The Record Newspaper 23 January 2008

THE R ECORD

Saturday 16th February 2008

Lourdes Indulgence

150th celebration year of Our Lady of Lourdes sees a great opportunity for Catholics of Perth Archdiocese

Nine archdiocesan churches designated as places where indulgence may be gained.

■ By Sylvia Defendi

A Plenary Indulgence will be available to Catholics in the Archdiocese of Perth between February 2 and 11.

The declaration by Archbishop Barry Hickey in a Pastoral Letter issued this week is part of a special celebration of the 150th anniversary of the appearance of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception to the young St Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes in France.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “a plenary indulgence is the complete remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church.”

In his pastoral letter Archbishop Barry Hickey welcomed Pope Benedict XVI’s early December decree granting the indulgence to those visiting the Continued - Page 3

Full text of Pastoral - Vista 2-3 Miraculous cures regularly reported - Vista 3

PHILOSOPHER’S CALL

University of Notre Dame Philosopher HAYDEN RAMSAY says Pope Benedict’s speech on faith and reason needs to be heard loud and clear in Australia. Page 7

FOUNDING FATHER

Lent and Easter come early

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Nearly two centuries will have passed since Easter fell on such an early date as it does in 2008; Lent commences on February 6 and Easter Sunday falls on March 23 this year.

The last times Easter celebrated as early as March 22 were in 1761 and then again in 1818.

In the latest edition of Pastoral Liturgy, a WA-produced liturgical resource, University of Notre Dame academic and editor Fr Russell Hardiman explored the reasons for changes in feast dates in the Roman Catholic calendar.

“The principles for computing the calculation of the Easter date dictate that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the northern hemisphere spring equinox, which is fixed by custom at March 21,” he wrote.

There were no occasions of Easter Sunday on March 22 in the twentieth century and there will be none in the twenty first century.

Support: Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd attending his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on January 20. Tens of thousands of people thronged the Vatican in a major show of support for the Pope after protests led him to cancel a speech at Rome’s Sapienza University. Reports - Pages 7, 10

PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Walking with Him

Daily Mass Readings

Don’t let them crush you

27S 3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Gr Isa 8:23-9:3 God confers Glory

Ps 26:1.4.13-14 The Lord my light

1 Cor 1:10-13.17 Be united

Mt 4:12-23 Follow me

28M St Thomas Aquinas, priest, doctor of the Church (M) S

Wh 2 Sam 5:1-7.10 David makes a pact

Ps 88:20-22.25-26 David my servant

Mk 3:22-30 Kingdom divided

29T

Gr 2 Sam 6:12-15.17-19 The ark acclaimed

Ps 23:7-10 He is the King of glory

Mk 3:31-35 Doing the will of God

30W

Gr 2 Sam 7:4-17 Sovereignty secure

Ps 88:4-5.27-30 Dynasty for ever

Mk 4:1-20 Sowing the word

31T St John Bosco, preist (M)

Wh 2 Sam 7:18-19.24-29 God’s name exalted

Ps 131:1-5.11-14 My resting place

Mk 4:21-25 Nothing kept secret

FEBRUARY

1F

Gr 2 Sam 11:1-10.13-17 David’s treachery

Ps 50:3-7.10-11 Have mercy on me

Mk 4:26-34 A mustard seed

2S THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, Feast

Wh Mal 3:1-4 The Lord is coming

Ps 23:7-10 The King of glory

Heb 2:14-18 The fear of death

Lk 2:22-40 Simeon blessed them

■ By Anthony Barich

Archbishop Barry Hickey has urged Perth Catholics not to feel crushed by society’s increasing secularism as they try to live out and spread their faith.

“We should not be put off by mounting hostility to Christian believers in everyday life,” the Archbishop said at Flame Ministries International’s annual congress at John XXIII College in Claremont last week.

Speaking on the theme, “Look up – the fields are white, ready for the harvest”, the Archbishop detailed a step-by-step guide on evangelising. The theme is Jesus’ quote from John 4:35 when Christ sends his disciples out to evangelise.

Archbishop Hickey said that even he sometimes doubts that today’s world is “white” – which refers to how a ripe crop looks before harvesting – especially with increasing secularism, opposition and rejection of Christianity, and the adoption of policies in legislation that is contrary to the Christian view.

But he said we know, if we believe in God and love Him “with all your heart, soul and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5), that the Holy Spirit will find ways to use us to change hearts.

“The Holy Spirit is not prevented by the things of this world that seem to prevent us,” Archbishop Hickey said. “It moves where it wishes, and you can trust it to use you to penetrate hearts and fill others who have heavy burdens with love, and they will praise God.”

He admitted that “I’m really talking to myself”, but he said if we trust in God and develop a prayerful relationship with Him “you will find that you are a witness to the Holy Spirit”.

The key, the Archbishop said, is to listen to God, through the Bible, private prayer and other people – for it is through knowing God that we understand what He wants of us.

“Sometimes we pray so much we miss God’s voice talking to us,” he said, adding that “reading the Bible prayerfully” until

something stands out that is “just for you” is how we often find God’s call.

He said that an “academic” reading of the Gospel may not be as effective because “when God talks to us we don’t take it academically, it changes us”, adding that, though he “still has a long way to go”, prayerful reading of the Bible has changed him.

Through our knowledge and love of God, he said, “we must appear as one who is on fire with the Holy Spirit, and act with love and generosity”. He warned against trying to evangelise if we are not transformed through God’s love ourselves.

Through our knowledge and love of God, he said, “we must appear as one who is on fire with the Holy Spirit, and act with love and generosity”.

The Archbishop also listed environmentalism – “the new religion” – as another ideology hostile to Christianity, as it can, if taken to the extreme, contribute to the culture of death. He said God’s creation must be cared for

as we are its custodians, but when it comes at the expense of human life then it has gone too far.

The world’s views of forgiveness, sexuality and individualism also appear to be a barrier towards our evangelical efforts, but he reassured the faithful that “the Holy Spirit is not hindered by these things”.

This fit in with the Congress’s theme, “Arise: A trumpet call for a Joshua Generation”, Joshua being the man who succeeded Moses in leading the Israelites through the desert into the promised land.

Joshua was a young boy during the early stages of their 40 years in the desert, and thus the Congress sought to “wake up” today’s younger generation to its call to live out God’s Word and change the world.

“The Congress will give birth to a new generation of courageous witnesses of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit to establish ‘Kingdom-living’ in a dark world of anti-Christ values,” said FMI director Eddie Russell.

The Congress featured speakers from Australia, the charismatic renewal in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Jesuits vote in Spaniard as Superior

ROME (CNS) - Spanish-born Fr Adolfo Nicolas, moderator of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania, has been elected superior general of the Society of Jesus.

Fr Nicolas, 71, succeeds Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, 79, who resigned due to age.

Pope Benedict XVI was informed of the election of Fr Nicolas before the Jesuits announced it publicly.

Fr Nicolas was ordained to the priesthood in Tokyo and is the former Jesuit provincial of Japan. He also had served as director of the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila.

“We have certainly been diligent in addressing our problems whenever we have seen them,” he said, noting the focus of past General Congregations, “but the uneasiness in the society and in the church has not disappeared.”

In the interview with the Province Express, the newsletter of the Australian Jesuits, he said: “The question for us is: Is it enough that we are happy with our life and are improving our service and ministry?

Fr Nicolas

Isn’t there also an important factor in the perception of people (‘vox populi’) that should drive us to some deeper reflection on religious life today? How come we elicit so much admiration and so little following?”

He concluded by telling the newsletter that he hoped the General Congregation would begin “a process of dynamic and open reflection on our religious life that might begin a process of re-creation of the society for our times, not only in the quality of our services, but also and mostly in the quality of our personal and community witness to the church and the world.”

Jesuit Fr Thomas Smolich, president of the Jesuit Conference of the US, said Fr Nicolas “is inspirational, holy and represents a great bridge among the various cultures in the Church.” Fr Smolich said he had gotten to know the new general as they

both served on the commission preparing for the General Congregation. Although Fr Nicolas is 71, “he has the energy of a much younger man.”

In a letter to the Jesuits, Pope Benedict asked them to reaffirm their “total adhesion to Catholic doctrine,” particularly regarding interreligious dialogue and various aspects of sexual morality.

Fr Smolich said: “I do not think there was a cause-and-effect relationship, but we have chosen one of the premiere men in the society” in the field of relations between Christianity and other religions. He can work intimately with the Pope and the Vatican on this very issue. He is one of the most intelligent and holiest men I have ever met,” Father Smolich said. “He has the breadth and depth to handle these issues.”

Before being named moderator of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania in 2004, he spent three years working in a poor immigrant parish in Tokyo, living with and ministering to Filipino and other Asian immigrants.

Moment of grace: Archbishop Barry Hickey blesses a Perth youth after addressing the Flame Ministries International Congress at John XXIII College.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Seminarian to set hearts on fire

A young man’s journey from rebellious teenager to inspired priest-in-training will be heard by millions of young people at World Youth Day.

Anthony Barich reports.

The Catholic Church’s answer to Enrique Iglesias will add a spiritual heartthrob flavour to World Youth Day when he performs at the Sydney event in July.

Maltese-born Robert Galea, who resumes his seminary studies for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College in Carlton this month, has released two full albums, the last of which, “What a day”, sold out in Malta within two weeks of its release earlier this month.

Robert first came to the attention of Church hierarchy in Australia when he spent a year here as part of the pastoral experience of his Malta seminary formation, and straight away he knew the Great South Land

was where he belonged.

After touring the world playing music, he chose Australia to complete his seminary formation as he wanted a “different reality where things aren’t as easy going for the Church”. He has found a different spiritual climate in Australia compared to back home, where an estimated 95 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic.

He was asked to sing alongside Aussie favourites Guy Sebastian and Paulini at the official ceremony marking the World Youth Day Cross and Icon’s arrival on Australian shores.

Now, having performed to sellout concerts in Malta, he will sing his songs, that are based on his own spiritual journey, at WYD08.

Robert hopes to be ordained in 2010 and serve in the Sandhurst diocese.

In the space of 10 years, Robert has gone from rebellious teenager getting into all sorts of strife back in Malta to a 26-year-old just two years away from being ordained a Catholic priest.

After realising his parents weren’t “perfect after all” when he was 11, Robert says he went through a rebellious phase, “hanging out with the wrong people”, while all the time harbouring a deep desire to be accepted.

When a friend dragged him along to a Catholic youth group, he heard a preacher talk about God in a way he’d never considered.

“This speaker said God was a person who I can get to know,” Robert says. “I needed this friendship, I needed someone to accept and understand me.”

The preacher suggested that Robert go home, close the door in his bedroom and speak to God. “So I got into a life of prayer, and more involved in that youth group.”

The words to a song on his most recent album sum up how he developed a relationship with God: “To know you is to love you, to love you is to serve you.”

Even at age 20, becoming a priest was the furthest thing from his mind, as he believed being a priest meant being “cut off from the world”.

Lourdes Indulgence

Continued from Page 1

famous Shrine at Lourdes in France but also enabling diocesan bishops throughout the world to desig-

churches in their own dioceses as places of pilgrimage where the indulgence may be gained.

“Devotion to Mary is dear to the Archdiocese as Mary is our patron under that title. Therefore it seems appropriate to observe this anniversary with due solemnity,” Archbishop Hickey said in his pastoral letter.

The Archbishop has designated nine churches as destinations where the Indulgence may be received, three of them named in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes.

These are: Our Lady of Lourdes churches in Lesmurdie, Nollamara and Rockingham.

However, the indulgence can also be received at six other metropolitan and country parishes or shrines in the Archdiocese that are named for

But a chat with a young priest in Italy during one of his music tours showed him that he can retain all that makes him unique while serving God as a priest. He started playing music after his conversion experience at 16 and led the youth group, until a friend passed away and he wrote a song for his funeral, which his friend’s parents asked him to play at the Mass for Christian Burial.

His friend’s parents were so impressed they took him to one of Malta’s best studios and paid for his song to be recorded, and he brought out an LP album with three songs.

It was a huge success, and prompted two more albums full of musings of his relationship with God.

After studying for a commerce degree at the University of Malta he entered a seminary in Malta at age 21.

But his WYD challenge is proving the most daunting of all.

“It’s all a bit overwhelming,” he says. “With the bombardment of activities that came one after the other within the Church, I didn’t have time to think about it.

“It has been an overwhelming response; sometimes I don’t even know how to take things in.”

The words to a song on his most recent album sum up how he developed a relationship with God: “To know you is to love you, to love you is to serve you.”

Now he loves life in Australia, and he hasn’t regretted his decision.

“The minute I started working with people here I knew I’d found my place. I had two sold out concerts back in Malta, there would be so much for me to do there as a priest; there was nothing to run away from, but deep down I know this is my place.

“I do miss family. It’s the hardest thing. I worked with youth and led a youth group of 200 and I miss them terribly, but my family and friends understand that my heart is here now, to follow where I believe God is calling me.”

Mary: St Joachim’s pro-Cathedral, in Victoria Park (which substitutes St Mary’s Cathedral); All Saints Chapel on St George’s Terrace in Perth; Our Lady of Revelation Shrine in Bullsbrook; the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale; St Mary’s Church in Merredin and St Mary’s Church in Kalgoorlie.

Those who cannot make it to one of these churches due to sickness, old age or other legitimate reason have been allowed by Pope Benedict XVI to obtain the indulgence, “if with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin, and with the intention of observing the usual conditions, recite the necessary prayers on the allotted days.”

The news comes as the worldfamous Marian shrine in Lourdes, France, celebrates 150 years since Mary the Mother of God appeared under the title ‘Immaculate Conception’ to a poor 14-yearold girl, Bernadette Soubirous, on February 11, 1858.

JOHN

I’m John Hughes, WA’s most trusted car dealer

Is it true that when people come to do business with me, they will be treated with courtesy, sincerity, professionalism and efficiency?

Is it true that “I want your business and I’m prepared to pay for it” and “I stand behind every car I sell”.

Is it true that I have over 40 technicians who are dedicated to getting my used cars in first class condition before sale?

Is it true that most of my sales are not from direct advertising but personal recommendation, repeat business and reputation?

Is it true I have my own finance company to assist good people with poor credit to buy cars from me?

Is it true I sell over 1,300 vehicles every month in Victoria Park and that is the biggest number from any one location in Australia?

Is it true that I have a warehouse selling cars under $10,000 and that I offer a full money back guarantee within one week?

JohnHughes

Inspired: Robert Galea, in contemplation (above) and performing live (below), has performed sold-out concerts in Malta and is set to put his softer side on show for all the world to see at World Youth Day in Sydney.

Popular: Both of Robert Galea’s albums have sold well in Malta. Now he will play at WYD08.

nate

the Parish

Gregorian Chant makes a comeback

■ Anthony Barich

Sacred music in the form of Gregorian Chant is set to be revived in the Archdiocese of Perth thanks to an Honours music student at the University of WA.

Andrew Chichy has designed a course to give solid grounding in musicianship that paves the way for independent learning.

Mr Chichy, also a chorister at St John the Evangelist Pro-Cathedral in Perth, was involved in the previous incarnation of Gregorian Chant taught by Jeremy Fletcher, who ran the Jubilis Song School for a year before he moved on to the Latin Mass parish at St Aloysius Church in Caulfield, Victoria and it folded. He combined Fletcher’s ideas with his own and various texts including a textbook written by a monk of Solesmes - the Abbey in France charged with preparing new restored editions of the Gregorian Chant by St Pope Pius X.

Steering away from the rotelearning routine, he has nearly finished designing a course to develop the sort of skills that any musician who is preparing music in a liturgical context would do well to possess. He says the course assumes no prior knowledge of music notation, and it’s nothing to be scared of.

“Even people who have learned to read modern staves may find this course helpful, as often they can read the music but may not be good sight singers - the ability to pick up a piece of music and sing it as one just picks up a book and reads it,” he said.

