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Priest’s family beats visa hurdles to share in
A JOY THAT CANNOT BE CONTAINED By Robert Hiini MOMENTS after Fr Crispin Witika was ordained a priest on March 21, the front-row pew at St Mary’s Cathedral erupted in joyous song and ululating voices. Zambian sounds of spontaneous and heartfelt celebration peppered the priest’s ordination Mass, largely thanks to his three nieces and a nephew who had travelled from Zambia to share in the occasion. Speaking to The Record earlier this week, Fr Witika said that without Archbishop Timothy Costelloe’s help, their joyous presence might
never have eventuated. He said it was Archbishop Costelloe’s letter to the Australian High Commission in Pretoria, the nearest commission to Zambia, that secured their last minute visas. “When you are in, I wouldn’t say a ‘foreign country’ because I’m part of the congregation here, it makes a difference when your own blood, your brothers and sisters, are here with you. It gives you great joy and happiness,” Fr Witika said. Their presence, great in and of itself, was like having his late father and ill mother present for the special event, the priest said.
Fr Witika arrived in Australia aged 43 from Italy in 2008, beginning his seminary studies almost immediately. As a younger man, he had spent five years as an electrician before feeling called to
three years missioning in Ireland before another three-year stint in Italy. It was during a 2007 gathering with the then-Pope Benedict XVI in Loreto that he felt called to become a priest.
To be a priest is not something that belongs to us. It is something we are given by God. the life of a lay missionary in the Neocatechumenal Way. He was first sent to Uganda were he missioned for 13 years, followed by short stints in numerous other African countries. He then spent
Fr Witika referenced Archbishop Costelloe’s homily when asked what being a priest meant to him. “To be a priest is not something that belongs to us. It is something we are given by God because the
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High Priest is Jesus Christ himself,” Fr Witika said. “We are participants in the priesthood of Jesus Christ and this gives me a lot of respect for this ministry because I know that I don’t merit it but that God wills that I participate in this ministry, and that I have to give myself completely to the people. “I heard some words from the Pope saying be faithful to the Church and the Church will be faithful to you. I have seen how faithful the Church has been to me in spite of what I am. God has been very faithful to me.” PHOTOS: PAGE 8
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God’s mercy a festival of colours
Round-Up JUANITA SHEPHERD
Young invited to get to know God of love Jesus Youth Perth, an international Catholic Youth movement active in 25 countries around the world, is hosting an event aimed at young people on Saturday, March 29 from 1.45pm till 5pm at the Queen of Apostles parish house in Riverton. Youth Vibes is a half-day youth event based on the theme ‘God Who Loves You’ and will be Queen of Apostles’ first parish youth event of 2014. “It is an opportunity to connect young people with the same faith,” Deepak Kuriacose, Jesus Youth Perth Coordinator told The Record. “It is also an opportunity to prepare for Holy Week, to share the Gospel and to pray together.” Open to all youth within the Archdiocese of Perth, Youth Vibes will include games, music, activities, Lenten reflection, prayer, inspirational talks and testimonies. For more information, contact Deepak Kuriacose on 0415 308 889 or email jesusyouthperth@ gmail.com.
College celebrates its greatest assets Mercy College celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Australia and its own school community with Harmony Day on March 19. Each year, Mercy College holds a Harmony Day assembly in which parents, staff and students - from Pre-primary to Year 12 - join together as one community to celebrate the diversity of a multicultural Australia. This year’s theme of ‘Many Stories One Australia’ was reflected in the variety and colour of the
Students at Mercy College, Koondoola celebrated their diverse backgrounds and cultures on March 19 at their school assembly marking national Harmony Day, an Australian Government initiative. PHOTO: MERCY COLLEGE diversity is one of our most valuable assets, enriching our social fabric and bringing with it a variety of cultural and economic benefits.” Principal Paul Rafter said Harmony Day was about respect and a sense of belonging and acceptance of others. “It is a celebration of the cultures that make Australia great and promotes an environment in which all people participate in Australia’s future,” Mr Rafter said. “It is through the understanding of others’ cultures that we also understand our own. These important values are the core of why the college community celebrates cultural diversity through
students’ dress, with their national costumes representing many of the 56 countries of the Mercy College community. During the assembly the students, through symbol, word and song, celebrated the success of the college and the gifts that such diversity brings to it every day. “With students from every corner of the globe, representing many ethnic groups, cultures and creeds, Mercy College is a microcosm of multicultural Australia,” the college’s Chas Bursey told The Record. “Multiculturalism has helped to develop a dynamic, colourful and vibrant society and our cultural
Isidore of Seville
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This bishop’s extensive writings influenced church thinking for a millennium. As bishop of Seville, Spain, from about 600 until his death, he presided over two councils, promoted acceptance of the “filioque” clause of the Creed, and battled the Arian heresy. He wrote a history of the barbarian invasions of Spain and compiled in “The Etymologiae” all that was known in his time. Nearing death, he gave away everything he had, confessed his faults to his people in church, and received Communion. Pope John XXIII admired his ideas about the ideal bishop, notably that ”Every bishop should be distinguised as much by his humility as by his authority.” A doctor of the church, Isidore is the patron saint of computer users.
Saints
Chris Jaques
CRUISING
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FLIGHTS
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TOURS
Tuesday 1st - Violet 1st Reading: Ezek 47:1-9, 12 Living water Responsorial Ps 45:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Psalm: God is a helper Gospel Reading: Jn 5:1-3, 5-16 Do not sin any more •
HOLIDAY ?
The Record PO Box 3075 Adelaide Terrace PERTH WA 6832 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000 Tel: (08) 9220 5900 Fax: (08) 9325 4580 Website: www.therecord.com.au The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription. The Record is printed by Rural Press Printing Mandurah and distributed via Australia Post and CTI Couriers.
Send your Round-Up items to Juanita Shepherd office@therecord.com.au
Another witness
Friday 4th - Violet ST ISIDOR, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (0) 1st Reading: Wis 2:1, 12-22 See no reward Responsorial Ps 33:16, 18,19-21, 23 Psalm: Broken hearts Gospel Reading: Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Hour not yet come Saturday 5th - Violet ST VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST (O) 1st Reading: Jer 11:18-20 A trustful lamb Responsorial Ps 7:2-3, 9-12 Psalm: God is my shield Gospel Reading: Jn 7:40-52 He is the Christ Sunday 6th - Violet 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT 1st Reading: Ezek 37:12-14 I am the Lord Responsorial Ps 129:1-8 Psalm: Waiting for the Lord 2nd Reading: Rom 8:8-11 Your spirit is life Gospel Reading: Jn 11:1-45 Death to life
FW OO2 12/07
Mariette Ulrich Fr John Flader
Thursday 3rd - Violet 1st Reading: Ex 32:7-14 The Lord relented Responsorial Ps 105:19-23 Psalm: The golden calf Gospel Reading: Jn 5:31-47
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Contributors Debbie Warrier Barbara Harris Bernard Toutounji
Wednesday 2nd - Violet ST FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT (O) 1st Reading: Isa 49:8-15 I will help you Responsorial Ps 144:8-9, 13-14, Psalm: 17-18 The Lord is faithful Gospel Reading: Jn 5:17-30 The Father and the Son
Thinking of that
ice Personal Serv will target your dream.
Notre Dame law student James Haywood has used his love for Manchester United Football Club
Monday 31st - Violet 1st Reading: Isa 65:17-21 Past not remembered Responsorial Ps 29:2, 4-6, 11-13 Psalm: The Lord had pity Gospel Reading: Jn 4:43-54 Your son will live
c. 565 - 636 feast - April 4
Robert Hiini
Notre Dame student taps Man-U fervour
READINGS OF THE WEEK
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Acting Editor
Harmony Day.” Western Australia is one of the nation’s most culturally diverse states with more than a quarter of its population born overseas. People of more than 200 different nationalities live and work in WA, speak 170 languages and practise over 100 religious faiths.
(MUFC) to raise money for Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital. On Saturday, March 8, the newly formed Perth Manchester United Supporters Club WA held its first annual charity event, auctioning off Manchester United memorabilia in the form of personally signed player frames, manager frames and signed shirts. “It was an unreal experience,” Mr Haywood, committee member of the club, told The Record. “I was blown away by the turnout and everyone’s generosity, it was great and some people, myself included, were able to pick up some unique MUFC memorabilia while helping out charity.” Mr Haywood bid on two items; the first was a signed Cristiano Ronaldo frame and the second was a signed Wayne Rooney frame. “Unfortunately, I was outbid on the first one but I had a silver lining in the sense that at the end of the night I came away with the Rooney frame for $290 which pocketed a nice $20 towards charity as all the cash past the reserve price went to PMH.” The first time charity event was such a success that chairman of Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital Steve Long is very hopeful that something similar will happen next year. In addition, Manchester United was playing West Bromwich Albion on the night of the event. That added to the excitement, Mr Haywood said, providing a fantastic backdrop to the competitive bidding. “There was apprehension given the on-field performance of MUFC at that time, which thankfully isn’t often,” Mr Haywood said. “I’m an avid MUFC fan so I would never miss out on a chance to see the boys play. Win, lose or draw, I’m Red till I die.”
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Light of Christ in a myriad of guises By Juanita Shepherd LUMEN CHRISTI College Gosnells celebrated Harmony Day on March 21 to mark acceptance, tolerance and justice as the foundations of a Catholic community and of Australia’s civic society. First introduced to the college in 2012, Harmony Day was celebrated as an extended lunchtime activity and has been a key part of the school’s curriculum for the past three years. Initially implemented to challenge existing prejudices and attitudes towards those of a different heritage or background, it has also proved a positive way to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity. “It is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home; from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world,” Tara Holmes. coordinator of the college’s Harmony Day told The Record. “I have always had a firm belief that it is our role as humanities teachers to educate students about tolerance and acceptance as part of our curriculum so, along with the support of the Executive Team and the fabulous Society and Environment team, I took the opportunity to make a difference and enrolled Lumen Christi on the Australian Government’s Harmony Day website,” Mrs Holmes said. “We have over 40 nationalities within our student cohort and staff, which reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural groups of the surrounding area and Perth.” Activities on the day included: a cultural costume competition for all students and staff; a multicultural food ordering service from the local Thai and Noodle restaurants; an American-style milkshake and cookie stall; and the Lumen Band which played throughout the afternoon. The highly anticipated grand finale saw students dressed in traditional outfits from various countries including Africa, Ireland, India and Thailand parade in front of their peers and teachers in the Jubilee Gardens. “Harmony Day is about teaching students that no matter where you are from, or however long you or your family have been in Australia, your personal and cultural heritage is as equally important as everyone else’s,” Mrs Holmes said.
Above, the winners of Lumen Christi’s national and cultural costume competition at its national Harmony Day celebration on March 21.
PHOTOS: JUANITA SHEPHERD
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Visiting: Tel Aviv • Caesarea • Megiddo • Haifa • Sea of Galilee • Nazareth • Petra (Jordan) • Jerusalem • Masada • The Dead Sea • Beer Sheva and more. Interested persons information session 6.00pm to 7.00pm Tuesday 15th April 2014 For tour itinerary and acceptance of Information evening, contact
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Beloved teacher recognised for 42 years of service By Juanita Shepherd PETER ELLOY celebrated his 70th birthday and 42 years’ service at La Salle College on March 19. The college’s longest serving staff member has been described as a big brother, a father figure and now a surrogate grandfather to his students. Mr Elloy’s work began in Calcutta when he worked with Mother Theresa in her orphanage and pharmacy while studying at the University of Calcutta, India. Following his graduation, he worked as a teacher for five years in India before arriving in Perth in December 1971 with his wife Jennifer and their son James. Mr and Mrs Elloy went on to have three more children, Leisha, Christina and Karen, and they all attended La Salle, which employed Mr Elloy in April 1972. The next 42 years saw Mr Elloy holding a number of roles at the college including as Society and Environment Coordinator, Deputy Principal, House Coordinator and Religious Education Coordinator. Mr Elloy is best known for his role as Year 8 Coordinator. Members of the college community told The Record that generations of students would remember him as a man renowned for his gentleness, humility and generosity. In recognition of Mr Elloy’s 42 years, the newly built staff centre which was blessed and opened by Bishop Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth on Friday, February 28, has been named in his honour. A portrait painted of Mr Elloy by Madison Italiano from the Class of 2012 hangs in the Peter Elloy Staff Centre. “It was a privilege to be asked to paint this portrait of Mr Elloy,” Miss Italiano said. “Mr Elloy was one of the first teachers I ever met at La
Educator Peter Elloy has served La Salle College for 42 years, pictured above with a portrait painted in his honour by Year 12 student, Madison Italiano. Miss Italiano said it was “a privilege to be asked to paint this portrait ... I have many wonderful memories of him”. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Salle and I have many wonderful memories of him over my five years at the college.” Miss Italiano said that Mr Elloy was loved and respected by everyone and she wanted the painting to capture these sentiments. “I asked past and present students to provide
one word that they felt described him,” Miss Italiano said. “I received so many replies that I could not use them all so instead I tried to incorporate the ones that were repeated most often. “In doing so, I hope that my painting reflects how much Mr
Elloy means to us all at La Salle College.” The new Peter Elloy Staff Centre is a tangible way to honour Mr Elloy’s contributions to the college and has become a place of collegiality and recreation for the staff. Mr Elloy continues his service
as an Acolyte for St Jude’s Parish, Langford and also serves in that capacity at La Salle College. One college staff member said he is known by the college as the embodiment of a La Sallian educator, providing a human and Christian education to his students.
