The Record Newspaper - 12 December 2012 by The Record

Record

W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A’ S A WA R D - W I N N I N G C AT H O L I C N E W S P A P E R S I N C E 1 8 7 4

the

We d n e s d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 2 , 2 0 1 2

the

Parish.

the

N at i o n .

the

BELOVED IRISH PRIEST RETURNS TO GOD

World.

$2.00

therecord.com.au

ORDAINED Seminarian a step closer to priesthood Page 5

Monsignor Sean O’Shea dies after a life of serving the Gospel - Page 6

Perth Indian Catholics turn out in strength for visiting Syro-Malabar Cardinal

Unique tradition lives in Perth

Cardinal George Allencherry prays over children receiving the Sacrament of Chrismation in St Mary’s Cathedral on December 4. Cardinal Allencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, was visiting Perth and was welcomed by over 1,000 members of the Syro-Malabar community in Perth. Interview, photos - pages 8-9, 10-11. PHOTO: ROBERT HIINI

Pope backs global authority as a ‘moral force’ By Francis Rocca THE WORLD authority envisioned by two popes as a way to ensure global peace and justice would not be a superpower, but primarily a moral force with limited jurisdiction, Pope Benedict XVI said. The Pope made his remarks on December 3 to a plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which was scheduled to meet for three days to discuss the theme of “political authority and global governance”. In his address, Pope Benedict

recalled that Blessed John XXIII had called for the “construction of a world community, with a corresponding authority” to serve the “common good of the human family”. The Pope also cited his own 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate, in which he called for a “true world political authority” to ensure international cooperation, peace and environmental protection. The Church offers “principles of reflection, criteria of judgement and practical guidelines” for such an organisation, but no concrete legal or political recommenda-

tions, Pope Benedict said in his address. Yet the Pope stipulated that the proposed body would not be a “superpower, concentrated in the hands of a few, which would dominate all peoples, exploiting the weakest”. The authority in question, he said, “must be understood, first and foremost, as a moral force, a power to influence in accordance with reason, that is, a participatory authority, limited by law in its jurisdiction”. The council’s president, Cardinal Peter Turkson, told Vatican Radio the agenda for the plenary session

would include the topic of global financial governance as a response to the world financial crisis. In October 2011, the council called for establishment of a “central world bank” to regulate the global financial industry and the international money supply as a step toward the world authority envisioned by Blessed John and Pope Benedict. Pope Benedict’s address also touched on threats to human dignity from different forms of materialism in contemporary culture. “The man of today is consid-

ered primarily from a biological point of view, or as ‘human capital’, a ‘resource’, a cog in a productive and financial machine that dominates him,” the Pope said. “New ideologies – such as the hedonistic and egoistic one of sexual and reproductive rights, or that of a disorderly financial capitalism that transgresses politics and dismantles the real economy – contribute to make the employee and his work seem ‘minor’ goods and to undermine the natural foundations of society, especially the family,” he said. - CNS

LOCAL

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

A riot of colour for Mary

Round-Up

WYD 2013 will be celebrated in Rio de Janeiro. St Thomas Apostle Parish in Claremont has already started planning for the event. To be a part of the St Thomas Apostle youth group, contact Megan for more information on 0420 448 442.

JUANITA SHEPHERD

Children of St Jerome’s to go carolling

Parish plans presents for those who are alone

IT’S THAT TIME of year again and St Jerome’s Parish in Spearwood is spreading the Christmas cheer through song. The children of St Jerome’s are going carolling on Sunday, December 16, starting at 7pm and ending at 10pm. They will go door to door singing a number of Christmas carols, including the famous ones such as Silent Night, Away in a Manger and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The evening also includes the children putting on the nativity accompanied by more carolling.

ST THOMAS the Apostle Parish in Claremont is spreading the Christmas spirit of giving and sharing by aiding Romily House, a residence for approximately 70 to 80 people, predominantly males, who suffer from mental health issues. A basket has been placed at the back of the parish church where presents can be dropped off, preferably wrapped and labelled, indicating whether the gift is for men or women. Apart from gifts, there are plans to go down to Romily House and sing Christmas carols. For more information, contact Maureen Gardner on 9389 8289 or email gardnerm@iinet.net.au.

Cathedral’s Christmas Eve for children ST MARY’S Cathedral in the city will celebrate a special children’s Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve at 6pm. The children are asked to bring gifts to place at the altar such as non-perishable foods for those who are in most need of them. The children have also been asked to dress up as angels, shepherds and other biblical figures.

Calling all choirs for Easter celebration ST MARY’S Cathedral has invitated all parish choirs to join together and sing at the Cathedral for the Rite of Election, which will be held on February 19, 2013. The Rite of Election is a liturgical rite that takes place at the beginning of Lent, which formally names those who will be baptised at the next Easter Vigil. Jacinta Jakovecvic, the Cathedral

Pilgrimage will visit Venice – via Holy Land A man dressed in traditional garb takes part in an annual celebration in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Angeles on December 2. More than 20,000 people from throughout the greater Los Angeles area took part in the procession and Mass at East Los Angeles College Stadium. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day is December 12. PHOTO: VICTOR ALEMAN, VIDA NUEVA

Director of music and principal organist, will conduct the choir. There are a limited amount of places available in the choir; for more information contact Tricia Wisolith on 6188 6877.

Herbert OSB and the Benedictine monks have released their new calendar, which has arrived just in time for Christmas. The calendar titled Behind the Scenes features pictures that depict life at New Norcia: the scenes include farming, candle making, filming which was done for the ABC, camping and a picture of the New Norcia Hotel. To place an order, contact New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery on 08 9654 8056 or email an order to museum@newnorcia.wa.edu.au.

Benedictines release calendar for 2013 THE BENEDICTINE Community of New Norcia, which is located 132km north of Perth, is Australia’s only monastic town. Abbott John

Our Lady of Guadalupe 16th century December 12

Peter Rosengren

editor@therecord.com.au

Accounts accounts@therecord.com.au Journalists Mark Reidy m.reidy@therecord.com.au Robert Hiini r.hiini@therecord.com.au Sarah Motherwell s.motherwell@therecord.com.au Juanita Shepherd j.shepherd@therecord.com.au Mat De Sousa

production@therecord.com.au

Classifieds/Panoramas/Subscriptions Helen Crosby

office@therecord.com.au

CNS

Under this title, Our Lady is the patron of Mexico, the United States and all of the Americas, as well as the protector of unborn children. In 1531, she appeared in a vision to the peasant Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City, and charged him with asking the bishop to build a church on that spot. But the bishop demanded a sign, so Our Lady had Juan gather flowers in his cloak, in December, to take to the bishop. When Juan opened his cloak, the colorful image of Guadalupe was emblazoned on the cactus-cloth. That icon is preserved in the most famous shrine in the Western Hemisphere and Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to inspire poor and oppressed people worldwide.

Advertising/Production

INITIATED by Pope John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day is a phenomenal event, which gathers together the youth from across the globe and celebrates the Catholic faith. With the founding Mother General of the Missionaries of Charity, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed Pope John Paul II as the official patrons of the event,

READINGS OF THE WEEK

SAINT OF THE WEEK

Editor

Claremont plans its Rio WYD 2013 pilgrimage

FATHER RICHARD Smith, parish priest of Our Lady of Grace Parish in North Beach, is leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2013. Pilgrims will travel to Jordan, home of the site of John the Baptist’s settlement and the place where Christ was baptised. They will also visit Israel and Turkey, famous for their museums and boasting the grandeurs of the Byzantine Empire. Last on the itinerary is Venice, known for its canals, gondoliers and buildings including the Santa Maria Della Salute, a church built in 1630 and dedicated to Our Lady. The pilgrimage will leave in late September 2013. For more information, contact Our Lady of Grace pastoral office on 9448 4888 or Fr Richard on 9203 6883.

Saints LIve yOUR

Travel Dream

Sunday 16th - Violet 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C) 1st Reading: Zeph 3:14-18 Rejoice and exult Responsorial Is 12:2-6 Psalm: Glorious deeds 2nd Reading: Phil 4:4-7 The lord is near Gospel Reading: Lk 3;10-18 The Spirit and fire Monday 17th - Violet 1st Reading: Gen 49:2, 8-10 Listen to your father Responsorial Ps 71: 1-4, 7-8, 17 Psalm: Justice and peace Gospel Reading: Mt 1:1-17 A genealogy of Jesus Tuesday 18th - Violet 1st Reading: Jer 23:5-8 As the Lord lives Responsorial Ps 71:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Psalm: Pity on the weak Gospel Reading: Mt 1:18-24 Angel appears to Joseph Wednesday 19th - Violent 1st Reading: Judg 13: 2-7, 24- 25 Birth of Samson

Record Bookshop

Responsorial Psalm: Gospel Reading:

Ps 70:3-6,16-17 Rock of refuge Lk 1:5-25 Elizabeth conceives

Thursday 20th - Violet 1st Reading: Is 7:10-14 Ask God for a sign Responsorial Ps 23:1-6 Psalms: The Lord’s blessings Gospel Reading: Lk 1:26-38 Handmaid of the Lord Friday 21st - Violet ST PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (0) 1st Reading: Song 2:8-14 Winter is past Responsorial Ps 32:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Psalm: Find joy in God Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39-45 Wisdom’s actions Saturday 22nd - Violet 1st Reading: 1 Sam 1:24-28 This is the child Responsorial 1 Sam 2:1, 4-8 Psalm: Exult in the Lord Gospel Reading: Lk 1:46-56 Great things for me

Bibiana Kwaramba bookshop@therecord.com.au Proofreaders Chris Jaques

Contributors Debbie Warrier Barbara Harris Bernard Toutounji

•

Mariette Ulrich Fr John Flader Glynnis Grainger

The Record PO Box 3075 Adelaide Terrace PERTH WA 6832 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000 Tel: (08) 9220 5900 Fax: (08) 9325 4580 Website: www.therecord.com.au The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription. The Record is printed by Rural Press Printing Mandurah and distributed via Australia Post and CTI Couriers.

CRUISING

•

FLIGHTS

•

TOURS

• FW OO3 12/07

Eugen Mattes

divisionof ofInterworld InterworldTravel TravelPty PtyLtd LtdABN Lic No. 9TA796 AA division 21 061 625 027 Lic. No 9TA 796

200 St. George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Tel: 9322 2914 Fax: 9322 2915 michael@flightworld.com.au www.flightworld.com.au

Michael Deering 9322 2914

Catholic clarity for complex times CATHOLIC families and those searching for truth need resources to help them negotiate the complexities of modern life. At The Record’s bookshop you can find great books for the family at good prices. Turn to Page 20 for some brilliant deals NOW!!

Send your Year of Grace stories to parishes@therecord.com.au

LOCAL

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

Fr Gatt back on duty manning the telephone WHEN the shopping hoopla ends and a sense of dread descends on so many this Christmas, Father Michael Gatt and his team of volunteers will keep on going. The Gatt Helpline has been fielding calls from the lonely and distressed over the Christmas and New Year period for the past two decades. The Osborne Park priest and his team are preparing to open their phone lines on December 16. They will be available, 24 hours a day, until December 31. “I’m so happy that we’ve made 20 years and I’m so proud of it,” Fr Gatt told The Record. “It’s one of those very rewarding things.” Two years ago his team fielded about 60 calls. The average number over the past 20 years would be about 80, Fr Gatt said. Loneliness, substance abuse, suicidal feelings and family breakdown make up the bulk of the issues callers want to talk about. Fr Gatt said he felt confirmed in his work after seeing a report about the problem of loneliness in Japan broadcast by a current affairs program. He was amazed to learn there were pay-per-call services operating in Japan that offered what he and his volunteers had been happy to offer for free for 20 years, he said. The Gatt Helpline speaks to new callers each year but has also attracted a range of friendly regulars who like to ring up for a chat. “It’s because I am a priest, you see, and I have something to add because I am a priest,” Fr Gatt said. The service fields calls during the period in which mainstream welfare outlets are closed. The parish is building up a store of non-perishable items to provide emergency food assistance as part of the helpline’s work. Last year, the Society of St Vincent de Paul said it had received more than 1,800 calls asking for assistance in the Perth metropolitan area in November; that was about 100 more than in 2010. The team at the Gatt Helpline can be reached at 9444 1334 or 9444 8650 or at gattline@bigpond.com.

Students the natural stars for school at Christmas

Kindergarten and Year 1-3 students of Good Shepherd Primary in Kelmscott wowed an audience of parents, relatives and staff on Wednesday, December 5 under the direction of Music teacher Diana Newman with their story of the curious sheep who stumbled upon the Nativity at Bethlehem. PHOTOS: PETER ROSENGREN

Anglican Ordinariate in US benefits from gift A TWO-hectare piece of property has been given to the Catholic Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter, based in Houston, Texas,

In every face of despair, we see a face of hope. Donate to Vinnies and help us give hope to thousands of Australians in their time of need.