“Really, that skill is necessary in a liturgical context where the liturgy provides different music every day.”

He finds that often the parts of the Mass that change can be neglected as people don’t have the skills to sing them without rehearsing. The course also shows the “vast options” of music in the Catholic Church’s repertoire. “We have this phenomenal repertoire which, objectively

speaking and even by secular scholars is considered true art; yet people are largely ignorant of it, or substitute for it music that, to quote Pope Benedict XVI, is “banal, manufactured and on-the-spot”.

“Gregorian Chant really is timeless - look at how quickly hymns come and go. Some of the songs of our parents seem dated today as they may have captured the spirit of a particular period,” Mr Chichy said.

“Gregorian isn’t like that, and in a way it reflects the characteristics of God – immortal, unchanging yet always new.

“So it is my hope that people will

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Commencement Date 12th February 2008

Timetable

Tuesday 9.30am-12pm An Introduction to the Old Testament with Stephanie Woods

1pm – 3.30pm Ecology at the Heart of Faith with Sr Shelley Barlow

Thursday 9.30am -12pm Sacraments for Everyday Living with Jan O’Connor

1pm -3.30pm Ministry to Those Who Grieve Level I with Gerry Smith

Friday 9.30am-12pm The Spirituality of the Women Mystics with Stephanie Woods

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Course Handbook available on request

be able to return to their parishes and use this. I’m trying to see music develop that reflects the mind of the Church.”

He said Pope Pius X and every Pope since who has spoken on sacred music has affirmed that Gregorian Chant is the perfect model for all sacred music.

“In fact, it’s considered so perfect that some parts of the Mass can only be sung in Gregorian Chant when no other way is allowed, like the Preface.”

He admits that Gregorian Chant conjures up in people’s minds images of monks in cloistered abbeys, like the recent movie “Into Great Silence”, but he says the sacred music belongs to the entire Catholic Church.

GREGORIAN CHANT

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we sing Gregorian Chant at Mass?

St Pius V, in his Motu Proprio Inter Sollicitudines, wrote: “Sacred music must eminently possess the qualities which belong to liturgical rites, especially holiness and beauty, from which its other characteristic, universality, will follow spontaneously…”

These qualities are found in Gregorian Chant, the only chant inherited from our ancient Fathers.

But isn’t Gregorian Chant too difficult for normal congregations?

The repertoire of Gregorian Chant is vast and ranges from simple to very difficult pieces of music. Some are made up for trained singers, but there are simpler pieces that are very beautiful and eminently suited to congregational participation.

Didn’t Vatican II do away with Gregorian Chant?

Quite simply, no. In fact, Vatican II encouraged its continued use: “The Church acknowledges Gregorian Chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy. Therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services (Sacrosanctum Concilium 116).

Furthermore, the General Instruction of the Roman Mass, found at the front of the Altar Missal used in Mass, states: Since people frequently come together from different countries, it is desirable that they know how to sing together at least some parts of the Ordinary of the Mass in Latin, especially the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, set to simple melodies.”

Why should we care?

Celebrating the liturgy involves the whole person: intellect and will, emotions and senses, imagination, aesthetic sensibilities, memory, physical gestures and powers of expression. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, sacred music “elevates the spirit precisely by wedding it to the senses, and it elevates the senses by uniting them with the spirit.”

Isn’t this really just a matter of taste?

Nothing prevents us from preferring one form of music to another. But music that is suitable for sacred liturgy must be of a special sort. This is Jesus we’re receiving in the Eucharist at Mass. No longer can personal preference be the sole criterion. “Not all musical forms can be considered suitable for liturgical celebrations,” Pope John Paul II said. He also quotes Pope Paul VI: “If music – instrumental and vocal – does not possess at the same time the sense of prayer, dignity and beauty, entry into the sphere of the sacred and the religious is (thereby) precluded.”

“Everybody can sing it,” he says. Mr Chichy is happy to customdesign courses for specific needs, so if a parish wants a weekend workshop for its musicians, a short retreat or for someone to come in and give a talk, he’s happy to oblige.

He is even open to helping priests who feel they need training to sing their own parts of the Mass efficiently; or Religious communities looking to sing the Mass or the Office.

For enquiries, contact Mr Chichy on 04339 922 446 or email cichya@hotmail.com.

■ By Anthony Barich

Perth’s Ukrainian Catholic community celebrated their New Year’s Eve according to the Julian calendar in typically spectacular style on January 12.

Over 320 people, many dressed in traditional Ukrainian garb, celebrated a night of colourful dance at the Siciliani Club in Balcatta.

The evening was opened by the President of the Ukrainian Community, Mykola Mowczan, then the Ukrainian Catholic community’s famous Ukrainian dancing group, “Roztiazhka”, performed two dances to set the scene for an evening of fun.

During the night a raffle was drawn and a lucky girl won a beautiful pearl necklace donated by Matusik Jewellers. The Ukrainian

New Year celebration is commonly called ”Malanka” - a Ukrainian folk holiday celebrated on January 13, which is New Year’s Eve in accordance with the Julian calendar.

Malanka commemorates the feast day of St Melania. On this night in Ukraine, tradition says that carolers go from house to house playing pranks or acting out a small play, with a bachelor dressed in women’s clothing leading the troop.

Malanka caps off the festivities of the Christmas holidays, and is often the last opportunity for partying before the solemn period of Lent which precedes Easter.

Love of the sacred: Perth music student Andrew Chichy is in the process of writing a music program to teach priests, lay and Religious that which has inspired the Church’s sacred music throughout the centuries.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

the Parish

Vastesi rejoice as Sacred Thorn visits

■ By Anthony Barich

For centuries what is considered a thorn from the crown worn by Jesus Christ has been kept in the church of St Maria Maggiore in Vasto on the east coast of Italy, and has never left the city.

Last week Sacred Heart parish in Highgate hosted the thorn, and a weekend of festivities ensued.

Highgate won the honours because once a year the Perth parish hosts celebrations for the feast day of Vasto’s patron, St Michael the Archangel, for the local Italian community and specifically the Vastesi on the last Sunday of September annually.

But last week Perth’s Vastesi hosted the thorn, which is venerated only for a few hours on Good Friday back in Vasto and was originally given to Don Ferdinando d’Avalos, a delegate at the Council of Trent and an ambassador to the king of Spain, Phillip II, by Pope Pius IV.

After Don Ferdinando’s death, his successor Don Alfonso Felice donated it to the church of St Maria Maggiore. Venerated by generations of Vastesi, the sacred thorn left Vasto accompanied by members

of the confraternity of the Sacred Thorn (the oldest confraternity in Vasto) and by parish priest, Don Decio D’Angelo, on a voyage to Australia. The thorn was displayed for veneration by many faithful at Sacred Heart Church, with over 500 Vastesi living in Perth and many others of Italian heritage gathering for a procession led by Archbishop Barry Hickey, Highgate parish priest Fr Peter Bianchini and Don Decio D’Angelo.

Each night of catechesis had at least 200 people in attendance, including 21 men from the confraternity of the Sacred Thorn who accompanied the relic plus up to 60 pilgrims from the Italian city.

Fr Bianchini, whose family is from northern Italy, told The Record that for the local and visiting Vastesi, the relic was “a reminder of their traditions and who they are”.

The visit also coincided with the unveiling on January 13 of a monument erected by the Abruzzese Emigrant Association of Australia in memory of all the Italian migrants who left their homeland and beloved in search of a new motherland.

Archbishop Barry Hickey blessed the monument, located at Lake Vasto near the Causeway.

Missionaries spread God’s love to remote Oz

■ By Sylvia Defendi

There is an energy brewing across the nation, according to two Missionaries of God’s Love nuns, who are spreading the message of World Youth Day to some of the most remote areas of Australia.

Canberra-based Sisters Kate Atkins and Rosie Drum have been traversing the nation for over a year and visited Perth mid December.

They form part of a new spiritual association comprising of 13 priests, two deacons, four brothers and nine sisters, that take the symbol of the cross as redemption and the flame to remind them of their charismatic core.

With the Missionaries of God’s Love’s main focus being youth and those who are marginalised, it only seemed natural to the two young

nuns to ask each bishop in Australia permission to assist in the preparation for WYD within remote and disadvantaged parts of Australia.

Bishops all over responded with acceptance and the sisters began the mission, which they consider a “once in a life-time opportunity to evangelise.”

“We felt a need to visit isolated areas, where many may have missed out on the WYD message of hope,” Sr Rosie said. The two sisters have worked with indigenous communities, within schools and have often prepared a remote part of the country for the impending arrival of the WYD cross and icon.

“Indigenous people need to be a central part of this WYD, but they need to have access to the same formation as many in the cities are being offered and they need help getting to the event too,” Sr Kate said of their current mission. Asked

what the nation’s reaction to WYD was, Sr Rosie said the team had received diverse reactions to their message.

“Some were really excited by what we had to say and believed WYD to be a great opportunity for all; whereas some thought the event was not for them, but rather for others,” she said, adding that there was a definite energy across the nation nonetheless.

The two Sisters have worked with indigenous communities, within schools and have often prepared remote areas for the arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon.

Despite her many travel experiences, Sr Rosie said one of her most memorable moments occurred in Mt Isa, where four large road trains were positioned into the shape of a cross in the middle of the desert,

just before welcoming the WYD cross and icon. “It was so iconic, because we are in an arid place when it comes to faith and rain, but we can do big things with the help of WYD and change that aridity of faith,” she said. For Sr Kate, a quiet moment at a Darwin youth detention centre made her work all the more memorable. “We had the youth from the centre write prayers to place before the cross and icon, when it visited their city and I watched one youth help another to write his prayer because he could not write

for himself,” she said. As February approaches, the sisters will be taking a step back from their travelling mission as they assist preparations for the arrival of the cross and icon in their diocese of Canberra/ Goulburn. However, the Sisters said they would be keeping in contact with all those they had met along the way, to offer continued support in the lead-up to the youth event in Sydney, which has the two sisters in great anticipation.

“WYD is generating so much hope and will leave a great legacy in Australia,” Sr Kate said.

Clockwise from top left: The Sacred Thorn and reliquary at Sacred Heart Church; Servite Father Oscar Aguilera (left) and Fr Peter Bianchini (right) with Vasto diocesan priests Don Roberto and Don Nicola; Our Lady of the Missions Sr Elizabeth Stokes at the organ during the celebratory Mass; Don Decio D’Angelo carries the visiting relic of the Sacred Thorn in a procecssion through the streets of Perth with Fr Bianchini (left), Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Archbishop Barry HIckey.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF LOU MACCHIA CAPITAL PRODUCTION.

brief

Pell slams AMA over children tax

Cardinal George Pell has attacked an obstetrician’s proposal to tax families for having more than two children. The Australian Medical Association published an article in its journal by Barry NJ Walters arguing that there should be a $5000 levy and a yearly tax of $800 for families with more than two children. These imposts should replace the current baby bonus, the obstetrician argues. Cardinal Pell labeled the proposal a “striking illustration of a minority neo-pagan and anti-human mentality.” The Cardinal said he did not know which was more extraordinary: that an obstetrician could hold such a view or that a leading medical journal could publish it.

Families needier in Queensland

The Queensland St Vincent de Paul Society has reported an increase in the number of families seeking financial assistance to get their children to school. During the current financial year 853 students have been helped by the Society to get to school, compared with 593 students for the whole of the financial year 2005-06. “Parents who apply to the Children’s Education Fund typically want help with schoolbook purchasing or hire, and buying uniforms, shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes and other school essentials,” said SVDP Queensland president John Campbell. “Not only is the number of people applying for assistance increasing, but the dollar value of financial help is also growing,” he said.

Charity welcomes Gillard statement

Uniting Church charity UnitingCare has welcomed the removal of what it calls “gag clauses” designed to prevent charitable agencies from speaking out on social issues. Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the Federal Government would remove the clauses from all non-government organisations.

UnitingCare Australia associate director Lyn Larkin welcomed the announcement and said people and organisations delivering services on the ground were in the best position to comment on what works for Australians suffering from poverty and exclusion.

Mardi Gras play ‘clearly offensive’

South Sydney Anglican Bishop Robert Forsyth has hit out at the staging of a play depicting Jesus as a gay man. Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival has sponsored the play Corpus Christi, with the play’s director claiming it “humanises” Jesus. Describing himself as a Christian, director Leigh Rowney said “we like to believe that the Son of God is ultimately divine and above all of us.” Bishop Forsyth said that the play was “unhistorical and untrue,” and said it was deliberately, not innocently offensive.

the Nation

Protestants urge youth to support WYD

Protestant youth consider ecumenical opportunities of world’s largest gathering.

■ By Paul Gray

A major interdenominational youth gathering has been running seminars on Catholicism this month, in the lead-up to World Youth Day 2008. The Katoomba Youth Leaders Convention is an annual youth event advertised around nonCatholic Christian churches, promoting training for youth minis-

try and related activities. At this year’s Katoomba youth gathering, a former Catholic of Maltese background, Rev Ray Galea of the Multicultural Bible Ministry in Rooty Hill in Sydney, is running seminars on Catholicism.

“I want to educate youth leaders to best take up opportunities with Roman Catholic friends, in light of the upcoming World Catholic Youth Day,” Rev Galea told Sydney’s Anglican media.

He says he wants to encourage non-Catholic youth leaders to be “Jesus-focused, not anti-Catholic,” when ministering to people with Roman Catholic backgrounds.

The Katoomba Youth Leaders

Convention is held at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. It is run by the Katoomba Christian Convention, an interdenominational ministry that has been providing bible preaching conventions for more than a century.

The youth gathering aims to “transform our nation by confronting people with the Lordship of Jesus Christ through the powerful preaching of the bible.”

Rev Galea said World Youth Day is bringing home the importance of understanding the Catholic Church.

“With the World Youth Day, many questions will naturally arise

regarding what Protestants and Catholics have in common, and what is different,” he said.

“It is important to examine our understanding of what is the largest Christian denomination in the world.”

The official World Youth Day website states that the event is “an invitation from the Pope to all the youth of the world without discrimination.”

While World Youth Day celebrates the Catholic faith, “its message is relevant to all people and all are welcome.”

Non-Catholic Christians and others have participated in previous World Youth Days.

Golden girls mark 1300 years of Josephite life

Celebration is a story of true love, says Congregational leader. Jubilarians thanked by Cardinal Pell for lives of witness to God.

■ By Paul Gray

A moving renewal of religious vows ceremony has been held for 26 Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart at the burial place of Blessed Mary MacKillop in Sydney.

The 26 Sisters are all completing 50 years of religious profession this year.

To mark the occasion, Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Bishop Jeremiah Coffey of Sale and Bishop Bernard O’Grady from the Solomon Islands, with other priests.

During the ceremony, Josephite Congregational Leader Sr Katrina Brill said that the Sisters’ 50 years of service is a true “love story.”

Before inviting them to renew their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, Sr Brill reflected on the meaning of the vows.

She described the vow of chastity as being about “living charity” in its fullness.

“It’s about trying to stay free enough to develop a love and reverence for all human beings,” she said.

Sr Brill said that by living out the vow of poverty, the Sisters have continually stood by those who “fall through the cracks” in society. They have lived uncluttered lives of simplicity, and represented the ideal of “justice to everyone.”

She said the vow of poverty is about bringing hope to the world.

By living out the vow of obedience, the Sisters had been

around the world

Aussie kids raised on pies and fizzy drink

Healthy eating campaigns in Australia are falling on deaf ears. A new study has found that one in 10 children aged 12 to 17 regularly gobble chocolate, ice cream, hot chips, burgers, instant noodles or potato chips as their first meal of the day.

Almost a third kick-start their

called to remember to allow space in their lives for reflection and prayer.

“This vow is about faith – faith in themselves and in the God who works through them.”

On behalf of the Church, Cardinal Pell expressed gratitude to the Sisters.

The Sisters then solemnly renewed their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

morning with soft drinks or energy drinks.

