and the challenges we resolve in life honour His sacrifice to humanity;

l The solemn silence of the large congregation at the celebration of the Passion;

l The reception of the catechumens and candidates and the joy that was in each one of them as the Holy Spirit moved among the congregation through Liturgy, Song, Rites, Ceremony and Eucharist. Fr Sunny really welcomed the

RCIA candidates and catechumens beautifully and lovingly led the congregation through this highlight of our liturgical year;

l During the Vigil celebrations, Fr Sunny announcing each of the parts; this gave me a deeper understanding of this amazing, meaningful and symbolic Easter Vigil Liturgy. For me, an amazing experience of real joy, a deeper desire to love and serve God;

l As we all left the church, I could not but be

Thornlie l Sacred Heart School

GRAHAM Maher and the students of Year 6 from Sacred Heart School, Thornlie presented a dramatisation of the steps of Jesus on the way of the Cross to Calvary, enabling students to get a graphic feel for how it must have been for Jesus who was cruelly taunted and beaten along the way, a crown of thorns pushed into His forehead and knowing that He was about to die in a most horrible way so that we could be

deeply impressed, most of all, by the small but dedicated group of church cleaners who came in immediately and began their task of cleaning up at the late hour of about 10pm. What more could you ask of a true Christian community? It was truly inspirational;

l The happy families, dressed in their finest, who came to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Christ is Risen and the hearts of the faithful lift up in hope and joy.

Beth Carter, Kathleen Grosvenor, Aini Saiman, Nikita Sitompul, Megan Veaney, Karen D’Cunha and Michelle Mok with Matthew Saiman, centre, helping cut the cake. Far left, Fr Sunny anointing the catechumens.

Above, Fr Nelson Po lights the Paschal Candle from the newly blessed fire. Below, Fr Nelson prostrates at the altar at the commencement of the Good Friday service; an overflowing congregation looks on.

The children of Our Lady of Grace celebrated Palm Sunday at 9.30am Mass. To help them was a gentle pony by the name of Cocoa. Some lucky children had rides before the ceremony began, presided over by Fr Richard and Deacon Paul on the lawn outside the church. The primary school choir joined them in fine voice, led by Juanita Halley-Wright, while waving their palms. After prayers, readings and blessing of the palms, Cocoa - ridden by Lani and led by Chardonnay and trainer - processed around and into the church to celebrate this special day. The children’s Liturgy group were very busy creating many beautiful symbols for Mass. At the conclusion of Mass, a great morning tea provided by the community ministry was enjoyed by many parishioners.

Passion.

Fr Michael Separovich hands out Easter eggs to parishioners.

Star of the Sea Primary School students hold palms on Palm Sunday. Two children venerate the wood of the Cross on Good Friday.

Peter Van der Kwast and son Dylan at the Palm Sunday celebrations at Rockingham.

Fr Benny Calanza with the Cross on Good Friday at Rockingham Parish.

saved.

South Perth l St Columba

Bayswater l St

How we Celebrated Easter

2011

Seton suffers for Lent

STUDENTS of Marion House at Seton Catholic College in Samson were treated to a practical example of real life for many of the world’s population when they tucked into their Global Reality Lunch in the College gym on 15 April.

Throughout Lent, the Caritas initiative, Project Compassion, is supported by the college community through various fundraising activities. This particular initiative, the Global Reality Lunch, also made students aware of the reality of daily life for a significant part of the world’s population - those whom Project Compassion seeks to assist. In the process, they raised $280 for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion which supports various projects in developing countries around the world.

More than 100 students from Years 7–12 participated. Using a random selection process, approximately 30 per cent of the students were treated to pizzas and soft drink and had tables and chairs available to them. The remaining 70 per cent of the students, including several teachers, each received some water and a serve of boiled rice which they ate with their hands while sitting on the gym floor.

Students who received the delicious pizzas and soft drinks were extremely happy and excited at their good fortune. On the other hand, Angelo (rice lunch) commented, “This is not very good; it sucks”. This activity impacted on only one lunchtime but – as the students were made aware – having so little is a daily life-time reality for the majority of the world’s peoples. Year 12 student leaders also received rice. In the postlunch debriefing, they commented, “this certainly makes one think about the unfairness and one feels sorry for those who have so little”. Staff member, Mr Owen Neal, coordinated the awareness-raising activity. He acknowledged the support of local businesses who contributed significantly to the success of the day: Mark Varis of Dominos (Spearwood) donated the pizzas while Coles (Kardinya) donated 10kg of rice and soft drinks.

OVER the past few months, St Joseph’s has enjoyed a steady increase in Church attendance which was evident in the attendance at the Easter ceremonies. The ceremonies commenced with St Michael’s School students participating in a Holy Week Liturgy of the Word to reflect on the events of Holy Week.

The students began with the events of Palm Sunday and concluded with the events of Easter Sunday.

The Liturgy concluded with the students and parents processing to the newly established school/ parish Prayer Garden where the events of Easter Sunday were dramatised.

Each class was then invited up to receive an Easter Candle to follow in procession back to class.

The Mass of the Last Supper was highlighted by the offertory procession, the gifts of which included the food and items used at the traditional Jewish Passover meal.

These were placed on a table next to the altar to remind us of the ‘passing over’ from the old ‘Passover Meal’ to the new

‘Passover of the Eucharist’.

On Good Friday, children from the parish re-enacted the Passion of the Lord to a standing room only congregation, prior to the Veneration of the Cross ceremony. The attendance at the Easter Vigil Mass and the subsequent Masses on Easter Sunday was a testimony to the faith development of the parish highlighted by the attendance of many young families and their children. The parish was also represented at the ANZAC ceremony on Easter Monday where Deacon Ivan Sands presented the Benediction at the end of the ceremony. In his presentation, Deacon Ivan emphasised the love of Our Lord in giving His life for all, to the sacrifice of those who died in war in giving their lives for their country.

STUDENTS and staff on the Duncan Street Campus (Years 7-12) of Ursula Frayne Catholic College, Victoria Park, have excelled in generosity over the past five years as their donations to the Project Compassion Appeal came to more than $40,000.

Principal John Armstrong said that over the past few years, they have seen “an increasing awareness from our students for those in need and this has been reflected in their wonderful generosity”.

“The money raised will be used to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate who may not have adequate food, shelter, water

or schools,” Mr Armstrong said in a statement to The Record after Easter. The students aimed to raise $10,000 this year but exceeded that target, raising $11,830 from donations, sausage sizzles, cake stalls and an Easter Egg raffle. Ursula Frayne Catholic College staff and students also donated Easter eggs which were then distributed to women’s refuges, hostels and to those who don’t always enjoy such luxury. With an average of 700 students over the last few years, this sum is a reflection of the generosity of heart that exists within the school community, a statement from the college said. Ursula

Ukrainian Catholics l St John the Baptist

Port Kennedy l St Bernadette

Columba

Canning Vale l St Emilie Bassendean l St Joseph

Victoria Park l Ursula Frayne Catholic College

South Perth Parish Priest Mgr Brian O’Loughlin reads a prayer during the Palm Sunday ceremony at St Columba’s.

Left, altar servers enjoy Easter eggs after the Easter Mass. Middle, Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen washes the feet of parishioners, symbolising the lesson Jesus taught His disciples of selfless service. Right, Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen and the Le family during the Bayswater Parish’s Easter celebrations. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BAYSWATER PARISH.

RCIA candidates receiving the light after Baptism.

Lighting the Paschal candle from the Easter fire at the Saturday Vigil.

Deacon Ivan Sands with Parish youth at the Passover Meal in St Joseph’s Parish, Bassendean, above and left; The Children’s Liturgy, below, on Easter Sunday morning.

Men carry the Shroud of Jesus (Plastanytsia) around the church three times with parishioners.

The Shroud is then placed in the church on a tomb decorated with flowers. Youth stand guard around the tomb during the service led by Fr Wolodymyr Kalinecki.

Fr Wolodymyr Kalinecki with altar servers Andrew Grynychyn (left) and Daniel Podgorny help with the blessing of the baskets by carrying the holy water in containers. The Easter baskets that are blessed after the service contain a special cake (called Paska), eggs, cheese, butter, beetroot, salt, sausage and pysanky - specially decorated chicken’s eggs which are given to friends as presents to keep.

Frayne Catholic College students re-enact the Passion of Christ.

Ursula Frayne Catholic Primary School students re-enact the Last Supper.

Willetton l Sts John and Paul

Easter Triduum at Sts John and Paul Parish, Willetton

AS in previous years, the Easter Triduum events at the Parish of Sts John and Paul, Willetton were again well attended this year.

On Holy Thursday, the community celebrated our Lord Jesus’ Institution of the Eucharist and the Ordained Priesthood; and Christ’s great example of service in the washing of His disciples’ feet.

The Good Friday service saw a large crowd overflowing to the courtyard outside the church. This year, individual crosses were brought out to the congregation for

the Veneration of the Cross, affording everyone participation in the Veneration during the service. The Easter Triduum climaxed at the Easter Vigil Mass. Parish Priest Fr Thai Vu presided over the Liturgies, with newly ordained Fr Anibal Leite de Cunha celebrating his first Easter as a priest. The community received the Light of Christ at the Service of the Light; and heard His plan of salvation for humankind at the Liturgy of the Word. At the Liturgy of Baptism, five members of the Elect were received into the Church through Baptism. Like the Israelites in the Exodus, the Elect left their lives of slavery to sin behind

Woodvale l St Luke

“ABSOLUTELY inspiring ... The most inspiring Easter Vigil I have experienced in 30 years”, a longtime Woodvale parishioner said after experiencing the Easter Vigil Service.

A prominent parishioner’s wife said the Easter Vigil was “the most impressive and dynamic” she had ever attended. Despite being non-Catholic, she has attended with her husband every year for many years.

There is no doubt that this was the experience of most of those who attended the Easter Vigil Ceremony.

It could be equally said of all the services over the Easter Triduum.

Many people were involved in the organisation of the services but they were led by acting parish priest Fr Dennis Sudla.

Fr Dennis knew exactly what he wanted to achieve with each of the Easter services and, with his attention to detail and strong presence on the sanctuary, he achieved his goal with reverence, devotion and distinction.

His presence was enhanced by his magnificent singing voice which he used on numerous occasions to lift the beauty and meaning of various components of the Easter Triduum.

His singing of the Eucharistic prayer for Holy Thursday and the Easter vigil was extremely moving and prayerful, especially his singing of the Exultet and the Gospel for the Easter vigil.

How we Celebrated Easter

and entered the water of the baptismal font and emerged as free people of God.

Three other candidates were also received into full communion with the Church through an affirmation of faith; another three Candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Appropriately, the new members of our Church were the first to receive the precious Body and Blood of Christ in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The ceremony was a vivid reminder to all present that God was at work in the community, as He continually draws new members to our Church.

It was a night for all to savour and remember. The Lord has risen, Alleluia.

Fr Trevor Simons, parish priest of Woodvale, who has been recovering from a serious illness, would no doubt be delighted that his parishioners have been so well served during the Easter Season.

Geraldton priest marks 60 years

Father Tobin celebrates Diamond Anniversary at Geraldton Chrism Mass

By Fr roBert o’Bryan GERALDTON

Bishop Justin Bianchini took advantage of the priests from the Diocese being in Geraldton for the Mass of the Oils to invite Fr Noel Tobin to celebrate his 60th year as a priest. Fr Tobin was born in Canowindra in NSW and entered St Patrick’s College in 1946 to start his studies for priesthood. He entered Propaganda Fide College in Rome, Italy in late 1946, completing his studies in 1951 before being ordained in Rome in July 1951. Fr Tobin received special

dispensation to be ordained before his 23rd birthday.

In 1951, he arrived in Geraldton, serving as an assistant priest until 1957 before being posted to Leonora where he served until 1963.

After spending 12 months in Port Hedland in 1963, he took a sabbatical break in 1964.

Returning to the diocese in 1965, he was parish priest in Mt Magnet until 1969 before becoming parish priest of Exmouth where he stayed until 1985. In 1985, he was asked by Bishop Hickey to return to Geraldton to take over the role as Administrator and Chancellor until 1989 when he gave up the role of Administrator to concentrate on full time Chancellor.

Fr Tobin was responsible for setting up the Diocesan Development Fund in the diocese, retiring from the Chancery in 1994 when he moved to Perth where he

is still very active as a supply priest helping other parishes. Fr Tobin is a very popular celebrant for funerals in the Perth Archdiocese.

Other roles held within the Geraldton diocese were as Editor for the Cathedral Chronicle, 1952 to 1957, and The Sower from 1989 to 1994.

Fr Tobin also served as the Diocesan Webmaster until early this year.

