The Record Newspaper 15 June 2011

Oldest Priest dies

Beloved Perth priest Fr John Chokolich passed away recently after an extraordinary life

Obituary - Page 13

Classification Clash?

Australia’s Bishops and family lobby groups take widely differing approaches to classification of violent video games

- Page 17

THE R ECORD

‘Catholics can’t just sit around in parishes’

Archbishop Hickey has given a strong reminder to Catholics that their vocation is to change the world. Evangelisation does not depend on joining parish councils, he told an audience at Notre Dame University in Fremantle

BY ANTHONY BARICH

IT is not enough to just be involved in parish councils and liturgy; Catholics must build up God’s kingdom and not fear the attacks of an increasingly secular world, Archbishop Barry Hickey said at the University of Notre Dame Australia on 7 June.

In the second of UNDA’s ‘Bishops Speaking Out’ lecture series, the Archbishop spoke on the theme “The Church and the Modern World” –the English title of a key Vatican II document from 1965 - Gaudium et Spes - saying Catholic belief is increasingly being pushed to the margins.

He said that while the Second Vatican Council called on the lay faithful to take their full place Please turn to Page 2

Full text of Archbishop’s speech - Pages 6&7

Retreat comes alive with faith and fun

Pope accepts Archbishop’s retirement ... ‘in principle’

BY BRIDGET SPINKS

PERTH Archbishop Barry Hickey’s letter of resignation which he presented to the Holy Father on his 75th birthday has been accepted in principle by the Holy Father

nunc pro tunc (now for then) to take effect once his successor is announced. “The Pope has indicated to me he wants me to stay on until my successor is announced,” Archbishop Hickey told The Record. “I am happy to do so and will gladly do my best

to fulfill the demands of the position until the time has arrived to stand down,” he said. He said he was very pleased the Holy Father has accepted his offer, “because I think at 75 one should be prepared to step

Please turn to Page 19

From Fatima to Lourdes, Our Lady is making her Son known

YONKERS, New York (Zenit.

org) - There’s a lot to the story of Fatima that many Catholics don’t know, according to the author of a new book on the 1917 miracle.

In Fatima For Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope, (Ignatius Press), Fr Andrew Apostoli brings the story of Fatima to a new generation. “[Catholics] are learning a lot that they didn’t know about Fatima,” Fr Apostoli told Zenit. “A lot of good Catholics probably have a general idea … the rough lines of it and some details, but there’s a lot to the story.”

Since seeing the film Miracle of Fatima as a young boy, Fr Apostoli says that the apparitions have had a great impact on his life.

“It was such a stirring story of these little children, their courage, and the importance of the message that Mary was confiding to them.” He says that he has tried faithfully to live as Our Lady requested, namely, keeping the devotion of the Five First Saturdays.

“That’s a very important part of the message,” the priest stated, “one, by the way, which Sr Luciathe oldest of the three children of Fatima - herself admitted was not

being done in numbers that we need. It’s one of the two things Our Lady requested for the conversion of Russia,” the second being the consecration of Russia.

Fr Apostoli’s great devotion to Our Lady of Fatima prompted Ignatius Press to request that he write an in-depth book on the subject. To many, it may seem that a book on an occurrence that took place in a small village during the middle of World War I might not have much relevance today. However, both Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI felt strongly that the message given during the Great War is just as meaningful today, if not more so.

Fr Apostoli sees a correlation to all the hardships the US is experiencing and Mary’s message to turn toward her Son: “Sincere people need to hear God’s voice, I think. If people start doing what Our Lady said, graces will flow. I think what the nation is going through now … people losing their jobs, people

have lost their savings, or are in danger of wondering what they’re going to live on, that’s going to call them back to God.”

At Fatima, Mary made the plea: “Do not offend the Lord our God anymore, because He is already so much offended.” To make amends for their sinful ways and to help save souls, Mary asked for people

to make the Five First Saturday devotions. On the first Saturday for five consecutive months, Catholics are to go to Confession, receive the Eucharist, pray five decades of the Rosary and “keep Our Lady company” for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.”

- Fatima for Today is available from The Record Bookshop.

Touched by the reality of the invisible

Record journalist Mark Reidy travelled to Lourdes in March to report on the remarkable phenomenon that contibnues to draw millions. Turn to Pages 9-12 to read all about the mystery of Lourdes.

Giving glory to God: With James Abbot on guitar, Annick Monthy, Charisse Towers and Tiffany Montalvo sing songs of praise and worship at the Catholic Youth Ministry Teen Retreat held 3-5 June at Eagle’s Nest Retreat Centre in Gidgegannup.

PHOTO: MICHAEL CONNELLY

Mercy boys answer Br Olly’s call

Young men live motto

Twelve Year 10 boys from Mercy College unpacked a whopping 2,500 cartons of wheelchair parts for Christian Brother Olly Pickett in Fremantle on 2 June.

When a shipping container packed with parts arrived in the port on 1 June, Br Olly, who manages the workshop at Wheelchairs for Kids, called on students at Mercy College, Koondoola to lend a hand.

Twelve boys from the College - whose motto is Love in Action - rose to the challenge and went the next day to help unload.

Volunteers who are mostly retirees run the workshop in Wangara, but moving the boxes out of the shipping container was a mammoth task for them.

The workshop produces 200 wheelchairs a month. These are shipped around the world to give to children who are unable to walk for reasons including disability, war or poverty.

Br Olly was appreciative of the Mercy College students’ help.

“These parts are used to make the wheelchairs that will go to children who desperately need them,” he said.

Archbishop refocuses on role of Baptised as witnesses of truth

Continued from Page 1 in the life, liturgy and mission of the Church but “only the first two have happened,” he said.

Since Vatican II, “has the Church affected human affairs and human culture with its Christian witness?” he asked. “If not, is it because the world has changed so much as to deny the Church access to its life, or have the internal scandals of money, secularity and worst of all, paedophilia, bled the Church of its power and influence and sent it back to the “ghetto”, afraid to raise its head for fear of attack?”

The Archbishop said the lay faithful are called more than ever to oppose evil and fulfil their baptismal calling to share in Jesus’ mission.

councils or participate in the Sacred Liturgy, as important as these roles are, but to be in the world in order to purify its culture, to oppose evil and to spread the love of Christ.

I cannot do this for you”.

“In fact it said that the true lay vocation is not in running the Church but in carrying Christ to the world.

“Sometimes we forget our baptismal purification and our Confirmation anointing, but it is true. We are made holy by these sacraments and share a deep intimacy with Jesus the Saviour.

While all are called to share in the “royal priesthood” of Christ, the Archbishop said it is critical that the ministerial priesthood of Holy Orders be recognised as different from the universal call to holiness, “otherwise there is confusion”. However, Vatican II called the lay faithful to “not just sit on Church

“As Jesus had a call from His Father, so we share that same call. It is not enough for us to recognise the awesome dignity that has been given us in sharing the priesthood of Christ, we also need to understand that we have been called to share in Jesus’ own mission to return the world to His Father – to defeat the power of evil and exhibit the power of love, in brief, to destroy the Kingdom of Satan and establish the Kingdom of God.”

Full text of Archbishop’s speech - Pages 6&7

Archbishop Barry Hickey addresses the University of Notre Dame Australia’s BIshops Speaking Out event in Fremantle on 7 June.

PHOTO: FR ROBERT CROSS

Mercy College boys answering the call for assistance from Christian Brother Olly Pickett.

PHOTO: SUE BURSEY

Anniversary call to bring world to Christ

City Beach celebrates legacy of Father Phelan and other faithful Catholics

BY ANTHONY BARICH

THE 50th anniversary of Holy Spirit parish and school in City Beach on Pentecost was cause for reflection on the mission of the Church to convert the world.

That City Beach parish has only had two parish priests in 50 years is a testimony to founding priest Fr Tom Phelan’s commitment and spiritual life, Archbishop Barry Hickey said on the occasion.

Priests are critical as examples of how to follow Christ and icons of Christ Himself as spiritual leaders and chief formators of a parish, the Archbishop said, celebrating Mass for the parish and school’s 50th anniversary on Pentecost, 12 June, with current parish priest Fr Don Kettle and Dominican Fr Anthony Van Dyke.

The name of the parish – Holy Spirit – was apt for the Pentecost feast, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ disciples 40 days after He ascended into heaven, promising he would send the Paraclete –also the name of City Beach’s parish bulletin.

The Archbishop also used the occasion to speak about the mission of the Church – the theme of his Pentecost Pastoral Letter and his 7 June Bishops Speaking Out address at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle.

Without the Holy Spirit, he said, it would have been impossible for the Apostles to fulfill the mission Jesus gave them – to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Every Catholic has that mandate from their Baptism where they receive the Holy Spirit; and again in its fullness in Confirmation. An increasingly secular world needs Catholics to fulfill this mission today, he said.

“There has been an abandonment by many nations of Christianity as their driving force due to the rise in secularism, which seeks to extinguish the Church and its influence in the world,” he said.

“They all fail, but they do enormous damage along the way, turning people in the wrong direction,

against the Church and the teachings of Jesus, and has them chasing personal fulfilment rather than holiness. The Church must address the signs of the times and speak the voice of Jesus in a way people will listen.”

Many in the Church, too, have drifted away into secular society and have adopted secular values, he said, abandoning prayer and the sacraments that will help them reach their true fulfilment.

This, too, must be addressed by the Church, which must not be content to have a ‘ghetto’ mentality that only sees Catholics talk about the faith among themselves and not reach out to the wider world and those who have strayed from the Faith, he said.

“We must draw them back into full worshipping membership of the Church. We do this by living good lives that is catching,” he said.

The sinfulness of the Church in its members will always need to be dealt with, as temptation is still there despite the positive influence of Baptism, he said.

“But the Sacrament of Penance is there to draw people back to lives of holiness, which is essential if we are to have any credibility to preach the Gospel message by our lives,” he said.

The Archbishop said that Jesus has called every Catholic to evangelise, and reminded them that as “a consecrated nation” they are not “a

series of individuals” but “a leaven to show the light of Christ” as a Church community.

“The Holy Spirit will animate us as we take the Gospel to the world,” he said.

This is also Pope Benedict XVI’s message to Europe, Archbishop Hickey said. Similarly, Catholics in Australia need to re-animate their own country and culture with enthusiasm, with the Good News, “because it is good news”.

Archbishop Hickey remembered taking part in the opening celebrations of Holy Spirit parish and church, he said, and that the surrounding area was a housing precinct for the Empire Games village, with “sand as far as the eye could see”.

The parish buildings were considered modern and ahead of their time when first opened, he noted, and thanked God for the local community’s faith and fidelity to God.

The Archbishop also unveiled and blessed a plaque in honour of Fr Phelan who died in 2007, the year Fr Kettle took over.

Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School opened in February 1965 with 33 Year 1 and 2 students enrolled.

The school was run by Dominican nuns, with Sr Mary Dominica as the foundation pricipal. Today, the school has an enrolment of 233 children from pre-kindergarten to Year 6.

Archbishop Barry Hickey offers Mass with City Beach parish priest Fr Don Kettle, left, and Dominican Fr Anthony Van Dyke, right, for the parish and adjacent school’s 50th anniversary on the feast of Pentecost, 12 June. PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH

Archbishop Barry Hickey blesses the plaque dedicated to City Beach founding parish priest Fr Tom Phelan, assisted by altar boy Sebastian Bargmann, whose mother Felicity headed the parish’s 50th anniversary celebrations committee.

The original Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, up on the hill in City Beach. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY BEACH PARISH AND SCHOOL.

Holy Spirit parish altar servers kneel to reverence the Eucharist during consecration at the parish’s 50th anniversary Mass.

Holy Spirit Church in construction phase.

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A Cruisy Night at the CYM Ball

Young adults from all over Perth boarded a Captain Cook cruise ship for the annual Catholic Youth Ministry ball on 28 May. The theme this year was ‘Recycle Ball’ to encourage young people to buy op-shop outfits, use pre-loved or borrowed outfits.

“So often there is a lot of pressure for young people to spend hundreds of dollars or even $1,000 to buy outfits for formal balls,” Catholic Youth Ministry director Anita Parker said.

“This year, we wanted to emphasise that you can look great and not spend a lot of money. This also helps with those saving up for the Madrid World Youth Day,” she said.

The CYM team welcomed the guests aboard the boat while emcee for the evening Vincent Haber and DJ David Gravestock kept the crowd entertained throughout the night. A fantastic night of dinner and dancing is always the highlight of the social calendar for Catholic young adults. The joy of the Holy Spirit was truly present that night through the genuine fun and laughter of friends.

Among the prizes raffled off that night, Shawn McDermott

took home the major prize: a lunch cruise for two.

Funds raised on the night will go towards supporting the CYM pilgrimage trip to WYD in Madrid.

For more information on Catholic Youth Ministry events, visit www.cym.com.au

THE Ukrainian Catholic Community in Perth commemorated Ukrainian Heroes on 29 May.

After Holy Liturgy the head of CYM (Спілка Української Молоді, or Ukrainian Youth Association) Perth John Karpewycz and brother Simon placed a wreath in front of the tetrapod (small serving altar).

Then Fr Wolodymyr Kalinecki, the parish priest of the Maylands Ukrainian Catholic parish whom Bishop Peter Stasiuk recently appointed as chaplain of the Ukrainian CYM Perth, began the panahyda (memorial service) for those who gave their lives for freedom and a better future of Ukraine.

During the service at their Maylands church, representatives of organisations and CYMivtsi (Youth Association) formed a guard of honour with the holy cross, the Ukrainian national flag together with the flags of Ukrainian service organisations. The memorial service ended by singing Hrystos Voskres (Christ is Risen) and a memorial song Vydysh Brate Mij (Can you see, my brother), led by church cantor Vladimir Kania.

After the church service, everyone went to the parish hall of St John the Baptist for refreshments and a short commemoration of Ukrainian heroes.

The programme was announced by the President of the Ukrainian Association of WA, Mykola Mowczan, who, after welcoming Reverend Fathers, heads of organisations and all present, outlined the main stages of Ukraine’s liberation struggle in the 20th century.

He also highlighted that this year is the 120th anniversary of the birth of Colonel Evhen Konvalets’, member of the heroic WWI Sich Riflemen and head of the OUN (Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists).

Following the President’s opening address, Vesna Choir conducted by Susanna Prushynska sang three songs - When you grow up son, Oh we can see the Village and For Ukraine it’s freedom, honour and

Ukrainian Catholics remember heroes

people. Then Diana Teplyj delivered a speech about the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian men and women for an independent Ukraine, especially the role of Evhen Konvalets in this fight and his brazen assassination in Rotterdam by a Russian Soviet agent. The final item was prepared by the education coordinator of the Ukrainian Youth Association, Bohdan Mykytiuk, who reminded the audience that Ukraine was currently in the midst of renewed battle with those led by President Yanukovych who seek to turn back the clock and reduce Ukraine to the status of ‘Little Russia’ through the re-introduction of Russian language and a compulsory, revised history curriculum popularising the former Soviet State.

For the first time since the end of Soviet rule, freedom of speech has been suppressed and people have been jailed for expressing their point of view.

Bohdan emphasised the view of

the head of the Ukrainian GreekCatholic Church, Most Reverend Sviatoslav Shevchuk, on the importance of educating the youth, the future leadership of Ukraine, and the need to see all proposed through the eyes of God.

Bohdan also highlighted the national movement of Christian renewal under the leadership of the Holy Spirit Seminary and the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, stressing the importance of caring for those in need, as well as caring for community and country, and encouraged donations to support their work.

He ended his presentation with a deeply moving and haunting song about the heroic struggle for independence that he learned from the Rector and vice-Rector of the seminary.

To learn more about or support national Christian renewal in Ukraine, please contact Bohdan on 0403 301 079.

PHOTOS: NIGEL CORNELIUS

Fr Wolodymyr Kalinecki, parish priest of Ukrainian Catholics in Maylands and chaplain of the youth ministry in Perth, leads the Holy Liturgy. Left, a choir sings traditional Ukrainian songs remembering national heroes.

PHOTOS: COURTESY UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Perth teenagers joined the Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) team for the ‘Be Inflamed’ retreat over 3-5 June.

The teens aged between 13 and 17 spent a weekend away to inflame their faith life, getting ready for the feast of Pentecost the following Sunday.

The weekend was packed full of games, formation talks, Scripture, bushwalks, Reconciliation and Mass. All the young people on the retreat were able to renew their faith and prayer life and meet other young Catholics from around Perth.

There was a great mix of gifts and talents from across the Archdiocese to support the weekend. Teenagers from the Lockridge parish youth group made up the main music team while supporting retreat leaders came from the Youth for Christ community and Bateman parish.

Flame Ministries International joined the CYM team for the Saturday night of prayer and praise. The night was a Spirit-filled experience for all. With the energy levels still

high, the teenagers put on a variety night of skits and music using the theme ‘the effects of the Holy Spirit’.

The teenagers left the retreat keen to stay connected to their faith through local youth groups and regular personal prayer. One of the teenagers wrote after the retreat weekend: “It has brought me closer to God and made me want to pray more.”

Keep in contact with upcoming CYM events for teens and young adults through www.cym.com.au and through facebook

‘Catholic Youth Ministry Perth’.

Pope gets manga treatment for World Youth Day

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Move over, Spider-Man. Here come some new comic book heroes.

Among this new breed of heroes are Pope Benedict XVI, St Paul and Old Testament figure Judith.

They are the stars of comic books done in a style older generations never saw in the comic book rack at the neighbourhood drugstore growing up. The genre is called manga, a Japanese genre of cartoons and comic books, and Jonathan Lin, who runs Manga Hero, may well be the world’s only publisher of Catholic manga comics.

A 32-page Pope Benedict manga comic will be distributed in August during World Youth Day in Madrid. Lin said he expects to have 300,000 copies produced in Spain to meet demand. He hopes it will whet World Youth Day participants’ appetites for a longer Pope Benedict manga to be produced this fall in the United States.

“I wanted to start my own business - something that could positively influence young people, who are especially influenced by media,” Lin told CNS from San Rafael, California. “I was talking to my parents. And my dad, who actually grew up in Japan, asked me, ‘How come there’s no biblical manga?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s right. That’s a shame.’ There were only a couple written by Protestants

and published by Protestants that basically converted the Bible into a manga series,” Lin said.

But it got Lin to thinking: “What stories are there out there that could actually work?”

The St Paul and Judith mangas are already available for sale. Later this summer, Lin will have produced a manga telling the parable of the ten virgins at the wedding feast from the Gospel of Matthew.

There were “five who were ready, five who were not,” he reminded, referring to the five virgins who were prepared with oil to light the way for the bridegroom, who symbolises Christ, and the other five who were running out of oil because the bridegroom was delayed.