Justin Langer to speak on the difference his faith makes FORMER Australian test cricketer Justin Langer will share how his Catholic faith inspires him at the fourth instalment of The Catholic Man Breakfast Series (CMBS) hosted by Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe SDB and sponsored by menALIVE. Mr Langer played 105 test matches for Australia, scoring 7,696 runs including 23 centuries. The CMBS has become an established feature of the Perth Catholic calendar and includes multimedia, table talk and inspirational Catholic guest speakers. The event allows Catholic men of all ages to gather together and be encouraged in their faith, to network across boundaries, and to reinforce their Catholic identity. Local menALIVE team member Kim Metcalf said he had observed “a pleasing trend at recent events [with] the participation of our Catholic schools bringing young men to give them a glimpse of what it means to be a man and to be Catholic beyond their school days”. The CMBS featuring Justin
Langer will be held at the Duxton Hotel on Thursday, May 1 from 7 to 9am sharp. Enquiries and bookings can be made to Kim Metcalf on 0414 537 023 or direct to cmbs@ menalive.org.au. Additionally, Bunbury parish is hosting a menALIVE week-
Justin Langer to speak at the next Catholic Man Breakfast Series, sponsored by Archbishop Costelloe and menALIVE. end at their parish centre on May 17/18, with menALIVE describing the weekend as “powerful and dynamic ... Many men are inspired and encouraged with a new sense of purpose and mission”. Enquiries and bookings can be made to Ian Lewis on 0428 742 534 or ian.lewis@bunburycatholic.org.au.
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One of Australian Cricket’s most esteemed sons, and a Mass-going Catholic, Justin Langer. SUPPLIED
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‘Enough is enough’ in dignity fight By Juanita Shepherd CATHOLIC Mission hosted a special High Tea at St Mary’s Cathedral on March 6 to celebrate International Women’s Day and to raise awareness for Girl-Child Education and Protection projects. Guests at the event were visibly enthralled and moved as they heard from guest speakers Rabia Siddique and Sister Pat Bottriel SJA in the Cathedral’s undercroft. Sr Bottriel, an experienced missionary sister from the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, addressed around 100 women and girls at the event. Sr Bottriel has dedicated her life to the protection and rescue of young girls from prostitution and human trafficking in Thailand. “It affects you,” Sr Bottriel said about the plight of the women. “You have to do something about it, even if it is something small.” Together with the other sisters of her order, Sr Bottriel has helped start a hostel where rescued women receive the help they need. “We give them a safe place to stay and we also give them an education so we can prepare them for the future.” Sr Bottriel also acknowledged the work of lay women, stating that it’s not just the religious who help in the fight against trafficking and prostitution. The event’s other guest speaker Rabia Siddique is one such woman, a human rights lawyer and the first female legal officer deployed by the British Army to negotiate the release of UK soldiers in Iraq in 2005. Just as she and her colleague were about to reach an agreement with the insurgents, 3,000 Iraqis stormed the prison as a rumour had been spread that Israeli spies had been captured. “I could see something burning,” Ms Siddique said. “I realised it was a British soldier on fire.” Following the incident, Ms Siddique’s colleague was awarded military honours. For political reasons, she was told to keep quiet. “I remembered a nine-year-old girl keeping quiet,” Ms Siddique said, a reference to her own experience of sexual abuse as a child. “This time I said no, enough
is enough.” She successfully filed a discrimination case against the British Army which she called a David and Goliath case. Of Indian origin, Ms Siddique immigrated to Perth in the 1970s and attended
Ms Siddique and her colleague were about to conclude the deal when 3,000 outraged Iraqis attacked. PC14_Record_157mm x 170mm_FA.ai
Iona College. A mother of triplets, Ms Siddique is a strong advocate for girls’ education, as well as the rights and dignity of women everywhere. “Protecting children is an important part of the Church,” Francis Leong, Director of Catholic Mission said. “It [was] a very strong interfaith gathering and it is also about bringing people together to affirm the work of our Catholic sisters.”
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Top, Rabia Siddique speaks at Catholic Mission’s High Tea event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March PM 6. Left, UNDA Vice-Chancellor, Celia Hammond, and Sr Pat Bottriel SJA. PHOTOS: JUANITA SHEPHERD
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Indonesians bring the flavour By Mick Soh THE SMELL of authentic Indonesian satay filled Yildarra Primary School as the West Australian Indonesian Catholic Community hosted its’ annual food fair on Sunday, March 16. The fair saw other traditional Indonesian delicacies such as rice and noodle dishes, grilled and fried chicken, spring rolls, peanut and Ikan Bilis Bakeang and Rendang sold to eager fair-goers. “The purpose of the WAICC Annual Food Fair is it is a fundraising event for us, because we are a self-funded community,” WAICC Vice-President Rio Varen told The Record. “And we do this once a year to raise funds for our community, to raise funds for our events, for our activities, and all other religious and social activities that we have.” Mr Varen, who moved to Australia in 1996, said that the WAICC had made use of technology today to make their presence felt in Perth. “This event is widely known by other people in Perth, not just Catholic people because the way we market it nowadays is using the technology available, such as Facebook,” he said. “We advertise it through our website and then through our Facebook site. And then our members advertise it through their Facebook pages.” “Then after that their friends then will read that and their friends may not necessarily be Catholics, they may not be necessarily Indonesian, but they always come to these events because of the variety of the Indonesian food they can get here.” The promotion of the event online has drawn both the Indonesian and non-Indonesian communities together, especially parishioners of St Thomas More, which hosted the event. Mr Varen does not stop anyone from helping the WAICC in their events. “A lot of our Indonesian Catholics in Perth have families who are not
Members of the West Australian Indonesian Catholic Community at their annual food fair, March 16.
PHOTO: MICK SOH
Indonesian and they are welcome to attend and help out... We extend our membership to those families as well,” he said. “We don’t have any restriction and we do welcome other people to help.”
“The WAICC annual food fair is widely known by people in Perth, not just Catholic people, because we market it using the technology available.” The WAICC is also very active at Pater Noster Church, Myaree, where they hold their Indonesian Cenacle and Mass every 1st and 3rd Monday at 7pm, as well as their weekly Sunday Mass at 5pm. More information on the WAICC is available on their website www.waicc.org.au.
Masters of satay: gentlemen from the West Australian Indonesian Catholic Community showing fair-goers how it’s done. PHOTO: MICK SOH
Anglican diocese offers new take on Passion play THE ANGLICAN Diocese of Perth, supported by the Heads of Churches (WA) and City of Perth will present St George’s Cathedral’s production of The Passion of Christ 2014 for two performances only in the grounds of Government House Gardens over Palm Sunday weekend 12 and 13 April at 7.30pm. The Passion of Christ 2014 is a contemporary Easter play for all ages. Written by well-known West Australian playwright and former Curtin University Senior Lecturer in Performance Studies, Tony Nicholls, the script is based on the ancient poem, “The Dream of the Rood”, in which the story of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ is seen from the point of view of the Cross. The play is set against the backdrop of 21st century Perth, and the story is told through the eyes of a young man-on-the-run named Gary, who unexpectedly meets a mysterious ensemble of performers. It is coming up to Easter and a young Gary commits an act of passionate vandalism in a shopping centre. He runs away and hides in an empty building, except it’s not empty. There’s a cross there. It starts to talk to him – and he starts to talk back. The play that follows is a passionate debate in which the boy confronts each of the major figures in the Easter story and forces them to explain and justify their roles, but this time complete with paparazzi and the trappings of fame in the 21st century. Prior to the performance, there is an opportunity for patrons to practise some quiet reflection at St George’s Cathedral and on Sunday 13 April, 5pm there is a Service of Passiontide Music & Readings in St George’s Cathedral, with clergy available for discussions about the play and its meaning. More information is availability at www.perth.anglican.org.
Captivating Holy Land is yours for the visiting Advertorial LAST YEAR George Booth, the Director of Sales at Travel Tree, visited Israel with a group to visit the biblical sites of the country and the trip provided an unforgettable experience. The history, archaeology and access to the biblical sites were beyond the group’s expectation. To follow up on the experience Travel Tree have designed an escorted 17 Day group departure on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from Perth and including a 2 night extension to Petra in Jordan to visit the carved rock temple, one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites . The tour will visit ‘essential’ Israel
with visits to Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Megiddo (Armageddon), Haifa, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee , Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Jericho, Beersheba, Masada, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran and more. The trip cost is $5,875. Share twin person from Perth has flights, taxes, accommodation, breakfast daily, coach services, tips, audio sets for Israel tours and the services of a guide from Perth and local guide in Israel and Jordan. On Tuesday, April 15, 2014 there will be an information evening for those interested in obtaining more information on the tour. For details of the tour or information evening, contact Maxiema on 9382 5044.
Left: A guard stands above Al Khazneh or The Treasury at Petra. Above: Pilgrims and tourists walk towards the Chruch of the Holy Sepulchre situated within Jerusalem. PHOTOS: IMAGES COURTESY OF: ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM & JORDAN TOURISM BOARD
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CHA backs repeal of charities body legislation DESPITE good intentions to reduce charity red tape, the legislation creating the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has unnecessarily added regulatory burdens to the nation’s crucial charitable sector, Catholic Health Australia said this week. The country’s peak Catholic health body says the Federal Government’s decision to repeal the ACNC Act should not be blocked by the Opposition and cross-bench members of the Senate.
Catholic Health Australia CEO Martin Laverty said a number of charitable organisations have been negatively impacted by some aspects of the ACNC, which was established with an aim to simplify the works of those groups. In practice, though, organisations have had to duplicate some reporting procedures and there is ongoing uncertainty among the sector about how the Commission’s new powers might infringe on their independence.
“Those who set up the ACNC promised a national one-stop shop that could manage all registration, fundraising oversight and reporting
failed to deliver the much wanted one-stop shop, with organisations now having more reporting obligations than under the previous
“Those who set up the ACNC promised a national one-stop shop... the act failed to deliver”. on behalf of Commonwealth, state and territory governments,” Mr Laverty explained. “Unfortunately, the legislation setting up the ACNC
legislative framework. Charitable associations that once reported to one government now report to two. Setting up a charitable com-
Enshrined in wedded bliss By Juanita Shepherd IT WAS AN HISTORIC moment for both the engaged couple and Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale, when David Gallo-Martinez married Yarelis Alvarez on Saturday March 1. The couple obtained special permission to get married at the Shrine, a rare exception the Sisters of the shrine were happy to oblige to the long-time friends of the shrine. Mr and Mrs Gallo-Martinez met seven years ago at a birthday lunch. Their relationship began when Mr Gallo-Martinez sent through some pictures of the birthday lunch, which led to talking and the decision to go and see a movie together. “We went to see Saw 3,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. “It wasn’t romantic at all and it was a chance for me to break his arm because I was so scared throughout the movie that I held him so tightly.” Despite the questionable choice of movie for their first date things began to get serious. For Mrs GalloMartinez it was also a chance for her to come back to her faith. “I come from a Catholic family from my dad’s side,” Mrs GalloMartinez said. “When I moved to Australia with my mother I lost that, but when I met David he brought me back to Church.” The couple started going to Mass together every Sunday’s at St Thomas More Parish Bateman. On May 19, 2012 David and Yarelis Gallo-Martinez welcomed their son Miguel. “He wasn’t planned at all and it was a big surprise,” Mrs GalloMartinez said. The couple had the full support of both families and they decided to confront the situation. “We wanted to give our baby a home and a family,” Mrs GalloMartinez said. “I felt bad that we weren’t married but God gave us a wonderful gift. Our wedding day and the birth of Miguel was the most wonderful day of our lives and we wouldn’t change anything.” After the birth of Miguel, the young couple settled into their new roles as parents, but Mrs GalloMartinez wanted something more. “I wanted love, home, peace and unity as I was brought up Catholic and that was what life was meant to be like,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. “We wanted to give Miguel a home without sin and to show him what family is like; love within the home and love for God.” After Miguel’s first birthday, David Gallo-Martinez proposed. “It was just the two of us at Rockpool in Burswood as it was my birthday dinner and we hadn’t been out since the baby,” Mrs GalloMartinez said. “When the desert came there was a jewellery box with it.” Mr Gallo-Martinez got down on one knee, declaring his love for his future wife and asking her if she would do him the honour of marrying him. Mrs Gallo-Martinez
pany once required registration with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC); now it involves duplicate registration with both ASIC and the ACNC.” “Before the ACNC Act, charities had black-and-white certainty as to what laws they had to follow and how they would be regulated. “It is now not clear how charitable law will be applied, or how the ACNC will interpret its powers,” he said.