In the 17 years I have known him, he has been very helpful to young newly ordained priests, even claiming responsibility for the training of the current editor of The Sower He has never lost his sense of humour, always finding the right funny story for the right occasion, including, “Have you heard

in Bentley and Queens Park. The grant will go towards buying and fitting solar panels on five houses, putting reticulation through four houses and buying a steam cleaner and other small

items.

is the second

grant the Emmaus Community has received. The first grant came in 2009 and bought furnishings for the homes’ bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas. It was also used to buy items such as fridges, couches, beds, pillows and doonas. Allen Archer founded Emmaus in 1996 and has since lived and worked in the community with permission from Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey, an Emmaus

Community patron. Now registered as a charitable organisation and functioning autonomously, the Emmaus Community provides housing and support for 39 residents from as young as 21 up to the age of 85 who live together in the Community’s eight houses.

Petra Drury, who has been living at Emmaus for three and a half years, said the Community is “excellent” and that she enjoys the company.

“A lot of people with mental illness find that when they’re by themselves they get worse, so having people around really helps,” she said. Patricia Gressieux has been the coordinator of the residents’ daily needs for nearly four years. It’s as if Patricia has two families.

-

Vatican to address ‘Catholic identity’

Continued from Page 1 of Catholic identity and the juridical status of Caritas Internationalis in the universal church. Then new statutes for the organization, prepared by a working team of the Holy See and Caritas Internationalis, will be reviewed - statutes that, according to

Caritas officials, would require them to consult with the Holy See before making certain decisions and would acknowledge the Holy See’s authority over Caritas’ financial and personnel issues. The changes have not come without tension, but Vatican sources said that in recent talks with top officials of Caritas Internationalis the atmosphere has vastly improved, and that there’s been “a great level of cooperation.” They emphasized that the Vatican remains very supportive of Caritas and appreciates the key role it plays in promoting the church’s social teaching and helping those in need.

As well as caring for own family - her husband and two teenage children - she also cares for the residents “like how a family lives” she said. She takes care of the residents by helping them with shopping, arranging doctor’s appointments or reminding them to go to an appointment with the psychiatrist. It’s not a job but rather a vocation, she said at the event. “Some of [the residents] we take shopping because some find it stressful; we get it all done for them and give them a hand,” she said. “It’s about seeing that they have a comfortable day.” She said the grant is exciting because it will help give community residents an even-better quality of life.

The Vatican’s move toward participation in the governance structures of Caritas Internationalis, the church’s worldwide aid and development organization, is motivated in part by the organization’s high public profile.

“Caritas Internationalis, as a public entity of the church, is authorized to speak and act for the church in the international forum. Because of that right and duty, it needs to speak the church’s language and make sure that its activities and its agreements with non-Catholic agencies reflect what the church teaches,” said one Vatican official.

Easter Vigil Service of Light at Sts John and Paul Parish in Willetton.

Prega is baptised at Willetton. Sushy is baptised at Willetton. Mark is Confirmed at Willetton.

Easter Vigil Service of Light at Willetton Parish.

Willetton parish priest Fr Thai Vu kisses a parishioner’s feet after washing them on Holy Thursday.

Above, acting parish priest at Woodvale Fr Dennis Sudla baptises a baby. Left, Fr Dennis with the Paschal Candle during the Easter Vigil Mass.

Above left (l-r), Emmaus Community resident Petra Drury, Emmaus Community founder Allen Archer and WA State Minister for Mental Health and Disability, Helen Morton with the Lotterywest grant; Minister Morton meets and greets Emmaus Community residents. PHOTOS: BRIDGET SPINKS

www.therecord.com.au

Father of five offers tested advice on letting creativity blossom in the home

Trusting

in

God’s providence never lets you down, singer tells Third National Gathering of Families in Melbourne

By Bridget SpinkS

Submission to the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of Life is the key to a creative Catholic home, father of five John Duiker said during a workshop at the Share the Dream 3rd National Family Gathering in Melbourne on 16 April.

John first experienced the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 2000 and then met his future wife after he started getting involved in the music ministry at his parish.

Now that he and his wife Sharon are raising a family of five children, John shared his tips on how he is working to build a prayerful, faith-filled culture in the home.

The second key element is believing that the Holy Spirit is everywhere and always present in all things, John said.

“We give our will to the Lord. God doesn’t make us love Him. The Lord loves us

Christian life and to increase awareness of Fr Jean-Pierre de Caussade’s book of the same name, which is a spiritual classic.

The third key element to creating a Catholic home is personal prayer, either with traditional prayers such as the Rosary, the Divine Office, reading the Bible and praying with the scriptures such as the Psalms or with more spontaneous prayer such as “I thank you Lord for my family”.

“The more we do, the more it becomes second nature,” John said.

Taking the example of Jesus who “was about praying in the here and now” and who was very hands on and touched people and healed them (including lepers), John will, for example, trace the sign of the Cross with his thumb on his children’s foreheads while praying a blessing on them.

“In marriage, it’s a powerful thing to come to one another and ask for prayer when you’re struggling,” he said.

and we need to love Him too,” he said. By surrendering one’s will to the Lord and by “getting down” - a reference to the Audio Adrenaline song Get Down, which deals with themes of surrender and humility - that is, by giving up one’s life for God and others,

parents will be able to create a truly Catholic home, he said. Coincidentally, how to lead the humble Christian way of life, abandoned to God’s will, in contrast to a narcissistic lifestyle of ‘what can I get from others?’ and ‘how can I get the most attention?,’ is the subject of John’s

PhD thesis: “Has abandonment to Divine Providence been abandoned?” which he is completing through the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne. Through this, he is seeking to recover the concept of having abandonment to Divine Providence as one of the focal points for the

It is an act of humility to ask one another for prayer and it becomes a way to learn about each other’s struggles, he said.

Often, he will go to his wife, she will place her hand on his head or shoulder and pray then and there for his intentions.

In the Duiker home, John will sit his children down and invite them to share the best and worst parts of their day.

John Duiker’s Top 10 Contemporary Christian Artists

1 Audio Adrenaline

2 Casting Crowns

3 Sons of Korah

4 Superchick

5 TobyMac

6 Jimmy Needham

7 Newsboys

8 Chris Tomlin

9 DC Talk

1 Switchfoot (not overtly Christian but does have Christian themes)

He’ll ask them whether they saw God working today as this teaches them the importance of leading an examined life.

“Is there a prominent place in your home for the Bible?”

John asked. He suggested opening it up at dinner and reading the Scriptures with the intention of discovering what God might want to say to them

that day. “Bring your kids to Mass,” John said, regardless of whether they are noisy in the church.

We can’t expect to have complete silence, he said, because the Mass is communal prayer, public worship. There’s plenty of great Christian literature for young children out there that is worth exploring, he said, and these books can be brought to Mass for them.

It is possible to make the Mass come alive for the little ones, for example by having little replica Mass items in the home so the children can ‘play’ Mass at home.

During the consecration, John will whisper in his children’s ears if they can see the Angels around the altar.

At Easter, the Duiker family has started to bring to life the symbols of the Paschal mystery.

On Holy Thursday, they have begun a tradition of having a “Passover” meal in the home.

On Good Friday, John and the children set up a crucifixion scene in their front garden, with three wooden crosses.

On Easter Sunday, they drape a white cloth over the Cross, with a sign saying “He is not here, He is Risen”. Another creative way to celebrate faith in the home is to save up all the Easter egg wrappers and have the children paste them onto the fig-

ure of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.

These can be hung in the window at Pentecost with the words “Come Holy Spirit,” which also becomes a way to witness to the neighbours.

Once a week the Duiker family will also have a “technology free day” where noone uses phones, computers, email or facebook - except in emergencies - and since its introduction, the family has discovered the joy of playing board games again.

The last point John made when giving parents ideas on raising their children in a creative Catholic home was to stress the importance of being immersed in a Christian culture because he finds that what he immerses himself in, he becomes like.

On a daily basis, playing Christian music or listening to a Christian music station (Sonshine FM 89.5 in Perth; Hope 103.2 in Sydney or LightFM 89.9 in Melbourne) in the car or in the home is one way to surround yourself and your family with good influences.

John told the audience that “we have to be like Christian MacGyvers” and use the things around us to build a creative Catholic home and remember to pray and surrender to the Holy Spirit.

“In all things, the Lord loves you. He’ll never let you down or forsake you,” he said.

Half a world away from family in Sardinia, Monica, Pino and children make

RECORD EXCLUSIVE

By Bridget SpinkS

The Church in Perth is using radical approaches to solve a radical problem.

The Neocatechumenal Way is one of the new movements in the Church employing, in many ways, new approaches to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to a society which often focuses on living comfortably in the here and now, but with little reference to God.

Sardinian couple Monica and Pino Spissu said that if God had given them a longer courtship they wouldn’t have got married, they’re very different people and were also quite grown up.

“God knows, he gave us a nice short period to get to know each other and, later, fireworks,” they said, laughing.

Now, nearly 20 years later, they are half a world away from where they met, living in Baldivis with their family of seven children: Giovanni, 16, Stefano, 15, Francesca, 13, Tommaso, 10, Michela, 7, Maria, 4 and Pietro, 3.

“The people of the world are not stupid, they fight and they divorce,” Pino said, lightheartedly but in all seriousness.

Both see marriage as the key to the future, for them and for society but they give credit to their ability to stay united to Jesus Christ.

“When we reconcile, it’s not an idea. Providence is concrete,” Pino said.

“The earthly love would be finished,” Monica adds. “But I find that I am able to love my husband and we’ve discovered our marriage is much better than before.”

“The difference with us is we disagree or argue but after, we reconcile. Our marriage would have been finished many times many years ago without Jesus Christ.”

In difficult moments, they reflect back on the way God led them to find one another back in 1994 - a time in their life they cherish.

“The day of marriage was like a day of eternity, of fullness. There was no fear, no rush,” Monica said. Pino was 36 and Monica was 28 when they chanced upon each other in a shop.

They were both in the Neocatechumenal Way (see story on Page 15) at this time, and although they had been making steps in the Way over the years, they weren’t really friends.

But when they crossed paths in 1994, he was going to daily Mass and so was she. Both had been asking God about their vocation so when they bumped into each other

they knew it was not by accident and they started attending Mass and spending time together. “We saw immediately that this was the will of God; it was clear,” Monica said. When they told the Responsible - the community’s supervisor, who knew them both individually - that they had started dating, he suggested they waste no time and if they were sure, they should get married in, say, three months. This got Pino thinking. He proposed almost immediately.

Then the couple saw several examples of God working in their lives.

They thought they’d have nothing to start a home with but at their engagement party after Easter that year, they discovered that Pino’s aunties had been preparing a dowry for the day Pino would get married.

Then, on the day of their wedding, one of the guests handed them the keys to an apartment in the mountains where they were planning to go on honeymoon but had at that stage not made any reservations. These surprise experiences strengthened their faith and not long after they were married in July 1994, they said they felt called to go ‘on mission’ and be a mission family in the Neocatechumenal Way for the Church.

What is the mission?

“The mission is a vocation,” they said.

“We stood up as a couple that was available to go anywhere in the world.”

To ‘stand up’ is Neocatechumenal speak; it refers to what happens at a ‘Convivence’ or community retreat when a ‘call for vocations’ occurs. Those who feel called to a particular vocation ‘stand up’ in front of everyone at a particular point during the Convivence and confirm their desire to answer the call whether it be to the priesthood or to go ‘on mission’. The mission could mean being part of a team of catechists or it could be providing Catechesis in that member’s diocese or it could be being called to form part of a missio ad gentes Two national Convivences are held in Australia each year, but whether Convivences happen regionally or nationally may vary from country to country.

Monica and Pino first stood up to “confirm their desire to go on mission” in October 1994. They stood up at each subsequent annual Convivence but it wasn’t until the year 2000 that they would be called and sent.

“The Church takes time to discern,” they said. To be sent on mission, the family has to be free from “impediments” such as debts or the responsibility of caring

for elderly parents. “You have to be free; you’re not escaping when you are on mission,” Monica said. When their name came up with Canberra as their

destination - an assignment that was pulled out of a hat at random - they said they were surprised. They were expecting to be sent to South America or

Africa and to have to manually build churches. But there is a mission here, Pino said. “It’s probably bigger than the one in poor countries.

A new approach to evangelisation in the Australian Burbs

BALDIVIS is evangelisation territory on the edge of the Perth Archdiocese: brand new homes, housing estates and shopping complexes, schools and churches are springing up to cater for the growing population projected to reach 42,000 by 2030.

A Catholic Archdiocesan presence was officially established in Baldivis on 8 December last year with experienced hand Fr Geoffrey Aldous as the parish priest.

However, without a Catholic presence in the area up to that point, Archbishop Hickey asked if the Neocatechumenal Way could bring the Gospel message to Baldivis and evangelise the area as a missio ad

gentes (mission to the people). Fr Daniel Chama - a diocesan priest of the Perth Archdiocese who was trained at the Redemptoris Mater seminary in Morley - was appointed to the Baldivis mission in February 2010, to coincide with the arrival of the first mission family who moved to Baldivis in January.

