Record
W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A’ S A WA R D - W I N N I N G C AT H O L I C N E W S P A P E R S I N C E 1 8 7 4
the
We d n e s d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 7 , 2 0 1 3
the
Parish.
the
N at i o n .
the
World.
$2.00
therecord.com.au
No more Welcome boy bands home
Eduardo Verastergui spent years as a heart-throb singer in a boy band. Now he’s growing a serious reputation as an actor - Pages 12-13
Putting lives back together
Bishop Don Sproxton reflects on the journey towards entering the Church - Page 7
Silent gathering maintains the vigil
For post-abortion grief helpers, this job is one day at a time ... By Matthew Biddle ELEVEN o’clock at night. Everyone in the house is fast asleep. The telephone rings. Jenny Shier is slightly startled, but answers the phone with, ‘Hello, this is Jenny speaking’. Nervously, the caller says ‘Hello’, then hangs up. Jenny Shier goes back to sleep with mixed feelings. On the one hand she is disappointed that she was unable to help the caller any further. But on the other hand she is pleased. The woman whose nervous, scared voice she heard has just taken the first courageous step towards healing. This is a common occurrence for Jenny Shier in her work as the state director of Rachel’s Vineyard, a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation that offers grief counselling to women suffering from the trauma of abortion.
Everyone in the house is asleep. Jenny answers the phone. ‘Hello,’ a nervous caller says then hangs up. Mrs Shier often receives telephone calls from women who are desperate for healing, some of whom have suffered from the pain of their untold secret for many years. “It takes a lot of courage because they’ve kept their secret for so long and they are afraid of being judged, but they are not judged at Rachel’s
Rachel’s Vineyard offers help towards healing from the grief of the child that didn’t make it. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
Vineyard,” Mrs Shier said. “When people have an abortion they try to put it behind them and try to suppress it. It takes five to 20 years for some people to actually seek help … I’ve even had people who have waited and suffered for 40 years before coming.” Rachel’s Vineyard began in Western Australia in 2009, and currently holds two weekend retreats each year. The retreats are purposely limited to a maximum of five participants. “I find that a small group very quickly bonds and they become very supportive of each other,” Mrs Shier said. “Everybody gets enough time to tell their story, to do their Please turn to Page 8
As participants gather outside an abortion clinic in Rivervale, a placard promotes the 40 Days for Life Campaign currently under way in Perth. Photos - Page 4 PHOTO: MICHAEL CONNELLY
FOLLOW THE PAPAL TRANSITION
Connect with The Record’s day-by-day coverage on Facebook and at: www.therecord.com.au
2
LOCAL
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
Clothes maketh the man ...
Parish Round-up
families and friends, and all who have been associated with the Brothers, are invited to join in this celebration to acknowledge, affirm and give thanks for the Brothers’ dedication and significant contribution to students over the past 100 years. No RSVP is necessary.
MARK REIDY
Learn the language of your hands AUSLAN is Australian Sign Language and the Auslan Café is a social setting for anybody who would like to learn or practise Auslan in a relaxing atmosphere. It’s at Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor Street, Perth at 10.30am–12.30pm. Everyone is welcome. It runs regularly every month, so please RSVP for a BBQ lunch on Sunday, March 17. Contact Barbara Harris or Emma via emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au or contact Barbara on (08) 9328 8113. Meanwhile, Mass is celebrated with an Auslan interpreter present and a PowerPoint presentation for the Deaf at St Francis Xavier, 23 Windsor Street, Perth, every Sunday at 9.30am– 10.30am. There is also a morning tea shared on the first Sunday of the month, so all attending are welcome to bring a plate of small finger food to share.
Flame Ministries offers Lenten retreat A FIVE-night Lenten Retreat will be presented by Flame Ministries International at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta from March 18-22. Speaking at the event will be FMI founder and international evangelist, Eddie Russell and fellow FMI member, Livia Cianfagna. The Retreat, “The Grace, The Blood and The Cross”, will begin at 7.30pm each night and will include music from Patrick Carre and the Flame Music Ministry. Topics for the week will be “This Man Jesus
Wedding’s a day, but marriage is for life YOUR wedding was just one day in your life, but your marriage is forever. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend can put the newness back into your relationship. Give yourself and your spouse time away from the pressures of work and everyday responsibilities. Enjoy the chance to talk and listen to each other. You’ll love the difference a Marriage Encounter Weekend can make. Next weekend: April 12-14 (Swan Valley). For information or booking, contact 0424 220 625 Joe and Margaret or email WAbookings@wwme.org. au, website – www.wwme.org.au. Mario Musa works on a cardinal cassock in his “Conflexclero” shop in Rome on February 19.
is Lord”, “Forgiveness Brings Your Healing”, “Living in Righteousness”, “The Nine Blood Covenant Steps” and “The Final Sacrifice”. No booking necessary.
Coming to terms with grief and loss in life A GRIEF and loss adult program to help people cope with death, separation, divorce – any loss in our lives - is available on Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Mater Dei College in Edgewater. Contact Sr Margaret Kane rsj on 9440 3914 or email margk2@bigpond.net.au. Places are limited.