Mongolian UNDA alum awarded
UNDA alumnus Ganzorig Vanchig.
Yarelis and David Gallo-Martinez at the Schoenstatt Shrine, Armadale, on March 1.
started crying before she grabbed the ring and placed it on her finger.
with the Schoenstatt Shrine since he was three years old. “I was really
David got down on one knee. Yarelis started crying before grabbing the ring and placing it on her finger. “David asked me, “baby, is that a yes” before I said “of course it is”.” “David asked me, “baby is that a yes” and I said “of course it is”,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. David GalloMartinez has had a connection
scared to ask Sister Georgina if we could be married at the Shrine, but I explained to her that to me a wedding isn’t a party; it’s the ceremony
PHOTO: RENEA PHOTOGRAPHY
that should be the main focus as you are united in the eyes of God. “It shouldn’t be a show and the Shrine is a very holy place.” Sister Georgina gave her consent and Mrs Gallo-Martinez says she will be forever thankful to them. “I’m thankful to the Sisters for allowing us to start our married life in their shrine.” She said. “Now that we’re married I feel a peace around us, God is blessing us so much and we’re taking the right steps in building a better home, being better parents and being better Catholics.”
NOTRE DAME alumnus, Ganzorig Vanchig, was recognised alongside Oscar-winning actress, Charlize Theron, as a 2014 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum on March 11, 2014. Ganzorig Vanchig, Chief Executive Officer of Media Group Mongolia and Senior Vice President of business portfolio firm Shunkhlai Group, was one of 214 young leaders from 66 countries around the world to be recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader for “leadership and service to society”. Mr Vanchig said he was passionate about developing human resource initiatives in Mongolia and that this global recognition will give him more opportunity to further develop himself as a professional and contribute meaningfully to Mongolian society. “I dream of actively participating in major projects for the further development of my home country; producing value-added products and ensuring that Mongolian products are competing strongly,” Mr Vanchig said. Mr Vanchig came to Notre Dame in 2003 to complete his Master of Business Administration. Mr Vanchig returned home to Mongolia where he chose to work in the Mongolian banking sector before leaving for Japan to get a second master’s degree. After returning from Japan, he was appointed to undertake organisational restructuring of Shunkhlai Group. Further to his business endeavours, Mr Vanchig is also the founding member of the Down Syndrome Association Mongolia, as well as a board member of the Mongolian Special Olympics Committee. “My career path and current success is definitely connected with Notre Dame where I first learnt western business etiquette. Being mixed with students from diverse backgrounds in the classroom was a great experience as I was able to learn more about Australia and its business practices in a friendly environment,” Mr Vanchig said.
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LOCAL
therecord.com.au
March 26, 2014
Crispin ordained to serve in Perth Before a sizeable and enthusiastic congregation of friends and family at St Mary’s Cathedral, Zambian-born Deacon Crispin Chanda Witika was ordained a priest on March 21 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. Right, the newlyordained Fr Crispin Witika is welcomed into Holy Orders by his brother priests at St Mary’s Cathedral on March 21. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI
Below, African family and friends of Fr Crispin celebrate at the conclusion of his oridination Mass. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI
Above, the then-Deacon, Crispin Witika lies prostrate while St Mary’s Cathedral Choir sings the Litany of the Saints. PHOTOS: ROBERT HIINI
WORLD
therecord.com.au March 26, 2014
Abuse victim on Vatican Commission CARDINAL Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, four women -- including a survivor of clerical sex abuse -- two Jesuit priests and an Italian lawyer are the first eight members of the new Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Pope Francis established the commission in December; announcing the first members March 22, the Vatican said they would help define the tasks and competencies of the commission and help identify other potential members. Cardinal O’Malley is also one of eight members of the Council of Cardinals advising Pope Francis on the reform of the Roman Curia and governance of the church. When the child protection commission was announced, Cardinal O’Malley told reporters it would take a pastoral approach to helping
victims and preventing abuse, given that much of the Vatican’s attention thus far had been on implementing policies and legal procedures for
The commission will look to educate pastoral workers in signs of abuse, psychological testing and ways of screening. investigating allegations of abuse and punishing guilty priests. The cardinal said the commission would look at programs to educate pastoral workers in signs of abuse, identify means of psy-
chological testing and other ways of screening candidates for the priesthood, and make recommendations regarding church officials’ “cooperation with the civil authorities, the reporting of crimes.” The first eight members of the commission include Marie Collins, who was born in Dublin. At the age of 13, she was sexually abused by a Catholic priest who was a chaplain at a hospital where she was a patient. Addressing a major conference in Rome in 2012 on the protection of children, she said being abused led to depression, despair and deep loss of trust in the Catholic Church. “Those fingers that would abuse my body the night before, were the same fingers that would give me holy Communion the following day,” she said. - CNS
Irish abuse victim Marie Collins was nominated by Pope Francis to sit on the new Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors. PHOTO: CNS/TONY GENTILE, REUTERS
Revealing the splendour of Rome’s masterpieces
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VATICAN
Job creation is essential for dignity, pope says IN MAKING economic policies and decisions, solidarity is too often treated as “a dirty word,” yet the only way out of the global financial crisis is to put people -- with their dignity and creativity -- first, Pope Francis said. Meeting March 20 with about 1,700 officials, employees, retirees and laid-off workers from a large steelworks in Terni, Italy, Pope Francis said each person will have to make some sacrifices in order to help the entire community. “If everyone does his part, if they all put the human person and human dignity -- not money -- at the center of their concern, if they can consolidate an attitude of solidarity and fraternal sharing inspired by the Gospel, then it will be possible to get out of the swamp of an economic and employment situation that has been hard and difficult,” the pope said. The workers from the Terni plant were joined by more than 5,000 family members and pilgrims from the Diocese of Terni, Amelia and Narni, including those who work with Catholic charities to distribute food, clothing and other necessities to the unemployed and their children. Pope Francis said he had spoken to a young unemployed worker who said he and his wife and children have food thanks to their parish Caritas, “but I don’t know what it means to have the dignity of working and bringing home bread for my family.”
SRI LANKA
Catholics held under terrorism act released
Restorers work on the ceiling of the San Lorenzo Chapel adjacent to the Holy Stairs in Rome March 11. Layers of grime on the chapel’s Renaissance frescoes are being removed, bringing the original splendor of the artwork back to life. The project, which will include frescoes surrounding the Holy Stairs, is expected to last another five years. PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING
POLICE in Sri Lanka released two outspoken Catholic human rights activists whose arrests were decried internationally. Ruki Fernando of Inform Human Rights Documentation Center and Oblate Father Praveen Mahesan, director of the Center for Peace and Reconciliation in Jaffna, were freed late March 18, a police spokesman said. International rights groups protested the March 16 arrests, charging that officials were attempting to silence critics of the Sri Lankan government. Police said the two men were taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The spokesman said police were unsure if charges would be filed against them. Bishop Rayappu Joseph of Mannar, Sri Lanka, told CNS on March 20 he was “happy and relieved” the two men were released. In a March 19 statement, the office said Father Mahesan and Fernando were “subject to a smear campaign in the media.” - CNS
Love’s complexity fleshed out at Notre Dame By Juanita Shepherd MANY search when it comes to questions about love, friendships, relationships and intimacy and, for the first time in Perth, The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle is hosting an event offering thoughtful and substantive answers. Starting on March 31 at 6.30pm Love and Responsibility is a six weeklong event based around Dr Edward Sri’s book Men Women and the Mystery of Love. Dr Edward Sri is a professor of Theology and Scripture and the bestselling author of The New Rosary in Scripture: Biblical Insights for Praying the 20 Mysteries and The Da Vinci Deception: 100 Questions About the Facts and Fiction of The Da Vinci Code. “Men Women and the Mystery
of Love written by Edward Sri makes John Paul II’s book Love and Responsibility more relatable
The topics that will be discussed include attraction, the different types of love, friendships and building trust and intimacy... It’s all about learning to love. and easier to understand,” Bronia Karniewicz, the event’s coordinator told The Record.
“We gather every Monday evening and two people will read a chapter each from the book before we break up into discussions.” The topics that will be discussed include attraction, the different types of love, friendships and building trust and intimacy. Love and Responsibility was first held by UNDA at their Sydney campus. The popularity of the event inspired Notre Dame to bring Love and Responsibility to Perth. “It’s all about learning to love as well as learning about friendships and relationships,” Ms Karniewicz said. “It is about understanding that love isn’t about being used.” The Love and Responsibility event spans over two semesters. It is a free event and food and drinks will be available.
Love and Responsibility leaders attending a meeting at the end of 2013 in preparation for the six-week event, beginning March 31. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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therecord.com.au
March 26, 2014
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therecord.com.au March 26, 2014
Catholicism for the living: God is faithful but...
WE'RE NOT MARRYING GOD E
Nothing bad will ever befall us. We won't have the problems "other people" will have because we are faithful to God and he is faithful to us. Author and blogger, Simcha Fisher cringed when she read these sentiments in an online article by a young Catholic newlywed recently. They were well meant, but dangerously naive, she writes...
VERY day, I bless a merciful God that there was no internet to speak of when I was younger. This means there are no insanely humiliating photos of me in a crop top and acid wash harem pants. It also means that I never published an article like 'Marriage Is Work', published at Catholic Exchange. In this piece, which I absolutely would have written as a newlywed, the earnest, not-yet-married Emma Smith hears her secular coworkers lamenting the way their ex-husbands had cheated on them. She recounts: ““There’s so much of that out there!” my boss exclaimed. “I know one of my girlfriends who is cheating on her husband and I know a couple of other people where both of them are cheating. I guess you’re lucky if it doesn’t happen to you.”” Smith goes on to explain to the reader that she knows that her soon-to-be husband will never cheat on her. She knows this. She knows for a fact that it simply will not happen“Marriage isn’t a drawing of the straws,” she writes “where if your spouse cheats on you, well, “sorry, you just drew the short straw. There’s nothing you could have done to prevent it!” It’s not an institution where if you are a strong, happy, and healthy couple you’re just “the lucky ones.” And she knows, she says, that people will think she’s just young and naive for knowing that her husband will always be faithful: “And yet, I can say that. I can say that because I have a faith and a God who stand behind me in that statement. And I can say that because the love my fiancé and I share is not human, it is divine. We love each other because we love God and we have discovered that in loving one another, we get to love God more fully. Moreover, the love that we have for one another is divine in origin. God gave it to us at our baptism and it had a full 15-20ish years to grow and mature so that when we met, it blossomed.” Well, let’s start with all the ways that Smith is right. She says that “marriage is something you work on … marriage is a calling.” And she is right. She says: “Our faith allows us to make these promises [of faithfulness] because He who gave us love was faithful in His love until the end... We as Catholics are granted the same strength of faithfulness to the end when we return our love to the one who is love. When we participate in making our love a sacrament, when we make a way for God’s grace to enter the world every day, when we demonstrate outwardly our inner devotion, we can say with full knowledge and confidence that we are not in a game of luck.” Yes indeed. A strong marriage doesn’t just spring into being on its own. If we translate our love of God into love for our spouses, and when we let our love for our spouses nourish our love for God, then we will be fulfilling our vocation. But that’s it: we’ll be fulfilling our vocation, period. That is all we can depend on: that God will be faithful
Radical faith, who would have thought it Conversion is a little bit like acting, writes actor and writer Kevin O'Brien. Sometimes externals are important, but more often they are a sign of what emanates from inside.
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to us. Beyond that, things can get very messy. When Catholics fulfill their vocation of marriage, it can turn out looking like an awful lot of things, and that includes ugly, painful things that may or may not ever get resolved in this lifetime. Because here’s the deal: you aren’t marrying God. You’re marrying another human being. Your spouse is marrying you, and you are a human being. And what do we know about human beings? They sin. They sin, and they sin, and they sin. Sometimes they enter into a valid marriage and then they cheat.
Sometimes they understand fully what they are supposed to do, and they just don’t feel like doing it. Sometimes calamity strikes, and they crumple under the blow.
gled ball of good intentions and bad habits, unhealed wounds and unfounded desires. Many, many times, the grace of the sacrament helps us to avoid
She is right in sighing over fatalistic modern marriage, but is disastrously wrong in thinking we can, ourselves, guarantee things will work out. Sometimes they let their own sorrows and weaknesses and selfishness overcome the love that is offered to them. Sometimes - no, my friends, always - they are a tan-
serious sin. Sometimes, though, the grace of the sacrament helps us to forgive each other when we sin. Sometimes it helps us to survive when our spouses refuse to repent.
