The Record Newspaper 27 February 2008

CEO backs Gardasil in schools

■ By Sylvia Defendi

state.

Gardasil vaccinates young women against cervical cancer as the result of sexually transmitted disease, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes about 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer cases and about 90% of genital wart cases.

The Australian government and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme approved the vaccine for use and in 2007 began a nationwide vaccination program free of charge to schoolgirls in years 10, 11 and 12.

Director of the CEO, Ron Dullard, said the vaccine had gained his own personal endorsement as well as that of the education office.

“If I was a principal I would be encouraging all young women in the school to get vaccinated,” he said.

Controversy has followed the vaccine, since it was introduced, with allegations of prompting a rise in sexual promiscuity.

One mother of two girls, who wishes to remain anonymous, was not impressed when she received the standard Health Department consent form many young women would have brought home recently.

“Vaccinating children against sexually transmitted diseases is absurd. Gardasil does not protect against every sexual disease and just gives young women a false sense of security.

“I know my daughters have greater respect for themselves than to need such a vaccine. When they decide to be sexually active they

Continued - Page 2

Perth girls’ body image forum to tackle key issues

“Get Real”, a major event on body image issues for women, will take place in Perth on Friday March 7 in the lead up to International Women’s Day.

It will be held in the Government House Ballroom at 7pm. Admission is free.

Hosted by Women’s Forum Australia (WFA), the event will look at issues around female body image, the objectification of women and premature sexualisation of girls in popular culture.

Speakers include Adelaide researcher and Faking It author, Selena Ewing, Kids Free 2b Kids founder Julie Gale, from Melbourne, Canberra author and Faking It editor Melinda Tankard Reist.

An exhibition produced as part of WOMENS Healthworks PhotoVoice project, celebrating women as whole people, will also be previewed. WFA Director and local organiser, Karen Robinson, said the event would be of interest to anyone concerned about the health of women and girls.

“Research shows that women feel worse about themselves after viewing thin, ‘sexy’ airbrushed images of other women,” Ms Robinson said.

“As well, the premature sexualising of girls is linked with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.

“Recent reports show that one in five girls under 12 use fasting and vomiting to lose weight and one in four wants cosmetic surgery. This should ring alarm bells for anyone concerned about the health and wellbeing of children.”

Wise men : Fathers Rodney Williams, left, Peter Whitely and John O’Reilly stand before the fulfilment of their dreams as parish priests of Applecross, over

The

Full story, photos - Pages 12-13.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

the Parish

Agnes of Bohemia

c. 1200-1280

feast – March 6

Agnes’ parents were the king of Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic) and the sister of Hungary’s king. Their ambitions for Agnes to marry royalty were dashed by death, the machinations of other royals and Agnes’ devotion to Christ. Finally, after several engagements, Agnes was

3M

83 new Catholics at Easter

Bishop Don Sproxton welcomed 83 people to the threshold of the Catholic Church last Thursday night and invited them to enter fully through the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil on Saturday March 22.

The ceremony, known as the Rite of Election, was held at Greenwood Parish church for people who have been preparing themselves for many months through the RCIA program (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

All were accompanied by godparents or sponsors and in many cases family and friends as well as catechists and RCIA team members. They came from 17 parishes and from the Chinese and Indonesian Catholic Communities.

After being recommended by their godparents and sponsors and accepted by the Church, each of the catechumens and candidates was introduced to Bishop Sproxton and had the opportunity for a private chat with him.

sister, your mother or your son,” he said. “He wants you to understand that he has chosen you to be a witness of your faith so that other people may be drawn to Jesus by the changes they see in you.

“It may be they see that you have asked for forgiveness, that you know you are not perfect, but you have faith and hope.

“The reason you have been given the gift of faith is so that others may be drawn towards it.”

Anointed with oil

Eph 5:8-14 Darkness to light

Jn 9:1-41 I am the light

Vio Isa 65:17-21 Past not remembered

Ps 29:2.4-6.11-13 The Lord had pity Jn 4:43-54 Your son will live

4T St Casimir (O)

Vio Ezek 47:1-9.12 Living water

Ps 45:2-3.5-9 God is a helper Jn 5:1-3.5-16 Do not sin any more

5W

Vio Isa 49:8-15 I will help you

6T

Ps 144:8-9.13-14.17-18 The Lord is faithful Jn 5:17-30 The Father and the Son

Vio Ex 32:7-14 The Lord relented

Ps 105:19-23 The golden calf

Jn 5:31-47 Another witness

7F Ss Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs (O)

Vio Wis 2:1.12-22 See no reward

Ps 33:16.18.19-21.23 Broken hearts

Jn 7:1-2.10.25-30 Hour not yet come

8S St John of God, religious (O)

Vio Jer 11:18-20 A trustful lamb

Ps 7:2-3.9-12 God is my shield

Jn 7:40-52 He is the Christ

There were 44 Catechumens who will be baptised and confirmed and will receive their first Communion, and 39 Candidates who have already been baptised in other Christian groups and will be received fully into the Catholic Church through the ceremony of reception and the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist.

Society should support families caring for the terminally ill: Pope

Society and labor laws should give concrete support to family members so they can attend to terminally ill loved ones, Pope Benedict XVI said. While guarantees must be made for all people to receive necessary medical care, special provisions also must be put into place for the patient’s family members, he said.

The Pope made his comments dur-

They will be received into the Church fully in their own parishes during the Easter Vigil ceremonies.

In his homily, Bishop Sproxton told the 83 catechumens and candidates that they had been chosen by God.

“God has chosen you personally, possibly in preference to your brother or your

ing a February 25 audience with more than 300 participants in a Vatican-sponsored congress on the pastoral needs of and ethical obligations toward the terminally ill. Titled “Close By the Incurable Sick Person and the Dying: Scientific and Ethical Aspects,” the February 25-26 congress brought together caregivers, medical specialists and scholars in the fields of theology, law and bioethics. The international congress was organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life and was held to coincide with the Lourdes jubilee year, marking the 150th anniversary of Mary’s appearance to St Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France.

A new dean of studies

■ By Anthony Barich

AChristian Brother, former principal of Aquinas, Trinity and CBC Fremantle with over 50 years experience in education has been appointed temporary Dean of Studies at St Charles Seminary.

Brother John Carrigg, who also lectured at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle for eight years and spent recent years as a missionary in Kenya, has been appointed for two years, working three days a week.

Perth Vicar General Fr Brian O’Loughlin had earlier told The Record that the Archdiocesan search party was looking at two eastern states dioceses for a replacement for Canon lawyer Fr Brian Limbourn, whose contract ran out last year.

However, Fr O’Loughlin said last week “we would prefer to have someone local, and Brother Carrigg has been outstanding in education”. “We’re also encouraged by the fact that not all these positions need a priest, and it does revive the association of the Christian Brothers with the foundation of St Charles Seminary as Brother Conlan was on the foundation

staff with Archbishop Launcelot Goody.

“So in turning to Brother Carrigg we have a fine educationalist and a man who has been very accustomed to assisting students and knows academia well.”

As he returned from Kenya due to health problems, Brother Carrigg, who took up office on February 26, is only a temporary replacement until they can find a permanent Dean of Studies.

St Charles’ Rector Fr Don Hughes OMI said the main requisite is familiarity with the university system, which Brother Carrigg has in spades having lectured at UNDA.

“He’s a man who has a wonderful vision of the Church, he’s a Church man through and through, which is what we need in formators to impart the spirit of love of the church,” Fr Hughes said.

Brother Carrigg was briefed on Tuesday by Fr Joseph Parkinson, who stood in as temporary Dean of Studies until the Christian Brother started.

Brother Carrigg will liaise with Fr Peter Black, the Dean of UNDA’s College of Theology and Philosophy.

The Archdiocese must now consider a replacement for Fr Hughes, whose threeyear tenure as Rector ends at the end of this year.

The parishes involved in last Thursday’s ceremony were Applecross, Bateman, Clarkson, Fremantle, Girrawheen, Glendalough, Greenmount, Greenwood, Kwinana, Lesmurdie, Lockridge, Lynwood/ Langford, Morley, Ocean Reef, Port Kennedy, Willeton and Whitford, together with the Perth Chinese Catholic Community and the WA Indonesian Catholic Community.

Love: A nurse and a volunteer help make a patient comfortable in a home for the dying. Pope Benedict has urged more support for families caring for terminally ill members.

STD vaccine

Continued from Page 1

can choose to have the vaccine, but for now, teens have enough raging hormones to deal with, without needing another excuse to act on their impulses,” she said.

However, Mr Dullard and Principal at Iona Presentation College for girls in Mosman Park, Margaret Herley said the vaccine had little to do with sexual activity and promiscuity.

“A girl does not need to be sexually promiscuous to become infected. Her future husband could be carrying the disease without even knowing, or the unfortunate occurrence of rape could infect any chaste woman,” Mr Dullard said.

Ms Herley also condoned the use of the vaccine, stating that Gardasil protected a woman for life, “whether she be in her teens, twenties or happily married.”

Both Mr Dullard and Ms Herley said they had met with little or no negative comments from parents with daughters due to receive the vaccine.

Ms Herley also said that students at Iona College were fully informed by staff of the College about the vaccine and their need to lead a life of chastity.

“Parents still have the final say in this matter, as they have the option to consent. However, if they choose to see this vaccine as something that will encourage sexual promiscuity then they need to focus on other factors in that child’s life,” Mr Dullard said.

PHOTO: CNS PHOTO/MIKE CRUPI, CATHOLIC COURIER

the Parish

Lenten classic performed

■ By Mark Reidy

It took 15 years from the time Austrian composer Josef Haydn was commissioned by the clergy of Cadiz cathedral, to the first performance of “The Seven Last Words of Christ”, on Good Friday 1787. The composition, which sets music to the final utterances of Jesus from the cross, has since been used by millions of Christians across the globe as a Lenten devotion.

This tradition will continue at the newly dedicated St Benedict’s Church in Applecross on Sunday March 16 at 3pm. The music will be performed by “Ensemble Trastevere”, a string quartet made up of local artists, with each sonata introduced with a few words of reflection, as originally designed by Haydn.

Organisers of the event are excited at the opportunity that this performance will provide for those seeking to reflect on the sufferings of Christ within a unique and powerful format.

The seven reflections, which are taken from the four gospels, are; “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”, “Verily, I say unto you: this day you shall be with me in Paradise”, “Woman, behold thy son: son, behold thy mother”, “My God, My God, why have you

forsaken me?”, “I thirst, I thirst”, “It is accomplished” and “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit”.

Spokesperson Maree Miliauskas said that the event was the first of the parish’s Faith Enrichment series for 2008 and believes that the occasion will not only provide a meaningful expression of the Lenten journey, but “the four very talented young ladies” will also showcase the youth and vibrancy that exists within the Church.

Leader of the quartet and First Violin, Kathleen O’Hagan, has graduated with distinction from the

Royal Academy of Music in London and currently plays with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Other members, Anna O’Hagan (Second Violin), Elizabeth Dowson (Viola) and Amber Day (Cello), have also either graduated from the academy in London or UWA and/ or have played and toured with the Australian Youth Orchestra.

The duration of the performance will be one hour and twenty minutes and refreshments will follow. Entry is by donation.

For more information contact Maree on 9315 1207.

Global success for Rosary chain

■ By Sylvia Defendi

A Perth initiative, that has brought the Rosary to life for many, is being distributed by the hundreds of thousands worldwide.

Each of the popular Chain of Mary booklets features instructions and meditations on one decade of the Rosary.

Over 900,000 copies of the booklets, which are written in both English and Italian, have made their way to Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Malta, Africa, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Korea and India. And many more are being printed and distributed, “through God’s providence,” president of the Chain of Mary committee Rose Fiorucci said.

With the approval and support of Archbishop Barry Hickey, the free booklets were first printed in 2004 and many more were soon needed.

For Rose, who has been a part of the project since its inception, the booklets offer a unique prayer

experience that is really making its mark.

“While the Chain of Mary does not replace the entire Rosary, it does offer those who may not have the time or the courage to attempt all five decades of a Rosary the opportunity to commit to one decade,” she said.

That perhaps seemingly insignificant decade is joined with those of others worldwide to complete many Rosaries for Our Lady’s intentions; and those who register with the Chain of Mary also have Mass offered for them weekly by Fr Brian Limborne in Perth.

Over 30,000 names from Perth alone have since registered with the Chain of Mary. Meanwhile, almost 200 churches across the nation have welcomed the free booklets, which have also found their way into private and public schools, university campuses and prayer groups.

“The first batch of booklets did not have the full Our Father printed, but we had to change that when we were asked by non-Christians, who had picked up the booklets, how to say the popular prayer,” Rose said.

A fundraiser for the printing and distribution of many more booklets will be held on March 2 in Sydney, where patron and Maronite Bishop, Ad Abikaram, Cardinal representative, Bishop Julian Porteous and Archbishop Barry Hickey, also a patron of the project, will attend. To order a booklet or to make a donation to the printing and distribution of the booklets, call Rose on: 9201 0337, or 0437 700 247.

Just want justicea call to action

This year’s Project Compassion campaign in the Bunbury Diocese has received a great boost with support from Caritas’ partnership program with Notre Dame University.

Two participants in the program, Trish Green formerly from Manjimup, and Claire Harris of Hillman are visiting the Diocese to give a first hand account of their experience in visiting Caritas development programs in Cambodia and Uganda.

This hands-on experience has brought alive to the congregations they have addressed; an insight into the true understanding of the Project Compassion message.

So far the parishes of Bridgetown and Mandurah have been visited; with planned visits for Pemberton on March 2 and Pinjarra on March 8.

Parishioners in both parishes visited were moved by the living stories of how those most vulnerable in our world were taking the opportunity to better themselves and have vital hope for the future, through programs supported by giving to Project Compassion.

Bunbury Caritas Diocesan Director Ray Lowe said “in this World Youth Day year, it has been very special to have two young people who have a sound understanding of Project Compassion talk to people in the Diocese.

“They have brought a further dimension to Pope Benedict’s Lenten Message with its emphasis on almsgiving. Their living witness has helped tremendously in getting the theme of Project Compassion 08 “Just want justice … a call to action” out into public arena.”

Bunbury Diocesan readers are also encouraged to tune into the Diocesan Westlink program on Thursday on March 6 with the topic “A Life-changing Journey” which will explore the links of the Pope’s message with Project Compassion.

For more information on Caritas, log onto the Caritas web site www. caritas.org.au or contact Ray Lowe on 9721 0500.

JohnHughes

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

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

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

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

Is it true that I refuse to sell any vehicle that has had previous major accident damage?

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

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

Is it true that every year for the last 20 consecutive years I have been Australia’s top selling Hyundai dealer?

Spreading the news: Trish Green and Claire Harris will be visiting the Diocese of Bunbury to give a first hand account of their experience in visiting Caritas development programs in Cambodia and Uganda.