Experts are alarmed at evidence that unhealthy habits in school years worsen over time, with 68 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds regularly skipping breakfast.

Those in the older age group are also more likely to consume soft drinks, meat pies, sausage rolls, cakes and pastries as their first meal of the day.

Dietitians warn that starting the day with calorie-dense junk food robs children of vital nutrients and

The 26 Sisters were part of the first novitiate group to make their lifelong vows at the Josephite order’s novitiate at Baulkham Hills in NSW, in 1958.

Their lives have produced ministry in places as far afield as Peru and Ireland, as well as in many locations around Australia.

Three Sisters from the same original novitiate group who were unable to participate in the

leaves them vulnerable to weight gain. Youngsters who skip breakfast are more likely to overeat later in the day, according to The Age  FAMILY EDGE

Pope helps Timor

Pope Benedict XVI and the president of Timor-Leste discussed the role of the Church in education and the fight against poverty on that island nation.

José Ramos-Horta visited the Pope in the Vatican then met with

ceremony through ill health were represented by three candles placed on the altar in the Mary MacKillop Chapel.

Five members of the group who had died were also remembered by a special candle which bore their names.

Each of the Sisters carried a candle bearing the words of Mary MacKillop: “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”

Another concelebrant at the Mass, Fr Paul McCabe, said that the Sisters present were among those who had carried the “light of vowed religious life into the postmodern, post-1968 world.”

Before the Mass, the Sisters had spent a week of reflection and remembrance together, with much of the sharing of their past stories taking place around Blessed Mary MacKillop’s tomb.

The Sisters gathered symbols from their lives’ journey and sang hymns from their past, including Latin versions of the Te Deum, Magnificat and Salve Joseph.

the Holy Father’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

The Vatican press office reported: “During the discussions, mention was made of the cordial relations between the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of East Timor, and of the cooperation between the Catholic Church and the state in the fields of education, health care, and the struggle against poverty.

A great day: 26 Sisters of St Joseph meet again to renew their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience after 50 years’ service, at the Chapel of Blessed Mary MacKillop in Sydney this month. Among those celebrating were five sisters, below, who came out from Ireland as young women expressly to enter the Congregation. They are Sisters Mary Cooney, at left, Betty Keane, Anne Hanrahan, Elizabeth McGoldrick and Clare Keating. PHOTOS: COURTESY SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH OF THE SACRED HEART

the Nation

Philosopher backs Pope over faith, reason controversy

UNDA academic says Australia suffers from false prejudices on relationship

between religion and science.

■ By Paul Gray

A message sent last week amidst a storm of controversy by Pope Benedict XVI to a Roman university deserves to be heard loud and clear in Australia as well, says an Australian Catholic philosopher.

Professor Hayden Ramsay from the University of Notre Dame Australia said Australian society, like that of other Western cultures, is suffering from the false attempt to separate religious faith and the use of reason, as though they were totally unrelated areas of life.

To forestall a planned protest by some academics and students, Pope Benedict said last week that he would not participate in the annual ceremony for the inauguration for the academic year at Rome’s La Sapienza University, where he’d been expected to give a lecture.

Instead the pontiff sent a letter to La Sapienza University’s rector, reiterating the papal view on the right relationship between the Catholic faith and intellectual freedom.

More than 100,000 people filled St Peter’s Square in Rome last Sunday in a show of support for the Pope over the incident.

In his letter to the university, the Pope said while he has always respected academic freedom, as Bishop of Rome he has an epis-

copal responsibility “towards the entire Catholic Church.” In particular, modern universities need to maintain a proper respect between

philosophy and theology, the Pope said. Theology, the rational study of divine revelation, cannot be marginalised or treated as though

it were unimportant, the Pope argues.

In Sydney, a Notre Dame University lecturer in philosophy, Prof Hayden Ramsay, endorsed the Pope’s words.

Prof Ramsay said the Pope’s view on faith and reason needs to be better appreciated right around the world, including in countries like Australia.

“As much as any contemporary culture, we are inheritors of the attempt to separate faith and reason,” Prof Ramsay said.

“We suffer in many ways, spiritually, personally and socially, by continuing to treat faith and reason as separate realms.”

Recent bestselling books like The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins have attempted to paint theology as intellectually disreputable, and faith itself as being bad for society.

Prof Ramsay rebutted this view, saying that throughout history, Christian faith has given to reason whole areas of knowledge that reason could not have achieved on its own.

“Faith is a type of knowledge,” he said. “The object of faith is truth.

“Faith is something for study, and then for free adoption as a set of ideals for living by,” Prof Ramsay commented to The Record

In his remarks to the Roman university, Pope Benedict had said that much of what theology and faith propose “can be absorbed only within the context of faith itself.”

This means that theology cannot be forced on those people “for whom this faith remains inaccessible.” Yet at the same time, Christian faith remains “a purifying force for

Academic links New Age beliefs, anti-social behaviour

■ By Paul Gray

Astrong link between New Age beliefs and anti-social behaviour has been uncovered by a Queensland university population health expert.

In new research which challenges the view that do-it-yourself spirituality is harmless, Dr Rosemary Aird has found that belief in a “spiritual or higher power other than God” is associated with a number of worrying personal problems.

Dr Aird has told The Record that her research showed “belief in a spiritual or higher power other than God was associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression, distrustful and suspicious ways of thinking and anti-social behaviour.”

Dr Aird qualified her comment to say that anti-social behaviour did not mean violent actions, but rather a proneness to arguments, relationship problems and not getting along with other people.

Dr Aird is a PhD graduate from Queensland University of Technology’s School of Public Health. Her research is based on surveys of thousands of 21-yearolds.

The research upset some people last week with Dr Aird receiving emails accusing her of being an agent of the Christian churches.

Dr Aird strongly denied that this is the case, saying she is trying to be objective in her examination of the

effects of New Age spirituality.

Dr Aird’s previous research has been on socio-economic inequalities and the effects of poverty on “social capital.”

Speaking from the Northern Territory where she is conducting more health research, Dr Aird said she believes in the need for new studies of the effect of changes in religious beliefs since the postWorld War II generation, when many people “moved away from the churches feeling disenchanted and marginalised from them.”

She said a number of groups which once would have seemed “weird” have now become almost mainstream.

She said Christian faith has “been the tradition of the country.” In light of this, in undertaking her research she particularly wanted to know what health effects might be associated with the change to the New Age idea that there is no God.

She said the New Age approach is about “finding spiritual truth from within,” rather than in God.

Her research revealed that in terms of health, people who believe in God are essentially no different from those who don’t believe in God.

However when those who believe in God are compared with those who hold some “other belief” – namely, in New Age spirituality – then serious problems emerge.

Dr Aird says that her research is about overall trends rather than individual cases. “Obviously, indi-

Think tanks slug it out over the soul

The capitalist system is good for the human soul, economics author Peter Saunders claims in the latest edition of a magazine from Sydney’s Centre for Independent Studies. Arguing against environmentalists like Dr Clive Hamilton of the Australia Institute, Mr Saunders said most people who attack capitalism do so because they are disaffected intellectuals who feel useless in modern society. He rejected Dr Hamilton argument that consumerist society has destroyed human beings’ “magical relationship with nature,” and that the pursuit of money gets in the way of Australians’ ability to reconnect with their “true selves.”

viduals find comfort and solace in all sorts of ways,” she said.

She said her research is an attempt to find a new way of understanding the dynamics of religious beliefs in Australia. Traditionally research is often based on church attendance.

The shortcoming of this research is that it sometimes reveals little about what non-attenders at church actually believe, Dr Aird argues.

She says it’s a mistake to think that because people are not attending church, they therefore have no religious beliefs at all.

“A few decades ago sociologists said religion will disappear altogether,” Dr Aird said. “That’s proven to be wrong.”

Dr Aird said her research showed that only eight per cent of young adults now attend church once a week. She found that three-quarters of young adults do not go to church at all.

She said individualism is the

reason,” Pope Benedict stated. The Pope said faith is “an encouragement towards truth, and therefore a force against the pressures of power and interest groups.”

Prof Ramsay said these are important words and entirely in keeping with the spirit of Pope Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in the encyclical Fides et ratio (Faith and Reason.)

Prof Ramsay said religious belief should not be treated as though it were only an emotional indulgence which can safely be excluded from centres of rigorous thinking such as the modern university.

“Faith never settles for emotional fulfillment,” he said. “Faith interrogates emotion with the truth.”

While some people resent the Church when it upholds traditional teachings, this resentment is based on a misunderstanding of the faithreason relationship which is being proposed by Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II.

“People who adopt magisterial teaching do so in a free way,” Prof Ramsay said.

Prof Ramsay also endorsed the Pope’s view that Christian theology has stimulated the use of reason in many ways throughout history.

“There are so many crucial concepts - like ‘time’ and ‘eternity,’ ‘freedom,’ ‘sin,’ and ‘person’ – that simply weren’t in philosophy until Christianity raised them as concepts which philosophy could then work with.”

Echoing the words of John Paul II, Prof Ramsay said that “the unity of the human person means that a faithless reason is always a sign of incompleteness.”

in brief

British children grow up on TV

A generation of multi-tasking British children are living their daily lives - including eating and falling asleep - to the accompaniment of television, according to a survey of youngsters’ media habits.

common thread in the move away from traditional religious thoughts and towards New Age spirituality.

The New Age focus on self-fulfillment and improvement, rather than on the wellbeing of others, could undermine a person’s mental health, with many people feeling more isolated, less healthy and having poorer relationships, she said.

Dr Aird describes herself as agnostic. She said she had been raised in a Christian church but had moved away from this.

However on looking back in later life, she has found that the principles she lives by, such as ‘do unto others as you would have done unto you,’ are rooted in the Christian church tradition.

By contrast, “the messages around now (in New Age spirituality) are about only yourself. “I’ve been a bit concerned about that,” she said.

“It has the potential to be a bit unhealthy.”

The flickering of the screen accompanies most of them before they go to school, when they return home, as they consume their evening meal and then - for 63 per cent, far more than read a book each day - in bed at night. The study of fiveto 16-year-olds shows that four out of five children now have a TV set in their bedroom.

So ubiquitous has television become that many children now combine it with other activities, including social networking online, flicking their eyes from laptop to TV screen and back again. Even if they are focusing on the television, young people are now reluctant to commit to one program, with boys in particular often flipping between channels to keep up with two simultaneous shows.

“They flick from one to another and cannot conceive that they should have to make a decision,” said a researcher.

Needed: Pope Benedict’s cancelled speech at Sapienza University in Rome and its underlying focus on the mutual respect between faith and science needs to be heard more clearly in Australia says UNDA Philosopher Hayden Ramsay, above. PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA

Perspectives

Blood donors truly give a gift of life

Make giving blood your number one New Year’s resolution

Traditions of giving up bad habits and starting again with a clean slate can be traced back thousands of years, starting with the ancient Babylonian civilization.

The trend continues today and most of us make a list, which usually includes one of the top five resolutions: lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, save money and mend relationships.

The Catholic Archbishop of Perth, Barry Hickey is encouraging others to join him in 2008 and make a New Year’s resolution that helps saves lives – giving blood.

“Giving blood is a simple way to help others this New Year and I would like to encourage more Western Australians to donate to ensure there is enough blood for those that need it in 2008,” Archbishop Hickey said.

anyone and is often used in an emergency when the patient’s blood type is not known. Only nine per cent of the population has O negative blood.

The Blood Service in WA needs 10,000 blood donations each month, to ensure there is enough blood to meet normal hospital demand.

ARCBS spokesperson Shane Pavlinovich says “Giving blood is a New Year’s resolution that is easy and definitely worth sticking to.”

“Giving blood is a simple way to help others this New Year and I would like to encourage more Western Australians to donate to ensure there is enough blood for those that need it in 2008”

- Archbishop Hickey

“Every donation can help save up to three lives and is worthy of taking top spot on your list in 2008,” Mr Pavlinovich added.

Blood is most commonly needed by cancer patients, accounting for 30per cent of all blood use as well as for people with heart, stomach, bowel, liver and kidney diseases, trauma and accident victims, those with haemophilia, pregnant women and premature babies.

“You leave with a smile on your face knowing you have greatly improved the quality of life, if not helped save the lives of others.”

The Archbishop knows first hand the importance of giving blood during the festive season, having been called on previously to help save a child awaiting lifesaving heart surgery.

Archbishop Hickey has the important O negative blood type – known as the universal blood type. It is the only blood type that can be received by

letters to the editor

If you have not given blood before, or it’s been 12 weeks since your last donation, do something special in 2008 and put giving blood at the top of your New Year’s resolution list. Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com. au and make an appointment to give blood.

To be eligible to give blood you must be 16-70 years of age, weigh more than 45kg and not have a cough, cold or flu at the time of donation.

Blood Donor Centre’s are located in Perth, Whitford, Cannington, Fremantle, Midland, Rockingham and a new donor centre has just opened in Morley.

Raising homeschooling profile sells official Catholic education short

Iwas disappointed at the prominence you gave to an article on Home Schooling in the Record for January 9. It was originally written, I suspect, with US readers in mind. Encouragement of home schooling in WA, where huge efforts have been and are being made for our Catholic schools is unwarranted. As is the subtle criticism of what our schools are doing. Our families, schools and parishes should keep being focused on pulling together to help our schools be as good Catholic/Christian schools as is possible.

I arranged a meeting with senior staff from our school late last year to discuss how well we were doing this, and what we could do better. In particular we focused on the question: How can we keep working together to make our school more effective in what we do to help our families pass on our Catholic/Christian faith and its practice to our children?

The question is, what news do we want?

With all due respect to The Record, I feel that your focus on news from other faiths as part of your national coverage last week is not basically relevant to readers from a Catholic background here in Western Australia.

It may be ‘Christian’ news in the broad sense but readers of a Catholic newspaper should be able to expect much more news of a local and Catholic character.

I prefer to see what other parishes here in Perth and further afield in the State are up to, especially where interesting initiatives are being launched or trialled. Such things might serve to motivate other parishes to try them.

I also think of parishes or centres in rural or isolated settings. Even though most readers are located in the metropolitan area there are still many worthwhile things going on in other places that would be of interest to city-based readers of the paper. I also think much more news about priests and religious life would be an improvement.The country may be far away from our daily lives, but it should be close to our hearts.

I suggest that our parishes, schools and their families need to keep working together to find and put into practice the strategies they come up with in answer to this question.

Those bailing out for do it yourself solutions are not helpful, especially where country schools are involved. They do not live by our Catholic belief that we are bonded together by the Spirit in the Body of Christ and are called to share our gifts and pull together for the good of the whole body.

Fr Pat Rooney Manjimup

THE RECORD

PO Box 75

Leederville, WA 6902 cathrec@iinet.net.au

Tel: (08) 9227 7080

Fax: (08) 9227 7087

Congratulations, but is it not also disappointing?

From the story on Myaree’s “little miracle” church (The Record, January 9) it is obvi-

ous that great joy and celebration has accompanied its opening. I do wonder, however, how well the new building’s design adheres to the guidelines and rules that have been provided, by the Vatican, for the design of new Catholic churches.

For instance, although I am in no way an expert on these things, I thought that the Tabernacle is preferably to be placed in the most central position possible, and to be a focal point upon entry into the church.

I have never, ever, ever been in a Catholic church where the pulpit is behind the altar, taking centre stage.

Myaree’s little miracle church has its good points; there is an adoration chapel and some of the statues look lovely.

It would, however, if I were a parishioner there, disappoint me

immensely. Even the exterior, which looks, from the photo, a lot like a small shopping centre, has none of the aesthetics and aspiring architecture that would lift one’s spirit to God.

Nonetheless, congratulations to all the people who put in such hard work and prayer for this new building.

CV Phillips

Queens Park

Our new Prime Minister’s unusual religious views

Iwould like to write to point out the double standards of the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd in the forum sponsored by a Canberra

Catholic parish as reported by The Record last week.