A Good Friday Rosary for world peace
Marist Brothers to mark a century
ALL CATHOLICS are being invited to pray the Rosary on Good Friday, March 29 to pray for world peace and a return to moral values. The request is gathering online momentum as recipients are requested to pass on the invitation to all Catholics in their own address lists. “Let us unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year,” the email states. It is suggested that participants pray the Rosary between the hours of noon and 3pm.
THE Marist Brothers will celebrate their 100th year in Western Australia with a Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth on Saturday, March 25 at 11am. The Brothers have provided education for thousands of students at New Norcia, Northam, Bunbury, Subiaco, Churchlands and Port Hedland over the last century. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, fellow bishops and Marist old boy priests and will be followed by light refreshments and fellowship in the Cathedral grounds. Past and present staff, students,
SAINT OF THE WEEK
1384–1440 March 9
Peter Rosengren
editor@therecord.com.au
Accounts accounts@therecord.com.au Journalists Mark Reidy m.reidy@therecord.com.au Robert Hiini r.hiini@therecord.com.au Matthew Biddle m.biddle@therecord.com.au Juanita Shepherd j.shepherd@therecord.com.au
Crosiers
This laywoman and foundress, born a Roman aristocrat, married Lorenzo Ponziano when she was 13; they had several children. In 1409, their palazzo was pillaged by Neapolitan soldiers and Lorenzo was exiled for five years, returning home a broken man. He died in 1436. Frances, known for her great charity during epidemics and civil war, organized a ladies society dedicated to self-denial and good works. It became the Oblates of Tor de Specchi, which she directed for her last four years. She is the patron saint of motorists, perhaps because she was guarded for 23 years by an archangel visible only to her. Her last words were: “The angel has finished his work. He is beckoning me to follow.”
Advertising/Production Mat De Sousa
production@therecord.com.au
Classifieds/Panoramas/Subscriptions Helen Crosby
Saints
Take to the waves in Style
© 2013 Catholic News Service
with a cruise from our extensive selection.
office@therecord.com.au
Bibiana Kwaramba bookshop@therecord.com.au Proofreaders
MERCYCARE are involved in the fostering of babies, young children, teenagers for long and occasional weekend care. They are currently seeking foster parents who can provide nurturing, consistent care in their own homes for children unable to live in their own homes. Carers may be single, couples, with or without children. Enq 9442 3444 or fosteringservices@mercycare. com.au.
Parish Roundup
Send your parish event to m.reidy@therecord.com.au
Monday 4th - Violet ST CASIMIR (O) 1st Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-15 No other god but you Responsorial Ps 41:2-3; 42:3-4 Psalm: When will I see God? Gospel Reading: Lk 4:24-30 Not to Jews only Tuesday 5th - Violet 1st Reading: Dan 3:25, 34-43 Treat us gently Responsorial Ps 24: 4-9 Psalm: God shows the wayGospel Reading: Mt 18:21-35 No means of paying
Psalm: Gospel Reading:
19-20 God teaches decrees Mt 5:17-19 Observe the law
Thursday 7th - Violet SS PERPETUA AND FELICITY, MARTYRS (O) 1st Reading: Jer 7:23-28 Follow God’s way Responsorial Ps 94:1-2, 6-9 Psalms: Harden not your hearts Gospel Reading: Lk 11:14-23 A kingdom divided Friday 8th - Violet ST JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS (O) 1st Reading: Hos 14:2-10 Come back to God Responsorial Ps 80:6, 8-11,14,17 Psalm: Hear my voice Gospel Reading: Mk 12:28-34 Only one Lord Saturday 9th - Violet ST FRANCES OF ROME (O) 1st Reading: Hos 5:15-6:6 Love, not sacrifice Responsorial Ps 50:3-4, 18-21 Psalm: Steadfast love Gospel Reading: Lk 18:9-14 The publican
Chris Jaques
Contributors Debbie Warrier Barbara Harris Bernard Toutounji
Sunday 3rd - Violet 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT 1st Reading: Ex 3:1-8, 13-15 Come no nearer Responsorial Ps 102:1-4,6,8 Psalm: Bless God’s name2nd Reading: 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Warning for us Gospel Reading: Lk 13:1-9 Unless you repent
Wednesday 6th - Violet 1st Reading: Deut 4:1,5-9 Laws and customs Responsorial Ps 147:12-13,15-16,
Record Bookshop
Eugen Mattes
Children who need a family - perhaps yours?
READINGS OF THE WEEK
Frances of Rome Editor
PHOTO: MAX ROSSI, REUTERS
Mariette Ulrich Fr John Flader Glynnis Grainger
•
CRUISING
•
FLIGHTS
•
TOURS
•
divisionof ofInterworld InterworldTravel TravelPty PtyLtd LtdABN Lic No. 9TA796 AA division 21 061 625 027 Lic. No 9TA 796
The Record PO Box 3075 Adelaide Terrace PERTH WA 6832 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000 Tel: (08) 9220 5900 Fax: (08) 9325 4580 Website: www.therecord.com.au The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription. The Record is printed by Rural Press Printing Mandurah and distributed via Australia Post and CTI Couriers.