Talent: Ensemble Trastevere - Elizabeth Dowson is on Viola, Anna O’Hagan on violin, Amber Day on Cello and Kathleen O’Hagan on violin.

Sunday Sesh evangelises youth

■ By Anthony Barich

The 100-plus young people who attended the launch of the Perth World Youth Day Office’s Sunday Sesh at City Beach on February 17 may have been well below estimates but it was still a successful evangelical event.

The event previewed the launch of the WYD Cross and Icon Program on Thursday March 6 at 6pm at Sacred Heart parish, Highgate, to which all schools, parishes and organisaitons are invited.

Perth WYD Office formation and marketing officer Tammy Nguyen said the best thing about the Sunday Sesh, in which about 15 parishes were represented plus the Young Christian

Take

Workers ministry, was that so many youth she had never met before had come to receive the spiritual tools to get the most out of WYD, to be held in Sydney from July 15-20.

With about 1200 people from Perth attending WYD in Sydney, Miss Nguyen said that Perth organisers expected 500 at the City Beach event for pilgrims north of the river and 500 at the repeat session at Bateman parish for south of the river pilgrims, at which about 20 parishes were represented.

The Sunday Sesh, which will be held monthly until WYD included Bible-related games, guest speaker Anita Parker with a Scripture reading and discussion, a meditation to establish and enhance a relationship and communication with Christ, and bulletins on exciting upcoming events in the area revolving around generating momentum towards WYD in Sydney.

Catholic Youth Ministry and a Canon lawyer put spirituality on tap for Perth youth at Rosie O’Grady’s Irish pub in Northbridge.

Catholic Youth Ministry’s new Six30 Pillars program was launched at Rosie O’Grady’s Northbridge on February 20, bringing spirituality into the pub.

Canon lawyer and former Dean of Studies at St Charles Seminary Fr Brian Limbourn spoke to a crowd of young adults on his own understandings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The talk was previewed by Gaetan Raspanti playing original Catholic music.

She dealt with the idea that WYD is not just a holiday but a pilgrimage, and gave information about the activities during the week and what sites throughout Sydney that they will occur at.

She also detailed practical preparation for WYD, like wetweather gear, and spiritual preparation like Holy Hours, adoration, dedicated prayer commitment each day for WYD and their own spiritual lives, emphasising the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The next Sunday Sesh is at Balcatta parish on March 2 at 7.15pm for pilgrims north of the river, and one at Rockingham parish on March 9 at 8.15pm. Both are held after the parish Mass.

For further information, contact the Perth Archdiocesan World Youth Day Office on (08) 0422 7944.

It was the start of a monthly program where, on the second Sunday of each month, a guest speaker addresses youth on a chapter of the Catechism. Fr Limbourn spoke on “Why Jesus Christ? The point of it all”, with the aim of exploring why people are concerned about being Catholic or Christian and gave a realistic portrait of what a personal relationship with Christ can be.

The Pillars program is part of CYM’s new initiative to form a spiritual community of young people who support each other in their faith and are enriched by the Holy Spirit working through each other and through specialist speakers who can enlighten them on what being a Catholic is all about and what it is to

be in a personal relationship with Christ. Archbishop Barry Hickey will give the next address on “‘Enter the conquerer: the God who came to kick some....” which will explore the role and work of Christ in our salvation in the lead-up to Easter, and how young Catholics can be an active part of the process.

Six30 Pilliars is part of an overall program each month that includes a fourweekly cycle of events aimed at exploring the God who touches every area of a person’s life.

This forms the basis of classical formation consisting of the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation.

For more info on CYM events contact Robert Hiini on 9422 7912 or admin@cym.com.au.

Religious doing it for themselves

Brothers,

Fathers and Sisters doin’

it

for themselves at World Youth Day Vocations Expo

World Youth Day Sydney 2008 organisers have welcomed more than 75 applications from around the world to exhibit at the Vocations Expo, held during the WYD08 week of activities.

A central component of each WYD, the Vocations Expo is a dynamic exhibition and discussion space exploring all vocational states of life including priesthood, marriage, family and the laity, and the call to holiness of religious and consecrated life. Since applications opened in October 2007, exhibitors from as far as France, USA, New Zealand, England, Germany, Cameroon and the Philippines have dem-

onstrated their eagerness to participate. “We have had a wonderful response to date, with applications from various religious orders, vocations networks, tertiary educational institutions, Church agencies, Bishops Conferences and diocesan vocations offices around Australia and internationally,” said Fr Danai Penollar, WYD08 Vocations Expo Project Officer.

“As the countdown to WYD08 continues, I encourage all interested groups to act now as demand is high and exhibitor spaces are being snapped up quickly.”

Vocations Expo is a unique forum for young adults who are dedicated to their faith to seek information and guidance regarding the various states of vocational life in the Church.

“With more than 225,000 registered pilgrims coming to Sydney to celebrate their faith, exhibitors will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to open eyes and doors to the wonders that vocational life has to offer,” said Fr Danai.

The Vocations Expo will be held in Hall 1 of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information and exhibitor applications visit: www. wyd2008.org/vocations.

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

The event will culminate with the Final Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park, where up to 500,000 people are expected to gather.

All fired up: Left, Paul Firth (right) leads the Disciples of Jesus music ministry team at City Beach parish hall at the Sunday Sesh; centre, Disciples of Jesus youth leader Michael Sandrini addresses the youth.

■ By Anthony Barich

Greenwood parish won the second, bigger-than-ever World Youth Day sand sculpture competition at Scarborough Beach last Saturday morning.

Greenwood won the competition, run by the Perth WYD Office, from the biggest field of entries – 25 teams, including three from Chisolm Catholic College and one from the Indonesian Catholic community.

Greenwood won a set of WYD specialedition coins that feature the face of Pope Benedict XVI, who will make his first visit to Australia to celebrate Mass at Randwick Racecourse on the last day of World Youth Day in Sydney in July.

After building a sandcastle in the shape of a monstrance that holds the Blessed Sacrament, Greenwood was set the task, as all teams were in the final round, of recreating the Perth WYD’s Days in the Dioceses logo.

Archbishop Barry Hickey, who judged the

Greenwood storm Scarborough

first round, said the event was more than a public witness to Catholicism and promoting World Youth Day.

He said it gave Perth’s youth – and passersby who witnessed the creations – a chance to contemplate the Christian symbols.

This was especially the case for the participants themselves, who researched their ideas by scouting churches for Christian and Catholic symbols.

“The event has caught the imagination of many young people from parishes and schools,” the Archbishop said after admitting it had been a while since he’d made sandcastles as a child.

“It has enabled them to focus on Christian symbols, which are things they may have come to take for granted.

“The participants were made to think about the symbols and their application. Taking their faith to Scarborough Beach, which is not a religious place, enables young people to bring religion into their everyday life, so people can come to surf and swim in an atmosphere of joy in living their Christian faith.”

In brief

Good odds still on Saint Mary McKillop

The cause for the canonisation of Blessed Mary McKillop continues to look strong after the release of the latest Rome figures on saints’ causes. During the pontificate of Benedict XVI so far, there have been 20 beatification ceremonies, during which 563 Servants of God were beatified. Of these, 485 were men and women religious, like Blessed Mary McKillop, while 48 were diocesan priests and 30 were lay people.

The largest beatification was that of 498 Spanish martyrs who were proclaimed ‘Blessed’ on October 28 last year. The figures were reported after the news of a new Vatican instruction, Sanctorum Mater, which clarifies the rules of the process leading to canonization. The ABC reported that the cause of Blessed Mary McKillop has not been adversely affected by the new instruction from the Vatican.

AFL not alone with problems

The AFL has attracted controversy with a DVD hoping to produce more enlightened attitudes among footballers who feel tempted to behave exploitatively towards young women. Author Melinda Tankard-Reist commented: “The AFL’s DVD is a sign of a broader malaise. Examples of increasing contempt for women are everywhere.” For example, T-shirts available online bear the slogan, “It’s not rape, it’s surprise sex,” and ordinary young girls are receiving explicit electronic messages detailing sexual acts their male senders say they want to perform. “Many young women don’t even seem to understand the meaning of sexual harassment,” said Ms Tankard-Reist. “It has become so normalised, they just expect it.”

Sexuality dispute

“momentous:” Jensen

Australia’s first Anglican diocese, the diocese of Sydney, has backed the decision by its Archbishop, Peter Jensen, not to attend the Lambeth conference held later this year. Lambeth is the most important established gathering of the worldwide Anglican communion, and is convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury. After intense dispute over the actions of some North American Anglican leaders on homosexuality, a significant number of Anglican bishops worldwide have decided not to attend Lambeth 2008. The Sydney Anglican Archbishop has become a recognised figure among those opposed to the liberalisation of the church’s practices. Archbishop Jensen recently said that Sydney’s Anglican bishops have “developed strong fellowship links with the many Anglican Christians all over the world who feel, as we do, that the crisis over human sexuality is of momentous significance, and who are determined not to accept unbiblical teaching and sinful practice.”

It’s about suicide, not mercy: Fisher

Australian euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke has recently formed another branch of his pro-euthanasia network, this time in New Zealand, according to newspaper reports. Sydney Bishop Anthony Fisher has denounced Dr Nitschke’s New Zealand activism. “It is noteworthy that Dr Nitschke has finally come clean that his longrunning campaign is not really about mercy killing for the terminally ill – as he has badged it in the past – but about a much more generalised support for suicide and assisted suicide. Perhaps this reflects an inevitable slide in the ‘logic’ of euthanasia supporters,” Bishop Fisher says. The bishop says suicidal people need support. “The euthanasia doctors have been shown in the past to be poor diagnosticians of depression, and even worse at treating it.”

This culture does drugs:Herron

One in seven secondary school students has used cannabis in the past 12 months, according to the Australian National Council on Drugs. The Council’s chairman, the former Federal Minister Dr John Herron, says problem drinking and drug-taking is now a scourge.

Issuing a report called Supporting Families of Young People with Problematic Drug Use, Dr Herron said a cultural problem has emerged. “What this report clearly says is that drug and alcohol use by young people has become normalised and is often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. It’s clear from the report that parents have an important role in influencing what happens to their children. Adolescents are less likely to drink and engage in binge drinking if parents actively disapprove,” he said.

the Nation

Aussie woman urges renewed effort for global female dignity

■ By Paul Gray

The Australian bishops’ delegate to a major global gathering of women at the Vatican says a renewed effort at defending women’s dignity needs to be made worldwide.

The Vatican gathering heard powerful presentations against the financial exploitation of women’s sexuality.

Women from around the globe gathered in Rome for an international congress convened by the Pontifical Council for the Laity earlier this month.

The official Australian delegate was the director of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Office for the Participation of Women, Kimberly Davis.

The congress was convened to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter on the dignity and vocation of women, Mulieris Dignitatem

Ms Davis told The Record that two outstanding contributions were those by Helen Alvare, the former pro-life spokeswoman for the US Bishops conference, and Australian Brenda Finlayson.

Helen Alvare spoke on the reduction of femininity to an object of consumerism.

This phenomenon is something everyone can rapidly verify just by looking around at advertising billboards showing women as objects for commercial exploitation, Ms Davis said.

Helen Alvare told the congress that sexualised images of women were today generating staggering amounts of money in the global economy.

She said it is conservatively estimated that the pornography industry is worth 60 billion American dollars a year.

Ms Alvare also argued that because of original sin, women have had a hand in promoting the very consumerism that turns them into objects.

Ms Davis said the complementarity of women and men – a central theme in

John Paul II’s Mulieris Dignitatem Letter – was highlighted throughout the Vatican congress, whose official title was Woman and Man: the ‘Humanum’ in its Entirety.

She said that in his opening remarks, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, argued that society today is blending women and men together in such a way that all sense of the natural difference between them is being lost.

Ms Davis said there was an enormous number of speakers and a wealth of information provided to participants.

She was also particularly impressed by the presentation by Australian Brenda Finlayson who is Vice President of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations.

“Brenda Finlayson told personal stories of women’s experiences. Amid all the theology and research that was also being presented, this was lovely to hear,”

Bishops issue parish kit

for

world women’s day

■ By Paul Gray

The bishops’ Office for the Participation of Women has issued a parish resource kit to help the Church around Australia celebrate International Women’s Day.

The Office’s Director Kimberly Davis says the kit is to provide ideas for liturgy, homilies and general intercessions, and help establish a focus on women in parish churches nationwide.

International Women’s Day is observed on Friday March 7.

The kit includes homily suggestions written by Bishop Michael Malone who is the chair of the bishops’ Commission for Church Ministry.

The kit says when properly understood, the rightful place of women in the Church can be seen as “a reproof to a male-only way of thinking.”

It says it would be a pity if the Church was blind to the role of women, or in some way threatened by a more active and responsible recognition of their “God-given baptismal commitment.”

The information kit points Catholics towards the report Woman and Man:

One in Christ Jesus which was commissioned by the Australian bishops in the late 1990s.

The Woman and Man report said that women should be as involved as possible in the processes of decision-making at different levels of Church life, and suggests that the nature of ministry within the Church, and in particular the role of women in ecclesiastical ministries should be addressed.

Programs should be developed to promote the equality and dignity of women, enabling a better balance of women and men, clergy, religious and laity on Church bodies, the report found.

The new kit for parishes includes the statement that women have struggled for a place in the Church, but that there is an opportunity to acknowledge the right of women to participate fully in the life of the Church according to their competency.

The kit includes an invocation for the prayers of the faithful at Mass, asking God that “all of us will continue to promote the Gospel vision of the equal dignity of women and men in all we say and do.”

Ms Davis said. She told The Record the congress provided increased recognition of the challenges facing women around the world.

Ms Davis, whose office in Canberra hightlights the role of women in the Church, said it was a “reality check” to meet Catholic women from other countries whose situations were radically different, such as women from countries like Malawi and Iraq.

Ms Davis said she learned a great deal from a Malawi woman who said only a small proportion of her country’s population is Catholic. The country is landlocked and poor.

“Women in the Church in Malawi were looking for donations equivalent to one Australian cent per person, to resource the building of a shelter,” she said. “All they want is a shelter to enable women to come together in safety.”

Meanwhile Ms Davis learned from an Iraqi woman that millions of women in her country had been made widows.

Meeting such women posed a question for Ms Davis that she would like to find answers to now that she has returned home. That question is - “as women in resource-rich countries, how can we support our sisters in the poorer nations?”

Looking ahead from the her trip to Rome, Ms Davis said the need to help women achieve their potential is important.

“One of the things at the end of the congress was the recognition that at least women are still on the agenda in the Church. We do have a place.”

Ms Davis said she wants to work for greater educational opportunities for young women, and to see further exploration of the opportunities available to women for formation so that they can lead the community in various ways.

“The Church will reach a non-patriarchal stage when we have women in leadership positions,” she says.