I am a simple man, I don’t wear a suit, actually I am just a humble plumber, and even I can see the faulty logic of the Prime Minister.

It goes to show that being elected Prime Minister and using fancy words doesn’t make you intelligent, any more than rattling off trivia on Sale of the Century makes you wise!

What I found most hypocritical was the way Mr Rudd quoted Church encyclicals to support the role of trade unions, then in the next breath claimed he could see little evidence of an ‘exclusive preoccupation’ with questions of personal morality‚ in the spirit and content of the Gospels.

In one sweeping statement he justifies all of his party’s anti-Christian policies (abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage etc) - talk about a narrow, tick the box approach‚ to morality.

He is also suggesting that since he can’t find “thou shall not kill unborn children” in scripture it means you can’t necessarily connect those moral teachings to the teachings of Jesus.

If Mr Rudd can push aside centuries of encyclicals and, to use his term, ‘core documents’ supporting moral teachings against such things as abortion, how can he use Catholic church teaching to support the role of trade unions?

I find little evidence of a ‘preoccupation’ with the role of trade unions in the Gospels.

May I suggest that the connection between the Church and the Labor party belongs to the past, and in the past it will remain until the Labor Party recognises that Jesus Christ is more than merely a humanistic unionist.

At the next election, when I vote for someone else who cares about morality, I will quote the great Bonhoeffer: “Here I stand, Lord, I can do no other!”

Troy Kiernan Cathedral Parish

Needed: Archbishop Hickey gives blood, which helps those in desperate medical need. He is urging others to do the same.

To be close to Mary is to be close to Him

Ipray the Rosary daily. Sometimes it’s difficult but I love the Rosary so that’s my main form of prayer. In the morning I wake up and give praise to God for the day ahead. Then before going to bed in the evening I like to give thanks to God for giving me that day, His guidance and everything.

How I Pray

with Debbie Warrier

I go to the Catholic Youth Ministry Holy Hour every Wednesday, where Christ is truly present during Adoration. I open my heart and mind to receive His love from the Blessed Eucharist. My goal is to do more Adoration and to really just work on my relationship with Christ. My parents took us kids to church every Sunday. My mum was in the church choir and that brought me into the church choir when I was seven years old. Being involved in the Music Ministry is something that I’ve done ever since. I do it because I love giving praise to God in song.

I see other people in my parish as great examples of how to pray. My biggest inspiration would be Pope John Paul II. He totally devoted his life to God in a way I just find so inspiring. Each of us is called to do that.

In 2000 I attended World Youth Day in Rome. I’ve always been going to church, always been practising my faith. But prior to WYD I had been going to church mostly just on Sundays. After WYD I desired to love God even more. I opened myself up to receiving God’s love. When I did that He just showed me how much He could be there for me.

I was standing in St Peter’s Square in front of the Vatican and these words came to me: “Do not be afraid. I the Lord am with you always. Trust in me and I will be your strength.” I felt that God was letting me know that He was there and He was preparing me for the work He wanted me to do.

In 2004 I went to study at the John Paul II institute in Melbourne. Half way through the course I wanted to come back to Perth. God changed that through someone speaking to me. I felt like the Holy Spirit was talking through him. One of my lecturers was speaking to the class but I felt like he was talking to me. He said we were called to be studying at the John Paul II Institute and that it wasn’t by accident that we were there.

We were being prepared to form God’s army and do His work. I knew that I was meant to stay. I work as the manager at Pregnancy Assistance and we are so fortunate to have a chapel at the office where Mass is celebrated three times a week. We recognise that our vocation is to love as God loves from the moment we greet the women at our door. Through this they recognise the value of their life and the new life within them. When difficulties come up I ask God to show me what He wants me to do and ask him what He wants me to learn. From those sufferings I grow.

I pray all the time! God’s all around us. He’s available 24/7.

Vista

January 23 2008

FOUNDING FATHER

■ By Fr Brian O’Loughlin, VG

My appreciation of Cardinal Moran dates to the commencement of my studies at St Charles Seminary, Guildford in 1967. I set myself the task in my private study time of reading the Bible from cover to cover and also to read Cardinal Moran’s monumental History of the Catholic Church in Australasia. I wouldn’t recommend the former to any neophyte, as I got hopelessly bogged down in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Numbers. The second task was a dif-

ferent matter, as I found Cardinal Moran’s history compelling and it gave me a great appreciation of the origin and development of the Church in Australia.

Archbishop Barry Hickey would have known none of this when he appointed me Chairman of the Archdiocesan Historical Commission. I have always had a great love for history and I subscribe to the maxim of Santanana: “To be ignorant of history is to be condemned to repeat it”. No doubt, my love of history shows in my comments and conversation. So I wasn’t surprised when Archbishop Hickey presented me with a copy of Philip Ayres’ work. Coincidentally, about the same time,

there was an Advent Prayer for Priests at which Bishop Donald Sproxton was the homilist. Bishop Sproxton commenced his homily by quoting an account from Cardinal Moran’s work where the Cardinal relates how Lawrence Mooney said to the Cardinal in 1887, that in his younger days in Albany before the arrival of a priest in Western Australia:

“He was accustomed on Sundays to climb to the summit of Mount Clarence, reciting the Rosary and shedding bitter tears at the thought that there was no priest, or altar or Holy Sacrifice within a thousand miles of him; and turning Continued - Vista 2

Lydia Fernandez

Per th Priest Perth Priest Fr Brian O’Loughlin Brian O’Loughlin reviews a new book on one of reviews a new on one the Catholic Church’s ear l y leaders in Australia, and uses the the Catholic Church’s early leaders in Australia, and uses the occasion to reflect on the histor y of the Church in this S tate occasion to reflect on the history of the Church in this State.

Lead us to Him, M

Archbishop Hickey has nominated a total of nine churches where pilgrims may receive the Plenary Indulgence between February 211. Three are named for Our Lady of Lourdes while the rest are all named for Her or are centres of Marian spirituality and devotion.

Churches named for Our Lady of Lourdes

Lesmurdie

Our Lady of Lourdes, Cnr Lesmurdie & Glyde Roads

Tel: 9291 6282

Nollamara

Our Lady of Lourdes, 265 Flinders St

Tel: 9345 5541

Rockingham

Our Lady of Lourdes, Swinstone St

Tel: 9527 1605

Additional Perth churches where the Plenary Indulgence may be received:

Victoria Park

St Joachim’s Pro-Cathedral, Cnr Shepperton Rd & Harper St Tel: 9361 1057

Perth All Saints Chapel, 77 St George’s Terrace

Tel: 9325 2009

Bullsbrook

Our Lady of Revelation Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd

Armadale; Schoenstatt Shrine of Mary Thrice Admirable, 9 Talus Dve

Tel: 9399 2349

Merredin

St Mary’s Church, Cnr South Ave & Pioneer Rd

Tel: 9041 1118

Kalgoorlie

St Mary’s Church, Cnr Brockman & Porter Sts

Tel: 9021 2100

The following is the text of Archbishop Barry Hickey’s Pastoral Letter issued this week to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes, and which sets out the conditions for receiving the Plenary Indulgence announced earlier this year by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.

My Dear People, Pope Benedict XVI has decreed the granting of a Plenary Indulgence to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mary’s appearance at Lourdes under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Devotion to Mary under that title is dear to the Archdiocese as Mary is our Patron under that title. Therefore it seems appropriate to observe this anniversary with due solemnity.

The Plenary Indulgence may be gained by the faithful visiting Churches or shrines in which there is an image of Mary under the title Our Lady of Lourdes between February 2 and February 11, 2008.

The image of Mary is to be solemnly exposed for veneration and the faithful are to pray the Our Father, the Profession of Faith and to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

They are to fulfil the usual conditions to gain a Plenary Indulgence: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

To make devotion to Mary more obvious and to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, Pope Benedict XVI has given permission to Diocesan Bishops to designate churches in their Diocese, especially those dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, as places of Pilgrimage in which the Plenary Indulgence may be gained.

We are blessed in the Archdiocese to have three parish churches dedicated to Mary under the title Our Lady of Lourdes.

They are Lesmurdie, Nollamara and Rockingham. These are particularly appropriate Pilgrimage places to gain the Indulgence.

To these we add the Pro-Cathedral of St Joachim, Victoria Park, replacing the Cathedral, which is dedicated to Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception; All Saints Chapel, 77 St. George’s Terrace; Our Lady of Revelation Shrine, Bullsbrook; the Schoenstatt Shrine, Armadale; St. Mary’s Church, Merredin and St

Special visit: Pope Benedict XVI prays in front of a reproduction of the original Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Ga Virgin Mary on May 31. Cardinals, curial officials and Vatican employees were invited to a Marian procession.

grotto of Lourdes known as Massabielle and recite those prayers, trustingly offering to God, through Mary, the sickness and discomforts of their lives”.

ma of

2 and February 11.

The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Pope Benedict has shown great concern for those sick who are confined to their own homes or nursing homes.

The decree states: “the faithful who through sickness, old age or other legitimate reason are unable to leave their homes, may still obtain the Plenary Indulgence, if with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin, and with the intention of observing, as soon as they can, the usual three conditions, on the days between February 2 and February 11, in their hearts they can spiritually visit the

The sick, elderly and housebound will need the help of their families, their carers and the Ministers of the Eucharist, Acolytes, Deacons and Priests in order to be helped to take advantage of these wonderful spiritual blessings.

Many family members would be visiting their senior members confined to bed and often they will feel helpless to offer much more than their presence.

Here is an opportunity for them to minister to their elders, whose deep faith they know, but is in many cases not able to be expressed.

op tho Mo off

Foreign-born prelate became key leader an

Continued from Vista 1 towards the west, he would unite in spirit with his distant countrymen, and pray fervently to God that he might not be left always in such desolation”. The comment was quoted in Fr DF Bourke’s History of the Catholic Church in WA

Fr Bourke’s work was published as part of the Catholic Church’s contribution to the Sesqui-centenary of WA in 1979. Many of the young priests and others born overseas told Bishop Sproxton they had never heard of Cardinal Moran or his text. Perhaps now is the time to blow the dust off any texts which may be gathering dust or being used as door stops. The Archdiocesan Historical Commission would certainly appreciate any copies needing a good home. Bishop Sproxton said that with such a gathering of priests praying before the Blessed Sacrament, Lawrence Mooney would have considered his prayer from the midst of his desolation now answered in abundance.

Fr Bourke writes that the origins of the Catholic Church in Australia in an official way and through appointed leaders was through the Vicar Apostolic of Mauritius until the appointment of Dr William Ullathorne as Vicar General in Sydney in 1832 and the subsequent appointment of Bishop Polding as Vicar Apostolic of New Holland in 1834 (see

William Bernard Ullathorne: A Very Different Kind of Monk by Judith Champ, reviewed in The Record of November 14 2007, and which also available from The Record Bookshop Church authority and presence in pioneer Australia

In fact, there had been a prior Roman appointment which should be better known. Fr James Dixon was a priest of the Diocese of Ferns in Wexford, Ireland. Following the 1798 rebellion, he was wrongfully sentenced to transportation to NSW. Governor King pardoned him and then permitted him to minister to Catholics for which he received an annual salary from the Colonial government.

In 1803, Fr Dixon took steps to have his ministry approved by the Holy See. A fellow Wexford man, Michael Hayes, who was transported with Fr Dixon, had a brother who was a Franciscan priest based at St Isidore’s College in Rome. Through Fr Richard Hayes OFM a petition was presented to the Roman Congregation Propaganda Fide on Fr Dixon’s behalf.

The petition stated that Fr Dixon had been administering to Catholics, but that it wasn’t possible for him to have recourse to the Vicar Apostolic of the East Indies. The Vatican’s response was two-fold: Faculties were

granted by Pope Pius VII in a letter sent to Fr Dixon by the Secretary of Propaganda Fide, Archbishop Coppola acting for the Prefect, Cardinal Stefano Borgia. By a letter dated 29 January 1804, Fr Dixon was appointed Prefect Apostolic of all Missions within the territory of New Holland. Thus for the first time, the Pope provided Faculties for a priest resident in Australia.

Secondly, the Roman Congregation requested Fr Dixon to obtain suitable priests from

Europe and for him to give an account to them of the condition of Catholicism in New Holland. However, the Castle Hill rebellion led the Governor to cancel Fr Dixon’s salary on 14 August 1804 and withdraw his permission to publicly celebrate Mass. Fr Dixon was deported to Ireland on the next available ship. Fr Dixon’s forced departure meant that the Catholics of the Colony were once again without the care of a priest.

Such would be their spiritually destitute situation until the arrival of Fr Jeremiah O’Flynn in a manner unauthorised by Colonial authorities and then the later authorised arrival of Fr John Therry and two other Irish priests in 1820.

First Catholics in Western Australia

In Western Australia, Catholics like Lawrence Mooney, had to wait. In Perth, Robert D’Arcy wrote a letter on 12 December 1841 to Dr Ullathorne, confusing him with Archbishop Polding, who was absent in Europe. Upon his return in 1843, Archbishop Polding appointed Fr John Brady, who was recruited for the Australian Mission by Dr Ullathorne and arrived with a group of priests who became known as “The Men of ‘38’ in a poem by John O’Brien, nom de plume of Monsignor Patrick

Popes: Pius IX and Leo XIII, whose pontificates, among the longest in history, dominate the era of the new biography of Cardinal Moran, one of Australia’s most important Church leaders of the 19th Century. PHOTOS: CNS

Mary’s Church, Kalgoorlie. These are to have an image of the Virgin of Lourdes solemnly displayed for public veneration. I hope many parishes and groups will organise pilgrimages to these places between February

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF MARY’S CARE FOR HER CHILD

Mother

DREN THROUGH LOURDES

In his weakened state, unable to speak, he ay have preached more powerfully than many his other words and deeds! Please take this pportunity to pray and encourage the sick and ose who are dedicated to caring for them.

Liturgically, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, onday, February 11, is an ideal occasion to fer the Anointing of the Sick during or after ass. It may be possible to offer Mass in a ursing home and encourage the residents to y the prayers in order to obtain the Plenary dulgence.

The Sunday before the feast is the First unday of Lent. Some parishes will have the te of Election but they may be able to offer the nointing of the Sick after Mass. Those parishes hich do not have the Rite of Election, may fer the Anointing of the Sick during Mass.

The Gospels are replete with examples of

Jesus the healer ministering to the sick. So much so, that he even touched the lepers. The Lord’s healing power is at work in His Sacraments of healing. Mary is addressed as health of the sick and comforter of the afflicted. Her intercessory role is a powerful source of strength for God’s people on their pilgrim way.

May Mary conceived without sin intercede for all who turn to her with hope and confidence, as they observe the Sesquicentenary of her Apparition at Lourdes. May the World Day of Prayer for the Sick inspire us to continue the healing presence of the Lord.

Mary, Patron of the Archdiocese under the title Immaculate Conception, lead us to your Son.

Most Rev Barry James Hickey

Archbishop of Perth

17 January 2008

Indulgence conditions

The Plenary Indulgence may be gained by the faithful visiting Churches or shrines in which there is an image of Mary under the title Our Lady of Lourdes from February 2-11.

The image of Mary is to be solemnly exposed for veneration and the faithful are to pray the Our Father, the Profession of Faith and to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

They are to fulfil the usual conditions to gain a Plenary Indulgence: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Unable to travel? Visit spiritually!

“The faithful who through sickness, old age or other legitimate reason are unable to leave their homes, may still obtain the Plenary Indulgence, if with the soul completely removed from attachment to any form of sin, and with the intention of observing, as soon as they can, the usual three conditions, on the days between February 2 and February 11, in their hearts they can spiritually visit the grotto of Lourdes known as Massabielle and recite those prayers, trustingly offering to God, through Mary, the sickness and discomforts of their lives”.