So the confident if untried Emma Smith is right in sighing over the fatalistic modern view of marriage - right in condemning the idea that some people just get lucky, and there’s no way of improving your odds. But she is disastrously, innocently, offensively wrong when she thinks that we can somehow guarantee that things will turn out well, just because we intend to work hard. Ever heard of Hosea’s wife? Ever heard of Israel? Ever heard of the entire human race? God knows that this is what happens when you enter into a marriage with another
human being: one way or another, sooner or later, your love will be rewarded with pain. And I know this because I love my husband my faithful, loving husband - and I’ve hurt him. I pray to God, and I hurt my husband. I understand marriage, I believe in marriage, I have spent years upon years working on my marriage, and I hurt my husband. And He forgives me, just as I forgive him. I am glad that Smith understands so well that the grace of marriage is something that must be actively pursued, consciously acted upon. And I hope that her confidence
in her husband is rewarded with unbroken faithfulness and love, and that she will not be shattered when she discovers that he does have flaws. I hope that people read her piece and realise that it makes sense to look hard for a spouse who is trustworthy. But I hope to God she is never involved in any kind of marriage ministry - not with the childish understanding of marriage that she has now. What will she say to the woman whose husband is cheating? Or to the man whose wife won’t stay sober, or won’t stop gambling, or won’t stop browbeat-
ing him in public? What will she say to the spouses who do work hard, and have found themselves sinned against? Maybe, “Let’s put our heads together and figure out how you could have worked harder to prevent this. Good marriages aren’t just a matter of luck, you know.” And what will she say to herself when she finds herself sinning against her husband? Maybe she will not cheat, but oh, she will hurt him. She will. This isn’t a warning about your husband-to-be, dear confident, untried brides. It’s a warning about you. www.patheos.com/blogs/simchafisher
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VERY now and then, Catholic sites on the internet rise above petty squabbles and inside-the-Roman-beltway gossip and, seemingly out of nowhere, prophecy pours forth. Take, for example, an October 2012 post by Fr Dwight Longenecker. Fr Dwight for some reason shared some excerpts from this post on Facebook recently, even though the original was published 18 months ago. He writes on 'Fullness and Foolishness' and says some profound things, including this: "Sin is the outworking of the lack of God’s glory in our lives. Sin is the symptom. I am not a sinner because I sin. I sin because I’m a sinner." This seemingly simple observation gets to the heart of the matter. To be a Christian is not about "faith vs works", it's not about being in an exclusive club and turning your nose up at others, it's not even about ethics or behaviour. It's about an ontological change. It's about an old self dying and a new self coming to life - coming to everlasting life - through God's grace. This is why the Faith is analogous to Acting, as I've written about before. When an actor portrays a character, he might focus on individual external aspects, such as accent, posture, costume, attitude - but these are symptoms of a person, indicia of an organic being that an actor is attempting to become. Of course the actor does not "become" his role "ontologically" (on the level of being) - an actor merely pretends - but what an actor aims to do is to pretend well and to portray the heart of his character's soul, and from this "ontological centre" (as it were) the entire characterisation flows. The closer an actor comes to the center-of-being of his character, the more things like accent, physicality, motivation and so forth - the more the externals - will take care of themselves. Now sometimes in Faith, as in acting, we have to focus on the externals. Sometimes an actor in rehearsal can't easily get to the heart of his role, to the centre of his character's soul, and so he imitates from the outside in. Sometimes an actor can discover that a distinguishing walk or a way of speaking or a gesture or some external hook that he adopts as a kind of mark or imitation turns out to be a key to understanding the wholeness of his character. Sometimes an outside expression makes the inside come alive. So it is in life. Sometimes, even when we don't feel like it, doing a good deed - even reluctantly - awakens something inside of us and starts to make us into better people. This
is certainly true for prayer, which is often forced or dry, but which, if persisted in, can yield great grace, despite a lack of a subjective sense of interior motivation on the part of the one who prays. Fr. Dwight continues: "I want to address the problem at the root. [My note: "at the root" means "radically". Fr Dwight here is describe what even "mere Christianity" aims at, which is the most "radical" thing on the planet.] I want to be filled with the fullness of God at the foundation level. Then everything else will take care of itself." In other words, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mat 6:33) Fr Dwight concludes (and here's where the prophetic tone rings out): "The main problem with Christianity today is that it has forgotten these astounding ambitions promised in the New
Christians have turned Christianity into a bland exercise in trying to be nice to people. We've turned the faith into some sort of dull middle class club. Testament. Christians of all sorts – and Catholics especially – have turned Christianity into a bland exercise in trying to be nice people. We’ve turned the faith into some sort of dull middle class club that meets on Sundays to sing awful, sentimental songs before we discuss how we’re going to make the world a better place. Hasn’t anybody figured out that you don’t need religion to do all that? If that’s all religion is, then to hell with it. (h/t to Flannery) Making religion into a milquetoast milestone once a week is foolishness in the extreme. The next generation will ask quite rightly. “Why bother to go to church?” Excellent question. The world does trendy music, uplifting self help sermons and do gooder activities much better and without all the getting up early on Sunday morning stuff. Real Christianity is about a radical transformation from the ground level up. The real thing is strong wine–not water. The real thing is the greatest adventure. The real thing requires enormous courage and unbelievable stamina. The real thing requires a total, extreme makeover. I wonder how many of us are really ready for that." thwordinc.blogspot.com.au
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therecord.com.au
March 26, 2014
Meeting the
DEMANDS JUSTICE of
Member of the Order of Australia, Mary Ann Yeats has retired from the District Court, but her passion for Aboriginal justice remains as strong as ever. She discusses her career and the impact of her lifelong faith with Mark Reidy.
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ETIRED District Court Judge and Fremantle parishioner, Mary Ann Yeats, was initially reluctant to accept her appointment as Member of the Order of Australia because it did not recognise the Indigenous people who had helped her in the work for Aboriginal justice, but eventually did when she realised it would draw attention to such a vital issue. The honour for the long-time member of St Patrick’s, who was the first US citizen to practise law in Western Australia, was announced on Australia Day this year for her significant services to law, particularly Indigenous injustice. In a recent interview with The Record Mrs Yeats explained how her concern for righting injustice against minority groups began during the 1960s in the US when she marched alongside her husband, Donald, after the killing of Martin Luther King and through her involvement with community groups working to end racial discrimination. When she arrived in Australia with Donald and three young children in 1974 and began studying law at the University of Western Australia, Mrs Yeats said she had no understanding of the tragic side of Aboriginal history and its lingering effects. That all changed, she recalled, during the 1980’s and 1990’s with the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the release of Bringing Them Home, a report of the Human Rights Commission highlighting the impact of forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. “After I was appointed Judge in 1993 I received cultural awareness training along with the other judges of the Supreme and District Courts” Mrs Yeats explained. “From that I learned about colonisation and the terrible legacy of the stolen generation, the effects of which remain with us and are evidenced in the gross over representation of Aboriginal persons in prisons in WA”. As a judicial member of the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration she spent 10 years as convenor of the Indigenous Justice Committee, a group of judicial officers and Indigenous people working together to provide cultural awareness education to the
Above: Aboriginal men watch Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologize on February 13 to indigenous Australians on a big screen outside Parliament House in Canberra. PHOTOS: CNS/MICK TSIKAS, REUTERS/ONLINE
judiciary throughout Australia. “I believed in the importance of judicial officers understanding the culture and laws of the Indigenous people we were called upon to deal with”, Mrs Yeats told The Record, “Lest in our ignorance we do injustice”. She agrees with the sentiments of WA’s top judge, Chief Justice Wayne Martin who, when commenting on the “outrageous” Aboriginal incarceration rates in WA, called for a broader review of current policies. “The courts cannot solve this problem alone”, Mrs Yeats concurred, “It arises from the gross disparity in health, nutrition, housing, school attendance and education”, she said. Mrs Yeats’ pursuit of justice had always been central to her life, as has prayer. From her early days in Chicago and later in Kansas City, when the family would seek God’s intervention in times of serious crisis or illness, prayer has always played a part in her life. It was a practice she continued during her courtroom career when she would seek guidance from the Holy Spirit when deliberating over particularly
arduous cases. “Sentencing is the most difficult job Judges have to do”, Mrs Yeats reflected. “Our oath is ‘To do right by all manner of people without fear or favour’. But it is never easy”. She found the cases involving the sexual abuse of children to be
a heavy responsibility to do justice for the community, the victim and the offender”, she acknowledged, “And it is impossible not to feel concern for the offender when you do what it is your duty to do”. Mrs Yeats recalls the case of a priest who was guilty of such a
“Sentencing is the most difficult job Judges have to do... Our oath is ‘To do right by all manner of people without fear or favour’. - Mary Ann Yeats the most difficult, which usually involved males known to the victims and always involved distressing evidence,which at times would leave her emotionally effected. “It is
crime. “I gave him the lengthy sentence his offences demanded”, she said, “But I could not help but feel some sympathy for him, left alone, as he was, in a rural presbytery suf-
fering loneliness and giving into his alcoholic demons”. Her sense of self confidence, fortitude and the pioneering spirit required to become the second WA woman to be appointed a District Court Judge was developed from an early age. “Growing up with three older brothers was a perfect preparation for moving into a male dominated judiciary”, she said. “Working with so many men was never a problem for me. I was always treated with respect and I have always tried to treat others, whether female or male, with respect”. Mrs Yeats’ university educated parents were strongly Catholic and had the same expectation for all five of their children – to achieve excellence in everything they did. Sunday dinners, which evolved around challenging intellectual games and conversations about important political issues, had set the pattern for her path ahead. After marrying in Kansas City in 1959 with a Latin Mass and a papal blessing from Pope John XXIII, Mrs Yeats and her husband’s adult faith was formed by the Second
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therecord.com.au March 26, 2014
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Contempt for God, the cause of blasphemy in the world I used to think that blasphemy was using the name of God in a disrespectful way but a friend recently told me it is much broader than that. What is it exactly?
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Vatican Council. They became involved within their local parish developing the English liturgy being adapted at the time. It was a project closely associated with Mrs Yeats’ second oldest brother, Fr Bill Bauman, who led liturgical renewal in Missouri and was a member of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy. However the ultimate formation of Mrs Yeats’ faith came during a period of darkness, when her second child was diagnosed, at the age of four, with an inoperable, fatal brain tumour. It was a situation that caused great distress for the family and triggered a deepening of faith. “My mother had us all pray for the canonisation of Pope John XXIII and ask that our son be cured”, she shares. “And he was. That was the beginning of a very strong prayer life that has helped me at every stage of my life and continues to do so”. During the 1960s Mrs Yeats promoted women’s rights, specifically as a volunteer in the League of Women Voters and by the early 70s she was heading the movement in Missouri to ratify the Equal
Rights Amendment. Throughout her time with these organisations Mrs Yeats observed the influential roles of lawyers in securing successful changes and her longstanding interest in law took deeper root. After graduating from UWA with First Class Honours Mrs Yeats took up a position as Research Officer to the Solicitor-General of WA, Sir Ronald Wilson in 1977 and later to the Hon Kevin Parker AC. She then worked in the Crown Law Department until she was admitted to practice in 1982. She became an Australian citizen in 1986. Mrs Yeats is pleased that her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia has drawn attention to Aboriginal justice, but is also honoured to know that the work she believed was important throughout her career was also considered important by Australia. “It is very gratifying as I grow older to know I have achieved some things that were of value to law and particularly Indigenous justice”, she said, “But I believe the honour should go to the Aboriginal people who have worked to educate the judiciary -
they are truly the heroic ones”. Mrs Yeats, who retired in 2011, today divides her time between Perth and the family farm near Augusta, spending quality time with her husband (whom she has been married to for 55 years), enjoying time with their four grandchildren and endeavouring to play as much tennis as she can. “I am also a trustee for the Sister Kate’s Home Kids Foundation, do some mentoring of Aboriginal law students and mentoring young women lawyers”, she says. “I am thoroughly enjoying the freedom retirement brings”. But despite her retirement Mrs Yeats continues to yearn for justice and believes there is a great need to work with Aboriginal people on community education programs so that society can develop understanding and respect for Indigenous people and their culture and laws. “It is important that all of us in the non-Indigenous community understand what colonisation has done to Aboriginal people”, she stated, “That is the only basis on which we can move toward mutual respect and eventual healing for all of us.”