Parents angry over Sex-ed instruction

The battle over sex education in the US continues, with some parents of students at a New Jersey high school challenging a program that uses peer instructors.

School district administrators say that New Jersey law requires them to teach a comprehensive class that addresses abstinence, safe sex, dating violence, HIV-AIDS, and how alcohol and drugs affect sexual decisionmaking. But one of the objectors says her 14-year-old son was uncomfortable with a session in which a student taught the class how to put on a condom, using a banana. “Do you want a 16-year-old boy teaching your 14year-old daughter” how to do this? asked Lisa Westerman.

When she asked to look at the program, Clearview Regional High School gave this mother the 900-page Teen PEP (Prevention Education Program) instructors’ manual, but said that it taught only parts of the curriculum. Families considering whether to let their children attend don’t know what’s in and what’s out, she said.

Last year there were 244 disputes over sex education across the country, up from 204 in 2006.  FAMILYEDGE

Reality check: Kimberly Davis, above, has called for a greater global effort to defend the dignity of women and girls.

the Nation

Labor Senator launches new Creation-centred rights book

■ By Paul Gray

A new book advocating a Creation-centred view of human rights has been launched by a senior federal Labor politician, Senator Jacinta Collins.

Life to the Full, a book of essays detailing a Catholic view of human rights in a range of areas from unionism to the right to life, says each human being has an irreplaceable value because he or she is created by God.

Launching the book in Melbourne, Senator Collins hit out at the view, expressed by some in the Labor Party, that the ALP today is ‘a secular party.’ “I take issue with that description of the Labor Party,” she said.

“I would describe my political colleagues as a mixture of people who come to a commitment to social justice from either a secular or from a faith-based perspective. The party works best when we tolerate and accept that amongst ourselves.”

Senator Collins was previously the Federal Shadow Minister for Children and Youth. She led sustained parliamentary attacks on the Howard Government over the “children overboard” affair.

Senator Collins has also delivered lectures at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and the Family. While she studied philosophy at university, she describes her position as that of a “rationalist.”

She said that working as a Catholic in politics, this perspective is important to have because you are “not as easily discounted as someone who relies purely on religious authority.”

Life to the Full is edited by James Franklin, who is a professor in the school of mathematics and statistics at the University of NSW.

Prof Franklin argues in the book’s introduction that there has been one major institution defending the objectivity of human rights, the

“Because a human being is of immense value, a human death is a tragedy. That is in contrast to the explosion of a lifeless galaxy, which is just a firework.”

Catholic Church. He says the Church “has always defended an objectivist natural law view of ethics in general and rights in particular.

On that view, ethics is not fundamentally about rules or divine commands or the greatest happiness for the greatest number or the habits ingrained by evolution and custom, but about the irreducible equal worth of persons and what follows from that.”

Senator Collins quoted these lines by Franklin favourably and said they adequately described her own “groundings” and motivation throughout her political career.

Keith Harvey, National Industrial Officer for the Australian Services Union, also spoke at the launch. Mr Harvey has worked in the union movement for more than 30 years.

He argued that Christian faith is a “package deal” which requires its followers to defend human rights in a wide range of areas.

Mr Harvey said that as a Catholic, he had long believed that the Church defends the right of an individual worker to be represented by a union.

“I’ve clearly had the view that the Catholic Church has, and has had for more than a century, a very clearly stated position on the right to collective bargaining, and one which the former Australian Government very specifically took away from Australian workers,’ he

said. Mr Harvey said that because of his personal beliefs on this issue and his work in the union movement, he last year went around to churches of various denominations on a local basis to engage them in dialogues about rights.

“As a Catholic I thought it would be a very easy conversation with local Catholic churches,” he said. “That turned out to be not necessarily the case.”

Some Catholics appeared to have “forgotten” what the Church teaches about union rights, he said. However, he said that overall he felt “buoyed” by the support given by churches to rights issues.

He said that human rights activists need to be aware that many churches are naturally reluctant to cause alienation and divisions within their own ranks by being too “political.”

Any issue that may be the subject of legislation, like industrial relations, is political, he said. However since the issues are important, there needs to a way for faith communities to talk about them.

Mr Harvey said he found that church communities are active on a wide range of different social justice issues.

“Many of the justice groups with which I discussed industrial relations had a very full agenda of work on which they were engaged as faith communities,” he said. “In my view the best of them saw industrial relations as one such issue, but all of them had a range of issues motivated by their particular faith traditions.

“These included social justice issues such as Aboriginal reconciliation, overseas aid and development, fair trade, assistance to migrants and a particular assistance to refugees.” The Anglican Church, for example, took a particular interest in the welfare of David Hicks, he said. “If you look at the websites of the various churches, they take an interest in a myriad of different justice issues.

THE R ECORD Bookshop

587 Newcastle St West Perth 6005

ph: 9227 7080

email: bookshop@therecord.com.au

Mon,Thurs, Friday 10am - 4.30pm, closed Tuesdays

Rising In Christ: Meditations on Living the Resurrection by John Paul II

Edited by JO Garcia & Keith Cobb

The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith. In these meditations John Paul II shows us that the hope and joy of the resurrection is a tangible reality we can experience in our own lives. The perfect book for Lent and Easter.

$26.95+postage

My Catholic Lent and Easter Activity Book

By

Jennifer Galvin

Make learning fun for kids while showing them the true meaning of Lent and Easter, and their traditions. This activityfilled book helps kids journey with Jesus through His last days, then celebrate with the disciples at His Resurrection. Great for home or school.

$11.95+postage

The Magnificat Rosary Companion

The Rosary has been a powerful prayer of the Church for centuries. Through the intercession of Our Lady, those who meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary are drawn deeper into the life of Christ and into closer communion with Him. This Rosary companion contains short meditations and classic artwork for each of the 20 mysteries of the Rosary.

$6+postage

Song To Mary: Timeless Marian Prayers

In this beautifully presented travel-sized hardback book are the classic Marian prayers of the Church, in both Latin and English, accompanied by classic paintings and a brief history of each prayer. A lovely gift for Easter. $12.95+postage

Talks to change your life

The Mary Foundation 9 CD set

Now available from The Record is a 9 CD set. The set includes:

The Mass Explained by Fr Larry Richards. The Conversion of Scott Hahn by Scott Hahn. Seven Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn. The Rosary & Divine Mercy Chaplet. Confession by Fr Larry Richards.

The Truth About Mary by Patrick Madrid & Marcus Grodi. John Corapi’s Amazing Story by John Corapi. Marriage & The Eucharist by Christopher West. Healing & Holiness by Vinny Flynn

Complete 9CD set $20 + postage. While stocks last!

On its way: Senator Jacinta Collins and Keith Harvey at the Launch of Life to the Full.

PHOTO: PAUL GRAY

James Franklin in the introduction to Life to the Full published by Connor Court.

Perspectives

editorial letters to the editor

A little matter of marriage

Anew government prompts many people to bring out old ideas in order to try again to get them implemented in national law or policy. And so it is with the misnomer called same-sex marriage. The law of the land says that marriage is between a man and a woman for life, and the policy of the new Federal Government is to keep it that way, but last Wednesday night the ABC’s Lateline program trotted out the first of what will no doubt be many attempts to persuade us that this ‘discrimination’ should be abandoned in favour of ‘equality’ or ‘fairness’ or somesuch.

The program included a ‘debate’ in which the Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Jim Wallace, was pitted nominally against Senator Bob Brown but in fact against Brown and the compere Tony Jones.

Mr Wallace did a good job of explaining the importance of marriage as the source of stability for couples, for children, and for society itself. Jones quickly retreated from this substantial ground to suggest that perhaps it was just an argument about a word ‘marriage’.

It is not uncommon to hear this ‘just a word’ argument used as a cover for a retreat from reason, but it is very revealing when it is used by allegedly professional communicators for whom the meaning of words and the distinctions between words are the basis of communication.

All words have meaning, and those that name things carry the meaning of all the qualities of the person or thing named. That is why it is seriously wrong to take the name of God in vain.

THE RECORD

PO Box 75 Leederville, WA 6902 cathrec@iinet.net.au

Tel: (08) 9227 7080

Fax: (08) 9227 7087

Marriage is another word with vast meaning, and all of that meaning needs to be understood and carried along in any discussion about what can be called marriage and what cannot.

Marriage is the union of a man and a woman for life. The commitment is given for life, and even when the commitment is not honoured, the relationship exists for life. One can never be in the state of not having been married for life to a spouse. When there are children of the marriage, the relationship persists visibly in the children and even in the next generation.

The marriage relationship also persists in the lives of in-laws and aunts, uncles and cousins. All of this has always been known, but in the last 50 years when we have done our best to deny the lifelong nature of marriage, we have also produced a massive body of research that proves its validity. It is in its enduring nature that marriage produces its greatest benefits for married couples.

Marriage is the union of the two sexes, the two halves of humanity. It is specifically a sexual union which fulfils all the purposes of the human reproductive system and the sexual nature associated with it. In the normal course, the human reproductive system cannot function reproductively unless it is involved in the sexual union for which it was designed.

The marriage union of the two sexes also runs deeper than the great depths of reproduction. It is the bond in which the two become one. It is the bond in which each learns from the other the fullness of who he or she is, and so the two grow steadily towards each other. This unity is also the foundation of the unity of men and women which is essential for a healthy society.

The importance of the union of the two halves of humanity is so self-evident that we often only notice it in its absence, such as in societies where the male tendency to dominate is rampant, or in the divisive elements of some expressions of feminist philosophy. Whether we know it or not, the purpose of humanity is unity with God, and the pathway to the ultimate is unity within ourselves and with others. Marriage is about unity. (The great gifts of the Incarnation are that God united himself with humanity, and gave us the chance to unite ourselves with that person, Jesus.)

Marriage is the gateway to the creation of new life, and the foundation for the nurture and development of new life. Life can be created outside marriage, and often is, but outside is not the best place for it. Of all the needs of human beings, love is the greatest. Without it, we do not achieve our potential.

All love is useful, but at its best love must be unifying. This sort of love gives the infant-child-adult personal and social coherence and congruence. Married love is unified and unifying love. It is a freely-chosen and pledged commitment to unite two lives; to extend the union of love to new lives; to unite those lives in family love; and it continues for generations.

This, briefly, is the meaning of marriage and it obviously cannot apply to same-sex relationships. One only has to put the words ‘same-sex’ (with all their meaning) in front of the word ‘marriage’ at the beginning of the last three paragraphs to realise that all the other words of the paragraphs do not apply.

Over the last 50 years we and other western societies have done great damage to marriage, family, children and society by rupturing the unity of marriage, the unity of marriage and procreation, and the unity of parents and children. If we had not done all this damage, there would be no talk about such a linguistic nonsense as ‘same-sex marriage’.

Now, if we were to put the weight of law and society behind the words ‘samesex marriage’, we would lose the blessings of marriage altogether. The only real defence is to keep ourselves constantly aware of the real meaning and value of marriage.

Married priests, why not? I

note the article on married priest Fr Kevin Cummins in the February Discovery. I have wondered for years why it is OK for Melkite priests to marry but not others.

Last year ex-priest Paul Collins asked for the issue of married priests to be part of the agenda of the Australian Conference of Bishops. I know that some Australian archbishops and bishops supported it being discussed while others didn’t, because I asked them.

Over 100 people in our parish signed the request which was forwarded to Mr Collins. The view that priests should be allowed to marry is shared even by many senior stalwarts of the Church.

Geoff Taylor

Opposing Sharia law

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Carey are to be congratulated for unequivocally rejecting Dr Rowan Williams’ call for the introduction of Sharia Law in Britain and his statement that it is “inevitable.”

It is a pity some of their fellow Christians, perhaps inhibited by an over-developed sense of politeness, have not followed them more unequivocally. I think the Founder of Christianity made it sufficiently clear that there are times in the Christian life when an unequivocal stand must be taken.

Claims that Dr William’s comments have been sensationalised and misreported do not appear to me to be either relevant or true. I have read his statements in full very carefully, and though they are sometimes so woolly and unclear as to virtually invite misrepresentation (a mistake the less “intellectual” but more direct Dr Carey never made), the thrust of them is unmistakable and has in general been reported correctly.

It should be absolutely clear that in Britain, and Australia too, there is only one set of laws for everybody. The branch of law known as Equity evolved to ensure that people possibly legally disadvantaged, such as, for a long time, women without financial or earning power, might still be treated with some fairness.

Over several centuries this has exercised the minds of some of our greatest jurists such as, in recent times, Lord Denning. If these laws are unsatisfactory there are well-established democratic methods for changing them, involving elected representatives in Parliament.

Even if Sharia criminal law and punishments are said to be out of the question (at least for the present!) I wonder just how much fairness might be expected to come the way of an illiterate, nonEnglish-speaking and friendless girl from tribal Pakistan in a Sharia divorce court with a Wahabi “judge”?

James Leppard, Nedlands

Stations of the cross:

Iwas blessed and fortunate as a child, to be educated by the Sisters of Mercy, in The Way of The Cross, or Stations, as we used to call them.

The physical presentation of each Station, on the walls of our Parish Church, was large, colourful and the portrayal of each picture truly captured the tremendous suffering of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. These pictures left nothing to our young imaginations. Jesus was cruelly treated. He suffered terribly and then died, nailed to the cross.

We understood that Heaven had been closed to deceased humanity, up until the time of Jesus’s Death, but then, that in dying for us – through this tremendous, awesome act of self-giving, Jesus appeased The Father’s great Sorrow for His sinful children - and the gates of Heaven were opened for us.

It is the story told the world over in thousands of different ways. The story of people suffering, a hero comes along, fights the enemy and frees the people. Books and movies frequently use this storyline.

It is not only story, it happens in real life too, as history shows. Consider our men and women who bravely fought and died for freedom and justice, during two World Wars and Vietnam, and are now in Afghanistan, East Timor and Iraq.

Each Anzac Day, the whole of Australia ‘Stops’ and ‘Remembers’. Our hearts go out to those who fell. We take time out to journey to Memorial sites, to lay wreaths and pray and sing hymns. These are our heroes, who fought and died for us, to give us a free land to live in.

I encourage you all, then, to take the time, to do the same for Our Lord, Our God, not only on Good Friday, but on each Friday during Lent.

Go visit His Memorials, still hanging in most Churches today, and offer Him our wreaths of Love, of Overwhelming Appreciation for His Sacrifice, of a Contrite Heart, and for just a half an hour or so, once a week, be One With Him and journey the Stations in spiritual union with His Beloved Mother Mary, The Blessed Disciple, John, and the weeping crowd who followed.

May God open our hearts, to come to know His Love for us, and to Bless us all in this Lenten Season.

Elly Moir Wilga

Let us not judge

Geoff Lucey (20.2.08) sounds fairly angry himself, and is able, thank the Good Lord, to air his concerns in the Letters column of “The Record”. So can all the other writers, this being what the Letters column is all about.