Monica and Pino Spissu, originally from the Italian island of Sardinia, were living in Canberra on mission when Archbishop Hickey called them and their family of seven to Baldivis. Their mission was to ‘announce the Gospel’ in the charism of the Neocatechumenal Way, give witness to their faith, live a Christian mar-

riage and support the budding parish community. Several members of the Way are also part of this mission including Croation-born Redemptoris Mater seminarian Mate (pronounced Mah-tay), who arrived with Fr Daniel Chama in February last year.

Two families from Spain arrived in August last year for the mission and two ladies from Italy, Clara and Lydia, arrived in October. A fourth family has recently arrived from Wollongong, after being among the 230 families commissioned - sent all over the world to tell the uncatechised of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ - in January this year by Pope Benedict XVI.

There’s a spiritual povertylike in Europe - the people are no longer interested in religion or they are not looking for faith.”

In 2000, the Jubilee Year of the Family, Monica and Pino were one of 100 families that were called to the Neocatechumenal headquarters in Porto San Giorgio to receive their mission, and were also present at a general audience with Pope John Paul II to celebrate the Year of the Family in St Peter’s Square in October that year.

In 2001, once the visas came through, Pino and Monica uprooted their Sardinian family of four children at the time and moved to Canberra. The couple left behind two permanent jobs in Sardinia, which had a nine per cent unemployment rate; Monica was a public servant and Pino was a PE teacher.

“We were attacked by our relatives and friends who couldn’t understand how we could leave our jobs and move our children; but God provided everything,” she said. The move required some cultural adjustments.

“As Sardinians, we have very deep roots in our culture and families and it’s very difficult to change lives,” Monica said.

Pino and Monica had to learn English at TAFE in Canberra, acclimatise to Australian eating times and the way people interact less spontaneously because of the way Australian cities are planned out. Getting to shops often involves a car trip rather than a walk down the street.

They have noticed that, unlike Italian cities which have buildings and shops built close together, cities like Canberra and Baldivis are spread out and people are much more isolated.

“You don’t see anyone and the people are working every day,” Pino said.

Now that they are living in Baldivis, the Spissu family is trying to integrate into the local way of life here.

Giovanni, Stefano and Francesca attend Kolbe Catholic College and Tommaso, Michela and Maria attend Our Lady Star of the Sea in Rockingham.

Pino picks them up in the afternoon so they get home by 4pm and as soon as they get home, they’re talking to each other in fluent Italian and have turned up the Beatles as they hurry to get changed out of their uniforms.

All but the youngest speak fluent Italian and English.

Pietro who is three is just starting to learn English.

“At home, we speak Italian.

Firstly, because it’s good for them to be bilingual and sec-

ondly, to keep our roots,” Pino said. “We are not migrants here; we’re missionaries. We are only here for this reason.”

Since school is a 20-minute car trip away and their friends don’t live close by, the children tend to spend time at home unless they have soccer or netball training to get to. “Every day is like today,” Monica said, referring to the way the children occupy themselves at home. “They have good friends at school but they’re doing very well. The kids are at home a lot but the day is full. There is no sadness or lack of anything. We do the most we can to make them happy,” she said.

Once a year Monica’s mother, Marinella Lai, comes out to visit the family and once every two years the family goes back to Italy because, as part of the mission, they share their experiences with their brothers and sisters in the community at the parish of St Charles Borromeo in Cagliari in Sardinia. This community in Sardinia pays for their airfares. It also supports the family by taking up collections whenever they are in need and, in this way, their brothers and sisters share in the mission.

It’s not easy to leave Italy every time they go back, Pino said, but they know that the will of God is for them to be here.

But Pino said there’s always a question mark as to whether he will see his mother and father again who are 86 and 89 respectively.

“It’s a sign that we’re not on holidays here but on mission for God,” he said.

From Sardinia ... to Canberra ... to Baldivis Archbishop Barry Hickey called the Spissu family to Baldivis to work with those people who wouldn’t usually come to the Church and those who are not Catholic. They brought all their furniture from Canberra and their van too.

They were to join Fr Daniel Chama - who was appointed to the mission in Baldivis in February last year.

This time around it was not as easy to uproot the family because by this stage, Monica and Pino had seven children; some were teenagers with established networks of friends.

The call to move from Canberra to Perth for the mission came as a shock but, through accepting the call, they have experienced God at work.

Giovanni said he didn’t want to move to Perth but as soon as they moved, “he found peace within himself and within the family”.

The Spissu family eat dinner the typical Italian way - the first course is a pasta, the second course, salad and steak. Around the table from l-r: Maria, Francesca, Michela, Giovanni, Tommaso, Stefano and Monica Spissu. Below, Monica and Pino Spissu. PHOTOS: BRIDGET SPINKS

What’s at the heart of the University of Notre Dame, asks Prof Matthew Ogilvie

The University of Notre Dame Australia Act of 1989, by which the Parliament of Western Australia established the University, states that one of the University’s objects is “the provision of university education, within a context of Catholic faith and values.”

One of the chief ways in which this education is realised is through the University’s Core Curriculum. On the Fremantle Campus, students take units in theology, philosophy and ethics, while students at Broome Campus take theology, “Aboriginal People” and the “Spirituality and Challenges of Reconciliation.”

The way that Notre Dame teaches these units reflects not only a concern to engage critically with our modern world but also the founding principles of the most ancient universities, which were founded upon a liberal arts tradition in which faith and reason were integrated in the free pursuit of knowledge.

The Core Curriculum reflects the Church’s view that a Catholic university should be concerned with the pursuit

of knowledge that is integrated, not compartmentalised, in which faith and reason are brought into positive dialogue, in which students are concerned not for themselves but in which they are concerned for what is right and the common good, and a theological perspective (cf John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, n15). As said on the University’s website, “The Core Curriculum is a central platform through which the University aims to achieve its intention of producing graduates of outstanding quality, whose personal spirituality and public spirit allow them to take their place in public life, and to make a significant contribution to the human, economic, social and spiritual development of Australia and its region.” From another perspective, a core curriculum defines a university. Having taken a university’s core curriculum, a student is identified as having

taken not just “a degree” but “this specific degree.” When looking to the qualities of graduates, a core curriculum can be vital. It allows employers and the community to be confident that a graduate has engaged critically with particular knowledge and values.

So Notre Dame students engage in philosophy, theology and ethics. In philosophy, students are not taught what to think so much as how to think.

Through the love of wisdom, students become more logical, self-reflective and critical. In ethics, students are taught how to make right choices and how to make these choices based on solid intellectual principles. In theology, students are taught the founding principles of the faith and how faith and reason are integrated. The Core Curriculum is not without its challenges. As with most compulsory subjects at any university, many students resist the core units at first. But we have found that as students’ horizons are expanded, as they feel empowered to be critical and make intelligent choices and as they engage faith and reason in an intellectually rigorous way, students’ initial hesitation gives way to a positive engagement with faith, wisdom and ethics.

In a way, The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Core Curriculum reflects a distinctive commitment to education in Australia. Against the tide

of so much contemporary education which lacks integration and eschews values, the University has sought to reassert values in education and integrate academic knowledge under the mantles of faith and reason. The results have been pleasing. Employers very often say that Notre Dame graduates are “holistic” persons. Graduates themselves have told us that when they face situations in the workplace that “are not in the manual,” the knowledge and values of the Core Curriculum help them make informed, wellgrounded decisions. Comments like that affirm the University’s aim in teaching a liberal arts core curriculum that doesn’t just qualify students for this or that job, but forms students for a lifetime of critical thought, good choices and reflective faith.

To put the point another way, it’s been said that an average education will qualify you for a job, a good education will prepare you for a career, while a great education will form you for life. That’s the aim of the Core Curriculum at Notre Dame. We pride ourselves on excellence in education for the professions. But we aim not only at training for a job, we also aim for education for life. For those who work at the University, that’s part of what makes our work so rewarding. Professor Ogilvie is Dean of Philosophy and Theology at UNDA Fremantle

Francesca wasn’t ready to move either.

“It was one of the hardest things to do; I’ve lived most of my life there,” she said.

“I thought I’d cry 24/7 but I cried the first day then God put me at peace and helped me with friends,” she said.

“I see God is still helping me, I’m doing netball and having fun with that. We have created a team,” she said.

The hardest part about leaving Canberra was having to make new friends in Baldivis and Rockingham and leaving behind her best friend who was the same age and also part of a mission family in Canberra.

Francesca said she hesitates to mention that that she’s part

panying us is the joy. Among the problems - between us, the children, the solitude, the humiliation that comes with aspects of the mission, the loneliness - what we see is the joy to be on mission is still as present as before. This is what keeps us here, the joy,” Monica said.

Even though the family has been ‘sent’ to Australia, they’re not bound to stay here all their lives, but God willing, Pino says, they are available to do this.

“God is keeping us happy. We are a normal couple with normal problems as a couple and in the family but God is helping us,” Monica said. Pino and Monica are a united couple and their joy

of a mission family, wondering whether the new people she meets will accept her.

But then she finds the strength to say “this is my life”, she said, because if she’s not saying that she’s part of a mission family then she’s not “saying her whole story”.

Pino has also faced some difficulty in finding work; the West Australian government does not recognise his qualifications so he is currently looking for a part time job.

His degrees were recognised in Canberra and he was able to work as a PE teacher for seven years at a bilingual Italian school, but he has not been so fortunate here.

But the struggles do not seem to deter the family from smiling and laughing.

“The main thing accom -

and love permeates the family and shines on the bright, happy faces of their children. But Monica said that like in any marriage, there have been several moments of “crisis” where they cannot bear one another anymore and if they were to rely solely on their human strength their marriage would have failed by now.

When they encounter difficulties, she said, the only thing they can do is “defend Jesus Christ within us, separately, each of us in his own way,” and then they discover a different love for the other.

“Christ is the one who has brought us together again and again,” she said, and this power to forgive comes from the grace of their baptism. Now the desire to live their

in brief

12 killed in attacks on Cairo churches

quoted a spokesman for Egypt’s seven Catholic rites as saying the situation “is very critical” and that the government must protect all minorities from extremists.

Vatican group calls for steps to fight climate change

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Nations and individuals have a duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enact policies that mitigate global warming, said a Vatican-sponsored working group. “The business-as-usual mode will not be possible because of both resource depletion and environmental damages,” the group said in a report released by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on 2 May. The cost

global warming caused by the anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and by changes in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other land uses,” it said. The 15-page report on the impact human beings have on the environment was titled Fate of Mountain Glaciers in the Anthropocene, and was compiled and signed by 23 internationally renowned scientists, mountaineers and lawyers. The academy’s chancellor, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, was also a signatory of the working group report.

Faith, like water, is lifegiving: Pope

CAIRO (CNS) - At least 12 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in attacks on Orthodox churches in Imbaba, part of metropolitan Cairo. Initial reports from Cairo indicated no Catholic churches were involved in the violence. However, from Rome, the missionary news agency AsiaNews reported that the 16 year old nephew of a Catholic Bishop was killed in retaliation for a Catholic church offering shelter to an Orthodox priest. Christians protested in Cairo on 9 May, two days after the violence began outside St Mina Church in Imbaba, where several hundred Salafi Muslims gathered, claiming a Christian woman married to a Muslim man was being held there against her will. A report from Arab West Report, a weekly digest of stories from the Egyptian press, indicated that the initial violence began in the late afternoon, and police did not arrive until 10pm. At least two, possibly three churches were burned. AsiaNews

Environmentalists

of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing reforestation, cutting air pollutants and helping poor regions adapt to climate change “pales in comparison to the price the world will pay if we fail to act now,” it said. “We call on all people and nations to recognise the serious and potentially irreversible impacts of

Catholic faith as part of the Neocatechumenal Way and be on mission is now starting to come from their children as well.

In 2009, as teenagers, Giovanni and Stefano became members of the Way when they attended the Catechesis - the first step in the community.

Stefano said he couldn’t imagine what life would be like without the Necatechumenal Way.

He said he started the Catechesis because he saw his parents were happy. He also has many friends in Italy who are part of the Community whom he catches up with when they return to Italy on their biennial visits.

And now that Francesca is old enough, she too will join the community when she begins the Catechesis - the first step in the Way - this month.

Pino said the children are starting to see with their own eyes the ways God works in their lives.

“A few years ago it was just mum and dad on missionnow it’s the family,” he said.

Much of their role here is to simply witness to their experiences of Christ in the family and as a family.

While much of this is done just by the way they live their life, they also are active witnesses - knocking on their neighbours’ doors on a

Saturday morning in an effort to ‘announce the Gospel’ to those who don’t go to Mass, who practise other religions or who don’t believe in God.

To Announce the Gospel

The door knocking drill begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Daniel Chama on Saturday at 9am for members of the Neocatechumenal Way who are part of the mission in Baldivis including Monica, Pino, Giovanni and Stefano Spissu.

