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Hong Kong's Archbishop Joseph Zen has told Vatican Radio that a constitutional change towards the former British colony's full incorporation into the Beijing government would make Hong Kong's Catholic Church illegal.
The archbishop said that Chinese leaders, in discussing the new constitutional arrangement, often "say sensible things, and do something quite different."
He reported that most of the people of Hong Kong are optimistic about the results of their integration in to the society of mainland China, but remain cautious.
However, Archbishop Zen noted that while China has opened its society to commerce and tourism, the Communist government still maintains tight controls
on religious activities. He observed that "not many people realise the true situation regarding the politics of religionwhich has not fundamentally changed in recent years. It is still very negative, very restrictive."
T h e a r c h b i s h o p s a i d t h a t C h i n e s e l e a d e r s , i n d i s c u s s i n g t h e n e w c o n s t i t u t i o n a l a r r a n g e m e n t , o f t e n “ s a y s e n s i b l e t h i n g s , a n d d o s o m e t h i n g q u i t e d i f f e r e n t "
The archbishop predicted that the Beijing government would not tolerate the current situation, in which the Archdiocese of Hong Kong is clearly subject to the Pope, "because they want to control everything."
The Communist government insists that the "official" Catholic Church of China must be subject to government control,
and does
After seeing an unfinished version of the film, which will be released next year, Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, gave his opinion on the film, in an interview published on September 18 in Turin’s newspaper La Stampa
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Jewish community in Rome added: “We are optimistic” after reading the cardinal’s statements.
“The Catholic Church assumed in this connection a very clear position in 1964, canceling from the whole Jewish people the accusation of having killed God,” Riccardo Pacifici, said. “This has meant that relations between Jews and Christians are clearly better.”
Cardinal Hoyos said “As I watched this yet unfinished version of the film, I experienced moments of profound spiritual intimacy with Jesus Christ. It is a film that leads the viewer into prayer and reflection, into heartfelt contemplation. In fact, as I told Mr Gibson after the screening, I would gladly trade some of the homilies that I have given about the passion of Christ for even a few of the scenes of his film.”
Asked if he had any reservations in recommending the film Cardinal Hoyos said “I would like all our Catholic priests throughout the world to see this film. I hope all Christians will be able to see it, and all people everywhere.”
He did not agree that the movie would provoke anger and hatred because of its portrayal of graphic violence.
“In my opinion, one of the great achievements of this film is to have shown so effectively both the horror of sin and selfishness, and the redeeming power of love,” he said.
He added: “Seeing this film elicits love and compassion. It makes the viewer want to love more, to forgive, to be good and strong no matter what, just as Christ did even in the face of such terrible suffering.”
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Editorial:Tuesday
Retrouvaille is aimed at helping spouses to rediscover how to communicate effectively and their next program takes place this weekend September 26 to 28. Originating in French-speaking Canada, the name given to this Christian marriage support program literally means ‘rediscovery.’ Retrouvaille is not intended to be a marriage guidance program, but aims instead to help couples who have been experiencing marriage difficulties to rediscover healthy communication that will help build a stronger relationship.
A Retrouvaille program begins with a live-in weekend and is followed by six subsequent sessions. There are three couples and one priest who present the program here in Perth. The Coordinators of the program are Marian and Neville Moran, while Father Michael Evans provides spiritual support. Occasionally other clergy from around Australia assist with Perth programs as well. Retrouvaille costs $50 for registration. Participants may make an additional monetary donation, but there is no obligation to do so.
One married couple that com-
pleted the Retrouvaille program spoke of their experience to The Record.
“Mark and Sue (not their real names) were having serious problems...”
Mark and Sue (not their real names) were having serious problems in their 20-year marriage. Things had got so bad, Mark even moved out for a while.
Neither of them could attribute the state of their marriage to one specific event.
Both agreed there was a gradual erosion of their ability to communicate with one another over the years.
As their other responsibilities grew (eg work, children), they had unintentionally grown apart.
When the euphoria of Mark returning back to the family home had evaporated, the two agreed it was time to do something about their marriage. Part of that pact was going to attend Retrouvaille. They made arrangements for their three children, and locked up their home.
Though neither would admit it to the other at the time, both said saw it as “a last ditch
effort to save our marriage.”
Over the weekend, Sue and Mark met people like themselves. Some of the participants’ experiences were so similar; Sue said “I felt like they had been a fly on our living room wall.”
Although the degree to which people were experiencing difficulties in their marriage varied, the couple felt they bonded easily with the whole group. Group leaders, they said, were friendly and informative.
Mark said that although the weekend set out a clear program the atmosphere was relaxed.
One advantage was that “There was no time for your mind to wander to other problems,” he said.
Both saw the six follow-up sessions as an important reinforcement of what had been learnt over the initial weekend.
A year down the track, Mark describes their marriage as “blossoming.” Sue said that Retrouvaille taught them invaluable strategies to continue working at their marriage. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s been worth it. They gave us a gift,” she said. Further Enquiries: contact Marian Moran 9293 2795 or Claire Garbenis 9448 5715.
More than 600 US Catholic clergy publicly stood behind their promise of celibacy early in September in the wake of a letter by some Milwaukee priests who asked that celibacy be optional.
Members of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy wrote their own letter (see www.catholic-clergy.org) to Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the US episcopate, after the Milwaukee petition made headlines. The Milwaukee letter was backed by 163 priests. The Confraternity of priests and deacons, however, reaffirmed their unequivocal support for priestly celibacy and stressed that modifying or abandoning it would not solve the Church's problems.
Confraternity president Fr John Trigilio wrote: "Optional celibacy is not the answer, nor is it the panacea; it is a placebo. It will do nothing. The current crisis in the Catholic Church in America is threefold. Bad theology, bad liturgy and bad morality have caused the damage and, like malignant tumours, need to be excised."
Robert Braham conducts Per th Oratorio Choir in
Pergolesi Stabat Mater, Vivaldi Beatus Vir Corelli Concerto Grosso in C Min with Allegri Chamber Orchestra
Penelope Reynolds, Rebecca Bird, Fiona Campbell, Alexander Platts, Dominic Perissinotto organ. 2.30pm,Sunday October 12
St Patrick’s Basilica,Fremantle
$25/$22/$11 from Zenith, Wesley Classics, Mills Records 9310 5980, 9419 4030 or at the doors.
The parish of GinginChittering celebrated the Triumph of the Cross in a special way last Sunday.
Following the Saturday Vigil Mass at St Brigid’s Church in Midland, parishioners and friends of Gingin-Chittering parish carried the cross throughout the night to Gingin. The Stations of the Cross were recited along the way. Many parishioners took part including people with young families. Fr Paul thanked all those who had participated and said it was a wonderful witness to the faith of all involved.
At Gingin a large cross had been erected in the grounds of St Catherine’s Church. The cross measures 7.38m in height (one hundredth of the height of Calvary above sea level). There is a world wide movement now for the erection of these crosses of love, which are all of the same height and are illuminated at night. They are now present in other parts of Western Australia and throughout the
He added, "Only by restoring the sacred, by defending the revealed truths and by upholding the natural moral law can we achieve any victory over the current crisis of faith now affecting the Church."
- Zenit
world. For example, Peter and Margaret Thomas are currently preparing to erect a cross the same as the one at Gingin on their farm near St Mary’s Tardun in the Mullewa area. Another is currently being made for the grounds of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church in Mullewa. Others are present in the Esperance area. Fr Paul said
the Gingin community had another cross ready to be erected in the grounds of the new Church in Bindoon. He said the crosses were a reminder of God’s love for us and are a call to repentance and conversion.
“Wherever the crosses have been erected it is believed they bring many blessings,” Fr Paul said. A large number of pilgrims flocked to Gingin for the celebration last Sunday.
After lunch there was a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of the town, followed by Benediction.
At 3.00pm Bishop Sproxton blessed the newly erected cross and celebrated Mass. Fr Paul said the crosses would form an important part of the Parish Evangelisation plan.
According to a Melbourne Herald Sun’s recent report a seven year’s old boy’s " stunning" recovery from an aggressive cancer on his head and spine, may be the second miracle needed for the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop.
Family, friends and the Sisters of St Joseph prayed a novena for the boy who was sent home in 1996 because doctors thought he wasn’t going to live.
CathNews website featured the newspaper report. CathNews reported Sr Maria Casey as saying sufficient time had now passed to declare the boy’s recovery a cure. However, she added that further medical advice would be required before the miracle case would be sent to Rome. Sister Casey is the
Continued from page 1
Meanwhile, he said. “This film is a triumph of art and faith.
“It will be a tool for explaining the person and message of Christ. I am confident that it will change for the better everyone who sees it, both Christians and non-Christians alike. It will bring people closer to God, and closer to one another.”
Asked whether the film would spark anti-semitism, Cardinal Hoyos said it did not contain such elements. “Anti-Semitism, like all forms of racism, distorts the truth in order to put a whole race of people in a bad light. This film does nothing of the sort,” he said.
“It draws out from the historical objectivity of the Gospel narratives sentiments of forgiveness, mercy and reconciliation. It captures the subtleties and the horror of sin, as well as the gentle power of love and forgiveness, without making or insinuating blanket condemnations against one group... This film expresses the exact opposite, that learning from the example of Christ, there should never be any more violence against any other human being.”
postulator of the cause of MacKillop’s sainthood.
The Herald Sun reported her as having said doctors testified to the inexplicable nature of the boy’s recovery, but they are unable to give a final verdict as yet.
There it will be subjected to a tribunal of more medical experts, scientists and priests, and a devil’s advocate will dispute it.
Blessed Mary MacKillop died in 1909 and was beatified in 1995.
The Pope accepted the cure of a woman from leukemia as a miracle attributed to the saint’s intercession. The woman was sent home to die in 1964, but recovered to the extent she had a baby the next year on August 8 – the same day Mary MacKillop died.
According to The Herald Sun "hundreds of so called extraordinary happenings being reported monthly.
The website reported other miracles being investigated by the sisters, including: an elderly woman who regained her eyesight after praying before a painting of MacKillop for three days and a man who was sent home to die with lung cancer. He recovered after praying to the saint.
Every month hundreds of people ring to ask for special prayers to Mary or visit her tomb at the Josephite convent in Sydney.
CathNews reported that that people come from around Australia, and from around the world. Both men and women come daily to the chapel. Their ages range.
The nuns track each case from the beginning of prayers to recovery, if there is one.
Cabinets full of the so-called miracle files cram two rooms.
Couples have even written to the nuns to report the miraculous recovery of their marriages.
CathNews website reported that Sister Casey said "For each of these people there is no doubt that these are, perhaps, miracles for them. They really have had something remarkable happen in their lives"
Sister Casey added of the boy’s cancer cure "But we have to find that one perfect miracle. The miracle that is finally sent to Rome has to be above reproach."
It is now estimated that approximately 48 per cent of Australian marriages end in divorce.
This situation concerns the Church enormously, but what is it doing about the increasing number of marriage breakdowns in our society?
Catholic Engaged Encounter, an archdiocesan agency which offers marriage preparation weekends for couples, is running a seminar on marriage at the Wollaston Conference Centre in Mount Claremont, on October 24, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
The seminar will bring together several Catholic support groups involved in marriage ministry to present a challenging and informative
day for priests and those involved in family and marriage ministry.
The other support groups involved are: Catholic Marriage Encounter, Retrouvaille and Catholic Marriage Education Services.
The keynote speakers at the seminar are: Fr Joe Parkinson of the L.J. Goody Bioethics Centre, Dr Alan Tapper from Edith Cowan University and Fr Geoff Beyer from the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal.
Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton will open the conference.
The cost is $20 per person, covering morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Those interested are asked to respond by October 6.
Further enquiries: (08) 9325 1859 or email: Marriage.ed@perth.catholic.org .au
See page 10
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The Sikh Temple and Community at Canning Vale in the outer suburbs of Perth, is a long way from Lahore, Amritsar and Rawalpindi in India.
p o s e h i s o w n c r e e d t o u s e a t M a s s ?
o, it is not mandatory to recite the Nicene Creed at Sunday Mass – but it is required to make a profession of faith, using one of the three forms mandated by the Church.