Certainly, the love of Jesus should animate our lives, but who has the right to judge that it doesn’t? And why are people entitled to attack those who choose a different path within Catholic life, either through home-schooling, or worshipping at the Traditional Latin Mass, without defence?

Both home-schooling, and the Latin Mass, are very much mis-understood, being considered perhaps “fanatical” by some, and judged and spoken of, therefore, disparagingly by them.

We all have many duties in life: one is to worship God the Creator, and another is to educate our children in God’s Love and Law. Those who wish to present an alternative to the ordinary way of pursuing these duties, should at least be given the courtesy of a fair hearing.

Well done, Editor, for providing a forum for all opinions.

C.V. Phillips

Canning Vale

It’s St Vincent

The letter in last weeks Record from G. Crocker, expressing concerns for the St Vincent de Paul Society made interesting reading. One matter that I agree with him on wholeheartedly, is the use of the word ‘Vinnies’ to identify this Society, which in the past has done so much charitable work for Jesus Christ and his poor.

St Vincent de Paul is a revered saint of the Catholic Church, who lived 150 years before the Society’s formation. It is disappointing to think that a charitable group which selected his name for their identification, now abbreviates it into something that could be aligned with any person called Vincent.

I cannot see that the Society’s other problems will disappear until all members, the State Council and The Record stop using this offensive abbreviation.

Fred Preshaw (former State President, Society of St Vincent De Paul)

February 27 2008

Vista Living for Him first

Pope urges orders to rediscover original charism Offers key to overcoming vocation crisis

The key for religious orders, congregations and institutes to overcome a crisis of vocations is for them to live their love for Christ without concessions and to rediscover the original spirituality of their founder, says Benedict XVI.

This was the advice the Pope gave on February 19 to the executive committee of the International Union of Superiors General, who were meeting in the Vatican to reflect on “some particularly relevant and important aspects of consecrated life.”

In his address, which was published by the Vatican, the Holy Father said: “We are all aware how, in modern globalised society, it is becoming ever more difficult to announce and bear witness to the Gospel”.

a shared desire... for a radical form of evangelical poverty, for faithful love of the Church, and for generous dedication to the needy with particular attention to that spiritual poverty which so markedly characterises the modern age.”

Aging congregations

Benedict XVI subsequently went on to refer to “the orders and congregations with a long tradition in the Church,” noting how they have suffered a “difficult crisis due to the aging of members, a more or less accentuated fall in vocations and, sometimes, a spiritual and charismatic ‘weariness’.”

“Weareallawarehow,inmodernglobalised “Weareallawarehow,inmodernglobalised society, it is becoming ever more difficult to society, it is becoming ever more difficult to announce andbear witnesstotheGospel”. announceandbearwitnesstotheGospel”.

The process of secularisation that is advancing in contemporary culture does not, unfortunately, spare even religious communities. “Nonetheless, we must not be discouraged, because if - as has been said - many clouds are gathering on the horizon of religious life today, there also exist - indeed they are constantly growing - signs of a providential reawakening which gives rise to consolation and hope.”

The Pontiff continued: “The Holy Spirit blows powerfully throughout the Church, creating a new commitment to faithfulness, both in the historical institutes and, at the same time, in new forms of religious consecration that reflect the needs of the times.

“What characterises these new forms of consecrated life is

The Pope underlined that today many young men and women “experience a strong religious and spiritual attraction, but are only willing to listen to and follow those who give coherent witness to their adherence to Christ.

It is interesting to note,” he said, “that those institutes that have conserved and chosen a state of life that is often austere and faithful to the Gospel lived sine glossa have a wealth of vocations. Today, as in all ages, there is no lack of generous souls ready to give up everyone and everything to embrace Christ and his Gospel, consecrating their existence to his service within communities characterised by enthusiasm, generosity and joy.”

Although describing this crisis as “worrying,” Benedict XVI highlighted certain positive signs, “especially when communities have chosen to return to the origins and live in a way more in keeping with the spirit of the founder. In almost all recent general chapters of religious institutes the recurring theme has been precisely that of rediscovering the original charism, to then incarnate it and renew it in the present.”

Such rediscovery “has helped give institutes a promising new ascetic, apostolic and missionary impulse,” said the Pope. “It is along this road that we must continue, praying to the Lord to bring to full fruition the work he began.

Coming together: Cardinal Franc Rode, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, centre, celebrates the opening Mass of the Jesuits’ General Congregation at the Church of the Gesu in Rome. At left is Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, now retired as superior general of the Jesuits, and at far right is Father Frank Case, secretary of the Jesuits.

PHOTO: CNS/DON DOLL, S.J.

Times gone by: Sr Mary Jeanne Partington, seated, greets the other Sisters during the final profession of vows for 10 Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee. PHOTO: RICK MUSACCHIO.

Saints who made their mark on humanity: Vista 2-3

Religious Life - Reclaiming Religious - Reclaiming

Pope Benedict gives the heads of Religious Orders saintly examples of true lives of fidelity to the Church and devotion to Christ. Here is the text of his important address.

“With great affection I greet the Superiors General present and all of you who form this unique assembly, an expression of the varied richness of the Consecrated Life in the Church,” he said.

“In his account of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, at least three times the Evangelist Luke emphasises that Mary and Joseph acted in accordance with “the Law of the Lord”, moreover they always appear to be listening attentively to the Word of God.

This attitude is an eloquent example for you, men and women religious; and for you, members of Secular Institutes and of other forms of Consecrated Life.”

“The next Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be dedicated to The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church: dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to make your contribution to this ecclesial commitment, witnessing to the importance, especially for those who like you, the Lord calls to a more intimate “sequela”, of placing the Word of God at the centre of all things.”

“In fact, the Consecrated Life is rooted in the Gospel. Down the centuries, the Gospel - as it were, its supreme rule - has continued to inspire it and the Consecrated Life is called to refer constantly to the Gospel, to remain alive and fertile, bearing fruit for the salvation of souls.”

“At the root of the different expressions of Consecrated Life there is always a strong Gospel inspiration. I think of St Anthony Abbot who was moved by listening to Christ’s words: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

“Anthony listened to these words as if they were addressed to him personally by the Lord.

“St Francis of Assisi in his turn affirmed that it was God who revealed to him that he should live according to the form of the holy Gospel. “Francis”, wrote Thomas of Celano, “who heard that Christ’s disciples were supposed to possess neither gold, nor

Pope Benedict XVI stressed the direct link between the Gospel and Religious life when he addressed thousands of consecrated men and women in St Peter’s Basilica on the World Day of Consecrated Life.

silver, nor money, nor purse; were to have neither bread nor staff, were to have neither shoes nor two tunics... rejoicing in the Holy Spirit said: “This is what I want! This is what I ask! This is what I want to do from the bottom of my heart!”

“The instruction ‘Starting Afresh from Christ’ recalls: ‘It was the Holy Spirit who sparked the Word of God with new light for the Founders and Foundresses. Every charism and every Rule springs from it and seeks to be an expression of it’.

“And indeed, the Holy Spirit attracts some people to live the Gospel in a radical way and translate it into a style of more generous following. So it is that a work, a religious family, is born which with its very presence becomes in turn a living “exegisis” of the Word of God.

“The Second Vatican Council says that the succession of charisms in the Consecrated Life can therefore be read as an unfolding of Christ down the ages, as a living Gospel that is actualised in ever new forms.

“The mystery of Christ is reflected in the works of Foundresses and Founders, a word of his, an illuminating ray of his radiant Face, the splendour of the Father.

“In the course of the centuries the proposal of the following of Christ without compromise, as it is presented to us in the Gospel, has therefore constituted the ultimate and supreme rule for religious life.”

“In his Rule St Benedict refers to Scripture as the “most exact rule of human life.”

“St Dominic, whose words and works proclaimed him a man of the Gospel at all times desired his brother preachers also to be “men of the Gospel”.

“St Clare of Assisi imitated Francis’ experience to the full: “The form of life of the Order of the Poor Sisters”, she wrote, “is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ”.

“St Vincent Pallotti said: “Since the life of Jesus Christ is the fundamental rule of our small Congregation... we must aim at what is most perfect always and in everything”.

Saint Benedict of Nursia

The founder of western monasticism, born at Nursia, c. 480, the son of a Roman noble of Nursia. Spent his boyhood and schooling in Rome before leaving Rome, his school and his father’s wealth to find solace away from the great city, to live in some kind of association with “a company of virtuous men” who were in sympathy with his feelings and views of life. He did so in Enfide, where he worked his first miracle, which drew notoriety that made him flee even more to Subiaco, where he further modified his life. He lived in a cave for three years upon the advice of a monk, during which time he “matured in mind and character” and became respected and renowned as the “father or abbot of all”. He designed a rule for laymen - not clerics – to live as fully as possible the type of life presented in the Gospel.

StLuigiOrionewrote:“OurfirstRuleandlifeisto observetheholyGospel,ingreathumilityandin lovingsweetnessandonfirewithGod”.

“And St Luigi Orione wrote: “Our first Rule and life is to observe the holy Gospel, in great humility and in loving sweetness and on fire with God”.

“This rich tradition attests that Consecrated Life is “deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord” and can be compared to “a plant with many branches which sinks its roots into the Gospel and brings forth abundant fruit in every season of the Church’s life”.

“Its mission is to recall that all Christians are brought together by the Word, to live of the Word and to remain under its lordship. It is therefore the special duty of men and women religious “to remind the baptised of the fundamental values of the Gospel”.

“By so doing their witness imbues the Church with “a much-needed incentive towards ever greater fidelity to the Gospel” and indeed, we might say, is an “eloquent, albeit often silent, proclamation of the Gospel”.

“This is why, in my two Encyclicals as on other occasions, I have not failed to cite the example set by Saints and Blesseds belonging to Institutes of Consecrated Life.”

Saint Anthony, Abbott

Founder of Christian monasticism. Born at Coma, mid-third century. Desired to imitate the life of the Apostles and the early Christians and one day, on hearing the Gospel words of Jesus, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all thou hast”, promptly disposed of all his goods and property and devoted himself entirely to religious exercises. He lived in a tomb where he reportedly struggled with demons in the form of beasts, which sometimes left him nearly dead. At age 35 he decided to live in complete solitude for 20 years without seeing the face of a man, food being thrown to him over a wall. Pilgrims who were drawn to him who he refused to see often visited him, and wouldbe disciples established themselves in caves around his mountain. Sometimes he did appear, not emaciated but invigorated in body and mind.

Saint

Founder of th the Dominicans Old Castile (in S under his uncle, th d’Izan, and then Palencia for 10 y founding an Ord and spread the ing the spiritual Albigensian here opportunity to in debate despite threats of violence de Montfort dur 1215, an ecume meet at Rome “ improvement of of heresy, and the faith”. This was id Saint Dominic h his order. In Lo the Third Order

“Dear brothers and sisters, nourish your day with prayer, meditation and listening to the Word of God. May you, who are familiar with the ancient practice of lectio divina, help the faithful to appreciate it in their daily lives too.

And may you know how to express what the Word suggests, letting yourself be formed by it so that you bring forth abundant fruit, like a seed that has fallen into good soil.”

“Thus, you will be ever docile to the Spirit and you will grow in union with God, you will cultivate fraternal communion among yourselves and will be ready to serve your brethren generously, especially those in need.”

“May people see your good works, a fruit of the Word of God that lives in you, and glorify your Heavenly Father!”

“In entrusting these reflections to you, I thank you for the precious service you render to the Church and, as I invoke the protection of Mary and of the Saints and Blesseds, Founders of your Institutes, I wholeheartedly impart the Apostolic Blessing to you and to your respective religious families, with a special thought for the young men and women in formation and for your brothers and sisters who are sick, elderly or in difficulty.

To all, I assure you of my remembrance in prayer.”

Pius XII’s beatification cause still under way, ‘has not stalled’

Claims of silence regarding Nazis historically false

■ By Marta Lago

VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org).- Pius XII’s cause for beatification is not stalled, and the upcoming anniversary of the Pope’s death is an occasion to make him better known, says the prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

Cardinal José Saraiva Martins affirmed this today when he presented the instruction “Sanctorum Mater,” regarding diocesan or eparchial enquiries in the causes of saints. The Cardinal was asked about the progress of various causes for canonisation, among them, that of Pius XII.

The cause of Pope Eugenio Pacelli “has not been delayed nor much less is it suspended,” confirmed the cardinal.

He called this year’s 50th anniversary of the Pope’s death a perfect opportunity

to “promote certain initiatives that will bring an ever better knowledge of Pope Pius XII.”

Among these initiatives, Cardinal Saraiva Martins mentioned a conference “that will go much deeper into his character and spirituality” and a commission that is “studying and going ever deeper into the pontificate of Eugenio Pacelli.”

Cardinal Saraiva Martins said those who claim Pius XII was silent in the face of Nazism and thus should not be canonised

are not informed of the historical facts. “More than silence, I would say prudence,” the cardinal clarified. “I would like to confirm my affirmation. I would translate silence as prudence.

“There was not silence. When the encyclical ‘Summi Pontificati’ was published, Goebbels - the number two man in the Nazi ranks - wrote in his diary, ‘This encyclical of the Pope has come out and he has been very hard on us.’ So we can see that it was a very non-silent silence.”

■ By Eduar HAVAN

nuns have and their current pr

ZENIT

Siena in N The first to be reli modated island. Th remained peace of n for their l the curren politan ar Seven three Col filling the The pr of St. Jose in Cuba f Jesus is a ebrated 44 Sister Of happy in new every Q: Do aim to rea Sister ing an ac of everyt disposal o forms. He emptying it. St. Dom

g the charism of their saints g the charism of their saints

Dominic

e Order of Preachers, Born at Calaroga, in pain) c. 1170. Studied he archpriest of Gumiel at the University of years. Had the idea of der to combat heresy Gospel after witnessruin wrought by the esy and took up any engage Albigensians e repeated insults and e. Befriended St Simon ring the crusades. In enical council was to “to deliberate on the morals, the extinction e strengthening of the dentically the mission ad determined on for ombardy he instituted for lay people.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Founder of the Franciscan Order. One of several children, born at Assisi, Umbria 1181-82. Loved the leisurely life of wine and song and the idea of fighting for his city in war. In one of many skirmishes between neighbouring towns he was captured and held by the Perugians for a year, contracting a fever and the emptiness of the life he’d been leading became clear. While praying before an ancient crucifix in the forsaken chapel of San Damiano below Assisi, a voice said: “Go, Francis, and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” Taking the request literally he rebuilt San Damiano and two other chapels and in the process ostracised himself from the town, renounced his father and was mocked as a madman. He found his vocation, found a tunic of “beast colour” worn by the poorest Umbrian peasants.