Call 13 18 12 or visit vinnies.org.au

to be used as the site of its future chancery. Purchased by anonymous donors for US $5 million, the property is contiguous with Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, the seat of the ordinariate established by Pope Benedict XVI almost a year ago in response to

requests by Anglicans seeking to become Catholics. Msgr. Jeffrey N. Steenson, who heads the ordinariate, announced the donation of land on December 2. “This will be the future home of the chancery of the ordinariate as well as serve future expansion needs of

this wonderful, growing parish,” he said during Mass at Our Lady of Walsingham. Joining parishioners at the Mass were a number of Anglican priests from throughout the United States and Canada who are applying to become Catholic priests for the ordinariate. - CNS

LOCAL

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

THE INTERVIEW WITH

WARREN MASILAMONY

Warren Masilamony, a graduate of Wilfred Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, moved to Australia in 2010. He has travelled to 17 countries and now works as the broadcasting and production co-ordinator at WTV, Perth’s local community television channel. Mr Masilamony tells Juanita Shepherd about his favourite sport, the best thing about Christmas and the power of Jesus Christ. Q What advice would you give

to someone wanting to get into journalism? is a very tough and comA It petitive industry so ideally

you need to have a lot of perseverance. You also need to be practising your craft at every opportunity. It is those opportunities that will eventually land you your dream job.

What’s the best thing about your job?

ability to express my A The ideas and doing a creative job

for a living which sometimes does not feel like work at all. Knowing that your work will reach and influence thousands of viewers is a big plus point, but that comes with heavy responsibility as well.

What’s the worst thing about your job?

constantly have to judge my A Isubordinates or prospective

journalists. Saying “no” to someone is something I am still finding hard to do.

does your faith help Q How you in your day-to-day life?

Faith does help me get through challenging times.

is your opinion of the Q What portrayal of religion in the

media? Is it positive or negative?

media will pretty much A The pick up on anything that is

sensational or “media worthy” as we call it. In recent times, the more negative stories have got the lion’s share of attention for the same rea-

sons. Positive stories are hard to find in the media, if at all. Perhaps the religious institutions have to engage more with the media. it is negative, in your opinQ If ion how can we remedy that

view?

only way to change the A The media is though the masses.

If there is demand, there will supply. If a thousand people walk the streets chanting “Jesus Christ”, it is more likely to be in the news. your favourite Q What’s movie? are quite a few but A There Requiem For A Dream is

surely one of my all-time favourites.

Q Do you have any hobbies? enjoy soccer, pro wrestling, A Itheatre and travelling. is your favourite Q What sport?

A Soccer. is your inspiration and Q Who why?

Warren Masilamony in the studios of WTV, the Perth community television station.

Turner (founder of A Ted CNN). The man is the reason

moment and will always be something that means a lot to me.

why 24-hour news exists today. A true media genius and a great philanthropist as well.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

can say graduating from A Iuniversity was my proudest

you could film any story Q If that has happened in the

last 50 years, what would it be and why? I would probably film a story A about the plight of nations without a state. My experience liv-

ing in Catalunya, Spain and now Australia has left a deep impression on my world view that there are people who do not have a sovereign country of their own. I think it is a moral obligation to have their stories of self-determination and identity told. your opinion what do you Q In think makes a good story? loves an underdog A Everyone who wins against all odds. Add a worthy cause to the picture and a ruthless enemy to contend with and you have a winning piece. do you think makes a Q What bad story? motivated stories A Politically are the worst because they

might appear as fact to some readers. There is also a lot of gate-keeping in the mainstream media where certain figures and organisations are “protected” from critique.

Q What is your favourite song?

A My music taste varies great-

ly. At the moment, I can’t get that Gangnam Style song out of my head but one of my all time favourites is Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. do you like about the Q What Christmas season?

like all the big lights, the getA Iting together and the food. I

am also a big fan of Christmas morning cartoons.

you tell us one of your Q Can New Year’s Resolutions?

PHOTO: COURTESY W MASILAMONY

A I don’t really make any New

Year’s resolutions. I can’t be bothered waiting that long. I like my resolutions here and now. How did you get into televiQ sion, film and the media?

Have you always wanted to do it?

I cannot think of any A Yes, other industry I would be

part of. I have always aspired to work in film and television and it was my main motivation to go to university. I did a couple of internships and freelance work after graduation and soon after was offered a position at West TV. the advanced technolQ With ogy we have today, where do

you see the future of print journalism?

will be more online A There media and advertisers will see

that as a viable option. Traditional print journalism will not erode away completely though, but the environment will be a lot different. Online is best suited for shorter, more compressed stories or news items as most of such content is written for the smartphone and tablet users in mind. But for a full comprehensive feature, the traditional media will still hold its weight over the former. Do you have an idea for someone who would make a good subject for ‘The Interview’? Send your suggestions to: j.shepherd@therecord.com.au.

Got a Parish story?

Send your parish stories and photos (hi-resolution, 300 dpi or more) to: editor@therecord.com.au.

LOCAL

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

Deacon Brennan to prepare the way of the Lord By Robert Hiini IF each person has been created with a space in their heart that only God can fill, then it is the role of ordained ministers to help people realise that longing, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said at an ordination to the diaconate last Friday. Archbishop Costelloe ordained St Charles seminarian Brennan Sia at St Mary MacKillop Church, Ballajura on December 7 in front of a congregation of family, friends, priests and seminarians. Making reference to the liturgical season and the Archdiocese’ patronal feast of the Immaculate Conception, Archbishop Costelloe urged Mr Sia to “always retain something of an Advent flavour” in his life as an ordained minister. “Like St John the Baptist...see yourself as someone who is called to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming in peoples lives. This, I think, is a special gift which deacons, bishops and priests are called to offer to the people of God,” the Archbishop said. “God has already asked a lot of you Brennan and he will ask even more in the years to come. At times you might wonder whether you are up to the challenge; at times you might even think that God is just asking too much. At those times, and they will come, I encourage you to entrust yourself to the prayers of Mary,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “She is the great woman of Advent who shows what it really means to welcome the Lord into our lives ... She knew what it was to be afraid and unsure in the face of what God was asking of her but

Above, a happy Deacon Brennan Kee-Ong Sia, second from right, joins Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and priests from throughout the Archdioces of Perth in celebrating his ordination to the diaconate. Right, Deacon Sia laying prostrate during the ceremony, when the congregation invoked the prayers of the Heavenly Host during the Litany of Saints. PHOTOS: MELVILLE PERERA, ROBERT HIINI

she also knew what it was to entrust herself to the Lord: “I am the serv-

At times you might wonder whether you are up to the challenge. At those times, entrust yourself to Mary. ant of the Lord ... let what you have said be done to me”.” The night was also an opportunity, the Archbishop said, to thank

all the people who had supported Mr Sia and who had taught him to “listen to the Lord’s voice”. At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Costelloe invited any man who felt inspired to investigate a priestly vocation, to speak to St Charles Seminary. “You don’t need to sign up tonight, all you need to do is think about it, pray about it, and ask the Lord to lead you.” The Archbishop invited all present to pray for vocations to the Religious life and the priesthood; especially for service in the Archdiocese of Perth.

PACK YOUR BAGS, LEAVE YOUR WORRIES BEHIND Losing luggage is a headache, but it’s nothing compared with the stress and worry about costs if you need emergency medical assistance whilst overseas. Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) Travel Insurance protects you 24/7. With cover to suit all destinations, and protecting you from the cost of lost luggage right up to emergency hospital expenses, you can pack your bags with complete peace-of-mind.*+ CCI Travel Insurance includes: • • • • • •

Unlimited overseas emergency medical assistance+ Unlimited overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses+ Choice of your own doctor or medical advisor^ Personal liability cover of $5 million Optional cover for specific items of value (up to $5,000) Help available 24 hours, 7 days a week^

At CCI we care about you, not just your luggage.

BEFORE YOU GO ANYWHERE

GO TO CATHOLICINSURANCE.ORG.AU

OR CALL 1300 655 003

FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

This insurance is issued and managed by AGA Assistance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Allianz Global Assistance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708. Catholic Church Insurance Limited ABN 76 000 005 210 AFSL 235415, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, arranges this insurance as a promoter for Allianz. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. To decide if it is right for you please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, which can be requested by calling 1300 655 003; or online from www.catholicinsurance.org.au. *Cover for luggage and personal effects available with ‘Comprehensive’, ‘Australia Only’ and ‘Frequent Traveller’ plans. Not included with ‘Budget Cover’ plan. + Medical Assistance, Medical and Hospital Expenses available for overseas destinations only and does not cover costs incurred in Australia. ^Help provided via Allianz Global Assistance.

CCI TheRecord ad NOV12.indd 1

05/11/2012 12:46:53 PM

MILESTONES

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

Island priest home with God By Peter Rosengren

ONSIGNOR Sean O’Shea, one of the most beloved priests of the archdiocese, passed away on Friday, December 7, aged 87. The Irish-born priest was known throughout Perth’s Catholic community for many roles, especially for his work based in Fremantle as a chaplain to thousands of seafarers who visited the port over decades and as chaplain for nearly ten years at Rottnest Island’s picturesque Holy Trinity Church. Numerous holiday-makers visiting the popular holiday destination were greeted by the seemingly ever-happy elderly priest as they left Masses he had celebrated.

Visitors were treated to fig jam (his mother’s recipe) and numerous anecdotes - often of a humorous nature. Mgr O’Shea arrived in Perth in November 1955 following his ordination to the priesthood in Ireland in June of that year. His first appointments were as an assistant priest in the parish of East Fremantle and St Mary’s Cathedral until 1961. In August that year, he was appointed Port Chaplain, which included the appointments of Director of the Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre in Fremantle until 1995, and National Director of the Apostleship of the Sea in 1967, a position he held for many years.

Mgr Sean O’Shea soaking up the place he loved, outside Trinity Church, on Rottnest Island in April 2010.

In 1987, he was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II, with the title Monsignor, and appointed to Rome for two years to take up the position of International Director of the Apostleship of the Sea, having responsibility for

Roman Catholic port chaplains throughout the world. In 1994, he was appointed Parish Priest in the parish of Mosman Park, which concluded in 2002 when he became full-time chaplain on Rottnest Island. There, he became a well-known and loved member of the local community. Visitors and holiday-makers were likely to be treated to Mgr

O’Shea’s culinary speciality, fig jam made according to his mother’s recipe, accompanied by numerous anecdotes of a humorous nature and often interrupted by the Monsignor’s characteristic laughter. It would be true to say that many would consider Mgr O’Shea’s Irish charm was expressed in his characteristic happy personality matched by his ability to quickly engage

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

people of all ages and backgrounds in conversation, anecdotes and humour. Due to a decline in health, he retired earlier this year and resided at Castledare. He always professed a desire to be buried on Rottnest Island and was granted permission to be so. Details of his funeral have yet to be announced. An obituary will appear in the near future.

Jazz legend Brubek, who ‘didn’t convert’, dies at 91

AVE BRUBECK, the influential and prolific pianist whose composition Take Five became a standard in the annals of jazz, died on December 5 at age 91, one day before his 92nd birthday. He died of heart failure. He was reportedly on his way to visit a cardiologist in Norwalk, Connecticut, with his son Darius when he suffered a heart attack. Brubeck played his “cool” brand of West Coast jazz before Blessed John Paul II and eight US presidents.