Lin explained the difference between mangas and “traditional” comics.

“The manga art style is totally

different than the Western comics tradition,” he said. “The Japanese art style is more exaggeratedbroadly defined hair, for example. Maybe big eyes. The framing of the scene can be quite different.

“The sense is that in traditional comic books of the 50s and 60s, everything was quite linear. In manga, the action may be more disjointed.

“Put it this way: The action

sequences could all be happening all at one time, in one frame. Or you could have multiple scenes going on in multiple frames. This style has been adopted in Western graphic novels as well,” Lin said.

Lin, 36, is a real estate broker and uses his earnings to provide seed money for his mangas which can be viewed at www.mangahero.com. He was in Sydney for World Youth Day in 2008 and plans to be in Madrid to oversee the manga distribution of the Pope Benedict comic.

Still, Lin does not do it all by himself. He recruited two writers from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego. (The school also supplied Lin with a grant to produce the 300,000 World Youth Day mangas.) And a full-time manga artist in Singapore does Lin’s manga artwork.

One of Lin’s writers, Gabrielle Gniewek, 21, plans to graduate in September with a degree in entertainment media. “When I got here, I really got into the whole Japanese manga thing,” she told CNS in a 5 June telephone interview.

“I was searching for a job as a student to pay the grocery bills,” Gniewek added. “I was known as ‘the Japanese girl’ ... I was in charge of the anime (a Japanese style of animation) club at school when Lin posted flyers looking for a Catholic manga artist.”

PHOTOS: MATT LIM AND MICHAEL CONNELLY

The cover of manga comic books on Pope Benedict XVI and Biblical characters St Paul and Judith which will be distributed in August during World Youth Day in Madrid. Jonathan Lin runs Manga Hero which may well be the world’s only publisher of Catholic manga comics.

PHOTOS: CNS/COURTESY MANGA HERO

Go where I cannot go, transform

The Church and the Modern World

Archbishop Barry Hickey

7 June 2011

The University of Notre Dame Australia

“Bishops Speaking Out” lecture series

The title of this talk, The Church and the Modern World, is the English title of the Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes. It was issued in December 1965.

The central theme of this document is this - the Church is to be engaged with the world, it is to be its Gaudium et Spes – its Joy and its Hope. The Church is called to offer the world the Joy and the Hope that Jesus offered.

The Second Vatican Council ended on a supremely optimistic note – the Church throughout the world was booming – in vocations to the priesthood and Religious Life, the Church was steadily expanding in numbers and in influence. It was a political force of some significance in Europe and in the emerging nations of Africa and Latin America.

It was strong and ready to embrace the world and confidently present itself as its Light, especially as it recognised the good already in the world.

The Church had already begun to reach out to Communist governments, confident that it could help the people under Communist rule by lightening the weight of the Communist hammer and sickle.

Millions of Catholic faithful around the world felt a new age of optimism had arrived. The Church would emerge from its ghetto, be renewed within and ready to offer its good news to the world and to be hope and joy especially to the millions of needy, poor and rejected people.

Those were heady days of change, renewal, innovation and enthusiasm.

Huge culture changes

What happened? As the Church began to gear up for change, the world suddenly changed radically, unexpectedly, and caused the Church to hesitate a bit as it sought to understand what was going on. At that very time a huge cultural movement was building up – a revo-

Notre Dame helps lawyers blend in

THE University of Notre Dame Australia has issued a new guidebook to prepare students for a career in law.

Francisco Esparraga, Senior Law lecturer at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney Campus, has co-written the guidebook that assists university students to apply their theoretical knowledge of administrative law to real life scenarios.

lution in the universities, in politics, in popular culture, in music, and in the area of personal and marital relationships. The young called for freedom. This burst forth in the late ‘60s proclaiming freedom from entrenched authorities like the State and the Church, and freedom from traditional moral restraints.

Two events encapsulate this revolution, the birth control pill in 1961 and Woodstock in 1969.

The sexual revolution had arrived, trumpeting freedom from the moral restraints of the ‘50s and earlier. Institutions like the Church were seen to be obstacles to progress.

It was not well understood at the time but this new movement in the world nullified to a great extent the standing and influence of the Church. While the spirit of optimism continued for two more decades, the world which Gaudium et Spes addressed had changed radically and was no longer listening.

We still believe we are called to be the Joy and the Hope of the world, but we cannot be so naive as to think the world is listening any more. The Gospel is as countercultural as it has ever been. But let us look at what the Church was and is calling us to do and to be. In particular, what is the role of the layperson.

The message of

Gaudium et Spes

This is what Gaudium et Spes has said –

● The Church is in solidarity with the whole human family. Its opening words have become famous –“The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well.” (No 1)

● The Church carries the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. (No 4)

● All women and men are made in the image of God and therefore they possess a fundamental dignity that is to be respected.

● Sin has broken the natural order of relationships with one another and with our final destiny. Humanity has been wounded by sin.

● In one’s conscience is discovered a law, the difference between right and wrong. It is there, in that sanctuary of their conscience, that we are alone with God and hear His voice.

● People are to be free, free to respond to what they know is right and good. Even those who do not believe in God find within themselves this urge to restore right order among the peoples.

● Because all have been redeemed by Christ and belong to the one human race, we must be considered

“If you think of review of decision-making; protection of information rights; and accountability of government processes, rarely does a day go by where there are not elements of administrative law in the public spotlight,” Mr Esparraga said in a statement on the Catholic university’s website.

“It is all about citizens being able to protect their rights and being able to challenge government decision-making.” He said that students have to grapple with the use of concepts such as policy and government decision-making, which are often difficult to grasp in a legal context.

“Once students realise how

essentially equal. This quality is the ultimate aim of social justice.

● Because we are members of the human race, we are called to participate in human affairs and transcend individualistic goals for the Common Good.

● The purpose of the Church is not political, nor economic. It is religious. But this religious mission gives commitment, vigour and direction in human affairs. In a sense the Church is the sacrament of the world, a sign and instrument of the union between God and the world. (Nos 42/43)

● “The laity are called to participate actively in the entire life of the Church; not only are they to animate the world with the spirit of Christianity, they are to be witnesses to Christ in all circumstances and at the very heart of the community.” (No 3)

● The document has an extensive section on principles of social and economic justice, outlining the ways in which the Church can carry out its mission and how the laity can be witnesses to it.

● The document looks forward to a new era of participation in human affairs and, while recognising the autonomy of political life, it wants to bring the Gospel to the everyday structures and affairs of the whole of humanity.

● The Decree rejects any suggestion that the Church’s work is only within the Catholic community. It has rejected the “ghetto” mentality.

What has happened since those heady days? Has the Church affected human affairs and human culture with its Christian witness? If not, is it because the world has changed so much as to deny the Church access to its life, or have the internal scandals of money, secularity and, worst of all, paedophilia, bled the Church of its power and influence and sent it back to the “ghetto”, afraid to raise its head for fear of attack.

I will come back to this later.

Clergy and laity

Strictly speaking, there is no laity. Theologically, the division between priest and lay person does not exist.

Baptism is the Sacrament that gives us a share of Christ’s priesthood. At the Baptism ceremony we are called “priest, prophet and king” because we share in Jesus’ priesthood in His prophetic role and His kingship.

We must remember in the words of St Peter that we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood and holy nation, a people set apart” (1 Pet 2:9).

Our union with the Risen Christ is a sharing of His risen life, even His priesthood.

We are an anointed, consecrated people, our Baptism confirmed by the sacred chrism we received at our Confirmation. Baptism gives us a Christian dignity. We are, whether we are conscious of it or

administrative law impacts on us in everyday life, law without us noticing, the theory falls into place and is seen as a very practical application of the law,” Mr Esparraga said.

The Administrative Law Guidebook is Mr Esparraga’s first book to be published by Oxford University Press.

Research focus

THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s Annual Appeal 2011 will focus on three priority areas of building research capacity: the Futures Scholarship Fund, capital infrastructure, and development.

not, “temples of the Holy Spirit”. We should never forget this mystical and sacred understanding of the baptised person.

Sometimes we forget our Baptismal purification and our Confirmation anointing, but it is true. We are made holy by these sacraments and share a deep intimacy with Jesus the Saviour.

As Jesus had a call from His Father, so we share that same call. It is not enough for us to recognise the awesome dignity that has been given us in sharing the priesthood of Christ: we also need to understand that we have been called to share in Jesus’ own mission to return the world to His Father – to defeat the power of evil and exhibit the power of love; in brief, to destroy the Kingdom of Satan and establish the Kingdom of God.

Having said that, there is a sense in which we can make a distinction between priests and laity – we need to, otherwise we will end in confusion.

While we all share in the priesthood of Christ by Baptism, the Sacrament of Holy Orders gives a special participation in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus. The difference is Ordination.

Today, we call those ordained “priests”, or to borrow the scriptural terms of the early Church, “presbyters” or “elders”. Deacons and Bishops also receive Holy Orders.

Those who have not received this sacrament are referred to, imprecisely, admittedly, as laypeople, or

“Without a question, a scholarship can change a student’s life,” Notre Dame’s website said.

Donations can be given through three channels: the Unrestricted Fund, Futures Scholarship Fund, and the Research Fund. Gifts to the Unrestricted Fund will allow the university to grow and enable the provision of highlevel teaching, scholarship and research.

It will also be used to offset the university’s capital costs.

Fundraising for scholarships, bursaries and awards continues to be a priority for Notre Dame, as scholarships “open doors to enable talented students to study,

“the lay faithful”, to cite Canon Law. The Second Vatican Council called on the lay faithful to take their full place in the life, the liturgy, and the mission of the Church.

The first two have happened.

Laity in the life of the Church

Laypeople are now drawn into the life and governance of the Church at all levels, starting with the parish. All parishes have, or should have, parish councils and finance committees that help the work of the parish and offer advice to the parish priest. They are active in parish groups of all types. One parish I visited not so long ago had 57 different groups.

People helped the work of the parish in instructing children, preparing couples for marriage, for the Baptism of children. They run Bible study groups and faith groups, social justice groups, social activities, maintenance, fundraising, outreach groups of the poor and evangelisation groups, to name a few.

Even at diocesan level laypeople are drawn into many advisory groups. There are paid positions in finance, planning and other administrative structures.

This is repeated at National and international levels, even in Rome, where more and more lay expertise is being drawn into the Vatican departments which were traditionally run by priests and Bishops. In the 50 years since the Second

irrespective of their ability to afford fees or support themselves through their studies”.

All gifts made in this area are directed to UNDA’s Endowment Fund to create new opportunities for students in 2011 and beyond.

The Research Fund helps develop UNDA’s various research institutes including its Centre for Faith, Ethics and Society in Sydney, the Nulungu Centre for Indigenous Studies in Broome and the Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Research in Fremantle.

For more information, contact Shelley Robinson, 08 9433 0614 or email Shelley.robinson@nd.edu.au.

Archbishop Barry Hickey speaks at the University of Notre Dame Australia on 7 July.

the world and bring it to Christ

Vatican Council, there has been a revolution in the involvement of laypeople in the life of the Church.

This is perhaps seen most starkly in the field of education where laypeople run all the primary, secondary and tertiary education in this Archdiocese.

But laypeople head most of the charitable and welfare agencies of the Church and, of course, the huge health and aged care sector.

This University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, is unique in that from its very beginning it has been under lay control. Nearly all other Catholic universities around the world were begun and run by Religious Orders and Congregations. In a true sense, NDA is the fulfilment of a call by the Second Vatican Council for the laypeople to take their rightful place in the Church. They have done so right here.

Laity in the worship of the Church

The second area in which the Second Vatican Council has called for the participation of the people is the Liturgy, or the official Worship of the Church, especially in the Mass.

This, too, has been a revolution.

The farreaching reforms of the traditional Latin Mass have changed the face of the liturgy dramatically. Roles that belonged to the priest were handed back to

the people, like the roles of acolyte, reader and cantor.

The ministry of acolyte used to be a “minor Order”. I received it as part of my path to the priesthood. So were “lector” or “reader” minor Orders.

Now they are ministries open to laypeople. The priest’s role has been, in a sense, purified. He is the celebrant, through Holy Orders, and gives the homily as part of the celebrant’s presidential role.

He is not the delegate of the people in this role. He is the icon of Christ in Jesus’ role as Eternal High Priest, and is so by ordination.

Mission of laity in the world

It is not enough for the lay faithful to be involved in the life of the Church and in the liturgy of the Church.

The Second Vatican Council asked for much more. In fact, it said that the true lay vocation is not in running the Church but in carrying Christ to the world.

The Pope and the Bishops have the “governance” of the Church and need help to do it, but they cannot abdicate their overseer or Episcopal role.

This is what episcopos, the Greek word for Bishop means – an overseer, one who takes responsibility for good and correct Church governance, in accord with its divine mandate and constitution.

When the Second Vatican

Council spoke of the role of the laity, it called them to permeate and improve the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel.

“The characteristic of the lay state”, it said, is “life led in the midst of the world and of secular affairs. Laypeople are called by God to make of their apostolate, through the vigour of their Christian spirit, a leaven in the world.” (No 2 Apostolicam Actuositatem).

And again:

“The laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can she become the salt of the earth” (Lumen Gentium No 33).

So what are you to do?

You are to build up the Kingdom of God in the world, even now.

God’s Kingdom has already begun but it is not and never will be fully complete on this world, only when we see Jesus face to face in heaven.

Nonetheless, it has begun. It began when Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the Kingdom of God in the synagogue in Nazareth, His home town.

It began when Jesus announced that the powers of darkness that held the world in their grip of violence and domination were to be overthrown.

Did not Jesus say: “Now judgement has been passed on this world. Now the Prince of this world is to be overthrown” (Jn 12:34).

And again, “I have seen Satan

fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:18).

It began in Jesus Himself. He achieved in His humanity the fulfilment of the Kingdom of God in His freedom, His courage, His nobility in the face of torture and death, in His perfect obedience to the Will of His Father. He showed in Himself the fullness of God’s Kingdom and the defeat of evil.

The foundations of the world of violence, exploitation, sexual dominance, cruelty, and injustice began to crumble at the moment of Christ’s triumph over death and sin in His resurrection.

We are not to allow the scandals in the Church, nor the rejection of the Church by some as a result, nor the deafness of the world to the Church’s message to stop us.

The world needs Christ, His life, love and teachings. If the Church seems powerless now, this powerlessness makes space for the power of the Holy Spirit to change the face of the earth.

It is our Risen Lord who now asks you to look at the world around you, oppose evil and build a kingdom of peace, justice and love now and not be afraid to do so. The Holy Spirit is with you.

The Kingdom of God in the world will not be complete in your lifetime, but it may be close to completeness in you as you grow, like Christ, in love, in peace, in courage and true inner freedom, the freedom that not even prisons can take away.

So what are you called to do?

You are called to create families of love, neighbourhoods of friendliness and cooperation, workplaces where human dignity is respected, businesses that are honest, relationships that are respectful, not exploitative; in other words, a culture of life and love.

You are called to open your eyes to the reality of evil and seek ways to confront it - evils like the unspeakable horror of children used for pornography, the sexual abuse of children that is unbelievably widespread and found principally in families – I am not joking – the desperate poverty of families unable to cope with the stresses of misfortune, who lack enough money to pay their way, the violence of the streets and in the home, the tragedy of drug and alcohol abuse, the slavery of prostitution and the pain of the lonely and the suicidal.

You are called to act personally as a Christ-bearer, a Christopher, and to act with others who will give you courage, ideas and inspiration.

You go where I cannot go.

You must take your faith with you and your love of neighbour wherever you go or work, into Parliament House, the hospitals, the corporations, the shops, the schools, the trades, your neighbourhood, your sporting club, wherever you are.

Jesus calls you to be His witness

and bring His love to those who suffer.

This is what the Second Vatican Council has called of you to do –not just to sit on Church councils or participate in the Sacred Liturgy, as important as these roles are, but to be in the world in order to purify its culture, to oppose evil and to spread the love of Christ. I cannot do this for you.

Where can you find the formation of mind and soul to do this?

Turn to the pages of the Gospel and Jesus will speak to you. He will say to you, “Be not afraid, it is I. Come to me all you who labour and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest. Give me your two fish and your five barley loaves so I can feed the five thousand. You have not chosen me, I have chosen you. As the Father has sent me so I send you. Remain, abide, in my love. Consider the birds of the air, they do not sow nor gather into barns, yet you are more precious in the eyes of my Father than any of them. Rejoice, I have conquered the world.”

In regard to specific training of the mission of the layperson in the world, I am afraid there are few courses to help you.

You may find very little of this in your local parish. Read the Vatican documents on this area of the lay apostolate as there are many. Read the social teachings of the Church which applies faith to social affairs. An excellent Compendium of the Church’s social teachings is readily available.

A formidable formation programme struggles but still exists in this Archdiocese that I want to put to you.

It is based on a review of daily life. Small groups critique unjust situations in the light of the Gospel and make a commitment to action.

The steps are summed up in three words – SEE, JUDGE and ACT.

It has already produced strong leaders in public life and needs to be revived again if laypeople are to fulfill their special task in the world, as the Church has asked them to do.

In brief, make the Gospels your study text.

Read about others who have gone before you. Find a group of like-minded friends to talk about all this together.

Live a good life, free of sin, and, most important of all, pray. Speak to Christ as your friend, and then listen.

Carry Him in your heart after Holy Communion, then carry Him into the world.

In your family life, cultivate an awareness of the world around you and help your children to understand that they too are called to make a difference in the world, when they grow to maturity, in order to build up the sort of world that Jesus wants.

Focolare ecumenical movement flourishing

THE Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrated its 104th year from 5-12 June this year, with the theme One in the Apostles’ Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayer

Since 1968, it has been jointly prepared by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches and by the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity of the Catholic Church.

Although Focolare foundress Chiara Lubich made it clear in 1960 that, when she spoke of

unity, she did not mean ecumenical unity, nonetheless on 14 January 1961 she met with a group of Lutherans - an encounter that led her to realise that the spirituality of unity, based on living the Gospel, was not only for Catholics but for all Christians.

On 24 May 1961 she made a note in her diary: “God’s will is mutual love. Therefore, to mend this break, it is necessary to love each other.”

The spirituality of unity later drew the interest of Anglicans in Great Britain and Australia

and members of the Reformed Church in Switzerland, Holland and Hungary.

It was received by members of various Christian Churches in Europe and by Eastern Churches in the Middle East, and then by Christians in other countries.

Patriarch Athenagoras I became interested in the spirituality of unity and encouraged its spreading in the Orthodox Churches.

After 30 years of Focolare ecumenical involvement in 1996, another historic step was made in London.