Saint Luigi Orione

Born in Pontecurone, diocese of Tortona, 1872. Entered Franciscan Friary of Pavia aged 13 but left after a year due to poor health. Was a pupil of St John Bosco in Turin from 188689, after which he joined the diocesan seminary. In 1892 he opened the first Oratory in Tortona for the Christian training of boys then started a boarding school for boys in 1893 and opened four more houses after being ordained priest. He attracted seminarians and priests who made up the first group of the Little Work of Divine Providence and founded the Hermits of Divine Providence. In 1903 the local Bishop approved Don Orione’s Sons of Divine Providence (priests, lay brothers and hermits) – the male congregation of the Little Work of Divine Providence. Made missionary journeys himself to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Foundress of the Order of Poor Ladies, first Abbess of San Damiano which St Francis rebuilt. Born at Assisi 1194. Eldest daughter of a wealthy representative of an ancient Roman family. Was devoted to prayer and practised mortification as a child and developed a distaste for the world and a spiritual yearning. Was 18 when St Francis preached a Lenten course in Assisi when she begged him to help her live “after the manner of the holy Gospel”. She left her father’s house and joined St Francis with her aunt and another companion. St Francis placed her with Benedictine nuns and held firm when her father tried to drag her away by force. With her sister, Clare remained with the nuns until they and others were established in poor dwellings by St Francis, thus was founded the first community of Order of Poor Ladies.

Saint Vincent Pallotti

Founder of the Pious Society of Missions. Born in Rome, 1798, descended from noble families. Decided to become a diocesan priest at 16, ordained in 1820. Became a Doctor of Theology and professor of theology but dedicated himself instead to pastoral work. From morning till night he hurried around the streets of Rome assisting all those in need. He once went so far as to disguise himself as an old woman to reach the bedside of a dying young man who had a pistol under his pillow ready to kill the first priest to approach him. He constantly endangered his life ministering to the stricken during the cholera plague in 1837. Popes Gregory XVI and Pius IX honoured him but the only advantage he took of their friendship was to advocate the claims of the poor. He often returned home barefooted having given away his clothes.

ontemplative Cuban nuns

relish

quiet moments of prayer ontemplative Cuban nuns relish quiet moments of prayer

ing Cuba’s Contemplatives ew With Dominican Sisters ana

rdo Quiñones García

NA, Cuba - Dominican contemplative e been praying for 320 years in Havana, vocation is a source of great joy, says the rioress.

visited the convent of St. Catherine of Nuevo Vedado, Cuba, founded in 1688. nuns were Cuban natives who wanted igious sisters, but could not be accomin the only existing monastery on the hey founded their own convent, which in Havana until superiors decided the nearby El Vedado would be more suited life. Since 1984, the sisters have been in nt building, in what is now the metrorea of Havana.

nuns - two Cubans, two Mexicans and ombians - presently live in the convent, eir days with prayer and embroidery. rioress of the monastery, Sister Ofelia eph, is a native of Mexico but has lived for 15 years. Sister Yolanda of the Child a native Cuban, and already has cel4 years behind the walls of the convent.

felia and Sister Yolanda say they are their vocation, which offers something y day.

young women who arrive to the convent ach the heights of contemplation?

Yolanda: Yes. But this is not like earncademic degree. It is simply getting rid hing in order to place oneself at the of God, who gives, enlightens and transe gives the strength and so it is like an of everything so that the Lord can fill minic did not bind us to any method. He

proposed a very simple path of prayer. He said, first read the sacred Scriptures, the Divine Office or what you have. Go from reading to prayer; from prayer to meditation; and from meditation to contemplation. That was the only method he left us. So that’s where a young woman begins - she reads, goes deeper and makes her petitions, her prayers, which she reflects upon and thus the Lord is revealed to her. One does not acquire contemplation, but rather the Lord gives the light.

Q: When one of you feels the spontaneous call to prayer, to contemplation, doesn’t it interrupt your work?

Sister Ofelia: It is not interrupted. When one lives in that union with God one can continue with work, but firmly united to him. And I can sew, clean, do whatever, but it does not take me from that union with God, which is lived in each moment ...

Sister Yolanda: One should live in an atmosphere of contemplation. And at times the Lord speaks more when we are working than when we are praying.

Q: Then we could say that you do not silence the call to recollection, but that you try to live a continual prayer?

Sister Ofelia: Quite so. A continual prayer that is lived in each moment, and in everything that is done, God is present. I can say this by experience, that I can be cleaning and cooking and feel the Lord there. Everything that is done is for love of God.

Q: We know words are insufficient for explaining what contemplation is. How would you describe it according to your own experience?

Sr. Ofelia: The experience of God is something so personal. That encounter that is between God and yourself, in which one is lost in that silence, in that time, we could say, when God enters into our soul, into our heart, so that he can do what he desires, and we leave ourselves in that divine love.

Nevertheless, this experience, this contemplation, I have always seen that ... it not only remains in me, but it brings others to participate, my own community, all the faithful, all the people

whom I know, whom I love and whom I don’t know; because I am conscious that the experience reaches every ear; because I have seen it, I have proven it in the moment in which one is allowed to be loved by God! And that divine love cannot be expressed with words.

Sister Yolanda: When one begins on the path of the life of prayer, the first thing we should realise is who we are: a sinner - that by myself I can do nothing and one should be convinced of that. Because there are always very self-sufficient people who fancy themselves capable of many things. And the Lord makes them see that one is nothing; that everything you have is because of him.

So, once one is in that surrender and seeking the Lord, he is the one who makes himself found! And he manifests himself to us in different ways. That is to say, God is love. And when one says God is good, this brings us to delight in the Lord without abusing with presumption the grace of God. I think that it is a character of the Dominican spirituality that one delights not only in God; that is, to enter into contact with God, we enter into contact also with humanity, and we feel that desire for everyone to love the Lord and we ask him: May everyone adore and praise you!

Q: You are in a cloister withdrawn from the world, but you are close to it and to humanity, to our pains and hopes. What is your experience of this?

Sister Yolanda: The Holy Father Paul VI, speaking of that union we nuns have spiritually with the world, said that in the convents, all the feelings, passions, desires and needs of humanity vibrate in their highest intensity. And I think that goes into our prayer: We vibrate [with these needs] as intensely as possible. Because of this we are generators of life and grace with the help of the Lord.

Q: What would you recommend to Christian youth without a vocation to contemplative life but who feel a desire to grow in the spiritual life and to love God deeply?

Sister Yolanda: Well, that they dedicate some time each day to their personal prayer. This will go introducing them to the life of virtue and

makes them free and dignified persons. That, in reality, is the Christian vocation: supreme dignity in Christ.

Q: How would you define your cloistered lives and what keeps you here? Are you happy?

Sister Ofelia: I am happy in my vocation; it is as if it was the first time.

For me life in the cloister is not routine. It is a different dawn since each day has its joys, sufferings and concerns, but even more happiness. When one gives oneself more to God and the years pass - I say this by experience - the cloister, contemplative life, it is a gift of God.

Sister Yolanda: I agree that contemplative life is a great gift of God, and that each day is something new.

There is no place for routine as people think, because daily there are new things, from the encounter with the Lord to what might happen later. Also his presence is new, it is a work of his mercy and infinite love in the world and among us. Yes, I can say that I am also very happy.

Worship: Nuns and other worshipers hold religious symbols and statues at Mass with Pope John Paul II in Havana. PHOTO: CNS/ALYSSA BANTA.

Prayer on tap

Therese Bonasera

Ipray to God throughout the day. Every part of the day can be a prayer, like changing nappies or washing dishes. I try to say at least some of the Rosary daily. When I wake up in the morning, one of my sons Joshua (two and a half) or Jacob (one) may be crying. Then it’s like, “Thank you God for this day. I give everything to you” and I jump out of bed! The day just goes until the boys go to sleep at night.

How I Pray Now

I enjoy Mass. When my husband Renato’s on holidays, I try to go to daily Mass. We take the kids on Sunday and you don’t really get to hear much. I love going to Mass with my father, step mum and siblings. It’s great having their help and it’s beautiful. You’ve got three generations there.

with Debbie Warrier

I love confession. I chat with the priest about what’s happening in my life and often he gives advice. I am part of the parish council, RCIA and a Eucharistic Minister.

My mum left her Catholic faith after my father and she divorced. I was ten and sometimes I’d get myself to Mass. After that the main influence on me regarding my faith has been God and my relationship with Him. About five years ago I realised that He was a God of love. In school I had that kind of fear of God, that guilt. It was such a turnaround for me, to know deep within myself that God loves me.

I left my faith for a while. At the time I was a teacher and I got transferred to a country town. I was so lonely, so depressed. It was a difficult time. Different health problems arose for me. I went to counselling.

I didn’t live a very good life but I just started going back to church. Then when I moved back to the city, I kept going to church and got involved with the parish.

I met Sister Lisette at the Schoenstatt Shrine. She asked me to go to a Twilight Retreat. Then she asked me to organise events with her. I began to realise that Mary is an avenue to God. She leads me to her Son. I also met a lot of people and realised there was so much going on for young Catholics.

Before I met Renato, I went through a spiritual growth. Now we are married we try to get time together to pray. Last night it was the Divine Office. Other times it can be a Rosary decade, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, listening to Christian music or chatting about God.

I have polycystic ovaries. It’s a miracle that we have kids. I’m so grateful to God and FertilityCare. I’ve always struggled with my weight because of my ovaries, under active thyroid gland and childhood issues. I never fully recovered from my depression. Last year I went to a Christian Counsellor. Having God at the centre of my healing was a big thing.

The challenges facing Catholics today are apathy and lack of networking. That’s why I started Club Amici with Jenni Del Marco. Club Amici aims to build community amongst Perth Catholics by holding social events. You’re not alone. There are other Catholics who like to go out for coffee!

Perspectives

Conservation economics

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

In the Western world and in Australia Church organisations face mounting costs to maintain and conserve buildings. At the same time they are confronted by dwindling numbers of parishioners and other competing funding objectives.

In Perth, the upkeep of nineteenth century church buildings, especially after long periods of poor maintenance and neglect, can be a very costly exercise. Maintaining a major church building or recapturing its pristine beauty, ‘the spirit in stone’, is no mean task. It cannot be approached with exclusively commercial or utilitarian goals.

No matter what may be thought or said about the ongoing restoration work on St Mary’s Cathedral, it cannot be hidden that the decision to overhaul the existing and partly decaying building took a high degree of courage, at a time when Church leaders and communities seem so prone to count empty pews rather than navigating with determination and perseverance through our turbulent times.

The maintenance problems are as many and varied as anyone can guess. They concern the movement of slate roofs, the bellying of stained glass windows, and the deterioration of timber work through lack of painting. The worsening condition of stonework as a result of industrial smog is also a challenge.

Nineteenth and early twentieth century churches were usually erected on generous and attractive sites. However, the integrity and spatial ambience of these sites have often been eroded or diminished by the new buildings that have sprung up dangerously close to the church building, thus obscuring its appreciation. These ‘different’ buildings

Spirit in Stone of Cathedrals and communities

Anthony Paganoni CS

may have been constructed on prime land in order to offset the expenses of renovating church and adjacent buildings, or else sold to entrepreneurial building contractors, determined to exploit the land for commercial purposes.

The resulting ‘choking’ of the sacred space is there for all to see: the greatly decreased visibility and appreciation of the external architectural value of churches, not to mention the noise level caused by contemporary public and private transport facilities which may affect not just the building itself but its liturgical functioning. Yet in principle the

erection of such structures need not pose an insuperable problem. In most cases successful design solutions can be achieved if considerations such as siting and context, architectural scale, character and materials are properly taken into account. But decisions are decisions.

However, in an age of pragmatism such as ours, it is heartening that the Church which believes in the goodness and beauty of the eternal and triune God should be less inclined than other public institutions to succumb to ephemeral pressures or settle merely for satisfying human needs.

Macbeth needed confession

@home

By Catherine Parish

One of my eldest son’s texts for this year is Macbeth. I have just been covering it, with a multitude of others (a suitably penitential act for the beginning of Lent).

What a Lenten theme that play has. Good people doing bad things never works very well in the end; guilt will out. Shakespeare, crypto-Catholic or no, certainly understood what people were like with that rueful acceptance that crosses all times and linguistic divides and speaks to the human heart – we recognise the truth about ourselves no matter what historical guise it is dressed in.

Poor old Macbeth and his wife suffered the same way everyone suffered when there was no longer sacramental confession as part of new English Protestant Church.

There was nowhere to go with their burden of guilt, and it inevitably came back to haunt them – Banquo’s ghost just wouldn’t go away. His cries became more and more insistent, the same way that guilt unrelieved has a way of building up into an immense maelstrom inside us that has a capacity not

only to disturb but to destroy us and those around us if we let it.

Whoever named it the burden of guilt was completely correct; even the youngest child who goes to confession remarks “I always feel much better - kind of lighter - when I come out.” And the truth is that just in saying out loud our litany of faults and sins, their pettiness and small-mindedness suddenly seems very obvious.

Those grievances hugged in our inmost hearts, no matter how deeply they might cut, when held before Our Lord at the foot of the Cross, seem very small beans indeed. I read somewhere that secrecy (as opposed to privacy) is one of the Devil’s favourite tools, and I am sure it is true.

The fact is, we need to tell someone that we are not what we seem. We need to unburden ourselves of our dark secrets and the acts or thoughts or desires of which we are most ashamed so that we can go on ahead without carrying them with us.

We Catholics have the great blessing that we have recognition of this need built into our religion; other people have to pay to talk to therapists, but we can go to Confession as often as we like for free, with the added bonus of being forgiven also, and the opportunity to make up for our sins with acts of reparation, penance and prayer.

We need not only to fully appreciate but also to use more often than we do the gift of the Sacrament of Penance and

Reconciliation. We need to understand its vital place in our spiritual and religious lives. It is not something to be frightened of – though a feeling of discomfort as one waits is probably unavoidable! – but to be embraced as something of immense necessity and benefit to us, given to us by the same loving God who has ‘carved us in the palm of His hand’.

From on high: An aerial shot of St Mary’s Cathedral now under major works for conservation and completion.

Freedom: The confessional door is the door to freedom.

Freedom comes with being ‘locked in’

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Brilliant cinematography, stellar performances and a moving plot has allowed cinema-lovers to experience the world through the blink of an eyelid, with French film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Le Scaphandre et le Papillon, as it is known to French viewers, tells the true story of a former editor for French Elle, who is ‘lockedin’ himself after suffering a stroke that leaves his mind active and his entire body paralysed.

Faced with this harrowing predicament, Jean-Dominique Bauby (played by Mathieu Amalric), epitomises the human spirit - resilient in crisis.

Despite suffering an entire loss of communication, Bauby soon learns to find freedom from the shackles of his ‘useless’ body through an active imagination and later, as co-workers and loved ones come to visit, an exploration of his life as it once was.

Interestingly, these flashbacks do not merely show viewers a yearning for past independence, but the regrets of a life led in pursuit of selfish happiness.