There are three ways in which the profession of faith can be made at Mass: the Baptismal Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, or the Nicene Creed.
The Baptismal Creed is the earliest, and it is used today at all Masses of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, and at other Masses where Baptism and/or Confirmation are celebrated within the Eucharistic liturgy. This profession of faith is made in a question/answer form: ‘Do you believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?’ ‘I do.’ etc.
This formula, also called the Baptismal Symbol or the Roman Creed, developed from the early formulas found in the New Testament, starting with the Ethiopian courtier’s statement, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ (Acts 8:37) Other creedal statements are found in 1 Cor 12:3, 1 Cor 8:6, and other places.
The Baptismal Creed as we know it today dates back to the 2nd century. It is found in the writings of St Justin Martyr (c 156), Tertullian (c 220), and the Apostolic Tradition of St Hippolytus of Rome (c 217). Its threefold format comes from the early custom of asking the first question after the first pouring of the water or immersing the candidate in the font, then the second question after the second infusion or immersion, and so on.
The Apostles’ Creed, which may be used at Masses where children are the majority of the congregation (for example, a school Mass), is an expanded version of the Baptismal Creed. It dates back to Roman usage in the 4th century, and was being used in southern Gaul (France) in the 7th century. Rufinus of Aquileia (345-410), a classmate of St Jerome, started the story that the Apostles had actually composed this creed, but there is no historical evidence to support this. It is so-named because it expresses the apostolic faith.
The Nicene Creed (or more properly, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed – and now you know why we don’t use the proper name!) was composed by the bishops of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 to defend the true faith against the heresy of the priest Arius, who taught that Jesus is true man but not true God (and thus the phrases in this creed: ‘God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God . . .’). It was revised at the First Council of Constantinople in 381. It, of course, is the form of the Creed that is normally used on Sundays and holydays.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states: Recitation of the profession of faith by the priest together with the people is obligatory on Sundays and solemnities. It may be said also at special, more solemn celebrations. If it is sung, as a rule all are to sing it together or in alternation. It does not specifically state that the Nicene Creed must be used. However, given the fact that the Sacramentary itself includes the Nicene Creed within the text of the Mass as the form of the profession of faith that should be used, and also given the fact that the Masses for Christmas and the Annunciation direct that all should genuflect at the words ‘by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was made incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man’ (which do not occur in this form in the Apostles’ Creed), it can safely be assumed that the Nicene Creed should ordinarily be used.
There are two other creedal formulas: the Athanasian Creed and the Credo of Pope Paul VI. Neither is used in Eucharistic liturgies. Priests should confine themselves to the use of the Nicene, Apostles’ or Baptismal Creeds, employing them at the designated times.
I was lucky enough to go there last Sunday by invitation and was met by Balbir, the President of the Sikh Community in Western Australia.
Bystanders around assured me with a typical Indian head shake that no invitation was necessary; the buildings and community meal are for all who would like to share them. The whole atmosphere hit my five senses. I felt like speaking Punjabi. I was no longer in Canning Vale - I had been transported to NW India!
As I sat in this rather spectacular looking Temple building in commercial warehouse-looking Canning Vale, I thought how unSikh-like looking I was. I had attempted to look like a neutral. But I had no chance of looking like a Sikh (disciple). My short beard, coat and tie was not Sikh, although a bit of a plus for the occasion.
Sikhs have 5 dress rituals, called Khalsas or the 5 K’s: Kesa, Kacha, Kanga, Kara and Kirpin. My tidy beard was certainly not Kesa or uncut hair. Kesa is a reminder to do no harm to the body and the males wear their hair in a turban. Kacha is a special undergarment symbolising marital chastity; they carry Kanga a wooden comb to symbolise cleanliness; the Kara is a steel bracelet signifying devotion to truth, and the Kirpan is the ceremonial dagger for special occasions to symbol-
ise the protection of the weak and helpless.
Because of some dress similarities to Muslims and Hindus, even to that worn by Osama Bin Laden, Sikhs have often been misidentified as extremists and have been assaulted and killed.
Sikhism believes in the equality of all human beings, regardless of gender, religion, race, or social status. They were originally founded about 1500 by Guru Nanak aiming to unite Hindus and Muslims.
As I sat in the upstairs Temple, I was lucky enough to have been given a chair. Everyone else squatted on the floor, with men and women segregated. Once when I was in Calcutta, I was amazed to see Mother Teresa in her eighties sitting on the floor. The Pope can’t do it now and neither can I.
I sat looking at the Baldacchino-like central holy place where the Sikh Scripture, the Adi Granth is kept. The Sikh Priest read from it as the main worship structure. During the readings, time was given to standing and kneeling, with forehead to the ground. Offerings are placed at the foot of the holy place.
A Sikh Temple is called a Gurdawara, meaning ‘house of the Guru’‚ or ‘door to the Guru.’ I sat and gazed at the simple symbols of Sikhism on the drapes around the Baldacchino. The universal Sikh symbol is a Glyph called a Khanda, composed of a central, straight edged sword, symbolising Truth surrounded by two curved swords representing temporal power and authority.
After Sikh Prayer we adjourned to the
La Habana, Cuba (ACN): Prison authorities in Camaguey, Cuba, have forbidden political prisoners to study the Bible in their cells. Nine political prisoners, several of whom are journalists, previously read texts of the Bible aloud from their cells so that other prisoners around could listen.
They had begun reading the Bible aloud in order to study scripture and give spiritual support to fellow prisoners who are badly treated according to the international journalists’ organisation "Reporters Without Borders".
The international Catholic charity "Aid to the Church in Need" sends Bibles to the Catholic Church in Cuba which are distributed through parishes as well as to prisoners through the "prison pastoral" program of the Camaguey archdiocese. However, few Bibles are allowed into prisons.
ACN recently sent 32,000 Bibles to Cuba of which 2,000 went to the diocese of Camaguey.
The Catholic Church is not allowed to print books in the island. One of the prisoners involved with the Bible study group is journalist Ricardo Gonzalez Alonso, editor of magasine De Cuba, who was sentenced to 20 years prison for independent activity.
Life on the the Caribbean island is difficult for journalists who refuse to be tamed by the regime, the only Communist dictatorship in the Western hemisphere. Any private publication is forbidden. In the last five years some 30 Cuban journalists have been sentenced to long terms in prison for publishing privately while approximately 60 other journalists chose exile for the same reason.
DUBLIN, Ireland, (Zenit.org) - The Irish government said it would not oppose a European Union measure allowing Irish taxpayers' money to fund research on human embryos in other EU states, a newspaper reported.
Ned Costello, a spokesman for the Irish Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment, told the Irish Catholic: "The government has indicated that it is not opposing the current proposal" for embryo research. EU guidelines allow research on stem cells from "excess" embryos produced by in vitro fertilisation before June 2002. Germany, Austria and Italy oppose the guide-
dining hall under the Temple. How does a Catholic parish feed a group of 400 parishioners for the annual parish Christmas dinner? The Sikh Community may have the answer, and I mean with attractive tasty food and a sit down meal.
The Sikh religion prefers a vegetarian diet and that men and women are equal. So the Sikh women sat on the floor of the dining hall. Special divisional plates made serving easy and the meal combined all the succulent tastes of India. They seemed to have worked out a universal menu - that is, no choice. I didn’t see anybody procrastinating even among the very young.
This journey of visiting ten nonCatholic religious establishments around Perth, is drawing to a close. It has been quite fascinating for me - I have discovered Perth.
I thought for my next and final visit I would try for something quite challenging not withstanding the norms of CCL.2335. I have written to the Perth Grand Lodge of Ancient and Free Masons for an invitation to an installation or special ceremony. I wrote a nice, polite, and human letter. It was that of a seeker.
They haven’t replied as yet - and maybe I am asking too much. Perhaps after nine visits to communities and receiving such warm hospitality, I’ve become a little over confident. I offered to respectfully come to the Lodge beforehand and be checked out to make sure that I’m not a square, and certainly on the level.
lines on ethical grounds. If Ireland voted against the guidelines the group would form a blocking minority. If passed, the guidelines would allow embryo research to be funded under a program in effect until 2006.
Dana Rosemary Scallon, a Member of the European Parliament, urged "people to lobby their political representatives to ensure that the Irish government does not support EU funding of research on human embryos."
PARIS, (Zenit.org) - The Jérôme Lejeune Foundation is publishing an information bulletin in English on critical questions of bioethics.
The free weekly bulletin allows for consultation on current issues, press reports and official documents, as well as participation in forums and searches. The foundation has plans for editions in other languages.
The foundation is named after the renowned geneticist, who in 1958 discovered the anomaly that causes Down syndrome. John Paul II appointed Lejeune the first president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
BETHLEHEM, West Bank, (Zenit.org) - "Do not be afraid! Return to the Holy Land!" pleaded the Franciscan custodian of Bethlehem's Basilica of the Nativity, in a dramatic appeal to Christian pilgrims worldwide.
Three years after the outbreak of the intifada, the number of pilgrims visiting the land of Jesus has plummeted.
"Seventy-five percent of the Bethlehem population works in the tourism sector, and tourism is blocked," Father Ibrahim Faltas told Vatican Radio. "You can imagine the economic situation, which is really dramatic."
"At least 2,000 Christians have left the Bethlehem area," he said. "Unemployment has become a plague. But what is really painful is to see how Christians are leaving. We are afraid that in the future the holy places will be no more than museums, without Christians of the area."
He continued: "I wish to make an appeal to all Christians worldwide to return as pilgrims to the Holy Land. This is of much help: It is a great support to the people and very strong encouragement for Christians of the area. Overcome fear and return as pilgrims to the Holy Land. You must pray for us. When a brother is not well, he is visited."
The Franciscan said that no pilgrim in modern times has been harmed in the Holy Land.
Teams of young Catholic volunteers will be handing out collections of Pope John Paul II’s writings on love and sexuality in Times Square, on Wall Street, in front of the White House in Washington and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and at many other locations throughout the world this October 16 — the 24th anniversary of the Pope’s election.
They will be doing so in response to the Pope’s call at Toronto’s World Youth Day to be the “salt of the earth.”
Young Catholics in New York, Denver, and – at latest count – 13 additional cities in five countries, have pledged themselves to be “salt of the city,” launching their efforts with a series of “Pope Days in…” this October 16.
The essential elements of a “Pope Day” are a Votive Mass for the Pope, a sharing of the Holy Father’s teaching with the general public – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – and some combination of talks and video/theatrical presentations on the Holy Father’s life and thought – with additional reflection on the gift of the institution of the papacy.
John Paul II is the most widely published pope in history, and at this time of general confusion about sexuality, the family, art, the economy, the environment, world development and peace, his insights –building on 2,000 years of Catholic thinking and spirituality – will be of surprising interest to everyone, Catholic or not.
On October 16, Pope Day organisers will be distributing the 32-page magazine prepared by the Love & Responsibility Foundation, “John Paul II on Love & Responsibility.”
They will also share with the public a second publication — currently in preparation — affectionately dubbed “The Pope on Everything.”
The Votive Mass for the Pope in New York will be held at the Church of Our Saviour with Fr George Rutler, pastor, preaching the homily on the gift of the papacy.
A former member of the Pope’s Swiss Guard, speaking on “The Holy Father Up Close and Personal,” is among New York’s featured post-Mass speakers.
Denver’s celebrations will be centred in that city’s Skyline Park along its busy 16 St promenade.
Pope Day in Philadelphia/South Jersey features a performance by the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary choir.
The Newman Centre at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign will offer all its daily Masses for the Pope and will sponsor a campus-wide forum on the
Holy Father’s teaching on human sexuality in the evening. At present, twenty-one “Pope Day” celebrations are planned throughout the world.