OUR friend is right. We tend to think of blasphemy as being limited to using the name of God in vain, which is forbidden by the second commandment, but in reality it includes a host of offences against the holiness of God. The word blasphemy, by the way, comes from a Greek word meaning “to speak harm”. What is blasphemy exactly? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that “Blasphemy … consists in uttering against God – inwardly or outwardly – words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one’s speech; in misusing God’s name” (CCC 2148). As is clear, misusing God’s name is only one form of blasphemy and it is in fact mentioned last in this point of the Catechism. Examples of misusing God’s name would be saying the name of Jesus Christ in anger, or asking God, who is all mercy, to damn someone. On the other hand to say “Oh my God!” when witnessing an accident is generally not sinful but rather an expression of piety. As the Catechism says, blasphemy is not limited to spoken words against God. It can be committed inwardly, when we willfully think disrespectful thoughts against God, and outwardly in actions if, for example, someone were to spit on a crucifix or trample on a sacred host. In general, blasphemy consists in any thought, word or deed that shows disrespect or contempt for God, who is all holy, all loving, all powerful. So when the second commandment forbids taking the name of God in vain, the word “name” is meant to include the very person of God and everything related to him. Thus one would commit a sin of blasphemy by showing contempt not only for God but for Our Lady or any of the saints, the Church, the sacraments, etc. Because blasphemy shows disrespect for God, our creator and all-holy and all-loving Father, in itself it is a serious sin. As the Catechism puts it, “Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due God and his holy name. It is in itself a grave sin” (CCC 2148). Elsewhere the Catechism says: “There are acts which, in and of themselves, independently of circumstances and intentions, are always gravely illicit by reason of their object; such as blasphemy and perjury, murder and adultery” (CCC 1756). We see the gravity of blasphemy in the Old Testament in the punishment ordered for it: “He who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to
Q&A FR JOHN FLADER
death” (Lev 24:16). Naturally, while blasphemy involves grave matter, in a given case the sin may not be mortal if the person lacks sufficient knowledge or deliberate consent. What are some examples of blasphemy? A first one, which we find several times in the New Testament when Jesus himself is accused of blasphemy, is pretending to take upon oneself attributes or powers that belong only to God. For example, when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one”, the Jews prepared to stone him to death, saying, “We stone you for no good work but for blasphemy; because you, being a man, make yourself God” (Jn 10:30-33). Jesus, of course, was God and so he was not guilty of the sin.
Blasphemy consists in any thought, word or deed that shows disrespect for God, who is all holy, all loving, all powerful... In short, any manifestation of contempt for the holiness of God. In the Old Testament the Israelites themselves were accused of blasphemy for making the golden calf and worshipping it (cf. Neh 9:18) and for killing the prophets (cf. Neh 9:26). Similarly, the Assyrians were accused of mocking and reviling God by claiming to be more powerful than God (cf. 2 Kings 19:4, 6, 22). Someone today would be guilty of blasphemy if they hated God, were angry with him for the way he treated them, claimed that God was powerless or uncaring because he didn’t answer their prayers, accused God of being unjust in some matter, said that God would never forgive them, said that the Blessed Virgin Mary or any of the saints was not holy, accused the Church or the Pope of leading people astray by their teaching, etc. In short, any manifestation of contempt for the holiness of God is blasphemy. For more, go to fatherfladerblog.wordpress.com or contact Fr Flader on frjflader@gmail.com.
FUN FAITH With
MARCH 30, 2014 • JOHN 9: 1-41 • 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT
CROSSWORD
TODAY’S GOSPEL John 9: 1-41
BLIND SINS POWER SIGHT WASHED Across
Down
3. Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to give judgment—to give ____ to the blind and to show those who think they see* that they are blind.”
1. As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been ____ from birth.
4. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool”. So the man went and ____ and came back seeing!
2. Jesus answered. “This happened so the ____ of God could be seen in him...”
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.”Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” ”It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.” Then Jesus spat on the ground, made mud, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool”. So the man went and washed and came back seeing! His neighbours and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” The beggar said, “Yes, I am the same one!” They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, `Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” Jesus found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?*” The man answered, ”Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to give judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see* that they are blind.”
5. ”Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own ____ or his parents’ sins?”
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Then Jesus spat on the ground, made mud, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool”.
VISTA
therecord.com.au March 26, 2014
A statue of Young Christian Workers founder Cardinal Joseph Cardijn. The cause for his canonisation will be launched later on this year.
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PHOTO: ONLINE
Champion of an irreplaceable vocation
A Belgian Cardinal whose ideas are said to have prefigured much of Vatican II remains an inspiration here in Perth.
G
UIDO Vo g e l s , President of the Cardijn Community of Australia (CCA), is hoping the official launch earlier this year of the cause for canonisation of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn will trigger a revival of interest in the life and vision of the founder of the Young Christian Workers (YCW), especially among adults. The Belgium-born Cardinal, who died in 1967, sparked an international movement throughout the 20th century forming young Christians to engage with the world around them through a process known as “See, Judge, Act”, Mr Vogels told The Record. “I became involved with YCW in 1966 and the movement has always been a central part of my life”, the Willetton parishioner shared. He explained however that for many of those involved in the movement there were no equivalent groups available to continue the form of engagement Cardinal Cardijn inspired once they reached the age of 30 - a problem, he said, the CCA is currently addressing. “We are hoping his canonisation process will draw attention to CCA’s recent efforts to establish adult groups within Catholic parishes across the country”, he explained. The focus on adults began in 2008 when the CCA was first established. The founding members, many who had been formed within the YCW, have set out to establish groups for those wanting to continue meeting with like-minded people and making a positive impact in their communities.
“Our aim is to restart an adult formation movement, along the lines of the family life groups in Perth in the 70s and 80s”, Mr Vogels said, “Small Christian Communities based on the Jocist method for Christian Catholics over 30”. Joseph Cardijn was born into a working class family in 1882 and as a teenager would have joined his peers in arduous and dangerous factory work had he not joined the Seminary at the age of 15. The reception he received from his former schoolmates when he returned home during holiday breaks would have a lasting impression. They considered him
educate young workers through the “see, judge, act” methodology. The idea was to empower young people through critical analysis of society, based on Gospel principles and within a supportive group context, to become aware of their individual circumstance and to implement specific action to bring about positive change in their own lives and within society. The movement found a home in Australia in 1939, with Melbourne becoming one of the largest YCW movements in the world. By the 1950’s Cardijn was recognised as an international figure, giving the keynote address at the first inter-
where he delivered three speeches. Cardijn insisted that the Council should recognise the specific role of lay people acting consciously and responsibly to transform their lives and the world around them, based on the teachings of Christ. “The people who are actually living and working in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life are the laypeople, and it is up to them to carry out Christ’s mission in all the different temporal sectors of life and to make the whole Church present there”, he once said, “And I can never repeat this often enough: the lay apostolate is irreplaceable.” It is a sentiment that CCA con-
“The people who are actually living and working in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life are the laypeople, and it is up to them to carry out Christ’s mission in all the different temporal sectors of life and make the whole Church present there.” to be an elitist with no concept of the struggle and hardship endured by workers. Cardijn was awakened to chasm between the teachings of the Church and the realities of the working class and dedicated his life to bridging the gap. Cardijn’ s desire fitted into Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which encouraged Catholics to become involved in issues of social justice and addressed the rights, entitlements and dignity of workers within an increasingly industrialised world. By 1924 Cardijn’s work had evolved into the YCW, which would soon become a global movement that would serve, represent and
national lay apostolate congress in Rome in 1951 and bringing 32,000 young workers to Rome for a World Assembly at the Vatican and the first International YCW Council. At the beginning of the 1960’s, in a meeting with Pope John XXIII, Cardijn proposed the writing of an encyclical to mark the 70th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. The Pope produced “Mater et Magistra” which included a formal recognition of the See, Judge Act method. Cardijn also became a member of the Commission on Laity preparing for Vatican II and in 1965 Pope Paul VI elevated him to Cardinal, which enabled him to participate fully in the last session of the Council
tinues to promote, particularly amongst adults who currently have little or no avenue to put Cardinal Cardijn’s principles into practice. “We have produced a training manual which we hope will be used as a blueprint for these groups to begin in parishes”, Mr Vogels shared. “In Perth we want to start by establishing two central groups north of the river and two groups in the south - which would be made up of people between 30-40 years of age and those over forty”. Mr Vogels said he is aware of a groundswell of interest amongst numerous Catholic communities and organisations who are also recognising a yearning among adults
for faith education, spiritual formation and social justice initiatives to direct their baptismal inspired energies. It is a factor Mr Vogels attributes to Pope Francis, who he considers the “new Chaplain of our movement”. “He is fanning the flame of interest which we have recognised over recent years”, Mr Vogels said. “People are wanting more in parish life and are looking for a sense of community with people of similar values.” Mr Vogels’ passion to establish groups for adults was invigorated during a conference in Manila several years ago when he met a number of Asian priests and lay adults who had embraced Cardijn’s principles and had been imprisoned for their heroic choices. The experience opened his eyes to the harsh realities of Catholics in other countries and the way these priests and CCA leaders became the examples and voices of empowerment and change, inspired him. It is a passion and commitment he would like to see flourish within the Australian church. Cardinal Cardijn twice visited Australia - in 1958 and in 1966, a year before his death, where he spent time in Perth. Guido Vogels is looking for photos anyone may have from these visits which could be used for the history of the local movement and in the canonisation process. If you know of any photos or you would like more information on CCA contact Guido on 0417 755 446 or aaccess@ozemail.com.au or go to www.cardijncommunityaustralia.org.
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OPINION
GUEST EDITORIAL
therecord.com.au
March 26, 2014
John Paul II’s blessing continues
The Genesis Problem
I
’M CONTINUALLY amazed how often the “problem” of Genesis comes up in my interactions with people online. What I mean is the way people struggle with the seemingly bad science that is on display in the opening chapters of the first book of the Bible. How can anyone believe that God made the visible universe in six days, that all the species were created at the same time, that light existed before the sun and moon, etc, etc? How can Christians possibly square the naïve cosmology of Genesis with the textured and sophisticated theories of Newton, Darwin, Einstein, and Stephen Hawking? One of the most important principles of Catholic Biblical interpretation is that the reader of the Scriptural texts must be sensitive to the genre or literary type of the text with which he is dealing. Just as it would be counter-indicated to read Moby Dick as history or “The Waste Land” as social science, so it is silly to interpret, say, “The Song of Songs” as journalism or the Gospel of Matthew as a spy novel. By the same token, it is deeply problematic to read the opening chapters of Genesis as a scientific treatise. If I can borrow an insight from Fr. George Coyne, a Jesuit priest and astrophysicist, no Biblical text can possibly be “scientific” in nature, since “science,” as we understand it, first emerged some fourteen centuries after the composition of the last Biblical book. The author of Genesis simply wasn’t doing what Newton, Darwin, Einstein, and Hawking were doing; he wasn’t attempting to explain the origins of things in the characteristically modern manner, which is to say, on the basis of empirical observation, testing of hypotheses, marshalling of evidence, and experimentation. Therefore, to maintain that the opening chapters of Genesis are “bad science” is a bit like saying “The Iliad” is bad history or “The Chicago Tribune” is not very compelling poetry. So what precisely was that ancient author trying to communicate? Once we get past the “bad science” confusion, the opening of the Bible gives itself to us in all of its theological and spiritual power. Let me explore just a few dimensions of this lyrical and evocative text. We hear that Yahweh brought forth the whole of created reality through great acts of speech: “Let there be light,’ and there was light; ‘Let the dry land appear’ and so it was.” In almost every mythological cosmology in the ancient world, God or the gods establish order through some act of violence. They conquer rival powers or they impose their will on some recalcitrant matter. (How fascinating, by the way, that we still largely subscribe to this manner of explanaPO Box 3075 tion, convinced that order can Adelaide Terrace be maintained only through PERTH WA 6832 violence or the threat of violence). But there is none of this office@therecord.com.au in the Biblical account. God Tel: (08) 9220 5900 doesn’t subdue some rival or Fax: (08) 9325 4580 express his will through violence. Rather, through a sheerly generous and peaceful act of speech, he gives rise to the whole of the universe. This means that the most fundamental truth of things—the metaphysics that governs reality at the deepest level—is peace and non-violence. Can you see how congruent this is with Jesus’ great teachings on non-violence and enemy love in the Sermon on the Mount? The Lord is instructing his followers how to live in accord with the elemental grain of the universe. Secondly, we are meant to notice the elements of creation that are explicitly mentioned in this account: the heavens, the stars, the sun, the moon, the earth itself, the sea, the wide variety of animals that roam the earth. Each one of these was proposed by various cultures in the ancient world as objects of worship. Many of the peoples that surrounded Israel held sky, stars, sun, moon, the earth, and various animals to be gods. By insisting that these were, in fact, created by the true God, the author of Genesis was, not so subtly, de-throning false claimants to divinity and disallowing all forms of idolatry. Mind you, the author of Genesis never tires of reminding us that everything that God made is good (thus holding off all forms of dualism, Manichaeism, and Gnosticism), but none of these good things is the ultimate good. A third feature that we should notice is the position and role of Adam, the primal human, in the context of God’s creation. He is given the responsibility of naming the animals , “all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts” (Gen. 2:20). The Church fathers read this as follows: naming God’s creatures in accord with the intelligibility placed in them by the Creator, Adam is the first scientist and philosopher, for he is, quite literally, “cataloguing” the world he sees around him. (Kata Logon means “according to the word”). From the beginning, the author is telling us, God accords to his rational creatures the privilege of participating, through their own acts of intelligence, in God’s intelligent ordering of the world. This is why, too, Adam is told, not to dominate the world, but precisely to “cultivate and care for it” (Gen. 2: 16), perpetuating thereby the non-violence of the creative act. These are, obviously, just a handful of insights among the dozens that can be culled from this great text. My hope is that those who are tripped up by the beginning of the book of Genesis can make a small but essential interpretive adjustment and see these writings as they were meant to be seen: not as primitive science, but as exquisite theology.