Seeing his abandoned wife, Celine (Emmanuelle Seigner), and yearning children remind Bauby of his neglect, especially when he experiences their unchanged love for him, despite his situation and past hurts.

A co-worker, who regularly visits, and provides for some humorous moments, allows Bauby to recognise the genuine love many had for him beyond the workplace.

“The Jeweler’s Shop”

Published in Chinese

Play unveils meaning of love to translator

HONG KONG, - The work of translating Bishop Karol Wojtyla’s play “The Jeweller’s Shop” into Chinese has helped one theatre professional in Hong Kong to learn the meaning of love.

The translation, which was used to perform the play in a Hong Kong theater from January 31 to February 3, was the work of Dominic Cheung Ho Kin, a theatre director. He told ZENIT that the work of translating the play into Chinese “helped me to understand the meaning of love.”

Meanwhile, a moment of difficult communication with his bed-ridden father (Max Von Sydow) conjures memories of happier times; and the almost complete absence of his lover, Ines (Agathe de la Fontaine) continues to haunt him.

Nonetheless, Bauby’s active imagination, joy for life and emotional strength in moments of adversity offer an obvious sign that the once high-flying editor has much more to

Bishop Wojtyla, who later became Pope John Paul II, wrote the play in 1960. The work tells the stories of three couples as it reveals their ideas and expectations of love and marriage.

The translation, with approval from the Vatican, will be published and made available in bookstores in Hong Kong.

Cheung, who had been honoured with the Hong Kong Best Director Award in 2004, also directed the Hong Kong production. “I was amazed by the work of John Paul II,” he said. “How could an unmarried priest know so well the love between a man and a woman?

“Upon the completion, I gave thanks to the late Pope, for he has taught me what is love.”

The married Catholic, who had

give. Speech therapists Henriette (Marie-Jose Croze) and Marie (Olatz Lopez Garamendia) give Bauby the power to re-connect with the world and his loved ones.

Through a time-consuming and frustrating exercise, that involves sounding out the letters of the alphabet until the correct one is signaled by blinking, Bauby is even able to dictate his memoirs to Claude (Anne Consigny), his literary assistant.

once decided not to raise any children, even said that the translation process helped him to reflect on his own family life. “I recently shared with my wife that I am ready to have our child now,” he said.

Cheung said he hopes the book will help more people keep in touch with Catholic literature, and be a good tool for evangelisation.

This was the second performance of “The Jeweller’s Shop” in Hong Kong. Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop of Hong Kong, was among those who attended the first run in 2006.

In the preface for the published translation, the cardinal expressed his hope that audiences might learn through the ordinary characters in the play that love is unconditional and ceaseless.

Name:

Address:

Suburb:

Postcode:

Telephone:

While clearly frustrating for Bauby, he maintains his undeniable humour and resilient spirit he was renowned for prior to the stroke throughout the film and viewers are able to connect with his thoughts and struggles though Amalric’s insightful voice-over technique.

Indeed almost the entire film is witnessed through Bauby’s ‘eyes’ and interior monologue. Viewers rarely see the catatonic-looking Bauby, but rather are invited to view the world through the one eye-lid Bauby is able to see through and maneuvre or through the vast landscapes within his mind’s eye.

Director and artist Julian Schnabel does this exquisitely by forging a visually stunning, heart-stirring ode to what drives a man to go on when all truly seems lost.

However, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly must not be simply mistaken for a portrayal of strength in times of difficulty.

Notions of freedom are consistently challenged throughout the film, as Bauby discovers his new found freedom to love, to accept responsibilities he had long forgotten and to listen to the needs, strengths and weaknesses of those around him; all without losing his strong sense of self.

And as the film progresses, it becomes evident that the seemingly limited view from one eye, can indeed begin to reveal far more than a fully-functioning body ever did for Bauby.

Some unneeded instances of nudity, sexual innuendos and adult themes have won this film an ‘M’ classification.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is screening at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge.

Perth forum on trafficking

The National Council of Women of WA is collaborating with the National Council of Jewish Women to present a forum on the trafficking of women into Australia, centring round a showing of the excellent recent film The Jammed

This will be followed by a panel discussion.

The event will be held at the Jewish Centre in Yokine on Monday April 14, commencing at 6pm.

Gripping: Scene from movie The Jammed

The cost of $15 and includes light refreshments.

In view of the coverage of trafficking and prostitution given by The Record over the past year readers may find this program worthwhile.

Hope: Speech therapist Henriette, played by Marie-Jose Croze, holds up a card that shows the alphabet as organised from most frequently used to the least frequently used, so that Bauby can communicate.

the World

Jesuit-educated Castro at odds with Church

Castro’s rule marked by stormy relations with Catholic Church in Cuba

WASHINGTON (CNS) - During nearly 50 years of rule, Fidel Castro had an often-stormy relationship with the Cuban Catholic Church.

The Jesuit-educated Castro was equally comfortable defusing the Church in Cuba as an institutional force during the early years of his revolution in the 1960s as he was bantering casually with Pope John Paul II during the papal visit to Cuba in 1998.

The 81-year-old Cuban leader announced on February 19 that he was retiring as head of the island nation. He had temporarily ceded power to his younger brother, Raul Castro, in July 2006, after undergoing surgery because of intestinal bleeding - but he never returned to office, ending more than 49 years of continuous rule. He came to power on the Caribbean island on January 1, 1959, at 32 years of age after leading a successful guerrilla rebellion against unpopular dictator Fulgencio Batista.

After Batista came to power in 1952, Castro, a young lawyer, started organising a rebel force.

Initially, his successful rebellion had ample support among Catholics. He cultivated the support by saying his revolution was motivated by Christian principles.

in brief

Wikipedia error triggered La Sapienza row

Last month’s protest by staff and students at La Sapienza University was a result of a mistake on a leading internet site, according to the Vatican’s daily newspaper.

L’Osservatore Romano claims that the protest was caused by an inaccuracy on Wikipedia, the free

In a press interview with a Catholic priest shortly after taking power, Castro noted that six priests were

encyclopaedia written by members of the public. “In the name of liberty and the investigation of science, they have taken as true a falsehood, accepting an affirmation without proving its credibility,” the newspaper said. “The person who copied the citation could not have read the complete Wikipedia entry, which enables one to realise that the meaning of Ratzinger’s phrase is exactly the opposite to what the 67 professors have aimed to attribute to the Pope.”

Pope Benedict XVI cancelled his planned visit to the ancient university after hundreds of teachers and students protested at what

chaplains to his rebel forces. But things quickly changed. In 1961 he declared himself a Marxist-Leninist

they described as his “hostility to science.” The protest was held partly over a speech that the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger gave in 1990, in which the protesters wrongly claimed he defended the Church’s mistreatment of 17thcentury scientist Galileo Galilei.

‘Scripture helps us recognise Christ’

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The best way to hear Jesus speak to humanity is by listening to the Liturgy of the Word, said the

and made Cuba the first Communist State in the Western Hemisphere, moving it into the Cold War camp of the Soviet Union.

His government began institutionally dismantling the Church, nationalising 350 Catholic schools and expelling 136 priests. Church activity was restricted to religious services on Church property. Social action projects were prohibited. Church programs were monitored and Cubans were discouraged from attending worship services, with churchgoers discriminated against when seeking state and university employment.

Castro’s view of the Church further soured in the mid-1960s during Operation Pedro Pan, in which US Church officials helped resettle 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children sent to the US by parents wanting them to escape Castro’s rule.

Despite the crackdown on the Church, Castro never broke diplomatic relations with the Vatican and continued for decades to get from Vatican, Cuban and US Church officials statements criticising the crippling US economic boycott of Cuba, which he constantly cited as the reason for Cuba’s economic woes.

Because of this Church support there also were some positive notes in church-state relations.

During a 2006 US visit, Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino of

preacher of the papal household. Capuchin Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, offering a Lenten meditation to Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican officials on February 22, said, “During Mass, the Liturgy of the Word is nothing other than liturgically making present Jesus who preaches.” The Liturgy of the Word represents the place and time in which “Jesus speaks most solemnly and surely today,” he said, adding that in light of the October world Synod of Bishops on the Bible, he was dedicating his four weekly Lenten reflections for the Pope and Vatican officials to the word of God. “Christ is

Havana said that starting in the 1980s “there was an evolution on the part of the government,” increasing Church-State communication, and “the tension began to diminish.”

The result was that limits on the Church no longer involved the ability to worship but involved the continued inability to have Catholic schools or teach religion in public schools, said the cardinal.

But Castro also knew how to play foreign Church factions against the Cuban hierarchy to make it look as if only local Catholics opposed his rule.

In the 1970s Castro tapped into Latin American theologians’ interest in Marxism and their political interest in socialism as an alternative to the capitalism practised in the region. He cultivated support among non-Cuban Catholic intellectuals and priests dissatisfied with the region’s growing gap between the rich and the poor, inviting them to visit his island as a counterpoint to criticisms by Cuban and Vatican Church officials.

In 2003 he sidestepped the Cuban bishops and directly negotiated with the Vatican to allow a group of Brigittine Sisters entry into Havana at a time when the Cuban bishops had a long list of foreign priests and nuns wanting entry visas.

In the early 1990s serious talks began about the possibilities of a papal visit to Cuba in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet bloc.

present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church,” he said, quoting the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. During a liturgy, readings from the Bible take on “a new and stronger meaning” than when passages are read on other occasions, such as at home or school, Father Cantalamessa said.

The liturgy’s aim is not to help people understand the Bible better, but to help them recognise Christ who is present in the Eucharist and “to shine light on a particular aspect of the mystery that one is about to receive”.

From east to west, the ways of domination and control vary

Comment

Female circumcision is outrageous, but then so is much of what we do to women in the West, writes

Carolyn Moynihan

We are accustomed in the West to the idea that a society - a culture, a civilisationcan be judged by the way it treats its women. Decades of feminism have taught us to react vigorously to the remaining vestiges of patriarchal power.

Long before that, we had a tradition of respect for women which expressed itself in the code of chivalry - as well as in the paternalistic excesses of later centuries - and

which survives today in an uneasy relationship with feminism.

One does not have to be particularly chivalrous or feminist, however, to find the practice of female circumcision, described in a recent New York Times article, an abomination.

It is enough that little girls are subjected to a totally unnecessary, invasive and painful procedure that may affect their health and happiness for a quite ordinary sort of person to feel outraged.

At once, some qualifications are necessary. There are different forms of “circumcision” (which the World Health Organisation prefers to call “mutilation” and others call merely “cutting”) ranging from symbolic gestures such as rubbing turmeric on the genitals, through excision of part or all of the clitoris, to the extreme form of removing all external genitalia and stitching up

the vaginal opening. The last type, also known as Pharaonic circumcision or infibulation, is estimated to account for “only” 15 per of possibly

140 million women and girls worldwide - cold comfort considering the gut-wrenching details. According to WHO the most common form (about 80 per cent of cases) involves the excision of the clitoris and labia minor.

Abortion and genital cutting add up to the same thing: women are not well designed, their bodies are not well adapted to the desires of men and the priorities of a maledominated world.

The pain involved in that must be considerable, even if the girl is sedated during the operation itself. Worse than that, though, must be the terrible sense of betrayal that her mother is handing her over to a frightening and inexplicable procedure. What can a mother tell her four-year-old child, or even an older girl? That it will, according to an Islamic leader quoted in the Times story, “stabilise her libido …

make a woman look more beautiful in the eyes of her husband … [and] balance her psychology”?

All sorts of reasons and excuses can be advanced for this custom - which, by the way, appears to predate Islam (and Christianity) and is repudiated by much of the Islamic world - but it boils down, ultimately, to a mistrust of woman as she comes from the hand of God. According to the Hebrew Scriptures, endorsed by the Christian Gospel, man and woman are both created “in the image of God” and this is the source of their equal dignity as human beings and their equal human rights.

This truth, admittedly, has received variable recognition in the history of Western civilisation, but today’s secular version of the doctrine of equality is by no means the last word on the subject.

If we agree today that a woman

Time to look good: Pope John Paul II and Cuban President Fidel Castro check the time as the Pope arrives in Cuba in this 1998 file photo. PHOTO: CNS/ZORAIDA DIAZ,

Shooting sparks outbreak of love and faith

Mother of victim says faith will help community cope with shootings.

■ By Kathrynne Skonicki

ELMHURST, Illinois (CNS) -

The mother of a 20-year-old college student shot and killed on the campus of Northern Illinois University on February 14 told an ecumenical gathering in Elmhurst that faith will guide the community in coping with the tragedy.

“My strength is in the Lord, even though I’m going to miss a wonderful son,” Linda Greer said during an ecumenical prayer service on February 15 at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church.

Her son, Dan Parmenter, was one of five students killed by gunman Stephen Kazmierczak while they were attending classes at the university in DeKalb; 16 students were injured.

The other students who died were Gayle Dubowski, 20, of Carol Stream, Catalina Garcia, 20, of Cicero, Julianna Gehant, 32, of Mendota, and Ryanne Mace, 19, of Carpentersville. Both Garcia and

Gehant were Catholics. Kazmierczak committed suicide immediately after the killing spree.

After the service, Greer addressed members of the press and continued to express how her faith is pro-

viding a beacon of light in a void of darkness. “Because I know that so many people are praying for us and are holding us up, there is hope for the future. Evil is not going to overcome good in this world when there

are people of God praying,” she told reporters. Hands were folded, heads were bowed and eyes were moist with tears during the service arranged and led by the Reverand Cliff Lyda, pastor, and the Reverand

Scott Matheney, chaplain at nearby Elmhurst College. The college is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

Reverand Matheney noted that the college “has many layers and relationships” with Northern Illinois University. He was clearly affected by the tragedy that took place at a campus just an hour away.

As he offered prayers and words of comfort, he wiped away tears from his cheeks. Reverand Matheney also offered practical advice in coping with the heartbreak. He encouraged the grieving community members to correspond with the loved ones’ victims. He also urged them to reconnect with the special people in their own lives.

“Reach out and touch the key people in your life,” he said.

Prayer is essential in such a tragic situation, said Fr Addison Hart, who is associate pastor of the Newman Centre and Christ the Teacher University Parish at Northern Illinois University.

He made the comments in a February 15 telephone interview with The Catholic Explorer, newspaper of the Joliet Diocese, a neighbouring diocese to the Rockford Diocese, where the university is located.

Parish communities can be seedbeds of vocations: Benedict

■ By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Parish communities with a real sense of obligation to spread the Gospel are places where vocations to be missionary priests and religious thrive, said Pope Benedict XVI.

“Vocations to the ministerial priesthood and to the consecrated life can only flourish in a spiritual soil that is well cultivated,” he said in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

The papal message for the day of prayer, which will be observed on April 13 in most countries, was released on February 22 at

the Vatican. The 2008 theme is “Vocations at the Service of the Church on Mission.”