Cured girl: ‘I still can’t explain it’

Californian’s case to be studied as possible Lourdes miracle

■

By

Sharon Abercrombie

In 1987, against doctors’ advice, Charlotte and George Kiesel of Burlingame interrupted chemotherapy treatment for their leukemia- stricken daughter and took her to Lourdes, France. Katie didn’t really understand why she was there. Desperately ill, she slept through most of the Masses and other religious events.

But by the end of that week, she was sipping Lourdes water instead of antacids. The painful mouth and esophageal ulcers caused by chemotherapy were subsiding, allowing her to eat normally.

“I’m coming back here next year as a volunteer,’’ the 13-year-old seventh-grader vowed at dinner, the night before she returned home.

She kept her promise in 1988. Today, Katie is 25 years old.

can be a connection between spiritual experience and a positive autoimmune response to sickness. In an interview with Catholic San Francisco, the archdiocesan newspaper, Stein said the investigation will take about a year.

If the young woman’s case meets the committee’s criteria, Katie could become not only the 66th miracle, but the first American to receive the designation. Katie was first diagnosed with leukemia when she was 8 years old. It was treated but reappeared when she was in the seventh grade at Our Lady of the Angels School in Burlingame, said Charlotte.

Her leukemia has been in remission for 13 years, which has prompted an effort to gather her medical records for the Lourdes committee that reviews potential miracles.

``She and Mary are on a first name basis,’’ her mother, Charlotte, said with a laugh.

Of the millions of desperately sick pilgrims who have travelled to the French mountain town since Mary’s appearance to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous beginning on February 11, 1858, 65 healings have been qualified as miracles by the Church.

Dr Robert Stein of Walnut Creek, a member of the Lourdes medical society and a Knight of Malta himself, is collecting Katie’s medical records.

He said an individual can qualify as a candidate for the designation of miracle if he or she has remained in remission from illness for 10 years.

Noting the length of Katie’s remission, the retired anesthesiologist said he believes there

The Lourdes trip was a desperate act of faith on the part of the Kiesels to save their youngest child’s life.

To this day, Katie doesn’t know why her leukemia went into remission. ``Maybe I’m supposed to do something. I believe there is a plan for every one of us,’’ she said. She doesn’t know yet how that might eventually play out in her life. But talking and teaching about the Blessed Mother figure prominently in her life as a teacher, she said. She sees herself as a ``mentor for kids.

“They need to know that miracles do happen in the modern world,’’ she added. It is important that youths learn not to take life for granted, she believes.

``After I got sick, I learned to appreciate the little things that came with each day. It made me grow up fast.’’

During her first trip to Lourdes, although she was running a fever and sleeping through many of the events, Katie says she was moved by large groups of people “praying for the same thing.’’

After 13 trips, she is still deeply moved.

“I still can’t explain it. All I know is, the experience gets better each year,’’ she said. “The first experience was like a closed rose,’’ she added. “Over the years, everything begins to sink in, and then it blossoms.’’

In addition to the 65 authenticated miracles since 1858, there have been some 5,000 unexplained healings.

FIRST PUBLISHED ON JULY 2, 1999

guider of the early Church in Australia

Hartigan of Around the Boree Log fame. Fr Brady’s details have proved to be elusive. But recent research in the Sydney and Maynooth Archives has established his studies at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and his ordination there on 31 May 1817. This contradicts the opinion previously held that he studied in France, and his previously-suggested year of birth in County Cavan (c. 1800) would now need to be revised to c. 1791. After his arrival in Sydney in 1838 he worked at Windsor, NSW where he built churches. He was appointed by Archbishop Polding on September 1, 1843 as Vicar General in Western Australia and arrived here on December 8, 1843.

New biography of Moran

Philip Ayres was commissioned by Cardinal Pell to write the biography of Cardinal Moran. His story is one which deserves to be told. Considering its impact on the Roman mould of the Australian Church, it is surprising that his biography is only now published. In his introduction, Ayres acknowledges his debt to the outstanding Australian Prelate and historian, Archbishop Eris O‘Brien of Canberra, and praises his careful research in Rome in the 1930’s. Cardinal Moran’s life began in County Carlow, Ireland where he was born on 16 September 1830. He suffered the misfor-

tune of his mother’s death on 23 November 1831 and so he was brought up by his father, whom he regarded as his foundational teacher, until his death on 18 September 1841. Pat Moran, barely in his twelfth year, was passed to the care of his mother’s family, the Cullens. His uncle was Dr Paul Cullen; Rector of the Irish College in Rome since 1832 and future Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin.

He offered to take his nephew with him to Rome and there to see to his education. From a family closeness to priests and religious, a whole new world opened upon young Pat Moran. He made his way from Dublin to Rome with his uncle on 1 November 1842, the very day on which All Hallow’s College was opened. Later, without explicitly acknowledging his presence at the opening, he reflects on the importance of this Missionary College which for the next 150 years, will send an unbroken succession of priests to all parts of the world. As he will later witness, Australia’s debt to that College is incalculable.

As priest and nephew made their way into Liverpool harbour, a seemingly providential event occurred. From the deck of their ship, they observed Archbishop John Bede Polding, who in Rome on 9 April 1842, was appointed Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of

Australia. Archbishop Polding and Dr Paul Cullen exchanged salutes as the respective ships passed each other. The conversation between uncle and nephew is not recorded, but in the fullness of time, Patrick Moran was to succeed Polding’s successor as Archbishop of Sydney. Moran would be the first nonEnglishman and non-Benedictine and first Cardinal to hold that office.

Moran arrived in Rome with his uncle and another young Irish student on 24 November 1842 and commenced his studies. He quickly showed a gift for languages; within a few years he would be fluent in eight: English, Italian, French, German, Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Irish. From November 1845 at the Collegio Romano, a Jesuit institution, he studied philosophy and mathematics for three years. Cullen wrote to Moran’s cousin Hugh on 8 January 1846 that Moran “speaks Italian and Latin as well as any man in Rome.”

Paul Cullen became Archbishop of Armagh in 1850. Moran applied himself to his studies with great vigour and was a keen student of ancient documents and archaeology. He was ordained in Rome on 19 March 1853, appointed Vice-Rector of the Irish College in 1856 and looked after the interests of the Australian Church in Rome, even as the non-resident Vicar General for Bishop James

Murray, first Bishop of Maitland, NSW. When Cullen became Archbishop of Dublin in 1852, he chose Moran as his secretary and saw to his appointment as Monsignor. After Cullen received the Red Hat Moran was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Ossory in County Kilkenny in 1871.

Ayres observes that he had never administered a parish, a pattern of Cullen-sponsored bishops. He quickly succeeded to the See while the Kilkenny College contributed many newly ordained priests to the Australian Mission.

The year 1878 was momentous, with the death of Pope Pius IX after the longest reign ever and the election of Pope Leo XIII. When Cardinal Cullen died on 24 October, Moran had hopes of replacing his uncle, but it was not to be.

Events far away unexpectedly intervened when Archbishop Roger Vaughan of Sydney died suddenly in England in the Vaughan family ancestral home.

To be continued with Moran’s appointment to Sydney and then as Australia’s first Cardinal. The author, FR BRIAN O’LOUGHLIN is Vicar General of Perth and Chairman of the Archdiocesan Historical Commission. Prince of the Church: Patrick Francis Moran, 1830 – 1911, by Philip Ayres, Carlton, Vic. Miegunyah Press, 2007. Available on request from The Record

rdens on the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed

PHOTO: CNS/MAX ROSSI.

Miracle: Katie Kiesel aged 13 with nurse Bunny Lewis at Lourdes, France. PHOTO: CNS.

Perspectives

It’s time fathers become heroes

I say I say

By Mark Reidy

We have reached a point in history, like no other, where fathers and father figures are called to be heroes to the generation that follows. I became convicted of this when I recently attended the sentencing of a young man for a particularly vicious and sadistic murder.

Watching the convicted man’s expressionless face and vacant eyes as the judge announced a 27-year minimum sentence; it wasn’t difficult to see that something inside him had died long ago.

As he sat in the dock listening to the brutal details of the murder, he seemed to be suspended in a place of physical, emotional and spiritual aloneness, even oblivious to the fact that there was no one in the court that day to support him.

As the judge clinically described his childhood of sexual and physical abuse, of the introduction to heroin by an uncle at the age of nine, of addiction at thirteen and the prostitution he engaged in to support his habit, it must have reinforced his life of abandonment and neglect.

Yet his expression never altered. It made me wonder where his father or the men in his life, those who were responsible for protecting him, had been.

It made me look at my own role as a father. Did I fully comprehend and embrace the role that has been bestowed on me as their legal, but far more importantly, their spiritual guardian? Did I truly understand that every word and action that I

direct towards them would contribute to the person that they would become?

Sigmund Freud recognised the necessity for heroic men: “I cannot think of any need in childhood”, he once said, “as strong as the need for a father’s protection”.

Yet it seems that throughout the latter part of last century it is a role in which an increasing number of men have been derelict. We are all born with an innate need to feel protected, but if this foundational premise is not fulfilled, then the fear ignited by its absence will ensure that the individual will look elsewhere to attain it.

With record numbers of families breaking down or financial pressures minimising the time fathers spend with their children, today we are left with many children growing up in an environment that is bereft of heroic role models; men they can learn from and aspire to be.

They are being robbed of the authority that is inherent to fatherhood, which is designed to establish boundaries in both behaviour and attitude. It is an authority that is intended, not only to form a basis for their independence, but also to protect them during their most vulnerable years.

Its absence, according to the Canberra-based Fatherhood Foundation, has led to spiralling increases in crime, drug use, suicide, violence, rape, sexual disease, incest, abortion, single parents, mental illness, poverty, bullying and a lowering of educational performance. It is an absence that is forcing young people to seek refuge in choices that provide short-term solace, but inevitably lead to spiritual and emotional destruction.

It is time that we who are fathers embrace the responsibility that has been entrusted to us. Not only to identify areas of our lives in which we can make personal sacrifices for the sake of our own children, but also to seek ways in which we can reach out to those children who do not have fathers or father figures in their lives.

It is time to become the heroes that the young people of today are so desperately seeking.

The Motu Proprio can’t become a political football

Supporters and opponents of liturgical reform have lost all perspective, writes English Jesuit Anthony Symondson SJ.

On July 7, 2007 the Holy Father promulgated a Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum , which authorised the celebration of the Tridentine rite. On September 14 it came into force and in the ensuing four months the 1962 Roman Missal is now permitted to be freely used privately and publicly in cathedrals, parish churches, abbeys, conventual chapels and oratories of Religious Orders.

I welcomed this initiative because it finally resolved a dispute about the lawful authority of using the rite and cleared up a controversy on whether it had been abrogated by the promulgation of the Roman Missal of 1970.

The rite of 1970 remains the ordinary form of the Catholic Church; the Tridentine rite of St

Pius V, as revised by Blessed John XXIII, becomes the extraordinary form. Liturgical continuity between the present and the past has been re-established.

The Motu Proprio was welcomed by traditionalist Catholics all over the world. Others, many in positions of authority, were dismayed by it.

But I think it can safely be said that the majority of Catholics universally were either unaware that it had been promulgated, or were indifferent or nonplussed about what the Tridentine rite is.

Effectively the extraordinary form is an unknown rite to all but the initiated, and the powerful response from those who warm to its restoration and those who oppose it should be seen within this reality.

The worship of the Catholic Church remains predominantly defined by the Missal of Pope Paul VI – the ordinary form – and this is likely to continue for decades hence. It is used by the Holy Father daily.

There are problems of implementing the Motu Proprio in the United Kingdom. Many have already been identified in recent

episcopal directions but these have been interpreted as enforcing concerted obstacles to applying Summorum Pontificum and the practicality of doing so has been overlooked.

First, there is the question of demand. When bishops have said in the past that there is no demand for the rite some traditionalists have seen this as a euphemism for inaction.

Not long ago I had a conversation with a priest who regularly celebrates the rite all over the country and he confirmed that the demand for it is small.

In comparison with France, where there has been a continuous use of the rite since 1965, there has been limited continuity here outside Lefebrvrist circles.

The Latin Mass Society was founded to promote and protect its use and it has succeeded in keeping the line of continuity open. Praise God for that because without the Society the ground for the Motu Proprio would be less fertile than it is.

But it is a small ground and it will take a long time for the territory to be extended. The Society’s list of churches where the rite is

Excessive beauty or comfort?: The balancing act

Perth-based Scalabrinian Tony Paganoni CS writes a series of reflections on the significance of cathedrals in the life of a church and the wider community.

Few incidents in the life of St Francis of Assisi strike the art historians more forcefully than his attempted demolition of the newly constructed chapter-hall at Assisi.

As the date of the meeting-assembly at Santa Maria della Porziuncola

Spirit in Stone of Cathedrals and communities

Anthony Paganoni CS

was fast approaching and there was no accommodation for the large number of friars expected, the people of Assisi built a house to shelter the incoming friars.

Seeing the structure, Francis became so irritated that he climbed onto the roof and threw down the tiles and rafters, stopping only when officers of the municipality

argued that the building belonged to them.

Ironically, the same man who had answered God’s call had repaired the ruined churches of St Damiano, St Peter and St Maria della Porziuncola.

Francis’ negative attitude to new buildings, books and property in general is puzzling to say the least

when one looks at any Franciscan Church, including the burial place of St Francis at Assisi or the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua. Then there is also the classical text, that of Bernard of Clairvaux, entitled Apologia. In it St Bernard deals with the mediaeval attitude towards art.

It is the most important source we have today for an understanding of the actual mediaeval attitude towards art as it functioned in society.

The time was one of profound social and political change. Monasticism had re-established itself after the disintegration of the Carolingian Empire, only to find

that it had become entangled in the social fabric it had been so instrumental in reconstructing.

It had become a victim of its own success, a success that was tantamount to a crisis of prosperity. It had become too wealthy.

The economic base of monasticism had been traditionally agricultural.

But it became increasingly the Office for the Dead that attracted large donations and land holdings.

Also, monasteries began to take an active part in pilgrimages.

Both the cult of the dead and of relics, while infringing on the rights and duties of bishops, were eroding fundamental monastic principles of

regularly celebrated shows that it is a largely urban phenomenon.

If the Tridentine rite is to be used it must be said well, not mouthed. Latin has not been taught in seminaries on the universal basis of years past, and since 1965 generations of priests have been ordained who are unfamiliar with it.

But among those who are, many have never celebrated the rite; they are only familiar with the Novus Ordo, whether said in Latin or English. Their liturgical formation has been regulated by it, they have internalised it, and it has become their daily bread. In consequence many are indifferent to the Motu Proprio.

In the summer I spent time with a bishop from an Englishspeaking country overseas who has often said the Tridentine rite in addition to regularly using the Novus Ordo. He is a good Latinist and in sympathy with its use but he said that before doing so he had to practise for days ahead in order to celebrate it efficiently.

It is not part of his daily liturgical life and, despite his linguistic skills, he is unable to internalise and offer it as effortlessly as he does the Novus Ordo in Latin. Despite his good will, he said that he could not implement the Motu Proprio on a general basis in his diocese because of the unfamiliarity of his priests and people with Latin and the rite. For the time being, he is forced by circumstances to regard it as an occasional occurrence.

I imagine that this thinking also occupies the minds of other bishops, including those who do not read Latin.

So where does that leave Britain? There is much talk about a new generation of young priests and lay people who are thirsting for the extraordinary form.

We are told that the seminaries of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and similar bodies are bursting to capacity while diocesan seminaries lie empty.

There are young people who have discovered and love the Tridentine rite, as Juventutem proves. But in these islands they represent a small, special, if highly motivated, group who are unrepresentative of their contemporaries.

Youth develops and early enthusiasm does not always presage permanence. The Tridentinist seminaries are indeed full but

Perspectives

there are not many of them and in comparison with seminaries worldwide, they represent a small proportion of the whole. It is with this generation that the implementation of Summorum Pontificum lies.