After mass - just as Christ sent out his 70 disciples two by two - these modern missionaries hit the suburban streets to announce the Gospel in Baldivis. Pino will head out with another brother in the community, Monica with a sister in the community; Giovanni will head out with the Croatianborn seminarian, Mate, while Stefano will head out with Fr Daniel. Those living in streets between Clyde Ave and Safety

Bay Rd in Baldivis have been visited already so these urban missionaries are gradually working their way south of Clyde Ave. Pino said they have visited the neighbourhood of River Gums and now they’re starting to visit Settler’s Hills. Pino is not phased by the quantity of houses to visit or the distance they need to cover; he says he has plenty of time and when they finish, they’ll start again because people move in and out.

VENICE, Italy (CNS) - Visiting Venice, the city of gondolas and canals, Pope Benedict XVI said Christians must make sure their lives as individuals and communities reflect the life-giving qualities of water and not the chaos and destruction it can bring. “Water is an ambivalent symbol: of life, but also death; the populations struck by flooding and tsunamis know this,” the Pope said on 8 May at the end of a two-day visit to Aquileia and Venice in northern Italy. Seated in a white gondola amid a colourful flotilla of all kinds of boats, Pope Benedict rode to a meeting with Venetian cultural, artistic, political and economic leaders. He said Venetians know how fascinating water has made their city and, yet, how many difficulties it causes, particularly for the health and stability of the city. Residents, he said, can choose to reflect either the beautiful or the problematic qualities of water in their relationships with others and in the way they organise their lives together.

Either they are “fluid” to the extent of being adrift and destructive, or they hold firm to their Christian heritage and become a source of life for all, he said.

But this door knocking isn’t an easy task; people slam the doors in their faces and many just aren’t interested. “Some listen to us and share with us; very few let us in. It’s probably not in the Australian culture like it is in the Italian culture to invite someone in; most of the times we’re outside and they’re inside, behind the wire screen and we can’t see them,” he said.

But in comparison to the people of Canberra, Monica and Pino say that they have found those in Baldivis to be more welcoming.

“In Australia, people aren’t interested in religion. This is

who seem interested, they invite them to visit their house for community prayer. Once a week on Thursdays, the Spissus family host a prayer evening at their house; another Neocatechumenal mission family in Baldivis will host one on Tuesday night. Giovanni said that when he’s out door knocking the adult he’s with speaks first but if he is inspired, he will contribute freely - “I don’t have anything holding me back”.

“The first house is always scary but after that’s over, I’m calm again and ready to move onto the next house,” he said.

But Pino stressed that

the reality,” Pino said. If a pair of these modern day disciples knock on a door and find therein a Catholic family, they simply let them know when Mass is on: Sundays at nearby Tranby College.

But if they knock on the door and mention the word ‘Church’ to a ‘far-away’ - a pagan or someone who has left the Faith - or invite this person to come and pray with them, according to Pino, “it can be difficult”.

That’s when grace comes into play: there is a particular grace they receive to do this missionary work, he said. In the Gospel of Luke Chapter 10, Jesus sends out the 70, advising them: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you”.

Humanly speaking, Pino said, it’s not possible. “I go trembling and I come back always happy,” he said. Giovanni has a similar experience of the work: “It clears my mind; it helps me, even when we get rejected. But I feel at peace. It surprises me every time. I can’t explain why that is,” he said.

When they first visit a house, they say they are “missionaries of the Catholic Church”.

They find that some people will speak to them for the simple fact that they are not Jehovah’s Witnesses who are door-knocking twice a week, Pino said. With the ‘far-aways’

they’re not out to convert people; and in any case, it’s not his particular words that inspire people.

With Christianity, God touches your heart, he said. If he says, ‘God loves you,’ and God touches that person’s heart,’ that’s all he has to say.

“God is always there, looking for people to give them what they’re looking for: joy and happiness.

“And we can find this just in God,” he said.

The most important thing is to live here as a Christian family, he said.

“We are not here to convert people; just to live here as a witness to Jesus Christ, that a couple can stay together.

“Without Jesus Christ we’d be divorced,” Pino said.

The experience of God working in his life, in his marriage and in his family is something concrete, Pino said.

“God is helping us very clearly - we can see God acting. What we’ve experienced is not that God is above in Heaven and watching. He is present in our daily problems, joys and lives,” he said. “To be with God is a beautiful experience. When I was young, I thought I had to sacrifice.

“Instead, God is giving me everything in abundance,” he said. Even though neither Pino nor Monica are working at the moment, they are managing. “It’s not money that makes you happy. God is helping us,” he said.

PHOTOS: BRIDGET SPINKS

Coptic Christians grieve during the funeral for seven victims of sectarian violence at Samaan el-Kharaz Church in Cairo, Egypt, on 10 March. PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS

How we Celebrated Easter

Pope takes questions on suffering

In TV appearance, Pope answers questions about faith, suffering, war

By John T havis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - In an unprecedented TV appearance, Pope Benedict XVI answered questions posed by Christians and non-Christians about global conflicts, interreligious relations and human suffering.

One of the most moving questions came from a seven year old Japanese girl who lost friends in the recent earthquake and tsunami and who asked: “Why do I have to be so afraid? Why do children have to be so sad? I’m asking the Pope, who speaks with God, to explain it to me.”

In his response, pre-recorded and broadcast on Italian state television on Good Friday, 22 April, the Pope assured the girl that one day she would understand better that “this suffering was not empty, it wasn’t in vain, but behind it was a good plan, a plan of love. It is not chance.”

He said he had the same questions about why some people suffer so much while others live in ease.

“And we do not have the answers but we know that Jesus suffered as you do, an innocent, and that the true God who is revealed in Jesus is by your side,” he said.

“Be assured, we are with you, with all the Japanese children who are suffering. We want to help you with our prayers, with our actions, and you can be sure that God will help you,” he said.

The Pope, seated at his desk in the Vatican, spoke in Italian as he responded one by one to the questions which were posed on-screen by the people who submitted them.

An Italian mother appeared holding her comatose son, who has been in a vegetative state for two years, and asked whether his soul was still

there. The Pope responded: “Certainly his soul is still present in his body.” He compared it to the situation of a guitar with broken strings that can no longer play. “I am also sure that this hidden soul feels your love deep down, even if unable to understand the details, or your words,” he said. “He feels the presence of love.” Those who pass hours with a loved one in such circumstances engage in a true act of love, he said. “I encourage you, therefore, to carry on, to know that you are giving a great service to humanity with this sign of faith, with this sign of respect for life, with this love for a wounded body and a suffering soul,” he said.

A Muslim woman in Ivory Coast, after blessing the Pope in Arabic, lamented that the generally good relations between Christians and Muslims in the African country had been aggravated by the recent fighting there.

The Pope responded that he had sent an emissary, Cardinal Peter Turkson, to try to mediate the conflict. He added that the Christian message was one of nonviolence, as exemplified by Jesus’ words and deeds.

“This is what shows us the true face of God, that violence never comes from God, never helps bring anything good, but is a destructive means and not the path to escape difficulties,” he said. Christ invites all sides to renounce

to the priesthood and Religious life, said Archbishop Robert Carlson of St Louis.

“The theme which the Holy Father chose places the burden on the local church to reflect on how it develops a culture of vocations,” said the archbishop, chairman of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “We know that the vocation comes out of the home.” The papal message for the day of prayer, which was to be observed on 15 May, was released on 10 February at the Vatican. The 2011 theme is Proposing Vocations in the Local Church “Every Christian community, every member of the church needs consciously to feel responsibility for promoting vocations,” especially in an era when God’s voice “seems to be drowned out by ‘other voices’ and his invita-

tion to follow him by the gift of one’s own life may seem too difficult,” the Pope said. Pope Paul VI instituted the day of prayer in 1964 as a way for Catholics to focus on and pray for vocations. In an interview with Catholic News Service while he was in Washington in March, Archbishop Carlson said the majority of newly ordained priests said they were influenced by the parish in their discernment for the priesthood. According to results of a survey of members of the 2011 ordination class, released April 25, 66 per cent of the respondents said it was their parish priest who encouraged them.

Forty-two percent identified their mothers as having a major influence on their decision. The annual national survey is conducted by the Centre for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University for the USCCB’s Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. CARA contacted ordinands by email, phone or fax to explain the survey; asked them to complete a brief survey online; and then followed up with respondents by email, phone or fax. This year, CARA reported that the response rate was 69 per cent; 329 ordinands responded out of a total of 480 identified by

violence “even if they feel they are right,” the Pope said. A question from Iraq asked what the Church can do to help Christians remain in the country in the face of violence and discrimination. The Pope said their desire to leave was understandable, and that the solution lay in dialogue and the rebuilding of Iraq’s internal harmony.

“This is the problem, that the society is profoundly divided, torn; there is no longer the awareness that ‘In our diversity we are one people with a common history, where each has his place.’ This awareness needs to be rebuilt,” he said. Asked to explain the creed’s statement that Jesus descended into hell after His death and before His resur-

rection, Pope Benedict said this should be understood as a “soul’s journey” into humanity’s past, and not as “a geographical or spatial trip.”

Another questioner asked what kind of life the resurrected Jesus experienced.

The Pope said it was impossible for us to define the “glorified body” of the resurrected Christ, but that it was clear that He was “beyond the laws of biology and physics.”

“He is a real man, not a ghost, and He lives a real life, but a new life that is no longer submitted to the death,” he said.

A final question asked whether the Pope was prepared to renew the consecration of the world to Mary.

The Pope answered that such

on 22 April that suffering is not

PHOTO: CNS/ST-FELIX EVENS, REUTERS

a consecration has already been performed, and that now is the time to “internalise this act” in the lives of each Christian.

“I think that the great public act has been made. Perhaps one day it will be necessary to repeat it again, but at the moment it seems more important to me to live it, to make it real,” he said.

The TV programme, In His Image, is a Catholic perspectives show that normally airs on Sundays. Its 80-minute special on Good Friday was originally supposed to include three questions for the Pope, but the number was increased to seven because of the great number of questions submitted by viewers.

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

- Christians are called to bring hope, happiness and life to a world marked by despair, sadness and death, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Believing in Christ and His resurrection means bringing new life to others and “dedicating oneself without reserve to the most urgent and just causes” with God’s grace and his logic of love, the Pope said on 27 April at his weekly general audience.

More than 20,000 people packed into St Peter’s Square, many of them young Italian students who were still off from school for the Easter holidays. Banners commemorating Pope John Paul II and his pontificate were hung between the columns surrounding the square in the run-up to the Polish Pope’s 1 May beatification. For his catechesis, Pope Benedict looked at the meaning of Easter and Christ’s resurrection for the Christian community.

“Faith in the Risen Christ transforms existence, working in us a continuous resurrection” in which Christians are called to renew themselves every day by putting the values Christ taught into action, he said. Easter can be lived every day “by putting to death the things of this earth and setting our hearts on the things that are on high,” he said, echoing a passage from St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.

By seeking what is above and not what is on earth, the apostle was not urging people to scorn or alienate themselves from the real world, the Pope said. According to St Paul, avoiding “what is on earth” means letting go of earthly vices such as “immorality, impurity,

passion, evil desire and the greed that is idolatry,” the Pope said, quoting the Letter to the Colossians. It means “letting die in us the insatiable desire for material things and egoism, which is the root of all sin,” the Pope said. Setting one’s heart on the things of heaven means searching for and living with “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,” the Pope said, again citing St Paul.

But above all, people must fill their hearts with love so as to become new men and women, he said.

Living the virtues not only transforms one’s own life, he said, it is the necessary prerequisite for changing the world in such a way that it promotes full human and social development which is based on “the logic of solidarity, goodness and respect for the dignity of all.”

Love and charity are what bring the “spiritual freedom which can break down any wall,” break the bonds of sin, and usher in a new world based on life, justice and reconciliation, he said.

“We cannot keep for ourselves the life and joy” that Christ gave people with His death and resurrection, the Pope said; His gift must be shared with others.

“This is our mission: to awaken hope in place of despair, joy in place of sadness, and life in place of death,” the Pope said. At the end of the general audience, the Pope was flown by helicopter back to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. The Pope was staying at the papal villa from 24 April to 30 April.

theologates, houses of formation, religious institutes, and archdioceses and dioceses.

Survey results also showed that the average age of ordinands in the class of 2011 is 34.

More than nine in 10, or 94 per cent, reported they had some type of full-time work experience prior to entering the seminary, most often in education.

On average, ordinands reported they were about 16 when they first considered becoming a priest.

Archbishop Carlson said parishes need to find a way to encourage the wider community to be more supportive of young men who choose a vocation to the priesthood, since many of them begin the discernment process at age 16. Nine in 10 ordinands reported being encouraged to consider the priesthood by someone in their life.

Of those responding ordinands who reported that they were encouraged to consider the priesthood, two in three (66 per cent) say they were encouraged by a parish priest.