In his message, Pope Benedict insisted that the task of explicitly

proclaiming the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ is still at the heart of the vocation of every Christian.

In following Jesus, the Pope said, some men are called to the priesthood to carry out the missionary task in a special way by preaching and teaching, caring for the poor, sick and weak, and administering the sacraments.

In addition, in following Jesus who sacrificed everything to bring salvation to humanity, some Christians are called to leave their homelands and set off to bring the message of God’s love to a wider audience, he said. “To respond to the Lord’s call means facing in pru-

dence and simplicity every danger and even persecutions, since ‘a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master,’” the Pope said, quoting the Gospel of St Matthew. “There have always been in the church many men and women who, prompted by the action of the Holy Spirit, choose to live the Gospel in a radical way, professing the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience,” he said.

Pope Benedict said that those on the front lines of the Church’s work in missionary territories almost always are the priests and religious women and men who consecrate their whole lives to serving God and humanity. All Christians have

an obligation to support the missionaries, materially and with their prayers, he said, and to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

“Furthermore, so that the Church may continue to fulfill the mission entrusted to her by Christ and not lack promoters of the Gospel so badly needed by the world, Christian communities must never fail to provide both children and adults with constant education in the faith,” he said.

“It is necessary to keep alive in the faithful a committed sense of missionary responsibility and active solidarity with the peoples of the world,” the Pope wrote.

according to culture but the victims are still the same

has the right to bodily integrity, it is not because of some idea of her transcendent dignity, but only on the basis that she “owns” her body. It is her property and no-one has the right to invade it or remove any of it without her consent.

In a more general way she has a right to privacy, to conduct her life with minimal interference from other individuals or society. Selfpossession, so defined, has led the greater part of the West in the last 40 years to legalise abortion, even up to the moment of birth. Officially, the justification is the woman’s health, but for all practical and political purposes it is a matter of mere choice.

Of course, the main argument against abortion is and always will be that it takes the life of new human individual, but if pro-choice advocates are to persist in bracketing the status of the fetus and treat-

ing the issue only as one of women’s rights, they should at least acknowledge that abortion, too, is an invasive procedure (chemical abortions invade the body in their own way) and that it, too, can take from a woman what she does not want to give: her health, her peace of mind and, even in the “safe” conditions of first world hospitals, her life.

WHO does not list cancer as one of the consequences of female genital mutilation, but, despite denials, there is convincing evidence that breast cancer is linked with abortion.

So are very premature births, infertility and depression, amongst other pathologies. It is ironic, to say the least, that WHO crusades against FGM at the same time as it champions the scraping of wombs - so often accepted not as a free choice but to please men or to comply with the wishes of parents or the

advice of the sympathetic lady at the family planning clinic.

Furthermore, doesn’t abortion show just as much mistrust of women’s sexuality as genital manipulation? They add up to the same thing: women are not well designed, their bodies are not well adapted to the desires of men and the priorities of a male-dominated world.

Really, there is little to choose, in attitude, between the knife and needle of the African genital cutter and the vacuum aspirator of the Western reproductive health worker or her contraceptive pills.

As our sense of female dignity is displaced by proprietary and pragmatic attitudes to the body, people in advanced societies find other good reasons for “cutting” and remodelling.

This time last year the media was buzzing with reports about nine-year-old Ashley X, a disabled

American girl who had her breast buds and womb removed - and was put on high-dose hormone therapy - at the request of her parents. They feared the complications of her maturing and wanted to keep her a little girl. More recently a British couple wanted their 12-yearold daughter with cerebral palsy to have her womb removed to save them all from the inconvenience of her menstruating.

Doctors agreed then changed their minds after public controversy. The rationales for surgical intervention can sound compelling to our ears, but then so must the reasons for genital cutting to those attuned to a different story about the body.

Our story - that the body is a piece of property subject only to choice - has assisted the widespread acceptance of cutting for trivial reasons. From being an isolated

practice connected with female earrings, skin piercing has become a fad that has invaded the whole body. Cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks, is performed on tens of thousands of perfectly healthy adolescents every year. Disturbed young people, in a culture where no-one’s body is ever perfect enough, take to cutting and otherwise mutilating themselves.

The deliberate disfigurement and maiming of the female genitalia is horrible, inhumane and highly offensive to women’s dignity, but at least it is on the decline as countries respond to international pressure to outlaw it and make their bans effective. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about our own dreary attempts to reinvent the female body.

Carolyn Moynihan is deputy editor of MercatorNet.

Bearable, through faith: Crosses bearing the names of the victims of a campus shooting are seen in the snow on a hill overlooking Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, on February 15. Former graduate student Stephen Kazmierczak, 27, walked onto the stage of a lecture hall at the university and opened fire on a packed science class on February 14, killing five students and wounding at least 16 before committing suicide.

PHOTO: CNS/KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, REUTERS

Pope Benedict XVI

The dawning of a new day for The of a new for Applecross

■ By Anthony Barich

The 11.30am Mass celebrated by Fr Ari Prawarto for the Indonesian community last Sunday truly became the Last Supper in the Upper Room at St Benedict’s Applecross parish church.

Just over three hours later, a new dawn arrived as Applecross’ new parish church was dedicated and its altar consecrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey.

It is nothing like the design Fr Lynch had in mind, but for all involved, it was a dream come true, the fulfillment of Fr Lynch’s original vision, to have a functioning church on Ardross Street.

Fr Albert Lynch, a talented musician who, according to current parish priest Fr Peter Whitely, had written the Mass of the Unsung Saints and the Mass of St Benedict, originally planned to use the old church as a music theatre, with the stage originally meant to be where the sacristy now sits.

Since 1954, Mass has been celebrated in the building, and with the last parish Mass celebrated at 7.30am last Sunday, in the future it will be used as the St Benedict’s Primary School library.

The “Upper House”, which it has been jokingly named for decades, proved difficult for elderly parishioners, and former parish priest Fr John O’Reilly told with sadness how he knew of many of them who simply stopped attending Mass there as they couldn’t make it up the stairs, or the lengthy ramp which Fr Rodney Williams had installed during renovations in 1976.

The new ground-level church cost $4 million and was completed in a remarkably short 12 months after four years of planning.

Fr Whitely, whose grandfather was a builder, said Applecross parishioners have always been capable of raising large amounts of cash at short notice.

The parish was not short of people “leaping forward” to offer their services, and he reserved special praise for Stephen Court, who was involved in almost every level of planning.

Having also been in charge of starting Bateman parish, he said: “God won’t ask me how many churches I’ve built; He’ll ask me how much I’ve loved.”

Since the parish was founded in 1952, Applecross parishioners have gathered to learn how to love and share a spiritual community. “This is the place we will come to encounter Jesus,” he said, echoing the

words of the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman at the well who encountered Jesus, was converted and told others about Him and they were then believed as well.

The new church includes a reception area, meeting room, toilets, tea preparation area, school entry internal cloister, an “Our Lady” corner, Reconciliation Room and a special music ministry area.

Much of the icons that parishioners identified with in the old church have been retained.

The impressive and massive copper-coloured Crown of Thorns, that was donated by parishioners, and around which was marked the 14 Stations of the Cross in roman numerals, was removed from the old church and is now near the main entrance to the new church.

The centerpiece of the old sanctuary – the corpus of the robed Jesus which hung on a wooden beam looking over the altar in the old church - has been placed in a similar position, on a newly-made wooden cross.

A smaller crucifix that previously hung in the sacristy that was used for veneration on Good Fridays now has pride of place in the Regina Coeli Adoration Chapel in the new church building, which can be accessed outside of Mass hours from a side door if one knows the combination.

The chapel was named Regina Coeli (Our Lady Queen of Heaven), after the old Brentwood Church that the Applecross parish built and which was known for its adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

It is Fr Whitely’s dream that perpetual adoration will start at the new Regina Coeli Adoration Chapel, which Archbishop Hickey blessed and incensed on Sunday. Fr Whitely encouraged parishioners to make good use of the adoration chapel, where they can “get to know Him and be strengthened by Him”.

It was a sad moment when the last Mass was celebrated at Regina Coeli in Brentwood at 9.30am on February 17. Fr O’Reilly had plenty of affection for the cute old church.

“They’re an active bunch down there at Brentwood. I always thought it’d be a nice place for a retired priest to stay and say daily Mass, but I suppose it’d be hard with the upkeep,” he said.

At one stage, Archbishop William Foley had started making arrangements to close it, but his death stopped that from happening, and the little church celebrated its Golden Jubilee in mid-December last year. Now closed, its fate is unknown.

Fr O’Reilly spent his ‘apprenticeship’ at Applecross after being ordained in 1958. He was curate until March 1963 before being appointed chaplain at Aquinas College.

He returned as parish priest for 25 straight years and left in 2003, retiring.

Archbishop Hickey appointed Fr Whitely with the mandate of building the new church, which Fr O’Reilly had laid the groundwork for by acquiring the land for the parking bay.

He would have started the project himself but for other obstacles.

The new church engulfed the old presbytery on Ardross Street, where Fr Whitely stayed with Fr O’Reilly for over three months while waiting to acquire a presbytery for Bateman parish, which he was due to started up in 1986.

The new church also is fitted with an audio loop for the hearing impaired and there is total wheelchair access into, within and out of the building, as well as onto the sanctuary for disabled ministers, clergy and readers.

The old presbytery was knocked down and Fr Whitely now lives where former parish priest Fr Rodney Williams lived until very recently.

Fr Williams was a convert from the Anglican Church who was Applecross curate in 1969 and took over as parish priest in July 1973 after Fr Lynch retired.

Last Sunday the circle became complete, when Frs Williams, O’Reilly and Whitely united to concelebrate Mass with Archbishop Hickey, Fr Whitely’s best mate Bishop Gerard Holohan of Bunbury and over 40 priests.

“Applecross deserved a permanent, functioning church,” said Fr O’Reilly, who gained approval from the Diocesan Resources Committee to build the new church while still parish priest.

“It was great sharing memories with parishioners when I returned for the dedication Mass.

“The best thing was that there were still parishioners there who were at the parish when I was curate, and their families are still in the parish, too.”

In continuing to take part in the spiritual community at Applecross in what Archbishop Hickey called “this sacred space”, parishioners will continue to be strengthened to know the parish’s motto which comes from the Rule of St Benedict: “The love of Christ must come before all else.”

“God won’t ask me how many churches I’ve built; He’ll ask me how much I’ve loved.”

New beginning: Deacon Mark Powell, the principal of St Benedict’s Primary School. reads the Gospel.

Blessed: Indonesian priest, Fr Ari Prawarto blesses a cross with oil.

Soaring: The church choir lifted spirits on high.

Welcome: Youth welcomed their new church building with dance. PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH.

SATURDAY MARCH 1

“BELLA” MOVIE FUNDRAISER

“Bella” is a heart-warming story about friendship, family and our capacity for love with a positive message towards life. Cinema Paradiso, 64 James St Northbridge at 5pm. Tickets $15. Presented by Pregnancy Assistance and CYM. For tickets phone 9328 2926 or 9422 7912.

Saturday March 1

DAY WITH MARY

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 265 Flinders Street, Nollamara. 9am – 5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the message of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Sunday March 2 DIVINE MERCY

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

Monday March 3

PILGRIMAGE

Visit to Bullsbrook Shrine and on to St Anne’s, Bindoon for 12 noon Mass. Benediction and Way of the Cross at St Catherine’s, Gingin 2pm. PILGRIM CROSS (this Cross has travelled with the pilgrims in 2005 to the countries of Croatia (Medjugore), Lisbon (Fatima), France (Lourdes, Neves - St Bernadette’s burial place and incorrupt body, and Lisieux - St Therese’s birth place and her remains in the chapel and the Abbey), Italy (Rome - St Peter’s Basilica), Spain (Garabandal). The Cross has received blessings from Cardinals, Bishops and Priests. This Cross will be carried during the Way of the Cross, after Benediction at Gingin. To book a seat on the coach, phone Francis Williams, 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877. Enq: Sheila 9575 4023 or Fr Paul 9571 1839.

Wednesday March 5

MOTHERS PRAYERS MASS

Starting at 10am at Our Lady of Grace, 3 Kitchener Street, North Beach. For all Mothers and Grandmothers coming together to pray for their children. Fathers, Grandfathers welcome. This is a wonderful and necessary opportunity for God to hear and act upon the hearts and minds of mothers joining together as one here on earth. Please bring a plate and enjoy fellowship following the Mass over a cup of tea or coffee. Enq: Veronica 9447 0671.

Wednesday March 5

ALAN AMES IN WILLETTON

Alan will be speaking of his conversion experiences at Sts John and Paul Catholic Church, Cnr Pinetree Gully Road & Wainwright Close, Willetton, after 7 pm Mass. Healing prayers will follow. Enq: Loretti Crameri 9444 4409.

Wednesday March 5

HEALING MASS

Fr John Rea , a Marist Priest from New Zealand, will be celebrating Mass at St Anne’s Church, Hehir St, Belmont at 8pm. Prior to the Mass a Rosary will be prayed at 7pm, followed by Charismatic Praise and Worship from 7.30 pm.

Panorama

a roundup of events in the Archdiocese

Following on from the Mass, Fr Rea will pray healing prayers for those present. Fr Rea has witnessed many miracles of healing in the years he has ministered with the charism of healing. Fr Rea will also be ministering at the Prayer Meeting in the Belmont Church Hall on Saturday, March 1 from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. All welcome. These events are sponsored by the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community. Enq: 9475 0155.

Thursday March 6

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

Healing Service at St Peter and Paul Redemptorist Monastery, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Starting at 7.30pm. Fr John Rea SM from NZ will be celebrating our Healing Eucharistic Service. He is well known for his gift of healing so please bring those in need of the healing touch of Jesus. Enq: Jenni Young 9445 1028 or Fr Hugh Thomas CSsR at the Monastery.

Thursday March 6

GROUP 50 CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

Redemptorist Monastery, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Fr John Rea SM from New Zealand, who is gifted with the charism of Healing, will be ministering. Also Healing Fire Burning Love Ministry.

Thursday March 6

TAIZE MEDITATION

Starting at 7.30pm at Our Lady of Grace at 3 Kitchener Street, North Beach. Enq: Our Lady of Grace 9448 4888 or 9447 0061.

Friday March 7 to Sunday March 9

SEPARATED, DIVORCED, WIDOWED

Beginning Experience is running a weekend program designed to assist and support people in learning to close the door gently on a relationship that has ended, in order to get on with living. The next weekend program will be held at Epiphany Retreat Centre, Rossmoyne. Enq: Bev 9332 7971 or Margaret 9294 4892.