What is clear is that many young practising Catholics have a deep seriousness about their faith because it represents a reaction against the religious indifference of the majority of their contemporaries. They are the children of Pope John Paul II, until his death the only Pope they have known, and are to be found among the generation aged between 18 and 35. They are not in reaction against the Church, as some of their immediate and not-soimmediate forebears were, but see Catholicism as a positive option that is to be accepted and lived.

Some have come to prefer traditional worship in reaction to what they see as the dated liturgical expression of their parents’ and grandparents’ generation, but others are content with what they find in the average parish. The majority of the new lay movements are not Tridentinist and they are where many of the young are to be found.

Some traditionalists are frustrated that progress in the implementation of Summorum Pontificum is slow. Others have convinced themselves that, with a stroke of the pen, the Holy Father has excised the developments of the last 40 years and the Church is back where it was at the time of the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958.

They are mistaken in thinking that this is what the hermeneutic of continuity means; tradition goes back further than Trent and it is not a static force.

Some priests and lay people have come to hate the Novus Ordo and seek only the Tridentine rite in exclusive terms. This goes against the Motu Proprio and does no service towards its implementation.

The new situation created by Summorum Pontificum needs patience, resolution and charity. If the Tridentine Rite is to be made a freely accessible part of Catholic worship once more attitudes must change on both sides and generosity of spirit be encouraged.

cathedrals face

The Holy Father has emancipated one of the most precious legacies of the Church and its sacredness should not make it a pawn in a battle of wits. - The Catholic Herald voluntary poverty, simplicity and seclusion.

The controversy had generally come to be known as the ‘ClunyCiteaux controversy’, with on one side the black monks, and on the other the white monks.

We wish to add that, while St Bernard’s treatise has been recognised as outstanding, scholars have indulged in a wide variety of interpretations of his Apologia, ranging from either an unusually strong revulsion against, or an unusually strong attraction to art, depending on the scholar making the argument.

The evidence suggests at once a more complex and a more revealing

True treasures aren’t man-made

Edith Cowan University Journalism student Joanna Lawson has gone to India this summer to establish Branches, a project aimed at helping the exploited working poor in Goa. Her column appears regularly in The Record.

The Vine Branches

By Joanna Lawson

Old Goa was built by the Portuguese as an attempt to create another city of devotion to rival the beauty of Rome, and in its day there is no doubt that their objective was impressively achieved.

Cathedrals that stand in the middle of reclaimed jungle create splashes of white in the canopy, their bell towers and facades pointing towards heaven.

Inside, even a side altar is immediately breathtaking, with paintings surrounded by intricately carved woodwork towering above those kneeling to pray.

In half the churches, age has ravaged the gold leaf that covered every single little petal, every angel, every crease in the cassocks of the saints that decorate the altars.

But in others, like the Se Cathedral which still services a parish, the art has been preserved, and one would think gold was accessed via a tap, such is its use in the artworks.

As one who has spent much of life either inside art rooms or galleries, it is with great love and humility I look upon the wonderful displays of man’s talents used to glorify God.

But I have never understood why, given the message of simplicity in the Gospel, builders of churches have gone to such pains to decorate with such lavish displays of wealth.

During this visit to Old Goa, I was reminded of the story of Saint Lawrence, who I admire very much for his ability to produce quick witted quips even when looking a grisly

PHOTO: JOANNA LAWSON

death in the faith. But I truly came to love him because of his example of love for the poor.

When asked to produce the treasures of the Church so that they could be plundered, the king expected to see St Lawrence hauling a swag of chalices; instead he was greeted by lepers and other unfortunate souls who the saint proclaimed were the true treasures.

And truly, before the day was over, this story came to life for me, though not in the same dramatic way.

On the main road of Old Goa, just a few steps away from the Mahatma Gandhi circle, some very old ladies were selling their produce on small makeshift stalls.

Their clothes had gone loose, presumably they had bought them

when they were younger and a bit more plump. They were sun darkened, and looked as if all of that time working in the field had left them whippet thin, but strong as an ox.

A few kind words along with the purchase of some fruits and vegetables made their faces light up, and it seemed that indeed Saint Lawrence was right, the true jewels were these ladies and the joy they felt at simply having a good day at the shop.

For me, it will always be this that stays in my mind when I think of Old Goa, though unlike the gold leaf that has peeled, we will always have the precious message of the gospel to put into practice and glorify God. Read Joanna’s Blog on the internet at: www.thebranchesproject.blogspot.com

situation. After an explanatory preface and sections defending his position, Bernard takes up the question of monastic excess, dividing his criticism into two main categories, the ‘small things’ and the ‘things of greater importance.’ To be continued

It’s a living: A lady sells papayas outside the Se Cathedral in Goa.

Impressive: The Church of St Francis of Assisi, named after the saint who lived “radical poverty”, in the Italian city is more impressive than perhaps the saint himself would have liked, having tried to demolish a building he thought too elaborate.

World

200,000 rally to support Benedict XVI

As Catholic students show outrage over university’s rejection of Benedict XVI, the Pontiff urges them to seek the Truth

VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org)

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Seek the truth and the good, Pope Benedict XVI urged some 200,000 people who flooded the Vatican to support the Pope, days after protests led him to cancel a visit to a Roman university.

The Pontiff’s visit to La Sapienza University for the inauguration of the academic year was planned for Thursday, but a group of 67 professors signed a letter that objected to the visit by the Holy Father, whom they claimed is “hostile to science.”

The Vatican press office reported “it has been considered opportune to postpone the event.”

Although 67 professors and a couple of hundred students signed the petition, these are a small minority, as the University has a total of 4500 academics and 135,000 students.

At the behest of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s vicar for Rome, throngs of professors, students, families and politicians gathered in St Peter’s Square last week for the weekly Angelus to show their affection for the Holy Father, in what the Italian media tagged “Pope Day.”

Those gathered in St Peter’s Square held up banners with slogans such as “Holy Father We Love You” and “The Truth Sets Us Free,” while tens of thousands more supporters watched video links of the event outside the Milan cathedral and in Verona, Italian media reported.

“Freedom, Freedom!” was the shout raised by a group of university students of the Communion and Liberation movement at the beginning of last week’s general audience met with warm applause from the 6000 present in the Paul VI audience hall, and was an echo of the decision Benedict XVI took not to go to the La Sapienza university of Rome.

“So there are three places where the Pope cannot go: Moscow, Beijing, and the university of Rome”, commented one of the young people present at the audience.

“If Benedict does not go to La Sapienza, La Sapienza comes to Benedict”, read one of the banners that the young people raised.

Amid shouts of “Long live the Pope,” Benedict XVI recounted how

his visit to the 700-year-old university, the largest in Europe, had been postponed.

“Unfortunately, as is known, the climate that was created rendered my presence at the ceremony inopportune.

“I love the search for truth; the comparison, the frank and respectful dialogue between reciprocal positions of the university environment, which for many years was my world.

“All of that is also the mission of the Church, committed to faithfully following Jesus, master of life, truth and love.”

The Pope then encouraged the students “to be respectful of the opinions of others and to seek, with a free and responsible spirit, the truth and the good.”

Greeting the Italians present, Benedict XVI talked about the Week for Christian Unity that begins on Friday, and is in its hundredth edition. “The theme”, he explained, “is the summons of Saint Paul to

the Thessalonians to ‘pray without ceasing’, a call that I gladly make my own and that I extend to the entire Church. Yes, it is necessary to pray without ceasing, asking God for the great gift of unity among all of the Lord’s disciples”.

The rector of Rome’s La Sapienza University, Renato Guarini, announced last Thursday that he will re-invite Benedict XVI to visit the institution.

He said the invitation would “be in accord with the desire of the majority of La Sapienza’s academic community.” The protest letter mentioned a 1990 speech at La Sapienza University that then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger gave about the Church’s 17th-century condemnation of Galileo.

The note said the future Pope quoted Austrian philosopher Paul Feyerabend, who said the trial was “rational and just,” but did not mention that Cardinal Ratzinger went on to say that he was not in agreement with the philosopher.

Galileo’s university considers inviting Pope to give conference

ROME (CNA) - The governor of the region of Veneto in northern Italy, Giancarlo Galan, has proposed inviting Pope Benedict XVI to the historic University of Padua, one of the oldest in the world and where Galileo once taught.

“It would be a great tribute as part of the Galilean celebrations that are taking place this year,” Mr Galan said.

The governor’s proposal has received the support of the mayor of Padua, Flavio Zanonato, who said that the final decision should rest with the rector of the university, Professor Vincenzo Milanesi.

Meanwhile Professor Furio Honsell, rector of the University of Udine - also in northern Italy

- has announced that in response to requests by students, he will invite Pope Benedict XVI to give a lecture.

“I think it is a positive response by the young people to an unacceptable situation,” Honsell said in reference to the Pope’s cancelled speech at La Sapienza University in Rome.

Galileo was the central theme of the petition signed by 67 professors and a couple of hundred students students protesting Benedict’s visit to La Sapienza.

They cited a 1990 speech in which then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger defended the Church’s disciplinary action against Galileo in 1633.

On this occation, the future Pope also stressed that the Church was not hostile to science, and in fact Galileo continued his investigations with support of the hierarchy, even after his trial.

The speech the Pope could not deliver to La Sapienza

“I do not come to impose the faith”, Pope wanted to tell students

ROME (CNA) - “I don’t come to impose the faith, but to ask of you the courage for the truth,” these were the opening words of Pope Benedict’s speech that he was supposed to deliver at La Sapienza University in Rome.

The Holy Father’s visit to Rome’s oldest university, which was founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII, was suspended after a group of professors and students threatened to disrupt the event with their protests.

“What has a Pope to do or say at a University? Certainly not to impose the faith

on others in an authoritarian way, which can only be given to others in freedom,” the Pope wrote in his speech that was meant to be delivered at La Sapienza.

Instead of speaking to the students and faculty, the address was published in the daily edition of L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.

In his speech, Benedict XVI points out that “La Sapienza was once the Pope’s university but today it is a secular university with the autonomy that has been part of the nature of any university, committed only to the authority of truth.

“In its freedom from political or ecclesiastic authorities the university finds its par-

ticular role, even for modern society, which has a need for such an institution,” the Pontiff wrote.

The Holy Father also argues that it is possible to prove religious truths. “Many things said by theologians in our [Church] history or even practised by Church authorities, have been proven false by history. Nevertheless, it is true that the history of the saints, the history of Humanism grown on the foundations of the Christian faith, demonstrates that at its essential core is the truth of the faith, thus giving it a role in public reason.”

The Holy Father also warns about the growing danger of utilitarianism in Western civilisation: “man, precisely because of the

greatness of his knowledge and power, may surrender in the face of the question about truth. And that means at the same time that reason, in the end, caves in front of the pressure of interests and the lure of utility, and is forced to recognise this as the ultimate criteria.”

Benedict XVI concludes his speech by highlighting that because of his role as Shepherd of the Church, “it is my duty to keep alive the sensibility for the truth, which means to always invite reason to go in search of the truth, the good, God.

The speech was read out at the La Sapienza gathering by a professor and it received a rousing applause and standing ovation.

Viva il Papa: Students from Rome’s Sapienza University display a banner that reads, “If Benedict doesn’t come to La Sapienza, La Sapienza goes to Benedict” and “Students with the Pope,” during Pope Benedict XVI’s weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vat ican on January 16. The Pope welcomed the group of students from Sapienza the day after he cancelled a visit to the university under threats of protests.

PHOTO: CNS/DARIO PIGNATELLI, REUTERS

Study shows US abortion drop

Amidst bloodshed, Sri Lankan Bishop pleads for peace

Pro-life officials praise decline in US abortion rate

WASHINGTON (CNS) - A study showing that abortion rates in the United States have fallen to their lowest level in nearly 30 years is good news for pro-life officials who attribute the decrease to changing attitudes.

“I am not surprised that the number and rate of abortions is falling steadily,” said Deirdre McQuade, director of planning and information for the bishops’ Office of Pro-Life Activities, who credits the shift in part to recent debates about partial-birth abortion which have increased public awareness about abortions.

She said she was confident abortions would continue to decrease in the United States as more information about abortions was made available to the general public, support networks expanded for expectant parents in crisis, people sought healing from past abortions and adoption was “treated as a courageous choice for birth mothers.”

The number of abortions declined to 1.2 million in 2005, a figure that is 25 per cent below the 1.6 million abortions in 1990 and is the lowest level reported since 1.179 million in 1976, according to a study released on January 17 by the Guttmacher Institute, a Planned Parenthood affiliate based in New York.

The report shows the abortion rate, the number of abortions per thousand women aged 15-44, was down to 19.4 - the lowest it has been since 1974.

The study, “Abortion in the United States: Incidence and Access to Services, 2005,” is based on the organisation’s survey of abortion providers in the United States and analysis of US Census Bureau data.

The study will appear in the March 2008 issue of the institute’s journal, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Randall O’Bannon, director of education and research for the National Right to Life Committee, said the data indicate that women are rejecting abortions because they are becoming more informed about the procedure. He said information about abortions has become increasingly available.

This is particularly so in the 23 states with informed consent laws ensuring that women seeking abortion are provided with detailed information about abortion and its risks, biological information about the development of their unborn child and financial information about the types of governmental and private assistance available to them. Although the Guttmacher report did not list reasons for the decreased number of abortions, researchers said it could be a combination of factors, including the possible increased use of contraception, restrictions on abortions and the wider availability of the abortion pill RU-486.

The report also noted a decline in the number of US abortion providers since 2000.

The number of abortion providers decreased in 26 states, increased in 15 states and stayed the same in nine states.

Bishop calls for peace in Sri Lanka after cease-fire ends

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNS)

- A bishop has renewed calls for peace in Sri Lanka and expressed concern over a deadly blast that ripped into a bus hours before the cease-fire between rebels and the government formally ended.

Bishop Winston Fernando of Badulla issued a statement on January 17, the day after the bus tragedy and at least two other attacks in his southeastern diocese, an area which has experienced relatively little violence from the civil war that began in 1983 between the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the government.

The Asian church news agency UCA News reported that Bishop Fernando extended condolences to the families and emphasised the need for the government and Tamil rebels to come to a peaceful settlement and halt the bloodshed.

The bus ambush killed 27 people, most of whom were shot by rebels as they tried to escape the bus, and wounded 67 others, the military reported.

The British news agency Reuters reported the Tamil rebels denied involvement in the ambush.

The passengers were travelling on a road between Buttala and Okkampitiya in the early morning hours.

Fr Yohan Fernando, parish priest in Wellawaya, about 80 miles southeast of Colombo and near the site of the attack, said the bus was carrying passengers to Buttala and most were going to the weekly fair.

“They are innocent civilians,” said the priest, who ran to the hospital to help the injured.

Fr Fernando told UCA News: “Many people are poor farmers and doing hard work to support their families in this area.”

A few miles away, in another incident the same day, five farmers

were shot dead. Meanwhile, two hours after the bus blast, another bomb exploded as an army truck passed on the road between Buttala and Kataragama.

That blast injured three soldiers, reports said.

At midnight on January 16, the government ended its participation in a cease-fire agreement it signed in 2002 with the Tamil rebels.

It blames the rebels for the January 16 attacks, but had announced its withdrawal two weeks earlier, after a bomb killed and injured soldiers and civilians in Colombo.

The Tamil rebels launched their armed struggle 25 years ago for a separate state in the North and East of the island, where the Tamil minority is concentrated.

Ethnic Sinhalese, about 74 percent of the population, are dominant elsewhere.

The conflict has left about 70,000 people dead and has displaced a million more.

Armed men shoot dead praying Oblate priest in southern Philippines

COTABATO, Philippines (CNS)

- An Oblate priest was shot dead when he resisted armed men trying to take him from his southern Philippine mission, said the congregation’s Philippine superior.