The survey showed that 57 percent of ordinands in the class of 2011 said they were discouraged from pursuing a vocation by friends and classmates; 52 per cent said they were discouraged by a parent or other family member.

“Most young people don’t understand what discernment is all about,” Archbishop Carlson told CNS while he

was in Washington to attend Bishops’ committee meetings. “They have not been taught from the pulpit or in the religion classes how to discern.”

The archbishop said he was interested in the influence Catholic education had on vocations this year. Results showed that 47 per cent of the ordinands surveyed went to a Catholic elementary school and were somewhat more likely to attend Catholic high school.

Thirty-nine per cent of them attended a Catholic university or college, compared to seven per cent of all US Catholic adults.

“We are going to make sure our Newman chaplains and our campus ministers are talking to young people about vocations,” the Archbishop added. Asked if the clergy sex abuse scandal had had any effect on vocations, Archbishop Carlson said it has not affected the interest or number of vocations. He noted that the survey showed that amid this challenge, more young people are responding to vocations.

“They were not involved in the scandal, and they believe that as they live out their vocation they can make the whole community, the body of Christ, stronger,” he said.

The 2011 survey also showed a continued pattern of growing cultural diversity in the ordination class, especially religious order priests.

Ten per cent of the class are Asian/Native Hawaiian/

Pacific Islander; four per cent of the US Catholic population are Asian. Fifteen per cent said they were Hispanic/Latino; by contrast, about 34 per cent of the US adult Catholics are Hispanic/Latino. The remaining results showed 69 per cent are Caucasian, five percent African-American and 1 per cent other.

“There is a beautiful mixture of the people who make up the church in the US,” said Archbishop Carlson, but added there was a need to foster vocations in the Hispanic/ Latino community to address the needs of that growing segment of the US Catholic Church. For young men, parents and youth ministers who have questions on the discernment process, every diocese has a local website and vocation director’s office. The USCCB also has a website www. ForYourVocation.org. According to the 2011 survey, the majority of young people turn to such websites for information first, said Archbishop Carlson.

The Archbishop said he prays that those discerning the priesthood will have the courage to listen and respond to their vocation.

“We invite them to listen to what they are hearing deep within themselves as to how God might want them to live their life,” he said. “And then (we) give them the support so they can have the courage to say yes.”

A young cholera victim waits for treatment inside a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 15 November. Since the cholera outbreak began on 19 October, more than 900 people had died and nearly 15,000 had been hospitalised, the Haitian health minister said. Pope Benedict said

empty, nor in vain.

Archbishop Joseph Cistone greets students from the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan after his installation Mass on 28 July at St Stephen Church in Saginaw. He said Catholic home life plays a critical part in the promotion of vocations to priesthood and Religious life. PHOTO: CNS/ MARK HANEY, THE CATHOLIC TIMES

Seminarians wait for Pope Benedict XVI to arrive at the Rome diocese’s major seminary on 4 March.

How we Celebrated Easter

Vatican II’s liturgical reform aimed at changing lives

Liturgy needs tradition and progress, Pope says

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - The Second Vatican Council’s renewal of the liturgy wasn’t so much about changing texts or gestures as it was about changing Catholics’ attitude toward the Mass and helping the liturgy change their lives, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Unfortunately, the liturgy was seen, perhaps even by us pastors and experts, more as an object to reform than as a subject capable of renewing Christian life,” the Pope said on 6 May.

Addressing participants at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of Rome’s Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Pope Benedict said Blessed

Pope John XXIII asked the Benedictines to establish the institute to help the Church respond to the “urgency of a reform,” which many Bishops from around the world were requesting before the Second Vatican Council. A strong pastoral concern for Catholics around the world required the encouragement of “a more active participation of the faithful in the liturgical celebrations through the use of national languages” and an appropriate “adaptation of the rites in the various cultures, especially in mission lands,” he said. But the Church’s liturgy, the centre of its existence, could not be changed simply for the sake of change, he said. “From the beginning, it was clear that the theological foundation of the liturgy had to be studied in order to avoid falling into ritualism and so that the reform would be justifiable from the point of view of revelation and of

continuity with the tradition of the Church,” he said.

The Pope said the aim of the Second Vatican Council’s reform “was not principally that of changing rites and texts, but of renewing mentalities and placing the celebration of the paschal mystery of Christ at the centre of Christian life and pastoral activity.”

The eucharistic celebration, he said, is the way “to reveal and make present” Christ’s saving work each day, so it must be done “in a correct and constant relationship between healthy tradition and legitimate progress.”

Pope Benedict said too often Catholics try to set up an opposition between “tradition and progress” in the liturgy, when “in reality, the two concepts go together: In some way, tradition includes progress. It’s like saying the river of tradition carries its source with it as it flows toward its outlet.”

Was killing bin Laden justified?

Bin Laden killing poses questions for moral debate

By PatriCia ZaPor Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON - As word got out that Osama bin Laden had been killed by a Navy SEAL strike team in Pakistan, television and the Internet quickly began to feature images of spontaneous celebrations outside the White House and at ground zero in New York.

Just as quickly, blogs and social media pages such as Facebook began to rage with debates: about the morality of bin Laden’s killing and how it was accomplished and about the appropriateness of the celebratory atmosphere.

Others questioned the meaning of the “justice” described by President Barack Obama in announcing bin Laden’s death.

“We must be clear what we understand when President Obama says ‘justice has been done,’” said Gerard Powers, director of Catholic Peacebuilding Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, in an exchange of emails with Catholic News Service.

“Justice has been done in that the killing of bin Laden was necessary to defend the common good against terrorism,” Powers wrote. “Justice has not been done if we revel in his killing as an act of revenge for 9/11. It is unclear if justice has been done in the sense of holding bin Laden legally accountable for his past crimes against humanity, especially the 9/11 attacks.”

Also unclear was whether bin Laden could have been captured and brought to trial, Powers said. “If it was possible to capture bin Laden and he was killed anyway, then justice was not done.”

Bishop Paul S Loverde of Arlington, Va, whose diocese includes the Pentagon, wrote that bin Laden’s death brings back painful memories for many in the community, which requires a note of caution.

“It is important that we recognise the distinction between support for this act of justice defending our nation and a misguided sense of revenge,” he wrote. “Let us not turn toward resentment or

bitterness, but rather toward a deeper trust in our Lord. With confidence in His mercy and guidance, let us pray for those serving our country, for a conversion of heart among those who support the evils of terrorism and for the growth of faith and a desire for peace within our own hearts.”

The Tanenbaum Centre for Interreligious Understanding and the Islamic Society of North America were among those applauding the elimination of the threat posed by bin Laden, but warning against misdirected hatred and stereotypes.

“We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated at the hands of Osama bin Laden,” said a statement from the Islamic society, which quoted Obama’s description of bin Laden as “not a Muslim leader” but “a mass murderer of Muslims.”

The Islamic society said alQaida, the terrorist organisation bin Laden headed, “has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

A statement from the Tanenbaum Centre voiced gratitude that bin Laden, “one of history’s most infamous voices of hate and terror ...

‘Why do you think your blind hatred, unjust stereotypes of Muslims and promotion of violence is so different from bin Laden’s hate?’ And the answer, of course, is that it isn’t.” The Tanenbaum statement went on to say: “Failing to recognise our common humanity is the first step in dehumanising others, and a dangerous progression toward creating a country based on hate rather than respect, justice and inclusion.”

Franciscan Brother Daniel Horan, a member of the theology faculty at Siena College in New York, questioned the point raised by some on his “Dating God” blog that “because we believe in the Resurrection, every death should be celebrated.”

“Well, I understand that sentiment, but what we really do at something like a funeral Mass is celebrate the life, both earthly and the next, of the person who has died - we don’t laud death as a good in itself,” he wrote.

2011

How the Neocatechumenal Way emerged in Perth

THE Neo-Catechumenal Way is a new ecclesial movement that was initiated in the 1960s by Francisco (Kiko) Argüello and Carmen Hernández when they began to proclaim the Gospel in the slums of Palomeras Altas in Madrid. The movement is so new that the Vatican only provisionally approved its statues for a trial period in 2002, receiving final approval in June 2008. The Way has been in the Perth Archdiocese since 1985 when the Dominican parish of Doubleview invited a team of catechists to lead a Catechesis with the permission of Archbishop William Joseph Foley.

In 1994, Archbishop Barry Hickey inaugurated the Redemptoris Mater seminary in Morley to train priests in the Neocatechumenal Way but this was not a decision he took lightly. For three years he researched the phenomenon, visited Redemptoris Mater seminaries in Rome

and Newark in the United States and, after much deliberation and prayer, decided to open the seminary, to run alongside the diocesan St Charles’ Seminary, that he had reopened earlier that same year.

The reason for opening the Redemptoris Mater seminary, he said in 1994, was because he was “convinced that we must take very seriously what the Holy Father calls the New Evangelisation”.

Changes in society reflected in the dwindling numbers at Mass, the erosion of moral standards and the trend towards an apparently pervasive moral relativism mean that the strength that Christianity has had in many countries has begun to weaken, he said in the homily. “That is perhaps the most serious thing that is happening, that the external moral order has been denied and morality has become subjective and belief has already suffered as a result, belief in God

and belief in the ten sentences of God, belief that we are the creatures of God and therefore owe God obedience in our life. “With that, the clarity of the Good News of Jesus Christ is no longer what it was,” he said. In light of this, the Archbishop established the seminary “in order to produce priests who are missionaries, priests who are urban missionaries, priests who understand the New Evangelisation, priests who will go beyond the normal fields in which priests work, to preach the Gospel to those who no longer walk with us”.

Today, there are 19 seminarians training for the priesthood at Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Morley.

Three of these, including Antonio Scala from Italy, Marcello Para Gonzalez from Chile and Wilson Donizetti Martins Jnr from Brasil, will be ordained to the deaconate on 26 May at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Victoria Square at 7.30pm.

Brother of killed Christian Pakistani Minister forgives murderers

is silenced and can no longer promote a violent agenda.”

But it cautioned against the “voice of hatred” emerging amid the scenes of national jubilation.

“On Twitter today, we see racial epithets used to describe bin Laden. We see stereotyping of all people who follow Islam. The venom expressed is not different in kind from the hatred that Osama bin Laden spewed,” said the Tanenbaum statement. “The question for those who tweet, write blogs, participate on Facebook and join in the media debate is:

In one of the Catholic blog discussions, Jesuit Father James Martin, culture editor of the Jesuit magazine America captured some of the more charitable threads of the Internet debate: “Osama bin Laden was responsible for the murder of thousands of men and women in the United States, for the deaths and misery of many thousands across the world, and for the deaths of many servicemen and women who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives. I am glad he has left the world. And I pray that his departure may lead to peace,” wrote Fr Martin. “But as a Christian, I am asked to pray for him and, at some point, forgive him. And that command comes to us from Jesus, a man who was beaten, tortured and killed. That command comes from a man who knows a great deal about suffering. It also comes from God.”

The Vatican was among the religious organisations that were quick to weigh in with a statement acknowledging bin Laden’s faults, including: “spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end.” But the Vatican also admonished against the gleeful response: “In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before man, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.” Powers said that there are other thorny moral issues raised by the case of bin Laden. They include the difference between attempts to assassinate heads of state, such as Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi, versus attempts to kill heads of terrorist organisations, such as bin Laden, which is less morally problematic, he said. Also subject to moral review might be whether the United States violated the sovereignty of Pakistan by waging the assault on bin Laden’s hiding place.

“Yet in Catholic teaching, sovereignty is not an absolute,” Powers said. “If it was clear that Pakistan was unwilling or unable to take appropriate action against bin Laden and other terrorists in its midst, then, at some point, Pakistan cannot complain when others fulfill the responsibilities it cannot fulfill itself.”

Finally, Powers said, “even though we can justify the killing of bin Laden, we do so with a sense of deep regret and with a recommitment to develop nonmilitary ways to defend against terrorism and address its deeper roots, while cultivating the peaceable virtues without which no lasting peace is possible.”

ROME (CNS) -Paul Bhatti, brother of the former Pakistani minister for minorities who was murdered by Islamic extremists, said he and his family forgive his brother’s assassins. Shahbaz Bhatti, who spoke out against Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws and encouraged religious freedom, was killed on 2 March.

Speaking to reporters in Rome on 5 April, Paul Bhatti said his family has forgiven Shahbaz’s assassins, “because our faith teaches us to do this. Our brother Shahbaz was a Christian and the Christian faith tells us to forgive.” The brother participated in a conference sponsored by the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Rome-based Catholic lay organisation active in international affairs. The conference was designed as a memorial to Shahbaz Bhatti and as a way to encourage the continuation of his mission of promoting interreligious dialogue in Pakistan. The day after the conference, Paul Bhatti attended Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly general audience and spoke to him briefly.