Friday March 7

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL  PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Starting at 7.30pm at St John and Paul’s Church, Pintree Gully Road, Willetton. There will be a Praise and Worship followed by a talk on “Worship” by Fr Blasco Fonseca and Thanksgiving Mass. There will be light refreshments after Mass. You are all welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends to this evening of fellowship. All welcome. Enq: Rita 9272 1765 or Rose 0403 300 720.

First Friday March 7

ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS

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

Saturday March 8

HEALING RALLY

Sacred Heart Church, Guppy Street, Pemberton at 7.30pm. The Rally will be led by Fr John Rea, a NZ Marist Priest ordained 52 years, in his 33rd year of preaching Parish Missions and involved in Healing Ministry for 18 years. Rally presented by HSOF Community. Everyone welcome. Enq: Betty 9771 1916.

Saturday March 8

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP

Infant Jesus Church, 47 Wellington Road,

Morley. Starting at 9am St Padre Pio DVD (Parish Centre). 10am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am Holy Mass. St Padre Pio Liturgy confessions available. Noon BYO lunch in Parish Centre. Tea and Coffee supplied. Enq: Des 6278 1540.

Saturday March 8 (Every Saturday)

VIDEO / DVD NIGHT

Starting straight after the 6.30pm Vigil Mass: at St. Joseph’s Church, 20 Hamilton St Bassendean. A variety of Videos / DVD’s will be shown i.e. The Saints, Conversion Stories, Catholic Teaching etc. Each video is approx. 30mins. Want to learn more about our Catholic faith? Bring the family along. There is no charge. Saturday 1st March showing pt. 2 of ‘Children Clothed With The Sun’. Saturday 8th March presenting ‘Greek Schism’.

Saturday March 8 A TIME OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION

The Executive Committee of the Catholic Pastoral Workers Association invites Secretaries and all who work in administration (Parish/ Agencies) to A Time of Prayer and Reflection. To be held at the Seminar Room, Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate (parking off Harold Street) starting at 9.30am to 3pm. The Spiritual Director will be Sr Philomena Burrell PBVM Director of Maranatha Institute. Cost $15 BYO lunch. Morning / Afternoon tea supplied. RSVP by Friday 29 February 2008. Enq: Margaret 9390 8365 or Maranatha 6380 5160.

Sunday March 9

SPECIAL LENTEN RETREAT  AWAKENINGS

Beginning at 2pm sharp, Patrist House, 7 Warde Street Midland. Limited places. NonRefundable Reg. Fee $10. Must Book. Fr Douglas Rowe SFP Enq: Ph 9250 5395.

Tuesday March 11

OBLATES OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Meet every 2nd Tuesday of month from 10am at Kalamunda. Prayer; Silence; Lectio Divina. Visitors welcome. Enq: 9293 3092.

Wednesday March 12

CHAPLETS OF THE DIVINE MERCY.

A beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion held at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road Bateman, on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 7.30 pm. The next devotion is to be held on Wednesday 12th March 2008. All are welcome. Enq: George Lopez 9310 9493(hm) or 9325 2010(wk).

Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

Will be held at Penola by the Sea, Safety Bay. Please treat yourself and your Spouse to a weekend that will enrich your relationship forever. Bookings and enquiries: Joe & Margaret Cordina on 9417 8750.

Saturday March 15

ST BERNADETTE’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE

Where: Grand Ocean Boulevard, Port Kennedy. When: 11am to 4pm. What’s on: rides, show bags, food, plant & cake stalls, music, dancers, magician, ponies, bouncy castle (as available). Fun for all ages. Come and join the fun! Enq: Robyn Fitzgerald rfitzgerald3@aapt.net.au or: 0405 672 487.

Sunday 16 March

“THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST” HAYDN OP.51

Starting at 3pm at St Benedict’s Church, Ardross Street, Applecross. This beautiful music, which Haydn wrote as a Lenten devo-

Panorama

tion, will be performed by the talented string quartet “Ensemble Trastevere” as part of our 2008 Faith Enrichment Series. All welcome. Refreshments will be shared following the performance. Entry by Donation.

Sunday March 16

THE SACRED HEART COMMUNITY FAIR

Is to be held in the picturesque setting of the Sculpture Park, Jacoby Street, Mundaring. Starting at 10am and finishes at 4pm. The Fair is a FREE old fashioned family fun day with activities, rides, live acts, great food and over 50 craft and specialty stalls.

Friday March 21

GOOD FRIDAY CEREMONIES  BINDOON

CATHOLIC AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

11am - Stations of the Cross, 2.30pm Solemn ceremony - The Lord’s Passion. Confessions from 10.30am and after Stations of the Cross. All are welcome! Enq: Fr Paul 9571-1839.

Monday March 24 WALK FOR VOCATIONS

At the Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Armadale. Starting at 3pm HOLY MASS. Main celebrant Bishop Don Sproxton. At 4.30pm “WAY OF LIGHT” tracing the footsteps of the Risen Lord, presented by various religious communities as well as reps. from WYD and CYM. At 6pm Sausage sizzle. At 7pm ROSARY OF LIGHT Adoration and Benediction. Please BYO folding chair. Enq: Sr. M. Lisette 9399 2349 or email: shrine@elink.net.au.

Friday March 28

ST COLUMBA’S SOUTH PERTH

Celebrates 100 years 1908-2008

All past and present pupils, families, teachers and principals are invited to join in the centenary Celebrations at St Columba’s in 2008. The first event held for the year will be a Centenary Celebration Mass & Reunion, followed by supper and a walk through the school. Mass starts at 7pm at St Columba’s Church, South Perth. Please call the school to express your interest in attending for catering purposes. We look forward to celebrating this wonderful event with you. If you have any photographs, certificates or other memorabilia that we could borrow to use in our displays it would be greatly appreciated. All items will be scanned and returned safely. Enq: St Columba’s Primary School 9367 3666 or email: admin@stcolumbassp.wa.edu. au.

Friday April 4 to Sunday April 6

GOD’S FARM RETREAT

“The God of unconditional Love, now and in the Life to Come” is the topic Retreat Master, Fr Tony Chiera VG will share with us on this quiet weekend retreat, assisted by Dr Micheal Jackson. Fr Tony celebrates Holy Mass daily and reconciliation. Friday 4 April 7.30pm to Sunday 6 April 2pm, at God’s Farm, 40kms south of Busselton. Map avail. Our hired bus goes directly from Perth to God’s Farm and return. Prompt bookings ring Yvonne 9343 1897. Reservations call Mrs Betty Peaker sfo PO Box 24, Cowaramup 6284. Phn/Fax 9755 6212.

6th June to 26th Sept. 2008.

PASTORAL CARE COURSE

For ministry with the mentally ill. For those wanting to know about mental illness this 17 week course will run on Fridays, 8.45am to 3.30pm from 6th June to 26th Sept. 2008. This course involves information sessions on schizophrenia, bipolar, suicide awareness, eating disorders etc plus group work and ward visits. Course donation of $100 is invited. Applications close 2nd May. Enq: Bob Milne, Graylands Hospital, Pastoral Centre 9347 6685 or 0413 325 486.

Panorama entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.

Classifieds

Classifieds: $3.30/line incl. GST 24 hour Hotline 9227 7778 Deadline: 12pm Monday

PANORAMAS CONT.

First Friday of the Month

WITNESS FOR LIFE

Pro-Life Mass at St Brigid’s, Midland starting at 9.30am. Followed by Rosary, Procession and Prayer Vigil at abortion clinic. Led by Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Enq: Helene 9403 2444.

Every Tuesday

THE GOSPEL OF ST MATTHEW

Exciting revelations into the Gospel of St Matthew are being offered in a free of charge Bible course being conducted by Fr Douglas Rowe SFP At St Joachim’s Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. The course will be held every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will follow. Please bring your bible and a friend.

PERPETUAL ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

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

Third Sunday of the Month

OBLATES OF ST BENEDICT MEET

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

HELP FOR THE DYING

Patients who are in the last few weeks of life’s journey are invited to be part of a TV documentary being filmed in Perth. This will help terminally ill patients and families to cope better and even enjoy their last few weeks on earth. Enq: Trish Duke Ph: 9561 6980 or go to www.DyingToLiveTV.com

IS YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER UNDECIDED AFTER SCHOOL?

Is your son or daughter unsure what to do in 2008? Acts 2 College offers them a pro-

ductive year discovering God’s purpose for their life while learning practical life skills. They will develop practical life skills in addition to learning more about the Catholic faith and deepening their own faith in God. Scholarships available. Contact Jane Borg on 9202 6859.

First Sunday of Every Month

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

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

Every First Friday and First Saturday

COMMUNION OF REPARATION ALL NIGHT VIGIL Corpus Christi Church, 43 Lochee Road, Mosman Park. Starting Friday 7pm to 1am Saturday. Prayers according to the booklet of The Alliance of the Two Hearts worldwide movement with Father Bing Arrelano and Father John Santos as spiritual directors (Imprimatur from Cardinal Vidal). Father Bogoni will say Mass and hear confessions all night concluding with Mass to honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 1am. Please join us even for an hour. Hymns, Rosaries and silent adoration included. Enq: Vicky 9364 2378 or Catalina 0439 931 151.

Every First Friday of the Month

ST PIO FIRST FRIDAY MASS

7:30 pm honouring St Pio of Pietrelcina with Novena to the Sacred Heart and Prayer of Union. Join in every First Friday, St Joseph’s Parish, 20 Hamilton Street, Bassendean.

Every Sunday

LATIN MASS KELMSCOTT

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

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

MARCH

2

4/5

Miracle approved for "Lolo”

Cause for beatification of Spanish journalist continues

VATICAN CITY, A writer who was blind and long confined to a wheelchair, extolled as a model for journalists, has had a cure considered miraculous attributed to his intercession.

Manuel Lozano Garrido, better known as “Lolo,” was declared venerable last December when Benedict XVI approved a decree recognising his heroic virtue.

Last Friday, a commission of theologians appointed by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes to study a scientifically inex-

ADVERTISEMENTS

ACCOMMODATION

■ FAMILY/GROUP ACCOMMODATION

www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100

■ TO LET

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

■ ST ANNE’S CHURCH, BINDOON accomm for retreat/family/group or single tel 9576 0975.

BOOK REPAIRS

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

General repairs to books old bibles & missals. 2ndhand Catholic books avail. Tydewi Bindery 9293 3092.

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

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

■ BRICKLAYING

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

■ PICASSO PAINTING

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

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ ALL AREAS

Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

GIFTS

■ OTTIMO

Shop 108 Trinity Arcade (Terrace Level)

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

HEALTH

■ DEMENTIA REMISSION

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

WEDDING MUSIC

■ CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

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

WANTED

Adult Student seeks help mentoring from a successful business mentor. Pls phn 0413 484 574 or contact Abraham at Our Lady’s Assumption Parish, Dianella.

plicable cure attributed to the journalist voted unanimously for its approval. A meeting of cardinals and bishops will be called in the next few weeks for the continued progress of the beatification cause.

On January 17, a medical commission recognised as “scientifically inexplicable” the cure. The healing involved Rogelio de Haro Sagra who was cured of multiple organ failure from Gram-negative sepsis in 1972, when he was two years old. Lozano Garrido was born in Linares, Spain, in 1920. He worked for various newspapers, the Associated Press and other outlets. During his adolescence, Garrido carried the Eucharist clandestinely during the Spanish Civil

BLINDS

■ BLINDS SPECIALIST

Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.

THANKS

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified and loved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us. St Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. St Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. Amen. MG Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, splendid fruit of the vine of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me here that you are my Mother. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times). Holy Mary I place this issue in your hands (3 times) Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen MG

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ CATHOLICS CORNER

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

■ RICH HARVEST  YOUR

CHRISTIAN SHOP

Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, baptism/communion apparel, religious vestments, etc? Visit us at 39 Hulme Court (off McCoy St), Myaree, 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve.

■ KINLAR VESTMENTS

‘Modern meets tradition.’ Quality hand-made & decorated. Vestments, altar cloths, banners. Contact: Vickii Smith Veness. 9402 8356 or 0409 114 093

PROPERTY

■ AUSTRALIND PRIVATE SALE

3 bdrm, brick and tile residence, fully fenced. Schools, shopping centre, estuary very close. $310,000 ono. Phn: Dennis 0438 829 949.

■ THINKING OF SELLING OR BUYING PROPERTY IN 2008

First Class Service

Accurate Caring and up to date advice

Premium Marketing

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

■ PREMISES REQUIRED

We are looking for premises either North or South of Perth where we can hold daytime clinics for our clients. We require premises for a period of three to four hours during one day of the week where we can see the clients privately and also have a waiting room. A Doctors’ surgery would be ideal. Similar offers would be appreciated. Our teachers are highly qualified in the field of Fertility education and management in the Billings Ovulation Method. Please contact Billings WA 0409 119 532 Marilena

War. His devotion to the Eucharist became intense when he spent the whole of Holy Thursday night in prison adoring the sacramental Lord, which was given to him hidden in a bunch of flowers.

In 1942 he contracted spondylitis, which deformed his body and left him an invalid. He was totally blind for the last 10 years of his life. Despite his handicap, he dictated nine books to his sister Lucy and to his friends, and founded Sinai, a magazine for the sick.

Lozano was a member of Catholic Action, and worked for numerous Spanish Catholic periodicals. In 1969 he won the prestigious Bravo journalism award.

The Last Word

Singing and dancing their way to WYD and their way to WYD

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Many turned out to cheer for their favourite local talent on Saturday, February 23 at the Morley/Leederville parish WYD delegation’s Shout fundraising concert.

The young audience was entertained by Gaetan Raspanti’s original acoustic melodies, Nadia Santarini’s cover of various pop classics, the force of popular band Apokalipsis, Chisholm highschool band The First Six Months, and the Flame Music Ministry.

Planning for the event, which has gathered some much needed funds to send members of the delegation to WYD in July, began in October

last year. But raising funds was not the only thing on the delegations’ agenda.

“What we really appreciated was the level of community support for those within our delegation who are trying to attend WYD,” member of the delegation, Vincent Restiso said. A variety of people supported the event, including Perth’s WYD Office, Flame Music Ministry and many others.

However, fundraising was the main objective and counting is underway to determine the event’s success. “It was a good opportunity for people to enjoy local talent while supporting the spiritual needs of those heading to Sydney in July,” Vincent, 20, said.

A talented bunch: Nadia Santarini pauses on stage at the Shout fundraiser, which was held at Gibney Hall, Trinity College on Saturday February 23 (top left); meanwhile Chris Laundy on base guitar, John Vandermark on vocals, Sol Laskowski on electric guitar and Roger O’Neil on drums from Apokalipsis make some noise (top right). Many particpants at the Shout event enjoyed the local talent and each other’s company (centre), while Patrick Carre on acoustic guitar and vocals took to the stage as part of the Flame Music Ministry (above). Kev (bottom left) on electric guitar was just one of the talented musicians that made up Chisholm highschool band, The First Six Months. PHOTOS: SYLVIA DEFENDI.