“I urge you , then, brothers, remembering the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicated and acceptable to God; that is the kind of worship for you, as sensible people. Do not model your behaviour on the contemporary world, but let the renewing of your minds transform you, so that you may discern for yourselves what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and mature.”
www.therecord.com.au
Western Australia’s award-winning Catholic newspaper since 1874 - Wednesday November 19 2008
“Be indefatigable in your purpose and with undaunted spirit resist iniquity and try to conquer evil with good, having before your eyes the reward of those who combat for Christ.”
-Bishop Matthew Gibney
Perth, Western Australia $2
While governments and media panic about interest rates, Pope Benedict appeals to the world to do more for those members of the human race who suffer the most - and have no voice
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - More must be done to remedy the poverty, conflicts and neglect that lead to the suffering or death of millions of children around the world, Pope Benedict XVI said.
The Pope said he hoped the gross imbalances between developed and underdeveloped countries and the rich and poor would be “repaired as soon as possible with resolute action in favour of our smallest brothers and sisters.”
Many children urgently need help, the Pope said on November 15 during a private audience with participants in a Vaticansponsored conference on “The Pastoral Care in the Treatment of Sick Children.”
Participants in the November 13-15
conference, sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, discussed ways the Church and Catholic health care workers could address the medical, pastoral and spiritual needs of sick children and their families.
“I am thinking above all about the little ones who have been orphaned or abandoned because of poverty and the breakdown of the family; I’m thinking of the young innocent victims of AIDS or war and the many armed conflicts under way in different parts of the world; I’m thinking of the infants who die as the result of poverty, drought and hunger,” the Pope said, noting that 4 million newborns die within the first month.
“The Church does not forget her smallest children,” he said. what the world’s richest nations are doing to improve living conditions
Continued - Page 6
These individually numbered and meticulously handcrafted fountain pens are a collector’s item. But you could win this pen made from Jarrah laid down in St Mary’s Cathedral in 1865.
Do we love her - enough? A severely malnourished infant hangs limp from her mother’s back at a Catholic mission feeding centre in rebel-held Rutshuru, 80 kilometres north of Goma, in eastern Congo, on November 13. Congolese bishops have appealed to the world not to stand by while “genocide” takes place in their country. Aid workers began feeding tens of thousands of people who had gone hungry during fighting in rebel-held areas of eastern Congo.
KINSHASA, Congo (CNS)
- A group of Congolese bishops has denounced the international community’s tolerance of increasing hostilities in eastern Congo, which they called a “silent genocide” against the civilian population there.
“We are calling on the international community to work sincerely to ensure respect for international law,” said the Congolese bishops’ committee
in a statement on November 13 on the war in the east and northeast of Congo.
Decrying the alleged inaction of the UN peacekeeping mission MONUC, which the bishops accused of standing by and watching the violence, the bishops said it is “crucial that a peace and stabilisation force be sent to re-establish order in our country.”
“The situation has reached intolerable proportions which are very worrying and could destabilise the whole region if nothing is done,” they said. Gratuitous large-scale massa-
cres of the civilian population, targeted murders of young people and systematic rapes perpetrated as a weapon of war now are part of the daily routine in the area north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, they said.
They pointed out that these conflicts between armed groups are taking place where mineral resources are mined.
Ongoing fighting between rebels and pro-government forces has led to more than 1.5 million refugees. The most recent violence has displaced at least 250,000 people.
Our best artistic talents can win a prize from The Record Bookshop if their picture, poem, story or drawing is selected as the winner each week. For details on how you can win, see...
1829-1891
feast – November 24
The fifth of eight children in an Italian family, Mary Anna went in 1842 to a boarding school operated by the Sisters of St. Marcellina. She earned a teaching diploma in four years and wanted to join the order, but had to wait because of her mother’s illness and father’s financial reverses. After assisting her family, she entered the congregation in 1848 and professed her vows in 1852. Over a 40-year teaching career in the order’s schools, she was both popular and successful; one of her students was the mother of Pope Paul VI. She died of throat cancer and was beatified in 1980.
Saints for Today
VATICAN CITY - Members of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee expressed “deep regret over certain polemical and intemperate statements” being made about Pope Pius XII.
© 2005
© 2008 CNS
Fr Vincent Conroy will resign from the parish of Greenwood, at the end of September to take a sabbatical and long leave. He will be away for a year. His first stop will be a parish in Ireland. I hope his time away will be very productive and restful as well.
Expressions of interest are now called for the parish of All Saints, Greenwood.
Fr Joseph Kum Htoi, recently arrived from Burma, and assisting at St Thomas More College Chapel is appointed Assistant Priest in Kalgoorlie/Boulder from Monday 29 September.
Recently ordained deacon, Rev Andrew Lotton, has been appointed to the parish of Good Shepherd, Kelmscott.
NOVEMBER
21 Principals’ Thanksgiving Mass, Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton Visit Vincentcare Village, WoodbridgeBishop Sproxton
23-28 Bishops’ Conference, SydneyArchbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton 28 Opening and Blessing, Brighton Catholic Primary SchoolFr Brian O’Loughlin VG
30 Chain of Mary Fundraising LunchArchbishop Hickey
DECEMBER
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The dialogue committee, meeting in Budapest, Hungary, from November 9-12, issued a statement on November 11 as controversy continued over the possible beatification of Pope Pius.
Some Jewish leaders have expressed concern that Pope Pius may not have done enough to help Jews during the war.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations With the Jews, told members of the dialogue that the concerns of the Jewish community regarding Pope Pius had been conveyed to Pope Benedict XVI.
The statement, distributed by e-mail, said Cardinal Kasper and Rabbi David Rosen, the co-chairmen of the committee, reaffirmed the importance of discussing problems and controversial issues with “mutual respect and sensitivity” and “not in language that only exacerbates tensions.”
Opening the meeting in Budapest, Cardinal Kasper said Catholics and Jews have a common responsibility to fight discrimination and prejudice, to work for justice and peace, and to spread compassion “in an often cold and merciless world.”
Since the Second Vatican Council, he said, Catholic-Jewish relations have “changed irreversibly not only for our own mutual benefit, but - as is our hope and intention - for the good of all humanity... I firmly trust that this growing close-
ness and friendship is strong enough and can help us to endure and to overcome problems, difficulties, different views and also tensions, which from time to time arise,” he said in the text, released by his office.
The common spiritual heritage of Jews and Christians obliges them to work together for the good of all people created in the image and likeness of God, the cardinal said.
“We have a common responsibility to work together for the good of humankind, refuting anti-Semitism and anti-Catholic and anti-Christian attitudes, as well as all kinds of discrimination, to work for justice, solidarity and peace, to help the needy and the weak, to spread compassion and mercy in an often cold and merciless world,” he said. Members of the liaison committee held a special session
OXFORD, England (CNS) - The head of the commission representing Catholic bishops from the European Union has demanded tighter rules for the world economy to correct a “distorted hierarchy of values” highlighted by the global financial crisis.
“The current crisis has revealed that the pursuit of profit ultimately demolishes everything in its wake,” said Bishop Adrianus Van Luyn of Rotterdam, Netherlands, president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community, or COMECE.
People who think the financial crisis has been caused by a lack of accountability are “perhaps overlooking the fact that it is far more our societal model that is being called into question,” the bishop told the November 12-14 meeting of the bishops’ commission. “An economic model based on the continued and unlimited consumption of limited resources can only end in tears.”
“exposed a spiritual crisis and a distorted hierarchy of values” that even the best economic order would be powerless to stop.
“I am not just talking about bankers and traders, but rather about political representatives who promised more than they wanted to deliver,” he said.
“It is always the same: To be seen to be successful, you must further your own interests rather than think about the common good. The goals of the few are eclipsing the greater good,” he said.
The Belgian-based COMECE represents more than a thousand Catholic bishops from the European Union’s member states. The bishops met in plenary just before a November 15 summit of industrialised nations in Washington; the government leaders were expected to propose changes in the world financial system.
PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERSthe evening of November 11 to mark the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948.
Cardinal Kasper said it is true that for decades the Vatican “was not at all content, but cautious about the idea and then with the reality of the state of Israel,” but official contacts took place from the beginning and finally bore fruit with the signing of the Fundamental Agreement in 1993 and the establishment of full diplomatic relations the following year.
Giving its “whole moral and political authority” to recognising the right of Israel to exist and to live at peace within secure borders does not exclude the Vatican also favouring “an independent, autonomous and viable Palestinian state,” he said. CNS
■
By Cindy WoodenVATICAN CITY - Withholding nutrition and hydration from a woman in a persistent vegetative state is a serious, inadmissible attack on life, said two Vatican officials.
Italy’s top appeals court refused on November 13 to overturn a lower-court decision allowing the withdrawal of the nasogastric tube that has kept Eluana Englaro alive for more than 16 years.
For years, Englaro’s father had been pursuing a legal battle to allow his daughter to die. She was injured in a car accident in 1992.
Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, told reporters: “It is a very serious decision. It is a big defeat for everyone.”
Bishop Van Luyn said the crisis in world markets had “badly shaken” public trust in the economic and social order and would have “economic, social and political consequences” that could only be guessed at.
However, he added that it had also
Peter
Bishop Van Luyn said government leaders had proposed a clampdown on tax havens and hedge funds, as well as modernisation at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which would signal “a better command of the global economy.”
“This is what we all hope, and there can be no doubt it is what we need,” Bishop Van Luyn said. He also said Catholics should ask why their church’s social teaching, with human dignity as its cornerstone, was “falling on deaf ears.”
Englaro “is a 37-year-old woman, a living person who is not attached to any machine, who breathes, who wakes and sleeps,” he said.
“And water and nourishment will be withheld from her, condemning her to a certain death with serious suffering and pain,” he said.
A leading US prelate has written a pastoral adressing the current financial crisis.
■ By Catholic News ServiceLOS ANGELES (CNS) -
During this period of “severe economic downturn,” Christians must focus on faith and family rather than fear, Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles said in a new “spiritual reflection” on the economy. In a brief pastoral letter titled Worrisome Times, the cardinal said the economic crisis offers families an opportunity to return to the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
keep up demand or to save knowing that difficult times are ahead?” he asked.
“I have heard many voices sound special alarm that these economic problems are occurring at our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season,” he said in the November 11 letter.
“Actually, I believe that this presents us with a good opportunity to help us celebrate what is important: our faith, our families and one another.”
The best Thanksgiving is “an enjoyable, simple meal with family and friends” and it will be even more meaningful “if we make some sacrifices and give food to our local parishes or area food pantries,” Cardinal Mahony said.
Instead of a Christmas celebration that goes “way beyond reason in expenditures,” he proposed a Christmas that can be “a vivid lesson in giving” for children and a reminder of the true “importance of the feast: the birth of Jesus Christ.”
“A few simple gifts such as our own baked items, our own jams and jellies, a family photograph
or other similar gifts speak volumes about loving and caring,” the cardinal said.
“Involve the children in planning for Christmas by helping them to create and make gifts for others and to focus upon children who do not have what they have.”
Cardinal Mahony evoked the image of one of his own favourite paintings by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee.”
The painting depicts the scene told in Chapter 8 of the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus sleeps while a storm buffets the boat carrying him and the apostles, who cry “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
“Are not those the same words on our lips during this frightful economy: ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’” he asked. “Our
very acknowledgment that we are powerless to save ourselves with our own ingenuity and strengths places us squarely in the embrace of our risen saviour”
Cardinal Mahony called on parishes to be “centres of hope during these times” by posting and sharing job opportunities, being attentive to those who are hurting in the parish and responding quickly, and encouraging all to offer assistance to those who are worse off than they are.
“Once we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus ..., then a key point of his teaching and way of life becomes clearer: We go forward together, not alone and by ourselves,” the Los Angeles church leader said. “We turn to one another to share our strength and to unite our hopes with others. That is the Christian way.”
CITY - In the midst of a financial situation of great uncertainty, consumers have a right to be confused, said an article in the Vatican newspaper.
Too many so-called experts are telling consumers “the infallible remedy for overcoming the risk of poverty caused by the economic crisis under way” is to “spend, consume and go into debt to keep the economy going,” said the article in L’Osservatore Romano
But, the November 17 article said, basically what those people are saying is that “to overcome the crisis it is necessary to continue the same behaviour that provoked it, that is consumption and indebtedness.”
The article was written by Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, an Italian banker and a professor of financial ethics at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
He said people are right to be confused and even frightened when the same experts encouraging them to keep spending say that “a recession is under way and the worst is yet to come.”
“Is it better, then, to consume to
The banker called on governments to be clearer about the conditions and demands that they will place on those financial institutions and industries asking for a bailout, “because otherwise the ones who will pay, as usual, are those who have savings accounts,” mainly working individuals and families.
The front-page article appeared over a news story about the November 15 meeting in Washington of the Group of 20 - the world’s leading industrial countries, the European Union and several so-called emerging economies.
The article said that, while the presidents and prime ministers participating in the G-20 meeting expressed satisfaction with promises made to overcome the financial crisis, “in the final communique there is no reference to the poorest countries, those truly in the eye of the storm in this crisis” because of increased prices on food and the raw materials their struggling industries need.
The Vatican newspaper article said finding a solution will take time and “all eyes are turned to London” where the G-20 will meet again on April 30, but this time with Barack Obama as president of the United States.
- CNS
The Anzac Student Tour competition is open to students in Years 8 to 11 and is sponsored by the State Government. The tour is an opportunity for outstanding young ambassadors to represent Western Australia at Anzac commemoration events on the Western Front to encourage them to gain a better understanding of the significance of the Anzac legend on our national identity.
Caris said she has been interested in the Anzac tradition since a very young age.
“I have grown up knowing the importance of the Anzac spirit because my Great-Grandfather fought in Gallipoli and my family is adamant that he is remembered,” said Caris. “My hometown, Bruce Rock, also observes Anzac Day with great reverence.”
The competition required students to write three short essays and give a five minute speech on the theme ‘Examine the development of Anzac Day as a commemorative event of significant importance to the nation and the State of Western Australia.’
Caris, who is in Year 11, will travel to France and Belgium as part of the educational study tour.
Caris will be the sole representative of the Catholic education sector of Western Australia.
Catholic Outreach, which quietly carries out remarkable work, has now entered cyberspace.
CATHOLIC Outreach have done as their name suggests, reaching out into cyberspace with the launch of their new interactive website.
The site was launched on October 30 in an event attended by 45 people including Bishop Donald Sproxton, the organisation’s chairman, Brian Parry and Patima Tantiprasut, the Project Officer of Bam Creative who put the site together.