While meeting with 1,000 Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and Baptists who lived this spirituality of unity, Chiara sensed that a particular style of ecumenical commitment was emerging that was specific to the Movement and born from its spirituality: a “dialogue of life” or a “dialogue of the people”, which was not in opposition to other forms of dialogue but in support of them.

There are now Christians from over 350 Churches in five continents who promote this type of dialogue and witness that it

is possible to live in unity with Christ among us.

In WA, members of the Focolare Movement from various Christian backgrounds meet regularly on a monthly basis and share how they try to live the word of God in their lives.

As a member of the Midland word of life group said recently, “There are Anglicans and Catholics in our group but we never think of it, we are all just brothers and sisters.”

For more information, visit www.focolare.org.

Archbishop Barry Hickey walks through the streets of Fremantle with University of Notre Dame Australia Vice Chancellor Celia Hammond prior to his address on 7 June.

PHOTOS: FR ROBERT CROSS

The Porter girls

Principle: an Attorney General’s first duty is always to create laws for the common good of all members of society. The important word in that sentence is ‘all.’ Given that it is well known around the world that the approach to addressing the problem of prostitution promoted so vigorously by Attorney General Christian Porter and Premier Colin Barnett has failed spectacularly on every occasion where it has been implemented (Holland, Victoria, New South Wales to name just a few), it will not be much of a surprise if the legalised brothels in the suburbs Premier Barnett’s Government so dogmatically proposes are re-named Family Entertainment Centres.

Such an approach would be pretty much in keeping with the one thing that has become increasingly obvious duing the whole course of debate on the legalisation of prostitution in Western Australia: adamant denial on the part of Mr Porter of prostitution’s essential nature, therefore an incapacity to propose any real or effective solutions.

Wherever prostitution has been legalised in Australia and abroad its associated evils such as police corruption, increased control by criminal organisations and shocking examples of suburban violence have sprouted, hydra-like. The result has been tragic everywhere and good nowhere. It strongly tempts the formulation of a new verb for the English language. ‘To porterise’ may come to be defined as the adamant refusal to acknowledge all previous evidence to the contrary and to resolutely set one’s self on the path to failure.

The philosophical principle is simple. When one refuses to acknowledge or analyse the essence of any problem it becomes impossible to solve it. This is the primary flaw in the approach of Attorney General Christian Porter, the main architect of the current proposal to legalise prostitution. Subsequent attempts to redefine a problem out of existence (by, for example, legalising it) results in a delusional state and an even worse situation than before.

The primary problem with all prostitution, legal or illegal, which the Premier and the Attorney General have not acknowledged is that it is first and foremost a form of slavery which depends for its success on the physical, spiritual, psychological and sexual degradation of its victims and leads overwhelmingly to their destruction. This failure in basic diagnosis is one of the very disturbing aspects of Mr Porter’s push for legalisation as a solution.

The truth is that prostitution has been crying out for decades to be addressed and almost no-one has bothered to deeply analyse the nature of the problem and come to grips with its essence or to consider what might be done and how it might be gone about.

THE RECORD

PO Box 3075

Adelaide Terrace PERTH WA 6832

office@therecord.com.au

Tel: (08) 9220 5900

Fax: (08) 9325 4580

It is a disturbing aspect of Mr Porter’s whole approach that he has on at least one occasion publicly dismissed all other creative and innovative approaches that other countries have discovered actually shortcircuit the traditional thorny problems of responding to prostitution. It really shows how banal politics can get.

Even worse, when speaking at a community forum last June Mr Porter announced that while he would seek community consultation he would, in any case, simply go ahead and legalise prostitution, regardless.

When families trying to lead a normal decent life in the suburbs have to avoid driving down streets in their own or nearby suburbs so that their children are not exposed to officially-sanctioned and legalised sexual exploitation as a socially acceptable reality, let them thank Mr Porter for the support that he gave them.

If drug-crazed bikies shoot dead strippers and prostitutes and anyone else happening to be standing around in the streets at the time or who, God-forbid, seeks to come to the aid of an injured person, let the Attorney General then explain defensively to journalists that it was not his fault that it happened, it was all really because his policy was never properly implemented in the first place.

When women and girls who have consistently suffered sexual abuse or marginalisation in their lives from the earliest ages conclude that they aren’t worth anything to anyone or to society other than as a purchasable good in a brothel where they are expected to ‘service’ as many as a dozen or more male customers a shift, let them write earnest letters of thanks to Mr Porter for his stunning and brilliant innovations in the interests of their daily happiness. And when such women and girls seek escape from the daily slavery and brutality that is the known reality of all prostitution - legal or illegal - in drug dependancy or in suicide, let us all bow in the direction of Mr Porter, the Great Helmsman.

When criminal thugs and low lifes see the business opportunities to be realised in the establishment of legal and illegal brothels (just as in Victoria and New South Wales where legalisation has resulted in a mushrooming of legal and illegal prostitution) and don’t care a fig for the misery and degradation they make their millions out of, let us all acknowledge the great and superior Government which obstinately dismissed all the known successes implemented by countries such as Sweden and Denmark (and a growing raft of other nations) and tell our children that because we did not really want to succeed, because we couldn’t be bothered to really solve this particular problem, we thought it best to choose the straightest path to failure because at least it sounded half-acceptable.

It is illuminating to reflect that when one scrutinises Mr Porter’s whole approach one detects that the beneficiaries of his proposed legislation all have one thing in common: none of them will be the women and girls forced by life’s tragedies into the barbarism and degradation of legal prostitution. It is a revealing omission.

Who will these (predominantly) women and girls be? By what name shall they be called? One might, at this point, turn to previous experience to give us some ideas in this regard.

One of the many tragedies of the Japanese militarist expansions of the 1930s and 40s, before and during the Second World War, was the phenomenon of an estimated 300,000 women lured, trapped or kidnapped into sexual servitude, often for more than a decade. The stories that have emerged of this human experience are, quite simply, heart-breaking. Imprisoned in ‘relief centres’ and described as ‘relief battallions’ such women and girls were sexually exploited repeatedly and suborned with barbaric indifference on a daily basis. The similarities between their experiences and everything studied and known about contemporary prostitution (legal or illegal) are numerous. So perhaps it might one day come to pass that a new term will enter the vocabulary in the State of Western Australia for a new underclass, persons whose lives are only of use to some people as purchases. Perhaps we could call them the Porter Girls. Perhaps we will come to call them Western Australia’s Comfort Women.

Untruths in Record editorial

After reading the editorial (p 80) and article (p 6) of the 18 May 2011 edition of The Record, I would make the following comments.

I believe Catholic publications and the journalists who write for them must be held to the highest standards of ethics, one of which is ensuring that what is reported is the truth.  There are a number of untruths in the article and editorial.

At no time was the “Third Rite” of Reconciliation used in the diocese. What was used was a Second Rite with a full set of readings, homily, and an examination of conscience and, on occasions, according to the Liturgical and Canonical Guidelines laid down by the diocese, general absolution was given. These guidelines changed after the diocesan submission was examined by the Dicastery for Liturgy at a meeting in March 2004. These celebrations were prayerful and dignified.

The article says, “in his 2006 Advent Pastoral Letter, Bishop Morris stated that, ‘if Rome would allow it,’ he would be prepared to ordain married priests and women priests. He also said that, due to an ageing clergy, the Church should be open to recognising the validity of Anglican, Lutheran, and Uniting Church Orders.” At no time in my Pastoral letter of 2006 did I make such statements. I acknowledged that there are discussions of these issues in places around the world which is not saying that I actively support them or promote them but simply a statement of fact. The editorial said that I had canvassed these ideas which is also wrong.

The editorial says that I was “on the side of changing Church teaching.” I have served the Church and taught faithfully its beliefs since I was ordained. I have never promoted explicitly or implicitly the changing of Church teaching. After my 2006 Pastoral Letter was misquoted and, I believe, misinterpreted deliberately in certain circumstances, I publicly said I would not ordain women or married men while these actions were forbidden by the Church.

Beyond its errors of fact the editorial steps over the line in that in many places it is a personal attack rather than a reflection on the story. I firmly believe that such tabloid journalism has no place in a Catholic publication.

It seems to me that a retraction of the errors needs to be published with an apology for the personal attack undertaken by the editor. I thank you in anticipation for your attention to these matters.

William M Morris, DD Emeritus Bishop of Toowoomba

Ed. - No further correspondence on the issue will be published.

Oldest school correction

Iwas a little surprised to read the first item in the list of corrections in this week’s issue, refuting Sacred Heart Primary School’s claim to be the oldest Catholic primary school in Perth.

Certainly there were several other Catholic primary schools founded in Perth prior to the arrival of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Highgate in

October 1897. Apart from the schools at Victoria Square there was, for example, St Patrick’s (originally in Irwin Street and staffed by laity) and schools at Subiaco and West Perth. In the wider metropolitan area, there were also schools at Guildford and Fremantle.

Highgate, however, is Perth’s oldest Catholic primary school still operating. It operates not only on the same site but also in the original building used from the beginning of the 1899 school year after just over a year in temporary premises on the site.

This made our centenary celebrations in 1997 very special, and we were lucky to have them so well covered in your newspaper. Indeed, I believe it was in your own article in the issue of 12 June 1997 (page 2) that Sacred Heart Highgate’s “claim to fame” was first publicised.

In the interests of accuracy, the State school in Highgate (also still operating in original buildings) predates our school by well over two years!

Margaret Ker (Dr)

Mt Lawley

The writer was the author of Children of the Same God, the centenary history of Sacred Heart Primary School Highgate published by the Sacred Heart School Board in 1997. Her two youngest children were then students at the school, and her grandchildren now attend it.

Disabilities and schools

Ido not often write letters to the editor. I feel, though, that I must respond to your correspondent Laurie Sutherland under the banner of “Record disabilities article wrong”. It is one thing to say that “the articles have it wrong” and another thing to say that “my experience is different.”

I am more than pleased to read that Mr Sutherland’s experience of his daughter in Catholic schools was very much a positive one. From my reading of The Record article, there was no criticism of principals or staff.

The Record article, in my view, urged the Church to look at the whole picture. At the moment, it is the parents who are carrying the brunt of the burden for providing a Catholic education for their children with disabilities. My understanding of Barbara Harris’ article is that providing a Catholic education for children with disabilities is a whole of Church issue.

This acceptance of children with disabilities into Catholic schools should not rest solely on availability of government grants. Barbara, quite rightly, pointed out that our faith communities built churches and schools without government funds because those faith communities had a commitment to and valued Catholic education irrespective of any outside funding sources.

We need to ask ourselves the question whether we as a

Church value children with disabilities and whether we believe in a Catholic education for all Catholics. The Body of Christ is made up of many parts and all work together for the sake of the Body.

I didn’t read Mrs Harris as blaming individual schools, parishes, principals, teachers, nor even the Catholic Education Office. What Mrs Harris highlighted is the opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way the unity we express with slogans, banners and pronouncements. Can we not at least accept that we as a whole Church need to pursue all avenues to relieve pressure on parents? The world will know that we belong to Jesus by our love, “one for another.”

Fr Paul Pitzen

Chaplain with People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

We need more Sorry Days

So someone has declared that 26 May is to be observed every year as Sorry Day. Students at St Joseph’s College in Albany have taken time off to plant a shrub to commemorate the ‘Stolen Generation’ of Aboriginal children who were ‘forcibly removed’ (The Record, 9 June, p3)

On the same date, 26 May, the WA abortion law came into force in 1998, taking away the protection of the law from children before birth. Since 1998 over 108,000 unborn children have been killed in WA. It’s all entirely legal.

Whatever mistakes were made in the past, Aboriginal children are no longer being forcibly removed except for their own protection. But unborn children are still being forcibly killed - over 8,000 of them last year, according to official figures published last week in The West That’s over 160 last week. This week, another 160.

Isn’t this what we should be commemorating if 26 May is to be observed as Sorry Day?

In fact, that appalling anniversary has been observed every year since 1998. This year, on 24 May over 500 people walked in candlelight procession from King Edward Memorial Hospital to Parliament House. If any other category of human beings were being killed in such numbers, wouldn’t there have been 5,000 (or 50,000) people in the procession to demand an end to the killing? (If you weren’t there, why not?) Do you accept that Members of Parliament somehow have the right to withdraw the protection of the law from a category of their fellow human beings?)

There will be another candlelight procession to parliament around 26 May next year, and for as many years as it takes, until every child is welcome in life, and protected in law.

Ted Watt, Secretary, Coalition for the Protection of Human Life

Claremont

In support of Barbara Harris

Iwould like to commend Barbara Harris and The Record for the article on children with disabilities and Catholic schooling; and I support the proposal to set up a whole of church Foundation to support the work of schools, parishes and families in ensur-

Letters continued on Page 15

WHEN THE INVISIBLE WORLD TOUCHES OURS

Record journalist Mark Reidy visited Lourdes in late March and reflects on the remarkable phenomenon that continues to draw millions, 153 years after the first apparition of Mary to St Bernadette Soubirous

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to envision what Lourdes would look like today had the Virgin Mary not appeared to a sick, simple and impoverished 14 year old in a cold, damp grotto on 11 February 1858. With over five million visitors a year, this picturesque village at the foot of the spectacular Pyrenee Mountains is now second in France only to Paris in the number of hotels – over 400 - that dominate its narrow and winding streets.

Arriving in Lourdes in March is probably a blessing. Many of the shops and hotels are boarded shut, not due to open until the tourist season begins to buzz again when the weather warms in late April.

However, the price of chilly night air is a small one to pay as one can not only savour the snow covered surroundings but, more significantly, embrace a peace that seems to permeate throughout the grotto and its surrounds.

As I sit in solitude in the warm spring sunshine opposite the apparition site, on the banks of the fast flowing Gave de Pau river, it is easy to be transported by the serenity to a time when the inhabitants of this town lived a much simpler existence.

Despite the architectural magnificence and aesthetic splendour of the two Basilicas that are built above the grotto, one can still close one’s eyes and visualise the moment when a young and naive Bernadette Soubirous, gathering firewood just outside her village, experiences a supernatural encounter that is to change her life and the village of Lourdes forever.

For centuries, Lourdes and its Fortress, which still stands today, was pivotal to many battles occur-

A

ring in the region.

These include Charlemagne’s encounter with Muslims in the 8th century, the long war against the English in the 14th century and the Religious wars of the 16th century, which eventually saw Lourdes re-establish its Catholic faith in 1592 and then become part of the Kingdom of France in 1602.

By the time 1858 came around, Lourdes was a quiet town with a population of about 4,000, often used by mountaineers as a stopover on their to way further south to the Pyrenees.

Today, of course, Lourdes is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.

Not surprisingly, with the number of visitors arriving in Lourdes growing every year (there were about 30,000 per year from

1864 –1872), a multi-million dollar industry has also evolved.

The Muslim owner of a local souvlaki shop provided me with his own demographic breakdown, “There are two types of people in Lourdes”, he announced, “Those here for business and those here for faith”.

It is inevitable that when large numbers of people gather in any place there will also be those who will seek to profit financially from the situation, but this co-existence of diverse motives does not seem to detract from the spiritual peace and grace that abound here.

This should not be surprising considering that during the peak season there are 15 Masses celebrated each day in the two Please turn to Page 12

shepherd girl whose glimpses of the other world were to shake this one

BERNADETTE Soubirous was born in Lourdes on 7 January 1844, the oldest child to Francois and Louise and was followed by siblings, sister Toinette and her two brothers, Jean-Marie and Justin. (There were five other children born into the family, but only these four reached adulthood.)

Initially, they had lived in relative comfort but, in 1857, financial disaster struck and the family was forced to move to the miserable confines of a condemned former

prison. Because of the difficulty in feeding everyone, Bernadette, who suffered with asthma and the after-effects of cholera, was moved to stay with another family in a nearby town where she became a domestic servant, usually minding sheep.

It was a difficult and lonely time for Bernadette and she was, at times, persecuted for her inability to understand her First Communion catechesis.

In January 1858, a forlorn Bernadette made the decision to return to her family and prepare as best she could to receive Holy Communion in June that year.

It was only three weeks after her return to Lourdes, while gathering

firewood in front of the Grotto of Massabielle, a landmark often referred to by locals as the “pigsty”, that Bernadette experienced the first of 18 encounters with, what she initially described as, “a lady wearing a white dress with a blue sash”. Initially, civic and Church leaders alike persecuted Bernadette. However, when she told the local priest that on her 16th appearance the lady had said, “I am the Immaculate Conception”, attitudes toward her began to change.

At the age of 22, eight years after Bernadette received her last vision on 16 July 1858, she entered St Gildard convent in Nevers in Central France. Her health was

always tenuous and, at the age of 35, in 1879, after spending the last four months confined to her bed, Bernadette passed away. Her body was exhumed on three occasions and each time was found to be intact. Since July 1925, her incorrupt body has been on display in the chapel of the Sisters of Nevers.

Pope Pius XI declared her a Saint on 8 December 1933.

Once, when questioned why Mary had appeared to her, Bernadette had responded, “Don’t I realise that the Blessed Virgin chose me because I was the most ignorant? If she had found anyone more ignorant than myself, she would have chosen her.”

Place of hope: People in wheelchairs, above, attend a special Mass for the sick celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at the Basilica of the Rosary at Lourdes in southwestern France in 2008. Bottles of Lourdes water, below, line the wall at the spigots inside the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes. The water comes from the spring uncovered by St Bernadette at the direction of Mary. Pilgrims drink the water, splash it on their faces and fill bottles to take home.

St Bernadette Soubirous is pictured in this undated photo.

Sorting out the inexplicable from the understandable

BY MARK REIDY

CLAIMS of miraculous cures began from the moment Catherine Latapie’s arm was healed during the twelfth apparition on 1 March 1858, prompting calls for the Church to recognise these events as miracles. Consequently, an Episcopal Commission of Inquiry that was overseen by the Bishop of Tarbes carried out the earliest investigations of these cases.

However, while the inquiry involved clergy, it did not seek medical advice. Consequently, in 1859, a medical Professor was appointed and from this time doctors and other medical experts have been involved in the investigation of any claims of healing.

Investigative procedures were further formalised in 1905 when Pope Pius X decreed that claims of miraculous cures at Lourdes should “submit to a proper process”, in other words, to be rigorously examined by medical experts. At his instigation, the current Lourdes Medical Bureau (LMB) was formed.

Any doctors practising in or visiting Lourdes may apply to become members of the LMB as well as nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and members of other health professions. Members of any religious affiliation or none are welcomed and the first stage of investigation of any reported healing falls to any of these doctors who may be present in Lourdes at the time the apparent cure took place.

These investigations begin with the medical examination of the patient and viewing any case notes or test results that may be available, such as biopsies, X-rays, CT scans, or blood test results.