To say the opening chapters of the Bible are “bad science” is a bit like saying The Illiad is bad history.
THE RECORD
Father Robert Barron is the Rector of Mundelein Seminary and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.
Pope John Paul II embraces Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio after presenting the new cardinal with a red beretta at the Vatican on February 21, 2001. It was the Polish pontiff’s choice of cardinals that would help set the stage for the eventual election of Cardinal Bergoglio (Pope Francis) following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS
Being Catholic much more that just “being religious” Simon Jones, Head of Science at Servite College, says his family’s needs and teaching in Catholic schools paved the way to his conversion.
I
N 2011, my wife Aimee, myself and our two children Edward (8) and Molly (5) were baptised Catholic as we wanted our children to have solid values. I was also influenced by the nine years I had spent teaching in Catholic Schools which I see as my vocation and am presently Head of Science at Servite College in Tuart Hill. We joined Our Lady of the Mission Parish in Craigie, where we met Fr Joseph Tran. Father Joseph put us onto the director of the RCIA program and so began our year long journey to becoming Catholic. My friend Paul Watson was kind enough to agree to become our sponsor throughout the process. At Easter in 2012, we were officially welcomed into the Church following our first Holy Communion. I spent my childhood growing up in a small village in Southern England, the eldest of three and we were brought up Church of England (Anglican). My Grandparents on my father’s side of the family were not particularly religious. In fact I don’t remember them ever going to church, other than for weddings and funerals. The same can’t be said for my Mother’s side of the family, specifically my Grandfather. He was an active member of the local Methodist Church, attending services and participating in the choir every Sunday. Whenever we ate at their house we would say grace together and we would always be told “God bless” as we were leaving. Even though my parents came from such different religious families, they seemed to have a common view on religion and how my siblings and I should be brought up. Whilst we were encouraged to attend a Sunday service on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas, I got the impression that my parents believed religion was something that would come to us and we should be free to enter into our faith when we felt the time was right. My sister attended church services much more regularly than my brother or I did. I remember feeling ‘out of place’ on the odd occasions that I did go to Church. I
Why I became
Catholic
DEBBIE WARRIER
think this was partly due to the fact that the Church was full of elderly people and I also had no idea what the ‘procedure’ was. As I got older and entered my middle teenage years, playing sport and socializing became more important to me and religion and attending church became a distant memory. Jump forward approximately 10 years, and at 23 years of age and I secured my first teaching post at Worth School, a Catholic day
I found that religion wasn’t something to be feared, but something that was a part of life, a part of what it means to be human. Looking back I am convinced that it was this sense of community that I felt at Worth that planted the ‘Catholic’ seed within me. and boarding school for boys in West Sussex, UK. My first memory of Worth was meeting Abbot Christopher and the rest of the Benedictine monks for welcome drinks and supper. In that evening I did more praying than I had in the last 10 years, the new staff joined in with prayer at the start of our welcome, we prayed before supper and then had to sit in silence whilst we ate. I went home that evening wondering if I had done the right thing accepting the position; two years later I had settled into the Worth life-style. I learnt very quickly that being a staff member at Worth
meant a lot more than simply being a Science teacher; I was part of a community. I found that religion wasn’t something to be feared, but something that was a part of life, a part of what it means to be human. Looking back I am convinced that it was this sense of community that I felt at Worth that planted the ‘Catholic’ seed within me. In the middle of 2004, Aimee and I moved to Australia where I was offered a Science teaching role at Kearnan College, a K-12 Catholic School in Manjimup. Whilst at Kearnan I met Paul Watson, the head of Secondary, who had also just started at the College. During my time at the College, Paul became my unofficial mentor. His leadership was exemplified by humility, a sense of community and service to others. Paul had a profound influence on me and the type of teacher/ person I wanted to become. In 2007, we moved up to Perth and I found myself once again working in another Catholic School, Mater Dei College. At this point in my life I was confident that teaching in a Catholic school was what I was called to do. In addition, we also had two young children and were (as all parents do) worrying about how we should raise them. What values did we want them have? So in 2011, my wife and I made the easy decision to become Catholic along with our two children. Since becoming Catholic, I have started teaching Religious Education at school and have become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Recently, I moved school to Servite College. Our Children attend Whitfords Catholic Primary School and will soon be starting their sacramental program. I believe that being Catholic is more than simply being “religious”. As Catholics we are part of a wider community that supports all its members and provides for the holistic development of each individual, rather than focusing on any one dimension of the human person. Through this community we are able to enter into prayer and truly connect with God at an authentic level.
OPINION
therecord.com.au March 26, 2014
17
Transcendent makes multiculturalism possible True pluralism requires more than feel good posturing, writes Fr James Schall SJ. It requires devoted love for the truth.
T
he modern notion that all cultures and nations can and should live together in harmony requires either: a) a general agreement about the basis of virtue and truth, or b) the elimination of any difference between good and evil, truth and falsity. Cultures are not philosophically or morally neutral. Within each is found a certain configuration of good and evil habits, laws, and customs. When large numbers of people can immigrate, legally or illegally, to other countries, they bring their cultural practices with them. People emigrate to achieve their “rights,” what is “due” to them. The assimilationist view, however, holds that, if one moves to a
new country, he should become a member of the new society, learn its language, manners, and custom. The reason the immigrant chose the new country or culture was because he thought it better than the one he left. This view assumes that some regimes are better than others. The purpose of states and nations is to provide a place wherein one can live in his “truth,” however others might live. This view implies the power to protect one’s own polity. Many hold that all world problems are local problems. This position implies that we have really only one world state in which everyone is an equal citizen with equal “rights.” Taxes, armies, police, laws, and customs should conform to a
common idea of culture. The real enemies are those that maintain that truth, either of reason or of revelation, is possible. Peace will only come in the world when these last claims are eliminated. The established “truth” is that there is no truth. Thus, both world and national governments must guarantee those “rights” they established. Basically, we have to rid ourselves of all institutions and ideas that maintain that transcendent truth exists. We systematically have to eliminate from the public order, in the name of “rights,” all claims that are said to be rooted in a universal human “nature.” Ideas holding that the family is a “natural” institution composed of man, woman, and child, that
the distinction of sexes means something, that abortion is wrong, and that we ought not reconfigure man as we want, must be declared “anti-human,” not to be spoken. “The contemporary man cannot be defined by the absence of moral references,” Chantal Delsol wrote in Icarus Fallen: “... but by the rejection of an Evil and the apologetics of a Good that are taken for granted and detached from any idea of an objective truth that might give them legitimacy. It would not be right, however, to see in this attitude an inability of the mind to discover their foundations. Rather this attitude signals a refusal even to go looking for such foundations, for fear of actually discovering them. Contemporary man postulates not the emptiness
of truth, but the danger of truth. And what is the “danger” of truth? It is that truth exists and measures our deeds and thoughts. In this sense, the whole multicultural project of permitting everything, with the state as guarantor of this “right” to everything, reaches incoherence. The only kind of multiculturalism that is possible is one that recognizes a transcendent order. A multiculturalism that denies it ends up by establishing and enforcing a world order in which only what is objectively true is disallowed. The “fear” is precisely that truth does exist. The truth found at the root of the transcendent spirit that was found initially in Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian revelation.
Community is there for the baking
The show took 90 minutes, long enough to bake bread, but the message embedded in the experience will echo on forever.
Bee in my bonnet BARBARA HARRIS
S
CANNING through events of the Festival of Perth Arts program, one show caught my eye, it was called, ‘Not By Bread Alone.’ The title is from Matthew’s Gospel: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). I thought, “How interesting!” Reading further into the program I noticed that the production was from Israel. Especially significant for me was being told that the 11 actors and actresses were all blind with 10 of them deaf-blind. “WOW,” I thought, “ I would like to go to that!” By the time I was ready to book most of the five sessions at the Regal Theatre were sold out, but I did manage to get a seat. Most deaf-blind people learn to communicate with those who are familiar with sign language through touch. The group from the Nalaga’at Theatre Company (the word Nalaga’at in Hebrew means “Do Touch”) in addition to the accepted sign language , the actors and actresses communicate with each other in many different ways. Each member has his or her specific need and abilities and during their years together, the members of the group have learned how to communicate with one another. People communicate with Itzik by using glove language, (each joint of the hand symbolizes a letter) typed on his hand. Yuri writes Braille on Itzik’s hand. Yuri, Igor and Mark talk in Russian Sign language and Tikva translates for them. Tikva also translates the Russian that Genia speaks into Hebrew and Israeli sign language. Shiran speaks loudly into Shoshana’s and Genia’s hearing aids. And Miki, a deaf interpreter, watches the sign language of another interpreter in the group and passes on by touch, what is spoken to one of the actors. Bat Sheva, who uses touch-sign and Yuri, are both married to people who are not performers. They both have hearing and seeing children. There are three other performers, Nurani who is from Iran, Yuriy from Russia and Rafi from Israel who all have their own unique way of communicating even by the vibrations felt at the beat of a drum. ‘Not By Bread Alone’ happens in the baking of bread but represents so much more than its ingredients. The audience is invited to identify
A scene from ‘Not By Bread Alone’, performed by 11 actors, all of them blind, 10 of the deaf-blind.
with the actors and actresses and touch their moments of joy in life, their memories and their dreams. For those who cannot understand Israeli sign language, live captions appear on the screen above the performers. There are ten interpreters interspersed within the cast. The play lasted 90 minutes, as long it takes to prepare and bake small loaves of bread. The audience is then invited on to the stage to talk and eat with the performers. The shared experience, the communion, implicit in eating together, is powerful. The other senses, are not forgotten, – the smell of the fresh baking, the touch of the warm crust and soft bread, are alive. There is nothing “WOW” about the performers. This is not a circus. These are ordinary intelligent people inviting us to share with them about their lives. Adina Tal, a Swiss born theatre director was asked 14 ½ years ago to take part in a project in Tel Aviv helping the deaf-blind social and support group to develop some skills. Adina thought “that would be interesting.” So, excited by the challenge that no one had done
that before, the journey began. In a discussion with Adina after the show, she said the people in the group wanted to show their humanity and share their lives with an audience that to outsiders of their world is thought to be filled with silence and darkness. Adina said, “I certainly don’t think that when we began to work together
all needs would be accommodated, where all are accepted and where all are of equal importance. How refreshing it was to see an example of what can happen when one makes a commitment to belong. The eleven individual’s lives are intertwined so that as the play proceeds, like life, there are interactions and sharing and caring. Because the
There is nothing “WOW” about the performers. This is not a circus. These are ordinary intelligent people inviting us to share with them about their lives. The communion is powerful. we would dream of creating a theatre company. A theatre company that would tour the world. People come because it’s a good show, not because coming makes them a good person,” says Tal. “Even now, some people are embarrassed because they find it difficult to be given a gift by people who are deaf and blind.”As I sat in the audience I thought of my vision of our church where all would be welcome, where
eleven people wish to be in communion with each other and with their audience, communication techniques have been developed to help that happen. There were no “Too Hard Baskets” to be seen. I was really taken aback at the conclusion of the baking of the bread when some 95% of the 1000 people attending patiently made their way to the stage to share the fresh baked loaves but also to inter-
PHOTO: ONLINE
act with the actors and actresses. Interpreters seamlessly allowed audience and cast to be united in a kind of communion. It definitely was ‘Not By Bread Alone.’ The audience was made up of the elderly, children, teenagers and babies in arms from all different cultures. Nalaga’at also set up a BlackOut Restaurant. People dine in complete darkness and are served by blind wait staff. It is an amazing experience. Dining in complete darkness certainly heightens one’s senses and makes them come alive. That happens when we move out of our comfort zone to reach out to others and share their lives. I am often told that my vision of what church could be, can be, is idealist, naïve and even impossible. After five hours at the Regal I felt that I had been enriched spiritually. I felt that I had had a Gospel experience. I have so much to learn, yet. I am grateful for Nalaga’at glimpse of what we can be as Church. As a church we have all the theory. We know that we do not live by bread alone. Let’s translate words into practical action.