The website, made possible by a Lotterieswest grant, will improve communication between the agency and parishes as well as raising awareness about its role in coordinating parish care programs.
In his opening remarks the agency’s director, Peter McMinn jokingly acknowledged that “like the birth of an elephant or an American election, it has had a very long gestation period,” and was first considered in 2006.
Mr McMinn said that he wanted a website that was both professional and userfriendly “and I think we have achieved that.” The new website can be viewed at www.catholicoutreach.org.au
On the web: Catholic Outreach director Peter McMinn, the organisation’s website designer Patima Tantiprasut and Outreach Chairman Brian Parry at the website’s launch. Above, a snapshot of what web surfers see.
NICOSIA, Cyprus, NOV. 17, 2008 (Zenit.org) - Forty religious leaders crossed the divide that separates Cyprus into Greek and Turkish zones, hoping that the international peace meeting on the island will help to bring the division to an end.
The International Meeting of Prayer for Peace, traditionally sponsored by the Catholic lay Sant’Egidio
Community, and this year cosponsored by the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, began on the island on Sunday and ended on Tuesday. This twenty-second meeting is on “The Civilisation of Peace: Faiths and Cultures in Dialogue.”
These annual international meetings are part of the heritage of the World Day of Prayer for Peace convened in Assisi by Pope John Paul II on October 27, 1986.
On Sunday, 40 leaders belonging to
different religions crossed the Lidras Street checkpoint, one of the two passages between the Greek and Turkish zones of Cyprus.
The dividing line has existed in Cyprus since 1974, when a Greek attempt to seize control of the island was met by military intervention from Turkey.
Almost 10 years later, the Turkishheld area declared itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” but it is recognised only by Turkey.
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If you’ve seen any young Catholic men sprouting new moustaches lately, don’t panic. They’re on a mission...■ By Robert Hiini
MUCH to the horror of the aesthetically correct, a group of Catholic men throughout Perth have embraced ‘Movember’, sprouting moustaches to raise funds for research into prostate cancer and male depression.
The twelve anonymous men who have jokingly called themselves the ‘Sordid Saints of Movember,’ are collecting donations through the Movember website and will host a fundraising screening of the Australian film ‘Men’s Group’ on November 30.
The newly released and critically lauded film depicts a men’s group in action, exploring the private worlds of conflicted and complex characters and the distinctly male experience of the issues those characters live through.
“The film is brutal in parts but is ultimately uplifting and it promises to let others in on the private lives of men, including of course men themselves,” one of the group’s members said.
The group have been soliciting support from other young Catholics in Perth through the social networking site Facebook, joining many other men and male-
heavy businesses who have taken up the challenge this year.
The global charity event had humble beginnings, being devised by a group of young men in a pub in Adelaide in 1999 but went international last year, being launched in Canada and the USA.
The initiative is being promoted playfully with its marketing evoking a type of comic superhero ethos as reflected in the headline on the event’s website: “They walk among us.”
“Look, it’s a bit of fun but at the same time we are raising money for a great cause and despite our anonymity it’s obviously not that hard to pick us in the street,” a member of the group said, referring to his already pronounced facial growth.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, he says that part of his motivation is to bring the importance of human formation to the fore.
“Grace builds upon nature, so events and films like these give us an opportunity to discover the kind of creature that God made us and to discard anything holding us back.”
All funds raised from the initiative in Australasia will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Cancer Society and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and Beyond Blue.
The ‘Men’s Group’ screening will take place at Cinema Paradiso, 164 James Street, Northbridge on November 30 at 2.45pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by phoning 0417 984 950.
VATICAN CITY - The Catholic Church must strengthen its efforts to educate and assist lay Catholics involved in politics so that the positions they hold and the policies they promote reflect the values of the faith they profess, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Meeting members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity on November 15, the Pope emphasised the need to educate lay Catholics to play their proper role in building a world of justice, charity and protection of human rights.
“In a special way, I reaffirm the necessity and urgency of the evangelical formation and pastoral accompaniment of a new generation of Catholics involved in politics, that they would be coherent with their professed faith,” morally upright, professional and passionate about serving the common good, he said.
Laypeople are called to fulfill their mission as followers and witnesses to Christ in government, social life, workplaces, schools and families, the Pope said.
“Every environment, circumstance and activity in which we hope will shine the unity between faith and life is entrusted to the responsibility of the lay faithful, moved by a desire to communicate the gift of encountering Christ and the certainty of the dignity of the human person,” the Pope said. His comments come at a time when many Catholics involved in politics around the world have voted over decades for legislation which is contrary to Church teaching in fundamental ways, usually in areas to do with the sanctity of life of the unborn human being or on ethical issues to do with the status of human life.
Such instances often include matters such as legislation which enables abortion, euthanasia, cloning and the creation of embryonic life for destruction in scientific research or for medical purposes, or to do with the status of women and girls.
The disconnect between Catholics involved in politics and Church teaching on the sanctity of human life has become a regular issue often at election time in countries such as the US where a number of Catholics have caused controversy in Church circles by
claiming the duty to support legislation aimed at the destruction of unborn human beings has no effect on their participation in Church life.
The Church teaches that every human life is sacred and may not be taken unless in accord with strict ethical guidelines and in highly unusual situations such as self-defence, or war.
Pope Benedict also praised the council for the laity’s commitment to promoting the dignity and participation of women in the Church and in the world.
“Man and woman, equal in dignity, are called to enrich each other in communion and collaboration, not only in marriage and family life, but also in society,” he said.
“One can never say enough about how much the Church recognises, appreciates and values the participation of women in its mission of spreading the Gospel,” the Pope said.
In a world where so many people are not aware of the beauty of the truth and the joy of being Christian, he said, the Church relies on laypeople to share “the treasure of grace and holiness, charity, doctrine, culture and works that make up the Catholic tradition.” CNS
PROMINENT American Archbishop Charles Chaput’s defence of the faith and action on behalf of religion in the public sector will be recognised with the Canterbury Medal.
The Archbishop of Denver will be given this honour in a banquet hosted in May by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
The fund is an international, interfaith law firm that strives to defend the inherent human right to religious expression against threats from government or secular forces. Annually, the group awards the Canterbury Medal in
recognition of an individual who exemplifies in action the support of this freedom.
“We are especially proud to add Archbishop Chaput to this distinguished list,” said Becket Fund President Kevin Hasson.
“He is neither shy nor softspoken when he believes religious liberty in general or his Roman Catholic faith are in jeopardy. It is we who are honoured by his acceptance of our medal.”
The organisation recognised the prelate’s “contributions to religious liberty and the national political discourse”; his recent
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book “Render Unto Caesar”; and his “prominent interventions in the public square.”
His engagement of society on the question of religious liberty has sparked numerous debates and gained media and public attention.
A statement from the group congratulated the archbishop for insisting “that American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry - people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square - respectfully but vigorously, and without apology.”
FOR 12 months or more our morning newspaper and various other news mediums have been consistently misusing the word ‘testament’ when they mean ‘testimony’.
Sensible people, who keep hoping someone in the corridors of puff will realise their error, could now be forgiven for abandoning all hope for the word ‘testament’.
On Monday November 10, the morning newspaper proudly displayed the headline, “The West scoops top prizes at media awards”.
The paper then reported that “Australian Journalists Association WA president David Cohen said The West’s strong showing was testament to the great skill and talent of the staff”.
If there is ‘great skill and talent’ to be acknowledged, the prizes would be ‘testimony’ to it, not ‘testament’.
In a last, desperate attempt to save these two words, we remind journalists that ‘testimony’ is evidence or witness given, as in ‘the witnesses gave their testimony under oath’. (Perhaps the oddest thing about The West’s report is that it was written by Roy Gibson, who has spent most of his working life reporting (accurately) the testimony given by others in the State’s courts.)
“Testament’, on the other hand is a will, as in ‘last will and testament’ or an agreement or covenant, as in the Bible’s Old Testament and New Testament.
These testaments are agreements or covenants between God and mankind that He will guide us and protect us if we will follow his guidance or instructions or commandments.
The commandments He gives us are not external rules imposed on us, but instructions about the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that are true to our nature and which therefore see us living in harmony with God. Other beliefs and behaviours will see us heading in the wrong direction, away from the kingdom of God.
Individual books in the Bible could be called the testimony of each writer – St John’s Gospel, for example, is St John’s testimony about what he saw Jesus do and heard him say.
The collection of books, however, is the Testament or agreement or covenant in which God says that if we live the way Jesus taught us, we will also live in the truth, beauty, joy and power of His Resurrection, now and for eternity.
The personal experience of those who follow Jesus, and in particular the earthly and eternal lives of Mary and the Saints, are testimony to the truth of this great Testament.
Continued from page 1 in poorer countries, it also urgently calls for greater attention to children so that they “may look at life with trust and hope,” said the Pope. A child’s full human dignity must be recognised and respected at every stage of development, even in the womb, he said.
The weaker a human seems, the more precious that person is in the eyes of God, he said.
Pope Benedict said work must continue to be done to prevent childhood diseases by offering proper medical care, improved hygiene and better living conditions.
He also noted the difficulties health care workers and families face in finding the right balance between insisting on and discontinuing therapies.
He said that as medical personnel try to guarantee the appropriate treatment for the needs of their smaller patients they also must resist “succumbing to the temptation of experimentalism” or treating sick children merely as objects for research.
The Pope underlined the emotional trauma illness has
BISHOP Gerard Holohan of Bunbury has called on Bunbury parishioners to give generously to their diocese’s efforts to help troubled youth with problems controlling their anger.
Catholic Care, the charitable arm of the Bunbury Diocese, will raise funds to support the work of the Bunbury diocesan Centrecare agency.
Announcing the launch of his 2008 Christmas Appeal for CatholicCare, Bishop Holohan said the proceeds of this year’s appeal will be used to research, develop and implement a program for the increasing number of young people needing counselling for anger management.
“One punch deaths are a consequence of young people not being able to deal with anger” he said.
“The program will be aimed at helping adolescents to manage their emotions in a healthy way. By donating to CatholicCare you will make it possible for this service to support those working with adolescents to implement and facilitate the program throughout the diocese” Bishop Holohan said.
CatholicCare was established in 2003 to provide for Church assistance for social needs throughout the Bunbury Diocese. The funds raised through CatholicCare remain within the Diocese.
“The Bishop’s Christmas appeal for CatholicCare is the only appeal made each year for the needs of people
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Catholic bishops speak out on public issues for the good of individuals and society, Pope Benedict XVI said. When church leaders call for respect of “fundamental ethical principles” in the private life of their faithful and the public life of their
within our own Diocese. This makes the annual CatholicCare appeal special” Bishop Holohan said.
The Bishop’s Christmas appeal letter, to be distributed at all Masses this weekend, tells of two examples of those needing counselling.
“One adolescent boy needed counselling because of his aggressive behaviour within his family. This had caused considerable conflict within the family and his temporary exclusion from school. Through counselling, this young person learned to identify his anger, and to find healthy ways to express his feelings. He now experiences a healthy relationship within his family and has returned to school” he said.
“A second example is a young
nations, they do so “moved only by the desire to guarantee and promote the inviolable dignity of the person and the authentic good of society,” the Pope said.
Pope Benedict made his remarks during a November 13 speech welcoming Sante Canducci as the new ambassador from San Marino, a tiny nation completely surrounded by Italy. Even the smallest nations have a role to play in building an international community respectful of
woman whose anger led to physical violence towards others. This resulted in police intervention and social exclusion from her peer group. Through counselling, this young woman developed insight into her emotions and developed strategies to enable assertive, respectful expression and communication. She now sees her counselling as vital to her moving away from violence, gaining an increased sense of self-worth and developing healthy relationships with her peers” said Bishop Holohan “Centrecare provides invaluable services to support families and marriages. Through your donation, together we can help families affected by adolescent anger to reconcile, bring peace, and rebuild relationships within the family. I appeal to your generosity” he said
Donors to CatholicCare have the option to make donations into the CatholicCare Foundation. Donations into the CatholicCare Foundation will be invested in perpetuity with the resulting interest earned used to fund the various needs of people within the Bunbury Diocese.
Donations received by CatholicCare of $2 or more are tax deductible and will be used exclusively within the diocese. All donations will be quarantined from, and accounted for, independently of other diocesan and parish funds. Distribution of funds will be under the control of the Bishop of Bunbury.
human and spiritual values, the Pope said. Each person and each country must make their contribution “with mutual respect and constant dialogue,” he told the new ambassador from San Marino, a nation that is about a third of the size of Washington, DC, and has a population of about 31,000.
Pope Benedict said a “healthy secularism” means the government and churches respect each other’s roles and work together for the good of society.
on a child’s family and urged medical personnel to use “the language of tenderness and love” when communicating with their patients.
During his address on November 13, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, head of the health care council, condemned “inappropriate prenatal genetic manipulation,” the lack of health care and using economic arguments to decide whether to cure a child or not.
Another conference participant, Vito Ferri, a psychologist who specialises in treating cancer patients, told Vatican Radio that a child’s debilitating illness hits the whole family like “an existential earthquake.”
Families today already are fragile with little outside support and many often are abandoned to deal with a crisis on their own, he said in a November 14 interview with Vatican Radio.
Families will call into question their faith or plead with God for a miracle, but with proper support, they can begin to make peace with their child’s condition, he said. CNS
St Matthew Foundation announces prize recipients
VATICAN CITY - Priests who are sheltering the homeless in Africa and aiding lepers in the Amazon will be recognised for their service to the Church and humanity.
The St Matthew Foundation, instituted in memory of Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyen Văn Thuan, has named this year’s winners for outstanding application of solidarity and social doctrine.
The awards ceremony will be on December 10, in the context of an event commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
The Cardinal Văn Thuan Prize 2008 will be given to Cornelio Sommaruga, former president of the Red Cross International Committee.
Sommaruga was born in Rome in 1932. He has a doctorate in law and served as president of the International Red Cross from 1987 to 1999. Two priests and two institutions received the Cardinal Văn Thuan “Solidarity and Development” Prize 2008.
Father Pedro Opeka is one of
Madagascar: Father Pedro Opeka
the prize-winners. He founded the Akamasoa project, which seeks to give shelter to the homeless in Madagascar, Africa.
Father José Raúl Matte will be recognised for his assistance to lepers in the Amazon in Brazil.
The Gulunap project in north Uganda, a faculty of medicine in collaboration with the Federico II University of Naples, is another award-winner.
Finally, the Gruppo Ercolini project will be recognised. It is an initiative that aims to support the social and cultural integration of Gypsy youth in Rome.