For more information, send an e-mail to pope_day@catholicculture.com or visit: http://www.popeday.com.
Anorthern-suburbs parish is hoping to attract homeward-bound commuters on Wednesday evenings with a nine week novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Woodvale parish, St Luke’s Church, is inviting busy commuters seeking respite from the Freeway North (and everyone else) to join in the novena which will take only 30 minutes per evening.
“ A s p e o p l e a r e d r i v i n g h o m e f r o m w o r k , w e i n v i t e t h e m i n f o r h a l f a n h o u r t o s a y t h i s s p e c i a l n o v e n a , " s a i d p a r i s h i o n e r J i m T h o m a s .
The novena commences on Wednesday October 22, at 5.30pm.
"As people are driving home from work, we invite them in for half an hour to say this special novena," said parishioner Jim Thomas.
The novena is held every Wednesday. It finishes on December 17, the last Wednesday before Christmas.
Mr Thomas said "A novena is the pious practice of devoting nine days to public prayer for gaining special graces, but we ask people to remember the primary intention of world peace."
The parish hopes to attract people from the adjoining northern suburbs as well. The church will be decorated with flowers and live music will be provided for the novena’s hymns.
A parish-produced booklet will provide for each service. Parish priest Fr Patrick Turner supports this initiative of his parishioners.
Mr Thomas said he has attended, and been moved by a novena in the North Perth Redemptorist Monastery.
He added: "We hope to build a tradition of honouring Our Lady in the Northern suburbs."
Enquiries: contact the Parish office on 9409 6291 or Jim Thomas on 9409 2908.
A 21-year-old man appeared in a Perth court on Monday charged with stealing a woman's handbag from a church pew in St Mary's Cathedral, reported the CathNews website.
Police allege Barry John Fulker went into the Cathedral in the Perth CBD on Saturday afternoon and took the bag.
He was chased from the church by a group of other people.
The group of people confronted Fulker in the church grounds but he allegedly threatened them with a syringe before fleeing with money he had taken from the bag.
Police later caught Fulker and charged him with robbery while armed.
He appeared in Perth Magistrates Court today and was remanded in custody to reappear on October 13.
God's forgiveness can transform the "stony heart" of every human being into a natural heart, John Paul II paid in early September.
This was a key part of the Pope's message when he addressed 11,000 pilgrims at the general audience in St. Peter's Square. He was reflecting on the canticle of Ezekiel 36:24-27, which forms a part of the Liturgy of the Hours.
"God is not indifferent before good and evil," the Holy Father said.
The Lord "enters mysteriously the scene of human history with his judgment which, sooner or later, will unmask evil, defend the victims, and indicate the way of justice."
This is precisely the meaning of trials, which are "never ruin, pure and simple condemnation, the annihilation of the sinner," the Pope said.
He added that God not only purifies the human being "through trial and suffering," but also opens a "new era" to him: "a new spirit given by God to the children of his people will be his Spirit, the Spirit of God himself."
"From our breast will be taken the stony heart, cold and insensitive, sign of obstinacy in evil," the Pope said. "God will replace it with a natural heart, that is to say, a source of life and love."
The Holy Father ended by showing how the transformation produced by contrition and God's forgiveness is the real reason for the soul's beauty.
This is how God's exclamation in the Song of Songs is understood, when he says, "You are beautiful, my beloved, you are beautiful!" the Pope observed.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem attributed this enchantment of God to "the fruits of a confession made with a good conscience," the Holy Father said. The Arab television network Al-Jazeera will broadcast a number of war documentaries produced by Nova-T, a firm founded by the Capuchin Province of Piedmont.
The Vidimus Dominum religious information service reported that Al-Jazeera has signed an agreement through a production and distribution company to buy the series of home videos entitled "The Forgotten Wars" -- African conflicts largely ignored by the world.
The series comprises six reports: "Somali Democracy"; "Sahara: A Wall in the Desert"; "Ethiopia and Eritrea: Lives on the Frontier"; "Hutu Tutsi: An Endless War"; "The Nuba of Sudan"; "Angola: The Invisible War."
The reports will be transmitted via satellite from Qatar to the whole Arab world.
Obscene works used to be bannable if they were found to have a tendency to “deprave and corrupt.”
This fell into disuse following the ludicrously inept prosecution for obscenity in Britain of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, a book whose explicitly pornographic episodes - on which the prosecution concentrated - are very boring but whose underlying philosophy is extremely nasty. As British writer Colin Welch said, Lawrence sought to free humanity from the intellect, the soul and Christ (not to mention such things as marriage), and commented that: “If this is not a doctrine designed to deprave and corrupt I do not know what is.” Welch’s point is well made.
Since Welch wrote this in Encounter in 1961, and the British Government virtually stopped attempts at censorship, social pathologies seem to have become rife in Britain. Bringing matters more up to date,
Tom Utley wrote in October, 2001, that, with an abortion rate of about 3,500 foetuses a week:
“Of those babies who were allowed to live, more than a third were born outside marriage. Meanwhile, the divorce rate in Britain is the highest in Europe - 40% of marriages end that way. And more than half of all divorces involve the parents of children under 16 .... We have a world-wide reputation for football hooliganism and drinking too much. Our favourite newspapers are full of stories about adulterous pop stars and vicars. On television, we like to watch game shows consecrated to greed that dwell endlessly on the seamier side of life.”
This actually does not sound like the kind of sexual depravity some wowsers fear. It sounds more like a culture large parts of which have been educated into nihilism and deprived of exposure to anything better. Unpleasant entertainment is plainly
“Not one of us”
In to-day’s Gospel, Mark 9:3843,45,47-48, the disciples are telling Jesus that they saw,”a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name: and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.”
“Not one of us,” has implications for each of us to-day. How many times have we turned away from someone who was “not one of us.”
A Carmelite nun told me this story. There was this woman in a mini skirt who asked to see the Bishops of a particular diocese. The Bishops agreed to see her. The woman arrived wearing her mini skirt and proceeded to tell the Bishops what she felt God had told her to tell them.
They listened politely and then bade her on her way. For them that seemed the end of the story.
Some months later these same Bishops did a massive survey to gather information from the diocese. When they collected all the data, one message came out loud and clear. It was the same message given to them by the woman in the mini skirt?”
They looked at each other in amazement and said,” Where is that woman in the mini skirt.”
Moral of the story, God uses who he wants, when he wants and we all should be listening.
Jesus answered his disciples in the Gospel,” You must not stop him; no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.” The New Jerome Biblical Commentary P616, Mark 9 V39 says,”Jesus’ example of tolerance may have been used to criticize tendencies toward exclusivism and cliquishness in the early church.”
This same tolerance is shown in the 1st reading, Numbers 11:25-29, by Moses when Joshua asked him to stop two men who where not officially commissioned, yet showed signs of the spirit when they began to prophesy in the camp. Moses said,” Are you jealous on my account? If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets and the Lord gave his spirit to them all.”
The Gospel concludes with Jesus’ words, ”If your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two hands and go to hell and if your foot should cause you to sin cut it off....if your eye should cause you to sin tear it out...”
For us to-day what needs to be ‘cut off’? Is it our attitude towards those who are “not one of us.”?
Judging ourselves better than others because of the colour of our skin or because of our religious beliefs. Perhaps we feel that the particular group we belong to within the church is better than the other groups. What about within our families. How well do we get on with those who are different from ourselves. Are we not constantly trying to change them to be like us. Yet God has made each of us differently. His spirit is in each person.
Tolerance is what the scriptures are asking of us, in our families, in our church and in our society. To live in a unity through diversity. To choose not to, separates us from God and this separation is hell itself. Norma Woodcock is the Director of The Centre for Catholic Spiritual Development and Prayer. Website: www.normawoodcock.com
not the sole cause but it would be hard to argue that it is completely irrelevant.
In Australia, journalist Miranda Devine wrote in the Sydney Daily Telegraph of 16 September, 2001.
“How will history judge us in 50 years? A snapshot of our civilization before 11 September, 2001, may show a decadent population whose decline was inevitable. We watched the banal nihilism of reality TV programs such as Big Brother and dignity-deprived game shows such as The Weakest Link. We listened to the hate-filled music of Eminem ...”
I don’t know how many peruse the Sunday Times children’s page, but a recent editorial was a detailed, blow-by-blow description of the latest instalment of Big Brother and a quite obvious promotion of it to children (“It did make me chuckle when Big Brother told the housemates that they weren’t to use the kitchen sink for bathing in, and that the garden wasn’t to be
with Guy Crouchbackused as a toilet ... I will be going to Queensland to see the house where the cameramen sit, go to an eviction ... etc etc.”). This has continued in subsequent editions.
Does the Sunday Times actually need to work so hard at promoting trash to children? A comparison with the children’s pages of, say, 50 years ago, is interesting. We have too much tended to lose sight of the fact that spiritual degradation can take other forms than being exposed to sexually explicit material - and that some of those other forms are perhaps a good deal more insidious and dangerous. Most children either know a lot about sexually explicit material or soon will. Knowing about the effects of what Miranda Devine rightly calls “banal nihilism” is another matter. Perhaps a few letters of complaint to the editor - or more to the point to advertisers - would not go amiss.
Here is a translation of the address John Paul II gave on September 21 before praying the midday Angelus with pilgrims gathered at the papal summer residence.
Dear Brothers and Sisters! Continuing with my spiritual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Pompeii where, God willing, I hope to go on October 7, I would like to reflect today on the mysteries of the rosary, called the “mysteries of light.” They complement the traditional periods of the infancy, passion and glory of Christ with others, equally important, of his “public life” [see apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae].
It was the time when Jesus, with the power of the word and works, revealed fully the “face” of the heavenly Father, inaugurating his Kingdom of love, justice and peace. The baptism in the Jordan, the wedding of Cana, the proclamation of the Kingdom, the transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and the institution of
the Eucharist are all instances of revelation; indeed, “luminous” mysteries, which reflect the splendor of the divine nature of God in Jesus Christ. In general, the presence of Mary in these mysteries is in
the background, except for one: the wedding at Cana, where the role of the “Mother of Jesus” is determinant. It is she, in fact, who points out to her Son that there is no more wine; and when he replied that “his hour” had not yet come, she insists with maternal urgency, saying to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). In this way she shows that she intuits more than anyone else the profound intentions of Jesus. She knows him “heart to heart” as, from the beginning, she kept and pondered every gesture and word of his (see Luke 2:19,51). Because of this, the Virgin is the first and principal teacher of Christian prayer: In her school one learns to contemplate the face of the Lord, to assimilate his sentiments and accept his values with generous consistency.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us follow Christ in the way of his mysteries of salvation with the ardent love of the Virgin Mary. In these last weeks of the Year of the Rosary, let us feel ourselves more united than ever in reciting the holy rosary, in a particular way for families and for peace in the world. [Translation by ZENIT]
Ed. – The Year of the Rosary proclaimed by Pope John Paul II last year will conclude on October 19.
Speaking to top flight Italian soccer referees last week, the Pope repeated his hope that sport will always be a school of authentic human formation, inspired by ethical and spiritual values. It was a timely reminder of the old adage that sport helps to build character. It does, but it usually requires appropriate coaching (from coaches or parents) to achieve its potential in that regard.
Last Wednesday night’s Brownlow Medal count was encouraging in that regard. It was remarkable not only because of the three-way tie, but even more importantly because all of the contenders for the honour of being the AFL’s fairest and best player were actually available for the honour, having avoided the tribunal suspensions which would have made them ineligible.
The top 11 players, who polled from 22 to 18 votes, are tough, skillful and determined. They are even more admired because they rarely, if ever, exceed the bounds of decency that are essential in a contact sport.
They offer great hope that the example from the top in Australian Rules will be something for youngsters, coaches, parents and supporters to aspire to for a long time.
There have been periods in the game’s history when brutality has been justified by the players and admired in the media.
I n considering whether the Holy Father might waive the second miracle to perform the canonisation of Mother Teresa of Calcutta MC, I believe there is an interesting moral miracle associated with this extraordinary religious, which could take the place of this.