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PANORAMA
SCHOENSTATT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS All welcome, 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon. More information - 9399 2349. April 4 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love in the Second Milestone 1942 May 2 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love in the Third Milestone 1949 June 6 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love in the Fourth Milestone 1965 July 4 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love and the Place of Grace Bring a picture of your Home Shrine August 1 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love in its Depth Renewal of Crowning ‘Queen of the Family’ September 5 - 7.30pm The Covenant of Love in its Width Bring your Pilgrim Mother Shrine October 3 - 8pm The Covenant of Love in the Everyday Bring your Group Symbol
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 TO SUNDAY, APRIL 13 40 Days for Life Daily Lenten Prayer Vigil 7am-5pm daily outside Midland abortion clinic, 8 Sayer St, Midland, for everyone affected by abortion. Come and join us. Enq: Tina 0415 382 541 or www.40daysforlife.com/perth. FRIDAY, MARCH 7 TO APRIL 11 Lenten Contemplative Prayer 5.30-6.30pm every Friday in Lent in the Upper Room, St Joseph’s Parish Centre, 3 Salvado Rd, Subiaco. Deepening our prayer life in Lent through the practice of Centering Prayer. Enq: 9381 0400, www.stjosephssubiaco.org.au. SATURDAY, MARCH 29 One Day Eucharistic Healing Retreat in Preparation for Holy Week 9am-1.30pm at St Jerome’s Church, 38 Troode St, Munster. Led by Fr Varghese Parackal VC. Praise and worship, preaching, Reconciliation, Mass, Adoration, healing prayers. Free morning tea and lunch. Please register for catering purposes. Enq: Edita 9418 3728, Susan 9434 3969, Aileen 0423 578 059. TUESDAY, APRIL 1 Lenten Sessions 2014 7-8pm at St Benedict’s Church, cnr Canning Hwy and 115 Ardross St, Applecross. Every Tuesday evening in Lent: March 4 to April 15. Spirituality and the Sunday Gospels. The Lent Gospel readings can deepen our faith and increase our peace. Norma Woodcock presenter. Cost: collection. Enq: 9487 1772, norma@normawoodcock.com or www.normawoodcock.com. TUESDAY, APRIL 1 AND 8 Seeking The God of our Lenten Story Talks with Sr Margaret Scharf OP 7.30-9pm at MacKillop Room (multi-purpose room), John XXIII College, Mooro Dr, Mt Claremont. Sr Scharf is WA Vicaress of the Dominican Sisters. How is the salvation story mirrored in our own personal stories? $10 donation (unwaged). Register: Murray Graham 9383 0444, graham. murray@johnxxiii.edu.au. THURSDAY, APRIL 3 Healing Mass and Adoration 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett St, Embleton. Led by Fr Varghese Parackal VC and the Vincentian Fathers. Enq: Fr Joseph Rathnaraj 9271 5528 Ron and Rita 0422 917 054; www. vpcp.org.au. SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Day with Mary 9am at Our Lady Queen of Poland Church, 35 Eighth Ave, Maylands. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. Video; 10.10am Holy Mass, Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, two talks, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Stations of the Cross. Finish approx 5pm. BYO lunch. Enq – Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate 9437 2792. One day Inner Healing Retreat 9am-1.30pm at Holy Family Parish, 34 Alcock St, Maddington. Program includes Praise and Worship, preaching of the Word of God, Confession, holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and healing prayers. Experience the eternal love and healing touch of our Lord. Morning tea and lunch provided. Enq: 08 9493 1703 or vincentiansperth@ yahoo.com. www.vpcp.org.au. Catholic Bible Seminar Life in the Miracle of the Scarlet Thread 10am – 9pm at the Edel Quinn Centre, Windsor Street, Perth (east off Lord St). Following God’s blood covenants throughout the Bible from Adam to Jesus’ Blood Sacrifice and Resurrection we experience the Bible and the Mass in a whole new way. Bring a Bible and shared meals. Enq: FMI 9382 3668. fmi@flameministries.org, flameministries.org/smpof.html. SUNDAY, APRIL 6 Preparing For Easter
9.30am at St Francis Xavier Church, 23 Windsor St, Perth. Mass, followed by morning tea and discussion group at Emmanuel Centre. Learn why the priest lowers the paschal candle three times into the baptismal water and many other interesting things. Interpreter, audio induction loops and PowerPoint services available. Light lunch. Enq: Fr Paul 9328 8113 or SMS 0401 016 399. THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Healing Mass in Honour of St Peregrine 7pm at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Patron of cancer sufferers and helper of all in need. There will be veneration of the relic of St Peregrine and anointing of the sick. Enq: Jim on 9457 1539. THURSDAY, APRIL 10 AND MAY 1 Passion and Resurrection stories in the Synoptic Gospels 7.30pm at Christian Brothers’ Support Centre, 53 Redmond St, Salter Point. Two Powerpoint presentations on the Passion and Resurrection stories in the Synoptic Gospels. Part 1 Passion and Part 2 Resurrection. One-hour long sessions. No RSVP, no cost. Parking, tea and coffee available. Enq: Br Joe Murphy 9450 1061. SATURDAY, APRIL 12 St Padre Pio Prayer Day 8.30am at St Mary’s Church, 21 James St, Guildford. 8.30am - St Padre Pio DVD in parish centre. 10am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am - holy Mass, St Padre Pio Liturgy. Confessions available. 12pm- BYO for shared lunch, tea and coffee supplied. Enq: Des 6278 1540. SUNDAY, APRIL 13 Divine Mercy Hour 3pm at St Pius X Church, 23 Paterson St, Manning. Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy prayers, Rosary and Benediction. Please join us in prayer. Enq: Mrs K Henderson 9450 4195. FRIDAY, APRIL 18 Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena 3pm at Holy Family Parish, 34 Alcock St, Maddington. Followed by Good Friday service. Enq: 9493 1703 or vincentiansperth@yahoo.com; www.vpcp.org.au. Good Friday Ceremonies Bindoon 11am at Catholic Agricultural College, 3398 Bindoon-Dewars Pool Rd, 10k North of Bindoon. Stations of the Cross followed by Solemn ceremony of The Lord’s Passion. Confessions from 10.30am & after the Stations of the Cross. Enq: Fr Paul 9571 8068. SATURDAY, APRIL 19 TO SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena 2.30-3pm at Holy Family Parish, 34 Alcock St, Maddington. Confession followed at 3pm by Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena with preaching and healing prayers. Enq: 9493 1703. MONDAY, APRIL 21 TO SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Easter Retreat 11am at St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, Tuart Hill. Our Faith in light of God’s Sacred Universe story. Both live-in and live-out possibilities. Finishes 4pm Saturday, April 26. Enq flyer and registration: Sr Shelley Barlow 0428 772 784; smbarlowrndm@gmail.com. SUNDAY, APRIL 27 6th Annual Celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy 2-3pm Confession at Holy Family Parish, 34 Alcock St, Maddington. 3-5pm procession with Divine Mercy icon followed by Eucharistic Adoration, Divine Mercy Chaplet and healing prayers. 5pm Solemn Feast Mass. Enq: 9493 1703 or vincentiansperth@yahoo.com; www.vpcp.org.au. Divine Mercy Sunday Pilgrimage 12 noon-4.30pm Divine Mercy Church, 34 Santa Gertrudis Drive, Lower Chittering.12noon BYO lunch followed by Holy Rosary, Adoration, Confessions. 2.15pm Holy Mass, Divine Mercy Devotions, veneration First Class Relic of St Faustina. Afternoon tea and return to Perth. Transport, Francis 9459 3873, 0404 893 877. Enq: 9571 0978, 0448 833 472 or Fr Paul 9571 8068. SUNDAY, MAY 4 Busselton May Rosary Celebration Honouring of Our Lady 12.30pm at Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine, Bove’s Farm, Roy Rd (off Bussell Hwy), Jindong, Busselton. 12.30pm: hymns. 1pm: concelebrated Mass led by Fr Tony Chiera. Rosary procession and Benediction following Mass. Afternoon tea provided. Bus from Perth ph: Francis 0404 893 877 or 9459 3873.
REGULAR EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.309pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria.com. Cathedral Cafe Cathedral Cafe open every Sunday 9.30am-1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, downstairs after Mass. Coffee, tea, cakes, sweets, friendship with Cathedral parishioners. Further info: Tammy on smcperthwyd@yahoo.com.au or 0415 370 357. Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the
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Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Starts with Rosary, then Benediction. Reconciliation available before every celebration. Anointing of the sick administered at Mass every second Sunday of month. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation last Sunday of the month. Side entrance to Church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292. Praise and Worship 5.30pm at St Denis Parish, cnr Osborne St and Roberts Rd, Joondanna. Followed by 6pm Mass. Enq: Admin on admin@stdenis.com.au. Mass with Sign Language Interpreter and PowerPoint 9.30am at St Francis Xavier Church, 23 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Voice 9328 8113, TTY 9328 9571, 0401 016 399 or www.emmanuelcentre.com.au. Latin Mass 8.30am at the Good Shepherd Church, 42 Streich Ave, Kelmscott. Enq: John 9390 6646. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY Singles Prayer and Social Group 6.30pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Sq, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth. Begins with holy hour followed by dinner at local restaurant. Meet new people, pray and socialise with others. Enq: Veronica 0403 841 202. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Healing Hour 7-8pm at St Lawrence, Balcatta. Songs of praise and worship, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and prayers for sick. Enq: Fr Irek Czech SDS or office Tue-Thu, 9am-2.30pm on 9344 7066. EVERY THIRD SUNDAY Oblates of St Benedict’s 2pm at St Joseph’s Convent, York St, South Perth. We welcome all interested in studying the Rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for laypeople. Vespers and afternoon tea conclude our meetings. Enq: Secretary 9457 5758. Holy Hour with Exposition 3pm at All Saints Parish, 7 Liwara Pl, Greenwood. Mercy Novena and Rosary during Holy Hour. Enq: Charles 9447 1989. EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35 Years 7.30-8.30pm at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon; holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise and worship; followed by a social gathering. Come and pray at a place of grace. Enq: shrinetimemtrichon@gmail.com. Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. Includes Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, scripture, prayers of intercession. Come and pray that those discerning vocations can hear clearly God’s call. EVERY LAST SUNDAY Filipino Mass 3pm at Notre Dame Church, cnr Daley and Wright Sts, Cloverdale. Bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq: Fr Nelson 0410 843 412, Elsa 0404 038 483. LAST MONDAY Be Still in His Presence – Ecumenical Christian Program 7.30-8.45pm at St Swithun Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie St, Lesmurdie (hall behind church). Begins with songs of praise and worship, silent time, lectio divina, small group sharing and cuppa. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848 or 0435 252 941. EVERY TUESDAY Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 6pm at Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm followed by Benediction. Enq: John 0408 952 194. Novena to God the Father 7.30pm at St Joachim’s parish hall, Vic Park. Novena followed by reflection and discussions on forthcoming Sunday Gospel. Enq: Jan 9284 1662. Mercy Heritage Centre Open Day 10am - 2pm at 86 Victoria Square, Perth (corner Goderich St) main entrance. Free tour of the 1871 Convent. Enq: 08 9325 4155 EVERY FIRST TUESDAY Short MMP Cenacle for Priests 2pm at Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Fr Watt 9376 1734. EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We welcome everyone to attend our praise meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@gmail.com. Holy Hour - Catholic Youth Ministry 5.30pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Mass followed at 6.30pm with Holy Hour. Supper $5 and fellowship later. Enq: 9422 7912 or admin@cym.com.au. Subiaco Ladies Prayer Meeting 10am in the upper room at St Joseph’s Parish, 3 Salvado Rd, Subiaco. We welcome you to join us for prayer, praise, and fellowship. Phone Win 9387 2808, Colleen 9245 3277 or Noreen 9298 9938. EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY Novena to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 7-7.45pm at Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish, cnr Cassowary Dr and Pelican Pde, Ballajura. Begins with Mass, Novena prayers and Benediction. Followed by healing prayers and anointing of the
sick. Enq: Madi 9249 9093 or Gerry 0417 187 240. EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY Chaplets of Divine Mercy 7.30pm at St Thomas More Parish, Dean Rd, Bateman. Accompanied by Exposition, then Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 6242 0702 (w). Miracle Prayers 7.30pm at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. An opportunity to receive prayers for healing of mind, body and soul. Enq: miracleprayers@disciplesofjesus. org or Michelle 0404 028 298. EVERY THURSDAY Divine Mercy 11am at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy and for consecrated life, especially in our parish. Concludes with veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina. Enq: John 9457 7771. St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting 7.45pm at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Includes praise, song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@ flameministries.org. Group Fifty - Charismatic Renewal Group 7.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 150 Vincent St, North Perth. Includes prayer, praise and Mass. Enq: Elaine 9440 3661. EVERY FIRST THURSDAY Holy Hour Prayer for Priests 7-8pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079. Prayer in Style of Taizé 7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Includes prayer, song and silence in candlelight – symbol of Christ the light of the world. Taizé info: www.taize.fr. Enq: secretary 9448 4888 or 9448 4457. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY Social Dinner (Young Adults aged up to 35) and Rosary Cenacle 6.30pm at St Bernadette’s Church, 49 Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Begins at 6.30pm with dinner at a local restaurant, followed at 8pm by a Rosary Cenacle, short talk and refreshments at the church. Great way to meet new people, pray and socialise! Enq: 9444 6131 or st.bernadettesyouth@gmail.com. EVERY FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration at Schoenstatt Shrine 10am at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon. Includes holy Mass, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent adoration till 8.15pm. Join us in prayer at a place of grace. Enq: Sisters of Schoenstatt 9399 2349. Healing Mass 6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Healing Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Enq: admin 9493 1703 or www.vpcp. org.au. Eucharistic Adoration - Voice of the Voiceless Ministry 7.30-9pm at St Brigid’s Parish, 211 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Eucharistic Adoration, beginning with praise and worship and reflection on the scriptures. All welcome. Enq: adrianluke1999@ yahoo.com.abibleu. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 11am-4pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament after Mass until 4pm, finishing with Rosary. Enq: Sr Marie MS.Perth@lsp.org.au. Voice of the Voiceless Prayer Meeting during Lent 7.30-9.30pm (following parish Stations of the Cross at 6.30pm) at Holy Cross Church, 1 Dianne St, Hamilton Hill. Celebrant Fr Nicholas Nweke. Starts with Rosary prayers followed by Mass, concluding with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament. Enq: Frank 9296 7591. Healing and Anointing Mass 8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation, then 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, anointing of the sick and prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189. Pro-life Witness – Mass and Procession 9.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, cnr Great Northern Hwy and Morrison Rd, Midland. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Please join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. Catholic Faith Renewal Evening 7.30pm at Sts John and Paul Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Songs of praise, prayer, sharing by a priest, then thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. Enq: Ivan 0428 898 833 or Ann 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail.com. Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils 7pm-1.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Loch St, Mosman Park or St Gerard Majella Church, cnr Ravenswood Dr/Majella Rd, Mirrabooka. Vigils are two Masses, Adoration, Benediction, prayers, Confession in reparation for outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357, Fr Giosue 9349 2315, John/ Joy 9344 2609. Holy Hour 7.30pm at St Bernadette’s Parish, cnr Jugan and Leeder Sts, Glendalough. Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament, music and chants, silence, readings and meditative decades of the holy Rosary. Tea/ coffee and cake to follow. Enq: Sean Tobin of Bl Elisabeth of the Trinity Choir 0439 720 066. EVERY SECOND FRIDAY Discover Spirituality of St Francis of Assisi 12pm at St Brigid’s parish centre. The Secular Franciscans of Midland Fraternity have lunch, then 1-3pm meeting. Enq: Antoinette 9297 2314. EVERY SATURDAY Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary 9am at St Denis Parish Church, cnr Roberts Rd and Osborne St, Joondanna. A warm invitation to those interested in praying Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary with us. Enq: Parish office 9242 2812. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY Vigil for Life – Mass and Procession 8.30am at St Augustine Parish, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Carey, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. Mission Rosary Making at the Legion of Mary 9.30am-2pm at 36 Windsor St, East Perth. All materials are supplied. The Rosaries made are distributed to schools, missions and those who ask for a Rosary. Please join us and learn the art of Rosary making on rope and chain. Enq: 0478 598 860. EVERY SECOND SATURDAY Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Succour) and Divine Mercy Chaplet (Chant) 8.30am at Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Whitford, 270 Camberwarra Dr, Craigie. Holy Mass at 8.30am followed by Novena. Enq: Margaret 9307 2776. EVERY FOURTH SATURDAY Voice of the Voiceless Healing Mass 11.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, 211 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq: Frank 9296 7591 or 0408 183 325.