ZENIT.ORG
Obama phones Pope to thank him for congratulatory message.
■ By
Carol GlatzVATICAN CITY - US President-elect Barack Obama telephoned Pope Benedict XVI to thank the Pope for his message of congratulations on his election victory.
The Pope was one of the many world leaders Obama has been contacting since his November 4 win.
The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, confirmed to Catholic News Service on November 12 that the president-elect telephoned the Pope on November 11 “to thank the Pope for his telegram, his con-
gratulations” on winning the US presidential election.
Further details about the call were not known, Father Lombardi said.
Pope Benedict sent his congratulations on November 5, referring to the “historic occasion” of the election, marking the first time a black man has been elected president of the United States.
Father Lombardi said on November 5 the Pope prayed that “the blessing of God would sustain him (Obama) and the American people so that with all people of good will they could build a world of peace, solidarity and justice.”
The press office for Obama’s presidential transition team said all conversations with world leaders are private and no details would be released on this conversation or any conversation with world leaders.
Jesus offers healing in spirit and body to all who will put their faith in Him! Call on Him…..
Date: Tues 2nd December, 7:30pm – 10:00pm.
Venue: Holy Family Church, Thelma St, Como.
Enquiries: Pam 9381 2516 or Dan 9398 4973.
• Please bring a plate for a light supper.
• A collection will be taken up.
Hong Kong turn to faith during global financial crisis.■ By Catholic News Service
HONG KONG - A local Catholic who identified himself only as Yau lost one-third of the value of his financial investments and real estate within a few months as part of the global financial crisis.
However “money is not all our lives” and there is “something more meaningful,” he told the Asian church news agency UCA News in early November.
The financial crisis gave him “a good chance to reflect on the values” that he used to hold, and his faith has given him strength, added the father of two children.
Like many others in Hong Kong, an international financial hub hit hard by the global financial crisis, Yau is facing uncertainty. Several large corporations recently folded because the banking sector tightened loans and credit on businesses.
Yiu, also identified only by one name, saw 20 per cent of her threemember family’s wealth vanish in days.
Facing investment losses “made me recognise that the more things we hold on to, the easier they vanish,” Yiu said. “What we should concern ourselves with is how to maintain our faith and belief.”
Yiu said Catholics should pray more, spend more time with their families, share their unhappy feelings with friends and “thank God for their remaining assets” during the economic hard times.
Father Stephen Tam Kwan, pastor of St Francis of Assisi Church, told UCA News that a parishioner who lost a great deal of money investing in minibonds through Lehman Brothers asked if he should join the protests against the alleged misleading promotion of that financial product.
Lehman Brothers is the US investment bank that filed for
bankruptcy in September. Father Tam said he replied that the public should be concerned with the Lehman incident but investors also should bear the responsibility and risk of their investments.
Hundred of thousands of local investors had put, in Hong Kong currency, a combined $15.7 billion (US$2 billion) into minibonds and other derivatives issued or guaranteed by Lehman Brothers. Minibonds are complex, high-risk derivatives.
Father Tam noted that the Catholic faith teaches believers to maintain a peaceful mind, be cautious with money and rebuild spirituality in this chaotic world.
Father Tam and Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicar general of the Hong Kong Diocese and pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, said Sunday Mass collections have not dwindled during the crisis.
“Most of the faithful in my parish are elderly, and some live on government subsidies, but they did not have failed investments, maybe
(because) they could not afford to invest,” Father Tam said. His parish is located in a densely populated, low-income area.
Italian Father Pietro Zamuner, the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions pastor of St Joseph Church in the New Territories, said he expects the full impact of the financial crisis to be felt in early 2009, and his parish plans to reserve funds to help parishioners if needed.
Father Thomas Kwan Tsun-tong, who teaches moral theology at the diocesan Holy Spirit Seminary College, urged the Church to examine the genuine need of those who suffered from the crisis.
“The root of such financial crisis is avarice, but we must differentiate greediness from those victims who desired to make rational and stable investments.
“The latter really need help,” he said, noting that he will celebrate a special Mass on November 29 for those suffering from the financial crisis. CNS
St Matthew Foundation announces prize recipients
VATICAN CITY - Priests who are sheltering the homeless in Africa and aiding lepers in the Amazon will be recognised for their service to the Church and humanity.
The St Matthew Foundation, instituted in memory of Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyen Văn Thuan, has named this year’s winners for outstanding application of solidarity and social doctrine.
The awards ceremony will be on December 10, in the context of an event commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
The Cardinal Văn Thuan Prize 2008 will be given to Cornelio Sommaruga, former president of the Red Cross International Committee.
Sommaruga was born in Rome in 1932. He has a doctorate in law and served as president of the International Red Cross from 1987 to 1999. Two priests and two institutions received the Cardinal Văn Thuan “Solidarity and Development” Prize 2008.
Father Pedro Opeka is one of
Madagascar: Father Pedro Opeka
the prize-winners. He founded the Akamasoa project, which seeks to give shelter to the homeless in Madagascar, Africa.
Father José Raúl Matte will be recognised for his assistance to lepers in the Amazon in Brazil.
The Gulunap project in north Uganda, a faculty of medicine in collaboration with the Federico II University of Naples, is another award-winner.
Finally, the Gruppo Ercolini project will be recognised. It is an initiative that aims to support the social and cultural integration of Gypsy youth in Rome.
ZENIT.ORG
Obama phones Pope to thank him for congratulatory message.
■ By
Carol GlatzVATICAN CITY - US President-elect Barack Obama telephoned Pope Benedict XVI to thank the Pope for his message of congratulations on his election victory.
The Pope was one of the many world leaders Obama has been contacting since his November 4 win.
The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, confirmed to Catholic News Service on November 12 that the president-elect telephoned the Pope on November 11 “to thank the Pope for his telegram, his con-
gratulations” on winning the US presidential election.
Further details about the call were not known, Father Lombardi said.
Pope Benedict sent his congratulations on November 5, referring to the “historic occasion” of the election, marking the first time a black man has been elected president of the United States.
Father Lombardi said on November 5 the Pope prayed that “the blessing of God would sustain him (Obama) and the American people so that with all people of good will they could build a world of peace, solidarity and justice.”
The press office for Obama’s presidential transition team said all conversations with world leaders are private and no details would be released on this conversation or any conversation with world leaders.
Jesus offers healing in spirit and body to all who will put their faith in Him! Call on Him…..
Date: Tues 2nd December, 7:30pm – 10:00pm.
Venue: Holy Family Church, Thelma St, Como.
Enquiries: Pam 9381 2516 or Dan 9398 4973.
• Please bring a plate for a light supper.
• A collection will be taken up.
Hong Kong turn to faith during global financial crisis.■ By Catholic News Service
HONG KONG - A local Catholic who identified himself only as Yau lost one-third of the value of his financial investments and real estate within a few months as part of the global financial crisis.
However “money is not all our lives” and there is “something more meaningful,” he told the Asian church news agency UCA News in early November.
The financial crisis gave him “a good chance to reflect on the values” that he used to hold, and his faith has given him strength, added the father of two children.
Like many others in Hong Kong, an international financial hub hit hard by the global financial crisis, Yau is facing uncertainty. Several large corporations recently folded because the banking sector tightened loans and credit on businesses.
Yiu, also identified only by one name, saw 20 per cent of her threemember family’s wealth vanish in days.
Facing investment losses “made me recognise that the more things we hold on to, the easier they vanish,” Yiu said. “What we should concern ourselves with is how to maintain our faith and belief.”
Yiu said Catholics should pray more, spend more time with their families, share their unhappy feelings with friends and “thank God for their remaining assets” during the economic hard times.
Father Stephen Tam Kwan, pastor of St Francis of Assisi Church, told UCA News that a parishioner who lost a great deal of money investing in minibonds through Lehman Brothers asked if he should join the protests against the alleged misleading promotion of that financial product.
Lehman Brothers is the US investment bank that filed for
bankruptcy in September. Father Tam said he replied that the public should be concerned with the Lehman incident but investors also should bear the responsibility and risk of their investments.
Hundred of thousands of local investors had put, in Hong Kong currency, a combined $15.7 billion (US$2 billion) into minibonds and other derivatives issued or guaranteed by Lehman Brothers. Minibonds are complex, high-risk derivatives.
Father Tam noted that the Catholic faith teaches believers to maintain a peaceful mind, be cautious with money and rebuild spirituality in this chaotic world.
Father Tam and Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming, vicar general of the Hong Kong Diocese and pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, said Sunday Mass collections have not dwindled during the crisis.
“Most of the faithful in my parish are elderly, and some live on government subsidies, but they did not have failed investments, maybe
(because) they could not afford to invest,” Father Tam said. His parish is located in a densely populated, low-income area.
Italian Father Pietro Zamuner, the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions pastor of St Joseph Church in the New Territories, said he expects the full impact of the financial crisis to be felt in early 2009, and his parish plans to reserve funds to help parishioners if needed.
Father Thomas Kwan Tsun-tong, who teaches moral theology at the diocesan Holy Spirit Seminary College, urged the Church to examine the genuine need of those who suffered from the crisis.
“The root of such financial crisis is avarice, but we must differentiate greediness from those victims who desired to make rational and stable investments.
“The latter really need help,” he said, noting that he will celebrate a special Mass on November 29 for those suffering from the financial crisis. CNS
A daring escape
Within a week of his conversion and baptism, Paul began preaching in Damascus. He drew on his profound knowl-
edge of Sacred Scripture. Paul went round to synagogues declaring that Jesus was the Messiah. From the Jewish Scriptures, Paul pointed out the numerous prophecies Jesus had fulfilled in his life and deeds.
Paul’s change of roles was a complete reverse. Almost overnight he went from persecutor to proclaimer. His preaching created uproar.
A plot was hatched to murder Paul. Before it could succeed Paul got wind of it.
Rarely do feasts pre-empt a Sunday Mass, the day of the Lord. Even the feast of St Peter’s Chair and the Nativity of Mary disappear from the calendar when they fall on a Sunday.
But on Sunday November 9, from one end of the globe to the other, Catholics rejoiced in the foundation of the Cathedral of Rome, St John Lateran.
Elizabeth Lev writes from Rome to explain that to understand the importance of this holiday, one has to start with the original name of the church, Christ the Saviour, and its distinct position in the history of the Church as the first legal Christian edifice to be built by the emperor Constantine.
Constantine defeated his adversary Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian bridge on October 28, 312, despite overwhelming strategic disadvantages. Constantine dedicated his victory to the intervention of a God who had come to him under the symbol of the Chi Rho, the initials of Christ.
Within a year of his victory, the emperor legalised the Christian religion and began construction of a church dedicated to Christ the Saviour. Like his imperial predecessors, Constantine’s building celebrated a military triumph, but for the Christians this victory was much more than the control of a city.
PO Box 75 Leederville, WA 6902 cathrec@iinet.net.au
Tel: (08) 9227 7080
Fax: (08) 9227 7087
Constantine’s construction within the city walls signalled the establishment of legalised Christianity in Rome, a victory brought about not by battles and military skirmishes, but through the witness of thousands of martyrs who had given their lives for Christ.
The heroes of this triumph had never killed, taken prisoners or pillaged. They had endured oppression, torture and death. The might of the Christians lay in their love, not in their phalanxes.
In 313, the Christians could finally build and design their own church. They spurned the Roman temples, too small to fit anything more than a cult statue, and built a capacious basilica to gather thousands of faithful. No one would be left out, no one excluded.
Pagan buildings always emphasised the exterior appearance. Temples boasted grand columns of exotic marble on the porch and were lavishly sheathed in precious coloured stones. The glamorous exterior, however, concealed a dark chamber and internal emptiness.
St. John Lateran was built out of Roman bricks with no veneers or colonnades on the outside to hide the cheap material. It looked sturdy and humble, like an overgrown warehouse.
But those first Christians who crossed the threshold of the church on November 9, 324, would have been dazzled by the glorious interior. Huge clerestory windows bathed the vast space with light glinting off precious chandeliers, candelabra and sheets of red, green and yellow marble. Gilt bronze columns glowed around the triumphal arch poised above the altar.
Christ said “I am the Light,” and in this first church, light warmed, directed and surrounded these early Christians, after years of practising their religion underground in hidden houses or catacombs.
While it has been surmised that the external simplicity was merely to conceal Christian wealth from the pagans, the contrast between the humble exterior and the rich interior is fruit of Christian spirituality.
“We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us,” wrote St Paul in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, and his words formed not only the Church as the assembly of the faithful, but also the very building itself.
The followers of Christ, known and appreciated by many Romans for their kindness to others and their embracing of poverty, were radiant and aglow within, through the glory of God.
The momentous historical event of the first authorised Christian structure marked the first step of a visual culture where the art and architecture would work together to underscore the presence of God in the Church among his people.
The Christians rejoiced in the apse mosaic of the church, made of glittering tiles of glass and gold and representing the face of Christ. For this longpersecuted people, it was the first time the visage of Jesus emerged from the underground spaces and could be seen and worshiped in the light of day.
St John Lateran has since undergone many changes. It has been burnt down, crumbled by an earthquake and sacked dozens of times, but the strong foundations laid in 313 have allowed the church to be rebuilt each time.
From the dream of Pope Innocent III, who saw St Francis holding up the collapsing St John Lateran, to Pope John Paul II, who oversaw the repairs after the mafia attack in 1993, the church has been a symbol of the dogged navigation of the Barque of St Peter despite tribulation from within and without.
On November 9, after a trying week, it seemed like Providence had prepared the calendar so that we could take strength in remembering that we put our hope and trust not in ourselves but in Christ, our Saviour, who will always be with his Church no matter how damaged or battered it may be.
Elizabeth Lev teaches Christian art and architecture at Duquesne Unsiversity’s Italian campus. She can be reached at lizlev@zenit.org
Some plotters kept watch day and night on the city gates. They would alert the rest of the gang and follow Paul and do their dirty deed.
Paul wasted no time.
During the night believers helped him to escape. They
put Paul in a basket and lowered him over the city wall. Paul headed for Jerusalem. Ref. Acts 9:19-25
Next: Drought Relief The author is a priest of the Archdiocese of Perth.
In the article “Christians, Muslims, call for religious freedom” members of the Catholic-Muslim Forum said “Christians and Muslims must work together to protect religious freedom” and Forum leaders said “Religious minorities deserve protection, they have a right to their own places of worship”. Perhaps a place where muslims could start showing their ‘bona fides’ in this area of religious freedom is by speaking up on behalf of the thousands of Christians who have been and are currently being persecuted, killed and displaced by muslims in Iraq.