Fr Jesus Reynaldo Roda, 53, was praying in the Notre Dame of Tabawan School chapel late on January 15 when armed men “barged in” and tried to take him away, said Father Ramon Bernabe, who heads the Philippine province

of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate

In a written report to the Asian church news agency UCA News on January 16, the provincial said Fr Roda “struggled and resisted” efforts to take him and “explicitly said that he preferred to be killed right there and then.”

Witnesses reported that Fr Roda was beaten, then shot dead, and “the armed men also took some valuables from his office before fleeing.”

Initial reports said the men forced

Omar Taup, a male Muslim teacher from the school, to leave with them.

Fr Roberto Layson, coordinator of the Oblate interreligious dialogue program, said Father Roda’s death might have something to do with politicians angered by his work against fraud in last year’s election.

Father Roda had received threats recently, but refused an offer of protection, Father Layson added.

Fr Roda headed the Oblate mission on Tabawan for 10 years.

Tabawan is one of 457 islands that make up Tawi-Tawi province, where nearly 96 percent of the more than 322,000 people counted in the 2000 national census were Muslim.

Fr Roda was born in Cotabato province on February 5, 1954. After his priestly ordination in 1980, he served in a Manila parish, where he set a trend he would follow the rest of his life: working with those he called “the anawim,” a biblical reference to lost and forgotten people.

Pray for them: Relatives of victims of the January 16 bus ambush in Sri Lanka mourn during the funeral procession in Buttala, Sri Lanka, on January 17. Sri Lanka’s military said most of the 27 people killed in the bus ambush were shot by rebels as the passengers tried to flee, rather than in the blast that struck the vehicle.

PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS

Murdered: Fr Jesus Reynaldo Roda. PHOTO: CNS

the Parish

Theology of the Body course set to begin

■ By Matthew Biddle

The Good Shepherd parish in Kelmscott will begin an eight-week course on January 28, studying the theology of the body.

Every Monday at 7.30pm, Kelmscott parishioner Neville Voysey will coordinate a viewing of the Created and Redeemed DVD set by Christopher West.

The weekly sessions will consist of viewing a one-hour talk by Christopher West followed by a group discussion of the presentation.

Mr Voysey said the course, which has been sponsored by the Knights of the Southern Cross, would provide a fantastic opportunity for Catholics to learn about a truly remarkable teaching.

“When people see the first lecture they’ll say, ‘Wow what’s this all about?’” he said.

“It’s pretty deep in theology in lots of ways and it talks a lot about sexuality but … people – particularly young people – should come along and listen to what is going to be said.

“It should give them a deeper understanding of what God’s original plan was … and generally get a better understanding of the Church’s teachings, particularly in regards to sexuality.”

The course draws on Pope John Paul II’s study project titled ‘Theology of the Body’, which consisted of 129 general audience addresses he delivered early in his pontificate (1979-1984).

The complete project was later published as The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan

However, as an academic theologian whose vocabulary was profound, Pope John Paul II’s brilliant project on a complex topic required similar brilliance to comprehend it.

In answer to this dilemma, Christopher West has produced numerous books and study resources based on the Pope’s catechesis.

His works attempt to explain the theology of the body in ways which retain Pope John Paul II’s genius, while making it accessible to people of all academic levels.

Symposium seeks insight into abortion experiences

An initiative from the nation’s Bishops seeks to deepen our understanding of the trauma caused by the silent tragedy of abortion

■ By Bronia Karniewicz

Aforum to be held in Perth on February 16 will seek to listen to the pain of those who have had abortions and who have been affected by it.

The Walking With Love symposium is one of a national series being conducted as an initiative of the nation’s Catholic Bishops Conference.

It hopes to challenge people everywhere to develop a deeper understanding of Christ’s teachings and our responsibilities towards vulnerable pregnant women and those who have suffered abortion.

Most of us find the issue of abortion so

overwhelming that we cannot even begin to know how to approach it.

However, with our communities now saturated with women and men exposed to abortion, almost inevitably it will impact our families and those we love, if it has not done so already.

As a recent study of young Queensland women tragically illustrated, one in three has had at least one abortion by the age of 21.

The good news is that we can act on abortion in a way that will:

Be welcomed by our communities

Be welcomed by those who have had abortions

Promote healing and prevent abortions

Be consistent with the Church’s teaching.

To do so, we need to gain insights into the complexity behind abortion decisions, how those who have experienced abortions feel deep down, how these women and men are acting out their pain, and why the professional community is not responding to their

PRINCIPALSHIPS

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL, MULLEWA

suffering. Walking with Love is a national educational initiative.

It is eagerly anticipated that all parishes and Catholic schools within the Archdiocese will have representatives attend, along with professionals, service providers and people of goodwill. The symposium seeks to foster a gentler Christ-centered approach that listens and empowers the women and men struggling with pregnancy crisis and abortion trauma to speak out about their real needs, and importantly not feel as if they have no right to do so.

Abortion trauma is at present understood to be a type of post-traumatic stress disorder which tends to have a delayed presentation, with the person typically not consciously connecting the problems they are experiencing with the abortion.

In November 2007 researcher Kaeleen Dingle from the Queensland University presented her finding of a clear link between self-destructive behaviour and abortion at the World Psychiatric Association Conference held in Melbourne.

Ms Dingle tracked 1122 young women at the Mater Hospital from birth to 21 years.

categories of suicide, accident, homicide and natural causes.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a co-educational single stream school with a current enrolment of 94 students from Kindergarten to Year 7. The school is situated in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, 96 kms from the coastal city of Geraldton and was founded in 1914 by the Presentation Sisters.

The school has implemented the RAISe program (Raising Achievement in Schools), Bluearth program of physical activity and the Primary Science Connections program. A strong emphasis on Information Communication Technology is also embedded into all learning with a modern computer laboratory and Interactive White Boards. Pastoral care is a major emphasis amongst all those working within the school community. This emphasis is strengthened by a committed Parish Priest, the School Board members and a very active Parents and Friends’ Association. Our Lady of Mount Carmel encourages parent participation in the life of the school and particularly in the preparation of children for the Sacraments.

ST CECILIA’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, PORT HEDLAND

St Cecilia’s is a co-educational single stream school with a current enrolment of 215 students from Kindergarten to Year 7. The school is located 1600 kms north of Perth and was founded in 1942 by the Presentation Sisters.

The school has a close relationship with St Cecilia’s Parish, Port Hedland, and St John the Baptist Parish, Sth Hedland, and is involved in a parish based Sacramental program which includes staff from the school, parish members and Parish Priests. St Cecilia’s has implemented the RAISe program (Raising Achievement in Schools). The development of enhanced learning through Information Communication Technology is a feature of the school, as is the development of an environmental program which involves students working closely with the local community. An Integrated Arts program and a Homework Centre for Indigenous students operates from Years 4-7. The School Board works to ensure that the facilities and resources of the school are well maintained. The Parents and Friends’ Association is very active in promoting social events for the community.

The successful applicants will be required to commence at the beginning of Term 2, 2008. Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification, andwill have completed Accreditation for Leadership of the Religious Education Area or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.

The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au Enquiries regarding these positions should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Workforce Relations & Development Team on 08 6380 5237 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education, Catholic Education Office of WA, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 by 14 February 2008.

The study found those who had an abortion were three times more likely to abuse hard drugs, twice as likely to be binge drinkers and 1.5 times more likely to suffer depression.

“Given that at age twenty one, the acting out of their abortion pain for most women will be only in its infancy, the implications of these findings, from a public health perspective on the mental and social health of women and ultimately our families, can only be described as grave,” says Julie Cook, the Abortion Grief Counselling Association’s National Director.

In 2006 A similar study of young women in New Zealand was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

This study also found abortion associated with: “... elevated rates of subsequent mental health problems including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviours and substance use disorders” and is consistent with the growing international research linking induced abortion to increased rates of psychiatric illness, substance abuse, depression, and premature death in the

According to AGCA, a national organisation that specialises in working with and educating health professionals on abortion trauma, almost every level of our health and welfare services are noticing the effects of unresolved abortion trauma on our society.

With the mounting evidence around the impact and serious harm of abortion, the Catholic Bishops are taking a step to educate the community on the special needs of women, men and the families struggling with crisis pregnancy and abortion.

Through greater sensitivity and compassion towards the issues surrounding pregnancy crisis and abortion trauma we can begin to appreciate how our simple words and actions will make a difference, and be a tangible statement of Christ’s love.

Great Speaker: Christopher West held audiences spellbound during a visit to Perth.

Bronia Karniewicz is the Director of the Perth Archdiocesan Respect Life Office

Listening: The February symposium is seeking to raise awareness of our responsibilities to vulnerable pregnant women, writes Perth Respect Life Officer Bronia Karniewicz, pictured above.

PHOTO: PAUL BUI

the Parish

Shopfront offers simple, genuine love

■ By Julie Williams

Having first opened its doors in late 2001 The Shopfront is celebrating another wonderfully blessed year.

The Shopfront, based in Whatley Crescent, Maylands, is an initiative of Archbishop Barry Hickey and funded by the generosity of people through Lifelink.

It aims at helping people in practical, simple and genuine ways.

At The Shopfront this year over 420 people have come to seek our help or assistance, a cup of coffee and a friendly face.

They receive a warm welcome and kindly word.

Many have returned each day, making over 6000 visits made by people who are variously disadvantaged, lonely, destitute, homeless, people with young families and those living with mental illness.

The desperate shortage of rental accommodation has seen an increase in the number of people with nowhere to sleep.

Shopfront provided more than 220 nights emergency accommodation through crisis shelter organisations.

Each year our friends who visit The Shopfront eagerly anticipate the Shopfront Christmas Party. We celebrated our Christmas Party on Saturday 15th December. It brought

together volunteers from the Shopfront, parishioners from Queen of Martyrs Parish, Maylands and all our friends from the Shopfront.

We joyfully came together with those who are poor to celebrate in a spirit of solidarity the message of Christ’s coming into the world.

The afternoon was a real celebration of the festive joy of Christmas.

The Christmas party was a celebration of the coming of Christ as well as a chance to celebrate what can be achieved by people wishing to live out the Christmas message of peace and goodwill to all men, women and children.

Approximately 170 people attended the party. Liz Hare and our team of volunteers spent many hours preparing for the Christmas party.

Sandy Louis and the Thornlie Parish Youth Choir kept us entertained all afternoon with a wonderful selection of songs, Christmas Carols and a beautiful Nativity Plan.

Gus Irdi made a great entrance as Father Christmas.

He was greeted enthusiastically, especially by all the children who were very excited about his visit.

He had plenty of gifts for everyone thanks to the kindness and generosity of many people and especially the Sacred Heart Primary School children and Sacred Heart Parish at Highgate. The volunteers worked tirelessly setting up the hall,

serving the Christmas food and cleaning up afterwards.

The Christmas party is a wonderful event full of love, laughter and joy.

We have been abundantly blessed by the amazing generosity of so many people. Thank you so very much.

We are anticipating another blessed year. Early in the year Christian Brother Peter Negus takes up the position of Manager at The Shopfront, with Liz Hare as his support officer.

They will continue to be assisted by an excellent team of Religious and Lay volunteers.

The Shopfront empowers volunteers from the Catholic community to reach out to those in society who are struggling.

Keeping a human face on the work done has been central to the service provided.

The aim of Shopfront can be summed up by a short paragraph from the Catechism:

“Respect for the human person considers the other ‘another self, It presupposes respect for the fundamental rights that flow from the dignity intrinsic of the person.”

If you would like to visit us or are interested in volunteering one afternoon or evening a week, please know you will be most welcome.

Telephone Julie during office hours to find out more on 9422 7901.

Opportunity of a lifetime beckons at WYD

8000 volunteers wanted for Australia’s largest event - the experience of a lifetime

With less than six months to go, the countdown to World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) is on, and organisers are offering 8,000 domestic and international volunteers the exciting opportunity to help run the largest event Australia has ever hosted.

More than 500,000 people from around the world are expected to take part when Sydney hosts the 23rd WYD from 15 – 20 July this year.

“Volunteers are essential to the coordination and organisation of any major event,” said WYD08 chief operating officer Danny Casey.

“We are looking for over 8000 volunteers to help with so many areas of the event including operations and crowd management, customer service, language and translations, staffing, hospitality and catering, accommodation, production, communications, liturgy and evangelisation.”

With roles available to suit everyonefrom enthusiastic locals looking to lend a hand to seasoned international event volunteers and skilled professionals – WYD08 is anticipating thousands of volunteers to sign up.

Volunteers can either work during the event week, July, 14-20, or in roles available in the months preceding WYD08. All volunteers must be over the age of 18.

Volunteers will not only gain the experience of a lifetime, but will also receive a volunteer uniform and backpack, and assist-

ance with public transportation costs and meals.

While strong interest is expected from Australia and New Zealand, WYD08 organisers are also seeking volunteers from around the world to take part in this international event.

WYD08 is taking applications now. For more information and to apply, visit www. wyd2008.org/volunteer or call 02 9390 5997.

Hosted by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 will mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

WYD08 releases Mass Setting for Australian parishes

World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) organisers have released a parish version of the official Mass Setting commissioned by George Palmer. The official Mass Setting will be performed during the major WYD08 Masses.

The Parish Setting is available on the WYD08 website www.wyd2008.org/wydmass for parishes to learn and perform in the lead-up to WYD08.

The Parish Setting will help parishes become familiar with the official Mass Setting when it is performed for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and the hundreds and thousands of youth in July.

“There is a great sense of excitement about World Youth Day, with many people eager to find out how their local parishes can prepare for and celebrate the arrival of the Pope,” said Father Peter Williams, Director of Liturgy for WYD08.

“We hope the Parish Setting will be learnt and used widely in parishes across Australia in the lead up to World Youth Day.”

The score and recording of the Parish Setting is available to download from the WYD08 website. Parishes are able to reproduce the score for teaching purposes and performance within a parish.

A separate version of each movement is also available for inclusion in parish service

sheets. The recording is by the choirs of St Ignatius’ College, Riverview and Loreto Kirribilli with organist Christine Moriarty and conductor Noel Debien.

The recording includes the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei and was engineered by Jonathan Palmer.

The spirit of the Mass is “Rejoicing”, with the congregational parts in the Parish Setting identical to those that will be performed by the cantor, choir and organ at the Opening and Final Masses of WYD08.

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from July 15-20 this year.

The event – hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all – is expected to draw up to 500,000 people to its largest event, the Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park. It will also mark the first visit to Australia by the Pope.

Julie Williams is coordinator of The Shopfront.

Cute and wonderful: Children perform at The Shopfront’s Christmas party, at which fun was had by one and all. Below, festivities continue with songs.

Sunday January 27

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

Holy Hour for Vocations held on the 4th Sunday of every month, 2-3pm Morley Parish Church, 47 Wellington Rd, Morley. Includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All Welcome. Enq: 9276 8500.

Wednesday January 30

CARITAS AUSTRALIA PROJECT COMPASSION

Lenten Speakers Workshop

Evening 6pm – 8pm, Catholic Pastoral Centre Seminar Room, 40A Mary St Highgate (Parking off Harold St), no charge, light refreshments provided, RSVP Essential 9422 7925.

First Friday February 1

ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS

Holy Mass and Eucharistic vigil at St Bernadette’s Church Glendalough. Confessions at 5.15pm. Parish Mass at 5.45pm (Celebrant: Fr Doug Harris) followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, hourly Rosaries, hymns and reflections etc. Vigil concludes with midnight Mass in honour of the BVM (Celebrant: Fr Francisco Mascarenhas). Enq: Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or Dorothy 9342 5845.

Friday February 1

Praise and Worship followed by Mass commences again every first Friday at Sts John & Paul Church, Willetton. 7.30pm – 9pm, followed by light supper. All welcome.