GENERAL Divine Mercy Church, Lower Chittering Come join the “$500 club” by donating that amount towards completion of the Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering. Your name will be included in a plaque and you will share in Masses offered for benefactors. Donate online: www. ginginchitteringparish.org.au or send cheque to DM Church Building Fund, PO Box 8, Bullsbrook WA 6084. May God bless you! Free Divine Mercy Image for Parishes High quality oil painting and glossy print – Divine Mercy Promotions. Images of very high quality. For any parish willing to accept and place inside the church. Oil paintings: 160 x 90cm; glossy print - 100 x 60cm. Enq: Irene 9417 3267 (w). Sacred Heart Pioneers Would anyone like to know about the Sacred Heart pioneers? If so, please contact Spiritual Director Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or John 9457 7771. St Philomena’s Chapel 3/24 Juna Dr, Malaga. Mass of the day: Mon 6.45am. Vigil Masses: Mon-Fri 4.45pm. Enq: Fr David 9376 1734. Mary MacKillop Merchandise Available for sale from Mary MacKillop Centre. Enq: Sr Maree 0414 683 926 or 08 9334 0933. Financially Disadvantaged People Requiring Low Care Aged Care Placement The Little Sisters of the Poor community is set in beautiful gardens in Glendalough. “Making the elderly happy, that is everything!” St Jeanne Jugan (foundress). Reg and enq: Sr Marie 9443 3155. AA Alcoholics Anonymous Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Enq: AA 9325 3566. Is your son or daughter unsure of what to do this year? Suggest a Cert IV course to discern God’s purpose. They will also learn more about the Catholic faith and develop skills in communication and leadership. Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (National Code 51452). Enq: Jane 9202 6859. Acts 2 College, Perth’s Catholic Bible College Is now pleased to be bble to offer tax deductibility for donations. If you are looking for an opportunity to help grow the faith of young people and evangelise the next generation of apostles, please contact Jane Borg, Principal at Acts 2 College on 0401 692 690 or principal@acts2come.wa.edu.au. Abortion Grief Association Inc A not-for-profit association is looking for premises to establish a Trauma Recovery Centre (pref SOR) in response to increasing demand for services (ref www.abortiongrief.asn.au). Enq: Julie (08) 9313 1784. Free Rosaries For The Missions If you or anybody you know are going to the missions and would like to send or take Rosaries to spread the faith locally or overseas or for school or First Holy Communion, please contact Felicia 0429 173 541 or Hiep 0409 128 638. Saints and Sacred Relics Apostolate Invite SSRA Perth invites interested parties, parish priests, leaders of religious communities, lay associations to organise relic visitations to parishes, communities, etc. We have available authenticated relics, mostly first-class, of Catholic saints and blesseds including Sts Mary MacKillop, Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua, Therese of Lisieux, Maximilian
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CLASSIFIEDS Deadline: 11am Monday DESIGN MEDIATRIX DESIGN. graphic design. branding. logos. print. illustration and more. take your image to the next level. unlimited design revisions. will beat any genuine quote by 10%. obligation free consult: 0402 652 563.
BEAUTY RURI STUDIO FOR HAIR Vincent and Miki welcome you to their newly opened, international, award-winning salon. Shop 2, 401 Oxford St, Leederville. 9444 3113. Ruri-studio-for-hair@ hotmail.com.
RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, Baptism and Wedding candles, etc. Visit us at 39 Hulme Ct (off McCoy St), Myaree. Ph 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve. KINLAR VESTMENTS www.kinlarvestments.com.au Quality vestments, Australianmade, embroidered, appliqued. Ph: 9402 1318, 0409 114 093.
TAX SERVICE QUALITY TAX RETURNS PREPARED by registered tax agent with over 35 years’ experience. Call Tony Marchei 0412 055 184 for appt. AXXO Accounting & Management, Unit 20/222 Walter Rd, Morley.
FURNITURE REMOVAL ALL AREAS. Competitive rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.
TO LEASE MINING LEASE 95612415.
SERVICES BRENDAN HANDYMAN SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588. PAINTERS IN PERTH since 1933. AJ Cochrane & Sons 08 9248 8211. BOB’S PAINTING Registered and insured. Free quotes 0422 485 433 www.bobthepainter.com. au. PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD For all commercial and strata property requirements. Ph 9444 1200. BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952.
PILGRIMAGES PILGRIMAGE TO ROME/ PADUA/ASSISI/VENICE AND MEDJUGORJE Departing Perth Mon, June 9. $4,474 for 16 days. Price includes all flights, quality accommodation with ensuite facilities, bed/breakfast/evening meals, rest period in airport hotel for six hrs with bedroom/ ensuite, enabling you to arrive refreshed. English speaking guide 24/7, transfers in luxury coach. Taxes/tipping included. Spiritual Director Rev Fr Ronan Murphy. Enq: Eileen 9402 2480, mob 0407 471 256 medjugorje1947@gmail.com. HOLY LAND AND MEDJUGORJE: September 15-30. 16 day pilgrimage of a lifetime to Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Mt Tabor, Jerusalem, Gethsemane, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Qumran,
Jericho, Dead Sea, Mt of Olives, Mt Zion, Holy Sepulchre and Medjugorje (price $4,800). Departing September 15 and returning September 30, 2014. Fr Nicholas Nweke (Spiritual Director), 9448 4888. 19 DAYS: COST FROM $7,080 Poland, Italy, Lourdes & (Paris - Optional) Departs Perth on Monday 22 September 2014 Spiritual Director: Fr. Tadeusz Seremet SDS 19 DAYS: COST FROM $4,900 Jordan, Israel, and Egypt, Petra, Amman, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Cana, Bethlehem, Taba, Mt. Sinai, St. Catherine’s, St. Anthony’s, and St. Paul’s Monastery, Sharm El-Sheikh, Pyramids of Giza and Cairo. Departs Perth on Sunday 9 November 2014. Spiritual Director: Fr. Phong Thanh Nguyen. For Itinerary and more information please contact: Francis Williams (Travel Coordinator) / T: 9459 3873 / M: 0404 893 877 (all-day) E: perthfamily888@ gmail.com 10 DAYS HOLY LAND WITH POPE FRANCIS: Cost from $2,580:00 (Land Only). Caesarea, Muhraka, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, Mt of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Boat Ride, Jordan River (Yardenit), Mt. Tabor, Jericho, Qumran, Dead Sea, Jerusalem. Departs Perth on Tuesday 20 May 2014. Francis Williams (Travel Coordinator) T: 9459 3873, M: 0404 893 877 (allday). E: perthfamily888@gmail. com
Classifieds:
Short, Sharp and Cheap
C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 1 Purloined fruit of Augustine’s Confession 3 Treasury of ___ 7 Doctrines 9 Latin for “to pray” 10 Day on which God created man (Gen 1:26–31) 11 Palms are burned to make these 12 President Johnson’s daughter who converted to Catholicism 13 Patron saint of mothers 14 “___ Mary” 17 Tool of trade for Peter and Andrew 20 They blew these outside the walls of Jericho 23 Creche 24 “…the ___ will be first…” (Mt 20:16) 25 Oscar-winning actress who converted to Catholicism, Jane ___ 28 Type of cross 29 Woody’s son, a convert to Catholicism 31 ___ in the blood of the Lamb 33 Judas’ blood money bought it (Mt 27:6-8) 35 Focal place of the Mass 37 OT prophetic book 38 Number of sacraments, in Roman numerals 39 Worms meeting that denounced Luther 40 Martyred Salvadoran, Bishop Romero 41 Say the rosary DOWN 1 Sacred song 2 Part of the Eucharistic Prayer 3 “Ite, ___ est” 4 “On the third day he ___ again” 5 Notre Dame nickname, “The
GET YOUR COPY TODAY Kolbe, Simon Stock and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Free of charge and all welcome. Enq: Giovanny 0478 201 092 or ssraperth@catholic.org. PERPETUAL ADORATION Would You Not Watch One Hour with Me? Adoration - St Jerome’s, Spearwood Adorers are needed. Please contact the office on 9418 1229. Holy Hour Slots at St Bernadette’s, Glendalough “Every Holy Hour we make so pleases the Heart of Jesus that it will be recorded in heaven and retold for all eternity” ~ Blessed Mother Teresa. Adorers needed for: Monday 2-3am; Tuesday 10-11am; Wednesday midnight-2am; Friday 2-4am;
and Saturday 1-2pm. If you would like one of these hours or more information, please call the parish office. Enquiries: 9444 6131. Resource Centre For Personal Development 2014 Courses 197 High St, Fremantle. RCPD2 ‘Successful Relationships, Emotional Intelligence/ Communication Skills’; RCPD3 Part1 ‘Health – Mental, Physical and Spiritual’ ‘Understanding and Healing the Consequences of Emotional and Sexual Abuse’ Lecture and Discussion; RCPD11 ‘Therapeutic Workshop’; RCPD7 Part1 ‘Psychology and Christian Spirituality’; RCPD7 Part2 ‘Exorcists and Psychiatrists’. Volunteers required for Op/Shop Drop-In Centre. Enq: 9418 1439, 0409 405 585 www.rcpd.net.au.
Panorama Deadline: 5pm, Fridays. Must be submitted on the week prior to publication.
W O R D S L E U T H
6 7 8 11 12 15 16 18 19 21 22 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 36 37
Fighting ___” Matthew collected this before he met Jesus Papal dispensation permitting a deviation from church law Wise Men Bible book about the early Christians Satan, the Father of ___ Mother of Mary Ark passenger Religious ceremony NT epistle Nevada diocese One of the traditional names of 8D Catholic publishers, Sheed and ___ Brynner who played pharaoh in “The Ten Commandments” ___ of the Lord Biblical money Patriarch respite, perhaps Communion host Version of the Bible Letters above the cross Pertaining to the non-ordained members of the Church Patron saint of lawyers
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