If LMB members determine that further investigation is warranted, the case is referred to the International Lourdes Medical Committee (abbreviated in French to CMIL), which is an international panel of approximately 20 experts in various medical disciplines and of varying religious beliefs.

This Committee meets annually and, for every case presented to it, will appoint one of its members to thoroughly investigate every detail, consulting with other colleagues as required.

The result of each investigation is then presented to the entire CMIL, leading members of the LMB and the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, to determine whether the claimed cure can be considered to be medically inexplicable. To establish this, certain criteria have to be met:

● The original diagnosis must be verified and confirmed beyond doubt

● The diagnosis must be regarded as “incurable” with current means

(although ongoing treatments do not disqualify the cure)

● The cure must happen in association with a visit to Lourdes, typically while in Lourdes or in the vicinity of the shrine itself (although drinking or bathing in the water are not required)

● The cure must be immediate (rapid resolution of symptoms and signs of the illness)

● The cure must be complete (with no residual impairment or deficit)

● The cure must be permanent (with no recurrence).

CMIL is not entitled to pronounce a cure “miraculous. The bureau may only pronounce that a cure is “medically inexplicable”. A full investigation takes a minimum of five years (in order to ensure the cure is permanent), and may take as long as ten or 12 years. It is recognised that, in rare cases, even advanced malignant disease or severe infection may spontaneously resolve.

The CMIL board votes on each case presented. A two-thirds majority is required for CMIL to pronounce a cure “inexplicable”. If the CMIL decides a cure is medically inexplicable, the case is then referred to the Bishop of the diocese where the cured person lives. It is he who, in consultation with his own experts and with the Vatican, makes the decision about whether a cure is “miraculous”. He may, for whatever reason, refute the claim.

About 7,000 sufferers have claimed to be cured at Lourdes since the official keeping of records began in 1883, but most of these do not even pass the initial stage of investigation by the LMB. In fact, each year only three to five cases are thoroughly examined and the Church has declared 68 of them to be miraculous, the most recent in March 2011.

Healings - Page 12

Scrutinist: Dr MarcoTampellini, an Italian oncologist, is among the professionals who review medical documentation for cases of cures resulting from a person’s visit to the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France. He is pictured at the Lourdes hospitality house of the Italian Catholic organisation UNITALSI, which brings the sick on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. He serves as the organisation’s vice president.

PHOTO: CNS/NANCY WIECHEC

Tens of thousands of pilgrims carrying candles take part in the Rosary procession 150th anniversary of Mary’s first appearance to St Bernadette Soubirous.

MIRACLES

ions seek

when they come from all over the world to

... RDES

BY MARK REIDY

MARY appeared 18 times to St Bernadette from 11 February to 16 July 1858, speaking to her in the local dialect. The following is Bernadette’s description of her mysterious and beautiful visitor:

“She has the appearance of a young girl of 16 or 17. She is dressed in a white robe, girdled at the waist with a blue ribbon, which flows down all along her robe. She wears upon her head a veil that is also white; this veil gives just a glimpse of her hair then falls down at the back below her waist. Her feet are bare but covered by the last folds of her robe, except at the point where a yellow rose shines upon each of them. She holds on her right arm a Rosary of white beads with a chain of gold shining like the two roses on her feet.”

Apparition 1

Thursday, 11 February 1858

Accompanied by her sister and a friend, Bernadette goes to the Grotto of Massabielle, just outside Lourdes on the banks of the Gave de Pau River to collect firewood. Removing her socks in order to cross the stream, she hears a noise like a gust of wind and looks up to see, standing in an elevated hollow, a small young woman dressed in white. Shocked, Bernadette hesitantly makes the Sign of the Cross and recites the Rosary with the Lady. The vision moves her lips, but says no words. When the prayer finishes, the Lady suddenly vanishes.

Apparition 2

Sunday, 14 February

Upon hearing the story, Bernadette’s parents have forbidden her return to the Grotto. However, on this day she feels an inner force drawing her back. At her insistence, her mother allows her to return. Bernadette begins praying the Rosary and after the first decade the Lady appears. When Bernadette blesses herself with holy water, the Lady smiles. Again, the Lady does not speak and when the Rosary ends, she disappears.

Apparition 3

Thursday, 18 February

For the first time, the Lady speaks. Bernadette holds out pen and paper and asks her to write her name. She replies, “It is not necessary” and adds, “I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other. Would you be kind enough to come here for 15 days?”

Apparition 4

Friday, 19 February

Accompanied by her mother and aunt, Bernadette arrives at the Grotto with a lit, blessed candle. This is the origin of carrying candles and lighting them in front of the Grotto.

Apparition 5

Saturday, 20 February

A group of 30 people arrive with Bernadette. The Lady teaches her a personal prayer.

Apparition 6

Sunday, 21 February

The Lady appears to Bernadette very early in the morning. About 100 people are present. Afterwards, Police Commissioner Jacomet questions her. He wanted Bernadette to tell him what she saw. Bernadette would only speak of Aquero (“that thing” in local dialect).

On Monday, 22 February, Bernadette attends the Grotto but is saddened that the Lady does not appear.

Apparition 7

Tuesday, 23 February

Surrounded by 150 persons, Bernadette arrives at the Grotto. The Apparition reveals to her a secret “only for her alone”.

Apparition 8

Wednesday, 24 February

The message of the Lady: “Penance! Penance! Penance! Pray to God for sinners. Kiss the ground as an act of penance for sinners!” There are about 300 in attendance.

Apparition 9

Thursday, 25 February

The crowd is growing and includes local officials who watch in amazement as Bernadette crawls on all fours, digs in the dirt and eats the grass growing there. Bernadette later explains, “She told me to go, drink of the spring and wash there ... I only found a little muddy water. At the fourth attempt (digging with her hands), I was able to drink. She also asked me to eat the bitter herbs that were found near the spring, and then the vision left and went away.” When those in crowd asked her why, she replied; “It is for sinners.”

On Friday, 26 February, 600 people gather, but there is no apparition.

Apparition 10

Saturday, 27 February

Present are 800 people. The Lady appears but is silent. Bernadette again drinks water from the spring that is now flowing and kisses the earth.

Apparition 11

Sunday, 28 February

Over 1,000 people are present at the ecstasy. Bernadette prays, kisses the ground and moves on her knees as a sign of penance. She is then taken to the house of the local Judge who threatens to place her in prison.

Apparition 12

Monday, 1 March

Over 1,500 people assemble at midnight. One of these is Catherine Latapie, a friend from Lourdes. She plunges her dislocated arm into the water of the spring and is instantly healed.

Apparition 13

Tuesday, 2 March

The crowd continues to grow. The Lady tells Bernadette to “Go, tell the priests to come here in procession and to build a chapel here.” Bernadette repeats this to Fr Peyramale, the parish priest of Lourdes. He wants to know the Lady’s name and requests that she make the wild rose bush at the Grotto flower in the middle of winter.

Apparition 14

Wednesday, 3 March

At 7 o’clock in the morning, in the presence of 3,000 people, Bernadette arrives at the Grotto but the vision does not appear. After school, she feels drawn and returns. She sees the Lady and again asks for her name. The Lady smiles but does not speak. Later, the parish priest tells Bernadette again: “If the Lady really wishes that a chapel be built, then she must tell us her name and make the rose bush bloom at the Grotto.”

Apparition 15

Thursday, 4 March

Over 7,000 people gather but the Lady is silent. For 20 days Bernadette does not go to the Grotto.

Apparition 16

Thursday, 25 March

Bernadette again asks for the Lady’s name and this time she receives an answer. “She lifted up her eyes to heaven, joined her hands as though in prayer and said to me: ‘ Que soy era Immaculada Concepcio’ (I am the Immaculate Conception).” The young visionary leaves, running all the way, repeating continuously the words she did not understand. The parish priest was convinced Bernadette was ignorant of the fact that this theological expression was assigned to the Blessed Virgin by Pope Pius IX four years earlier.

Apparition 17

Wednesday, 7 April

During this Apparition, Bernadette, seemingly in a trancelike state, holds a candle close to her hand. The flame licks along her hand without burning it. A medical doctor, Dr Douzous, examines the hand but can find no burns.

Apparition 18

Thursday, 16 July

Bernadette feels an urge to go to the Grotto but a barrier erected by local authorities blocks her way. She stands at a distance from the Grotto and later says, “I felt that I was in front of the Grotto at the same distance as before. I saw the Blessed Virgin, and she was more beautiful than ever!” It was to be Bernadette’s last apparition.

Approval

After a four year investigation, the Bishop of the Diocese of Tarbes declares on 18 January 1962: “We judge that Mary Immaculate, Mother of God, really appeared to Bernadette Soubirous on 11 February 1858, and on subsequent days, 18 times in all.

“The faithful are justified in believing this to be certain.”

around the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France, on the eve of the PHOTOS: CNS

In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, above left, visited the Cachot, a former prison cell where St Bernadette Soubirous lived with her family in Lourdes. Pilgrims, above, collect water that comes from the spring uncovered by St Bernadette at the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes. Pilgrims and the sick, including many in wheelchairs, attend a special Mass for the sick celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at the Basilica at Lourdes in 2008. Although she died in 1879, St Bernadette’s body, far left, famously remains incorrupt and can be seen at the convent where she died in Nevers, France.

‘God winked and I was healed,’ says former nurse

Approximately 2,000 cases of healing are reported every year at Lourdes

BY CNS AND RECORD STAFF

While there is no doubt that thousands of remarkable and inexplicable healings have been reported from Lourdes since the middle of the 19th century, only a few are are officially recognised by Church authorities.

Nevertheless, healings continue to be recognised even in the modern era. In 1999, Church authorities declared that a ``sudden and complete’’ healing of a paralysed man occurred at the Marian shrine at Lourdes 12 years earlier.

Bishop Claude Dagens of Angouleme announced the Catholic Church’s official recognition of the healing in a statement at the shrine in February that year.

“In the name of the Church, I hereby recognise publicly the genuine character of the healing of which Mr Jean-Pierre Bely was the beneficiary at Lourdes on Friday, 9 October 1987. This healing, which was sudden and complete, is a personal gift of God for this man and an effective sign of God who is Saviour, and which was accomplished through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes,’’ said Bishop Dagens at the time. Bely, who lived in the Diocese of Angouleme, was not present at the press conference.

However, remarks he made in an earlier interview were available.

“At Lourdes,’’ he said, “I had the distinct impression of complete forgiveness, filled with gentleness. It is as if God winked at me,’’ he said. Bely, then 63, lived in a small house in La Couronne, a village of 2,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Angouleme. In 1984, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. By 1987 he was completely paralysed. In the interview, he said he came to Lourdes “bedridden and on a

stretcher.’’ He took part in the traditional October Rosary Pilgrimage at Lourdes, part of which was the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then, on the final morning of the pilgrimage, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

He felt what he described as “a sensation of coldness,’’ then “a gentle warmth’’ that seemed to fill his whole body.

“Later, I took my first steps, just like a baby who is learning to walk,’’ he added.

He said he chose not to make a fuss “for the sake of all the other

sick people who were there.’’ He stayed in his wheelchair and waited until he was reunited in the privacy of his family with his wife and two children before revealing what had happened.

Bely, a former nurse, said he felt duty-bound to submit his case to the Lourdes Medical Office.

“I couldn’t keep this sign all to myself,’’ he said, adding that the physical healing was accompanied by “an interior healing,’’ which he attributed to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The official examination of Bely’s case took 11 years.

Approximately 2,000 cases per year are reported to the Medical Office at Lourdes. Most cases are dismissed fairly quickly but, of the 6,500 that medical experts have pursued, some 2,500 were finally declared as “extraordinary’’ by the medical team. ■

From heart disease to serving meals

BY CINDY WOODEN

AAfter asking for her old records and a new cardiology report, the Archbishop informed the Lourdes shrine in September that he agreed her healing was miraculous.

The official Lourdes website said: “Anna Santaniello developed severe heart disease following acute rheumatic arthritis. She presented with severe and persistent dyspnea (breathlessness), or Bouillaud’s disease, which made it difficult for her to speak and impossible for her to walk, with severe asthma attacks, cyanosis of her face and lips, and bilateral lower limb edema.”

The effects of Mary’s appearance at Lourdes have been reconciliation, healing and devotion to the Immaculate Conception, a dogma not known to the young visionary Bernadette.

1854

1858

Pope Pius IX declares the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, that Mary was born without original sin.

A woman holding a rosary appears 18 times to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous at the Massabielle grotto. In the visions, Mary asks that a chapel be built at the grotto and identifies herself as the Immaculate Conception. She directs Bernadette to drink from a spring, which is later associated with healings.

e

1862

1866

1879

1933

Bernadette leaves Lourdes and enters the Sisters of Charity and Christian Instruction in Nevers.

Construction begins on the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Bernadette dies in Nevers April 16.

Bernadette is canonized by Pope Pius XI Dec. 8.

The local bishop proclaims the visions authentic and the first healings connected with Lourdes are recognized as miraculous.

Sources: HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism and www.lourdes-france.org

nna Santaniello said that after volunteers lowered her into the chilly waters at the French Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1952 she was cured of a heart disease. Santaniello, 93, recounted her story to Vatican Radio in December 2005, a month after her local Bishop announced that hers was the 67th officially recognised miraculous cure at Lourdes.

Members of the International Medical Committee of Lourdes had agreed in 1964 that there was no natural or medical explanation for her recovery from mitral disease, which affects the heart.

But for 40 years nothing happened. Then the Lourdes medical officer, Dr Patrick Theillier, brought up Santaniello’s case in 2004.

Archbishop Gerardo Pierro of Salerno agreed to reopen the investigation.

Family, friends and even Santaniello’s priest told her she was too sick to make the long train journey to Lourdes.

“I told them all: ‘I want to go. If I must die, I want to die seeing Our Lady,’” she told Vatican Radio. She could barely breathe and the Lourdes volunteers did not want to take her from the residence for the sick down to the grotto, she said.

“I prayed with a loud voice so she would hear me, ‘Blessed Virgin, you must help me,’” she said.

“I saw a shadow, a shadow in the sky that whispered in my ear, ‘Do not listen to them, keep going, keep going.’

“Everyone was praying for me, men and women. They had me kiss the statue of Our Lady that they had there on a small altar,” she said.

She entered the icy waters of the baths, “but after a few minutes I felt a great warmth, precisely around my heart. I felt calm. I got up and the volunteers wanted to put me back on the stretcher.

“I told them, ‘Go help the others because I can do it on my own,’” she said.

“I got out and went into the square and started serving lunch to the sick,” Santaniello said. “At 4 in the afternoon they have a procession with the Blessed Sacrament and I joined in, singing.”

She told Vatican Radio, “I am very grateful to Our Lady because I lost a brother and sister to the same disease; he was 29 and she was 33.”

Where tourism trade jostles side by side with devotion

up prayers through the intercession of Mary under her title as the Immaculate Conception. Pilgrims also line up for hours to bathe in the spring water.

with Lourdes water – one only has to witness the spiritual fruits to ascertain why the Catholic Church authenticated these apparitions in 1862.

ramifications of this pilgrim destination.

Eucharistic Adoration, processions, prayer vigils and a beautiful and moving Stations of the Cross.

Added to this is the continuous lighting of candles as visitors offer

So, while it would be easy to take umbrage at the multitude of religious and, at times, tacky artefacts, trinkets and souvenirs on offer –from beautifully carved statues and rosary beads to glow-in-the-dark Mary figurines and lollies made

And it is not only those visitors who personally make the journey who are affected by this holy site.

As I witnessed the bagfuls of goods purchased and the countless litres of spring water being bottled, I began to perceive the broader

With a 1978 study showing that people from well over 100 countries are represented here, the global influence for evangelisation should not be underestimated. It is not that the gifts purchased here, or even the spring water itself, contain any healing properties or power in themselves.

In fact, St Bernadette once said,

“One must have faith and pray; the water will have no virtue without faith”. However, with the sharing of their experience and the renewed faith that many attest to, pilgrims are able to magnify the impact of their visit.

Little did Bernadette know that her silent encounter with “the beautiful lady” on that cold, damp morning 153 years ago would resound so loudly across the world.

Continued from Page 9

Basilicas, as well as many others in the 22 surrounding churches and chapels, including the grotto itself. There are also rows of confessional boxes in constant use,

Pilgrims browse souvenirs and religious goods, left, at shops located just outside the gates of the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes in the town in southwest France. Impressive Stations of the Cross, above, enable pilgrims to identify more with the sufferings of Jesus. PHOTOS: LEFT: CNS; ABOVE: MARK REIDY

A life of war, passion and friendship

A

life of love for God’s people:

Fr John Chokolich

obituary

BY SR FRANCES STIBI PBVM

FATHER John Chokolich was born on 26 March 1917 in a little village called Sveti Stipan in Dalmatia, Croatia. He was Croatian by birth and Austrian by citizenship as Croatia was under Austro-Hungarian rule. His family name was ŽuljevićČokilić. His parents were Luka and Jakica (nee Čulić).

John Chokolich arrived in Western Australia on 1 April 1924 with his uncle Josip. He was seven years old. His uncle Tony arrived in 1925 and his father Luka in 1932 but he returned to Croatia, leaving young John in the care of his uncles. When not at school, John helped in the market garden. He left school just before he turned 14.

John loved the Mass and its ceremonies. He learned to be an altar boy at St Brigid’s, West Perth and served the first Mass at the new St Anthony’s, Wanneroo in December 1932. He was confirmed by Archbishop Clune, having been prepared by the Sisters of Mercy at West Perth. The Archbishop asked him if he had ever thought of being a priest and he admitted that he would love to be one. He served Fr Goody’s Mass in gagoljica (old Slavic) and was present at the opening of St Mary’s Cathedral in 1930.

Archbishop Clune had taken him up on his desire to be a priest and arranged for him to board and complete his education at St Malachy’s, CBC Terrace. Just before he began his study, Fr Goody asked John why he wanted to be a priest. He replied that he wanted to say

Father Chokolich remembered

BY ANTHONY BARICH

ARCHBISHOP Redmond

Prendiville once said that Fr John Chokolich was the best priest in Perth, his successor Archbishop Barry Hickey told mourners at the Croatian-born priest’s Pontifical Requiem Mass on 9 June.

Speaking to a packed St Anthony of Padua Church in Wanneroo, from which Fr Chokolich told the Archbishop he wanted to be buried when the prelate visited him a few days before he died, Archbishop Hickey said the Gospel of the day aptly described the hope the congregation had for the late priest.

The Gospel of the day described Jesus being called by the Father to bring His people back home, saying “he who believes in Me will receive eternal life”. Archbishop Hickey said that Fr Chokolich lived long enough to see the Church in its good times and its bad, and love it all the same regardless. This love for Christ and the Church gave those gathered for his Requiem Mass hope as they prayed that Jesus receive the priest.