I didn’t convert to Catholicism, because I wasn’t anything to convert from. I just joined the Church. He became a Catholic in 1980 after completing a commission from US Catholic paper Our Sunday Visitor – a Mass titled To Hope. Brubeck said in a TV biographical profile, “I didn’t convert to Catholicism, because I wasn’t anything to convert from. I just joined the Catholic Church”. He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He got an honorary degree in sacred theology from the University

Jazz composer Dave Brubeck, who composed Take Five, has passed away at the age of 91. PHOTO: CNS/ BOB ROLLER

of Fribourg in Switzerland in 2004. Over a half-century, Brubeck and his band gave concerts around the world. He formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951 and kept the combo going, with different musicians, until 1967. It was during this period that he co-founded Fantasy Records, had his first huge hit with Take Five (credited to his saxophonist, Paul Desmond) and toured regularly,

despite recording up to four albums a year. “When the quartet was on the road in the early days, we were being played so much that we just used to go on the car radio and turn the dial,” Brubeck said in a 1996 interview. “One night we heard three of our songs being played on three different stations at the same time,” he told his interviewer. “That’s how much we were being played.” - CNS

MILESTONES

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

Nurse High-profile Monsignor to head the papal household POPE Benedict XVI has named in 2005, Mgr Ganswein, who was ue, for the time being, also serving archdiocesan tribunal before joinovercame his personal secretary, Mgr Georg his personal secretary, moved with as the Pope’s personal secretary. ing the staff of the Congregation for Ganswein, an archbishop and the him into the papal apartments. Born on July 30, 1956 in Waldshut, Divine Worship and the Sacraments barriers and newTheprefect of the papal household. The prefect of the papal house- Germany, he was ordained to at the Vatican in 1995. He transferred 56-year-old Archbishop- hold is a position that involves the priesthood in 1984 for the to the doctrinal congregation a year designate began working with organising papal audiences. Archdiocese of Freiburg im Breisgau. later. As Pope Benedict’s personal chose Christ then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, After earning a degree in canon law secretary, he has accompanied the Obituary

Phaik Kee Teoh Born: August 10, 1941 Teluk Intan, Preak, Malaysia Entered eternal life: October 31, 2012

1996 in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. When the Cardinal was elected Pope Benedict

Vatican spokesman, said on December 7 that Archbishopdesignate Ganswein would contin-

from the Catholic theologian institute at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, he worked in the Freiburg

Mary watches over newlyweds

HAIK KEE TEOH was born near the mouth of the Perak River in Malaya on the eve of the Pacific War. She spent her babyhood in the jungle where the women had to hide to escape the predatory behaviour of undisciplined enemy soldiers. Her birth registration shows she was the second twin. Because of harsh conditions in jungle life, she was fed on rice gruel; there was no milk. According to what she told me, there was not much else either. Phaik Kee’s parents were staunch Buddhists. Her father, Teoh Beng Guan, visited the Chinese Temple every morning. Her mother, Quah Poh Sim, nurtured 13 children. The surviving children have made their own journey in life, each contributing in a significant way to the community in which they locally live, whether Malaysia, England, Canada or, in Phaik Kee’s case, Australia.

Pope at personal and private audiences at the Vatican and around the world. - CNS VATICAN

Italy’s south to colour Vatican Christmas Christmas in St Peter’s Square this year has a particularly Southern Italian flavour with a towering tree from the Molise region and a Nativity scene donated by the Basilicata region. Jesus, Mary and Joseph will be nestled in an artistic re-creation of the picturesque rocky setting of Matera’s famed sassi -- a UN World Heritage site and backdrop for recent Hollywood films about the Holy Family and Jesus. The 24-metre silver fir was plucked out of the forests of Isernia by helicopter on December 5 and trucked 193km north with an Italian police escort. The tree arrived in the square in the pre-dawn hours of December 6, the feast of St Nicholas, patron saint of children and source of the Santa Claus character. Vatican workers will spend several days decorating the tree with lights and gold and silver balls before the official lighting of the tree on December 14. The large Nativity scene in the square will remain shrouded in mystery until its official unveiling on Christmas Eve. The scene, which will be assembled by Vatican personnel, will be decorated with more than 100 terracotta figures and detailed scenery crafted by the Italian artist, Francesco Artese; his enormous presepi have been on display in New York City and Washington. The Nativity scene, which will cover 150 square metres, will depict Matera’s famed sassi – cliff-clinging churches, buildings, streets and grottos carved out of the mountainside.

US Supreme Court to hear marriage cases

Phaik Kee Teoh, who passed away on October 31, 2012.

Phaik Kee completed her schooling in Teluk Intan. She was one of the inaugural trainee nurses at the Franciscan nuns’ newly established Assunta Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, from which she graduated in 1964. Her teachers, Sister Madonna, now of New South Wales, and Sister Brenda, now of Queensland, told me in these past few days that they are deeply saddened at her passing. Phaik Kee gained a Certificate of Thoracic Nursing at the Lady Templar Hospital in Petaling Jaya. She then graduated in Midwifery after attending Falkirk Royal Infirmary and the Queen Mother’s Hospital in Glasgow, both of Scotland. At the prestigious Hammersmith Hospital in London, Phaik Kee undertook a postgraduate theatre course and gained her certificate in 1969. This well-qualified young Chinese woman then worked at hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, including the Pantai Medical Centre. Phaik Kee arrived in Australia in 1975, which was not long after the prejudicial White Australia Policy was lifted. But residual prejudice against the Chinese appeared to linger when she was told there were no vacancies at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Hospital. One leading surgeon who happened also to be on the Board of that hospital, in passing overheard Phaik Kee say “Hammersmith Hospital” and told her privately to turn up at his theatre and that he would authorise the paperwork. She did that and went on to receive

Perth couple Gaetan Raspanti and Catherine Gallo-Martinez married at St Brigid’s Church in Midland on Saturday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mrs Raspanti has worked at The Record as a receptionist for the last two years and previously worked for Catholic Youth Ministry. Mr Raspanti is a graphic designer. Several Perth clergy concelebrated the nuptial Mass, including Franciscan of the Immaculate priest Fr Andre, who also helped the couple prepare for marriage. After the ceremony, Mr and Mrs Raspanti consecrated their marriage to the Blessed Virgin Mary. PHOTO: NIGEL CORNELIUS

a promotion to Charge Nurse, and all of the initially discriminating girls became lifelong friends – even expressing their sorrow to me at her final fight for life, as late as last week. Most of Phaik Kee’s working life was professionally fashioned in the Queen Victoria Hospital, which became the Monash Medical Centre when it shifted from the city to the university precincts at Clayton. Phaik Kee did not drive. So when

In a seemingly hopeless endeavour, Sr Teoh demonstrated a night nurse at her administrative best. On that night, Phaik Kee saved three lives. From a wide pool of nursing talent, Phaik Kee was chosen to assist the pioneer surgeon flown in from Adelaide to perform Australia’s first in-utero operation, that is, carrying out a procedure on a foetus inside the womb. The operation performed in camera was a success. Phaik Kee told me, however, that

special minister of the Eucharist at St Francis’ Church in the CBD of Melbourne. - Editor) Looking at this small sampling of Phaik Kee’s life’s work, one can see we are dealing with a dedicated woman. Her commitment came from prayer – daily prayer before her own shrine in our home, of crucifix, pyx and picture of the Sacred Heart. She carried Our Lady’s scapulas everywhere in her small operating theatre security purse,

Although the White Australia policy was gone, prejudice against Chinese lingered when she was told there were no vacancies at the hospital. I came to pick her up one morning after the end of her shift, I saw a ghost-like figure standing on the front porch. As duty nurse, during the night she had faced three emergencies occurring simultaneously: the first, a heart attack case; the second, an accident demanding brain surgery; and the third requiring an immediate Caesarean delivery. Methodically, Phaik Kee raised the three surgeons “on call” and the essential “on call” staff to assist them, then set about preparing three operating theatres for surgery.

some time later the foetus died in the ward from a cause not to do with the techniques of the procedure. (Phaik Kee entered the Church on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 1991, being baptised, making her First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation all on the one occasion. She had made her decision while her husband Joseph was overseas at the Marian shrine of Lourdes in France and had rung him to tell him she wanted to be baptised. She subsequently went on to serve as a

and this deeply spiritual woman displayed a number of pictures, two of which were Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Grotto of Lourdes. Phaik Kee’s life may be characterised as that of a good woman who loved God and gave strength, support and willing service to the members of our great human family – with love. The above slightly-edited eulogy was delivered by Phaik Kee’s husband, Joseph Sutherland, at her funeral at Good Shepherd Parish in Kelmscott

The US Supreme Court will take up in the northern hemisphere spring two cases over the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. In orders issued on December 7, the court agreed to hear a case over California’s Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, and one out of New York over the federal Defence of Marriage Act, which defines a marriage as being between one man and one woman. The cases will most likely be on the court’s calendar for argument in March, with a ruling before the end of the term in late June. After weeks of court-watching when the petitions for review of more than half a dozen cases over the same-sex marriage were on the justices’ list for consideration, the orders issued on December 7 suggested the justices worked at covering multiple bases in what they granted, noted courtwatchers at the Supreme Court blog, SCOTUSblog. The orders focused on two issues: how marriage is defined and whether same-sex couples who are legally married are entitled to the same kind of spousal benefits as heterosexual spouses. Saying he prayed that the court would uphold the traditional definition of marriage, which the Catholic Church supports, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defence of Marriage of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the court’s decision to take the cases is a “significant moment for our nation.”

- CNS

WORLD

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

Where Faith is

LIFE

Syro-Malabar Catholics originate from India but are far less concerned about the encroachment of secularism in a country like Australia which concerns many in the Roman Church. With bustling congregations, they seem to have a point, writes Robert Hiini ...

hen Portuguese missionaries arrived in what is now modernday Kerala, India, they came face-to-face with an ancient community of Christians dating back to the ministry of the Apostle Thomas. They encountered a Church with a Syriac liturgy, Persian bishops, its own unique form of administration and religious practices which, while Christian, also reflected the Indian cultures amidst which they had developed. Initially positive, engagements with the ‘Thomas Christians’ eventually gave way to conflict as Portuguese clerics attempted to latinise their liturgy and to bring their Church under Roman Rite control. In the following century, the Thomas Christians fractured into those who stayed in communion with Rome, the Syro-Malabar Church, and those who rejected the Jesuit headship of a Roman Catholic Portuguese bishop. These would later join the Antiochian churches and come to be known as the Syrian-Orthodox Church).

Family prayer, and regular gatherings where families pray, share stories and eat together anchor the faith. The global head of the SyroMalabar Church today, Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry, was in Perth last week to celebrate the liturgy with joyful local members of his Church and to confer the Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) on some of the community’s children. “The Portuguese saw our liturgy and way of administration, at first, as quite strange because it was very much assimilated to the ways of the country,” he told The Record in an interview. “At that time, the outlook of the missionaries was quite different. They had a monolithic understanding of the Church; that whatever was not the Roman way, or the Latin way, was not correct.” After concerted petitioning in the 19th century, Rome granted two vicariates to Syro-Malabar Catholics which were eventually succeeded by the first Syro-Malabar dioceses. In December 1923, the SyroMalabar hierarchy was restored, with its own Metropolitan as head of the Church. In 1934, Pope Pius XI announced that latinisation of Eastern liturgies should no longer

be encouraged; an acceptance of difference which has only solidified following the Second Vatican Council: “The Apostolic See itself understood the errors that had happened and they asked us to restore whatever was possible of the original liturgy and theology of Church administration and so on,” Cardinal Alencherry said. With the Catholic Church experiencing something of a free-fall in Europe over the past 50 years, contemporary Western Catholics might be more forgiven for looking to Eastern rites for advice about the challenges of increasing secularism. While the Church in the developed world faces the prevailing notion that religion is peripheral to ordinary life, the faith of SyroMalabar Catholics is so integral to their lives that it does not make sense to speak of them as being distinct, the Cardinal said. When asked what he might say to Roman Catholics in the West living with the stark post-Enlightenment divide between faith and reason, public life and private faith, he outlined what the Syro-Malabar Church does to cultivate its own faith. “You are asking that question from the perspective of the Roman Rite Church. Such a question does not arise on the part of the SyroMalabar Church because, right from the beginning, even the child is motivated to go to Mass by himself,” he told The Record. There are certain elements the Church has stuck to, even during the latinisation period, he said; the first being their approach to liturgy. “The liturgical celebration makes itself an experience for the community as a whole. The prayer is jubilantly taken up by all the people and not only the priest. We do not even have the expression ‘attending the Mass’. We are celebrating the Mass,” he said. Children undergo extensive catechisation, including in their own families, with 12 classes of catechesis. “The faith gets deepened in the person and they cannot simply forgo it. Even if there are temptations and certain failures etcetera, they will repent and come back; that is what is happening in our lives,” Cardinal Alencherry said. Kerala has the highest media saturation of any state in India. Secularisation, the Cardinal agrees, is an encroaching trend but it is one the Church feels able to meet. He points to the large congregations he has seen during his visits to metropolitan centres throughout Australia. “Even here in the West, where secularisation is at its highest, people still keep the faith.”

His Beatitude Cardinal George Alencherry celebrates the liturgy in St Mary’s Cathedral on December 4, at right. Members of Perth’s SyroMalabar community prepare to serve the liturgy, below, while others wait to greet His Beatitude, below right. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI

Family prayer, learning to recite prayers by heart, and regular meetings between families where people pray, share stories and eat together, anchor the faith in lived experiences, as does the Church’s system of fasting and abstinence. “It was the same in my days, also. I still know the prayers I recited and studied when I was young and

It is not that easy to govern the Church together with the laity but, at the same time, we cherish it. they sustain me now also,” Cardinal Alencherry said. Perhaps the greatest point of difference between the Syro-Malabar and Roman Catholic communities is the way in which they are governed.