L. Evans ComoIt was good to read in The Record (November 12) the account of the great privilege granted to Pope Pius XII of seeing the Fatima solar miracle four times. These were not the only occasions that the Pontiff turned his ‘gaze’ toward the heavens. In an address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (1948) his mind soared heavenwards as he reassured that eminent body of scientists of the “teleological order that stands out in every corner of the cosmos”.
The address was titled “The Natural Laws and the Divine Government of the World”. It is brilliant. In it we read the following.
“Law bespeaks order, and universal law bespeaks order in things both great and small. It is an order that nothing can create for itself anymore than it can give itself existence. This is an order that tells us of the ordering Mind in the one Spirit that has created the universe, and on Whom the heavens and the whole of Nature depend, an order which the tendencies of energy and matter received with their being. Such is the wonderful system of natural laws which the human mind has discovered yet what is this system of laws but a faint and imperfect image of the grand idea and of the great divine plan conceived by the creative spirit of God as a law of this universe from all eternity.”
This particular reference to Pope Pius XII is timely because in the centre page CNS report in The Record (November 12) we are presented with the nonsense that some modern day ‘experts’ sling at the conceptual framework in which Pope Pius XII spoke the above quoted words: the conceptual framework of intelligent design.
“Designer God?” queried the report inimical to the reality of intelligent design. “Did the Pope’s words suggest a shift towards intelligent design?” asked the reporter. His use of the word ‘shift’ is rather shifty because the Church cannot shift towards a position it already occupies. The ‘experts’ quoted in the report would rather cling to the untenable and unscientific theories of evolution than admit the obvious. Any talk of intelligent design gives them the jitters.
Incidentally the CNS report appears to be more than two years old. The reporter introduced Fr George Coyne SJ as “the Director of the Vatican Observatory”. But Fr Coyne left that post in 2006. The following
summary of his dismissal was printed in the UK Daily Mail of 23 August 2006: “Pope Benedict XVI has sacked his chief astronomer after a series of public clashes over the theory of evolution. He has removed Father George Coyne from his position as director of the Vatican Observatory after the American Jesuit priest repeatedly contradicted the Holy See’s endorsement of ‘intelligent design’ theory, which essentially backs the ‘Adam and Eve’ theory of creation.”
Frank Calneggia Swan ViewThe fact that Peter Tilley (October 24) would rather hear extracts from the lives of the saints than a homily is itself indicative of the sorry state of Catholic homilies today.
I shall relate an experience of mine by way of contrast –my mate and I once got outrageously drunk one Saturday, went to Mass Sunday morning not thinking anything of it. That night we visited a friend’s evangelical church where the Pastor’s sermon cut us to the core which had us running to confession the next day with our tails between our legs.
My question is; why was a protestant sermon able to bring forth the fruits of repentance while the Catholic one we’d heard that very morning left us unmoved?
Nameand address supplied
Today, nearly all developed countries (40 per cent of the world population in 70 nations) produce more coffins than cradles because of a falling birth-rate.
An anti-life, contraceptive mentality has taken hold in the West, where love-making has been separated from baby-making for convenience and recreational sex pleasure.
Contraception invariably leads to other human life perversions – abortion, sterilisation, fornication, infidelity, divorce, infanticide, loss of respect for women, imposed population control and euthanasia.
Human life becomes cheap and disposable, subject to design, utility, and a “use-by” date like the breeding of animals on a farm.
The natural laws of sexual
behaviour – confirmed by commonsense, by all great societies and by abundant scientific evidence have been outlined with certainty by Popes in recent times – in Casti Connubii (Pius XI); Humane Vitae (Paul VI) and Familiaris Consortio (John Paul II).
We defy these laws at our peril; these natural laws show clearly that when we separate love and baby-making (procreative and unitive action) the fullgiving and openness of true love is missing.
Our bodies become only commodities for pleasure – “having” sex prevails over “being” (in true love). We soon revert to paganism when sex perversions become rife and the culture of death wiped them out.
God bless all married couples who live and love generously –open to new life whenever. They form the healthy families we so badly need today for a culture of true life and love from natural womb to tomb.
Fr Bernard McGrath Inglewood, VictoriaAlistair Nicholson’s adverse criticism levelled at the Roman Catholic Church, because of its views, and teaching on marriage and the familywhich the former Chief Justice of the Family Court regards as “out of touch”, ignorant, bigoted, biased and hypocritical – is not only an assault on the Catholic philosophy but an attack on the rights and beliefs of the wide community which regards marriage as an exclusive unit of a man and a woman, who together with their begotten or adopted children will form a natural family.
The human family is not, as some radicals would have us believe, the product of some man-made rule, but the result of the natural order and is a biological fact.
It is the basis of all leading cultures and the bedrock of our civilisation.
Only a few decades ago, the subject of same-sex marriage would hardly merit a serious discussion. Today, under the pretext of liberty, civil rights, equality and tolerance the vociferous minority loudly demands that we change the course of nature to accommodate their life-style. Catholics are fortunate to have a Church prepared to defend the eternal truth and absolute values.
Joe Stekl
■ By Stephen Spiteri
My son, Robert, was born on April 18 this year, and already, even in the short time he’s been in my wife’s and my life, is our little hero. In fact, you could say that he’s a life-saver!
When my son was four days old my wife and I decided to take him home. We left just before lunch; we were contemplating whether to stick around for the free hospital lunch, but since my son had just been fed and was relatively relaxed, we didn’t want to wait around at the hospital to feed him again a couple of hours later when we could just do so at home. My son received a clean bill of health and we were given the all-clear to head home.
Checking-out of the hospital took some time: there were forms to fill out and sign and some payments to be made. This took a bit of time but we were out in a reasonable amount of time.
As we exited the hospital we noticed it was raining, and because I had parked a considerable distance from the hospital entrance, I suggested to my wife to wait near the entrance, under cover, and wait for me to bring the car around so our son wouldn’t get wet or cold. At the same time we noticed four women, approximately in their mid-30s, making eyes (good eyes) at my wife and son; a newborn is cute, let’s not deny that!
It took me a few minutes to bring the car around and as I was approaching the pick-up zone I noticed a couple of the ladies talking to my wife and looking at my son. As I parked the car and stepped out, the ladies passed on their congratulations to me and my wife on bearing such a beautiful and healthy baby boy. My wife and I placed our son in the baby capsule in the back-seat and were about to head off when I noticed a look of almost shock on my wife’s face as she sat down in the passenger seat. I know people use the expression a lot, but it did look like she had just seen a ghost.
Thinking it was a case of light-headedness, I asked my wife if she was okay. She responded, “You wouldn’t believe what just happened”. Starting the car to exit the hospital grounds, I asked, “What happened?” and my wife began to explain.
One of the women who was with the four had just finished from the hospital. On leaving, this woman noticed my wife standing, waiting with our son in arms and wanted to have a look. My wife explained to me that this woman had said, “They’re just so beautiful when they’re this small” After being so besotted by my son, this lady turned to one of her friends and said, “You know what? I’ve decided to keep it” to which the friend he had just spoken to replied with a relieved “Good.”
My wife was then told that this woman had just left the hospital finding out that she was pregnant with her fourth child and was contemplating having an abortion. The sight of my son changed this woman’s heart and mind so dramatically that at that moment any consideration of terminating the life growing inside of her had left her completely. No wonder my wife entered the car with that kind of look on her face!
My son had literally saved the life of another, an unborn! But the scenario made my wife and I think: had we stuck around for lunch (leave later) or decided to leave earlier, we would have missed this opportunity completely, and this woman who, by now would be seven months pregnant, would never have seen my wife holding our son and quite possibly never have had that change of heart and mind. We didn’t need to try to convince this lady to keep her baby, nor were we even aware of the circumstances; all we had to do was be there with our four day-old son.
I will tell this story to my son when he is old enough to understand, but it is my hope that through stories like these and the influence of truth and revelation of the miracle of life, that parents (not necessarily the woman individually) have that change or heart and mind that this woman did just over six months ago now. All life deserves a chance.
Stephen Spiteri, the back of whose head can be glimpsed above, was previously a journalist for The Record. Congratulations to the Spiteris!
Pope Benedict XVI says that faith in the Resurrection should bring Christians to three fundamental attitudes.
The Pope made his remarks on November 12 when he dedicated the weekly general audience to another instalment in his ongoing reflection on the life and theology of St Paul.
After a consideration of how the Apostle’s interior freedom hinged on his faith in the resurrection of the dead to life in Christ, the Holy Father considered what the saint’s teaching encourages for Christians of the 21st century.
■ “The first attitude [for Christians],” he said, “is the certainty that Jesus has risen, is with the Father, and because of that, is with us forever. […] Because of this, we are secure and free of fear. This was an essential effect of Christian preaching. Fear of spirits and gods was spread throughout the entire ancient world. And today as well, missionaries find - together with so many good elements in natural religions - the fear of spirits and the ill-fated powers that threaten us. Christ is alive; he has overcome death and has overcome all these powers. With this certainty, with this freedom, with this joy, we live. This is the first element of our living directed to the future.”
■ The second attitude for faith-filled Christians is the certainty that Christ “is with me,” the Pontiff continued.
“And that in Christ the future world has already begun - this also gives the certainty of hope,” he said
“The future is not a darkness in which no one gets one’s bearings. It is
not like that. Without Christ, also for the world today, the future is dark; there is fear of the future - a lot of fear of the future. The Christian knows that the light of Christ is stronger and because of this, lives in a hope that is not vague, in a hope that gives certainty and courage to face the future.”
But this certainty, Benedict XVI affirmed in noting the third attitude, in no way justifies an escape from responsibilities in the present life.
■ “We don’t live as if good and evil were the same, because God only can be merciful,” he explained. “This would be a deceit. In truth, we live with a great responsibility. We have talents, we have to work so this world opens itself to Christ, so that it is renewed. But even working and knowing in our responsibility that God is a true judge, we are also sure that he is a good judge. We know his face - the face of the risen Christ, of Christ crucified for us. Therefore we can be sure of his goodness and continue forward with great courage.”
The Pope concluded the audience address with a reflection on a prayer that Paul taught: “Maranà, thà, which literally means, ‘Our Lord, come!’”
“Can we also pray like this?” the Holy Father asked. “It seems to me that for us today, in our lives, in our world,
it is difficult to sincerely pray so that this world perishes, so that the New Jerusalem comes, so that the final judgment and Christ the judge come.”
But, he contended, there is a way in which modern Christians can join with their first predecessors in saying “Come, Lord Jesus.”
“Certainly, we don’t want the end of the world to come now. But, on the other hand, we want this unjust world to end.”
“Certainly, we don’t want the end of the world to come now,” the Bishop of Rome said.
“But, on the other hand, we want this unjust world to end. We also want the world to be deeply changed, the civilisation of love to begin, [we want] a world of justice and peace, without violence, without hunger, to arrive. We all want this - and how can it happen without the presence of Christ? Without the presence of Christ, a just and renewed world will never really arrive.”
Therefore, the Pope added, “though in another way, totally and deeply, we too can and should say, with great urgency and in the circumstances of our time, Come, Lord! Come to your world, in the way that you know.
“Come where there is injustice and violence. Come to the refugee camps, in Darfur and in North Kivu, in so many places in the world. Come where drugs dominate. Come, too, among those rich people who have forgotten you and who live only for themselves. Come where you are not known.
“Come to your world and renew the world of today.”
A Perth teacher stumbles upon a quiet corner of bustling Tokyo and discovers the peace that radiates from a statue of the Virgin, and a little church amongst the trees…
■ by Fabian Belle
If St Anthony is supposed to guide us and help us find lost articles, then the legendary orator certainly had something to do with my finding a special place in an overgrown Asian metropolis.
It was a spring-like Sunday morning that greeted me as I walked around the hip artists’ district of Tokyo known as Shimokitazawa. I’d been living and working in this huge city for several months, and was continually unearthing new and interesting nooks and sights here and there to satisfy my endless curiosity for this fascinating country. This particular morning however, would change my perspective on this high-tech paradise for good.
Turbulent past
Christianity has had a long and somewhat dramatic history in the Far East, going back to the great Francis Xavier, as he braved the typhoons and unfamiliar cultures of Asia 500 years ago.
Japan is certainly no exception. Christians were regularly tortured and burned with freewheeling menace by the then powers that be, and there remain countless examples of brave souls who gladly gave up their lives rather than renounce their Saviour. So it came as a great surprise to find a little church nestled amongst the trees
As the twenty first century begins the Church faces serious challenges: throughout much of the world it is losing numbers, especially in affluent societies. On the other hand the new movements, often treated with suspicion or as controversial, are rapidly expanding. What is it about them that attracts so many?
Young ecclesial movements are “new wine” for the Church, and there is still time to put them into “new wineskins,” affirmed a professor at an Opus Dei university
on a back street, and especially a statue of Mary, sitting modestly in a rocky cove that reminded me more of Lourdes than of Tokyo.
Suburban flower
The little church of John the Baptist is located in Shimokitazawa, a suburban haunt for students and musicians that became famous in the 1970’s for its fringe theatre and live-gig scene.
Catholic churches aren’t exactly easy to come by in this non-Christian nation of 120 million people, so when my eyes fell upon the timid-looking cross planted on the roof of the church, I simply had to investigate.
I slowly made my way up the hill from the main road beside the buzzing station, and proceeded to enter the gate, which, being a Sunday, was open for business. I read the sign at the front written in Japanese ‘Katakana’ characters - Catholic Church - and walked in.
The inside of the church was warm and inviting and it had obviously undergone some recent renovations - the bathrooms at the rear appeared to be brand new.
I estimated that it could hold somewhere between one and two hundred people, so it was on the small side, though it more than made up for this by what it contained out in the back garden - a sweet oasis amongst the concrete and steel.
I smiled at an elderly couple sitting in the back pew,
in Rome. Luis Navarro spoke of the ecclesial movements and the recent magisterium in an address last week during the inauguration of the academic year at the Pontifical University Holy Cross.
Bishop Javier Echavarría, chancellor of the university and prelate of Opus Dei, attended the event.
Navarro noted that already in 1985, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger referred to movements as a “new generation in the Church. He said a renewal was “tranquil, but effectively on the way.”
“This was profound and prophetic ,” Navarro said, “in a moment in which few could think, to use an expression coined by John Paul II, of the new Pentecost at the end of the 20th century,” given that then a “winter in the Church” was spoken of.
In the following decades, he added,
Cardinal Ratzinger “stayed close, accompanying these groups, and he sought, through theological reflection, to make them understood and loved.”