He said Wanneroo was also an appropriate choice for Fr Chokolich to have his Requiem Mass as his first appointment as assistant parish priest was at Osborne Park, which at the time extended all the way to Wanneroo.

Current Osborne Park parish priest Fr Michael Gatt said later that Fr Chokolich was stationed in Malta for the Royal Air Force when Fr Gatt was born there.

Fr Gatt was joined by 35 other priests, Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton and students from both St Charle’s and Redemptoris Mater Seminaries.

Archbishop Hickey said Fr Chokolich’s death drew a significant response from the Catholic community around the Archdiocese, with some people

Mass, to lead the people in prayer, to bless the people and to save souls and these ideals he carried with him throughout his long life. He continued to say Mass in English, Italian, Latin and Croatian into his old age. He spent three years at CBC. One of the College Annuals stated that “Chocks” was outstanding in two things – Latin and football. He represented the College at football and kicked the winning goal in the final match against Hale in 1936.

Archbishop Prendiville arranged for John to study at Propaganda College in Rome together with the future Cardinal, James Knox. There was a problem though. He had no passport as he was not an Australian citizen and by law he could not be naturalised until he was 21. He was issued with a travelling permit by the Yugoslav Consul and this was to cause another problem in the future.

John loved his time in Rome studying at Propaganda College, attending Mass in St Peter’s, witnessing the funeral of Pope Pius XI and the election of Pope Pius XII. In later years, he was in Rome with Fr Harry Brennan at the time of the funeral of Pope Paul VI, the election and funeral of Pope John Paul I and the election of Pope John Paul II.

In 1939, he was reunited with his family in Croatia after 15 years but his stay was cut short by the outbreak of World War II.

Life continued on at the College of Propaganda Fide but the streets were filled with crowds of Fascist sympathisers cheering the speeches of Mussolini. One day, in the company of other students, he ran an Italian army blockade twice, calling out as he ran the famous Mussolini word “vinceremo” (we shall win).

During the first years of the war the war sirens disturbed the air every night and then there were German soldiers in the streets of

Rome. The Villa and part of the College Chapel were destroyed by bombing and a nun was killed. John kept a diary during the war documenting the way it affected the life of the students.

Because of the war, his ordination was brought forward to 22 December 1941.

No member of his family was able to attend but the Yugoslav Embassy enabled him to send a message and a blessing to them.

Other newly ordained priests now headed for home but John was not with them as he had no passport and was in danger of becoming a stateless person. He remained at the College studying Canon Law and Pastoral Theology as well as acting as Prefect of Domestics and saying Mass for them every day.

In June 1944, the Allies liberated Rome from the Germans and within days the RAF approached the Vatican expressing their concern for the spiritual welfare of thousands of Croatians employed by the RAF in North Africa as well as for other Croatians and Italian prisoners of war. Fr John Chokolich volunteered to serve in the RAF and was soon accepted. On 17 July 1944 he flew to Algiers to begin his new mission. He celebrated three Masses each Sunday – one for Slavic speakers, one for POWs and one for Croatian and Slovene partisans.

The Christmas Mass of 1944 was attended by 2,000 service men and women.

The Mass was in Latin but the sermon was preached by three priests – one in English, one in German and Fr Chokolich preached in Croatian, Italian and French.

While he was in Algiers, Fr John was goalkeeper for the RAF soccer team which won the interservices competition two years in a row. Many programmes were set up to assist the Italian POWs. He

became very involved in the day to day lives of all the members of his flock. And then in 1945, to his great joy, Fr Chokolich spent his leave in the Holy Land. Fr John began to think of remaining in the RAF but the Archbishop called him back.

Just before he left Europe he celebrated Mass for a hundred people in the damaged Chapel at the Benedictine Monastery at Monte Casino where the Poles had distinguished themselves during the fierce battle for the Mount. He arrived in Perth on 6 June 1946.

His first appointment was as Assistant Priest to Mgr Langmead at Osborne Park which had the jurisdiction of Wanneroo, Balcatta, North Beach, Scarborough, Tuart Hill and Glendalough.

There were many Croatians and Italians in the area. Fr John was always concerned for the young people in the parish and, together with Fr Albert Lynch, he established a choir that Fr Lynch said was second only to the one at the Cathedral.

In 1948, Fr Chokolich was transferred and became Assistant Priest to Fr Frank Ryan at Midland with the care of Herne Hill, Mundaring and Chidlow.

Again, besides Australians, there were many Croatians and Italians in the parish. He did a lot of visiting at that time and was the only Assistant Priest in the diocese with a car.

During this appointment he had a brief spell as Locum tenens at Cunderdin, returning to Midland for a few months before being appointed Parish Priest of the new Parish of Spearwood on 18 December 1949. Spearwood looked after Coogee, Hilton, Kwinana, Jandakot and Peel.

Many of the parishioners were of Croatian or Italian descent. At this time his uncle Tony helped him bring out his sister, Maria,

sending the Archbishop old photos of the late priest.

The Archbishop also revealed that he had written a preface for another published edition of Fr Chokolich’s autobiography, which he said will be published despite the priest’s death and will be given to a select few.

The autobiography serves as a revealing portrait of the Archdiocese, the Archbishop said, as Fr Chokolich spoke fondly of his many friendships with people, including clergy.

from Yugoslavia; she became his housekeeper. In October 1957, Fr John was appointed Locum tenens at Guildford and, in March 1958, he was appointed Parish Priest at Toodyay which included the areas of Jennacubbine, Baker’s Hill and Wundowie.

He found the church almost in ruins and set about encouraging the parishioners so that a new church was blessed and opened in November 1962. Ever interested in youth, he introduced basketball and within a year had six teams.

In 1967, after ten years at Toodyay, Fr John was appointed Parish Priest at North Beach where he was very happy. He was in the midst of planning a new church when he received an unexpected transfer to Highgate.

Here, he baptised and married many Italians and Croatians. Here, too, he formed friendships with Fr F Marlow SJ, Fr Joe Parkinson and Fr John Orzanski. He was a man able to make friendships and keep them.

It was at Highgate that Val Stevens became his housekeeper and friend. After a heart attack and open heart surgery in 1982, he left Highgate for Kalamunda where he spent six years.

In 1988, Fr Chokolich retired to Marangaroo and became Chaplain at Villa Terenzio where pastoral care was provided initially by the Cabrini Sisters and subsequently by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate.

After a long and eventful life, Fr John wrote his Memoirs. He was proud that he was recognised as an Honorary Pioneer of Wanneroo. He died on 3 June 2011 and is buried with Fr Albert Lynch and surrounded by his fellow priests at Karrakatta. In the final words of his Memoir he writes his farewell –“Thank you all and may God love you”.

Archbishop Barry Hickey censes Fr John Chokolich’s coffin with the symbols of his priesthood on top at the late priest’s Pontifical Requiem Mass on 9 June.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Pictured at the re-opening and dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Perth on 8 December 2009 is Fr John Chokolich with Mary Hadock, both of whom were at the 1930 Cathedral opening. PHOTO: PETER ROSENGREN

Hamilton Hill honours Third Person of the Blessed Trinity

BY MAT DE SOUSA

PARISHIONERS at Holy Cross parish in Hamilton Hill celebrated the feast of Pentecost on 12 June with cultural symbols that hark back to the 13th century.

Flowers of red, white and green - the colours of the Portuguese flag - filled the church.

The altar and sanctuary were dressed with red cloth embroidered with images of the Holy Spirit.

Former Holy Cross parish priest Fr Julian Corrasco concelebrated the Mass in Portuguese with Holy Cross parish priest Fr Nicholas Nweke, who assisted and gave the homily in English.

Singing a traditional song for the occasion, two flag bearers and two girls in traditional Portuguese costume who carried in the “Crown of the Holy Spirit” were part of the entrance procession, placing the Crown at the foot of the altar.

This Silver Crown is a mark of Portuguese devotion to the Holy Spirit and a tradition dating back to the 13th century when St Elizabeth of Portugal (known as Rainha Santa Isabel in Portuguese) donated her crown as a votive gift to the Holy Ghost, begging for the famine ravaging her country to stop.

After the readings, read in Portuguese, Fr Nicholas invoked the Holy Spirit to descend upon those gathered.

During his homily, Fr Nicholas said that the celebration of Pentecost was not only a celebration of the day Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostles and breathed the Holy Spirit on them. It was also a celebration of the Holy Spirit as one of the three persons in God.

The Holy Spirit has been with us from the Old Testament to the New Testament and we should celebrate and be prepared to receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit,

Fr Nicholas said. Fr Nicholas then asked the congregation what they would do after the celebration of Pentecost.

Just as the Apostles went out into the world professing the Word of God after receiving the Holy Spirit, what will you do, he asked, challenging those gathered to do more for the glory of God with the gifts they received from the Holy Spirit just as the apostles were challenged some 2,000 odd years ago.

Before the final blessing, Fr Nicholas blessed baskets of bread, which had earlier been laid next to the Crown beneath the altar.

This blessing of the bread also originated with St Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal who, during her reign,tradition has it - began the tradition of feeding the poor on the feast of Pentecost.

As the congregation filed out after Mass, each member received a piece of blessed bread as a reminder of St Elizabeth’s generous gesture and to symbolise Christian unity to the Body of Christ with the breaking of bread.

Benediction took place immediately after Mass and then, as the Crown of the Holy Spirit accompanied by flags and hymns to the Holy Spirit left the church in procession, the congregation followed behind.

Each person touched the flags as they passed over their heads, symbolising the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

Then, giving public witness in front of the church, the congregation sang hymns honouring the Holy Spirit, accompanied by traditional Portuguese instruments.

The celebrations continued throughout the day as those who remained afterwards shared a meal together in the hall, “feasting” together as one in Christ.

Bove Farm annual Marian pilgrimage grows in popularity

BY MATTHEW MONISSE

The annual May Pilgrimage held in honour of the Mother of God at Bove’s farm south of Busselton drew more than 800 people on 1 May.

Bunbury Bishop Gerard Holohan concelebrated Mass with Busselton parish priest Fr Wally Kevis and Fr Brian Morgan, a priest of the Bunbury diocese.

After Mass, the statue of Our Lady was crowned and pilgrims processed around the property, reciting the Rosary, concluding the procession at the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of the Holy Rosary with Benediction.

Luisa Bove, who, with her husband Luigi, hosted the event, thanked all the people who so generously helped organise the day after which all the pilgrims

enjoyed an afternoon tea. As the Busselton parish celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, the event drew several more pilgrims than in previous years including many first time pilgrims.

This first annual May Pilgrimage dates back to 1980 when Luisa Bove received two prior miracles - her own physical healing from an ongoing illness and her husband’s conversion to God and the Church.

Because of this, the devotion on Bove Farm was begun “to acknowledge and thank God for the many special graces received through the intercession of Our Lady”, a booklet commemorating the 25th anniversary of the event in 2005 stated.

In 1987, when Blessed Pope John Paul II declared the year was to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a stone grotto on Bove’s Farm was

constructed and blessed on the first Sunday in May in 1988.

It was then suggested that people gather every first Sunday of the month to pray the Rosary and sing hymns and this tradition continues at Bove Farm to this day.

Ten years later and after much prayer, a chapel was constructed on Bove Farm which today houses the Blessed Sacrament. This is where Mass was celebrated and where Benediction took place. Comments on the day were positive, with the older ones happy to see so many young children there and, one pilgrim said it was the highlight of her year.

Luisa and Luigi Bove took great joy in seeing the delight on so many faces as well as the many graces those people honouring His Mother would have received from the Lord.

Above: Three Girls in traditional Madeira costume process down the Church with the Silver Crown and flag bearers behind them. Below: Crown of the Divine Holy Spirit which is placed in front of the altar during Mass. Right: Congregation is led into song outside the Church with Portuguese instruments.

A statue of Our Lady is processed around Bove Farm, above, on 1 May with hundreds of pilgrims following behind; Luisa Bove with flower girls, left.

Archbishop expects to be here at Xmas

BY BRIDGET SPINKS

ARCHBISHOP Barry Hickey expects he will still be in his current role at Christmas, he revealed to Catholic students during a live web chat on 8 June at WA iinet headquarters in Subiaco.

The web chat was part of the annual LifeLink launch that has included a live web chat since 2001.

Archbishop Hickey replied to a question about his retirement by saying he was waiting for an answer from Rome and said he would “probably be around at Christmas” but as for what happens next year, he said, who knows?

The Archbishop handed in his letter of resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on his 75th birthday on 16 April.

The Archbishop also revealed his own fears when Pope John Paul II appointed him the fifth Archbishop of Perth in 1991.

He recalled having a “sinking feeling” when he received the letter of appointment.

“How can I do it? I didn’t put in for it,” he said. “You hope the people and priests will accept you.”

He said the actual task of being an Archbishop was the most challenging thing as well as having to show a lot of courage at times such as speaking on the steps of Parliament House on legislation with which he disagreed.

In a lighthearted moment, he conceded that sitting and chatting with students online was “among one of the most pleasant” things he has done as Archbishop.

Students from 60 primary and secondary Catholic schools across the Archdiocese also asked Archbishop Hickey and his Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton about translation changes to other rites besides the Mass, the duty of care towards asylum seekers and how to maintain a friendship with people of other faiths. Shane

Mauger, outgoing chief executive of identitywa, also sat in on the panel session.

Students from schools including Holy Cross College in Ellenbrook, Prendiville Catholic College in Ocean Reef and John Paul College in Kalgoorlie sent in questions and tuned in to see and hear the live chat.

After taking the questions, the Archbishop told The Record that he was impressed by the students’ awareness of need in our community. “They obviously see it as part of their faith that they must respond to people in poverty and to people in difficulty,” he said.

Once retired, he said, he might drop in at LifeLink agencies such as Shopfront or identitywa and be a chaplain. Time permitting, he hopes to get to the football. He has been a long-time supporter of the West Coast Eagles.

The LifeLink webcast “linkup” with schools was used to launch the Archbishop’s LifeLink Day Initiative, which sought to educate students on the Church’s response to welfare need in the State and which raises funds for 13 social welfare agencies funded by the Archdiocese, including identitywa.

For the first eight minutes of the webcast, students watched a video clip, which showed the work identitywa does to look after children with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Lifelink-supported agencies provide care and professional services to more than 31,000 West Australian families and individuals each year, delivering $41 million dollars of services and programmes throughout WA.

These agencies assist the unemployed, homeless, migrants and refugees, people with disability, those suffering with HIV/AIDS, families in crisis, men and women battling drugs and other addictions, and abused women and children.

Some of the questions students asked the Bishops:

Q: What would you do if you had a million dollars?

A: The Archbishop said he would pay his electricity bill, and urged students to turn their lights off to save on rising electricity costs. He would like to buy a big city hotel for the homeless so they don’t have to sleep in the park. He would pay off any debts his family might have, and if there’s any left he’d start a fund for the homeless.

Q: What do you do on the weekend?

A: He turns off his emails. He

A gem of a book from Pope Benedict XVI

Book Review

Jesus of Nazareth

Part Two:

Holy Week - From the entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection

By Joseph Ratzinger

Pope Benedict XVI

REVIEWED BY

BRIAN PEACHEY

THIS book is a true masterpiece, a marvellous work of a great scholar, who is also the successor of St Peter.

I use the adjective ‘marvellous’ because I marvelled at the insight he has into Scripture, history and theology and the simple language he uses to give us a clearer knowledge of Jesus and the messianic mystery.

Although it is the writing of a theologian and eschatological scholar and was written in German, it is so easily read. Perhaps some of the credit should be shared with the translator, Philip L Whitmore. A remarkable feature is that the book can be

opened randomly and on almost every page there is a pearl of great worth.

It is a work that Pope Benedict says (in the introduction to the first book, published in 2007) has had a long gestation. My guess is that the little Joseph Ratzinger, before he could read, somehow “knew” that Jesus was God and was truly

present in the Blessed Eucharist.

The value of this book is so great that it should be a textbook in every seminary. It should be studied by every religious education teacher and is more than useful for those studying scripture.

There are ready-made homilies for priests scattered throughout it; especially during Lent and Holy Week.

The book depicts frequent expressions of Benedict’s genuine humility, where he seems to bow to the works of other exegetes, especially several Protestant scholars, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Charles H Dodd, Ferdinand Kattenbusch and Joachim Jeremias. He is politely critical of the works of Martin Heidegger and Rudolf Bultmann.

His 41-page chapter, The Last Supper, is a masterpiece. I hope my good long-time Protestant friends will read it.

Benedict gives a gentle theological polemic on the development of the liturgy of the early Church and the Eucharist, based on the words of Jesus over the chalice which summed up and fulfilled the “new covenant in His blood”, the total gift of Himself that we are beneficiaries of today.

- Jesus of Nazareth is available from The Record Bookshop

might write some talks, is usually out in parishes talking to parish priests. It’s Confirmation season so these days he’s out in parishes sitting down with the parish priest and finding out about the parish and performing Confirmations. His day off is Monday.

Bishop Don said he visits elderly priests on Saturdays and likes to plan for the coming week if he can. The Archbishop said, “That’s good, Bishop Don, you might like to visit me”.

Q: How has being a Mercedes College Chaplain changed him?

A: He said he has “got older and wiser” but he admits he is not a good chaplain, saying he should do more.

He said he should be in the playground, listening and chatting to students and talking to staff more.

However, as the Archdiocese of Perth has more than 100 parishes and 200 priests and he is “their boss”, and he must proclaim the Gospel, he said, he is very busy as Archbishop.

“I understand the world and human beings better,” he added.

He is looking forward to retirement and thanks God for his experience as a priest, administrator and Bishop and has met so many good people and been able to encourage them.

Letters to the Editor, continued

Continued from Page 8 ing that Catholic children with disabilities are accepted and supported appropriately in our Catholic school communities.

As Ron Dullard states ( The Record, 16 March and 13 April 2011), Catholic schools are underresourced when it comes to supporting students with disabilities.

This under-resourcing places pressure on the local Catholic schools, communities and teachers, as well as parents.

Parents feel responsible for placing this extra burden on the school and teacher and feel responsible for assisting in finding the resources required to support their child’s education.

Parents are also anxious about the impact on other students in class and the attitude of other parents who may be concerned about the possible negative impact on their own children’s education.

Above all parents worry about the best interests of their child.

Ron Dullard is to be commended for championing the cause of students with disabilities in his negotiations with the Commonwealth Government. We need to pursue this government funding to ensure that Catholic students with disabilities are treated equitably.