There are no clerical or lay fiefdoms in the Syro-Malabar Church; instead, the laity and their pastors govern the Church together. Every major decision is made conjointly by representatives of the people, and clergy. Lay representatives are elected while priests have a canonical right to appoint experts as the need arises but the number of elected representatives always exceeds those appointed, Cardinal Alencherry said. If a priest has a dissenting opinion he must put it to the bishop and the bishop will make the final decision. “It is not that easy to govern the Church together with the laity but, at the same time, we cherish it because the involvement of lay people in the Church becomes more vibrant. They will do anything for the Church. If they have a say in the matter, people contribute. “It is not whether the Church does something for the people. No, that question does not arise. The

people feel that they, together with priest and bishop, are the Church. Everybody is motivated together. That has become a tradition. It was not my merit or the merit of the people today. It came up like that, and we are very fortunate.” That is not to say the SyroMalabar Church has been free from internal divisions about its theology, identity and future. For most of the 20th century, Syro-Malabar Christians relied on the Apostolic See in Rome to appoint their Major Archbishop, in large part because there was no prospect of them being able to agree upon a candidate themselves. Where some advocated restoration to a pre-Roman, more Syriacstyle of church, others felt at home with the way the rite had developed, including its Latin additions and wanted it to continue in that vein. By the early 1990s, differing opinions were reconciled and the Syro-Malabar Church felt finally able to become sui juris, a self-

WORLD

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

Gospel is the good news of freedom IN THE IMMACULATE conception of Mary, Christians recognise the truth that the Gospel is the good news of freedom from sin, selfishness and death, Pope Benedict XVI said. Standing before a statue of Mary near the Spanish Steps, in the midst of Rome’s ritzy shopping district, Pope Benedict said Mary is a reminder that silence is essential for hearing God’s word, that salvation comes from God alone and that joy comes from being freed of sin. As he does every year, the Pope prayed the Angelus at noon in St Peter’s Square, then - riding in a brand new, Mercedes-Benz M-class popemobile - went to the Spanish Steps late in the afternoon on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. That Mary was conceived without sin “speaks to us of joy, that authentic joy that spreads in a heart freed from sin,” the Pope said, sitting before a column topped with a statue of Mary erected in honour of the Immaculate Conception. “Sin brings with it sadness,” the Pope said. While some people think Christianity “is an obstacle to joy because they see it as a collection of prohibitions and rules”, it really is good news, he said, because it is “the proclamation of the victory of grace over sin, of life over death”. Of course, he said, faith leads people to renounce certain habits and actions, and it requires “a discipline of mind, heart and behaviour” because original sin leaves within people “the poisonous root of selfishness, which harms them and others”. The day’s Gospel reading recounted the Annunciation, the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would be Jesus’ mother, and Pope Benedict said he was struck that such a “decisive moment for human destiny, the moment in which God became man, is wrapped in great silence”. “It was an event that, if it had happened in our day, wouldn’t leave a trace in the newspapers or magazines, because it is a mystery that takes place in silence,” he said. “The quiet silence is shown to be more fruitful than the frenetic agitation that characterises our cities,” the Pope said, encouraging

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to make remarks at the conclusion of the opening Mass of the International Congress on the Church in America held in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on December 9. PHOTO: PAUL HARING, CNS

governing entity. “There are struggles,” Cardinal Alencherry said,”[but] we succeed rather well together”. Cardinal Alencherry is the first Major Archbishop in modern times to be elected by the Syro-Malabar Church’s own curia and not appointed by Rome (the curia was

Today the Church has 30 dioceses and 48 bishops pursuing a program of restoration, renewal and adaptation. established in 1993). The Church currently has 30 dioceses and 48 bishops united in the pursuit of a three-fold program of restoration, renewal and adaptation. In spite of past latinisation, their rites are unmistakably organic

in origin. Their marriage rite, for example, contains some of the same elements seen at Hindu marriage ceremonies - the garlanding of each spouse, and the wearing of wedding necklaces. The sacramental understanding of what occurs and what marriage is, is the same as it is in all other Catholic rites. The Cardinal said he had canvassed the idea of an Australian eparchy for the Syro-Malabar Church at the recent synod of Australian bishops and was encouraged by the support he found there. Several Eastern-rite churches already have their own separate and independent ecclesial structures in Australia, including the Ukrainian Catholics, the Maronites and the Chaldeans. Theirs is a rite, the Cardinal said, which will “easily merge with other ecclesial disciplines”. “Australia is one of the countries that gives us much freedom. Certain episcopal conferences [and certain countries in Europe] are not

that open. They may object, saying that it will create disunity but it is not true. “Even if we follow our own liturgy and community life, it will always be in unity with the Australian Church.” Cardinal Alencherry is also enthusiastic about the idea of a seminarian exchange program; an enthusiasm born of personal experience (the Cardinal spent time in Canberra when he was a seminarian). A Roman rite seminarian from Canberra had recently spent time in Kerala with pleasing results, the Cardinal said. “He was very much edified and very happy. He told [the coordinator of the Syro-Malabar Church in Australia] Fr Francis [Kolencherry] that his vocation is very much deepened now. “The mutual exchange will enrich all the Church. We have many things to share with you and you have many things to share with us.”

Christians “to stop, be still, listen to the silence in which God makes his soft voice heard.” Pope Benedict said no one can understand God’s plan for his or her life, nor can they see the best way to bring Christian values to society without some silent reflection. It is only “going deeper, where the forces at work are not economic and political, but moral and spiritual,” that God’s voice can be heard. Mary’s immaculate conception also reminds Christians that “the salvation of the world isn’t the work of man, science, technology or an ideology” but of God, he said. Reciting the Angelus earlier in the day, the Pope said Mary’s life, and particularly her saying “yes” to God’s plans for her, illustrate how close a person can come to God once freed of sin. “In Mary, in fact, the relationship with God that sin breaks is fully alive and active,” he said. “There is no opposition between God and her being; there is full communion and understanding.” The Pope prayed that through the intercession of Mary, God would “grant us the grace to reject sin and persevere in the grace of baptism”. Pope Benedict also recited the Angelus on December 9 with visitors who came to St Peter’s Square for his normal Sunday greeting. The day’s Gospel reading focused on St John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way of the Lord. “We are called to listen to that voice, to make room for and welcome Jesus into our hearts,” he said. “In our consumer societies, where people are tempted to look for joy in things,” he said, John the Baptist teaches us to focus more on what is essential, “so that Christmas is experienced not only as an exterior celebration, but as the feast of the Son of God who came to bring peace, life and true joy.” - CNS

The Parish. The Nation. The World.

www.therecord.com.au

THE YEAR OF GRACE

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

THE YEAR OF GRACE

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

ARCHDIOCESAN LIFE

A strong and vibrant community turns out in style for visiting prelate

Ancient Church traces its origin to St Thomas The liturgical celebration makes itself an experience. The prayer is jubilantly taken up by the people and not just the priest."

- Cardinal Allencherry speaks to The Record, see interview Page 8-9

Families wait happily to welcome His Beatitude Cardinal Allencherry to St Mary's Cathedral. The event was a major milestone in the life of Syro-Malabar Catholics in Perth.

he Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is an East Syrian Rite, Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Catholic Church. It is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic Church. It is the largest of the Saint Thomas Christian denominations with around 3.8 million believers. It is also the second largest Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the Bishop of Rome. The Church is headed by the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. St Alphonsa is the first saint from within the Church. The members of the Church are locally known as Nasranis. History It is believed that St Thomas the Apostle landed at Kodungalloor which was then known as Muziris, in 52 AD. St Thomas is said to have preached and established Christian communities in different parts of India and he died at Mylapur in 72 AD. It is also believed that St Thomas founded seven churches or communities, including in Kerala. Early in its history, the Church of St Thomas Christians came into communication with the Christian communities that came to be known as the Church of the East. This relationship made the St Thomas Christians share the liturgical,

Cardinal Allencherry confirms one of the candidates presented to him in St Mary's Cathedral on December 5. PHOTO: ROBERT HIINI

In a gathering rich with national pride and the colours of traditional dress, His Beatitude Cardinal Allencherry is welcomed to St Mary's Cathedral by members of Perth's Syro-Malabar community.

L Children momentarily glance upwards during the ceremony. St Mary's was packed by more than 1,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics who turned out to welcome the head of their Church as he visited Perth on a national tour.

ocal Roman Catholics used to a bare-brick aesthetic would have been bowled over at the vibrancy and colour of the scene that awaited visiting Syro-Malabar Archbishop, Cardinal George Allencherry on Tuesday, December 4. The forecourt of St Mary's Cathedral was awash with life as Cardinal Allencherry's car arrived and as he then made his way inside, blessing the hundreds of members of Perth's Syro-Malabar community as he went. Some 26 young candidates for Chrismation (Confirmation), dressed in the finery of brides and bridegrooms, formed a guard of honour to welcome him, surrounded by their siblings, mothers and fathers. They looked genuinely excited to see him. The Cardinal's visit to Perth was part of a nation-wide visitation to cities with significant Syro-Malabar populations. Inside, Bishop Donald Sproxton,

ALL PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI

Among those assisting His Beatitude during the liturgy were local Perth clergy from India, including Somascan Fr Mathew Velliyamkandathil, parish priest of Spearwood.

Out of India Story and photos by Robert Hiini

Cathedral Dean Monsignor Michael Keating and clergy from India serving in the Archdiocese of Perth, including Vincentian fathers, welcomed His Beatitude. For Perth's Syro-Malabar

Catholics it was a significant milestone. A congregation of over 1,000 people lifted the roof off the Cathedral with their distinctive singing as the liturgy was celebrated in the Mullallam

His Beatitude Cardinal Allencherry, together with Bishop Donald Sproxton and Indian clergy, pose for the cameras with those who had been confirmed.

language. In every direction one could see women wearing beautiful traditional saris, children dressed in their Sunday best and almost every man wearing a moustache. For Perth's Syro-Malabarese, it was a moment not only of pride but also joy as they welcomed the individual who heads their ancient Church. The Syro-Malabar Church is an oriental rite of the Catholic Church which took root in Southern India after the death of St Thomas the Apostle who was also martyred there. The Syro-Malabar liturgy is Syrian in origin and, for the first 1,500 years of its development, was celebrated largely by Syrian priests sent to serve Syro-Malabar Christians in India. The liturgy underwent significant changes in the 16th century when Portuguese missionaries, suspicious of the Church's organic liturgy, theology and modes of administration, tried to latinise it (see story, page 11) but the Church was restored to local control by Pope Leo XIII in 1887.

As those to be confirmed by His Beatitude Cardinal Allencherry wait outside St Mary's Cathedral, one boy glances at a girl standing opposite him. A total of 26 children were confirmed by the Cardinal.

spiritual and other ecclesiastical traditions with the Church of the East (therefore they are classified as being of the East Syrian Rite). The Christians of St Thomas kept their distinctive character especially in Church administration and sociocultural and ascetic- spiritual life. At least from the 4th century until the end of the 16th century the Bishops of the Church of Malabar were sent from the East Syrian Church. The St Thomas Christians were the first Christians encountered by Portuguese visitors to India from the 15th century onwards. While relations between the two groups were cordial in the beginning, subsequent attempts by Europeans to Latinise the Syro-Malabar Church led to deepening problems. After existing for centuries under Chaldean bishops and then Latin Rite Roman Catholic bishops from 1599, St Thomas Christians were given their own dioceses from 1887. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur was the first Catholic diocese of India, formed through a special proclamation of the-then Pope Leo XIII in May 1887. They came to be known as the Syro-Malabar Catholics from that point on, to differentiate them from the Latin Rite Catholics in Kerala. The Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was restored on December 21, 1923 with Mar Augustine Kandathil as the first Metropolitan and Head of the Church. The Syro-Malabar identity is unique to the state of Kerala in India and its people. - PUBLIC SOURCES

REVIEWS

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

High school religion classes are definitely worth the taking

Guardians to

My teenage niece wanted to study religious education in high school but was discouraged by her dad, who said it did not carry much weight, like science. My unbelieving brother-in-law chipped in, saying there was no point in studying something if you don’t know whether that something even exists. How can I help her?

e can begin by saying that your brother-in-law is right as regards the Q & A pointlessness of studying something we don’t know exists. There FR JOHN FLADER are not any books that I know of, or university courses for that matter, on unicorns, centaurs or mermaids. Those who don’t believe in these mythical beings don’t waste their time writing books about them, even to debunk their existence. But there are many books and university courses on God, because every civilisation that has ever existed has believed in some form of supreme being and has had some form of religion. Even atheists can’t ignore the question and have written an abundance of books on it, both to defend their own position and to try to prove that there is no God. As we know, there is a God. If there were not, this universe would not exist, with its marvellous complexity, harmony and beauty. And we, atheists included, could not even discuss the existence of God if we did not have a rational, spiritual intelligence that did not come from the evolution of matter, but rather from the rational, intelligent pure spirit who is the very God atheists deny. What is more, since God is the very beginning and end of the universe, the study of God and religion is the most weighty of all subjects. It is the foundation of every other subject, including science. Having studied science in university, I am not biased. What do we gain by studying God and religion? To begin with, we