Mother Teresa became known to the world in 1969 through Malcolm Muggeridge’s documentary, Something Beautiful for God. A decade later, she received the Nobel Peace Prize, and has become the recipient of many other honours and accolades.
Mother Teresa died in 1997. This period of time approximates to the last third of the 20th century, an era marked by a pervasive secularism, and rejection of God’s laws, particularly in the Western world, and propagated largely through the mass media. This sort of thinking found its way even into the Church.
Yet throughout all of this time (in an era of secularism), the person universally respected, loved, and regarded as a saint by many, some of who were not even Catholic, happened to be Mother Teresa, a woman who donned a simple blue and white sari, who was deeply loyal to church teachings. Incredible!
In surveys to establish who was the most admired woman in the world, Mother Teresa was frequently ahead of such figures as Hilary Clinton, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth and Madonna.
Now to me that is a remarkable phenomenon that demonstrates the power of holiness, over other personal attributes, (like beauty, fame and fortune etc) and is as much a miracle, as an inexplicable cure obtained through her intercession.
Cardinal Saraiva-Martins (in charge of the causes of saints) said recently, “She is perhaps the most outstanding figure of contemporary hagiography”.
Of course Mother Teresa had her critics like Christopher Hitchens, but their real agenda was anti-Catholic more than any-
The attitude is still occasionally heard from some of the loudmouths on TV talk shows, but it is rarely seen or heard from today’s professionals and today’s leaders.
Sports actually have a moral factor built into their rules and their ethos. The Australian Rules bans on tripping, pushing in the back, and attacks on the head, for example, speak of the desire to play a tough game fairly.
The traditional hip and shoulder bump speaks of two men meeting in fair contest, while the raised elbow and the leap from the ground which turns a hip and shoulder collision into an attack on the head speak of one man losing his nerve and resorting to unfair measures.
As a ‘school of authentic human formation’ sport offers constantly recurring opportunities for children and adults to learn to control the anger, frustration and spite which so often mar sport.
If a person fails in one instance, they quickly get another opportunity to develop self-mastery. Sport is an arena of frequently repeated opportunities to learn to make moral decisions under pressure.
This is equally true in non-contact sports. Last Sunday’s extraordinary Davis Cup semi-final between Leyton Hewitt and Roger Federer illustrates the point. Hewitt had ample opportunity to give in to discouragement, anger, frustration, and the fear of defeat. The alternative was to discard this temptation, knuckle down and do the best that he could. It was an epic personal challenge that ended in an epic victory.
Champions usually learn these inner qualities; it is part of the what makes them champions. For the rest of us the opportunities that sport provides at all levels of competition will inspire the moral and spiritual values the Pope desires only if parents and coaches take the opportunity to teach children to think about sport in the right way, and behave appropriately.
There is no value in criticising or labelling children according to their setbacks which some foolish parents (usually fathers?) do. They need and deserve to be taught and encouraged, to recognise what happened and how to find the
stray away from the faith of their parents through sheer laziness. Or else they are just too tired and their energies have been virtually sapped through work, socialising with friends, attending to the needs of their children, and other pleasurable pursuits. What is it about their faith that has not given them the satisfaction that their hearts surely yearn for?
In your excerpt from Peter Sweeney’s book Half Time, it was indicated that we are all “doubting Thomases”. We need to see and feel the real thing or else it is put on the back burner for another time. Messengers often come along like Mother Teresa but like John the Baptist they are often ridiculed, even by their own.
inner resources that will, perhaps, enable them to perform better. But the outcome of the match is never as important as the effort a child puts into it or the relationship between the child and his or her parent or coach.
Sport also offers the opportunity for the authentic human formation of spectators. Support for the team, the school, the club, the town or even the nation is legitimate, but whether it is healthy depends on how we go about it and whether we allow it to take primacy in our lives over what is really important - our families, for instance, or God.
If enthusiasm for our own team is allowed to become venom for the other, and particularly if the venom is sustained, we are distorted. We have become, in some degree and in our own little part of the world, members of that club whose membership also ultimately includes hooligans, racists and totalitarians.
Sport is meant to be enjoyed, both by those who compete and those who spectate.
It can give spectators the repeated opportunity to support their friends without attacking their opponents – and, eventually, simply to admire the performance of both sides.
When that happens we will be able to hunger and thirst after justice for Jesus’ sake instead of seeking partisan pleasure.
mology but refers to the study or practice of paranormal or psychic phenomena. Fr Belitz’s programme, Success: Full Living, teaches participants how to use the Life Mechanism to speak to oneself in the language of images used most effectively by the brain/mind; to create personal and powerful visualisations and affirmations that can change one’s behaviour; to sustain positive attitudes toward oneself, others and life situations and to set effective goals and handle several at a time. The book on this programme is marketed by Silva Method International as a “great Silvarelated book”.
thing else. We wait with interest for October 19. What could be more fitting to celebrate the Pope’s 25 year reign, than by adding the most beloved child of our era to the catalogue of saints, a person so often seen beside him, while others opposed his message?
Andrew Rabel Doveton, MelbourneI must commend The Record’s new look centre pages as well as your wide coverage of issues which I consider most relevant for ordinary Catholics. The subject of my letter is about Mike Willesee.
To me, Mike Willesee is like a breath of fresh air in the Catholic Church of Perth. His meanderings eventually led him back to his faith, to his Church and to his roots. Indeed, he has been blessed to find the meaning in his life at a fairly young age. For our far more affluent times, however, I somehow liken Ron and Mike to Timothy and Paul of earlier times. Like the latter, I get the good feeling that Ron and Mike are little saints through whom the sun now shines and are illuminated. They spread their witness of conversion and have taken up the mission using their God-given talents to bring the good news to their fellow Catholics as well as to others.
It is quite natural for younger Catholics to be more attracted to the glitz and glamour that this consumer world offers so unabashedly and so tantalisingly. Some
We live in an era where the media has taken over and influences a large part of our lives. Ron and Mike have valuable experience and in this field and therefore much to offer. Like the Biblical sower, their words and documentaries may reach out to some but for many they may fall on the proverbial stony ground.
Yet, we must hope and pray like the little boy who, gazing at the stained glass window, is so mesmerised at its beauty when he sees the sun shining through it, that he too radiates with awe and wonder, his heart leaps for joy and he bends his knee in recognition that there is only the one and true Lord.
May the good Lord bless the work of Ron and Mike and may they continue to carry out the mission of the Catholic Church. Walter Martins
Bayswater
Ed. - Walter wins Peter Sweeney’s book ‘Half Time.’
Y ou seem to have been seriously misinformed about Fr Justin Belitz and Silva Mind Control (Editor’s note to my letter, TheRecord 18/9/03).
Fr Belitz lists on his own home page his “doctorate” from the American Institute of Psychical Research as one of his degrees. While this doesn’t imply he shares the Institute’s position on everything it is indicative of a shared view on “metaphysics”, which in this context has nothing to do with classical ontology and episte-
Programs offered through Silva Method International include instruction in “clairvoyance”; the glass of water technique (“While you are filling the glass with tap water, you have a mental intent that this is to know the answer to your situation. While you are drinking it, once again your intent for the particular use of the glass of water is sufficient to program the molecules of water. Scientific research shows that water molecules exposed to alpha tend to become messengers and relay the information to the brain neurons.”); the Centre of the Galaxy Technique (“A special technique for acquiring guidance from Higher Intelligence”) and communication with inner counsellors, also called spirit guides (“You can use any person alive or deceased as counsellers to help with the spiritual work. They basically sit in as experts and assist in any manner they can. You basically tap into the superconscious thru them.”).
The founder of the Silva Method, Jose Silva, describes his teaching as completing the “central message of the several avatars on our planet” and “ushering in a new age of spiritual development and understanding”.
If it sounds like New Age, smells like New Age and feels like New Age then it probably is. The Record has done Catholics a disservice in recommending that people go and hear Fr Justin Belitz.
Richard Egan Ferndale
Perth nurse CHERYL LYRA volunteered to work as a midwife in a Catholic hospital serving poverty-stricken people in an arid region of central India. After 6 months she has returned to Perth and thanks those whose donations have made a concrete difference in the lives of those for whom every little improvement is a big one. She reports that for her, it was a life-changing experience.
Iwould like to extend my thanks to the Record for their feature article published in February 2003 and their generous readers, who through their donations helped to furnish the new labor ward extensions and associated equipment at Nityaseva Mission Hospital, Shevgaon, India. I recently returned from my 6-month stay there where I orked as a volunteer nurse and midwife. It was certainly an eye-opening, challenging, but very ding experience.
The first hurdle (besides homesickness) was to learn the local language, Marathi. Without this communication ould be impossible. Gradually followed conversations and eventually was able to espond as well. Learning the culture was a new xperience for
me with the class systems‚ the ensuing discrimination of the marginalised people and their total acceptance of their lot.
This is very sad to witness, in spite of the Government efforts to uplift these people. There are many social problems due to excessive drinking, child marriages with exorbitant dowry expectations and domestic abuse.
I have witnessed poverty firsthand and its devastating effects on the village people of this semi arid region, who are currently also facing a severe drought. Tragically, many turn to horrific suicides by burning and poison consumption out of desperation.
We dealt with these problems on a daily basis in the hospital. The hospital also attended to many snakebite victims most commonly the deadly Cobra and Krait snakes. AIDS, TB and Leprosy are prevalent with some also seeking medical care for rabies.
My day was fairly structured with the community of 15 Medical Mission Secular nuns starting at 6 am each day with morning prayers, Mass, work schedules 6 days a week till 6pm each evening and
concluding with evening prayers. Sunday was a special day with Mass attendances at a packed church, with similar attendances at weekday Masses.
According to local custom, footwear is left outside the door and there are mats on the floor instead of pews. There is a great reverence in the church. The faith, devotion and prayerfulness of the people is very evident.
My work was mainly in the delivery room of the hospital. Though only containing 5 simple beds we had a birth rate of over 580 babies per month on average.
Tragically many babies with special needs do not survive due to the lack of intensive care or specialised equipment. Some practices there I ound to be in conflict with Australian practice, which was very challenging and often difficult for me to accept.
Female infanticide is still prevalent regardless of the practice being outlawed by the government. Some women in labour are travelling 4 hours by bullock cart, just to have their baby in this Mission Hospital, or a minimal charge or in most
cases cost free. No patient is ever turned away regardless of their caste or religion. Nityaseva Hospital being a Catholic hospital does not receive any government funding at all, due to non-compliance with government family planning strategies including abortion. Hence the hospital relies heavily on donations from within India and the international community.
Nityaseva Hospital, being Catholic, does not receive any government funding at all due to non-compliance with government family plan-
ning strategies, including abortion.
The Village Program also run by this hospital aims to provide education to children, through sponsorship. It presently sponsors 1000 children a year, mostly girls. Most girls in this area are the most uneducated, so the program’s aim is to recti-
fy this and help to uplift the status of emales. The discrimination in the disparity of classes and gender is very evident. The Village Program also provides immunisations and other primary health care initiatives.
Shevgaon, being a very small town, has very basic shops, for essential‚ items. Though I once really enjoyed shopping at home, somehow I learnt to enjoy the simple pleasures of life which previously ook for granted. I didn’t miss shopping at all.
I spent my time instead discovering and appreciating nature, reading, meditating and spending time with those who needed an ear to lisen. Through my time in India I have, as a person, undergone a life-changing experience that has brought me closer to God and my faith. I have learnt to trust God in all aspects of my life. As a volunteer, have found my joy in serving those who can only pay me by their smiles and simple words of gratitude, that is a joy to witness amongst the poor. wouldn’t have exchanged this for a million dollars.
I also learnt that I could not change culture or many practices but if I could help one person each day in whatever small way, I knew I accomplished what I came to do. My sincere thanks to the Sisters of the Medical Mission Secular who work diligently and staff this mission hospital. Their hospitality, acceptance and love made my mission possible. Many people have shown an interest in learning more about this mission hospital and my experiences.