The professor presented the magisterium of Benedict XVI regarding the ecclesial movements, dividing his address into four parts: general characteristics of the papal magisterium, the role of the Holy Spirit in movements, the ecclesial value of movements, and the relationship between pastors and ecclesial movements.
Regarding the first point, he stressed that current pontifical teaching is in continuation with that of Pope John Paul II. Navarro also looked at Benedict XVI’s awareness “of the positive and negative reactions brought about by the movements, and in particular, their difficult insertion into the particular Churches and parishes.”
then walked back outside. I noticed a tiny path that circled the building, and so I followed it. Semi-tropical plants and trees had almost outgrown themselves, and they jutted out towards me, nearly blocking my way forward. I reached the rear of the church and looked in wonder at the garden that opened up before me my eyes. I simply couldn’t fathom the fact that this peaceful place, tucked away in a back street, only a block away from a busy shopping district, could greet me this sunny morning.
Secret garden
The grassed area was roughly the size of a small tennis court, surrounded by flowers and a high wall made of stone that had lazy vines creeping up its length. Commanding the whole area, however, was a statue of Our Lady, surrounded by rocks that gave the appearance of a cave that had been cut open for all to see.
Underneath the statue was an altar and more flowers.
I tentatively approached the statue and knelt down before it. The feeling of calm was overwhelming, and the sounds of a city on the move slipped away harmlessly. I felt in that moment that I’d discovered a truly wonderful little place, right in the heart of Tokyo, that could be sought out whenever the stresses and worries of modern living bore down on me too greatly.
As I rose to my feet, I noticed an elderly man tending
to the plants and flowers that were scattered around the garden. He smiled at me, bowed, then went back to work. He’d undoubtedly been seeing to the welfare of this particular garden for most of his life, and it certainly showed up on his face; one of pure serenity.
A rare gem
Less than one per cent of Japanese are officially Christian; probably about half of these are Catholic (with those answering to Rome surely being some of the most pious and fervent kinds of Catholics that walk this earth). They attend Mass, follow the directions of their priests, live out the teachings of the gospels to the full, and welcome you with smiles into their churches - even those that are hard to find!
The church of St John the Baptist opened as a parish at its current site in 1948 as the Setagaya Catholic Church, and caters for the local Japanese Catholic population of around 700 (plus the occasional visitor). For nonJapanese speaking visitors, the Franciscan Chapel centre in Roppongi is probably a better choice, with Englishspeaking priests and entry into the foreign community of Tokyo.
I have been going back to Shimokitazawa on occasion however, as I find it incredibly relaxing (not to mention beautiful) as you will too - if you ever have the opportunity to seek it out.
Name:Setagaya Catholic Church
Dedic ated to: St John the Baptist
Established: March 17, 1946
Pastor: Fusao Stanislaus SEKINE
Number of Parishioners: 600-700
S unday Masses: 8.00am, 10.30am (all in Japanese)
S unday School: Sun.9:30am
Prac tice singing new Hymns: Every second Tuesday, 2pm
Old Testament study: Wednesdays, 8.15-9.15
Study “Seisho to Tenrei“ (Japanese version of “Sunday Liturgy“): every Friday except first Fridays, 10.30am
Address: 1-45-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031
Telephone: 03-3467-0974
Fax: 03-3467-0965
Website: w w w.catholic-setagaya.jp
Facilities for the Handic apped: Sloped entrance, Toilet Direc tions: 5 minutes walk from Shimokitazawa Station on Odakyu Odawara Line or Keio Inogashira Line. Or 5 minutes walk from Ikenoue Station on Keio Inogashira
Parish Histor y: In 1945 Father Konda star ted a church at Mr Nakanishi‘s house on March 17. On April 4 in 1948 Shibuya Catholic Church was established. In 1948 the church was moved to Setagaya and renamed Setagaya Catholic Church dedicated to St John the Baptist.
movements may well be new wine for
The Holy Father, in fact, “does not hide that the new forms of Christian life have always been uncomfortable in their beginnings, and are not easily understood,” Navarro added.
Regarding the Holy Spirit and his role in movements, the link “is particularly intimate,” Navarro contended.
On various occasions, he noted, the Pontiff has indicated that movements are gifts of the Spirit and, thus, neither an initiative of the hierarchy nor of the faithful, but of God.
This charismatic origin implies the need of being at the service of the Body of Christ, such that “each movement has its reason for being in the building up of the Church, inasmuch as the very movement forms part of it,” he continued.
“If the movements do not adequately insert themselves in the universal Church and the particular Churches, they do not serve, they
do not build up. The movements live for and in unity.”
Speaking of the ecclesial value of the movements, the professor said it is already substantial.
He cited numerous vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life fostered within these ecclesial realities.
In the “highly secularised and relativistic world in which we live,” they constitute “a privileged instrument of evangelisation in every sector of society.”
In this context, Navarro added, the relationship between pastors and movements is an “indispensable” goal, especially since “there is no conflict between the institutional and charismatic aspects of the Church.”
The Pope, he said, asks pastors to have a “deeply paternal attitude” and the movements to have a “readiness for discernment.”
Regarding the canonical aspects of these movements, Navarro affirmed that in the first place, it is necessary to recognise “the right to life for these new realities in the Church,” according to their particular charisms.
“The whole Church, pastors and the rest of the faithful, should respect this right,” he said. “The directors and members of the movements have the right and the duty to be faithful to their own charism.”
Navarro said movements have “the grave obligation to let themselves be known as they are in daily life.”
“To offer a partial vision implies to falsify their identity and impede the ecclesiastical authorities from being able to make a declaration according to the truth of the ecclesiality of the reality.”
Ecclesial recognition of the movements, therefore, “is not just a simple formal process,
which requires an examination of the statutes or norms, but rather an ecclesial event, by which a declaration is made to the entire Christian community that such and such a group is truly in the Church and for the Church,” he explained. “The reality is recognised, not a piece of paper.”
Recalling the words of Jesus, “People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved,” the professor concluded that “in the case of the movements and the related magisterium of the Pope, we are still in time to put the new wine in new wineskins.”
“This,” he affirmed, “will be possible if all of us have our minds and hearts open to these gifts of the Spirit to his Church.”
zenit.org
he Infant Jesus Parish in Morley has a sense of community like I have never experienced. We care for each other and work together. Our parishioners are vibrant, passionate and constant. When I entered RCIA I didn’t know anyone. No one sponsored me and I didn’t have godparents. I also didn’t have anyone to look after my little daughter.
with Debbie Warrier
A woman at the parish volunteered to look after my daughter one night every week for a year so I could attend RCIA. She is now her Godmother. Another woman helping with RCIA volunteered to be my Godmother. Through the support of the community I was able to experience the joy and freedom of baptism.
As a child I was told anyone with half a brain wouldn’t believe in God! Now I spend time with people who are not only intelligent but emotionally aware and have a strong relationship with God. They guide my daughter and me in our spiritual journey.
Catholicism is seen by some as very rigid and prudish. There were people in my life who thought I was giving my life away by becoming a Catholic and that it was all a bit of a shame!
Yet my faith teaches me to be patient and tolerant with people who walk different paths. I work in administration at a rehabilitation centre. A level of compassion and understanding is necessary in work of this kind.
It comes back to loving your neighbour. I try to think, “How would Jesus behave in this situation?”
I am a very long way from attaining perfection and I usually fall short! However life presents many opportunities to try again.
Because I love God I want to become other centered. I have so much freedom now. I don’t feel the need to own many things, have an important position or be highly esteemed. My primary focus is to serve God. I reflect on how I have behaved during the day. For example, have I been selfish? I try to assess my behaviour using the teachings of Jesus and feel supported by the guidelines of the Church.
St. Teresa of Jesus has taught me a great deal. When I read her works I feel a sense of kinship. Her dry humour and pragmatism appeals to me. I heard it said that when she was on one of her journeys across Spain, she took a fall as she was crossing a river. She looked up to heaven and said to God, “If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few of them!” She talked about prayer as being an intimate sharing between friends. She encouraged others to take time frequently to be alone with Him who loves us.
In the last couple of years I have experienced a very difficult situation. Many years ago, someone advised me to hand my will and life over to God and He would help me. With God’s help I am able to do so and it works. I’ve been given the grace not to descend into a bitter or vengeful place.
I have also been given an opportunity to learn and mature through adversity. Faith gives me nourishment to flourish and grow. The Catholic Church gives me a framework like a trellis supports a jasmine. God is very good to me.
It’s rare for me to find a book that I want to buy multiple copies of to give away to friends and family. I’ve found one, and I think every engaged and married couple on the planet should have a copy: Holy Sex by Dr Greg Popcak. Catholic journalist John Allen sums it up quite well: “Think of this book as Thomas Aquinas meets Dr Ruth and enjoy.”
In other words, this is a theologically orthodox book on marital sexuality (that’s the Thomas Aquinas part) that dares to go where, to my knowledge, no orthodox book on marital sexuality has gone before (that’s the Dr Ruth part). The subtitle – “A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind-blowing, Infallible Loving” – gives you a sense of where the pages take you.
Popcak goes right between the sheets, shall we say, providing a very frank, honest, and practical discussion of the sexual joys and challenges of the marriage bed.
Now I make my living speaking, writing and teaching about God’s plan for sexual love. There’s hardly an issue that
with Catherine Parish
Now, I am no economist, but I do still believe that you shouldn’t spend it if you haven’t got it. There is so much everywhere at the moment about the global financial crisis, and although we in Australia are cushioned to a great degree from the worst effects, it gives pause for thought. How did it come to this?
Its quite amusing to hear many trumpeting gleefully about the demise of capitalism and the failure of the free market economy, while hearing Marx’s name, that we might have thought was at last decently buried where it belonged in the unregretted vault of history’s ghastly mistakes, mentioned in relation to fixing this problem.
But it seems to me that it is not the failure of the free market economy that is a root cause here, but rather, as is usually the case, the irresponsible risktaking behaviour of those who ought to know better.
Those who are in the position to manipulate the various markets have to be trustworthy; unfortunately if their own integrity can’t be relied on, some wise external regulation is necessary.
This current crisis is illustrative of the fact that once regulatory restraints are removed, as they were in the USA about ten years ago, the same financial chaos will eventually ensue.
But this is an old problem, much older than the modern global economy - as old as the human race really. It is always instructive at these times of
difficulty to go back to the Scriptures, replete as they are with tales of human fallibility and its consequences.
There is usually an answer there to the woes we bring on ourselves by our weakness and greed.
Ah, yes, and sure enough, in Luke 3:11-14 we find John the Baptist, answering those who ask him how they can prepare for the coming of the Lord: “(To everyone) whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise… (to tax collectors) collect no more than the amount prescribed for you … (to soldiers) do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
So fiscal shonkiness is an old human failing, obviously, as rampant and scandalous then as now.
And here’s an interesting thing: the changes in the actions of individuals that John exhorts will not only put them right in the eyes of God, they will also make life better for those around them. He is in no way decrying or condemn-
ing wealth; only what people do with wealth or in pursuit of it.
Our Lord repeats the message – use wealth here to amass treasure in Heaven by doing good works. Not, prosperity is bad – but selfish greed and dishonesty are bad.
The parable of the rich fool who amassed more and more simply because he could and used none of it in helping those less fortunate does not say riches are wicked – it says the man who refused to relieve his neighbour’s distress was wicked.
It is never wealth or poverty or even social justice that is the target of Our Lord’s teachings.
He is telling us always how to get to Heaven. But He never forces, and as freedom is hallmark of His teachings, so it should be in the world.
It seems to me that the economic choices that reflect a Christian outlook are also the soundest from a worldly point of view. But any real economist out there please feel free to correct me. timp61@bigpond.com
I haven’t had to discuss or address at some point over the years.
And yet, I must admit, even I, on occasion, found myself taken aback by Popcak’s forthrightness. (Did he just say that? Yep, he sure did.) Even if his boldness is occasionally jarring, that’s precisely what’s so refreshing about this book.
It tells it like it is and, by doing so, gives couples permission to face and discuss delicate issues.
More importantly, “Holy Sex” gives couples tools to overcome the many difficulties they inevitably face on the road to a truly holy sex life.
Popcak’s book brings to bear all that sound biology, physiology, sexology, psychology and theology have to offer us in a practical, educational guide for couples.
As such, it is very much in keeping with what John Paul II called for in his pre-papal book Love and Responsibility
In a chapter entitled “Sexology and Ethics,” the young Bishop Wojtyla wrote that a proper sexual education can be the decisive factor in preventing the collapse of a marriage (see p. 274).
But sexual education, in this sense, is not merely about physical “technique” (as is the case with, say, Dr Ruth). Rather, an integral sexual education – while making use of all that is good in what the science of “sexology” has to offer – must take account of the inner mystery and dignity of the persons involved, creating a proper “culture of mari-
tal relations.” This is precisely what Popcak’s book provides. And he’s just the man to provide it.
His wit will have you tossing the book in the air with laughter and his wisdom – gained from much study and nearly two decades of counseling couples – will have you laying the book in your lap to pause and ponder.
Popcak begins his guide to “infallible loving” by definitively blowing out of the water all heresies that tempt us to devalue our bodies and our sexuality or view them with suspicion.
We’re more affected by these heresies (Jansenism, gnosticism, Manichaeism) than we may think, and Popcak’s insights provide a great examination of conscience in this regard.
Then Popcak introduces us to the concept of “holy sex” as distinct from its counterfeit – what he calls “eroticism.” Eroticism involves a very shallow life of lustful indulgence. It “lures people in with promises of fun and fulfillment,” Popcak tells us, “and dumps them out the back door dazed, depressed and considerably worse off than when they started.”
“Holy sex,” on the other hand, involves the renunciation of mere eroticism for something far grander – the journey of learning to love divinely. This journey enables sexual union to “become an authentically transformative, spiritual encounter” infusing marital love “with a passion that reaches biblical propor-
tions. Literally.” The journey to “infallible loving” can be a long and difficult one, especially if we’ve been deceived by the “eroticism” that engulfs us in our pornified culture.
But Dr Popcak is confident, as am I, that the tools he provides in “Holy Sex” can help couples overcome virtually any obstacle.
Give “Holy Sex” a prayerful read and you will be on your way, as the good doctor puts it in classic Popcak-style, to “a toe-curling, eye-popping, mind blowing, deeply spiritual and profoundly sacramental sexuality.”
There are too many Christians in parliament and they don’t reflect the make-up of modern Australia, according to Democrats leader Lyn Allison. People with very strong religious views were “heavily over-represented”.