By studying God and faith we gain a deep sense of the meaning and purpose of life. We’re created by God. Our lives are charged with meaning. gain a deep sense of the meaning and purpose of life. If we were just a castoff of evolution, our life would have no meaning. But since we were created in the image and likeness of a loving God, who calls us to eternal life with him, our life is charged with meaning. And the more we come to know about our faith, the more firm it becomes. St Augustine gave us the well-known phrase fides quaerens intellectum - faith seeking understanding - which expresses the desire of anyone with faith to come to know more about it. With this study, we come to know why we believe what we believe, so that our faith rests on a firm foundation that can withstand the challenges life brings, and even the doubts others may raise. Where a person with a more simple faith will be more easily persuaded by a non-believer, a person with more understanding will be able to defend the faith against these attacks. Also, we come to have a deeper appreciation of the faith, of its wonders and mystery. Someone with no theoretical knowledge of music will be able to enjoy the music of Mozart, but one who has studied music theory and composition will have a much deeper appreciation of it. It is the same with the faith. This deeper appreciation leads, in turn, to a deeper spiritual life, to a greater love for God. It is easier to pray and give thanks to God for all his gifts, if we understand them better. Our love for the Blessed Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Eucharist, the Church, Our Lady, is deepened when we know more about these truths, just as our love for a human person is deepened when we know the person better. Finally, the more we understand our faith, the more eager and able we will be to share it with others. Pope Benedict is inviting the Church in this Year of Faith to engage in the New Evangelisation, to explain the faith to others so as to draw them closer to God. A person who has studied the faith and loves it more is in a better position to do this. For this reason, the Pope invites the whole Church “to rediscover and study the fundamental content of the faith that receives its systematic and organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic Church” (Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, 11). The Pope sums it up: “Evidently, knowledge of the content of the faith is essential for giving one’s own assent; that is to say, for adhering fully with intellect and will to what the Church proposes. Knowledge of faith opens a door into the fullness of the saving mystery of God” (ibid 10). frjflader@gmail.com

By John Mulderig

hat better way to spend a few hours over the holidays than in the company, not only of Santa Claus himself, but of the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman? Courtesy of the delightful 3-D animated adventure Rise of the Guardians (Paramount), moviegoers of almost all ages can do just that.

North (Alec Baldwin) welcomes Jack Frost (Chris Pine) in this scene from the animated movie Rise of the Guardians. PHOTO: DREAMWORKS, CNS

Based on books by William Joyce, the film focuses on the destiny of the legendary bringer of winter, Jack Frost (voice of Chris Pine). Free-spirited and mischievous, youthful Jack is also lonely and uncertain of his purpose in life

until, that is, he’s invited to join the Guardians, a force made up of the mythical characters listed above. The Guardians’ mission is to protect children against the machinations of the Bogeyman, aka Pitch Black (voice of Jude Law). As the initially reluctant Jack is introduced to his newfound comrades, we discover a new slant on each traditional persona. Thus, Santa, alias North (voice of Alec Baldwin), is a hardy Cossack type with a heavy Russian accent, while

Stuck in a boat all at sea with

eligious themes are central to director Ang Lee’s visually artful screen version of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel Life of Pi (Fox). Indeed, this exotic 3-D fable bills itself as a story calculated to make the agnostic reporter (Rafe Spall), to whom its unlikely events are recounted, “believe in God.” Regardless of whether it has that effect on audiences, Catholic moviegoers will certainly welcome its positive portrayal of their faith, and the presence in the tale of a sympathetic priest. The fact that the earnest spiritual quest of its protagonist results in his simultaneous adherence to Hinduism, Christianity and Islam is, however, problematic to say the least. All the more so, since screenwriter David Magee’s script implicitly upholds this ultra-tolerant but illogical stance. Concern over youthful viewers’ reaction to this interreligious willo’-the-wisp is the major element precluding endorsement of Lee’s

picture for any but adults. And just who is our main character? Played in adulthood by Irrfan Khan but portrayed for most of the running time in his 17-year-old persona by Suraj Sharma, he is an Indianborn Canadian known formally as

Pi is the only survivor of the shipwreck. His endurance is tested further when he finds he must share his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Piscine Militor Patel – but called Pi for short. As flashbacks under the guise of memories being shared with the unnamed – and unbelieving – journalist reveal, Pi was bred in the picturesque former French enclave

of Pondicherry. Growing up contentedly amid the natural beauty of the area, Pi was fascinated by the wondrous creatures that inhabited the zoo his parents (Adil Hussain and Tabu) owned. Discovering God in varied manifestations during the initial stages of the quest referenced above, Pi also made a less exalted discovery by falling for a local girl. So when Mum and Dad announced, shortly afterward, they were moving the family to the Great White North, Pi was crushed. Upheaval turned to tragedy when the freighter carrying Pi’s family – as well as some of the animals from their former zoo – sank in a terrible squall. Pi was the only human survivor. But his endurance was immediately put to a further test when he found himself forced to share a small lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Not for the impressionable or the poorly catechised, this psychological parable, whose meaning cannot be explained without spoilers, also

REVIEWS

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

the rescue

It’s still the bad guys, the girls – oh, and the end of the world as we know it ...

kyfall (Columbia) is highflying entertainment, a rousing return for James Bond and a much-needed injection of vitality into the 50-year-old film franchise built around him. D i re c tor S am Me nd e s (Revolutionary Road) helms British Secret Agent 007’s 23rd adventure, a smart mix of reverence, nostalgia, and humour. It’s not all fluff, as the script, by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan is thoughtful and character-driven, raising issues of loss, responsibility, patriotism and loyalty amid the battle of good versus evil.

by the new “Q” (Ben Whishaw), a computer genius, they redouble their efforts to solve the robbery as its malignant mastermind orchestrates a reign of terror across London. Called Silva (Javier Bardem), said villain is a sleazy megalomaniac (naturally) who seeks world domination (of course). In a twist, Silva is a disgraced former agent with unique knowledge of M’s past which fuels his desire for revenge. At Silva’s side is the exotic Severine (Berenice Marlohe), who warns Bond to be very, very afraid. But 007 pours on the charm (“It takes a certain type of woman

Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in a scene from the movie Skyfall.

everyone’s favourite seasonal rabbit (voice of Hugh Jackman) turns out to be a boomerang wielder from Down Under. (Parents of a certain age will recognise a play on a famous line from 1986’s Crocodile Dundee.) The elusive distributor of money under children’s pillows (voice of Isla Fisher) is portrayed as halfhuman, half-hummingbird. She’s at least human, and feminine enough that Jack’s shining teeth (and, by implication, his appearance in gen-

a tiger becomes somewhat taxing as the rigours of the lad’s unusual ordeal begin to rub off on viewers. Aesthetic judgements will likely hinge on the degree to which audiences summon the hardiness necessary to follow Pi’s adventures through to the end. Assessed from a religious perspective, his fictional memoir registers as honourable but ultimately somewhat misguided. The film contains a complex treatment of religious faith requiring mature interpretation, potentially upsetting scenes of lifethreatening danger and animal aggression, some mildly vulgar wordplay and fleeting scatological humour. Rating: A-III – adults. Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. Suraj Sharma and a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker are seen in the movie Life of Pi. PHOTO: FOX

eral) set her a bit aquiver, though only in the vaguest, most innocent way. As for the chap who makes all our eyelids heavy, he’s presented as a mute but cheerful and endearing sprite. In his feature debut, director Peter Ramsey, working from a script by David Lindsay-Abaire, pits the hope and wonder championed by the Guardians against the fear and self-doubt that arm Pitch with his most effective wiles. The result is a tenderhearted and touch-

ing family movie – one, moreover, that’s entirely free of objectionable content. This is, though, a struggle between the battling archetypes of good and evil over the fate of the world’s children. So there are portions of the action that might be too dark and scary for the smallest members of the clan. The film contains perilous situations. Rating: A-I – general patronage. Some material may not be suitable for children. - CNS

Skyfall opens in familiar territory: Bond (Daniel Craig) is in Istanbul, chasing a bad guy who has stolen a computer disc containing the identities of every secret agent in the world. At his side is field operative Eve (Naomie Harris), who proves as handy with a straight razor as she is with a rifle. The crime is big trouble for “M” (Judi Dench), the head of British intelligence unit MI6. It was M who lost the disc, and its theft proves the perfect excuse for rival government official Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) to challenge her competence, force her retirement, and shake things up at the agency. “It’s a young man’s game now,” Mallory tells Bond, tipping his hope – as the new century progresses – to rely more on cyber technology than spies on the ground. Trouble is, neither Bond nor M are quite ready to pack it in. Aided

COLUMBIA

to wear a backless dress with a Beretta 70 strapped to her thigh”) and Severine rethinks her loyalties. The search for Silva is a scenic one, sending Bond to Shanghai and Macau, as well as the depths of London’s underground and the Scottish highlands. The violence quotient is undeniably high in Skyfall but no more so than is typical for a Bond film, which always seems to involve new and creative ways to blow things up and kill baddies with “style.” The film contains scenes of intense action violence and torture, implied nonmarital sexual activity, mild sensuality and innuendo as well as some profane and rough language. Rating: A-III – adults. Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - CNS

FUN FAITH With

DECEMBER 16, 2012 • LK 3: 10-18 • 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YR C)

CROSSWORD

Across 4. And John ____ the good news to the people and preached many more times. 5. Some soldiers asked John, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ John said to them, ‘No ____! No dishonesty! Be happy with your pay’. 6. When all the people asked John the ____, ‘What must we do then’? he answered, ‘Anyone who has two robes must share with the one who has none’.

Down 1. ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy ____ and fire.’ 2. His fan is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the ____ into his barn; but the waste he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ 3. There were tax ____, too, who came for baptism, John said to them, ‘take no more money than the appointed amount.’

SPIRIT COLLECTORS PROCLAIMED BAPTIST FRIGHTENING WHEAT

GOSPEL READING Lk 3: 10-18

When all the people asked John the Baptist, ‘What must we do then?’ he answered, ‘Anyone who has two robes must share with the one who has none, and anyone with something to eat must do the same.’ There were tax collectors, too, who came for baptism, and these said to him, ‘Master, what must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Take no more money than the appointed amount.’ Some soldiers asked John, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ John said to them, ‘No frightening! No dishonesty! Be happy with your pay’. The people began to wonder whether John might be the Christ, so John said before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His fan is in his hand, to clear his threshingfloor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the waste he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ And he proclaimed the good news to the people and preached many more times.

WORD SEARCH

SPIRIT COLLECTORS PROCLAIMED BAPTIST FRIGHTENING WHEAT

WINNER ANGOS AGED 3

SEND YOUR COLOURED IN PICTURE TO THE RECORD AT PO BOX 3075, ADELAIDE TERRACE, PERTH WA 6832 TO BE IN THE RUNNNG TO WIN THIS WEEK’S PRIZE.

‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals.’ - Luke 3: 10-18

VISTA

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

perture A

Moments of faith in the trajectory of life

Above: Actors, a part of a live Nativity scene, stroll past the US Capitol after demonstrating outside the nearby Supreme Court in Washington. Right: Pope Benedict XVI makes his way to the Spanish Steps for a service marking the feast of the Immaculate Conception in Rome. PHOTO: CNS/JASON REED/PAUL HARING

Left: Pilgrims travel in boats carrying an image of Mary on the Xolotlan Lake in Managua, Nicaragua. Below: An UltraOrthodox Jewish couple lights candles on the second night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, “The Festival of Lights” in Jerusalem, Israel. PHOTO: CNS/ OSWALDO RIVAS/ DEBBIE HILL

Above: A pilgrim dressed as Our Lady of Guadalupe was among millions of Mexican Catholics who travelled to Mexico City for Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day. Below: The Vatican’s Christmas tree is positioned in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. PHOTO: CNS/EDGARD GARRIDO/ PAUL HARING

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Of the bogans. By bogans. For bogans.