The assassinated minister’s brother told the conference, “To obtain peace in the world we must all walk together ... (peace) is a universal responsibility.” He said his brother never compromised his

faith-motivated work for social justice and, he said, Shahbaz Bhatti once said explicitly that he “left his life in the hands of Jesus.”

Paul Bhatti asked for prayers and support to keep Shahbaz’s life work going.

While he said he and his family have forgiven the assassins, he said there was a need to clarify what happened and find the perpetrators to prevent a similar crime from happening in the future. “The person who killed him did not extinguish his light because we will continue his battle with strength and determination,” he said.

Paul Bhatti recently assumed the position of the Pakistani president’s “special adviser” for religious minorities and he told reporters his first priority is to promote the real integration of minorities into Pakistani society, “talking with Muslims and reducing sentiments of hatred.”

Bhatti said he has the support of the Pakistani government; “the fact that they have asked me to continue my brother’s work shows their desire for change.”

Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad, who was Shahbaz Bhatti’s Bishop in Pakistan, also attended the conference, and told Catholic News Service that he remembered Bhatti as “a very committed man, he wanted to do something, he was very sincere, very hon-

est. He was a man with a vision, and always positive.” Bishop Coutts compared Bhatti to the great martyrs Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, because “all worked peacefully, they used peaceful methods.” He said the Pakistani government is doing what it can to provide protection outside churches and for religious functions, but the government also is under attack by extremists.

“We are going through a difficult time in our history in Pakistan with the rise of intolerance and extremism in the last few years, but you have got to understand this in the wider context of what is happening in the world,” Bishop Coutts said. Bishop Coutts told CNS, “The intervention of the United States and NATO forces, and the attacks that continue from outside Pakistan territory into Pakistan, where not only a handful of terrorists are being killed, but many innocent people are being killed,” leave Muslims in Pakistan questioning who the real terrorists are.

“When a Muslim looks at the West, the West is seen as Christian,” he said Marco Impagliazzo, the president of Sant’Egidio, said the community held the conference to show “that the memory of a martyr always produces something new and beautiful.”

Pope Benedict XVI holds his pastoral staff as he celebrates Mass on the feast of the

Women stand outside the compound on 5 May where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks, was killed by US special forces in a raid on the compound on 2 May.

PHOTO: CNS/ERIK DE C ASTRO, REUTERS

Shahbaz Bhatti is pictured in front of a mural of Christ in a 2009 photo taken at the US Conference of Bishops headquarters in Washington. Bhatti, Pakistan’s minister for minorities and a Catholic, was ambushed, shot and killed by gunmen in Islamabad on 2 March. He was an outspoken critic of Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws.

PHOTO: CNS/BOB ROLLER

The front page of a newspaper featuring a photograph of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is displayed in Santiago, Chile on 2 May.

PHOTO: CNS

How we Celebrated Easter

Benedict calls Catholics to reflect on their true desire for Jesus

Pope: Satan again sifting the Disciples like wheat

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - Never stop searching for God and being open to receiving His love and wisdom, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Driven by love, God has set out toward us” in order to “meet the unrest of our hearts, the unrest of our questioning and seeking,” he said on 21 April during the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

“That restlessness for God, that journeying toward Him, so as to know and love Him better, must not be extinguished in us,” said the Pope in his homily.

Presiding over the first of two Holy Thursday liturgies, Pope Benedict blessed the oils that will be used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination and the Anointing of the Sick.

Deacons carried the oils in large silver urns to the main altar while catechumens, youths preparing for Confirmation, the sick and deacons about to be ordained in the Diocese of Rome, wheeled small tables carrying large, artistic urns, which also contained sacramental oils.

In his homily, the Pope said the human heart is always restless “because whatever is finite is too little.” However, people must be careful that

disciples was a type of “messianic wedding feast” that marked the founding of the Church and the inauguration of the transformation of the world, the Pope said in his sermon. But Jesus was also well aware that not everyone responded to His message and instead showed a lack of interest - a situation that continues today, the Pope said. “Jesus desires us, He awaits us. But what about ourselves?

desire for more is channelled toward God, not earthly things and the quest for selfsufficiency, he said. He asked that Christians understand that loving and knowing God is never over.

“Let us remain constantly on a journey toward Him, longing for Him, always open to receive new knowledge and love,” he said. Pope Benedict underlined the importance of the Church’s ministry of healing, not just for those afflicted

by hunger, thirst, violence and illness, but also for the lonely, the persecuted and the broken-hearted.

The task of evangelisation and proclaiming God’s kingdom is, in fact, “a process of healing,” he said.

By proclaiming God’s kingdom and God’s infinite goodness, hearts will be healed. If a person’s “relationship with God is disturbed, then all the rest is disturbed as well” and “we cannot truly be healed in body and soul,” he said.

While the Church’s most fundamental form of healing is healing people’s hearts and souls by reconciling people with God, there is also the important vocation of being present with and caring for the ill and infirm, the Pope said. The Pope thanked all those who care for the sick and recalled the legacies of St Vincent de Paul and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, saying Christian men and women who dedicate their lives and time to the suffering bear

“definitive witness to the goodness of God Himself” and make Christ manifest even without speaking of Him.

He asked that all Christians make the living God present in today’s world by bearing witness to Christ and leading people toward Him. Being baptised is not something to brag about, he said, rather it should trigger the questions: “Are we truly God’s shrine in and for the world?

Do we open up the pathway

to God for others or do we rather conceal it? Have not we - the people of God - become to a large extent a people of unbelief and distance from God? Is it perhaps the case that the West, the heartlands of Christianity, are tired of their faith, bored by their history and culture, and no longer wish to know faith in Jesus Christ?”

Pope Benedict said that despite “the shame we feel over our failings, we must not forget that today, too, there

are radiant examples of faith, people who give hope to the world through their faith and love,” particularly Pope John Paul II. He said the late Pope was “a great witness to God and to Jesus Christ in our day,” as well as a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Later in the day, the Pope washed the feet of 12 priests during a Mass at Rome’s Basilica of St John Lateran to commemorate the Last Supper. Jesus’ final meal with His

Do we really desire Him? Are we anxious to meet Him? ... Or are we indifferent, distracted, busy about other things?” he said. The Pope said the Eucharistic celebration is the sacrament of unity in the Church. Those who attend merely out of habit do not really participate, because “their hearts are elsewhere,” he said. “Eucharistic communion requires faith, but faith requires love; otherwise, even as faith, it is dead,” he said. In washing the feet of 12 priests from the Diocese of Rome, Pope Benedict imitated Jesus’ gesture of humility during the Last Supper. The Pope poured water from a golden pitcher onto the foot of each priest, then wiped each foot dry with a towel. The collection taken up at the Mass was earmarked by the Pope to help those affected by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The disaster left more than 14,000 dead and another 13,660 unaccounted for; more than 150,000 were made homeless.

Desire to ‘spiritually ascend’ to God, not become God, Pontiff

Technology without God pulls humanity down, Pope says on Palm Sunday

By John t havis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI warned that technological progress must not lead people to think they can “become God.”

About 50,000 faithful waved olive branches and palm fronds in St Peter’s Square on 17 April at the start of the liturgy that commemorated Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem five days before his crucifixion.

The German Pontiff, who celebrated his 84th birthday the day before, joined a procession that led to the Egyptian obelisk in the centre of the square. He asked listeners to continue to prepare for Easter through penitence and acts of charity.

Holding a braided palm garland, he then rode in a jeep to the main altar for the two and a half hour Mass. It was the beginning of Holy Week, the busiest period of the year for the Pope,

with a demanding schedule of public appearances.

In his homily, Pope Benedict said the Palm Sunday procession must be understood as more than a “quaint custom.” It represents the spiritual ascent that all Christians are called to make, a journey “along the high road that leads to the living God,” he said.

Such an ascent is impossible without God’s help, he said, although men and women have long attempted to “attain the heights of God by their own powers.” All the inventions of the human spirit are ultimately an effort to become independent and completely free - but without God, this effort is doomed to failure, he said. “Mankind has managed to accomplish so many things: We can fly. We can see, hear and speak to one another from the farthest ends of the earth,” he said. “And yet the force of gravity which draws us down is powerful. With the increase of our abilities, there has been an increase not only of good. Our possibilities for evil have increased and appear like menacing storms above history.” The Pope said that despite progress, human limitations have been evident in recent disasters

that “have caused so much suffering for humanity.” He described people as caught between two “gravitational fields”: the force of gravity that pulls people down toward selfishness, falsehood and evil, and the force of God’s love that pulls people up. The spiritual ascent to which Christians are called has some concrete elements, including purity, honesty and faith in God, he said. “The great achievements of technology are liberating and contribute to the progress of mankind only if they are joined to these attitudes - if our hands become clean and our hearts pure, if we seek truth, if we seek God and let ourselves be touched and challenged by His love,” he said. In the end, he said, a spiritual ascent is effective only if people humbly acknowledge that they need God and “abandon the pride of wanting to become God.” At the end of the Mass, the Pope expressed greetings in seven languages to the thousands of young people in the square and said he was looking forward to the World Youth Day celebration in Madrid next August. The youths serenaded the Pope with an abbreviated version of Happy Birthday in Italian.

Pope Benedict XVI dries the foot of a priest during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome on 21 April. The foot-washing ritual reflects the call to imitate Christ by serving one another.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

Misako Okuda, 74, looks at an area devastated by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami in HigashiMatsushima, Japan on 15 April. Pope Benedict XVI has decided the collection taken up at his Holy Thursday evening Mass will be used to help the disaster victims in northeast Japan. PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS

How we Celebrated Easter

Good Friday reminder: ‘technology cannot save us’

Papal

preacher, on Good Friday, pays tribute to modern martyrs

By John T havis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITYCommemorating Christ’s death on the cross, the preacher of the papal household paid tribute to modern Christian martyrs, saying the world cannot be indifferent to their witness.

In his homily during a Good Friday liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in St Peter’s Basilica on 22 April, Capuchin Fr Raniero Cantalamessa made reference to recent slayings of Catholics in Pakistan and other places where Christians are a minority.

“Once more, the Christian world has been visited by the ordeal of martyrdom, which was thought to have ended with the fall of totalitarian, atheistic regimes. We cannot pass over their testimony in silence,” Fr Cantalamessa said at the service, which was presided over by Pope Benedict XVI.

“In this very day, in a great Asian country, Christians have been praying and marching in the streets to avert the threat hanging over them,” he said.

Pakistan’s minister for minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic who had spoken out against anti-blasphemy laws, was murdered in early March, prompting condemnation from Pakistani Bishops, the Vatican and Church leaders around the world.

Fr Cantalamessa noted that before his death, Bhatti acknowledged the danger to his own life and wrote, “I will consider myself most fortunate if ... Jesus Christ will accept the sacrifice of my life.”

Bhatti’s words, Fr Cantalamessa said, echoed those of earlier Christian martyrs in Rome.

“The powerlessness of the victims doesn’t, however, justify the indifference of the world toward their fate,” he said.

The papal preacher said the deaths of Christian martyrs

were not the only tragedies that have recently challenged Christians and their ability to speak about God’s love. When disasters such as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami strike, affecting a predominantly non-Christian population, Christians can show their willingness to “suffer with those who suffer,” he said.

“We can also tell those brothers and sisters in humanity that we admire the example of dignity and composure which they have given to the world,” he said.

At the same time, he suggested that the events in Japan may hold a lesson for humanity.

“Earthquakes, hurricanes and other disasters that strike the innocent and the guilty alike are never punishments from God. To say otherwise would be to offend both God and humanity,” he said. “But they do contain a warning: in this case, against the danger of deluding ourselves that science and technology will be enough to save us. Unless we practise some restraint in this field, we see that they can become more devastating than nature itself,” he said.

Fr Cantalamessa said the redemption brought by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are what give meaning to human suffering. “If life’s race ended here ... we would have every reason to despair at the thought of the millions, if not billions, of human beings who start off at a great disadvantage, nailed to the starting line by poverty and underdevelopment, without even a chance to run in the race,” he said. “But that is not how it is,” he said. The liturgy included prayers for the world’s suffering, its leaders, nonChristians and non-believers. Toward the end of the service, the Pope untied a red cloth from a wooden cross to reveal the image of the crucified Christ and, assisted by aides, held the cross up for veneration. Later on Good Friday, the Pope was to lead the Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum.

Pope Benedict at Way of the Cross: God reads the open book of our hearts

VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News) - Pope Benedict XVI spoke at the beginning of the Way of the Cross at the Roman Colosseum, noting that in this “hour of darkness” God reads “the open book of our frail hearts.”

The meditations of this year’s Way of the Cross were entrusted to Sister Maria Rita Piccione OSA, President of Our Lady of Good Counsel Federation of Augustinian Contemplatives in Italy. Sr Maria Rita is a member of the Augustinian hermitage of Lecceto, near Siena (Italy), one of the Tuscan convents of the 13th century and a cradle of the Order of St Augustine.