If it is correct (a big “if”) that there are proportionately more Christians in Parliament than in the general population, what does it mean?
That many non-Christian voters trust Christians to represent them, perhaps? Many non-Christians entrust themselves and their families to Christian schools, hospitals, retirement villages etc.
The political record of non-Christian and anti-Christian ideologies as expressed in political action in the last couple of centuries, around the world from Austerlitz to Auschwitz, the Gulag and the World Trade Centre has not inspired optimism.
One of the last politicians to try to implement a militantly anti-Christian political agenda in Australia was the Whitlam Government’s late Senator Lionel Murphy, whose Family Law Act, aimed explicitly at destroying the Christian foundations of marriage and the family in this country led, for a time, to the enrichment of many lawyers but probably serious damaged society in many other ways.
He also wanted what he called “Genetic therapy,” advocating: The
virtually complete international agreement on the means and pace by which human growth rates throughout the world will be brought to zero and in some cases made to become temporarily negative, ... [and] increased analysis of the genetics of modern and Aboriginal human populations and [the] development of both population and individual genetic therapy.
Another active anti-Christian, or at least Gnostic, in politics at the same time was the late R. F. X. Connor, whose policies managed to wreck the mining industry, and who once expressed his philosophy in the following terms:
“No man is complete who lacks a cosmogony, or who does not possess the knowledge that he is intermediate in stature between the atom and the star. Man is, in fact, the microcosm of the macrocosm, and is in a process of spiritual evolution, of which the present world doubts and fears are the outward symbols.
“I have the firm belief that man is a moral being, and that he is, in fact, emerging slowly but certainly from an age of darkness where materialism and its mechanistic expressions are the symptoms of a deep, but definitely not fatal, spiritual crisis, Man, in fact, has yet to realise the significance of the inscription on
the portals of Eleusis: ‘Man, Know Thyself’.”
Yet another Gnostic, the late Dr Jim Cairns (who certainly had no religious qualms about a little matter of perjury for profit), stated:
“It is difficult to resist the conclusion that the history of man as seen through the eyes of Labor’s philosophers shows a purpose, a groping, a drive towards a better life. How else could all the evolutionary stages have been overcome? How else could the primeval swamps and jungles, the fires, storms, wars, the cruelties of man to man, the poverty, isolation and neglect have been overcome?
“This evolution is certainly not without direction. It moves logically as though it has a destination. And that destination is not of man divided into nations, races, parties or groups; it is man in one, men in unity.
“This is not a theistic or atheistic philosophy. It is hardly agnostic because a positive or negative theistic view is not relevant at all. It is positively concerned with people and has a positive assumption of their eventual unity.”
With this kind of occultist wisdom around, a preference by voters for Christian politicians looks pretty reasonable.
By Fr John Flader
A friend of mine cannot understand why we have a feast day honouring Christ as King. She prefers to think of Jesus as Saviour or Redeemer or friend, but not king. Can you please explain the reasoning behind this feast?
Over the years, a good number of people have asked me this question.
The feast of “Jesus Christ, Universal King”, which is its proper name, is of relatively recent origin. It was instituted at the end of the Holy Year 1925 by Pope Pius XI in the encyclical Quas primas, dated December 11 of that year.
The feast is celebrated on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, the 34th Sunday of the year, as a Solemnity, the highest rank among feast days.
Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in answer to numerous requests from Cardinals, bishops and lay faithful at a time when Christ was being pushed more and more out of the lives of nations, families and individuals.
The Pope commented that just as the feast of Corpus Christi had been instituted at a time when Eucharistic piety had diminished, and the feast of the Sacred Heart when the severity of Jansenism had made hearts grow cold, so now when the reign of Christ was challenged by anti-clericalism, or secularism, it was opportune to institute a feast of the kingship of Christ.
An example of the anticlericalism at the time was the regime in Mexico, where numerous Catholics went to their deaths for the faith, crying out “Long live Christ the King!”
A good number of them have been beatified and canonised, including Blessed Miguel Pro.
Significantly, the consequences of the rejection of Christ’s kingdom mentioned by Pope Pius XI are as relevant today as they were in 1925: “the seeds of discord sown far and wide; those bitter enmities and rivalries between nations, which still hinder so much the cause of peace; that insatiable greed which is so often hidden under a pretence of public spirit and patriotism, and gives rise to so many private quarrels; a blind and immoderate selfishness, making men seek nothing but their own comfort and advantage, and measure everything by these; no peace in the home, because men have forgotten or neglect their duty; the unity and stability of the family undermined; society in a word, shaken to its foundations and on the way to ruin.” (Quas primas, n. 24) The
kingship of Christ is solidly grounded in Scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, Isaiah offers the Messianic prophecy of the child to be born, who would be “Prince of Peace” and who would sit “upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.” (Is 9:6-7)
In the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that her Son will receive “the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Lk 1:32-33)
Nathanael, when he first meets Jesus, says, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus does not reject the title, but rather goes on to say: “You shall see greater things than these.” (Jn 1:49-50)
And when speaking of the Last Judgment, Jesus refers to himself as King: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne… Then the King will say to those at his right hand…” (Mt 25:31, 34)
So it is clear that Christ is indeed king – but not a king in the human, political sense. He has no palace, no material throne, no army. Christ is king in the spiritual sense. His kingdom is “not of this world”. (Jn 18:36) He reigns in the minds, the wills and the hearts of men.
Perhaps the reason why some people object to calling Christ King is that they think of kings as lording it over their subjects. But this is not Christ’s way: “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:42-45) Christ redefined the whole notion of kingship. He does not oppress his subjects. Rather he serves them, he lifts them up and frees them from their sins.
His kingdom is “a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.” (Preface of Christ the King) director@caec.com.au
a unique and historic St Mary’s Emperor Fountain Pen (No 8 with handcrafted box)
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Born: Fremantle WA 15 August 1927
Died: Booragoon WA 12 October 2008
On November 12 the West Australian newspaper ran an obituary on Bill Hughes entitled “A risk-taker and visionary - Philanthropic Wool Merchant” who was awarded the Order of Australia in 2002 “For service to the development of the wool scouring and export industries in Western Australia and Victoria, and to the community as a benefactor to a range of church, education, cultural and social welfare groups.”
However it did not address the inspiration that guided his life, namely his Catholic faith.
Bill was born in Fremantle on August 15 1927 to William John and Mary Josephine Hughes. He was the eldest of 5 children, his younger brother being Fr Don Hughes OMI. He was educated at the Sacred Heart Convent and CBC Fremantle. He married Fremantle girl, Mary Sheila McNamara, in 1951. They had a son and three daughters.
Bill’s strong social conscience was formed by Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, “On Capital and Labour”, which he imbibed as a young man through the Young Catholic Workers.
He saw his wealth as a trust to enhance the life of the disadvantaged.
Consequently, he chose a modest life style instead of the luxurious one he could well afford, living in the same unpretentious house in Attadale for most of his married life.
As a businessman, his major concern was “to put food on the table” of his employees. Knowing that business and greed can exploit workers, he ensured that this did not happen in his enterprises.
His employees’ tributes to him on his retirement testified to his generosity and care.
His philanthropic endeavours were numerous within Australia and throughout the third world. He insisted that his donations go directly to those in need.
He preferred “to give a fishing rod rather than a fish” so that the needy would gain self-respect and develop self-reliance.
He would use his influence in high places where necessary to broker a better deal for the powerless.
If necessary, he would get his hands dirty by helping out with physical labour. He was also extremely generous in giving his time to those working in the voluntary sector in the community.
He was a humble man and very reticent in singing his own praises or in allowing others to do so.
Few if any will ever know the impact for good that Bill has had because he did not make his many compassionate activities public. He was a model and mentor for many who needed
guidance in life, more than once being referred to as “my guardian angel” by persons who had been in the pits of despair but who had their circumstances changed through Bill’s actions or influence.
Bill was a deeply spiritual man and a searcher after truth. He had a great awareness of, and commitment to, God.
This gave him a deep respect for all persons regardless of roles, skin colour, education, social position or religion.
It was the rock on which his strong, self-reliant character was founded. It gave him the moral strength he demonstrated in his life.
While always a practising Catholic, he helped establish the South Sreett Ashram in Fremantle.
His exceptional entrepreneurial talents led to his presence on many Church boards and committees. He was a founding director, trustee and major donor to Notre Dame University.
He was Patron of the St Patrick’s Basilica Restoration Campaign. He was a life member of the officially established (1984) Association of Christ’s Faithful “Wayfarers with Christ” and a founding member of its professional arm, the Institute of Human Development (1975).
Bill honoured his commitments at all cost, be they personal, religious, or business. He trusted people until he had reason not to.
Then, while he was not one to speak ill of others, his conversation in their regard became very sparse.
He found at times to his cost, that a life committed to integrity and truth can draw ire from persons who do not share such values, as Christ himself found. However, he did not succumb to the darkness in life.
Instead, he lit a candle, and said to the darkness, “I beg to differ”.
Bill’s life demonstrates that one can be a successful businessperson and still maintain one’s integrity.
Bill fed the hungry, housed the homeless, clothed the naked, provided water for the thirsty and saved many a young person from prison.
Christ who is faithful to His promises will surely say to him “Well done good and faithful servant”.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years Sheila, his four children, Paul, Geraldine, Carmel and Clare and his grandchildren, William, Natalie, Rosie, Monique, Oliver and Tyler. Rest in peace Bill.
The experience of being at World Youth Day has got a team of students fired up to maintain the vision of their experience. One has also decided to join the Church.
STUDENTS at Ursula Frayne College in Victoria Park have put a proposal to their College Board on how to follow up the goodwill created by World Youth Day in Sydney.
A team of 12 pilgrims have been formed calling themselves, ‘Empower Youth Ministry Team’.
The aim of the team is to offer ongoing formation to the students of the College through speaking to them in Religious Education classes about the power of the Holy Spirit.
They aim to help plan and prepare College Masses, like those at the catechesis sessions, assist with College retreats, invite students to use the chapel more and continue with their once a term edition of the “Empower” newsletter which commenced publication during WYD 2008.
The team is keen to be a contact point for the Catholic Youth Ministry in Perth so they can promote their activities in the College. They will invite senior students to join, which will enable the team to be an ongoing min-
istry in the College. Meanwhile, together with College chaplain Fr Jude D’Rozario, the College is also
preparing one WYD pilgrim for a momentous step in her life: entering the Church.
Following World Youth Day
Julia Whiteley was so inspired by the love and compassion that was shown to all the pilgrims, the catechesis sessions and the inspiring talks by the bishops that she has decided to become a Catholic.
She feels that the Catholic Church has a lot to offer to the youth of today especially in giving the youth hope for a better life and future.
Julia will be welcomed into the Church with a special ceremony at the Opening College Mass in 2009.
She will then be prepared by Fr Jude to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation towards the end of Term One.
It is now 6 months down the track and the graces of World Youth Day are still being received here at the college.
After returning from WYD College pilgrims concluded the final formation session of their program.
They reflected upon their experiences and made plans and proposals on how to keep WYD alive in the hearts of every single member of the College community.
KOTOR, Montenegro - Nestled in the bay of Boka Kotorska, on the Adriatic coast of the two-year-old nation of Montenegro, is a forgotten treasure-trove of Catholic heritage. The Diocese of Kotor may be the wealthiest - while poorest - of Europe’s Catholic landmarks.
Virtually every village in this mountainside region touts a church with baroque altars and silver reliquaries.
But the few active parishioners of some churches in Kotor hardly can support the cost of candles and priestly robes, let alone the expense of maintaining fragile Renaissanceera masterpieces.
With average monthly salaries a little more than $190, the weekly parish offerings sometimes amount to less than $40.
On one of the diocese’s two tiny islands, St George, stands a Franciscan church and regal cypress trees. The other island, Our Lady of the Rocks, is man-made and supports a church devoted to Mary, filled with votive gifts accumulated since the 15th century.
Three saints also were from Kotor: St Leopold Mandic, a sickly Capuchin friar who spent up to 15 hours a day in the confessional and died in 1942; Blessed Ozana of Kotor, a 16th-century mystic who offered guidance to townspeople through a small window from a walled cell; and Blessed Gratia of Kotor, a 15th-century Augustinian who joined the order after many years as a sailor.
The diocese also is blessed by a group of innovative priests, who minister amid enormous challenges.
They face an impoverished, aging population, discouraged from practising their faith under 50 years of communist rule when Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia.
They also battle a weak economy, which has driven away many young residents, and the exodus of many Catholics of Croatian origin back to Croatia, which gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Father Ivo Coric, a parish priest at the bayside Church of St Angelus, often can be found in the church’s communal gathering place next door, serving platters of cheese or drinks to visiting tourists and parishioners in a setting that is part tavern, part big
family kitchen. There is also an open mike for conversations about religion, politics and current events.
A portrait of Pope Benedict XVI gazed over the priest’s shoulder as he talked excitedly about the charitable work of the local Caritas branch he leads and his deep compassion for the most despised people of the region, the itinerant Gypsies. His colleague, Father Srecko Majic, 65, is more often found on the water - motoring back and forth between his parish on the mainland and Our Lady of the Rocks, leading groups through the local church and teaching Catholicism by conveying the faith of simple sailors from past centuries.
“The Catholic Church is not just our prayers. We are the bearer of culture and civilisation,” he said. “This island is visited by 55,000 each year and most aren’t Catholic.
I don’t give homilies but I tell the stories of our faith - and I notice greater receptivity from many,” said Father Majic, parish priest in the town of Perast, where 80 people support multiple churches.
“People from this area want freedom, and they want to hear the truth about faith, which was always pushed away by the cult of communism,” he said.
Father Robert Tonsati, 25, became a parish priest this year. He already has developed new ways to reach young Catholics, whom he thinks must be cultivated more assiduously.
Before Easter, he organised the first mountainside Way of the Cross enactment for youths of his parish. Scores participated; for many, it was their first church event.
“There is a hunger to know Christ. Because faith, church attendance and the sacraments
were so discouraged in Yugoslavia, we’ve lost several generations in terms of catechism,” said Father Tonsati.
“Now, our resources are so strained, we have limited funds for books let alone a projector, so I can use material from the Internet to communicate with a media-savvy class. Can you imagine, in the 21st century, a Catholic diocese without one projector?” the young priest asked.
But, he added, “When you have to go to private donors to fix church roofs, for sure you can’t cope with the smaller needs.”
The diocese has done little to pursue the restitution of church properties seized by communists. These properties, which include convents and seaside land, could be used to generate income to support diocesan activities. Bishop Ilija Janjic of Kotor said his diocese would have to pay for every legal effort to reclaim each confiscated property, and that is not feasible.