Those interested are welcome to attend a 40 minute slide presentation by Cheryl on Saturday 11th October 7.30pm St Francis of Assisi Parish hall, Lillian Road Maida Vale.
Two mothers and their children staying in the hospital. The child in blue is 3 years old but small due to malnutrition, the child in white fell into a fire while unattended.
The Catholic bishops’ conference of India has launched a nationwide campaign to coordinate efforts to alleviate the suffering of an estimated 4.5 million HIV-positive sufferers.
The Church in India runs 5,000 hospitals, 62 nursing schools and 200 rehabilitation centres.
According to the secretary of the bishops’ pastoral commission on health care, this is the first organised response to fight AIDS.
Project organisers say the number of HIV/AIDS sufferers in India could rise to 8 million by 2010.
“Aware of the seriousness of the problem, we saw the need to take concrete measures of information and treatment to address and prevent this threat,” the com-
mission statement reads. Central points of the campaign are:
● prevention, through fidelity in marriage, promotion of Christian values, and respect for the dignity of every person.
● commitment, by eliminating discrimination against people suffering from HIV/AIDS, and guaranteeing aid for their social rehabilitation.
● The program also aims to eliminate sexual exploitation of women and children.
The bishops hope to involve every member of the Church — clergy, religious and laity — in the campaign.
They also call on Catholics to support efforts in the struggle to fight AIDS undertaken by the government and nongovernmental organisations. - Z e n t
Supporters of traditional marriage might find comfort in new data that underline the importance of the family and religious values. A lengthy article in the June issue of Population and Development Review gave an overview of the research literature on these themes. The magazine is published by the New York-based Population Council, not normally noted for its support of traditional moral values.
The article, by Linda Waite and Evelyn Lehrer, unambiguously states: "We argue that both marriage and religiosity generally have far-reaching, positive effects." Among their main points, which they back up with five pages of bibliographical references, are these:
l Married people are less likely than unmarried people to suffer from long-term illness or disability, and they have better survival rates for some illnesses. A growing body of research also shows an association between religious involvement and improved physical health.
ongoing Fragile Families and Child WellBeing Study. That five-year study, conducted by researchers with Princeton and Columbia universities, involves some 4,700 new parents who are low-income and typically unmarried.
Marriage has a significant impact for single mothers who don't work, the study found. Those welfare mothers who remain single will live in poverty because welfare benefits rarely, if ever, lift a family out of poverty.
G e t t i n g m a r r i e d , a n d s t a y i n g
m a r r i e d t o t h e s a m e p e r s o n , i s
a s s o c i a t e d w i t h b e t t e r m e n t a l h e a l t h M a r r i a g e i s a l s o a s s o c i a t e d w i t h g r e a t e r o v e r a l l h a p
"By contrast, if the mother marries the child's father, the poverty rate drops dramatically to 35%," the researchers said. And the psychological benefits of family life were highlighted in a study published last month in Denmark. Adults with children are less likely to commit suicide than those without, the Associated Press said in
child younger than age 2.
The results confirm some previous data but also "fly in the face" of some assumptions about the impact of having children, said psychologist David Clark of RushPresbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Centre in Chicago.
For example, given the prevalence of postpartum depression, which experts think occurs in at least 10% of pregnancies, it might be assumed that suicide would be more common among parents and especially mothers, Dr. Clark said. Also, "people think having a lot of kids is economically stressful" and could lead to mental distress or even suicidal thoughts, he said. On the contrary, the study illustrated the strength of the biological and psychological bonds that occur between parent and child.
Census data from the United States and England show that much remains to be done to improve family life. The Washington Times on June 17 highlighted some of the findings contained in the U.S. Census Bureau's report, "Children's Living Arrangements and Characteristics: March 2002."
l Getting married, and staying married to the same person, is associated with better mental health. Marriage is also associated with greater overall happiness. While the connection between mental health and religion is much debated, Waite and Lehrer state that studies are suggestive of a positive association between the two.
l A large body of literature documents that married men earn higher wages than their single counterparts. Although the relationship between religion and earnings is largely un-researched the article does note that religiosity has a positive effect on educational attainment, a key determinant of success in the labor market.
l Children raised by their own married parents do better, on average, across a range of outcomes: infant mortality; health; schooling; and avoiding having children as unmarried teen-agers. Studies also document that parenting styles formed by religious affiliation are better for children's welfare. And kids who are religiously active themselves seem to do better at school and manage to avoid dangerous behaviour.
lEmotional and physical satisfaction with sex are higher for married people.
lMarried couples have notably lower levels of domestic violence.
Trying to explain the causal factors behind these results, Waite and Lehrer observe that both marriage and religion lead to positive outcomes by providing social support and integration. They also encourage healthy behaviours and lifestyles. Notably, the benefits from marriage apply to those who make a lifetime commitment. Both divorce and cohabitation significantly reduce the positive effects.
A recent study by the Heritage Foundation put a figure on just how much marriage is worth in economic terms. Single mothers who married would see an increase of $10,199 to $11,599 in their median family incomes, said Heritage Foundation analyst Patrick Fagan. He wrote a report on the subject with other Heritage researchers. The Washington Times reported on the study on May 28. The Heritage researchers said that new light has been shed on the topic by the
its August 11 report on the study. Likewise, young children were found to add an extra layer guarding against suicide for women. The study involved 18,611 people in Denmark who committed suicide from 1981 to 1997.
"It is widely expected that childbearing is most often a positive life event that may prevent people from ending their life," Drs.
Ping Qin and Preben Bo Mortensen of Aarhus University in Denmark said in the
The bureau found that in 2002 around 69%, or 49.7 million, of the nation's 72.3 million children (younger than 18) lived with two parents. That percentage has remained essentially unchanged since the early 1990s. But 19.8 million children are living with single parents. Of these, 83%, or 16.5 million, lived with their mothers.
Data from the 2000 U.S. census showed the number of unmarried couples had surged in the previous decade, to 5.5 million from 3.2
York Times reported on March 13. "There is a very significant increase in the number of unmarried-couple households," said Martin O'Connell, chief of the branch on fertility and family statistics at the Census Bureau.
In the United Kingdom, the number of households headed by married couples has fallen below 50% for the first time, the Times of London reported on February 14. Data from the 2001 census covering England and Wales revealed that the proportion of married households plummeted from 55% to 45% between 1991 and 2001. The proportion in 1981 was 64%. In 1971 it was 68%.
At the same time there has been a steady increase in the number of never-married, single people living on their own, cohabiting couples and lone parents. Some 22% of children under age 16 now live in loneparent families, with another 11% living with cohabiting couples.
More recently, London's Sunday Times reported on September 7 on a study showing that single mothers are more prevalent in countries where the state provides plenty of benefits. "Increases in public support for single mothers are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of nevermarried and divorced mothers," said the author of the study, Libertad Gonzalez of Northwestern University in Illinois.
Gonzalez analysed the levels of single motherhood in 17 Western countries and compared them with the levels of state benefits. Raising benefits is likely to lead to more single mothers, she found.
Meanwhile, efforts continue in many countries to undermine marriage and the family. In Chile, the Parliament is considering legislation that could introduce divorce for the first time in that country. Canada is pursuing legislation to recognise same-sex unions as a form of marriage. And in the United States, proponents of same-sex unions are awaiting the outcome of a court case on the issue in Massachusetts. Another case is under way in New Jersey. If courts and legislatures have doubts about upholding traditional marriage, they might do well to
The WA Parliament was being asked to sanction the use of destructive genetic testing on stored embryos at the very moment in history when huge scientific strides were being made in the field of adult stem cells, an Independent MP has told Parliament.
The Member for South Perth, Phillip Pendal, said that even proponents of the Bill now before the Parliament, including the Prime Minister and the Premiers, were sufficiently uneasy about using stored human embryos that they had agreed to an April 2002 cutoff point beyond which all new embryos were safe from the procedure.
Mr Pendal said the WA Parliament was moving away from a unified position of 12 years ago when IVF procedures were supported only for child-
St Vincent de Paul Society is the largest charitable organisation in WA, helping over 150,000 WesternAustralians every year.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Frederick Ozanam, the founder of St Vinnies, a fundraising dinner will be held on Friday October 10 at the Hotel Grand
I t was good to hear from Dr Andrew Thomas Kania, a Catholic of Eastern rite, regarding my article A Multiplicity of Rites As I said in that article, which was about the various definitions of the term ‘rite’ and not particularly about Eastern rites, ‘how they (Eastern Catholic Churches) came about is a complicated subject.’
Dr Kania is correct in stating that the 1595 Union of BrestLitovsk welcomed already-established eparchies (dioceses) populated by Ukrainians and White Russians into communion with Rome. In this situation, the majority of the hierarchy and clergy as well as the laity reconciled with Rome en masse.
However, this was not the case with every Eastern Church. The usual scenario has seen divisions within the Orthodox community in a region, with some choosing to unite with Rome and others remaining Orthodox. In these cases, Rome has needed to set up a hierarchy and define either geographic or ethnic boundaries forming a Catholic eparchy, and even at times a Catholic patriarchate.
Eastern-rite jurisdictions were set up for the Chaldeans (1681, 1778, 1834), Syrians (1663), Melkites (1729), Armenians (1742), Copts (1895), Malankar Indians (1930), and likewise for the Romanians, Yugoslavs, Ruthenians, Bulgars and Greeks.
less couples and which outlawed harmful procedures on embryos.
He told Parliament that even scientists who supported the Bill were concerned about the ‘hype’ that allowed attention to be skewed towards the value of embryo research and diminish adult stem cell research, to which there were no ethical or moral objections.
Mr Pendal and a group of crossparty MPs has been meeting for several months to discuss ways of ‘limiting the harm’ by a series of amendments. He told The Record this was consistent with Pope John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae, which urged MPs to lessen the negative impact of laws, which they opposed.
A group of amendments was being drafted which sought to do this. One was to allow health workers and researchers who
Chancellor in Perth. The event will follow a French theme as Frederick Ozanam originated from France.
If you are interested in attending the dinner, tickets are available at $85 a head, or $800 for a table of ten. The Society promises an enjoyable evening for all guests who attend.
Proceeds from the dinner will go towards ensuring the continuation of the vital services St Vinnies provides to people in need in WA.
There may have been individual bishops in these Churches who reconciled with Rome, but in nearly every case new bishops had to be consecrated and boundaries established to form eparchies which were often parallel to, but definitely separate from, the existing Orthodox jurisdictions.
Consider this: if all the existing Orthodox eparchies had simply joined Rome, then there would be no division between East and West in our day. But they did not, so obviously there must have been new eparchies established –we couldn’t just ‘take over’ existing Orthodox eparchies.
Dr Kania is also correct in pointing out that the Eastern rites are ‘autonomous ritual Churches’, as is the Church which follows the Roman rite.
However, as I tried to make clear and as the Editor underscored, ‘Roman Catholic’ does not equal ‘Roman rite’. Those who follow the Milanese and Mozarabic rites in the West are not Roman rite, yet they are Roman Catholic. Why? Because they are in communion with the Bishop of Rome. And we should remember that there are Eastern patriarchs who are members of the College of Cardinals –that is, electors of the Roman Pontiff.
The Pope doesn’t just happen to be the Bishop of Rome – it is of the essence of the papal office that he be such, since he is the Successor of St Peter, traditionally Rome’s first bishop. Recall that when the popes moved to Avignon, France and were even elected there, their title was not
were asked to carry out destructive experimentation against their belief system to be given “conscientious objection” protection, which would mean they could not be sacked for refusing to take part.
A similar “conscientious objection” clause had been won in the 1998 abortion debate.
Another amendment sought to ensure that drugs and cosmetics were labelled in such a way as to assure consumers that embryos had not been used in their testing. Pharmaceutical companies could be expected to vigorously oppose this.