However, the reality is that there is more funding in the State system to support students with a disability, a fact that parents are very aware of, a fact often reinforced by teachers, other parents and friends with children in the State system. This can place parents in a quan-

dary as to which school placement is best for their child. Often, acceptance into a Catholic school is conditional on medical reports and availability of resources to support the child. On one level, this may be very appropriate but to a family with a child with a disability this can be difficult. I strongly sympathise with Andrew Gomez and can confirm that his experience is not an isolated event. In my work with Catholic parents, adequate funding and resourcing is an ongoing issue, from year to year and often from term to term. This is an issue for parents, teachers, Catholic schools and communities.

Despite the good work outlined in Laurie Sutherland’s letter (The Record 8 June 2011) many schools struggle and many children and their families miss out. We work with parents who have not been able to access Catholic schooling, who have felt pressured to withdraw their children because of resourcing issues, who experience great anxiety as to the ongoing sustainability of their child’s education.

The idea of a Foundation which would provide an additional avenue for funding to support children with disabilities with their Catholic school placement would go a long way to relieving the stress on families, teachers and schools and would certainly result in families and their children with disabilities feeling valued and supported by the Catholic Community.

Mary Ballantine Catholic Association for Special Education

Archbishop Barry Hickey takes questions at his Annual LifeLink Day Initiative launch at iinet headquarters in Subiaco.

PHOTO: BRIDGET SPINKS

Divorce problematic for Anglo-Catholics

BY ANTHONY BARICH

FREEMASON membership, divorce and re-marriage have emerged as potential stumbling blocks for Anglicans seeking to enter the Catholic Church via an Ordinariate.

Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott, the Holy See’s delegate for the Anglican Ordinariate in Australia, said at an Ordinariate festival in Melbourne on 11 June that divorced and remarried Anglicans should seek Catholic Canon Law advice before they try to enter the Church.

Addressing a “delicate but unavoidable issue”, the prelate urged Ordinariate-bound Anglicans who have remarried after divorce “to take your situation to a diocesan marriage tribunal so that your reconciliation in the Ordinariate will in no way be impeded next year”.

“Even if you received an Anglican permission to re-marry, this will need to be evaluated carefully to see if this conforms to Catholic requirements,” Bishop Elliott, a former Anglican, said. “However, I have been assured that Catholic Canon Law is followed in the Traditional Anglican Communion, which should facilitate matters for members of the TAC when they approach a tribunal.”

Regarding membership of a Masonic lodge, the prelate said that, “in spite of what you might hear from time to time, Catholics are not permitted to be Freemasons”.

“Men seeking to enter the Ordinariate will need to resign from the Lodge. This raises the spiritual challenge, whether commitment to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and membership of His Church takes priority in your life,” he said.

In November 2009, Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision to erect personal Ordinariates for former Anglicans who wanted to enter into full communion with Rome while preserving liturgical and other elements of their Anglican heritage, including a certain amount of governing by consensus.

Bishop Elliott also revealed that he expects an Ordinariate to be established in Australia by 2012 –the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. “Those being reconciled in an Ordinariate are beneficiaries of the Council’s ecumenical vision, commitment and mandate. Let us never forget that,” he said.

Bishop Elliott also revealed that an international commission, including himself, has been prepar-

ing an “Ordinariate liturgy”, subject to the approbation of the Holy See, which draws on the Anglican patrimony and Catholic traditions. The Ordinariates can also use both forms of the Roman Rite, but he added that the liturgy of the Anglican Use parishes in the United States is one model for developing a “use” for the Ordinariates.

He said the Ordinariate’s liturgy will contribute to the “spiritual renewal of liturgy that has quietly emerged in recent years” - “the fruit of the Eucharistic project of Blessed Pope John Paul II and the liturgical wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI”.

“The liturgy should embody those transcendentals that inform what is best in Christian civilisation, that is, whatever is good, true and beautiful. I am sure that the liturgies of the Ordinariates will always represent these transcendentals,” he said.

Anglicans seeking full communion with the Church must apply in writing via application forms that will be issued later this year. They then make a Profession of Faith and receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation – Confirmation and the Eucharist, he said.

They are then to be registered as members. He said the rule of faith for the Ordinariate is the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Elliott also urged Catholics to take a concrete role in supporting Anglicans seeking full

communion with the Church, telling them not to see the Personal Ordinariate as “merely an interesting enterprise or a historical event to observe”.

Anglicans seeking full communion will need Confirmation sponsors – people to “enter into a spiritual relationship” with them and to encourage, guide and counsel, he added. “I hope that (Catholics) will want to be part of it, at this stage, in the sense of walking with Anglican men and women who are making so many sacrifices on their pilgrimage to unity with the See of Peter,” he said.

Anglican clergy seeking ministry in the Ordinariate are finding priest mentors among Catholic priests, he said, while the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy has invited some Anglican clergy to take part in its annual conference 20-24 June at Corpus Christi College in Melbourne.

Anglicans seeking communion with the Church are currently undergoing formation involving “intense” study of the Catechism, and also recommended a catechetical course produced by The Evangelium Project founded by Fr Marcus Holden from Ramsgate, England. Bishop Elliott also recommended The Creed - the first volume of Sydney-based Opus Dei priest and The Record columnist Fr John Flader’s Tour of the Catechism – for catechesis purposes.

Ordinariate now due in 2012

BY ANTHONY BARICH

THE Vatican is aiming to establish an Anglican Ordinariate in Australia by next year, the Holy See’s delegate for the Anglican Ordinariate in Australia has revealed.

Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott, who addressed a Festival introducing the Ordinariate in Melbourne on 11 June, told The Record that there is momentum leading to the establishment of an Anglican Ordinariate in Australia with recent events in England and, closer to home, the Torres Strait.

“We have been advised that the Ordinariate will take shape here next year,” Bishop Elliott told an Anglican Ordinariate Festival in Melbourne on 11 June.

“I know that many, including myself, had hoped it would be sooner, but it seems best to take the necessary and somewhat complex steps slowly and surely, inspired and encouraged as we are by recent events in England and the interesting prospects for growth that that are already being revealed.”

He also told The Record last week that a timeline would be announced in due course once this has been approved by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. “Australian Anglicans and Catholics working towards an Ordinariate are much encouraged by recent events in England, where the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham is expanding every week. The recent ordination of seven former Anglican clergy in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark marked another step forward,” he said. Australian Anglo-Catholic leaders had originally hoped to have an Anglican Ordinariate established in Australia by Pentecost – 12 June - as previously reported by The Record. This Ordinariate was also to include Japan as their key liaison is Adelaide-based Archbishop John Hepworth, Primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC), which claims a global membership

of 400,000. The Church of the Torres Strait decided at a 3-5 June Synod to petition Rome for an Ordinariate for Indigenous Australian Anglicans in the islands to the north of Cape York.

The clergy and lay people who voted for an Ordinariate at their recent Synod are within the jurisdiction and pastoral care of the TAC, which respects and honours their culture and traditions, Bishop Elliott said.

Should their request be granted, there will be a Confirmation of each person’s decision and an ordination of the present priests and deacons as Catholic priests and deacons. The Church of the Torres Strait has set a target date of Advent Sunday this year.

Bishop Tolowa Nona SSC, who presided over the TAC Church of the Torres Strait Synod, said the establishment of an Ordinariate would be the most significant event in the Christian history of the Torres Strait since the Coming of the Light in 1871, when the London Missionary Society first arrived at Erub Island introducing Christianity to the region.

Thursday Island parish priest Fr Tom Stephen told the Synod that while religion can unfortunately often divide people and even kill people of other beliefs, Torres Strait culture is “a guide for right actions towards others”, as the local Church often holds joint events with other denominations.

Torres Strait Church Vicar General Fr Gordon Barnier said the Church recognises that other Christian communities also have the faith in varying degrees and wants to reach out to embrace them. Relationships with other communities of Christians will continue and expand, he said, and combined services are often held and “are helpful to many and we are mindful of the support that many other pastors give us.

All pray and long for the day when we will be able to receive the one bread and the one cup in the Eucharist (Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper, Breaking of Bread).”

False mysticism compounded MacKillop’s woes

BY ANTHONY BARICH

SPURIOUS claims of mysticism among members of Mary MacKillop’s Order were yet another unnecessary problem she had to face along with a raft of other issues that eventually contributed to her excommunication.

While claims by some members of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart that they were experiencing visions did not directly cause her excommunication, it added to the burden of having to deal with matters such as strained relationships with her Order’s spiritual director and intense opposition from some Australian clergy and Bishops.

Mary MacKillop and a Nest of Crosses, to be launched at the Mary MacKillop Centre in Kensington, South Australia on 17 June, clarifies the circumstances leading up

to and during her September 1871 excommunication by Adelaide Bishop Lawrence Shiel.

Sr Sheila McCreanor, Secretary General of the Sisters of St Joseph, arranged and edited the book that looks at the sometimes strained relationship between St Mary and Fr Julian Tenison Woods, with whom she co-founded the Order in 1866.

Sr McCreanor told The Record that the Order lacked Mother Mary’s “strong leadership when they needed it the most”, as she was away from Adelaide in Queensland to establish new schools.

When St Mary was in Queensland from December 1869 to April 1871, a series of letters between her and Fr Woods detail how some Sisters in Kapunda had reported to him their concern about two recently-arrived Franciscan priests, Frs Horan and Keating, being involved in sexual

abuse.

In Bishop Shiel’s absence, his Vicar General Fr John Smyth dismissed Fr Keating, which led some clergy to be determined to “destroy” St Mary and pressured the Bishop to excommunicate her, ABC programme Compass revealed in October 2010. The Josephites confirmed the programme’s account days before the show aired.

“At the same time, because of the spirituality of the time, some of the Sisters thought that to be holy they needed to have visions, and Fr Woods was encouraging of this,” Sr McCreanor said. “This led to some dissension among the Sisters as the more commonsense ones could see some were putting it on to get Fr Woods’ attention.”

It all came to a head when one of the Sisters who believed she was having visions, Sr Angela Carroll, stole the Blessed Sacrament from

the Sisters’ main convent chapel in Franklin Street, Adelaide. “This distressed the Sisters … Sr Angela was a disturbed woman,” Sr McCreanor said. Another “significant factor” compounding the Order’s problems was Fr Woods opening many new schools around South Australia in poor communities, which grew antagonistic towards him as they were being asked to financially support the local priest as well as the Sisters.

“People blamed him for the difficulties, as sometimes he wasn’t too prudent, and Mary had to keep reminding him that prudence was important … he often acted before thinking,” Sister McCreanor said.

Sr McCreanor, who has now compiled four books of St Mary’s letters, said the process of editing this latest book revealed the saint’s “amazing, impenetrable faith” through a time of uncertainty.

She said St Mary consistently used the refrain “good God” in her letters, which reflected “the kind of relationship she had with God, even just after the excommunication”.

Page 285 reveals how, just a few days after the excommunication, she wrote to Fr Woods that “we are all in the loving hands of a good God”. Again, on page 261, two days before the event, she wrote to Fr Woods that she “never had more confidence in God and our rules than now”.

“There is no doubt the challenges she faced during this period were overcome by her impenetrable faith,” Sr McCreanor said. “The events not only made her stronger as a woman, but also as a leader and ultimately a saint. It helps people see her as a real woman.”

Pope Benedict XVI canonised Mary as St Mary of the Cross in Rome on 17 October 2010.

Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott holds up the Catechism of the Catholic Church during an Anglican Ordinariate Festival at Como Catholic Parish in February. Leaders representing Anglo-Catholics around the world signed the Catechism and presented it to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as a sign of their total fidelity ot the Church.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Video games debate opens can of worms

Family lobbyists at odds with Bishops over video games

BY ANTHONY BARICH Analysis

THE Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has put itself at odds with family and children’s welfare lobby groups by giving qualified support to the Federal Government’s draft R18+ Computer Games Guidelines.

Fr Richard Leonard SJ, director of the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting, said that a complete ban of the material included under the R18+ classification would be “near impossible” as such material is available illegally over the internet anyway.

The ACBC argues that an R18+ classification will assist parents being informed about the content of video games and will help ensure children will not be able to access the games.

“The preferred position of the Catholic Church is that R18+ material should not be available. But if such an outcome is not achievable then the Australian National Classification Scheme should include an R18+ classification category for computer games,” said the submission which Fr Leonard helped draw up.

The ACBC recommended that the Office for Film and Literature Classification have an easier process for feedback from the public; and that a national hotline be established for people to leave a verbal report on film, DVD, computer game or literature.

While the ACBC acknowledged that the present classification system goes as far as MA15+ and thereby excludes many games that have more serious adult content, family and child welfare groups used this very fact to argue against an R18+ classification.

Thirteen WA parliamentarians, FamilyVoice Australia, the Commissioners for Children and Young People and Child Guardians (CCYPCG), Media Standards Australia, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia and the Australian Council on Children and the Media provided research to back their claims that violence in games was a source of aggressive and anti-social behaviour among gamers.

The Catholic Women’s League, the Australian Christian Lobby and Women’s Health Victoria also opposed the R18+ classification.

The draft guidelines and submissions can be accessed and submitted online until 22 June by logging onto the Government’s Classification website, www.classification.gov. au, which said extensive public consultation in 2010 on whether there should be an R18+ category

No need for change if standards applied properly

BY ANTHONY BARICH

THE current system by which video games are being classified has proven ineffective and needs to be more stringently applied rather than introducing an R18+ classification, Media Standards Australia said.

“Current standards of regulation and classification, by the responsible government bodies, of even the worst excesses of abhorrent material are totally unacceptable,” MSA said in its Submission on the Australian Film and Literature Classification Scheme to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. “More and more highly objectionable material is being allowed into Australia, and being classified as acceptable.

“It is obvious that the classification guidelines are interpreted, by those responsible, in such a way as to be rendered meaningless.”

for computer games revealed “overwhelming support” for its introduction. The ACBC said that the needs of the parents of community’s most vulnerable members - children and adolescents - must be given the highest priority in deciding the content, application and defence of the computer games classification guidelines. “In accepting an R18+ classification, no reasonable

Grand Theft Auto IV, which is classified as MA15+ in Australia, is classified as ‘18+’ in the European Union, ‘18’ in the United Kingdom and ‘R18’ in New Zealand.

Before its release, Rockstar Games announced it would censor the game to ensure it would meet an MA15+ rating.

Thus, according to Australia needs an R18+ rating for video games website, the player is unable to view the simulated sexual intercourse with prostitutes in the game, nor to choose what type of sex act is performed.

Instead, the camera is locked behind the vehicle during the encounter, showing a rocking vehicle animation and accompanying soundtrack.

Also, “blood no longer pools under killed characters, nor can the player leave bloody footprints by walking through blood pools, or bloody tyre tracks by driving through them.

person would in any way support or promote some of those titles and the explicitly violent and sexually graphic material contained therein.

“Such support rests solely on having a uniform approach to media classification which enables parents and adults to have more information in regard to the content of some games and to make appropriate decisions about them.”

The Sydney Archdiocesan

Blood continues to splatter like normal,” r18games.com. au said. “According to current Classification Board standards, these changes were enough to warrant the game the highest possible rating of MA15+.”

In a separate submission to the Classification Review of the R18+ Classification Category for Computer Games, MSA said it suspects the Government has asked for submissions on this because of undue pressure from the gaming industry.

“It is obvious that there would be significant financial losses, at least for the industry, by being denied this highly lucrative revenue stream,” its submission said.

“When Western Australia decided against gaming machines, this same element of vested interests came into play to muddy the waters of the argument, and is also no small factor in the government balancing of budgets.”

website published a story on 2 June titled “Computer Game R18+ Classifications Won’t Protect Children”, which quoted Australian Council of Children and the Media’s Prof Elizabeth Handsley extensively.

While it added three paragraphs of quotes by Fr Leonard at the end of its article, the other 16 paragraphs were devoted to condemning the Government’s new guidelines.

Prof Handlsey argued that the new classification would open the door for more violent and sexually explicit games. She said that the introduction of the R18+ category would see games previously refused classification being allowed, “drastically loosen(ing) restrictions on drug use, nudity and violence”.

“The guidelines for the proposed R18+ classification introduced by the Minister (for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor) are little more than window dressing as far as improving protections for children,” she was quoted as saying.

Prof Handsley said there seems no way to prevent children from purchasing such video games from international outlets online and that it will be virtually impossible to prevent younger and younger children from accessing the material as there is no way to monitor what they are downloading via their phones or computers.

The Australian Bishops’ submission called for a uniform Nationwide approach as some games are banned in some States and not in others. This will bring Australia in line with other “similar” countries around the world, it said.

It said that while some constitutional issues that prevent the Territory Governments from banning such material, “the present arrangement in regard to DVDs, where the ACT and the Northern Territory can be the point of sale and rental for X rated material not available in the States, is absurd and hypocritical.” It added that X-rated computer games and DVDs should not be available in any State or Territory in Australia.

This new National approach needs to have more categories, be more descriptive of the material and have an ongoing community education programme about its contents and meaning, the ACBC said, and recommended that the categories of G, G8+, PG, PG13+, M15, MA15+, R18 and RC be used.

The submission said the R classification for a computer game should consider the violent nature of language, religiously offensive language and offensive shorthand terms.

“‘You are a mother…!’ for example – many know what this term means even if the final word is not used,” the Bishops’ submission said.

Attention should also be paid to the soundtrack, “one of the most influential aspects of the viewing experience” which influences emotional responses.

It said a clear distinction should be made between MMORPG (massively multi-player online role playing games) and traditional video game playing, as classifiers, consumers and “especially parents” should be informed about current issues in these developing interactive games that require a vastly different level of interaction than video games.

Vatican clarifies excommunication for illicit ordinations

Excommunications are a ‘medicinal punishment’: Vatican

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican said Bishops’ ordinations that are not authorised by the Pope generally bring the penalty of automatic excommunication, but there can be mitigating circumstances - including fear of reprisal, necessity or serious inconvenience.

The clarification, issued by the Pontifical Council for Legislative

Texts, appeared to respond to the situation of recent ordinations of Bishops in China against the orders of Pope Benedict XVI.

The text was published on 10 June by L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.

In China, the most recent ordinations have involved Bishops loyal to the Vatican, who were said to have been intimidated or forced to participate as ordaining ministers.

The normal penalty for participation in such an ordination is automatic excommunication.

The Vatican clarification said

that while unauthorised ordination is always a grave crime against Church law, automatic excommunication would not apply in certain circumstances, in particular if the participating Bishop acted “out of grave fear, even relatively grave, or out of necessity or out of serious inconvenience.”

Such circumstances need to be verified and evaluated for each participant, it said, and in the end “each of them knows in their heart the degree of their personal involvement” and therefore whether the penalty of excommunica-

tion applies. However, the Vatican added, the issue does not end there.