However, he has tackled some huge projects: In 2002 the bishop managed the completion of an 18-year restoration of Kotor’s most important church, the Cathedral of St Tryphon, which stands on land where a Catholic Church was first built in 809 to house the relics of its patron saint, brought from Constantinople. The present cathedral was built in 1166.
The cathedral houses a 14th-century fresco - uncovered during the restoration - depicting the Passion; a massive wooden crucifix given to the church in 1288 by Queen Helena of France, who was married to a Serb king; and an ornate head reliquary in gold containing the skull of St Tryphon, who was martyred at age 18 for refusing to make an offering to a Roman god.
Father Majic said none of these cultural treasures can be sold by the church because they were donated in faith.
But they can be displayed more widely, which is why the bishop planned a celebration of the church’s 1,200th anniversary with a major exhibit in a museum in Zagreb, Croatia, and events all year in Kotor. The diocese is linked strongly with Zagreb because the majority of Catholics in Kotor are ethnic Croats.
“Our diocese was an extremely active Catholic community long before Orthodoxy came here,” he said. “Now we are a minority, but every soul can have the sanctity of our saints.”
Leaving the cathedral, Bishop Janjic pointed to an elaborate design in the nave’s marble floor. It symbolizes the labyrinth of life, he explained, from which only the church and faith can rescue people. CNS
NEW YORK (CNS) - In the world of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (Disney), there’s no problem so big it can’t be sung or danced away. Director and choreographer Kenny Ortega’s breezy big-screen sequel to the popular made-for-television films, though thin on plot, offers energetic, family-friendly entertainment.
With graduation approaching, the franchise’s recurring characters, led by basketball star Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and his academically gifted girlfriend, Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), are facing the pleasures and challenges of their final year in school.
On the positive side, these include a shot at their second hoops championship in a row, the prom and, of course, their senior play. This extravaganza, their bustling drama teacher Mrs Darbus (Alyson Reed) announces, will be based on their own lives, and, indeed, for the remainder of the film songs that express the students’ real-life preoccupations are reprised on stage.
In keeping with the franchise’s consistent theme of overcoming divisive stereotypes, Troy, an athlete who also loves to sing, must choose between joining the team at the nearby University of Albuquerque, as his father and coach, Jack (Bart Johnson), has
NEW YORK (CNS) - Iconic British intelligence agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) pursues his 22nd cinematic mission in the rapid-fire spy thriller “Quantum of Solace” (Columbia).
Director Marc Forster’s globe-trotting addition to the franchise features more chases and gunfights than real drama. But a high level of violence and Bond’s sexual pleasureseeking are somewhat offset by a story line contrasting vengeance with forgiveness.
Agent 007’s thirst for revenge results from the death of his girlfriend, Vesper. His investigation of the shadowy, far-reaching criminal organisation that blackmailed her leads to seemingly respectable international businessman Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) and to Greene’s less-than-loving girlfriend, Camille (Olga Kurylenko).
Victimised as a child by brutal South American militarist Gen. Medrano (Joaquin Cosio), with whom Greene has nefarious dealings, Camille is only using Greene in hopes of exacting retribution, and so easily allies herself to Bond. But Greene has wellplaced friends in both the British government and the CIA, leading Bond’s pressured boss, M (Judi Dench, as frosty as a well-
shaken martini), to become at times more hindrance than help.
In need of creative assistance to thwart Greene’s plot to monopolise worldwide natural resources, Bond turns to Mathis (Giancarlo Giannini), a former Italian intelligence officer he had suspected of disloyalty and had been responsible for torturing. Eventually cleared, Mathis has been compensated for his ordeal with a cushy retirement and, after an initially hostile reception, expresses his willingness to forgive Bond.
As the former enemies warm to each other, Bond takes Mathis’ example at least partially to heart, though the film, as written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis, never fully rejects vendetta morality.
Bond’s trademark hedonism in sexual matters is somewhat downplayed, since his relationship with Camille remains chaste. But his interaction with perky counterintelligence agent Fields (Gemma Arterton) has a different outcome.
The film contains strong action violence, a nongraphic scene of rape, brief graphic nonmarital sexual activity, partial upper female and rear nudity, occasional crude and crass language, a couple of uses of profanity and a few sexual references. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults.
Quantum of Solace is now showing in cinemas nationally.
long planned, or pursuing a performing arts scholarship at New York’s Juilliard School, for which someone has mysteriously applied on his behalf.
Gabriella, whose innocent relationship with Troy leads to waltzing on the roof of
NEW YORK (CNS) - Though romance eventually wins at least a partial victory over random lust in director and co-writer (with John Morris) Sean Anders’ occasionally witty comedy “Sex Drive” (Summit), the sexual and scatological detours along the way make this a generally unrewarding journey.
The screen version of Andy Behrens’ novel “All the Way” tells the story of hapless Chicago 18-year-old Ian (Josh Zuckerman), who’s continually bullied by his boorish older brother, Rex (James Marsden), and saddled with a mall job distributing coupons while dressed as a giant doughnut.
Awkward around girls, Ian is desperate to lose his virginity. So when he meets an alluring woman (Katrina Bowden) over the Internet - she goes by the screen name Ms Tasty - and she promises a liaison in her home city of Knoxville, Tennessie, Ian purloins Rex’s classic sports car and hits the road.
His two best friends go along for the ride: nerdy ladies’ man Lance (Clark Duke) and tomboy Felicia (Amanda Crew), who thinks Ian is visiting his ailing grandmother.
Ian is secretly smitten with Felicia, but she’s attracted to the seemingly indifferent Lance.
the school and a picnic in her bedroom that ends with a goodnight kiss before he readily climbs back out the window, has an opportunity to make an early start at Stanford University in California. But she’s reluctant to be separated from her true love and from the familiar surroundings of East High.
Pampered prima donna Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) is anxious to oust Gabriella from her leading part. Sharpay’s Broadway ambitions are matched - though without the malicious scheming - by the dreams of her twin brother, Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), the show’s eccentrically dapper choreographer. Old-fashioned in the best sense, this heir to the Hollywood tradition of “Let’s put on a show” is benign family entertainment, and will keep its target audience of tweens, and even younger children, absorbed with its lavishly mounted production numbers. The upbeat music is sufficiently catchy that at least one adult at a preview screening left the theatre performing his own encore.
The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage.
High School Musical 3 is now showing in cinemas nationally.
Admittedly, Marsden brings manic energy to his role and Seth Green is hilarious as a sardonic Amish car mechanic who helps the stranded trio. But the pervasive vulgarity and misguided view of human sexuality preclude endorsement.
The film contains strong sexual content including graphic nonmarital sexual activity, partial male frontal and upper female nudity, pervasive rough and crude language, much sexual and scatological humour, and underage drinking. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O - morally offensive.
Sex Drive is is now showing in cinemas nationally.
Was a Christian saint and martyr who is claimed to have been a noted scholar in the early 4th century. She was rumoured to have spoken to Saint Joan of Arc. Saint Catherine’s life is mostly composed of legends. The most popular version is that Catherine was the daughter of Costus, governor of Alexandria in Egypt. She told her parents that she would only marry someone who surpassed her in everything, such that “His beauty was more radiant than the shining of the sun, His wisdom governed all creation, His riches were spread throughout all the world.”
Having received a vision that urged her baptism, Catherine became a Christian and was transported to heaven in vision and betrothed to Christ by the Virgin Mary.
Ingredients:
7 tbsp softened butter
125g sugar
3 eggs
250g flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
60 g candied fruit, mixed
1 tbspn grated orange rind
1/2 tsp orange extract
3 bsp water butter for pan powdered sugar for sprinkling
Method:
Preheat oven to 150 C, chop candied fruit.
Cream the butter. Gradually add the sugar, mixing well; beat in the eggs, one at a time. Sift the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon and salt in the butter mixture. Stir in the chopped candied fruits, orange rind, orange extract and water. Mix thoroughly. Grease a heart-shaped pan. Pour in the batter and bake for 20 minutes.
Raise heat to 220 C and bake for 1520. Remove when cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serves 8
By
I CAN MAKE STARRY THINGS FOR CHRISTMAS $14.95 + P/H
Q: What do ducks get after they eat?
A: A bill!
Q: What do you call a crate full of ducks?
A: A box of quackers!
Q: Who stole the soap?
A: The robber ducky!
Q: What time is it when an elephant sits on the fence?
A: Time to fix the fence!
Q: Why did the elephant sit on the marshmallow?
A: So he wouldn’t fall into the hot chocolate.
Q: What would you do if an elephant sat in front of you at a movie?
A: Miss most of the film.
also available I CAN MAKE THINGS FOR CHRISTMAS
I CAN MAKE ANGEL THINGS FOR CHRISTMAS $14.95 + P/H
$13.95 + P/H KIDS BITZ ARTIST OF THE WEEK will receive a free gift from the Record Bookshop. All you need to do is post or email in a drawing, poem or colouring picture. Next week we are giving away a Beautiful Red Dove pendant chain. please post or email : Justine Stevens, The Record, PO Box 75 Leederville WA 6902 or email production@therecord.com.au
Q: Why are elephants so wrinkled?
A: Did you ever try to iron one?
Q: What do you do when you see an elephant with a basketball?
A: Get out of it’s way!
Q: What is gray and blue and very big?
A: An elephant holding it’s breath!
Q: A man rode his horse to town on Friday. The next day he rode back on Friday. How is this possible?
A: The horse’s name was Friday.
Q: Why did the pony have to gargle?
A: Because it was a little horse! Beautifully
A roundup of events in the Archdiocese
Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday.
Contributions may be emailed to administration@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9227 7087, or mailed to PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902.
Submissions over 55 words will be edited. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 will be a put into classifieds and charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment.
Sunday November 23
SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION
Commencing 2pm at the Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook, with concelebrated Mass and procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Priests and laity welcome to participate. Enq: 9447 3292.
Sunday November 23
KNIGHTS OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
Annual pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation Mother of the Church.1pm for 2pm Mass, at 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Please wear full regalia. Contact: Des 9201 2702 by 20 November.
Sunday November 23
NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING AND COMPASSION FOR ABORTION PERTH
2pm gathering for walking at 2.30pm, starting at Victoria Gardens, Claisbebrook Cove, South side, East Perth. “The Lord is loving and merciful and has compassion on all” Psalm 145: 8-9. To be held in cities across Australia. Churches join together in compassion and prayer with ALL who have been affected by abortion. For further information: www.ndmc.org.au
Friday November 28
MEDJUGORJE EVENING OF PRAYER
6.30pm to 8.30pm at St Lawrence Parish, 394 Albert Street Balcatta, Our Lady Queen of Peace commencing with Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and Holy Mass. Youth encouraged to attend. Free inspirational DVD of Fr Donald Calloway available on the evening. Enq: Eileen 9402 2480.
Sunday November 30
FRANCISCAN ADVENT REFLECTION
10am at the Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth, come and join the Secular Franciscan Order in WA for a day of prayer, reflection and Mass at 2.30pm to start the Advent Season. Please bring a plate to share for lunch. Enq: Anne-Marie 9447 4252 after 6pm.
Tuesday December 2
CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL HEALING MASS
7.30pm at the Holy Family Church, Thelma Street and Canning Highway, Como. Healing Mass and end-of-year fellowship. Prayer Teams available. A collection will be taken up. Please bring a plate for light supper. Enq: Pam 9381 2516 or Dan 9398 4973.
Friday December 5
THE ALLIANCE, TRIUMPH AND REIGN OF THE UNITED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY
5.15pm, at St Bernadette’s Church, Glendalough. Confessions, Mass 5.45pm followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; hourly Rosaries, hymns and reflections etc throughout the night. Vigil concludes with midnight Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Enq: Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or Dorothy 9342 5845.
Saturday December 6
DAY WITH MARY
9am to 5pm at Good Shepherd Church, 44 Streich Avenue, Kelmscott. 9am Fatima Video. Day of prayer and instruction based upon the Fatima message. Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.
Sunday December 7
DIVINE MERCY
1.30pm at St Joachim’s Church, Shepperton Road and Harper Street, Victoria Park, Holy Rosary, and Reconciliation. Holy Family Sermon by Fr Joseph Mario followed by Divine Mercy prayers, Benediction and refreshments. DVD/Video - Body and Blood of Jesus, Part 2 by Fr Corapi. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
Sunday December 7
ANNUAL ROSARY PROCESSION
4.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish, Hamilton Street,
Bassendean, in honour of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, followed by Benediction. Light refreshments afterwards. Triduum Rosaries will be held in preparation for this event from 3 December to 5 December commencing 7.30pm respectively. Enq: Colin 9279 9750 or Renato 0419 924 633.
Saturday December 13
ST PAUL’S COMMUNITY THREE SPRINGS CHURCH FUNDRAISING
Launch and sale of recorded CD called – Crowing in the Midwest, at Christmas Dinner. Cost of CD is $5 plus postage of $3. If you would like to order the CD please forward payment to PO Box 213, Three Springs WA, 6519. All welcome to join us in our celebrations. Enq: Myrtle 08 9954 1135.
Saturday December 13
ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP
8.30am at St Bernadette’s Church, 49 Jugan Street, Glendalough. St Padre Pio DVD, 10am Exposition of the blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am Mass, using St Padre Pio liturgy. Confessions available. 12noon lunch; bring a plate, tea and coffee provided. Enq: Des 6278 1540.
Friday December 19
MEDJUGORJE EVENING OF PRAYER
7pm to 9pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Place, City Beach, with Our Lady Queen of Peace commencing with Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and Holy Mass. Free inspirational DVD of Fr Donald Calloway may be obtained on evening. Enq: Eileen 9402 2480.
Sunday December 21
STATIONS OF CHRISTMAS
3pm at St Theresa’s Church, 678 North Beach Road, Gwelup. The Balcatta Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order invites you to prepare for Christmas with the Stations of Christmas. The celebration will conclude with afternoon tea at the Community Centre. Enq: Anne-Marie 9447 252 after 6pm.
Every 1st Thursday of the Month
PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICE USING SONGS FROM TAIZE
7.30p.m at Our Lady of Grace, 3 Kitchener Street, North Beach. The service is a prayerful meditation in which we sing beautiful chants from Taize together, spend time in prayerful, meditative silence, bathed in candlelight reflecting upon themed readings. Enq: Beth 9447 0061 office 94484888.