s almost everyone knows by now, a prank call from an Australian FM radio station resulted in the death of a nurse in London. It was a tragedy and everyone’s hearts have gone out to the family of the wife and mother who took her life. The lessons are numerous and obvious: prank calls are dangerous and should never be made because it is impossible to predict their consequences. People in the world of the media fooling around with the lives of others for the entertainment of their audiences are, and have been shown to be, reckless and foolish. Beyond the chain of events that resulted in the death of Jacintha Saldhana, however, are some interesting questions about the very nature of the media itself which spawned this tragedy. One FM program broadcast in Perth within the last 12 months ‘pranked’ a Perth parent by pretending to be the police calling on the telephone to inform a Perth father that his daughter had been involved in a car accident. The daughter being in a car accident was the first information imparted to the bewildered parent before the rest of the ‘prank’ played itself out. It was only after this that the parent was informed that his daughter had been ‘arrested’ and was, apparently, therefore still alive. The unthinking and unfeeling nature of such a call can only be wondered at, as anyone who has had to take the telephone call informing them that a member of their family has been killed in an accident would know. But it’s not an issue for FM radio. On Monday evening of this week, television’s Channel 9 interviewed the two radio hoax callers who were, clearly, in a very disturbed state at the result of this latest hoax. Interestingly, it transpired that the hoaxers had apparently no idea what the processes for vetting such prank calls were within the station nor did they appear to know who was responsible for this. The program the pair appeared on was A Current Affair. Host Tracey Grimshaw spoke with both for several minutes as they described the nightmare that had unfolded in their lives after they learned of the death of Mrs Saldhana. For those who watched the interview, the experience can only have been disturbing, even bizarre at many levels. On the one hand A Current Affair’s host seemed to be trying to exude some sympathy for not only the unfortunate victims of the hoax but also PO Box 3075 for the young hoax callers. Adelaide Terrace That might have seemed, to PERTH WA 6832 some, strange. Earlier this year Ms Grimshaw, a well-known face on Australian television, office@therecord.com.au had anchored another story Tel: (08) 9220 5900 about the alleged affair of Fax: (08) 9325 4580 an Australian woman with a well-known Australian television talkshow host now living in London. A Current Affair had flown the woman to Londan to confront her alleged former lover and had stalked their intended victim on the streets of London to ambush him for filming. There was no reason why A Current Affair should expose the alleged marital infidelity but, like so many of its contemporaries in what is loosely called the media, it seemed the program had no better reason than schoolgirl-gossip titillation and a desire to expose the sins of others. The program had paid the woman claiming to have had an affair for all the salacious details of what had allegedly transpired between the couple, but whether it was on a pay-per-revelation basis is still not really known. It later transpired that the victim was in his 70s and suffering from leukaemia but his illness was not reported on the program. The appalling conduct of A Current Affair, its journalist Martin King and anchor Tracey Grimshaw was simply immoral but, all too sadly, typical of the media on a national and global scale. In that sense, events of the last week can remind us all that in many ways the media are like a glimpse of hell - hatred, fear, loathing and the incessant superiority of the carefully made up, endlessly glamourised and fashionably attired talking heads filling the airwaves and loungerooms of the nation’s families with nothing but their trite, empty, coarse and vulgar trash. It is, also, interesting to reflect on what A Current Affair may have achieved by confronting an elderly and seriously ill individual in such a way. As the terrible events of the hoax callers shows it is not incomprehensible nor is it obtuse to ask whether an individual caught in the glare of the media’s spotlight over revelations of something like alleged marital infidelities decades ago – or any other event, for that matter – might not similarly choose to escape by taking their own life. A Current Affair, popular in Australia via its low-rent journalism, may well have had a death on its hands. How long that would have bothered it is not known. It certainly put itself in the position where the likelihood of such an outcome was increased. Life in Australia would be happier for almost everyone if the tasteless FM radio programs with their coarse female and lewd male hosts were simply deleted. The families of the nation would be far better off if they simply turned off their television sets. Here is an obvious part of the problem. The media succeeds so often precisely by diving for the lowest common denominator with absolutely no consideration for the effects. There is so much about it that is important and could be better - much better. The answer to the problem of an essentially valueless media is to turn it off and hasten either its weight-loss or its reform. This is actually a possibility for all of us, but it is up to us, not it.

The nation’s families woud all be better off by simply turning off the television ...

THE RECORD

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

LETTERS

Better to be there with a wedding garment ... FURTHER to my Record letter of November 28, I can only summarise the articles mentioned there. In particular, I lack space here to deal with the question of whether the number of the elect exceeds the number of the damned. En route though to an answer, certain or probable, we should consider St Augustine. His explanation of why the Gospels sometimes describe the elect as ‘many’; sometimes ‘few’ is that they are many in absolute terms - but few in relation to the number of the damned (ser. 32 de Verb. Dei). I wonder how many Catholics today would even give a hearing to Augustine and many other Saints and Doctors of the Church. Instead, there is a widespread conviction or hope – shared by even a single Saint? - that Hell, if it exists at all, is empty – or that it is the destiny just of the rebel angels; that no human soul, or virtually none, has been damned. However, in the light of Church history for 2000 years, unimpeached by Vatican II (cf eg Lumen Gentium 14), all such tendencies are shown up as wishful thinking. The Council of Trent declared that ‘although He [Christ] died for all (2 Cor. 5:15), yet not all receive the benefit of His death, but merely those to whom the merit of His Passion is communicated’ (Decree on Justification, ch.3). No part of this statement can be false, by virtue of anathema number 33, explicitly referred to in the last sentence of chapter 16. If a statement is infallibly part of Catholic belief, whether through being held by the entire Church, or through being promulgated in a form which is infallible per se, that statement can never be supplanted (cf my Record letter of September19). In this sense Catholic doctrine is like a ratchet or

a skyscraper – it can proceed only in one direction. We can add to it, but never take anything away. So for example the papal declaration, infallible in its own right, that Mary MacKillop is in Heaven, adds to, but detracts nothing from, the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. A subsequent Pope could if he wished strike her off the calendar, but God would never let him issue an infallibly-worded statement that she was not a Saint after all! As Blessed John Henry Newman points out, the only true development of doctrine is one which is consistent with the preceding Tradition. As for the application of modern criticism to the Gospels, the English logician Peter Geach says well that ‘if we know anything at all about the teaching of Christ, we know it included the doctrine that many men are irretrievably lost’. ‘If we know anything at all’ – for should we ignore, explain away or dumb down the very numerous Gospel affirmations of everlasting death, logically we should do likewise when it comes to speak of everlasting life. Scripture presents Our Lord as insisting unremittingly on both realities and indeed often in the same breath. So to aver for instance that Heaven will definitely be populous, but Hell maybe not, is a classic example of eisegesis – reading into the Bible whatever we want to see. One way people do this is by accepting merely part of God’s Word, while rejecting any verse which does not take their fancy. I enjoy Miss Maud’s, but only there is it permissible to be a smorgasbord Catholic! To conclude: a Catholic should be just as sure that many men will suffer everlastingly, as he is that many will rejoice everlastingly. Without a special revelation (Trent, Decree on Justification ch.9, and anathema no.16), it is impossible for anyone on earth, even the greatest Saint, to know he will join the second group rather than the first. (This is one of the reasons

I encourage devotions such as the Nine First Fridays.) Our Lord took flesh to give us a chance of attaining Heaven; not to intrude us there without a wedding garment (Mt 22:11-14). Fr David Wattt St Philomena’s Chapel MALAGA WA

Thanks to anonymous guardian angel THERE was a large tree at the front of our house. It had massive sharp spikes – it had to go. Three weeks in a row, with a large pair of secateurs, I cut it to pieces and packed the cutting into green waste bin. I was not keen on what looked like being a very long arduous task of removing the stump. Approaching the stump one morning with my shovel I started moving sand away from around the stump when a young man driving a machine which looked to me like one used in the green pickup stopped near me and asked if I wanted the stump out. Gladly I said “Yes” and in five minutes it was out. The driver and machine vanished down the street leaving me wondering what was he doing in this street. I recalled a sermon from the pulpit one time where the priest said “God is in my breathing, God is in my footsteps, God is everywhere, God knows what we need and gives it to us in abundance.” He certainly was with me that morning. I’m sure all of you who have experienced these “moments of knowing” would recall the simplicity and warmth of these moments. It was all the more moving as I am eighty-two years old and visit the chiropractor at six weekly intervals to keep my back in shape. Parishioner Pater Noster Parish MYAREE WA

Berlin prepares for a Church of small, spiritual cells Major changes have been announced to the Archdiocese of Berlin as Europe’s secularisation continues to take hold in German society.

e r m a n y ’s Berlin Archdiocese has announced plans to merge its parishes into larger “pastoral areas” and pool its institutional resources in the face of falling church membership. “This isn’t just an administrative reform – it’s also a spiritual one,” said Stefan Forner, archdiocesan spokesman. “The era of a popular folk church is over, so we’ve had to reshape our structures. It’s no longer normal for children to be baptised and for schools to provide religious classes. These changes have been under way for decades, and they’ve generally occurred a bit earlier in Berlin.” The reorganisation was unveiled by Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki in a December 2 pastoral to 105 local parishes. In a CNS interview, Forner said the move had encountered “mixed reactions” but been necessitated by demographic changes in the Catholic population. “Although every German diocese faces similar problems, the consequences vary – some have closed parishes, while others have kept them open,” Forner said. “But Catholics must realise it’s now up to them to find their own place – to see what’s happening around them and find ways of working with each other.” Berlin was the capital of East Germany under communist rule, and the archdiocese includes parts

of the eastern states of Brandenburg and Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, although 80 per cent of its 396,000 registered Catholics live in the German capital. In 2003, Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky appealed for funds when the archdiocese revealed it had run up debts of US$140 million after the 1989-90 reunification of East and West Germany. In 2009, the archdiocese confirmed it had closed or merged

The charisma of clergy will be better oriented ... so Church life can be better networked through small cells. half its parishes and sold off unused churches, as well as laying off 40 per cent of its clergy and staff. The German bishops’ conference, which relocated from Bonn to Berlin with the federal government in 1999, supervised a US$39 million aid package for Berlin from other Catholic dioceses. In his pastoral, Cardinal Woelki said the archdiocese’s finances had “stabilised and improved” thanks to “courageous and responsible decisions” and “great sacrifices” by church institutions.

However, he added that the archdiocese was forecast to lose a further third of its membership by 2030; Catholic schools, nurseries, hospitals, elderly homes and information centres would also be reorganized to reflect a “diaspora experience.” “Closer coordination will relieve our parish communities and make it possible to profile different locations for their potential in church music, youth and family work, and social and charitable activity,” he said. “The charisma of priests and pastors will be better oriented than before, so everyone can use their special gifts in sacramental ministry, catechesis, pastoral work, and so Church life can be networked through small spiritual cells living by the Gospel,” he said. The cardinal said the number and location of pastoral areas would be decided in coming months, but added that celebrating the Eucharist would remain at their “heart and center.” The reorganisation is the latest of several by German dioceses and follows plans by the Vienna Archdiocese in neighboring Austria to cut its parishes from 660 to 150 in the face of dwindling clergy and laity. Forner said the situation in Vienna was “completely different” than that in Berlin. He said Catholics made up just 9 per cent of the Berlin population, compared to 80 per cent in Vienna. - CNS

OPINION

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

Fireworks provide more than a bang An indication of our need to experience hope and search for something greater than ourselves: don’t count the cost.

S ANOTHER year comes to a close we will see the usual back and forth commentary about the cost of fireworks displays in all the major cities of the world to herald in the New Year. The largest display in Australia is put on in and around Sydney Harbour with approximately seven tonnes of fireworks launched. It is estimated that 1.6 million people watch the fireworks at vantage points around the harbour, a further 2.3 million watch from their homes across Australia and 1.1 billion people around the world also tune in to see the spectacle (I am curious as to how anyone can actually track this latter figure, though). The bill for this 30-minute light show comes in at around $6.5 million which, as the Lord Mayor of Sydney points out, equates to $4 for every person who gathers around the harbour. Now, of course, $6.5 million is a fair bit of money and it could be used to upgrade a hospital, feed the homeless or support our brothers

Foolish Wisdom BERNARD TOUTOUNJI

and sisters in developing nations, many of whom are surviving on a dollar a day. On face value, fireworks can seem an unnecessary and even selfish expense, especially when so many of the young people watching them end up drinking themselves silly and have to be pulled out of the gutter by friends or the police in the early hours of the morning. Fireworks do not feed the hungry, clothe the naked or teach the ignorant; they provide no genuine service to the physical needs of any person (except perhaps towards the livelihoods of those who create them). What fireworks do demonstrate, however, is man’s need for more than just food, water and shelter. In some sense, our desire to come together at such large community

events and mark the end of one period of time and the start of another shows the spiritual nature of the human person. Yes, we all have certain physical needs and governments around the globe work to varying levels of success to achieve these for their people but we have other needs as well. We have the need to be connected to others; to know that we are

Annual fireworks celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect, look forward and value community sharing. not alone on the journey through life. We have the need to experience joy; to realise that amongst the wars and poverty and disease we can still acknowledge that there is good in the world. And, perhaps most importantly, we have the

need to experience hope; to know that even with all our personal, national and global struggles we look to the coming year as a fresh beginning. Even if it lasts no longer than a few days, New Year’s Eve celebrations offer us the opportunity to lift our heads, acknowledge the time that was and look with optimism to what might be. There are not many times left when secular governments invest money in the spiritual needs of its people but the New Year’s Eve fireworks are one of those times. This need for the spiritual is perhaps more evident in the churches and cathedrals whose spires can be seen dotted between skyscrapers in our cities or in museums with beautiful works of art from across the ages. Animals have no need of beauty but man is not only an animal; he is a spiritual being who yearns for those transcendental realties of truth, beauty and goodness. If there is poverty in the modern Western world, it does not come from a lack of physical needs

but a distinct lack of transcendence. If Christianity sold off all its churches and museums sold off all the beautiful objects that they hold, then it is true that a whole lot of people could be fed today. But what would happen tomorrow? They would be hungry again and on top of there being no food, there would be no signs left to remind them of the goodness of the world and that they are capable of a reality beyond themselves. Similarly, we could cancel the New Year’s Eve fireworks this year and divert the funds into a physical and more practical project but where would people gather to process the year that was? Where would they gather to look towards what could be? Fireworks are more than just colourful explosions; they are really a sign of man’s search for something greater than himself and, without that, man descends rapidly to little more than an animal. Wishing you all greetings for a Happy New Year. www.foolishwisdom.com