Saturday February 2

DAY WITH MARY

St Peter the Apostle Church, 91 Wood Street, Inglewood (Bedford), 9am to 5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Saturday February 2

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, EMBLETON

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes commences. Starting at 6pm Vigil Mass followed by Novena devotions, Benediction, hoisting of the Banner of Our Lady of Lourdes. Welcome get-together for Father Hugh Thomas CSsR the Preacher. Please bring a Plate. February 3rd and 4th, blessing of children and anointing of the sick respectively. Monday February 11, Feast Day. 7pm Holy Mass followed by candle-light procession to the Grotto. After the closing ceremony there will be a farewell get together for Father Hugh Thomas. Please bring a Plate. Enq: Mgr P McCrann 9271 5528 or George Jacob 9272 1379.

Sunday February 3

CARITAS AUSTRALIA

Official Launch of Project Compassion 11am Mass, St Joachim’s Pro-Cathedral, corner Shepperton Road and Harper Street Victoria Park, Celebrant: Archbishop Barry James Hickey. Parishes to conduct local launch.

Sunday February 3

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim’s Church, on the corner of Shepperton Road and Harper Street in Victoria Park, at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon ‘The Precious Blood of Jesus’ by Fr Tiziani Bogoni followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Afterwards refreshments in the parish hall followed by a video/DVD Fr John Corapi ‘Addictions”. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Panoramas

a roundup of events in the Archdiocese

Sunday February 3

INAUGURAL LATIN MASS KELMSCOTT

The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal will be offered every Sunday at 2pm, beginning on February 3, at the Good Shepherd Parish, 40-42 Streich Avenue, Kelmscott, with Rosary preceding. All welcome.

Monday February 4

THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA

Screening of Fr Corapi’s 50 part series on the Catechism of the Church will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Harold St, Highgate. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening will commence with a talk by a guest speaker on ‘Catholic Obedience and Satan’s war against the Church’.

Monday February 4

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

BIBLE STUDY – Discover the Power of God’s Love in His Word. Every Monday commencing 4 February. Daytime: 10am – 12noon, Evening: 7.30pm – 9.30pm. St Gerard Majella, ‘The White House,’ 36 Changton Way, Westminister. Enq: Jenni Young 9445 1028 or 0404 389 679.

Tuesday February 5

CARITAS AUSTRALIA

Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Lunch

12 noon – 1.30pm, Cost: Gold coin donation, Catholic Pastoral Centre Seminar Room, 40A Mary St Highgate (Parking off Harold St), RSVP essential 9422 7925.

Wednesday February 6

THE JULIAN SINGERS

We are a Liturgical Choir of 30 people and are seeking new members. We sing at weddings, funerals, Masses and in concerts. Come along to see if you are interested any Wednesday night 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Edel Quin Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. First term commences 6th February. Enq: Chris 9276 2736 or Angela 9275 2066.

Saturday February 9

WYD SWAN VALLEY WINE TOUR

The Morley Leederville World Youth Day delegation have organised a Swan Valley wine tour. Tickets are $65 with transport to and from the Swan Valley, several courses of wine tasting, chocolate tasting and a set lunch included in the ticket price. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the other members of the Perth diocese and represents fantastic value with similar private tours costing up to $130. Tickets can be reserved through the Infant Jesus Parish Morley on 08 9276 8500.

Sunday February 10

ST CATHERINE’S GINGIN

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES 150 ANNIVERSARY

Program: 12noon BYO lunch, 1pm Holy Rosary, Exposition, Hymns, Benediction and Blessing of the sick, 1.30pm Marian Procession. 2.30pm Holy Mass at the Grotto. 3.30pm Afternoon Tea provided. To book a seat on the coach, phone Francis William 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877. Enq: Sheila 9575 4023 or Father Paul 9571 1839.

Sunday February 10

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Perth Chinese Catholic Community welcome all to our Chinese New Year Thanksgiving Mass (English) and celebration at 4pm at Holy Family Church, 45 Thelma St (cnr Thelma Street and Canning Highway). Main celebrant: Archbishop Barry James Hickey. Cultural lion dance and share a meal will follow after Mass. Enq: Peter 0412 626 893.

Wednesday February 13

CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY

A beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion held at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road, Bateman, on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 7.30pm. The next devotion is to be held on Wednesday February 13. All are welcome. Enq: George Lopez 9310 9493(hm) or 9325 2010(wk).

Wednesday February 27

SET MY PEOPLE ON FIRE BIBLE SEMINARS BEGIN IN COMO 7.30PM

Holy Family Church, Cnr of Canning Highway and Thelma Street, Como. 15 weekly sessions with 3 weekend seminars bring you Abundant Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Open to all. Pope Benedict XVI says, “Prayerful reading of Scripture, and the consequent reform of life, is the secret to the constant renewal of the Church”. Archbishop Hickey said, “The Set My People On Fire seminars are an excellent source of Biblical teaching, especially as a living experience of the Word of God for the participants.” Full details www.flameministries.org/smpof.html or call Flame Ministries International 9382 3668.

PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Is in its fifth year at Christ the King Church, Lefroy Road, Beaconsfield. 24 hours per day, except at Mass times. All are invited to spend an hour with Jesus truly present. Entrance is from the porch, near the altar on the Lefroy Road side of the church. Enq: Joe 9319 1169.

First Sunday of Every Month

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

Celebrates the Sunday Mass at St Bernadette’s Church, Cnr Jugan and Leeder Streets, Glendalough commencing with praise and worship at 6.30pm and Mass at 7pm. We have healing prayers after the Mass so please invite all those in need of the healing love and power of Jesus. Enq: Jenni Young 9445 1028 or 0404 389 679.

Every First Friday of the Month NOVENA

Mass 7.30pm honouring St Pio of Pietrilcina with his Novena to the Sacred Heart and Prayer of Union. St Joseph’s Parish, 20 Hamilton Street, Bassendean. Join in every First Friday.

Third Sunday of the Month

OBLATES OF ST BENEDICT MEET

Venue: St Josephs Convent, York Street, South Perth at 2pm. An annual Retreat is held at New Norcia, Trinity Sunday Weekend. Oblates are affiliated with Benedictine Abbey New Norcia. We celebrate our 50th Anniversary September 2008. A golden celebration. All welcome. Vespers and afternoon tea conclude monthly meeting. Enq: Secretary 9388 3026.

Every Tuesday

WEEKLY PRAYER  MARY’S COMPANION WAYFARERS OF JESUS THE WAY

Starting at 7pm at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay Street, Perth. Appreciate the heritage of the Faith united with others asking Jesus and Mary to overcome burdens in life. Receive healing in prayer through the Rosary, Scripture, meditation and praise in song. Followed by friendship and refreshments. Prayer is powerful. Come join us!

First Friday and first Saturday of each month

COMMUNION OF REPARATION  ALL NIGHT VIGIL

Corpus Christi Church, Mosman Park 7pm-1am, 46 Lochee Rd, Mosman Park. Mass, Rosary, Prayers, Confessions and silent adoration. Contact: Catalina 0439 931 151.

Panoramas

First Sunday of each month

DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY

The Santa Clara Parish community welcomes anyone from surrounding parishes and beyond to Santa Clara Church, cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Sts, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayers, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction.

Every Saturday

PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS

4.30pm. The half hour perpetual novena devotions to the Mother of Perpetual Help continue each Saturday at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent St, in North Perth. Reconciliation available before and after the devotions. All welcome.

Every Sunday

BULLSBROOK SHRINE

Sunday pilgrim Mass is celebrated with Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 2pm at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. Enq: 9447 3292.

BOOK DONATIONS WANTED

We are seeking donations of Catholic books, Bibles, Missals and Divine Office books any age, any condition. Tel: 9293 3092.

Every First Friday HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE RELIGIOUS LIFE

At Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough. 7pm Mass with celebrant Fr Albert Saminedi. 7.30pm Holy Hour Adoration with Fr Don Kettle. Refreshments to follow in the hall. All welcome.

Second Friday of each Month

GENERAL PRAYER ASSEMBLY

The Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries welcome all members who now reside or are visiting Perth to join the community in our monthly general prayer assembly 7.30pm, St Joachim Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Enquiries: Tony and Dolly Haber (08) 9440 4540.

Every Fourth Sunday SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.

Every Fourth Sunday WATCH AND PRAY

A Holy Hour is held at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley from 2-3pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour consists of some prayers and Scripture but mostly the hour is silent prayer for Vocations. All are welcome. Please encourage others to come and pray. Prayer - it works! Enq: 9276 8500.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Ignatian 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 supports the volunteers in their work. To learn more: www.volunteers.jesuit.org.au Contact Kevin Wringe, Perth Coordinator (08) 9316 3469 kwringe@iinet.net.au .

Every Third Saturday of the Month

PRAYER FOR LIFE

Father Jim Shelton leads prayers from 10am to 11am at Abortion Clinic in Rivervale. All welcome. Enq 9279 1549 or 9403 2444.

Panorama entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au 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 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.

ACCOMMODATION

■ FAMILY/GROUP ACCOMMODATION

www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100

■ TO LET

Mandurah furnished holiday apartment in resort complex. 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Phn 9381 3495 or email: valma7@bigpond.com.

Nollamara – Rm avail Feb $125 p/wk. Own bthrm. Close to amenities. Looking for independent and honest female. Enq: Jacinta 0419 194 206.

BLINDS

■ BLINDS SPECIALIST

Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.

BOOK REPAIRS

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

Leather restorations; 2ndhand Catholic books @ Tydewi Bindery: phn 9293 3092.

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

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

■ BRICKLAYING

20 years exp. Quality work. Phn 9405 7333 or 0409 296 598.

ADVERTISEMENTS

BUILDING TRADES

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ ALL AREAS

Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

GIFTS

■ OTTIMO

Shop 108 Trinity Arcade (Terrace Level) Hay Street, Perth Ph 93224520 Convenient city location for a good selection of cards, candles, statues, medals, apparel and gifts for baptism, reconciliation, communion, confirmation and weddings. We also stock a range of Monastique skin care product made by the Carmelite Sisters, fashion accessories, jewellery, handbags and Australian made gifts. Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30am Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm Fridays.

HEALTH

■ DEMENTIA REMISSION

Do you, or your loved one, suffer Dementia. Get into Dementia Remission like me! http://www. wgrey.com.au/dm/index.htm or (02) 9971 8093

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Mercedes Uniform only 6 weeks old. Exc Cond. Will fit Year 8/9 student. Includes blazer, track suit, full winter uniform, and bag. Marie 9310 5552 or 0406 232 181.

THANKS

Thanks to Infant Jesus of Prague for a very special favour granted.

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

JANUARY

26 Australia Day Citizenship and Award Ceremony, Council House, Perth - Fr Brian O’loughlin VG

FEBRUARY

3 Launch of Project Compassion, St Joachim’s ProCathedral - Archbishop Hickey

5 70th Anniversary Mass, Santa Maria CollegeArchbishop Hickey Meeting of

Name:

Address:

Suburb: Postcode:

Telephone:

WEDDING MUSIC

■ CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

Performed by the ‘Simply Classical Quartet’ 9444 1630 Demonstration CD available.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ CATHOLICS CORNER

Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister 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.

■ KINLAR VESTMENTS

“modern meets tradition”

Quality hand-made & decorated vestments, altar cloths, banners

Contact: Vickii Smith Veness 9402 8356 or 0409 114 093

PROPERTY

■ THINKING OF SELLING OR BUYING PROPERTY IN 2008

First Class Service

Accurate Caring and up to date advice

Premium Marketing

Acton Applecross – The Number One Sales Force Joel White 0404 096 214

■ PREMISES REQUIRED

We are looking for premises either North or South of Perth where we can hold daytime clinics for our clients. We require premises for a period of three to four hours during one day of the week; where we can see the clients privately and also has a waiting room. A Doctors surgery would be ideal. Similar offers would be appreciated.

Our teachers are highly qualified in the field of Fertility education and management in the Billings Ovulation Method. Please contact Billings WA 0409 119 532 Marilena Scarfe.

IN MEMORIAM

DOOGUEs deceased: On Australia Day I mourn for my mother Delia Dooge, who died 30 years ago on 26 January 1978, aged 88, and for my father, bothers and sisters, all deceased before me in the past 70 years. They were Tom senior [27.10.1886 - 09.08.1938], Tom junior [31.03.1923 – 26.07.1990], Gerald [30.031917 – 24.05.1994], Kevin [09.06.1932 – 30.08.2002], Mary [12.02.1921 – 19.01.2004], Jim [18.05.1919 – 22.06.2004] and Nancy [Anne Patricia Gilhooley 31.031923 – 17.02.2005] – From their son and brother John. Requiescant in pace.

WANTED

Full Time or Part Time Gardener/Groundsperson for our Convent properties to start mid February. Vehicle and equipment provided for the work. Independent Schools award rates and conditions. Must be trustworthy and able to work independently. Some conditions may be negotiable.

Please apply with C.V, Police Clearance and references to: Presentation Sisters, PO Box 290, Cottesloe WA 6911 or phone 9384 5433 for further details.

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

Every Sunday, 1 - 2 pm on Access 31

Sunday January 27:

Early Church Fathers / Mike Aquilina with Johnette Benkovic [Abundant Life]

EWTN may be received free-to-air 24/7 from a small, affordable rooftop satellite dish. Wide variety of programming for all age groups and interests. Best investment you could ever make to safeguard faith and moral standards of your family.

Donations are still needed to remain on air for Sunday programs. Please send donations to keep EWTN on Access 31 to:

The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954

Enquiries: 9330 2467

THE RECORD BOOKSHOP NEW RELEASE BOOKS

2008 Catholic Almanac

Compiled by Our Sunday Visitor

This book is the annual, comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the Catholic Church, including the past year in review, Pope Benedict’s year, the Doctrines of the Church, the 2008 Church Calendar, the Sacraments, the latest beatifications, Church History, Ecumenism, and information on Religious Orders, Apostolates, and Church Communications. A masterpiece!

$48.95+postage

Saints to Lean On: Spiritual Companions for Illness and Disability

By Janice McGrane

Find comfort in the lives of eleven holy men and women who suffered from illness and disability, who through prayer found acceptance, strength and hope in the face of their physical, emotional and mental anguish to become true spiritual companions in the experience of human suffering.

$23.95+postage

Saints: A Closer Look

By Fr Thomas Dubay

Who are the Saints? What do they mean for us living today? What sets them apart? How do we achieve this sanctity? How do sinners become saints? Fr Thomas Dubay not only reveals what makes saints tick, but also inspires readers to do the same and equips them with the tools to do so. It is a challenge, but sainthood is still possible for us.

$19.95+postage

2008 My School Diary

My School Diary is a unique and innovative diary designed for Catholic Primary school students, parents and teachers. Containing fun and informative pages on many aspects of the faith, it also helps parents and teachers advance the faith life of students.

$8.95+postage

Spe Salvi: On Christian Hope

By Pope Benedict XVI

Following on from his first encyclical on love, Pope Benedict’s second encyclical explores the true meaning, beauty and reality of faith and hope in the life of Christians today. Indeed, it builds upon John Paul II’s call ‘do not be afraid’, for as Christians today we have a sure faith and hope in the power of God.

$7.95+postage

10 Things Pope Benedict Wants You To Know

by John L Allen

The author of the ‘The Rise of Benedict XVI’ gives a brief and eloquent description of the ten most important messages Pope Benedict XVI has continued to emphasise in his Papacy. A must read.

$4.95+postage

Life Issues, Medical Choices: Questions and Answers for Catholics

By Janet E Smith & Christopher Kaczor Cloning, IVF, Stem Cell Research, Euthanasia, Sterilisation, Family Planning. Smith and Kaczor give a clear explanation of the Catholic position on these issues. Beginning with an introduction to the fundamentals which underlie this position, such as the value of human life, the meaning of suffering, conscience, sin, intrinsic evil, prudent judgement, and the principle of double effect, Smith and Kaczor then apply these fundamentals to the bioethical life issues we face today.

$24.95+postage

Quiet Moments With Padre

Pio: 120 Daily Readings

Spend time with Padre Pio, reflecting on the important things in life, and find consolation in his words during your struggles. $16.95+postage