An earlier proposed amendment to ‘split’ the Gallop Government Bill into two parts at the time The Record went to press – the embryonic testing component which the group opposed, and the ban on human
The Legion of Mary in North Beach recently fulfilled a special mission inspired by Catholic Education week, and the Year of the Rosary.
The local Legion’s president Veronica Zeh with members Shirley
cloning component – now seemed unnecessary because the government Bill already left in place a 1991 ban on cloning. However, this was still subject to final legal advice.
He said scientists around the world were optimistic about the future of adult stem cell research and application in the treatment of patients with conditions like heart damage and Parkinson’s disease. He called for WA Government backing for a publicprivate Cord Blood Bank because umbilical cords were a rich source of adult stem cells.
A new WA company, Biocell, deserved support because it intended entering the adult stem cell research market, without the need to involve human embryos. Debate is continuing and is expected to go through till Christmas.
Gordon and Fran Weston distributed Rosaries, Rosary leaflets and Miraculous Medals to Our Lady Of Grace Primary School Grade 7 students, on September 17. The local Legion of Mary now intends to distribute Rosaries to Our Lady of Grace Grade 7 students every year.
Ms Zeh said she recognises the increasing pressures that are being placed on youth today, and believes it is important for them to understand how necessary daily prayer is to combat that.
themselves ‘Anglo-Catholics’, the Catholics in England and Ireland began assuming the name ‘Roman Catholics’ to make it clear who they were, and who the Anglo-Catholics were not.
South Perth Independent MPPhil Pendal told the WA Parliamentary debate on embryonic stem cell legislation this week that scientists who back embryonic stem cell research are now concerned at the hype focussing on embryonic stem cells.
She said it was vital that the children understood there were religious people in the world who prayed regularly, and didn’t just “pop into Church on Sunday.”
The ladies chose the primary school because it was closest to their Legion of Mary meeting place.
“The children showed great interest in receiving the Rosaries, leaflets and additional prayer cards we gave them,” Ms Zeh said.
Ms Zeh expressed gratitude to the Rosary Crusade group who donated the rosaries given to the children.
‘Bishop of Avignon’, but remained ‘Bishop of Rome’. And St Catherine of Siena was insistent that the papacy return to the Apostolic See of Rome.
The late Archimandrite Stephen Barham of the Melkite Church, who spoke here in Perth in 1994, was quite clear in stating, ‘Latinrite Catholics are Roman Catholics, and Melkite-rite Catholics are also Roman Catholics, since we are all in union with the Bishop of Rome.’
It is understandable, however, that Dr Kania should eschew the name ‘Roman Catholic’, as it is not the official name of our universal Church nor is it found in any Church documents of the East or the West. It is an invention of English Protestant reformers, who used it in a pejorative sense to describe Catholics as ‘papists’. But when some Anglicans in the 19th-century Oxford Movement began taking on Catholic characteristics in ceremonial and attitude, calling
Nevertheless, Church documents and canon law of both Western and Eastern rites often refer to ‘the Roman Church’ and ‘the Roman Pontiff”, and in doing so they are not speaking of the Roman way of celebrating the liturgy, but of the Church that is headquartered in Rome and governed by the Bishop of Rome –and that includes all the ‘autonomous ritual Churches’ of both East and West who are in communion with Rome.
Fr Timothy Deeter HighgateOn behalf of Linda Watson I would like to say thank you to all those people who voted for her in the recent Women’s Weekly Most Inspirational Woman in Australia contest. She won in a landslide, which was a real boost for her. Her prize is a trip to Rome, which includes travel, accommodation and food. Unfortunately it does not include spending money. As Linda’s only source of income is a pension, she receives no personal income from Linda’s House of Hope, I am appealing to those who are able to help to donate to a special fund to provide Linda with spending money so that she can make this trip of a lifetime a very special time.
Donations to this appeal are not tax deductible because they are for Linda personally. If you would like to donate to Linda’s trip, make sure that you mark your donation accordingly so that there is no confusion with donations to Linda’s House of Hope (which is a registered charity). Donations can be sent to POBox Z5640 St George’s Tce, Perth WA.
Terry Ryan ThornlieNow I've seen it all! AntiCommunism in the 1950s was hysteria, and the Muslims could be our best friends for family-friendly policies! Your last issue had it all! Presumably the martyr-like figures of Archbishops Stepinac and Mindzenty and the Rev. Richard Wurmbrand were wrong.
Do we assume that the rape of Poland and the suppression of Hungary and Czechoslovakia, plus the terrorist attacks decades ago by the Red Brigade and similar gangs, and the Cuban persecutions, are "beat-ups" by the capitalist Press?
Also, presumably, the women being stoned to death for nothing, the people being martyred, and churches being blown up by Islamic zealots, don't exist, and any canonisations being considered ought to be dropped!
Do we really have to re-educate the faithful about godless materialism and paganism?
John Massam Greenwood
Pope John Paul II told bishops from mission territories to increase efforts to spread the Gospel, with an emphasis more on preaching by personal example than by words. In a Sept. 19 meeting at the papal summer residence outside Rome, he reminded the bishops to root their lives in "intense and constant prayer" and told them to be confident that "God is preparing a great springtime for Christianity" in the third millennium. The Pope made his remarks to about 170 English-speaking bishops from more than three dozen countries in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The Pope reminded the bishops of the primary importance of their own efforts for holiness, and he encouraged them to draw from the example of local saints, who make "the love of Christ visible and, we could even say, almost physically tangible."
Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia has expanded its distance learning program with the launch of a new program leading to a bachelor of science degree in health care leadership. "The program's flexible learning format allows students to earn their degree in as little as two years, while maintaining full-time employment," said Allen H. Marangoni, director of the program. " Wheeling Jesuit delivers a majority of the coursework online, and through supplemental materials such as video and CD-ROM. Marangoni said the interdisciplinary distance-learning program provides a pathway for allied health professionals to obtain their bachelor's in health care leadership. More information on the program is available on the Internet at: http://online.wju.edu.
Spiritually speaking, it can be pretty lonely in the business community.
Not so for members of the Aquinas Business Forum, a monthly breakfast gathering of St Louis area business leaders seeking to find spirituality and vocation in their work.
When asked for an example of how the forum has helped him, John Stieven noted that he has a clearer sense of community service or, as he said, "giving back to the community rather than taking away."
A portfolio manager for A.G. Edwards Trust Co., Stieven said he recently joined a dozen other employees in delivering and installing spare air-conditioners in the homes of some South St Louis residents.
His participation in the business forum gave him an awareness "that when opportunities to do something in the community present themselves, you need to step forward. You can't just let someone else do it," he told the St Louis Review, newspaper of the St Louis Archdiocese.
The business forum is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate school of theology and ministry run by the Dominicans from a building on the campus of St Louis University.
Among other things, the forum helps participants bring everyday business experience into dialogue with Scripture and the basics of Catholic social teaching and helps develop leadership skills that reflect Christian values and spiritual maturity.
The typical format includes prayer, Scripture reading and reflections, and discussion of a topic or case. The discussion generally cites the ethical or moral questions involved, character or virtues needed in the case, and what values may lead to making the right decision. It usually concludes by 9 a.m.
Stieven noted that the forum gives him a chance to "break out of my busy day to focus on better business practices."
It is easy to be distracted by news reports and "to get the idea that everyone is out there for themselves," said Stieven, a member of St Catherine Laboure Parish in Sappington.
Stieven enjoys hearing from forum members who are not in typical business professions. He cited one individual who ministers in a prison and "brings a far more humanitarian point of view."
Ed Barnidge of The Kerry Group, an advertising and event marketing agency, agreed that the forum provides a feeling that "you're not out there by yourself. Other people have the same kind of problems. The bottom line, and what I get out of it, is that to act ethically in any walk of life you have to make courageous decisions."
He added that decision-making in business is no easy task. For example, he said, one company may choose to use cheap labour. Their competitor may choose to pay a living wage -doing the right thing -- but that
strategy becomes difficult to carry through.
In the last seven years, the forum has discussed a range of topics from company and employee loyalty to diversity in the workplace.
"Each issue has its own set of nuances -- black, white and gray areas. We try to identify principles to apply to each," said Barnidge, a member of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Webster Groves.
Though the issues are not simple, "You have to stand up and be counted for what you believe," he said. On an issue such as executive overcompensation, for example, speaking out lets companies know that "what they are doing is seen and is against the values of a lot of people."
Before the business forum's founding, Barnidge and Dominican Father Charles Bouchard, president of Aquinas, wrote a column on ethics in the St. Louis Business Journal.
About 40 people showed up
for the first business forum meeting, said Father Bouchard, who serves as the host or moderator. He has learned much about the complex nature of business decisions. Many business people are dedicated to living out their faith and appreciate the church's teachings, he added.
There is a growing interest in spirituality and religion in business, Father Bouchard noted. And U.S. Catholics can have a big impact on the way business is conducted, he said.
The topic of treating employees well has come up a number of times, he said. "Good companies invest not only in machinery but people, too."
Aquinas Business Forum participant Jamie Cannon, a retired architect, said he is sorry it didn't exist years ago.
"I don't belong to any group that meets on a regular basis that I value more than this experience. I've never missed a meeting except for when I've been out of town." -CNS
Pope encourages Catholics, Orthodox to visit each other
By visiting one another's communities, Catholics and Orthodox build relationships that will make the journey toward unity easier, Pope John Paul II said.
Meeting on September 19 with 30 priests from the Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens, the Pope said he constantly asks God "to open all our hearts to his prayer 'that all would be one.'"
The Pope's greeting to the group at his
summer residence was written in Greek; the Vatican press office provided an Italian translation.
The priests, led by Father Thomas Synodinos, vicar general of the Greek archdiocese, were on a visit to Rome.
During their visit, they held meetings with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and with the Sant'Egidio and Focolare lay movements. Pope John Paul said the visit was the type of activity Catholics and Orthodox should engage in "to know each other and appreciate each other better and to experience types of relationships which facilitate communion."
The Pope also prayed that the visit and
meetings would be "a positive and useful experience for your priestly life."
"May the Holy Spirit accompany your ministry always and reinforce the witness which each of you give to the Gospel of our common Lord," the Pope prayed.
The visit was billed as a follow up to Pope John Paul's historic 2001 trip to Athens and his meeting there with the primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos.
"We must continue to build on the solid foundation of fraternal and evangelical ties which we experienced then," the Pope told the priests. In his greeting to the Pope, Father
Synodinos said the emotion the group felt in visiting Rome's ancient Christian monuments and basilicas "increased to the breaking point" when the Pope gave his permission for the group to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Catacombs of St. Priscilla.
By meeting Catholics at the Vatican and in Rome parishes, he said, "We hope to be able to facilitate, on our part, the tightening of bonds between our two churches."
"We humbly ask Your Holiness to pray for the union of all the holy churches of God unto the glory of his holy name and for the benefit of the whole world," Father Synodinos said.
Clear-eyed confrontation of past injustice enabled the people of South Africa to overcome the legacy of apartheid and serves as a model for peacemaking worldwide, Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu told an overflow crowd on September 11 at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Archbishop Tutu, a Nobel laureate and retired archbishop, gave the keynote address for "Peacebuilding After Peace Accords," an international conference at the university. Its Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies sponsored the conference, which featured more than 50 presentations by peace scholars and activists.
Archbishop Tutu recalled his experience as head of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which brought to light abuses of the apartheid regime in order to bring peaceful healing to the country.
"We opened the wounds," he told his audience. "We cleansed them with the balm of acknowledgment. The perpetrators were given the chance to come to terms with what they had done."
South Africa surprised many outside observers, who expected that the fall of apartheid would spawn further violence as victims of discrimination lashed out at
their former oppressors, he said. Instead, the country showed that a program of "restorative justice" could help right past wrongs without resorting to retribution.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission promoted truth-telling and forgiveness instead of violence and reprisals, he said.
By establishing the commission, Archbishop Tutu said, South Africa avoided two equally bad choices: a series of Nuremberg-style trials, or the sort of amnesty that would attempt to hide old injustices.