All I want for Christmas . . . Rather than the commercial maelstrom of the festive season, listen to those around you and ask what they really need. Bee in my bonnet BARBARA HARRIS

ITHOUT meaning to offend anyone I think we are caught up in a side of Christmas that is bizarre and has nothing to do with why we celebrate Christmas. The trend seems to be, “Here’s my list of wants for Christmas. Can I have a look at your list?” So we swap lists and then each of us madly dash to the shops to fulfil each other’s wants. I decided to ask 10 people whom I meet regularly what was on the top of their Christmas list. The first three said, in order, money for an ipad, money for itunes so they could download music to their ipod, and the third wanted an ipod. Michele, the fourth person I asked, told me that she wanted to spend Christmas with a family. As a young child she had been placed in care and didn’t have any contact with her biological family. She said she enjoyed the fun that children had at Christmas; could I find a family she could share with. Bill and Julie just wanted a night away. They have four lovely children. Two of the children have special needs and Bill and Julie have not had a night away for ten years. Tony and Jayne are both deaf and vision impaired and live south of the river. They want to attend church each Sunday at 9.30am near the city where there is an interpreter for people who are deaf. As neither of them drive, they are looking for someone who will be on roster to provide transport once a month. David, who is in a wheelchair, has always wanted to live on a farm but has never been away from the city because of his medical needs. Could someone just take him for a visit to a farm so that he could see real sheep, real cows, ducks, birds and geese. Crowds always present Jim with challenges. Never one to sit in a crowd for more than 30 minutes without getting up and moving about, Jim often appears to be

uninterested in what is happening around him. He would like someone to invite him to a football game, sit with him and allow him to get up and leave his seat and come back when he is ready. To then stop off on the way back home for a bite to eat would be the icing on the cake. Jim’s a good talker and is quite knowledgeable of local and world events. Jim’s family come from country WA and he can share interesting stories about some famous WA people. Spending a few hours with Jim will never be boring. Christopher was put into an orphanage when he was very young and he never got to know the roots of his blood family. Only in his adult years did Chris meet his

siblings and now he has taken an interest in the country town where his parents were born, married and lived. He would love to go with a friend to explore these roots.

At the Emmanuel Christmas party recently, I shared the story of the tenth person I spoke to. For the last 12 years the lady has had to live in a nursing home. Being

Christmas isn’t about swapping lists and shopping: it’s “listening to the heart of those around us, being creative and spreading the Gospel”. As I reflected on these sharings, I realise that this is what Christmas is about. It’s not about lists but listening to the heart of those around us, being creative and spreading the Gospel, Jesus’ message. And it is so easily done!

extremely small in stature, her only way of getting about independently is in an electric wheelchair. The wheelchair has to be customised to fit. The cost of the chair is $16,000. Thirty one years ago she was given an electric wheelchair free of charge. They don’t make

parts for it anymore and it cannot be repaired. As she is now in a nursing home, electric wheelchairs are not provided. Eighty seven percent of her pension goes to the home for her care. We set out a donation box and the hundred people at the Emmanuel party put in close to $3,000. I was filled with awe at their generosity. I felt the presence of Christ born in the stable - man and God, human and divine - and it was an affirmation of what we as a Church, the Body of Christ, can do in Faith and Grace. Tax deductible donations to the “Electric Wheelchair Project” can still be made through the Emmanuel Centre.

PANORAMA

UPCOMING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Pater Noster Myaree 50th Anniversary 9.30am Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB followed by cutting the anniversary cake and morning tea. Began in 1962 as Corpus Christi, but renamed Pater Noster at the end of 2007. Parishioners, teachers and students, past and present, are invited to attend the Mass and morning tea. Enq: Parish Office 9330 3584. Tridentine Latin Mass 2pm at Good Shepherd Parish, Streich Ave, Kelmscott. Other dates: Monday, December 24 at 8.30pm and Sunday, 30 at 2pm. Enq: John 9390 6646. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Advent Preparation 7-8pm at St Benedict’s School Hall, Alness St, Applecross. Spirituality and The Sunday Gospels. Presented by Norma Woodcock. Everyone is welcome. Cost: collection. Accreditation recognised by the CEO. Enq: 9487 1772 or www. normawoodcock.com. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Medjugorje Evening of Prayer Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, 77 St Georges Tce (Allendale Sq), Perth. Since 1981 Our Lady has been reported to appear daily in Medjugorje with messages for us all. In thanksgiving, the Medjugorje evening of prayer group travel each month to a different parish to spread these messages. All welcome. Enq: Pilgrimages to Medjugorje 2013 or free dvds, 9402 2480 email medjugorje@y7mail.com mob 0407 471 256.

NEXT YEAR 2013 SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 Day with Mary 9am-5pm St Pius X Parish, 23 Paterson St, Manning. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10am Holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 St Padre Pio Prayer Day 8.30am St Jerome’s Church, cnr Rockingham Rd and Troode St, Munster. DVD in Parish Centre. 10am - Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, silent Adoration, Benediction. 11am – Holy Mass, St Padre Pio Liturgy, Confessions available. 12pm – lunch (bring a plate to share) Tea/coffee supplied. Enq: Des 6278 1540. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 TO MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Youth Inner Healing Retreat (live-in) 7.30am at St Thomas More College, 48 Mounts Bay Rd, Crawley. Led by the Vincentian Fathers. Registration and Enq: Sonia 0410 596 520 or Sheldon 0415 841 737 or dmymau@gmail.com. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Our Lady of Lourdes 70th Anniversary Mass with Archbishop Costelloe 9.30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 207 Lesmurdie Rd, Lesmurdie. Enq: Fr Kenneth 9291 6282 or 9291 8952 or 0434 934 286. St Louis Parish, Boyanup – Mass Celebrating 100th Year Anniversary 10am at St Louis Parish, cnr Bridge and Thomas Sts, Boyanup. Begins with Mass followed by luncheon at Hugh Kilpatrick Hall. RSVP for catering purposes. RSVP and Enq: Frances 9731 5058. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 St Joseph’s School Waroona - 70th Anniversary Celebration Mass 10am-3pm at St Joseph’s School, Millar St, Waroona. Is inviting all past students, staff and families to help celebrate its 70th anniversary at the school. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Chiera, Vicar General of Bunbury Diocese, and will be followed by a day of fun, food and festivities. Please pass on this information to anyone you know from the school in the last 70 years. Enq: Admin 9782 6500 or www.stjoeswaroona.wa.edu. au.

REGULAR EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.309pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria.com.

Immaculate Cafe Immaculate Cafe is now open every Sunday 9.30am-1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, downstairs after Mass. Coffee, tea, cakes, sweets, friendship with Cathedral parishioners. Further info: Tammy on smcperthwyd@yahoo.com.au or 0415 370 357. Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction.

Reconciliation 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 church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292. Praise and Worship 5.30pm at St Denis Parish, cnr Osborne St and Roberts Rd, Joondanna. Followed by 6pm Mass. Enq: Admin admin@stdenis.com.au. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY Singles Prayer and Social Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Sq, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth. Begins with Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and teaching) followed by dinner at local restaurant. Meet new people, pray and socialise with other single men and women. Enq: Veronica 0403 841 202. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Healing Hour 7-8pm at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta. Songs of praise and worship, exposition of Blessed Sacrament and prayers for sick. Enq: Fr Irek Czech SDS or office Tue-Thu, 9am-2.30pm 9344 7066. EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35 Years 7.30-8.30pm in Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon; Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise and worship; followed by a social gathering. Come and pray at a place of grace. Enq: Schoenstatt Sisters 9399 2349. Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. Includes exposition of Blessed Eucharist, silent prayer, Scripture, prayers of intercession. Come and pray those discerning vocations can hear clearly God’s call. EVERY LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Filipino Mass 3pm at Notre Dame Church, cnr Daley and Wright Sts, Cloverdale. Please bring a plate to share for socialisation after Mass. Enq: Fr Nelson Po 0410 843 412, Elsa 0404 038 483. EVERY MONDAY Evening Adoration and Communion Service 7pm at St Thomas Parish, Claremont, cnr Melville St and College Rd. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and evening prayer. 8pm Communion Service (including night prayer). Enq: Kim on 9384 0598. EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAY A Ministry to the Un-Churched 12.30-1.30pm at St John’s Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth (opposite church offices). With charismatic praise and prayer teams available. Help us ‘reach out to the pagans’ or soak in the praise. Enq: Dan 9398 4973.

LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH Be Still in His Presence – Ecumenical Christian Program 7.30-8.45pm at St Swithun Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie St, Lesmurdie (hall behind church). Begins with songs of praise and worship, silent time, lectio divina, small group sharing and cuppa. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848 or 043 5252 941. EVERY TUESDAY Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 6pm at Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm followed by Benediction. Enq: John 0408 952 194. Novena to God the Father 7.30pm at St Joachim’s parish hall, Vic Park. Novena followed by reflection and discussions on forthcoming Sunday Gospel. Enq: Jan 9284 1662. EVERY FIRST TUESDAY Short MMP Cenacle for Priests 2pm at Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Fr Watt 9376 1734. EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We welcome everyone to attend our praise meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@gmail.com. Bible Study at Cathedral 6.15pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, 17 Victoria Sq, Perth. Deepen your faith through reading and reflecting on holy Scripture by Fr Jean-Noel Marie. Meeting room beneath Cathedral. Enq: 9223 1372. Holy Hour - Catholic Youth Ministry Mass at 5.30pm and Holy Hour (Adoration) at 6.30pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Enq: www.cym.com or 9422 7912. EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY Novena to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 7-7.45pm at Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish, cnr Cassowary Dr and Pelican Pde, Ballajura. Begins with Mass, novena prayers and Benediction. Followed by healing prayers and anointing of the sick. Enq: Madi 9249 9093 or Gerry 0417 187 240. EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY Chaplets of Divine Mercy 7.30pm St Thomas More Parish, Dean Rd, Bateman accompanied by Exposition, then Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 6242 0702 (w).

therecord.com.au

December 12, 2012

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 consecrated life, especially in our parish. Concludes with veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina. Enq: John 9457 7771. St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting 7.45pm every Thursday at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Includes praise, song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@flameministries.org. Group Fifty - Charismatic Renewal Group 7.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 150 Vincent St, North Perth. Includes prayer, praise and Mass. Enq: Elaine 9440 3661. EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Prayer in Style of Taizé 7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Includes prayer, song and silence in candlelight – symbol of Christ the light of the world. Taizé info: www.taize.fr. Enq: secretary 9448 4888 or 9448 4457. Holy Hour Prayer for Priests 7.30-8.30pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY Young Adults (18 to 35) Dinner and Rosary Cenacle 6.30pm St Bernadette’s Parish, 49 Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Begins with dinner at a local restaurant. 8pm - Rosary Cenacle, short talk and refreshments at the parish. Enq: st.bernadettesyouth@gmail. com or 9444 6131. EVERY THIRD THURSDAY Auslan Café – Sign Language Workshop 12.30pm at St Francis Xavier Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Its Australian Sign Language - Auslan Café is a social setting for anybody who would like to learn or practise Auslan in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Light lunch provided. Enq: Emma emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au. EVERY FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration at Schoenstatt Shrine 10am at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon. Includes Holy Mass, exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent adoration till 8.15pm. In this Year of Grace, join us in prayer at a place of grace. Enq: Sisters of Schoenstatt 9399 2349. Healing Mass 6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; Rosary; Stations of the Cross; Healing Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Enq: admin 9493 1703 or www.vpcp. org.au. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 11am-4pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament after Mass until 4pm finishing with Rosary. Enq: Sr Marie MS.Perth@lsp.org.au. Healing Mass 7pm at St Peter’s Parish, Inglewood. Praise and worship, Exposition and Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction and anointing of the sick followed by holy Mass and fellowship. Celebrants Fr Dat and invited priests. 6.45pm Reconciliation. Enq: Mary Ann 0409 672 304, Prescilla 0433 457 352 and Catherine 0433 923 083. Healing and Anointing Mass 8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation, then 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, anointing of the sick and prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189. Catholic Faith Renewal Evening 7.30pm at Sts John and Paul Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Songs of Praise and Prayer, sharing by a priest, then thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. Enq: Kathy 9295 0913 or Ann 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail.com.