Ordaining Bishops without a papal mandate is such a serious crime that the very act provokes scandal and confusion among the faithful, and this scandal must be repaired through acts of communion and penitence, it said.

It said the participating Bishops also need to explain their actions, and, in view of their explanations, the Vatican may find itself in the position of having to censure them in some way.

If additional information arrives

demonstrating culpability, the Vatican could later declare that a Bishop had been excommunicated, or impose other sanctions if this was deemed necessary to “repair the scandal and dissipate the confusion among the faithful.”

The statement said the Church considers excommunication a “medicinal” punishment designed to motivate the guilty to repentance.

“Once he has demonstrated that he is sincerely repentant, the person acquires the right to be absolved of the excommunication,” it said.

A scene from Grand Theft Auto IV, which, while cleared by the Classification Board, contains explicit violence and implied sex secenes.

PANORAMA

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday.

Contributions may be emailed to office@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9325 4580, or mailed to PO Box 3075, Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6832.

SATURDAY, 18 JUNE

25th Jubilee Parish Dinner Dance

7pm at St Simon Peter Parish, 20 Prendiville Ave, Ocean Reef in the Prendiville gym. Fabulous evening of music, dancing and a 3-course meal. Tickets $35 per person and Seniors $30. BYO alcohol and soft drinks. Coffee and tea provided. Tickets on sale now after all Masses and from Parish Office. Enq: Monique 9300 4885.

A Morning Retreat – ‘Inner Healing’

9am-12pm at Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre (follow signs), John X XIII College. ‘Inner Freedom and Healing. Part 1’ presented by Murray Graham. Cost: Donation. Enq and registration: Murray 9383 0444 or graham.murray@ johnxxiii.edu.au.

SUNDAY, 19 JUNE

Taize Prayer Service

7pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. Come, be still and pray in the silence of a candlelit chapel. Please bring a torch. Enq: Sr Maree 0414 683 926. St Anthony’s Day of celebration

11am at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo. Begins with Mass, followed by Festival in honour of St Anthony at school grounds. 2pm Procession and 2.30pm Benediction. Lots of food and fun for all the family. Enq: Fr John 9405 1110.

MONDAY, 20 AND TUESDAY, 21 JUNE

Healing Ministry

10am at The Good Shepherd Parish, cnr Morley Dr and Altone Rd. Fr Michael Truong Luan Nguyen will minister the Healing Ministry in two full day programmes. Begins with Healing Mass; 3pm Divine Mercy Devotions; 7pm Healing Service. Individual appointments available during day. Enq: office 9279 8119.

TUESDAY, 21 JUNE

Trinity Sunday Formation

7-8pm at St Benedict’s school hall, Alness St, Applecross. “Three persons, equal in Majesty desiring personal involvement with us. How do we open to this mystery?” by Norma Woodcock. Collection to cover costs. Enq: Norma 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com.

WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE TO THURSDAY 30 JUNE

Novena to Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary

12.10pm Mass followed by Novena at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Enq: Beatrice 9409 6473.

FRIDAY, 24 JUNE

Medjugorje Evening Prayer – 30th Anniversary

7-9pm at All Saint’s Chapel, 77 St, George’s Tce (Allendale Sq), Perth. Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and Holy Mass. Distribution: free DVDs of Donald Calloway’s inspiring story of his life of drugs, alcohol, crime and imprisonment to his conversion and later priesthood; also DVD of Ivan’s visit to St Mary’s Cathedral. Enq.Eileen 9402 2480 or 0407 471 256, medjugorje@y7mail.com.

SATURDAY, 25 JUNE

Our Lady Queen of Peace celebration

10am at St Paul’s Church, 104 Rookwood St, Mt Lawley. Rosary followed by Mass at 10.30am and lunch at 11.30am. Please bring a plate. Enq: Fr Tim 9271 5253.

SATURDAY, 25 AND SUNDAY, 26 JUNE

Charismatic Renewal Conference

9am-4.30pm at the Disciples of Jesus venue, 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. 10am-5.30pm Sunday. “Come Holy Spirit”. Speakers: International President, Mrs Michelle Moran, Archbishop Hickey, CCR Chairman, Mr Dan Hewitt. Mass both days. Cost: collections. BYO lunch, Bible, notepad. Enq: Dan 9398 4973 or dhewitt@aapt.net.au.

SUNDAY, 26 JUNE

Corpus Christi Procession

10.15am at St Joseph’s Church, 19 Hamilton St, Bassendean. 9am Mass. We bring Jesus Christ in The Holy Eucharist through some of the streets in Bassendean. Followed by Benediction. Refreshments afterwards. Bring a plate to share. Enq: Parish Office 9379 2691.

THURSDAY, 30 JUNE

“Laughter Workshop”

7-9pm at Infant Jesus Catholic Parish Centre, 47 Wellington St, Morley. Laughter is the best medication

for good health. By Morley Mental Health Support and Wellness Group. Enq: Angela 9276 8500 or Barbara 9328 8113.

FRIDAY, 1 JULY

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 11am at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Holy Hour and Benediction. 12.10pm Mass and consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed by Rosary and Litanies. Main celebrant: Archbishop Hickey. Enq: Beatrice 9409 6473.

Pro-Life Witness

9.30am at St Brigid’s Church, 69b 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. Join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

SATURDAY, 2 JULY

Day with Mary

9am-5pm at St Brigid Church, cnr Fitzgerald and Aberdeen Sts, Northbridge. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10.10am Holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Vigil for Life

8.30-10.30am at St Augustine’s Church, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and vigil at abortion clinic, led by Fr Paul Carey. Weekly prayer vigils: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349.

SUNDAY, 3 JULY

Divine Mercy

1.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Main celebrant: Fr Hugh Thomas. “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” homily. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by Benediction and Veneration of First Class Relic of St Faustina Kowalska. Reconciliation available. Refreshments afterwards. Enq: John 9457 7771.

SATURDAY, 9 JULY

Padre Pio day of Prayer

8.30am at Good Shepherd Church, Cnr Morley Dr and Alton Rd, Lockridge. Begins with Padre Pio DVD (Parish centre), 10am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am Mass, St Padre Pio liturgy and Confession. 12pm lunch, Bring aplate to share. Enq: Des 6278 1540.

PILGRIMAGE TO PRAGUE, POLAND AND AUSTRIA

St Jude’s Parish, Langford is organising a 13-day pilgrimage departing 1 October. It will include visits to the Shrines of Divine Mercy, Infant Jesus, the Black Madonna, St Faustina, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II and the Museum at Auschwitz. Total cost per person $5,800. Spiritual Director, Fr Terry Raj. Enq: Co-ordinator John Murphy 9457 7771, Matt 6460 6877, mattpicc1@ gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, 5 TO THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER

Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo and Medjugorje

Includes 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio); visit to Monte Gargano and Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle); 7 nights in Medjugorje (Alleged daily appearance of Our Lady). Spiritual Leader: Fr Ronan Murphy. Cost: $3,990, includes Emirates flight, bed, breakfast and evening meals, transfers, guide, taxes and tipping. Enq.Eileen 9402 2480 or 0407 471 256, medjugorje@y7mail.com.

FRIDAY, 11 TO TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER

Pilgrim Tour To The Holy Land Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Spiritual Director: Fr Sebastian Kalapurackal VC from St Aloysius Church, Shenton Park. Enq: Francis – Coordinator, 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877 or Skype ID: perthfamily.

EVERY SUNDAY

Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio

Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.30-9pm

on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria. com.

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation

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

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

Divine Mercy Chaplet and Healing Prayer

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

EVERY SECOND SUNDAY

Healing Hour for the Sick

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

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Oblates of St Benedict

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

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life

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

EVERY MONDAY

Evening Adoration and Mass

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

EVERY TUESDAY

Bible Teaching with a difference

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

Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Holy Spirit of Freedom Community

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

Holy Hour at Catholic Youth Ministry

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

EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY

Holy Hour prayer for Priests

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

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Chaplets of the Divine Mercy

7.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Rd, Bateman. A beautiful sung devotion accompanied by

Exposition and followed by Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 9325 2010 (w).

EVERY THURSDAY

Divine Mercy

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

St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting

Due to renovations at 450 Hay St Perth, CPM now meets at 7.45pm every Thursday at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. Includes Praise song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@flameministries.org.

Fr Corapi’s Catechism of the Catholic Church

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

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Taize Prayer and Meditation

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

EVERY SECOND THURSDAY

St Denis Discussion Group

7.30pm at parishioners’ homes to discuss any aspect of our faith followed by supper and fellowship. Enq: George 9349 2187 or Anna 9242 2788, (w) 9249 2788.

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

7pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Mass, followed by Adoration with Fr Doug Harris. All welcome. Refreshments provided.

Catholic Faith Renewal Evening

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

Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils

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

Healing Mass

7pm at St Peter’s Parish, Wood Street, Inglewood. Reconciliation, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, Anointing of the Sick, special blessings and fellowship after the Mass. Celebrants, Fr Dat (parish priest) and specially invited priests. All welcome. Enq: Priscilla 0433 457 352, Catherine 0433 923 083 and Mary-Ann 0409 672 304.

Healing and Anointing Mass

8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation followed by 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Anointing of the Sick and Prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189.

EVERY FIRST SATURDAY

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.au.

LOST & FOUND

‘Pyx and Cross’ on the roadside between Kojonup and Williams. Enq: Holy Family Parish - Albany 08 9841 1129.

PANORAMA

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday.

Contributions may be emailed to office@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9325 4580, or mailed to PO Box 3075, Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6832.

SATURDAY, 18 JUNE

25th Jubilee Parish Dinner Dance

7pm at St Simon Peter Parish, 20 Prendiville Ave, Ocean Reef in the Prendiville gym. Fabulous evening of music, dancing and a 3-course meal. Tickets $35 per person and Seniors $30. BYO alcohol and soft drinks. Coffee and tea provided. Tickets on sale now after all Masses and from Parish Office. Enq: Monique 9300 4885.

A Morning Retreat – ‘Inner Healing’

9am-12pm at Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre (follow signs), John X XIII College. ‘Inner Freedom and Healing. Part 1’ presented by Murray Graham. Cost: Donation. Enq and registration: Murray 9383 0444 or graham.murray@ johnxxiii.edu.au.

SUNDAY, 19 JUNE

Taize Prayer Service

7pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. Come, be still and pray in the silence of a candlelit chapel. Please bring a torch. Enq: Sr Maree 0414 683 926. St Anthony’s Day of celebration

11am at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo. Begins with Mass, followed by Festival in honour of St Anthony at school grounds. 2pm Procession and 2.30pm Benediction. Lots of food and fun for all the family. Enq: Fr John 9405 1110.

MONDAY, 20 AND TUESDAY, 21 JUNE

Healing Ministry

10am at The Good Shepherd Parish, cnr Morley Dr and Altone Rd. Fr Michael Truong Luan Nguyen will minister the Healing Ministry in two full day programmes. Begins with Healing Mass; 3pm Divine Mercy Devotions; 7pm Healing Service. Individual appointments available during day. Enq: office 9279 8119.

TUESDAY, 21 JUNE

Trinity Sunday Formation

7-8pm at St Benedict’s school hall, Alness St, Applecross. “Three persons, equal in Majesty desiring personal involvement with us. How do we open to this mystery?” by Norma Woodcock. Collection to cover costs. Enq: Norma 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com.

WEDNESDAY, 22 JUNE TO THURSDAY 30 JUNE

Novena to Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary

12.10pm Mass followed by Novena at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Enq: Beatrice 9409 6473.

FRIDAY, 24 JUNE

Medjugorje Evening Prayer – 30th Anniversary

7-9pm at All Saint’s Chapel, 77 St, George’s Tce (Allendale Sq), Perth. Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and Holy Mass. Distribution: free DVDs of Donald Calloway’s inspiring story of his life of drugs, alcohol, crime and imprisonment to his conversion and later priesthood; also DVD of Ivan’s visit to St Mary’s Cathedral. Enq.Eileen 9402 2480 or 0407 471 256, medjugorje@y7mail.com.

SATURDAY, 25 JUNE

Our Lady Queen of Peace celebration

10am at St Paul’s Church, 104 Rookwood St, Mt Lawley. Rosary followed by Mass at 10.30am and lunch at 11.30am. Please bring a plate. Enq: Fr Tim 9271 5253.

SATURDAY, 25 AND SUNDAY, 26 JUNE

Charismatic Renewal Conference

9am-4.30pm at the Disciples of Jesus venue, 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. 10am-5.30pm Sunday. “Come Holy Spirit”. Speakers: International President, Mrs Michelle Moran, Archbishop Hickey, CCR Chairman, Mr Dan Hewitt. Mass both days. Cost: collections. BYO lunch, Bible, notepad. Enq: Dan 9398 4973 or dhewitt@aapt.net.au.

SUNDAY, 26 JUNE

Corpus Christi Procession

10.15am at St Joseph’s Church, 19 Hamilton St, Bassendean. 9am Mass. We bring Jesus Christ in The Holy Eucharist through some of the streets in Bassendean. Followed by Benediction. Refreshments afterwards. Bring a plate to share. Enq: Parish Office 9379 2691.

THURSDAY, 30 JUNE

“Laughter Workshop”

7-9pm at Infant Jesus Catholic Parish Centre, 47 Wellington St, Morley. Laughter is the best medication

for good health. By Morley Mental Health Support and Wellness Group. Enq: Angela 9276 8500 or Barbara 9328 8113.

FRIDAY, 1 JULY

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 11am at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Holy Hour and Benediction. 12.10pm Mass and consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary followed by Rosary and Litanies. Main celebrant: Archbishop Hickey. Enq: Beatrice 9409 6473.

Pro-Life Witness

9.30am at St Brigid’s Church, 69b 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. Join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

SATURDAY, 2 JULY

Day with Mary

9am-5pm at St Brigid Church, cnr Fitzgerald and Aberdeen Sts, Northbridge. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10.10am Holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Vigil for Life

8.30-10.30am at St Augustine’s Church, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and vigil at abortion clinic, led by Fr Paul Carey. Weekly prayer vigils: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349.

SUNDAY, 3 JULY

Divine Mercy

1.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Main celebrant: Fr Hugh Thomas. “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” homily. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by Benediction and Veneration of First Class Relic of St Faustina Kowalska. Reconciliation available. Refreshments afterwards. Enq: John 9457 7771.

SATURDAY, 9 JULY

Padre Pio day of Prayer

8.30am at Good Shepherd Church, Cnr Morley Dr and Alton Rd, Lockridge. Begins with Padre Pio DVD (Parish centre), 10am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am Mass, St Padre Pio liturgy and Confession. 12pm lunch, Bring aplate to share. Enq: Des 6278 1540.

PILGRIMAGE TO PRAGUE, POLAND AND AUSTRIA

St Jude’s Parish, Langford is organising a 13-day pilgrimage departing 1 October. It will include visits to the Shrines of Divine Mercy, Infant Jesus, the Black Madonna, St Faustina, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II and the Museum at Auschwitz. Total cost per person $5,800. Spiritual Director, Fr Terry Raj. Enq: Co-ordinator John Murphy 9457 7771, Matt 6460 6877, mattpicc1@ gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, 5 TO THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER

Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo and Medjugorje

Includes 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio); visit to Monte Gargano and Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle); 7 nights in Medjugorje (Alleged daily appearance of Our Lady). Spiritual Leader: Fr Ronan Murphy. Cost: $3,990, includes Emirates flight, bed, breakfast and evening meals, transfers, guide, taxes and tipping. Enq.Eileen 9402 2480 or 0407 471 256, medjugorje@y7mail.com.

FRIDAY, 11 TO TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER

Pilgrim Tour To The Holy Land Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Spiritual Director: Fr Sebastian Kalapurackal VC from St Aloysius Church, Shenton Park. Enq: Francis – Coordinator, 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877 or Skype ID: perthfamily.

EVERY SUNDAY

Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio

Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.30-9pm

on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria. com.

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation

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

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

Divine Mercy Chaplet and Healing Prayer

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

EVERY SECOND SUNDAY

Healing Hour for the Sick

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

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Oblates of St Benedict

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

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life

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

EVERY MONDAY

Evening Adoration and Mass

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

EVERY TUESDAY

Bible Teaching with a difference

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

Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Holy Spirit of Freedom Community

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

Holy Hour at Catholic Youth Ministry

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

EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY

Holy Hour prayer for Priests

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

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH

Chaplets of the Divine Mercy

7.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Rd, Bateman. A beautiful sung devotion accompanied by

Exposition and followed by Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 9325 2010 (w).

EVERY THURSDAY

Divine Mercy

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

St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting

Due to renovations at 450 Hay St Perth, CPM now meets at 7.45pm every Thursday at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. Includes Praise song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@flameministries.org.

Fr Corapi’s Catechism of the Catholic Church

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

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Taize Prayer and Meditation

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

EVERY SECOND THURSDAY

St Denis Discussion Group

7.30pm at parishioners’ homes to discuss any aspect of our faith followed by supper and fellowship. Enq: George 9349 2187 or Anna 9242 2788, (w) 9249 2788.

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

7pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Mass, followed by Adoration with Fr Doug Harris. All welcome. Refreshments provided.

Catholic Faith Renewal Evening

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

Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils

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

Healing Mass

7pm at St Peter’s Parish, Wood Street, Inglewood. Reconciliation, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, Anointing of the Sick, special blessings and fellowship after the Mass. Celebrants, Fr Dat (parish priest) and specially invited priests. All welcome. Enq: Priscilla 0433 457 352, Catherine 0433 923 083 and Mary-Ann 0409 672 304.

Healing and Anointing Mass

8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation followed by 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Anointing of the Sick and Prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189.

EVERY FIRST SATURDAY

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.au.

LOST & FOUND

‘Pyx and Cross’ on the roadside between Kojonup and Williams. Enq: Holy Family Parish - Albany 08 9841 1129.

ACROSS

3 Franciscan founder of California missions

6 Latin, meaning “and (from) the Son,” added to the Nicene Creed

8 Pope during Attilaʼs time

9 Tunic-like vestment

11 Paul mentions her in Romans 16:1

13 Book written by St Thomas More

15 The Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state

17 A non-coveting commandment

20 Catholic horror actor Lugosi

21 Catholic author Tolkienʼs The Lord of the ___

23 “Give us this day ___ daily bread…”

24 Most important teaching

26 Warms meeting that denounced Luther

27 Wednesday markers

30 Paulʼs name, originally

32 Blend of oil and balsam

34 Old Testament prophet

37 Evil deed

38 Nevada diocese

39 A visit with the Pope

40 Sarahʼs response when she heard that she would have a child DOWN

1 What Andrew and Peter did for a living

2 Ordinary ___

3 Advent or Lent

4 “And ___ with you”

5 Home of St Rose

11 Head of a monastery

Walk With Him

19 S THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

Wh Ex 34:4-6, 8-9 God of compassion

Dan 3:52-56 Glory and praise!