By fostering accountability and forgiveness, Archbishop Tutu said, the commission gave South Africa a restorative justice that promoted healing over punishment and reconciliation over revenge.
"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
was a way of hope, a way of faith in the fundamental goodness of everyone," he said.
As the commission's chair, Archbishop Tutu witnessed the goodness of everyday people. He recalled how the daughter of a man who had been killed by police of the apartheid regime told him: "We would like to forgive. We would just like to know who to forgive."
In addition to praising South Africa's truth-telling and forgiveness, Archbishop Tutu lauded people around the world who supported apartheid resisters with marches, rallies and boycotts of apartheid goods.
"We are free today because of you," he said "It's a debt we will never be able to repay. In the most fundamental way, things have changed. We are free and you helped us to get
there. We can never thank you enough."
Several hundred people filled the room in which the archbishop spoke, and several hundred more gathered in a room nearby to watch his speech on closed-circuit television. Introduced by Holy Cross Father Edward Malloy, Notre Dame's president, Archbishop Tutu received standing ovations from audiences in both rooms at the beginning and end of his talk.
Throughout his remarks, Archbishop Tutu drew laughs and applause as he displayed self-deprecating humour. At one point, he sang a South African spiritual lamenting the abuses of apartheid.
After he had praised all the people from around the world who had opposed apartheid, he asked his listeners to applaud them. They did.
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) -- A Dutch priest has been suspended after he refused to end his "registered partnership" with a female theologian.
However, a church spokesman said the Dutch bishops' conference had agreed to seek "suitable alternatives" for other clergy in registered partnerships.
"This type of partnership is formally and spiritually irreconcilable with celibacy," said Peter Kohnen, spokesman for the bishops' conference.
"For privacy reasons, we can't comment directly on this case, or give information about other priests -- nor would we agree there's some massive protest going on against celibacy here," Kohnen said. Registered partnerships, which allow couples not wishing to marry to obtain
marriage-style rights, were made possible under a January 1998 law in the Netherlands.
A May 2001 bishops' conference decree prohibited Catholic priests from entering partnerships. In December 2002 the conference directed clergy who had already entered into partnerships to report to their bishops.
Germany's Catholic news agency, KNA, reported on September 7 that Rotterdam Bishop Adrianus van Luyn had suspended the rector of Rotterdam cathedral, Father Ruud Huysmans, after the priest refused to end his registered partnership with feminist theologian Freda Droes.
The agency said that about 10 other Dutch priests had contracted similar partnerships. KNA reported that Father Huysmans, 68, had appealed for arbitration to the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy.
Kohnen said he was not aware of the priest's appeal. He said the bishops' conference was adamant the partnership had violated canon law and caused
scandal. "If we stick to a strict legal definition of celibacy, we could conclude it just means not marrying," he said.
"But celibacy means a lot more than this. Its purpose is to ensure priests are open not only to God, but also to the surrounding world. This means avoiding exclusive relationships," he said.
Kohnen said church leaders acted against priests entering registered partnerships after concluding they were a form of "pseudo-marriage," since they involved binding agreements.
He said the conference would help clergy involved find "suitable alternatives" for financially supporting their partners.
"There are other possibilities that don't undermine the unique character of celibacy, and the bishops have offered to look at these," he said.
"Celibacy is, after all, a free choice -- no one forces a person to become a priest. But if you do, just as if you get married, you must realise there are certain consequences," he said.
SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- A San Francisco-based human rights group filed a lawsuit on September 16 against a former Salvadoran Air Force officer for his alleged role in the 1980 assassination of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero.
The suit was filed in Fresno on behalf of a surviving relative of Archbishop Romero by the Centre for Justice and Accountability and a San Francisco law firm. It accuses Alvaro Rafael Saravia, whose last known address was in Modesto, of playing a key role in the archbishop's assassination.
The archbishop, who headed the San Salvador Archdiocese, was killed on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. He was a strong critic of the military, accusing security forces of human rights violations during El Salvador's civil war, and had asked soldiers to disobey orders to kill innocent people.
The lawsuit alleges that Saravia obtained weapons, vehicles and other materials for purposes of carrying out the assassination and that he provided his personal driver to transport the assassin to and from the chapel where the archbishop was shot and that he also paid the assassin.
The suit notes that both the U.N. Truth Commission for El Salvador and the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights concluded in separate investigations that Saravia played a key role in organising the assassination.
Saravia was a former assistant of Salvadoran leader Roberto D'Aubuisson, a former army major who founded El Salvador's ruling ARENA party and was widely accused of running death squads that killed thousands of suspected leftists. D'Aubuisson died in 1992 of cancer. A U.N. report on El Salvador's war crimes concluded in 1993 that Archbishop Romero's death was ordered by D'Aubuisson.
According to The Associated Press, Saravia moved to the United States in the mid-1980s and was arrested in 1987 on immigration charges in Miami. The Salvadoran government requested his extradition in the assassination case, but the case was eventually dropped and Saravia was released after spending 14 months in jail. He later moved to Modesto where he owned an auto parts store, but he remains a Salvadoran citizen.
"The United States should not be a safe haven for those responsible for this heinous crime," said Joshua Sondheimer, litigation director at the Centre for Justice and Accountability.
He said it was appropriate that this suit was being filed in the United States since a 1993 amnesty law prevents those who suffered during El Salvador's notorious "dirty war" from obtaining justice in Salvadoran courts and since "Saravia and many other perpetrators of that campaign of terror" now live in this country.
The lawsuit is based on the 1789 Alien Tort Claims Act which grants jurisdiction to U.S. federal courts over civil actions committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.
It also is based on the more recent 1991 Torture Victim Protection Act which allows suits against foreign citizens in the United States for killings and torture committed abroad
David Flint, Professor of Law and Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, has written a most important and valuable book. He explores the role of the opinion-making “elites” in society and their relationship with the population at large (I will not say with “ordinary people” because there are no such things).
He demonstrates with elegance and scholarship how a relatively small number of commentators and others influential in the media, academe and the courts are seeking to impose a particular set of “adversary culture” values and agenda on the country, and to re-write its history and historical memory as well as its Constitution. The book is imbued with great learning, Christian values, and a refreshing intolerance of cant and humbug. Professor Flint’s literary style is a delight to read.
The term “elites” is not, perhaps, a perfect one - others have used terms like “Chattering classes,” “Commentariat,” and “Adversary Culture” to mean much the same thing - a group of self-referring, mutually self-promoting intellectuals and pseudo-intellectuals, mostly with an agenda of secular humanism, who control a disproportionate amount of Australia’s public debate, though the amount of power they actually possess to shape policy and events, in Australia at least, is dubious.
Like the enemy Sun-Tzu described as the most dangerous, they do not present any constant shape. Efforts to define them and their agendas are sometimes difficult but always important (Modern Britain is in many ways a sorry example of what the adversary culture can achieve by way of creating social havoc when it captures enough of the commanding height of even an affluent Western democracy).
Professor Flint has a gift for selecting the pithy and memorable quote. His recapitulation of the remarks by the sentencing judge when seven white men were hanged for the Myall Creek massacre of Aborigines in 1838 shows that from its beginning Australian jurisprudence, contrary to many claims made today, treated black and white lives as of equal human value.
He also explains concisely and accurately the Mabo decision and the arguments about the doctrine of Terra Nullius. Australia was regarded as Terra Nullius when colonised not because the Aborigines were ignored but because there was no government. In places such as New Zealand and Nigeria, where there were native governments even if the culture was profoundly different, Britain treated these governments as such.
The Judeo-Christian Culture is, he says, one of the five great pillars that have upheld Australia and made it the success-story of the Twentieth Century. He recounts the moving words of the first Christian sermon ever given in Australia, showing Christianity in Australia can point to a spirit of love and toleration extending back to its first origins:
“I do not address you as Churchmen or
Dissenters, Roman Catholics or Protestants, as Jews or Gentiles ... But I speak to you as mortals and yet immortal ... The gospel ... proposes a free and gracious pardon to the guilty, cleansing to the polluted, happiness to the miserable and even life to the dead.” He follows this with a quote from the great 18th-Century British political philosopher Edmund Burke: “We know, and what is better, we feel inwardly, that religion is the basis of civil society.” He writes movingly of attending the religious celebrations of the Centenary of Australia’s Federation in Britain.
Professor Flint is forthright in what he stands for, and his own words bear comparison to Burke’s. He writes: “Now the proposition that our society is based on Judeo-Christian culture comes as an affront to the elites who today preside over our cultural institutions, the media, the universities and the arts.
“After all, the proposition goes against the cultural relativism of this age, the elite theory that all cultures are of equal value.
Professor Flint looks at a number of recent events, including the so-called “children overboard” affair, and points out what the media has tried to bury: children ended up in peril in the water due to the actions of adults both in sinking a boat beneath them and also, for what the difference is worth, dropping them overboard.
“But facts are facts. The core of Western Society remains Christian, even if the elite humanist avalanche tries desperately to retain our civilisation while removing its heart. The various surrogates for faith ... including reason, history and nature, have each in their turn become unbelievable. The consequence is a crisis of meaninglessness, in which Nietszche revelled. The banishment of religion is a dangerous exercise, for without it the whole cultural and moral edifice of the nation and indeed mankind inevitably collapses.
“Those regimes which, since the French Revolution, have sought to remove and destroy the beliefs of the people and substitute a State atheistic ideology were all intrinsically evil. Remember first the Jacobins in France, who instituted a cult of religion and enthroned a woman, some said a prostitute, as the Goddess of Reason in Notre Dame, and who then imposed a frightful Reign of Terror. Remember, also, the Marxist experiments in Soviet Russia, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, and Nazism in Germany, which eventually destroyed themselves, but only after they had slaughtered millions and millions of innocents.”
Other chapters examine the elites’ media policy, population policies and other agendas, including their international agenda. Professor Flint looks at a number of recent events, including the so-called “children overboard” affair, and points out what the media has tried to bury: children ended up in peril in the water due to the actions of adults both in
sinking a boat beneath them and also, for what the difference is worth, dropping them overboard. One Australian Navy sailor gave evidence that: “I saw a child being dangled over the side ... by its own arm. Other women were gesticulating towards the child. ‘Oh, no, look at the poor child. It’s going to die,’ or words to that effect. They were obviously attempting to unsettle us. The child, about three years old, was also screaming. I then saw the woman drop the child.” This incident has been distorted to the point where a most prominent member of the chattering classes (what Professor Flint would call the elites) actually wrote in the Australian on 30 April this year: “[Prime Minister] Howard was chucking children overboard.” Another, Robert Manne, seemed to blame the Australian Navy for the sinking with loss of life of the SIEV-X (“Our humanity sank with SIEV-X”) in international waters far from any Australian ships that could have helped. Professor Flint says: “The absurdity of this argument is self-evident. There is not a tittle of evidence linking the tragic sinking of that vessel with Australian sailors doing their duty to the nation.”
It is not despite, but because of, the elite’s prescriptions being largely ignored, Professor Flint argues, that Australia is the success story of the 20th Century. He quotes a former Argentinian Government Minister, Professor Jorge Castro: In 1900 Australia and Argentina were the two richest countries in the world. Yet today Argentina is drowning in a sea of debt and despair, the biggest loan defaulter of all. It has had a cycle of democratic and dictatorial governments, the last being responsible for the murder of thousands of people. Yet, Professor Castro says, if Argentina had such insti-
tutions as Australia, it would be like Australia in 10 or 20 years. Professor Flint comments: “Professor Castro is right. The Australian experience is unique. It is built on the institutions and values imported from Britain and made Australian.” And again he quotes Burke: “Society is indeed a contract ... between those living, those who are dead and those who are to be born.”
This book is full of well-told factual information and also gems of wisdom. One of the most important sections is the chapter “Restoring the Federation”, where Professor Flint makes a number of suggestions - all of which seem to me highly sensible, desirable and realisticfor positive change, including altering the now outdated and stupidly oppressive Section 44 (i) of the Constitution, preventing anyone who is entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or citizen of a foreign power from sitting in Federal Parliament.