Calling all Catholic families, schools, parishes and organisations ...

Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils 7pm-1.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Lochee St, Mosman Park or St Gerard Majella Church, cnr Ravenswood Dr/Majella Rd, Westminster (Mirrabooka). Vigils are two Masses, Adoration, Benediction, prayers, Confession in reparation for outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357; Fr Giosue 9349 2315; John/Joy 9344 2609. Pro-life Witness – Mass and Procession 9.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, cnr Great Northern Hwy and Morrison Rd, Midland. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Please join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Discover Spirituality of St Francis of Assisi 12pm at St Brigid’s parish centre. The Secular Franciscans of Midland Fraternity have lunch, then 1-3pm meeting. Enq: Antoinette 9297 2314. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Healing Mass 12.35pm at St Thomas Parish, cnr Melville St and College Rd, Claremont. Spiritual leader Fr Waddell. Enq: Kim 9384 0598, claremont@perthcatholic.org. Vigil for Life – Mass and Procession 8.30am at St Augustine’s Parish, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Carey, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349. EVERY LAST SATURDAY Novena Devotions – Our Lady Vailankanni of Good Health 5pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 8 Burnett St, Embleton. Followed by Mass at 6pm. Enq: George 9272 1379. EVERY FOURTH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Voice of the Voiceless Healing Mass 12pm at St Brigid’s Parish, 211 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq: Frank 9296 7591 or 0408 183 325.

GENERAL Free Divine Mercy Image for Parishes High quality oil painting and glossy print – Divine Mercy Promotions. Images of very high quality. For any parish willing to accept and place inside the church. Oil paintings: 160 x 90cm; glossy print - 100 x 60cm. Enq: Irene 9417 3267 (w). Sacred Heart Pioneers Would anyone like to know about the Sacred Heart pioneers? If so, please contact Spiritual Director Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or John 9457 7771. St Philomena’s Chapel 3/24 Juna Dr, Malaga. Mass of the day: Mon 6.45am. Vigil Masses: Mon-Fri 4.45pm. Enq: Fr David 9376 1734. Mary MacKillop Merchandise Available for sale from Mary MacKillop Centre. Enq: Sr Maree 041 4683 926 or 08 9334 0933. Financially Disadvantaged People Requiring Low Care Aged Care Placement The Little Sisters of the Poor community is set in beautiful gardens in the suburb of Glendalough. “Making the elderly happy, that is everything!” St Jeanne Jugan (foundress). Registration and enq: Sr Marie 9443 3155. Is your son or daughter unsure of what to do this year? Suggest a Cert IV course to discern God’s purpose. They will also learn more about the Catholic faith and develop skills in communication and leadership. Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (National Code 51452).Enq: Jane 9202 6859. AA Alcoholics Anonymous Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Enq: AA 9523 3566.

Saints and Sacred Relics Apostolate Invite SSRA Perth invites interested parties, parish priests, leaders of religious communities, lay associations to organise relic visitations to parishes, communities, etc. We have available authenticated relics, mostly first-class, of Catholic saints and blesseds including Sts Mary MacKillop, Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua, Therese of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Simon Stock and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Free of charge and all welcome. Enq: Giovanny 0478 201 092 or ssra-perth@catholic.org Enrolments, Year 7, 2014 La Salle College now accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2014. For prospectus and enrolment please contact college reception 9274 6266 or email lasalle@lasalle.wa.edu.au Acts 2 College, Perth’s Catholic Bible College is now pleased to be able to offer tax deductibility for donations to the College. If you are looking for an opportunity to help grow the faith of young people and evangelise the next generation of apostles, please contact Jane Borg, Principal at Acts 2 College on 0401 692 690 or principal@ acts2come.wa.edu.au Divine Mercy Church Pews Would you like to assist, at the same time becoming part of the history of the new Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering, by donating a beautifully handcrafted jarrah pew currently under construction, costing only $1,000 each. A beautiful brass plaque with your inscription will be placed at the end of the pew. Please make cheques payable to Divine Mercy Church Building fund and send with inscription to PO Box 8, Bullsbrook WA 6084. Enq: Fr Paul 0427 085 093. Abortion Grief Association Inc A not-for-profit association is looking for premises to establish a Trauma Recovery Centre (pref SOR) in response to increasing demand for our services (ref.www.abortiongrief.asn.au). Enq: Julie (08) 9313 1784. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - 2013 COURSES Resource Centre for Personal Development Holistic Health Seminar The Instinct to Heal Tue 3-4.30pm; RCPD2 Internalise Principles of Successful Relationships and Use Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills Tue 4.30-6.30pm, 197 High St, Fremantle - Tuesdays 3-4.30pm. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585. Bookings essential. 1) RCPD6 ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ This course combines theology with relationship education and personal/spiritual awareness by teaching self-analysis. 2) ‘The Wounded Heart’ ‘Healing for emotional and sexual abuse promotes healing and understanding for the victim and the offender. Holistic counselling available - www. members.dodo.net.au/~evalenz/. Religious item donations for Thailand Church Fr Ferdinando Ronconi is the parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Phuket, Thailand. He is in need of religious items such as rosaries and holy medals for his local congregation and visitors. If you are able to help, please post items to: PO Box 35, Phuket 83000, Thailand or, if you are on holiday in Phuket, bring your donated items with you to church and stay for Mass! Fr Ferdinando can be contacted on tel: 076 212 266 or 089 912 899 or ronconi.css@gmail.com. Good Shepherd Parish History I am compiling the history of the Good Shepherd Parish and everyone who has been a part of building the Good Shepherd community is invited to write their story and include photos. An editor has been engaged and the deadline to receive your story is January 30, 2013. Please forward on email: goodshepherdparishhistory@gmail.com. Any enquiries ring Nick De Luca on 9378 2684 or 0419 938 481. WANTED: Christmas Crib Figurines needed for New Parish Contact Fr Francis on 9296 7088 or hn1002004@ yahoo.com.au.

How are you celebrating the Year of Grace? Send your stories to parishes@therecord.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS

therecord.com.au December 12, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS CATHOLICS CORNER Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Ph 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat. RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, Baptism/Communion apparel, religious vestments, etc. Visit us at 39 Hulme Ct (off McCoy St), Myaree. Ph 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve. KINLAR VESTMENTS www.kinlarvestments.com.au Quality handmade and decorated vestments: albs, stoles, chasubles, altar linen, banners. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@ gmail.com. MEMENTO CANDLES Personalised candles for Baptism, Wedding, Year 12 Graduations and Absence. Photo and design embedded into candle, creating a great keepsake! Please call Anna: 0402 961 901 or anna77luca@hotmail.com to order a candle or Facebook: Memento Candles.

FURNITURE REMOVAL ALL AREAS. Competitive rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.

BOOKBINDING RESTORATION BOOKBINDING and conservation, general book repairs, Bibles, Breviaries, sad, old and leather bindings renewed. Tel: 0401 941 577.

TAX SERVICE QUALITY TAX RETURNS PREPARED by registered tax agent with over 35 years’ experience. Call Tony Marchei 0412 055 184 for appt. AXXO Accounting & Management, Unit 20/222 Walter Rd, Morley. Trade services.

Deadline: 11am Monday SETTLEMENTS

HEALTH

ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING real estate or a business? Why not ask Excel Settlements for a quote for your settlement. We offer reasonable fees, excellent service, no hidden costs. Ring 9481 4499 for a quote. Check our website on www. excelsettlements.com.au.

LOSE WEIGHT SAFELY with good nutrition. Free samples. Call or SMS Michael 0412 518 318.

ACCOMMODATION

SERVICES

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Esperance holiday accommodation, 3-bedroom house, fully furnished. Phone 08 9076 5083.

RURI STUDIO FOR HAIR Vincent and Miki welcome you to their newly opened, international, award-winning salon. Shop 2, 401 Oxford St, Leederville. 9444 3113. Ruri-studio-for-hair@ hotmail.com.

PILGRIMAGES EXODUS PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND 5th November 20th November, 2013. Are you interested in being part of our 16 DAYS OF EXODUS PILGRIMAGE (following the footstep of Moses) to the HOLY LAND (Egypt, Jordan and Holy Land) for just $4,100 from November 5-20, 2013? If interested, please for early reservation/booking and other inquiries, contact: Fr Emmanuel (Spiritual Director) on: 0417 999 553, fremmanueltv@hotmail.com. Trinidad on: 0420 643 949, dax_gatchi@ yahoo.com. Nancy on: 0430 025 774, rncarfrost@hotmail.com. PILGRAMAGE OF MERCY -Depart May 11, 2013. Fatima/ Poland/Czestochowa/ Auschwitz/Divine Mercy./ Vilnius Lithuania/Rome/ Gennazzano. Fra Elia (Stigmatist) Civitavecchia (miraculous Madonna shrine) Subiaco/Medjugorje 5 countries. Exceptional value all inclusive $6,890. Fr Bogoni (Spiritual Director) Yolanda 0413 707 707/ Harvest toll free 1800 819 156 23 days.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

NATUROPATHIC SERVICE: For a natural approach to achieving good health, call Martin today on 0407 745 294.

BRENDAN HANDYMAN SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588. WRR LAWN MOWING AND WEED SPRAYING Garden clean ups and rubbish removal. Get rid of bindii, jojo and other unsightly weeds. Based in Tuart Hill. Enq: 6161 3264 or 0402 326 637. BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952. PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Ph Tom Perrott 9444 1200. PRIME ART FRAMERS CUSTOM FRAMING With 20 years’ experience, we offer unparalleled advice and service for all your custom framing requirements. We also have an extensive range of framed artwork and mirrors. Hurry in for our Christmas special 20% off all custom framing. Ends Jan 31. Quality guaranteed. PRIME ART FRAMERS, 2/240 MAIN STREET, OSBORNE PARK. 9344 8641 or www.primeart. vpweb.com.au.

Home-based business. Wellness industry. Call 02 8230 0290 or www.dreamlife1.com.

Subscribe!!!

Classifieds

For $85 you can receive a year’s worth of The Record delivered to your house

Name:

_____________

Address:

_____________

Suburb:

_____________

Postcode:

_____________

Telephone:

______________

I enclose cheque/money order for $85 Please debit my

Bankcard

Mastercard

Visa Card

C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 3 Number of New Testament letters that bear the name of a person 9 The Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state 10 He called for justice to roll down like water 11 Extreme ___ 12 “What God ___ joined together…” 14 French clergyman 16 Her tomb was the first thing bought in the Bible 17 Number of days Jonah spent in the belly of a large fish (Jon 1:17) 18 Saint for sore throats 20 St Nicholas is a patron of this country 22 Nativity scene 24 Doubting apostle 26 Colour of Ordinary Time 27 “___ Noster” 30 Funeral ___ 32 There were 40 days and nights of this 34 Penance ___ 35 Mary made a request of Jesus here 36 Sydney’s first archbishop, John ___ Polding 37 Author of The Models of the Church DOWN 1 Number of humans in Noah’s ark (Gen 7:13) 2 Nod, vis-à-vis Eden 4 St ___ de Marillac 5 ___ of Christ 6 “Love your ___ as yourself”

W O R D

No Expiry Date: ____/____ Signature: _____________ Name on card: I wish to be invoiced Send to: The Record, PO Box 3075, Adelaide Terrace WA 6832

______

Panorama

The deadline for Panorama is Friday 5pm the week before the edition is published.

______

S L E U T H

7 8 13 15 17 19 21 23 24 25 26 28 29 31 33

North American country with approximately 40% Catholic population “…the babe leaped in her ___” (Lk 1:41) They blew these outside the walls of Jericho Wife of 31D The Law 50’s Catholic televangelistbishop Moved by God Sacre ___ Abbreviation for two NT epistles Book with the words and rubrics of a liturgy Catholic author of The Power and the Glory “And do not bring us to the time of ___.” (Lk 11:4) One of the seraphim or cherubim, for example First man Cry from the congregation

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

TheTRecord he Record LastBookshop W in ord 1911 The

December 12, 2012, The Record

December Catalogue BOOKS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

FROM

$1 This reader-friendly companion provides everything Catholics need for a richer experience of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Whether readers wish to follow a traditional, contemporary, or family program of devotion and prayer for Advent and Christmas, this all-in-one resource will be a treasured guidebook. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook covers a wide range of topics including: - Morning and evening prayer services

A DAILY COMPANION

THE ESSENTIAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS HANDBOOK

- A short history of Advent - The preparatory nature of Advent - Traditional hymns and symbols of Christmas - Traditional Christmas practices - A Christmas novena

ONLY

$22

- And much more ...

BIBIANA KWARAMBA Bookshop Manager

Telephone: 9220 5912 Email: bookshop@therecord.com.au Address: 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000