Every First Friday and Saturday of Month
COMMUNION OF REPARATION ALL NIGHT VIGIL
7pm Friday at Corpus Christi Church, Mosman Park, 47 Lochee Road. Mass with Fr Bogoni and concluding with midnight Mass. Confessions, Rosaries, Prayers and silent hourly adoration. Please join us for reparation to Two Hearts according to the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357.
Every First Friday
CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL
7.30pm at Sts John and Paul Church, Willetton; praise and worship, teaching and Mass offered by Fr Saminedi, then supper and fellowship. All very welcome! Enq. Maureen 9381 4498.
Every First Friday
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
7pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough; commencing 7 November, Mass celebrated by Fr Saminedi. 7.30pm, Adoration with Fr Don Kettle. All welcome. Refreshments provided.
Third Sunday of the Month
OBLATES OF ST BENEDICT MEETINGS
2pm St Joseph’s Convent, York Street, South Perth, affiliated to the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia. All those interested in studying the rule of St Benedict, its rel-
evance to lay people’s day-to-day life are welcome. Vespers and tea conclude meetings. Enq: 9457 5758
JOSEPHITEMARY MACKILLOP CALENDARS 2009
Special Edition Centenary year of Blessed Mary MacKillop’s death. The calendars will be available in October and if you would like to purchase a copy please ring Sr Maree 9334 0933.
Every Saturday HOLY SPIRIT OF FREEDOM CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING
10.30am to 12.30pm at St Peter the Apostle Church Hall, 91 Wood Street, Inglewood. All are most welcome.
Every Sunday LATIN MASS KELMSCOTT
The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal will be offered every Sunday at 2pm at the Good Shepherd Parish, 40-42 Streich Avenue, Kelmscott, with Rosary preceding. All welcome.
Every Sunday until November 30
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
4pm at 67 Howe Street Osborne Park, commencing September 28. Free seminar. Presenters Disciples of Jesus Catholic Covenant Community and Youth Ministry leaders. Find out what it means to be man or woman. Why we are called to live a life of purity and chastity. A must for 16-25 years group. Enq: Shannon 9444 1467 or 0429 421 149.
Every 4th Sunday of the Month
HOLY HOUR PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
2-3pm at Infant Jesus Church, Wellington Road, Morley, commencing 28 September, the hour includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Let us implore God to rain an abundance of new life into our Church, open our hearts and those of the young people of the world to hear His Word for us now, today. Prayer works! All welcome! Enq: 9276 8500.
Every Sunday PILGRIM MASS
2pm at Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook; with Rosary and Benediction. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English. Anointing of the sick; second Sunday during Mass. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin; last Sunday of month. Side entrance and shrine open daily between 9am and 5pm. Enq: 9447 3292.
Third Sunday of the Month
MEDITATIVE PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT OF TAIZE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
7pm-8pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth; come and join in praying together for peace throughout the world. You will be invited to light a candle as a symbol of peace. Bring your friends and a small torch. Everyone welcome. Enq: Sister Maree Riddler 0414 683 926.
Every Tuesday NOVENA TO GOD THE FATHER
7.30pm St Joachim’s Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park; incorporating a Bible teaching, a Perpetual Novena to God the Father and Hymns. Light refreshments will follow. Bring a Bible and a friend. Enq: Jan 9323 8089.
Every Monday
ADORATION, RECONCILIATION AND MASS
7pm at St Thomas, corner Melville and College Roads, Claremont; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Evening Prayer and Benediction, spend 40 minutes quietly before our Lord for the health, faith and safety of yourself and your loved ones; Reconciliation 7.30pm, Mass and Night Prayer 8pm.
Every Sunday
MUSICIANS AND SINGERS
6pm at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, Vincent Street, North Perth; the Shalomites have been providing the music and singing for over thirty years. We are looking for new members. All interested singers and musicians welcome. Enq: Stephen or Sheelagh 9339 0619.
Every 1st Sunday of Month
DIVINE MERCY
Commencing with 3 o’clock Prayer at Santa Clara Parish, Bentley, followed by the Chaplet, reflection and Benediction. All friends and neighbouring parishes invited. Tea and coffee provided. Enq: Muriel 9458 2944.
Every 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
CHAPLETS OF THE DIVINE MERCY
7.30 pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road, Bateman, beginning 12 November, all welcome to a beautiful, prayerful, and sung devotion. Enq: George 9310 9493 home or 9325 2010 work.
Every Thursday
JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE
7.30pm, Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, Osborne Park using The Bible Timeline; The Great Adventure can be studied towards accredited course or for interest. Resources provided. See http://www. acts2come.wa.edu.au/ or Jane 0401 692 690.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Jesuit Volunteers Australia calls for part time volunteers to respond to the needs of people in the community who live in marginalised circumstances. At the heart of this program is a reflective process, based on Gospel values, which underpins the work of the volunteers. Enq: Kevin 9316 3469 or kwringe@iinet.net.au, www.jss.org.au
BOOK DONATIONS WANTED
We urgently need donations of Altar Vessels, Catholic books, Bibles, Divine Office, Missals, Lectionaries, Sacramentaries etc. Telephone: (08) 9293 3092.
INTERPARISH SOCCER: A NOTICE TO ALL PARISHES
The young parishioners in Lockridge are interested in having soccer matches against other parishes. It is a great way for a bit of ‘friendly rivalry’; keep up fitness whilst having fun and all in a good atmosphere. Enq: 0433 646 208 or 0431 951 772.
Christ the King
Jesus’ story of the Last Judgment tells us of our need to be stewards of ‘the least of these’. Truly it is most of God’s children who are hungry, naked, thirsty, sick, and imprisoned, not the least of them. These are the majority of humankind, and they make up somewhere between half and two-thirds of God’s children. The word least might refer to our attitudes towards our possessions. We live in a culture that says, “Everything I possess is the least I should have and I am certainly entitled to more!” Why are so many millions in our world still among ‘the least of these’ when God has provided so much abundance for us all? The answer is obvious… God’s abundance is not being shared. This Christmas season, and indeed all year, it would be wise for the Catholic today to ask themselves, ‘What do I own and What Owns Me?’ Blessed Mother Teresa beautifully described the Christian steward…
“Live Simply, So that Others May Simply Live”
For further information on how stewardship can build your parish community, call Brian Stephens on 9422 7924.
German diocese plans to attract youths with mobile blow-up churches
■ By Jonathan LuxmooreOXFORD, England - A German diocese plans to use inflatable churches to bring the Gospel to young people.
"The aim is to do something eyecatching which could eventually be extended to all our towns," said Winfried Dolhausen, spokesman for the Essen Diocese. "These churches will be on a continual journey, meeting the young where they are rather than waiting for them to come to us."
Dolhausen told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview November 12 that the first blow-up church would be set up by Easter in a marketplace, mall or school playground in the diocese.
"Although we won't be celebrating Mass in these new churches, they'll act as centres for spiritual offices, meditations and discussions, and will encourage the young to get involved," he said.
Bishop Felix Genn of Essen received support for the idea from other German bishops and saw it as key to a restructuring program that also will divide the diocese into 42 "super parishes," Dolhausen told CNS.
"With numbers falling we've had to make savings and find better ways of using our money," Dolhausen said. Several German dioceses have reduced or merged their parishes, and have sold church property after being hit by rising expenses and falling member donations.
Dolhausen said plans for the blowup churches, each seating 60 and costing almost $40,000, were expected to attract complaints from Catholics opposed to the church closures.
"But we have to reach out and respond to the young somehow as well as trimming our infrastructure," he said. "These won't be fairground attractions but serious places for reflection and contemplation. All that's changed is their appearance and availability as places of worship."
The German Catholic news agency KNA reported Nov 12 that evangelical churches also had commissioned inflatable churches and several other Protestant communities had ordered moveable acrylic glass churches
1829-1891
feast – November 24
The fifth of eight children in an Italian family, Mary Anna went in 1842 to a boarding school operated by the Sisters of St. Marcellina. She earned a teaching diploma in four years and wanted to join the order, but had to wait because of her mother’s illness and father’s financial reverses. After assisting her family, she entered the congregation in 1848 and professed her vows in 1852. Over a 40-year teaching career in the order’s schools, she was both popular and successful; one of her students was the mother of Pope Paul VI. She died of throat cancer and was beatified in 1980.
Saints for Today
© 2008 CNS
© 2005
23S OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING
Wh Solemnity
Ez 34:11-12.15-17
A true shepherd
Ps 22:1-3.5-6 I lack nothing
1Cor 15:20-26.28 He must be king
Mt 25:31-46 Throne of glory
24 M St Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and companions, martyrs
Red Rev 14:1-5 They follow the Lamb
Ps 23:1-6 Seek God’s face Lk 21:1-4 The little she had
25 T St Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr (O)
Gr Rev 14:14-19 A sickle in his hand
Ps 95:10-13 The Lord comes Lk 21:5-11 Do not be deceived
26 W
Gr Rev 15:1-4 You alone are holy
27 T
28 F
Gr
29 S
Ps 97:1-3.7-9 God’s truth and love Lk 21:12-19 Eloquence and wisdom
Rev 18:1-2.21-23;19:1-3.9 Victory and glory
Ps 99:2-5 The Lord is God Lk 21:20-28 Time of vengeance
Rev 20:1-4.11-21:2 New heaven and earth
Ps 83:3-6.8 The courts of the Lord Lk 21:29-33 God’s kingdom near
Gr Rev 22:1-7 God’s light
Ps 94:1-7 Come Lord Jesus Lk 21:34-36 Stay awake
Reflections on the Feast of Christ the King
On the Feast of Christ the King this Sunday we are reminded of our King unlike any other; a King willing to serve, suffer and die for humanity, a King whose teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and peace based on love and forgiveness, a King who challenges us to follow Him in loving and humble service to all who suffer, a King who embodies the poor, the weak, the lonely, the broken and those abandoned, rejected and despised by society, a King whose Love for us endures forever, an enduring Love that nourishes our call to be missionary amidst the suffering in the name of our King and His kingdom. Call the Mission Office on 9422 7933 should you want to explore this idea further.
■ BRICK REPOINTING
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■ CATHOLICS CORNER
Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.
■ RICH HARVEST YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP
Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, baptism/communion apparel, religious vestments, etc? Visit us at 39 Hulme Court (off McCoy St), Myaree, 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve.
■ ALL SAINTS HANDCRAFTED ROSARIES AND CHAPLETS
View our current range of original Rosaries, chaplets and bracelets for all occasions. Custom orders in the beads and colour of your choice are welcome. Contact Elisa on 0421 020 462 or email allsaintscreations@iinet.net.au
■ KINLAR VESTMENTS
‘Modern meets tradition.’ Quality hand-made & decorated. Vestments, altar cloths, banners. Vickii Smith Veness. 9402 8356 or 0409 114 093.
■ OTTIMO
Shop 108 TRINITY ARCADE (Terrace Level) 671 Hay St, Perth Ph 93224520 Convenient city location for a good selection of Nativity sets, cards, books, CDs, Christian gifts and fashion accessories. Opening hours 9am-6pm MondayFriday.
BOOK REPAIRS
■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS
General repairs to books, old bibles & missals. 2ndhand Catholic books avail. Tydewi Bindery 9293 3092.
HOLIDAY ACCOMODATION
■ MANDURAH
Townhouse in Resort Complex. Fully furnished. Sleeps 6. Phone 0419 959 193 or email valma7@bigpond.com
■ DUNSBOROUGH
Beach cottage, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 7, 300m to Quindalup beach. Great price for Dunsborough! Tel: Sheila 9309 5071 / 0408 866 593 or email: shannons3s@optusnet.com.au
SETTLEMENTS
EFFECTIVE LEGAL, family owned law firm focusing on property settlements and wills. If you are buying, selling or investing in property, protect your family and your investment, contact us on (08) 9218 9177.
FURNITURE REMOVAL
■ ALL AREAS
Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.
■ LUMEN CHRISTI EVANGELISATION CENTRE
Attention Young Catholic Adults (18 – 35 years) - Lumen Christi Evangelisation Centre presents a Retreat by Fr Hugh Thomas, CSSR. DEAR CHRISTIANS, LETTERS FROM ST PAUL. Friday 14th November, 7.30 - 9.30 pm and Saturday 15th November, 9.30am - 9.30pm at St Columba’s Parish Centre, 25 Forest St South Perth. $50 fee includes refreshments, with meals provided on Saturday. Enquiries & bookings: Fr Michael 9223 1334, Tues - Fri (business hours)
■ GUITAR LESSONS
Learn to play the guitar and bring out the musician in you. Learn what you want to learn and at your own pace. Call Collin on 0438 643 070.
■ ORGAN
Yamaha El 25 in excellent condition. $2000 ono. Contact St Luke’s Parish, Woodvale 08 9409 6291
Make the most out of your computer with oneon-one tutoring on basic IT applications like HTML, CSS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. PC maintenance also available. Call Collin on 0438 643 070.
Work from home - Call 02 8230 0290, or visit website www.dreamlife1.com
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Through an exclusive licensing agreement with The Vatican Library, the 1928 Jewelry Company has been granted the privilege to enter the library, take photographs of, and sketch the breathtaking works of art within. Drawing on these resources, we have created a line of jewellery and gifts inspired by The Vatican Library's renowned, yet seldom viewed, art and architecture.
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SIGN OF THE FISH WRIST CHAIN
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A simple rose gold tone medallion is encircled with a antiqued silver tone wreath which is set with light amethyst coloured stones. The entire medallion is hung by a vintage silver tone bow pin.
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Necklace with Virgin Mary and Child under blue transparent enamel as intaglio effect with rose accents in gold; the chain is part gold and part silver and measures approximately 16” adjustable and the medallion is approximately 1 1/4”. This beautiful necklace is presented in a classy green gift box bearing the gold Vatican Library Collection logo.
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CROSS & CHERUB BRACELET
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ents for First 995
GOLD CRYSTAL FOB PIN
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A gorgeous two toned bracelet. There are crystals embedded in the centre of the cross alternating with gold engraved cherubs.
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This is a gorgeous Statement of Faith Necklace. The pendant is stunning, containing nearly too many elements to list, starting with a highly embellished bail. At the top of the bail a delicate cross rests flanked on either side by the filigree bail. The wire holding the keys can be released allowing the wearer to choose one two, or all three charms. The trio of charms are each unique.
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Created from the Jarrah of St Mary’s Cathedral laid down in 1865, this esquisite, unique range of gifts is the result of master craftsmanship, with every piece hand-made. The wood used from each individually numbered pen (fountain pen or rollerball) is at least 143 years old. Available from and on display at The Record Bookshop. Phone Caroline or Cathy on (08) 9227 7080 or email: bookshop@therecord. com.au