The full opening prayer said by Pope Benedict follows:

Lord Jesus, you invite us to follow You in this, Your final hour.

In You, each one of us is present and we, though many, are one in You.

In Your final hour is our life’s hour of testing, in all its harshness and brutality; it is the hour of the passion of your Church and of all humanity. It is the hour of darkness: when “the foundations of the earth tremble” and man, “a tiny part of your creation,” groans and suffers with it; an hour when the various masks of falsehood mock the truth and the allure of success stifles the deep call to honesty; when utter lack of meaning and values brings good training to nought and the disordered heart disfigures the innocence of the small and weak; an hour when man strays from the way leading to the Father and no longer recognises in you the bright face of His own humanity. This hour brings the temptation to flee, the sense of bewilderment and anguish, as the worm of doubt eats away at the mind and the curtain of darkness falls on the heart.

And You, Lord, who read the open book of our frail hearts, ask us this evening, as once You asked the Twelve:

“Do you also wish to leave Me?”

No, Lord, we cannot and would not leave You, for You alone “have the words of eternal life,” You alone are “the word of truth” and Your cross alone is the “key that opens to us the secrets of truth and life.”

“We will follow You wherever You go!”

Following You is itself our act of worship, as from the horizon of the not yet a ray of joy caresses the already of our journey.

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa preaches during the Good Friday service led by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. PHOTO: CNS /PAUL HARING

A large cross is hoisted up during a nighttime Good Friday Way of the Cross procession in the streets of Warsaw, Poland.

Christian pilgrims pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Good Friday services in Jerusalem’s Old City. Christian worshippers retraced the traditional route Jesus Christ took along Via Dolorosa to His crucifixion. The church is built upon the site believed to be where Christ was crucified. Left, Pope Benedict XVI leads the Good Friday service in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. PHOTOS: CNS

Top left, people surround the ancient Colosseum for the Good Friday Way of the Cross led by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Above, children watch a re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday in San Fernando, northern Philippines. Nearly two dozen Filipinos were nailed to crosses in what they view as an extreme display of devotion. Local Catholic officials have criticised such displays of self-injury as a distortion of the Easter message.

PHOTOS: CNS

How we Celebrated Easter

Divine love in creation, resurrection says Pope

Continued from Page 1

But the joy of Easter contrasts with “the cries and laments that arise from so many painful situations: deprivation, hunger, disease, war, violence,” the Pope said.

He prayed that “the splendour of Christ reach the peoples of the Middle East, so that the light of peace and of human dignity may overcome the darkness of division, hate and violence.” In Libya, he said, diplomacy and violence need to take the place of armed fighting, and the suffering must have access to humanitarian aid.

The Pope alluded to the civil unrest that has spread throughout northern Africa and the Middle East, encouraging all citizens there, especially young people, to work for a society where poverty is defeated and where “every political choice is inspired by respect for the human person.” The refugees who have fled the conflicts deserve a generous response by other populations, he added.

The Pope said the many forms of suffering in “this wounded world” make the Easter message all the more meaningful.

“In our hearts there is joy and sorrow, on our faces there are smiles and tears. Such is our earthly reality. But Christ is risen, He is alive and He walks with us,” he said.

He then offered Easter greetings in 65 languages, including Chinese, Hindi and Swahili.

The Pope arrived at the Easter liturgy in an open jeep, riding through a crowd that overflowed the square

into adjacent streets. Many of the pilgrims were Poles who had already arrived in Rome for the 1 May beatification of Pope John Paul II. As clouds gave way to sunshine, the Pope celebrated Mass on an altar surrounded by flower gardens of yellow narcissus, cream-coloured roses and blue delphiniums - all donated and shipped to Rome by Dutch florists. After the Gospel reading, an Orthodox choir sang a hymn of psalms of the Byzantine liturgical tradition, marking the fact that the Catholic and Orthodox celebration of Easter fell on the same day this year.

In a lengthy Easter vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica the night before, the Pope baptised and confirmed six adults from Albania, China,

Peru, Russia, Singapore and Switzerland. He poured holy water from a golden shell over each catechumen’s head, and later accepted offertory gifts from the newly baptised.

In a sermon, he analysed why the Christian’s sense of environmental responsibility is directly connected to the core beliefs of the faith.

“We relate to God the creator, and so we have a responsibility for creation,” he said.

“Only because God created everything can He give us life and direct our lives.”

The trajectory of salvation history, which reaches a summit with Christ’s resurrection, reaches all the way back to creation, he said. For the Christian, he said, the account of creation is not about the scientific process involved, but something deeper: it says

that the source of everything is not pure chance, but “creative reason, love and freedom.”

The Pope rejected an evolutionary account that excludes a divine purpose.

“It is not the case that in the expanding universe, at a late stage in some tiny corner of the cosmos, there evolved randomly some species of living being capable of reasoning and of trying to find rationality within creation, or to bring rationality into it,” he said.

“If man were merely a random product of evolution in some place on the margins of the universe, then life would make no sense,” he said.

“Reason is there at the beginning: creative, divine reason.”

The Pope said Easter was a good time for Christians to

remind themselves that the faith embraces everything about the human being, from his origins to his eternal destiny.

“Life in the Church’s faith involves more than a set of feelings and sentiments and perhaps moral obligations,” he said.

On Good Friday, the Pope presided over a nighttime Way of the Cross liturgy at Rome’s Colosseum, where tradition holds that early Christians were put to death.

Kneeling on a platform on a hillside facing the ancient amphitheatre, the Pope opened the ceremony with a prayer that drew attention to the constant struggle between good and evil in human history. He appeared to refer to the priestly sex abuse scandal when he spoke of the “hour of darkness” when “an emptiness of meaning and values nullifies the work of education, and the disorder of the heart disfigures the innocence of the small and the weak.”

The meditations for the 14 Stations of the Cross were written this year by an Augustinian nun, Sister Maria Rita Piccione. The texts encouraged Christians to develop the ability to listen to the subtle voice of God that speaks through the human conscience, and not to ignore the needs of the poor and suffering in their midst.

In a closing talk, the Pope said that reliving the drama of Christ’s crucifixion demonstrates that the cross is not a triumphal symbol but rather the sign of “God’s immense love” for humanity.

Priests prepare to distribute Communion during Easter Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on 24 April. PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Easter Mass in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

A man prays on the stone floor of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Easter Vigil Mass in the Old City of Jerusalem.

PHOTO: CNS/DEBBIE HILL

Pope Benedict XVI baptises a new member of the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

Young Iraqi women attend an Easter Mass at a Chaldean Catholic church in Amman, Jordan. Thousands of Iraqi Christians fled to Jordan following a spate of bombings that targeted churches in Iraqi cities in the past few years.

PHOTO: CNS/ALI JARE KJI, REUTERS

A worshipper prays inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during an Easter procession in the Old City of Jerusalem.

PHOTO: CNS/BAZ RATNER, REUTERS

A new member of the Church shows her emotions as she and five others baptised and confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI carry the offertory gifts during the Easter Vigil Mass celebrated by the Pontiff in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his urbi et orbi blessing to the city of Rome and to the world from a balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on 24 April. In the traditional Easter message, the Pope contrasted the joy and hope brought by Christ’s resurrection with persistent conflicts and other forms of suffering in the world.

PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

SUNDAY, 15 MAY

May Sunday Sesh

6pm Mass, and Sunday Sesh 7.15pm at St Gerard Majella Parish, Ravenswood Dr and Majella Rd, Mirrabooka. The largest youth night in May! Open for youth of all ages (pref 15-35). The night includes games, formation and fun. More details on www.cym.com.au or call 9422 7912.

Religious Vocation Inquiry Day 9.30am at St Charles’ Seminary, 30 Meadow St, Guildford. Men aged 17 and over who wish to explore the possibility of a vocation to the diocesan priesthood. Begins with morning prayers with the seminarians followed by Mass at 11.30am and the wellknown ‘Seminary’s Fabulous Sunday lunch’ at 12.30pm. Enq: Helen 9279 1310.

The World Apostolate of Fatima 3pm at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 356 Grand Prom, Dianella. All welcome. Enq: 9339 2614.

Taize Prayer Service - In memory of Sr Irene 7pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. In memory of Sr Irene’s 20th Anniversary of her death in Peru. Please bring a torch and a plate to share. Enq: Sr Maree 0414 683 926.

TUESDAY, 17 MAY

Spirituality & The Sunday Gospels 7-8pm at St Benedict’s School Hall, Alness St, Applecross. Jesus our Good Shepherd says: “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” Presenter: Norma Woodcock. Collection to cover costs. Enq: Norma 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com.

FRIDAY, 20 MAY

Divine Mercy Prayer Group –3rd Anniversary Celebration 2-5pm at St Jerome‘s Catholic Church, 36 Troode St, Munster. All are invited to the celebration. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass by Fr Varghese Parackal VC and healing. Enq: Connie 9494 1495 or Edita 9418 3728.

SATURDAY, 21 MAY

Parish Migrant-Related Activities

10am-12.30pm at the Catholic Education Centre, Ruislip St, Leederville. For anyone having an interest in creating multicultural awareness amongst parishioners and making newly-arrived migrant parishioners welcome. Enq: Fr Blasco 9279 4226.

SUNDAY, 22 MAY

Multicultural Food fair 11am–2pm at Good Shepherd Parish, Lockridge. ‘Parish fundraising event’ for the Divine Mercy Church at Maryville, Lower Chittering. Asian cuisine, sausage sizzlesponsored by Jet Design and Drafting, cake stall, tea, coffee and cold drinks, variety stall, raffle draw every hour. Enq: Agnes 0435 63 6518 or Judith 0437 90 8793.

MONDAY, 23 MAY

Monthly CYM World Youth Day 2011 Pilgrimage Meeting 7.30pm at Perth Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. All pilgrims are invited to attend as we count down to Madrid, meet other pilgrims and get practical preparation tips for Madrid. For specific WYD tours’ registration, log onto www.wydtours.com/perth. Registration closes on 15 May!! For more info, log onto www.cym.com.au and fill out expression of interest form, or Perth WYD Pilgrim Facebook for regular updates or phone 9422 7912.

WEDNESDAY, 25 MAY

‘An hour for Sheen’ Variety Concert 7.30pm at Gibney Hall, Trinity College, East Perth. Featuring St Joseph’s Chamber Choir; Yan Kee soprano; Daniel Mullaney baritone; June Glen poet and raconteur; John Meyer pianist. Part of the proceeds to two overseas missions and the supporting of the Cause of Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. $27.50 inc supper. Pensioner and Senior discount. Credit card payment facilities available. Ample parking. Enq and tickets: Daniel 9291 8224, sheensociety@globaldial.com.

FRIDAY, 27 MAY

Medjugorje – Evening of Prayer 7pm at Our Lady’s Assumption Parish, 356 Grand Prom, Dianella. An evening of Prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace including

Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and concluding with Holy Mass. All welcome. DVD on Ivan’s visit to St Mary’s Cathedral in February (Ivan is alleged visionary from Medjugorje) available on evening or contact 9402 2480 or email medjugorje@y7mail.com.

FRIDAY, 27 MAY TO SUNDAY, 29 MAY

Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat for people suffering psychologically and spiritually due to a past abortion experience. Please include us in your prayers.

SATURDAY, 28 MAY

CYM Annual Ball

This year’s annual CYM Ball with the theme being ‘Recycle-ball’ will be stunning! Board the James Stirling, the largest vessel of Captain Cook Cruises and be prepared to be tempted by delicious buffet and then dance the night away. Ship departs at 7.30pm. Attire, semi formal. The recycle-ball theme promotes using classy secondhand outfits from op shops, borrowed or pre-loved. Cost: $70 (alcoholic drinks will be sold at the bar). For tickets call 9422 7912 or email admin@cym.com.au.

SATURDAY, 28 MAY

Annual Day Retreat – Legion of Mary

9am-3.30pm at Little Sisters of the Poor, Rawlins St, Glendalough. Retreat Topic: Pope Benedict’s letter Verbum Domini Retreat Master Fr Hugh Thomas. Holy Mass, Benediction and Reconciliation. A small donation to offset cost can be made. Enq: Rosemary 0421 58 0783.

SATURDAY, 29 MAY

35th anniversary of the Australian Burma Mission Relief Society 9am at Holy Trinity Parish, 8 Burnett St. Thanksgiving Mass followed by food fete at parish hall. Enq: George 9272 1379.

TUESDAY, 31 MAY

Day of Reflection (MMP)

10.30am at St Paul’s Parish, 106 Rookwood St, Mt Lawley. Rosary, Holy Mass and talks. Confession available. Celebrant and speaker Fr Tim Deeter. Bring lunch to share. Tea/coffee supplied. Concludes 2pm. Enq: Margaret Bowen 9341 8082.