2 Cor 13:11-13 help one another

Jn 3;16-18 God gave His Son

20 M Gen 12:1-9 An Altar for the Lord

Gr Ps 32:12-13, 18-20, 22 Chosen people

Mt 7:1-5 Do not judge

21 Tu St Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (M)

Wh Gen 13:2, 5-18 We are brothers

Ps 14:2-5 Stand firm for ever

Mt 7:6, 12-14 The narrow gate

14 Religion of the Muslims

16 “Silent ___”

18 Paul was upset because of the number of these in Athens (Acts 17:16)

19 Number of theological virtues

20 There are 27 in the New Testament

22 Notre Dame nickname, “The Fighting ___”

25 Catholic comedian married to Burns

27 “…my brother, co-worker, and comrade in ___” (Phil 2:25)

28 She gave birth to the prophet who anointed Saul

29 Meeting of Bishops

31 Palm product

32 ___of Ars, title by which the patron saint of priests known

33 False god

35 “…the Lord is with ___”

36 Bishop saint whose feast day is October 20

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 W St Paulinus of Nola, Bishop (O)

Ss John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs (O)

Gen 15:1-12, 17-18 Count the stars

Ps 104:1-4, 6-9 Covenant for ever

Mt 7:15-20 Good fruit, bad fruit

23 Th Gen 16:1-12, 15-16 Hagar bears a son Gr Ps 105:1-5 Thank the Lord

Mt 7:21-29 Founded on rock

24 F BIRTHDAY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST (Solemnity)

Wh Vigil Mass

Jer 1:4-10 I am a child

Ps 70:1-6, 15, 17 in you I take refuge

1 Pet 1:8-12 You love Jesus Lk 1:5-17 Do not be afraid Mass during the day Isa 49:1-6 before I was born

Ps 138:1-3, 13-15 You knew my soul

Acts13:22-26 Heralded by John Lk 1:57-66, 80 His name is John

25 S Gen 18:1-15 I did not laugh Gr Lk 1:46-50, 53-55 Holy His Name! Mt 8:5-17 I am not worthy

LAWN MOWING

WRR LAWN MOWING & WEED

SPRAYING Garden clean ups and rubbish removal. Get rid of bindii, jojo and other unsightly weeds. Based in Tuart Hill. Enq 9443 9243 or 0402 326 637.

OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Work from Home - P/T or F/T, 02 8230 0290 or visit www.dreamlife1.com.

PERSONAL

SINGLE 34 YRS OLD BLONDE

LADY looking for a man for a long term relationship. I am down-to-earth, happy, spontaneous, energetic, financially secure. Please text or call Diana 0402 932 505.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE CHEAP; VARIOUS CATHOLIC/PROTESTANT BOOKS New/2nd Hand/DVDs/ CDs 94404358

ACCOMMODATION

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

ESPERANCE 3 bedroom house f/furnished Ph 08 9076 5083.

Deadline: 11am Monday

BOOK BINDING

NEW BOOK BINDING, General Book Repairs; Rebinding; New Ribbons; Old Leather Bindings Restored.Tydewi Bindery 0422 968 572.

SETTLEMENTS

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 and no hidden costs. Ring Excel on 9481 4499 for a quote. Check our web site on www.excelsettlements.com.au.

TRADE SERVICES

BRENDAN HANDYMAN

SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. Your handyperson. No job too small. SOR. Jim 0413 309 821.

BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd

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

PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Ph 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

Pope accepts Archbishop’s retirement ... in principle

Continued from Page 1

down. There is no doubt that in the Church the office of Archbishop is very important and well-earned to the faith life of the people,” he said.

“Any Archbishop must accept both the joys and the problems of office while trusting always in the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The Archbishop urged people to pray for him during this interim period and also pray to the Holy Spirit for a worthy successor to lead the Church into this new century.

“It’s too early to make speeches but I’m grateful to all the priests, Religious and laity who have supported me over the years,” he said.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

ALL AREAS. Competitive Rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.

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

Quality hand-made and decorated vestments: Albs, Stoles, Chasubles, Altar linen, banners, etc. 12 Favenc Way, Padbury. By appointment only. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@gmail.com.

OTTIMO

Convenient location for Bibles, books, cards CD/DVDs, candles, medals, statues and gifts at Shop 41, Station St Market, Subiaco. Fri-Sun, 9-5pm.

The Holy Father will choose who will be the new Archbishop of Perth. Australia’s Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Guiseppe Lazzarotto will give Pope Benedict XVI a terna, a shortlist of three names of possible successors.

The outgoing Archbishop does not choose his successor but may indicate his views. In all probability, it will be someone who is already a Bishop but that is not necessarily the case.

According to Canon Law, to be a suitable candidate for the episcopate, a person must be outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues and possess those other gifts which equip him to fulfill the office in question.

In addition, he must be held in good esteem; be at least 35 years old; be a priest ordained for at least five years; hold a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred Scripture, theology or Canon Law from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See, or at least be well versed in these disciplines.

ACROSS

3 Franciscan founder of California missions

6 Latin, meaning “and (from) the Son,” added to the Nicene Creed

8 Pope during Attilaʼs time

9 Tunic-like vestment

11 Paul mentions her in Romans 16:1

13 Book written by St Thomas More

15 The Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state

17 A non-coveting commandment

20 Catholic horror actor Lugosi

21 Catholic author Tolkienʼs The Lord of the ___

23 “Give us this day ___ daily bread…”

24 Most important teaching

26 Warms meeting that denounced Luther

27 Wednesday markers

30 Paulʼs name, originally

32 Blend of oil and balsam

34 Old Testament prophet

37 Evil deed

38 Nevada diocese

39 A visit with the Pope

40 Sarahʼs response when she heard that she would have a child DOWN

1 What Andrew and Peter did for a living

2 Ordinary ___

3 Advent or Lent

4 “And ___ with you”

5 Home of St Rose

11 Head of a monastery

Walk With Him

19 S THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

Wh Ex 34:4-6, 8-9 God of compassion

Dan 3:52-56 Glory and praise!

2 Cor 13:11-13 help one another

Jn 3;16-18 God gave His Son

20 M Gen 12:1-9 An Altar for the Lord

Gr Ps 32:12-13, 18-20, 22 Chosen people

Mt 7:1-5 Do not judge

21 Tu St Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (M)

Wh Gen 13:2, 5-18 We are brothers

Ps 14:2-5 Stand firm for ever

Mt 7:6, 12-14 The narrow gate

14 Religion of the Muslims

16 “Silent ___”

18 Paul was upset because of the number of these in Athens (Acts 17:16)

19 Number of theological virtues

20 There are 27 in the New Testament

22 Notre Dame nickname, “The Fighting ___”

25 Catholic comedian married to Burns

27 “…my brother, co-worker, and comrade in ___” (Phil 2:25)

28 She gave birth to the prophet who anointed Saul

29 Meeting of Bishops

31 Palm product

32 ___of Ars, title by which the patron saint of priests known

33 False god

35 “…the Lord is with ___”

36 Bishop saint whose feast day is October 20

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 W St Paulinus of Nola, Bishop (O)

Ss John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs (O)

Gen 15:1-12, 17-18 Count the stars

Ps 104:1-4, 6-9 Covenant for ever

Mt 7:15-20 Good fruit, bad fruit

23 Th Gen 16:1-12, 15-16 Hagar bears a son Gr Ps 105:1-5 Thank the Lord

Mt 7:21-29 Founded on rock

24 F BIRTHDAY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST (Solemnity)

Wh Vigil Mass

Jer 1:4-10 I am a child

Ps 70:1-6, 15, 17 in you I take refuge

1 Pet 1:8-12 You love Jesus Lk 1:5-17 Do not be afraid Mass during the day Isa 49:1-6 before I was born

Ps 138:1-3, 13-15 You knew my soul

Acts13:22-26 Heralded by John Lk 1:57-66, 80 His name is John

25 S Gen 18:1-15 I did not laugh Gr Lk 1:46-50, 53-55 Holy His Name! Mt 8:5-17 I am not worthy

LAWN MOWING

WRR LAWN MOWING & WEED

SPRAYING Garden clean ups and rubbish removal. Get rid of bindii, jojo and other unsightly weeds. Based in Tuart Hill. Enq 9443 9243 or 0402 326 637.

OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Work from Home - P/T or F/T, 02 8230 0290 or visit www.dreamlife1.com.

PERSONAL

SINGLE 34 YRS OLD BLONDE

LADY looking for a man for a long term relationship. I am down-to-earth, happy, spontaneous, energetic, financially secure. Please text or call Diana 0402 932 505.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE CHEAP; VARIOUS CATHOLIC/PROTESTANT BOOKS New/2nd Hand/DVDs/ CDs 94404358

ACCOMMODATION

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

ESPERANCE 3 bedroom house f/furnished Ph 08 9076 5083.

Deadline: 11am Monday

BOOK BINDING

NEW BOOK BINDING, General Book Repairs; Rebinding; New Ribbons; Old Leather Bindings Restored.Tydewi Bindery 0422 968 572.

SETTLEMENTS

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 and no hidden costs. Ring Excel on 9481 4499 for a quote. Check our web site on www.excelsettlements.com.au.

TRADE SERVICES

BRENDAN HANDYMAN

SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. Your handyperson. No job too small. SOR. Jim 0413 309 821.

BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd

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

PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Ph 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

Pope accepts Archbishop’s retirement ... in principle

Continued from Page 1

down. There is no doubt that in the Church the office of Archbishop is very important and well-earned to the faith life of the people,” he said.

“Any Archbishop must accept both the joys and the problems of office while trusting always in the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The Archbishop urged people to pray for him during this interim period and also pray to the Holy Spirit for a worthy successor to lead the Church into this new century.

“It’s too early to make speeches but I’m grateful to all the priests, Religious and laity who have supported me over the years,” he said.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

ALL AREAS. Competitive Rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.

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

Quality hand-made and decorated vestments: Albs, Stoles, Chasubles, Altar linen, banners, etc. 12 Favenc Way, Padbury. By appointment only. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@gmail.com.

OTTIMO

Convenient location for Bibles, books, cards CD/DVDs, candles, medals, statues and gifts at Shop 41, Station St Market, Subiaco. Fri-Sun, 9-5pm.

The Holy Father will choose who will be the new Archbishop of Perth. Australia’s Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Guiseppe Lazzarotto will give Pope Benedict XVI a terna, a list of three names of possible successors.

The outgoing Archbishop does not choose his successor but may indicate his views. In all probability, it will be someone who is already a Bishop but that is not necessarily the case.

According to Canon Law, to be a suitable candidate for the episcopate, a person must be outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues and possess those other gifts which equip him to fulfill the office in question.

In addition, he must be held in good esteem; be at least 35 years old; be a priest ordained for at least five years; hold a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred Scripture, theology or Canon Law from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See, or at least be well versed in these disciplines.

ACROSS

3 Franciscan founder of California missions

6 Latin, meaning “and (from) the Son,” added to the Nicene Creed

8 Pope during Attilaʼs time

9 Tunic-like vestment

11 Paul mentions her in Romans 16:1

13 Book written by St Thomas More

15 The Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state

17 A non-coveting commandment

20 Catholic horror actor Lugosi

21 Catholic author Tolkienʼs The Lord of the ___

23 “Give us this day ___ daily bread…”

24 Most important teaching

26 Warms meeting that denounced Luther

27 Wednesday markers

30 Paulʼs name, originally

32 Blend of oil and balsam

34 Old Testament prophet

37 Evil deed

38 Nevada diocese

39 A visit with the Pope

40 Sarahʼs response when she heard that she would have a child DOWN

1 What Andrew and Peter did for a living

2 Ordinary ___

3 Advent or Lent

4 “And ___ with you”

5 Home of St Rose

11 Head of a monastery

Walk With Him

19 S THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (Solemnity)

Wh Ex 34:4-6, 8-9 God of compassion

Dan 3:52-56 Glory and praise!

2 Cor 13:11-13 help one another

Jn 3;16-18 God gave His Son

20 M Gen 12:1-9 An Altar for the Lord

Gr Ps 32:12-13, 18-20, 22 Chosen people

Mt 7:1-5 Do not judge

21 Tu St Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (M)

Wh Gen 13:2, 5-18 We are brothers

Ps 14:2-5 Stand firm for ever

Mt 7:6, 12-14 The narrow gate

14 Religion of the Muslims

16 “Silent ___”

18 Paul was upset because of the number of these in Athens (Acts 17:16)

19 Number of theological virtues

20 There are 27 in the New Testament

22 Notre Dame nickname, “The Fighting ___”

25 Catholic comedian married to Burns

27 “…my brother, co-worker, and comrade in ___” (Phil 2:25)

28 She gave birth to the prophet who anointed Saul

29 Meeting of Bishops

31 Palm product

32 ___of Ars, title by which the patron saint of priests known

33 False god

35 “…the Lord is with ___”

36 Bishop saint whose feast day is October 20

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

22 W St Paulinus of Nola, Bishop (O)

Ss John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs (O)

Gen 15:1-12, 17-18 Count the stars

Ps 104:1-4, 6-9 Covenant for ever

Mt 7:15-20 Good fruit, bad fruit

23 Th Gen 16:1-12, 15-16 Hagar bears a son Gr Ps 105:1-5 Thank the Lord

Mt 7:21-29 Founded on rock

24 F BIRTHDAY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST (Solemnity)

Wh Vigil Mass

Jer 1:4-10 I am a child

Ps 70:1-6, 15, 17 in you I take refuge

1 Pet 1:8-12 You love Jesus Lk 1:5-17 Do not be afraid Mass during the day Isa 49:1-6 before I was born

Ps 138:1-3, 13-15 You knew my soul

Acts13:22-26 Heralded by John Lk 1:57-66, 80 His name is John

25 S Gen 18:1-15 I did not laugh Gr Lk 1:46-50, 53-55 Holy His Name! Mt 8:5-17 I am not worthy

LAWN MOWING

WRR LAWN MOWING & WEED

SPRAYING Garden clean ups and rubbish removal. Get rid of bindii, jojo and other unsightly weeds. Based in Tuart Hill. Enq 9443 9243 or 0402 326 637.

OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Work from Home - P/T or F/T, 02 8230 0290 or visit www.dreamlife1.com.

PERSONAL

SINGLE 34 YRS OLD BLONDE

LADY looking for a man for a long term relationship. I am down-to-earth, happy, spontaneous, energetic, financially secure. Please text or call Diana 0402 932 505.

FOR SALE

FOR SALE CHEAP; VARIOUS CATHOLIC/PROTESTANT BOOKS New/2nd Hand/DVDs/ CDs 94404358

ACCOMMODATION

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

ESPERANCE 3 bedroom house f/furnished Ph 08 9076 5083.

Deadline: 11am Monday

BOOK BINDING

NEW BOOK BINDING, General Book Repairs; Rebinding; New Ribbons; Old Leather Bindings Restored.Tydewi Bindery 0422 968 572.

SETTLEMENTS

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 and no hidden costs. Ring Excel on 9481 4499 for a quote. Check our web site on www.excelsettlements.com.au.

TRADE SERVICES

BRENDAN HANDYMAN

SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. Your handyperson. No job too small. SOR. Jim 0413 309 821.

BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd

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

PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Ph 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

Pope accepts Archbishop’s retirement ... in principle

Continued from Page 1 down. There is no doubt that in the Church the office of Archbishop is very important - and well-earned - to the faith life of the people,” he said.

“Any Archbishop must accept both the joys and the problems of office while trusting always in the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The Archbishop urged people to pray for him during this interim period and also pray to the Holy Spirit for a worthy successor to lead the Church into this new century.

“It’s too early to make speeches but I’m grateful to all the priests, Religious and laity who have supported me over the years,” he said.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

ALL AREAS. Competitive Rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.

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

Quality hand-made and decorated vestments: Albs, Stoles, Chasubles, Altar linen, banners, etc. 12 Favenc Way, Padbury. By appointment only. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@gmail.com.

OTTIMO

Convenient location for Bibles, books, cards CD/DVDs, candles, medals, statues and gifts at Shop 41, Station St Market, Subiaco. Fri-Sun, 9-5pm.

The Holy Father will choose who will be the new Archbishop of Perth. Australia’s Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Guiseppe Lazzarotto will give Pope Benedict XVI a terna, a shortlist of three names of possible successors.

The outgoing Archbishop does not choose his successor but may indicate his views. In all probability, it will be someone who is already a Bishop but that is not necessarily the case.

According to Canon Law, to be a suitable candidate for the episcopate, a person must be outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues and possess those other gifts which equip him to fulfill the office in question.

In addition, he must be held in good esteem; be at least 35 years old; be a priest ordained for at least five years; hold a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred Scripture, theology or Canon Law from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See, or at least be well versed in these disciplines.

From Baptist to Catholic Steve Ray’s Conversion Story

Steve Ray

RRP $16.95

From Baptist to Catholic: The Unintended Journey. (1) What I used to believe and how I opposed the Catholic Church; (2) How the foundations of our Evangelical Protestantism began to crumble; (3) Why I had to give up my “Bible Only” theology; (4) The Ship and Raft Analogy: How do I view Protestants now; (5) Short history of the Bible over the last 2,000 years; (6) Final Struggles and the moment of decision; (7) Our first Mass and Reception into the Church; (8) Concluding thoughts on being a Catholic.

DVDs from Convert Alex Jones

What every Catholic needs to know about The Bible

RRP $27.95

On this remarkable DVD, Matthew Arnold (Our Catholic Faith, The Miracles of Jesus) has brought together a respected team of Catholic experts to explore “Where did we get the Bible?” “By what authority was it compiled?” “Where can you find the correct interpretation of the Bible?” and many more. Discover how the Bible was compiled, what the word “Testament” really means, why the Bible is primarily a “Liturgical book”, how the Holy Mass is “the Bible in action” and Why it is absolutely necessary to properly interpret the Sacred Page, how the divisions of the New Testament parallel the Old, how discovering the literary forms employed by the inspired authors helps us to understand the Bible.

$22.95 Each

What to do when loved ones leave

RRP $22.95

According to popular speaker Alex Jones, we live in an exciting time of true Catholic Renaissance. The Catholic Church is the largest Christian body on earth but the second is made up of ex-Catholics. This DVD will show you how to evangelise and catechise effectively, giving you biblical answers to non-satisfying, systematic understanding of the Church’s doctrine.

I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND

Trouble finding The Record bookshop on the map? Catch the Red Cat from Perth train station to bus stop number 16968 beside Royal Perth Hospital and follow your way round Victoria Square to find us.

For any help, just phone us on 9220 5900 and we will assist you as best we can.