This section has already been used oppressively, and I believe that among other things it could actually be taken as disqualifying all Jews from sitting in the Australian Federal Parliament because under the Israeli Law of Return any Jew of good character has the right to become a citizen of Israel. Professor Flint proposes substituting a positive requirement for Parliamentarians to be Australian citizens. His other points on the flag, a Bill of Rights, the Electoral System (at present, as he demonstrates, wide open to fraud) etc, are also full of good sense.
I heartily recommend this book for all who care for the future of Australia, and commend Freedom Publishing for producing it. It should have a place in every Australian home.
TAX RETURNS, mobile tax return preparation service.For all your tax and accounting needs - business and personal.Contact John Edwards 9388 6773all hours.
BUILDING TRADES
BRICK re-pointing.Phone Nigel 9242 2952
ELECTRICIAN, Power/light points from $50 each.
our speciality. 0418 941 286, 9279 5008.
LIC.PLUMBER/gas fitter, Contact John on 9457 7771, Mobile 0412 185 209.
PICASSO Painting.Top service.Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.
PERROTT PAINTING Pty
Ltd for all your residential, commercial painting requirements.Phone Tom
9444 1200.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
WORK from home Opportunity knocks. www.wfhoffice.com
Esperance Oct-Dec MC
Lic.For Scania 143 2 trailer pockets road train ph:9079 2017 or (m) 0427 792 017
DUNSBOROUGH Cottage
Avail 2nd week of school holidays.Ph:9204 6330(w) or 9341 5790 (h)
HUMBLE MESSENGER
RELIGIOUS CATHOLIC
SHOP 16/80 Barrack Street, PERTH (inside Bon Marche Arcade).New phone number:9225 7199. New stock just arrived.
Sunday,September 28
ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK (EWTN)
Access 31,1 - 2 pm.This week Tim Gray speaks about his book,The Sacraments in Scripture,with host Doug Keck (Bookmark Series);followed by an inspiring discussion of highlights in a pilgrimage for youth,with focus on St Michael's Mount,Paris and Rome (Onward Pilgrims). These beautiful programs may be accessed free-to-air by satellite dish,and also by means of videos in free lending libraries.All enquiries:9330-1170.We are struggling financially to keep EWTN on Access 31,and urgently need your help to continue.Please send donations and comments to The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270,Booragoon 6954.We would like to know your preference in topics.
Vocations Ministry.An opportunity to learn more about brotherhood through input,sharing,time for reflective prayer and the eucharist.10.30am – 6pm.For further information contact:Brother Tony Hackett 9450 5912 or tonyhackett@bigpond.com
Sunday October 12
SCHOENSTATT SHRINE
ALL areas.Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.
DO YOU NEED MORE:
Monday September 29
SUNG LATIN MASS
DENMARK - To Let, beautiful new 3bd, 2bth cottage, avail from Oct 11.Ph:(after 4pm):0412 08 33 77/ 9402 1252
Why not stay at
STORMANSTON HOUSE
27 McLaren Street,North Sydney Restful & secure accommodation operated by the Sisters of Mercy, North Sydney.
• Situated in the heart of North Sydney and short distance to the city
• Rooms available with ensuite facility
• Continental breakfast, tea/coffee making facilities
& television
• Separate lounge/dining room, kitchen & laundry
• Private off-street parking
Contact:Phone:(02) 9957 5040 or email:nsmercy@ozemail.com.au
Phone & TV aerial sockets, secuity alarms installed or relocated.Get a registered cabler (T08629), police licenced.Daniel:0417 977 779 or 93433278
THANK YOU
TO THE most Sacred Heart of Jesus, his Mother and St Jude for all my prayers answered.MM
NEW EMAIL: administration@ therecord.com.au
Combined Churches Service of Worship for the opening of
and launch of ‘Rainbow Reflections’, a book of poems written by people associated with the Rainbow Project will be held at Manning Uniting Church 19 Pether Road, Manning Sunday October 5, at 3.00pm Please stay for afternoon tea after the service.
SEPTEMBER
26-28Visitation
OCTOBER
1 Mass for the Holy Father,St Mary's CathedralArchbishop Hickey
for 100th meeting of Catenian Association: Swan Valley Circle - Archbishop Hickey
2Pastoral Support Meeting for Newly Ordained, St Thomas More College - Archbishop Hickey,Bishop Sproxton
3-5Visitation and Confirmation,Como - Archbishpo Hickey
5Day for Seminarians,St Charles' Seminary - Bishop Sproxton
8 Ecumenical Service,National Conference of Australian Church Women - Mrs Sue Larson
In honour of the feast of St Michael,the Archangel, Defender of the Church.10am,St John’s Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave,Perth.All welcome.Enquiries:Fr Michael Rowe.ph 9444 9604.
Friday October 3
ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS
All night Eucharistic Adoration.Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be held at Saint Bernadette’s Church,Jugan Street, Glendalough.Holy Mass at 9pm.Vigil concludes Saturday with Parish Mass at 7.30am followed by Benediction.
Friday October 3
PRO-LIFE PROCESSION
The First Friday Mass,Procession and Rosary Vigil will commence at 9.30am with Mass celebrated at St Brigid’s Church,Midland.The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate will lead us.All are invited to witness for the sanctity of life and pray for the conversion of hearts.Enquiries Helen 9402 0349
Friday October 3 – Saturday October 4
REIGN OF THE TWO HEARTS
All Saints Chapel,Allendale Sq.First Friday Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and First Saturday Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary commencing at 9pm with Holy Mass.Concluding with Holy Mass at 7am. Enquiries 9444 1940 or 9385 8563.Please come and join us in prayer.Tea,coffee and sandwiches will be available during the night.
Friday October 3 – Sunday October 5
BROTHER ANDREW’S THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Father Paul Glynn’s long awaited latest book will be launched at God’s Farm by Father Paul personally as he takes the Celebration Retreat for Brother Andrew’s Third anniversary.Don’t miss the riches of this wonderful anniversary retreat on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.Friday 7.30pm to Sunday 2pm at God’s Farm –Gracewood,40k’s south of Busselton.Suggested donation $80 inc.all meals.Contact Betty Peaker.P O Box 24 Cowaramup 6284.Tel/Fax 08 9755 6212.
Saturday October 4
WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION
The next First Saturday Mass,Procession and Rosary Vigil will commence with Mass at 8.30am at St Anne’s Church,Hehir St,Belmont.We proceed prayerfully to the Rivervale Abortion Centre and conclude with Rosary.Led by Fr Paul Carey .Please join us to pray peacefully for the conversion of hearts.Enq Helen 9402 0349.
Saturday October 4
ARMADALE PARISH MISSION
A focus on prayer and meditation and its part in building faith and community.The Mission Director will be Fr Justin Belitz OFM,an inspiring speaker.The venue:St Francis Xavier Parish,Armadale,from Saturday Oct 4 to Thursday Oct 9.For more information,phone the Parish Office 9399 2143.
Sunday October 5
DIVINE MERCY
An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square,Perth at 1.30pm.Program:Holy Rosary and Reconciliation.Sermon:St Faustina Kowolista,with Fr Donald Kettle followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction.Enquiries :John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
Tuesday October 7
DAY OF PRAYER
Holy Family House of Prayer.23 Keppell Mews, Rockingham.Feast of the Holy Rosary.9am to 5pm Phone Patty Powell on 9527 9165
Sunday October 12
A REFLECTION DAY FOR YOUNG MEN(18-35)
Sponsored by Christian Brothers & Marist Brothers
To mark the end of the Year of the Rosary and our Holy Fathers 25th Jubilee in Office,we invite you to pray the Rosary with us and your family in the Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive,Armadale,between 11am and 3pm.After you have prayed long enough you will be longing for some tea,coffee and other goodies and we sure have them too.There will be a sausage sizzle,cakes ,as well as plants from the Shrine and other garden aspects. There is a charge of course,but free activities on the Rosary for the children.See you there.
Sunday October 19
OFFICIAL BLESSING AND OPENING
Our Lady's Assumption School invites all past and present staff,students,parents and parishioners to the Official blessing and opening of the last 2 stages of the building program at 2pm.The Opening will include the library,administration block,kindergarten -Year 2 classes and the Shared Facility.Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Wednesday October 22
FEAST OF ST JUDE
This will be celebrated at St Jude’s Church,20 Prendiville Way, Langford.The program of celebrations will be as follows:A Triduum will take place from Oct 22 to Oct 24, starting with a Mass at 9am on Wed Oct 22,followed by a healing Mass on Saturday Oct 25 at 6.30pm,and another healing Mass on Sunday Oct 26 at 5.30pm.A First Communion Mass will also be celebrated on Sunday at 9am the chief celebrant will be Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton.On Tuesday ,Oct 28 the proper Feast Day of St Jude,there will be a special Mass at 9am.All welcome. For more details please contact the Parish Office on 9458 1946.
Sunday October 26
MULTICULTURAL FOOD FAIR
Mercedes College Hall Cnr.Victoria Square and Goderich St,Perth 11am-4pm,free entrance.Mass 11.30-12.30 at St Mary’s Cathedral,Victoria Sq.All proceeds will go towards completing the new Bindoon Church.All welcome! Enquiries Fr Paul 9571 1839 or Francis 0404 893 877.Parking available in Mercedes College Grounds, Goderich St from 11am and the Cathedral Grounds after 12.30pm.
Friday October 31
DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE
To Bove Farm.Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine. Coach will leave Our Lady of Mercy Church,Girrawheen at 8.15am,John Paul Church at 9am and our Lady of Lourdes Church,Rockingham at 9.30am.Divine Mercy program from 2pm until approx.5pm.Main celebrant,Fr Marcellinus Meilak OFM.Tea,coffee and soft drinks available for all including BYO people.Evening meal supplied, if required.All Enquiries:John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
NOVENA DEVOTION
In Honour of St Joseph.Every Wednesday at 1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral.Please join us in prayer for our Holy Father,Priests and religious,Holy Vocations,the sick,the deceased and all your special intentions.
HOLY HOUR
Every Wednesday at St Mary’s Cathedral,we have a Holy hour from 11am to 12noon.For all sick people and especially for our young people including the drug addicted and street kids.Please come and join us in prayer.Those who wish may also bring along a list of names of all the sick people they would like to pray for.
CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY
Healing Masses:1st Monday of month 7pm Church of East Fremantle,2nd Monday of month 10am St Jerome’s Munster & 3rd Monday of Month 7pm St Dominic’s Innaloo.Term 3 begins July 21 to Sept 26 for:Family & Friends Support Groups of Substance Abusers on Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm,Substance Abusers Support Groups on Tuesdays 5.30pm – 7.30pm & Fridays 2pm –3.30pm & All day Group for Substance Abusers on Fridays 10.30am – 3.30pm,Spirituality:Tuesdays 7pm –9pm & Mass:Fridays 7pm.
It was a case of Carnivalé in the city earlier this week when hundreds of students from some 47 Catholic primary and secondary schools converged on Forrest Place for the celebration of Carnivalé 2003 - a major event in the commemoration of Catholic Education Week.
From sheep shearing to horseback poetry, colourful clowns to living statues, solar cooking displays, fashion parades, science displays, live art classes and a huge variety show performed over two stages, Carnivalé 2003 provided a spectacle of colour and activity that mesmerised the large crowd that gathered as the day went on.
As guest of honour on the day, Ron Dullard, the recently appointed Director of Catholic education, was publicly welcomed into the sector by the Chairman of the Catholic Education Commission, Monsignor Michael Keating.
Other highlights of the welcoming ceremony included the presentation to Mr Dullard of message sticks from the local Noongar community, the procession of 60 flags and 30 national costumes from around the globe, the release of 100 helium balloons and the presentation to Mr Dullard of a portrait drawn for him by Lily Stachewicz, a year one student from Holy Spirit School, City Beach.