FRIDAY, 3 JUNE TO SUNDAY, 5 JUNE

Weekend Retreat for Teens –‘Be Inflamed’ Come join Catholic Youth Ministry on an awesome retreat for teenagers aged 13-17 for a weekend of fun, activities, music and spiritual talks from fantastic speakers. Retreat cost is $60; registration forms can be downloaded from www.cym.com.au. Enq: admin@cym. com.au or 9422 7914.

SATURDAY, 4 JUNE

Day with Mary 9am-5pm at St Brigid Church, 69B Morrison Rd, Midland. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10:10am Holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

SUNDAY, 5 JUNE

Divine Mercy 1.30pm An Afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Francis Xavier Parish, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and we pray the Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and St Faustina’s Praises of Divine Mercy. Refreshments will follow. Enq: John 9457 7771.

FRIDAY, 8 TO WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER

Cruise on the River Nile 14-Day package. Includes Tour/Sightseeing of Jordan and Egypt. Cost: $4,900 per person twin share (22 people). Accompanying priest: Fr Joe Carroll. Itinerary and Enq: Fadua 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877.

WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER TO THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER

Pilgrimage to Rome, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo and Medjurgorje. Bed and breakfast, evening meals, transfers, guide, flying Emirates $3,990. Enq: 9402 2480.

FRIDAY, 11 TO TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER

Pilgrim Tour To The Holy Land Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Spiritual Director, Fr Sebastian Kalapurackal VC from St Aloysius Church, Shenton Park. Enq: Francis –

Coordinator, 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877 or Skype ID: perthfamily.

EVERY SUNDAY

Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio

Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate every Sunday from 7.30-9pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria. com.

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction. Reconciliation is available before every celebration. Anointing of the Sick administered during Mass every second Sunday of the month. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation, last Sunday of the month. Side entrance to the church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

Divine Mercy Chaplet and Healing Prayer 3pm at Santa Clara Church, 72 Palmerston St, Bentley. Includes Adoration and individual prayer for healing. Spiritual leader: Fr Francisco. All welcome. Enq: Fr Francisco 9458 2944.

EVERY SECOND SUNDAY

Healing Hour for the Sick 6pm at St Lawrence Parish, 392 Albert St, Balcatta. Begins with Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and prayers. Enq: Fr Irek 9344 7066 or ww.stlawrence.org.au.

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Oblates of St Benedict

2pm at St Joseph’s Convent, York St, South Perth. Oblates are affiliated with the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia. All welcome to study the rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for lay people. Vespers and tea later. Enq: Secretary 9457 5758.

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. The hour includes Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist, silent prayer, Scripture and prayers of intercession. Come and pray that those discerning vocations to the priesthood or Religious life hear clearly God’s loving call to them.

EVERY MONDAY

Evening Adoration and Mass

7pm at St Thomas Parish, Claremont, cnr Melville St and College Rd. Begins with Adoration, Reconciliation, Evening Prayer and Benediction. Followed by Mass and Night Prayer at 8pm. Enq: Kim 9384 0598, claremont@perthcatholic.org.au.

EVERY TUESDAY

Novena and Benediction to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

6pm at the Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm. Enq: John 0408 952 194.

Spirituality and The Sunday Gospels

7-8pm at St Benedict’s school hall, Alness St, Applecross. The power of the Gospel message; How can we live meaningful and hopefilled lives? Presented by Norma Woodcock. Donation for The Centre for Catholic Spiritual Development & Prayer. Enq: 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com.

Bible Teaching with a difference 7.30pm at St Joachim’s Parish hall, Shepparton Rd, Victoria Park. Exciting revelations with meaningful applications that will change your life. Novena to God the Father, followed by refreshments. Bring Bible, a notebook and a friend. Enq: Jan 9284 1662.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at The Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We are delighted to welcome everyone to attend our Holy Spirit of Freedom Praise Meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@ gmail.com.

Holy Hour at Catholic Youth Ministry 6pm at 40A Mary St, Highgate, Catholic Pastoral Centre. 5.30pm Mass followed by $5 fellowship supper. Enq: Stefania 9422 7912 or www.cym.com.au.

EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY

Holy Hour prayer for Priests

7-8pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079.

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Chaplets of the Divine Mercy

7.30pm at St Thomas More Church, Dean Rd, Bateman. Chaplet will be accompanied by Exposition followed by Benediction. Monthly event. All welcome. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 9325 2010 (w).

EVERY THURSDAY

Divine Mercy

11am at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and for the consecrated life, especially here in John Paul Parish. Conclude with veneration of the First Class Relic of St Faustina. Please do come and join us in prayer. Enq: John 9457 7771.

Fr Corapi’s Catechism of the Catholic Church

7.30pm at St Joseph Church, 20 Hamilton St, Bassendean - parish library. Enq: Catherine 9329 2691.

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Taize Prayer and Meditation

7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Church, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Prayer and meditation using songs from the Taize phenomenon. In peace and candlelight, we make our pilgrimage. All are invited. Enq: Joan 9448 4457 or Office 9448 4888.

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life 7pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Mass, followed by Adoration with Fr Doug Harris. All welcome.

Refreshments provided.

Catholic Faith Renewal Evening

7.30pm at Sts John and Paul’s Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Songs of Praise, sharing by a priest followed by Thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments after Mass. All welcome to attend and bring your family and friends. Enq: Kathy 9295 0913, Ann: 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail.com.

Communion of Reparation All Night

Vigils

7pm-1.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Lochee St, Mosman Park. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357 and at St Gerard Majella Church, Ravenswood Dr and Majella Rd, Mirrabooka, Enq: Fr Giosue 9349 2315, John or Joy 9344 2609. The Vigils consist of two Masses, Adoration, Benediction, Prayers and Confession in reparation for the outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. All welcome.

Healing and Anointing Mass

8.45am at Pater Noster, Myaree. Reconciliation, followed by Mass including Anointing of the Sick, Praise and Worship to St Peregrine and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All welcome. Enq: Joy 9337 7189.

EVERY FIRST SATURDAY

Healing Mass 12.35pm at St Thomas, Claremont Parish, cnr

Melville St and College Rd. Spiritual leader: Fr Waddell. Enq: Kim 9384 0598, claremont@ perthcatholic.org.au.

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

Healing Mass 7pm at St Peter’s Parish, Wood Street, Inglewood. Reconciliation, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration,

Most High Jn 10:22-30 How much longer?

CLASSIFIEDS

AU$ 800 single supplement. Francis Williams (tour coordinator).

T: 9459 3873 (after 4pm)

M: 0404 893 877 (all day) E: francis@perthfamily.com Skype ID: perthfamily88

SALE

FOR SALE CHEAPVARIOUS Catholic/Protestant Books new/secondhand 9440 4358.

MOTOR HOME FOR SALE 2003 Mercedes Sprinter, 306 CDi. Low kilometres, vg condition. Many extras. Ready to go. Bargain at $51,900. Ph 9653 1794.

RELIGIOUS

service. Ph 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

PILGRIMAGES

JOIN SISTER ISABEL BETTWY on a 13 day (includes travel time) pilgrimage to Poland in the Footsteps of St Faustina

The 70th anniversary of the martyr death of St Maximilian Kolbe. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Jesus appearing to Faustina Kowalska.

Attend the Mass and closing of the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki.

Departing Perth on Wed, 28 Sep 2011

Cost: AU$4,900 per person twin share (minimum 18 people) +

18 W St John I, Pope Martyr (O)

Wh Acts 12:24-13:5 prophets, teachers

Ps 66:2-3, 5-6, 8 May God bless us

Jn 12:44-50 To save the world

19 Th Acts 13:13-25 God’s promise kept

Wh Ps 88:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 Serve the Lord

Jn 13:16-20 Welcoming Jesus

20 F St Bernardine of Siena, Priest (O)

Wh Acts 13:26-33 The promise fulfilled

Ps2:6-11 Serve the Lord

Jn 14:1-6 I am the Way

21 S Ss Christopher Magallanes. Priest, and companions, martyrs (O)

Wh Acts 13:44-52 pagans very happy

Ps 97:1-4 Ring out your joy

Jn 14:7-14 let us see the Father

Praying the Rosary for Inner Healing

Fr Dwight Longenecker

RRP $26.00

Discover the parallels between your life and the Mysteries of the Rosary while experiencing the healing graces of Our Lady. Where our lives are characterised by trauma, stress, pain, or sadness, this ancient contemplative prayer can bring acceptance, understanding and joy. Through a series of stories, reflections, and prayerful meditations, Fr Longenecker reveals a powerful and very personal approach to using the Rosary as a process of transformation and healing from the inside out.

Secrets of a Soul

Padre Pio

RRP $24.00

This rare glimpse into the heart and soul of Padre Pio reveals the profound spirituality and humanity of the beloved Capuchin friar whom Pope John Paul II canonised in 2002. Beyond the extraordinary events that accompanied Padre Pio’s life, these intimate letters attest to his personal struggles, worries, temptations and fears. Padre Pio suffered much but hoped even more in the One he loved deeply: Christ Crucified. The letters of Padre Pio prove once again that “difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privileged way of holiness ...” (Pope John Paul II).

Double Standards

David F Pierre, Jr

RRP $31.00

Yes, Catholic priests terribly abused minors and Bishops failed to stop the unspeakable harm. That’s an undeniable truth. However, major media outlets are unfairly attacking the Catholic Church and this compelling book has the shocking evidence to prove it. By addressing numerous topics, including appalling cases of abuse and cover-ups happening today not in the Catholic Church, proof that Catholic clergy do not offend more than teachers or other religious denominations, plus much more. There is no other book about the Catholic Church abuse narrative like this one.

Unbound

Neal Lozano

RRP $24.00

Many Christians find themselves struggling with a particular sin or dysfunction. They seek counselling, practise confession, and pursue God-centered lives, yet still these genuine believers feel hopeless in finding freedom. Could they be under the influence of evil spirits? Yes, says author Neal Lozano. In Unbound, he reveals Satan’s strategies and the sneaky “entrance points” Satan finds to get a toehold in a Christian’s life. He helps readers acknowledge the doors they may have opened to evil influence, and shows them how to close those doors and walk in God’s freedom and abundance. Lozano’s focus on God and His work in the believer’s life, not on intimidating aspects of evil spirits, gives this book a balanced and hopeful tone.

The Navarre Bible

New Testament

RRP $125.00

This latest edition of The Navarre Bible includes extensive Catholic commentary for the entire New Testament, all in one beautiful volume. It has wide-ranging general introductions, individual book introductions, a table of sources cited, maps and informative notes. Compiled by the faculty of the University of Navarre, the commentaries draw on a huge variety of sources: Church documents, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the work of prominent spiritual writers. Scholarly yet readable, The Navarre Bible commentaries offer a comprehensive intellectual, historical, and spiritual survey of the riches of the New Testament. They are a wonderful aid in the prayerful reading of Scripture (Lectio Divina) when experiencing tragedy and suffering.

How to Read the Old Testament

Etienne Charpentier

RRP $29.00

For the novice Scripture student, How to Read the Old Testament uses scholarly material and historical information to lead the reader toward greater Biblical understanding. The author relates learning to everyday life, making information learned easier to apply. Can be used in all Christian traditions.

The

Didache Series

Faith and Revelation: Knowing God Through Sacred Scripture

Scott Hahn

RRP $100.00

This book explores the relationship and complementarity that exist between human reason and Divine Revelation. It focuses on what Catholics believe, why they believe it, and why it is reasonable to believe it.

The Mystery of Redemption and Christian Discipleship

Peter V Armenio

RRP $82.00

This full colour, paperback book examines God’s plan of, and the need for, redemption after the Fall of Adam and Eve; shows the various ways God promised redemption throughout the Scriptures, and finally looks at the redeeming act of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection as the realisation of those promises.

The Didache Semester Series is a series of high school textbooks, teacher’s manuals and student workbooks published by Midwest Theological Forum. Each title spans one academic semester. These titles have been developed according to the 2007 curriculum framework from the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catechism to assist in the publication of religious education textbooks for Catholic high schools.

The Church: Sacrament of Salvation

Scott Hahn

RRP $100.00

This book presents the Church - One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic - as the continuation of Christ’s Redemption. Examining the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, it studies the foundation of the Church, her mission, and her attributes. It examines the Communion of Saints and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Introduction to Catholicism: A Complete Course

James Sociasn

RRP $100.00

This overview of the Catholic Faith explains what it means to be Catholic.

This text expains:

* The Church

* Prayer * Holiness

* The Blessed Trinity

* The Blessed Virgin Mary

* Sacred Scripture

* The Ten Commandments

Understanding the Scriptures

Scott Hahn

RRP $142.00

This book presents a Catholic approach to Scripture, highlighting the theme of covenant.

Tracing a path through salvation history, the book explains the various books of the Bible and the importance of each event in salvation history. Understanding the Scriptures will provide an understanding of Sacred Scripture so critical to the Catholic Faith.