200 St. George’s Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Tel: 9322 2914 Fax: 9322 2915 michael@flightworld.com.au www.flightworld.com.au
Michael Deering 9322 2914
Catholic clarity for complex times CATHOLIC families and those searching for truth need resources to help them negotiate the complexities of modern life. At The Record’s bookshop you can find great books for the family at good prices. Turn to Page 20 for some brilliant deals NOW!!
Send your Year of Grace stories to parishes@therecord.com.au
LOCAL
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
3
Unfinished business for the VC By Matthew Biddle CELIA Hammond says she wants the University of Notre Dame Australia to be “more daring” as she begins her second five-year term as Vice Chancellor. The mother of three told The Record this week she wanted Notre Dame to be more vocal on issues that matter. “We have an important role at this time in Australian Church history to be able to stand up and demonstrate all that is good about the Catholic Church,” she said. “I want Notre Dame to continue to graduate people who … are prepared to go out to the whole of humanity and contribute.” Professor Hammond was reappointed as Vice Chancellor for a further five years earlier this month, and says she still has “unfinished business”. “I still feel that I can give something to the university, and the board obviously still thinks that I’ve got something to offer, so I’m delighted to be continuing on,” she said.
I want Notre Dame to continue to graduate people who will go out into the community and make a difference. Professor Hammond said the university had grown and expanded significantly since she took over from Dr Peter Tannock in 2008. “The university has matured in that time period,” she said. “It has moved beyond the challenges of being a new and unusual one-of-a-kind institution … and it’s probably more secure in itself as an institution. “Now it’s about starting to create an identity and to try to build up different areas beyond just merely survival.” With campuses now established in Broome and Sydney, Professor Hammond is leaving the door open for further expansions. “If there was any extension, Melbourne would be a possibility, but at the moment our focus is on continuing to build our strengths in the areas that we are in,” she
s ent r m l o fo Enr lable d ai ite Lim till av 14. ol s 20 e scho are h ct t tails. a t Con for de
Professor Celia Hammond has been re-appointed as Vice Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia for a further five years. There is, she told The Record, plenty of unfinished business to address and she is looking forward to the challenges of building the institution. PHOTO: UNDA
said, before adding, “But never say ‘never’.” Professor Hammond said the university has outlined three major goals that it will focus on in the coming years. “What we’ve set as very broad, very high-level goals are, firstly, authentic Catholicity – to continue to build and work on our Catholicity as an institution,” she said. “The second broad goal is continuing to build excellence in all academic endeavours, and the third one is … to continue to build our efforts in community engagement.” The Vice Chancellor said although, in her 15 years at Notre
Dame, she has always believed that it has been an authentically Catholic university, the public perception was not always the same. “If there are people who believe [the university is not authentically
Prof Hammond names three key goals: Catholicity, academic excellence and community engagement. Catholic] then obviously there is a gap in how we’re portraying ourselves or how we are being seen by others, and that does concern me,” she said. But in an increasingly secularised
Up to $3500 could be waiting for your child in the Principal’s Office
2014 Scholarships
Apply Now! Phone 9350 5433 or visit www.norbert.wa.edu.au
TRADITION INNOVATION COMMUNITY Scholarship application v3.indd 1
world, developing and maintaining a truly Catholic identity is one of the main challenges for a Catholic university, Professor Hammond said. “The ability to actually continue to be authentically Catholic
26/02/13 9:55 AM
and not be held in breach of a law about anti-discrimination … that is always a challenge,” she said. “We’re not here if we’re not Catholic … and if there are things that potentially compromise our
ability to [be Catholic] then we have huge issues.” But despite the challenges inherent in running a Catholic university, Professor Hammond prefers to focus on the positives. “As Catholic universities, it’s not about what we can’t do … but what we can do because we’re Catholic,” she said. “We can talk about love, we can talk about faith, we can talk about hope. We understand the spiritual and religious dimensions of our students. “I think we all need to focus on what we’re empowered to do by virtue of the fact that we are Catholic.”
4
LOCAL
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
Praying that they might have life to the full
PARISH BRIEFS
New Norcia Abbot to speak on meditation JOIN the Christian Meditation Community (WA) to hear Fr John Herbert OSB (Abbot of New Norcia) speak about Monastic Wisdom for the Contemporary Christian Journey Towards God at Redemptorist Monastery Retreat Centre, North Perth on Saturday, March 16 from 9am to 4pm. Contact: christianmeditation@iinet.net.au or 0429 117 242.
Men wanted for hope, healing after abortion ABORTION Grief Australia is looking for volunteers to train for the men’s and women’s National Crisis Lines and for Pregnancy Assistance. Training times are flexible, requiring two hours per week. Approximately half the crisis calls received are for abortion grief and half for pregnancy crisis. Volunteers need to be mature, compassionate, good listeners with a desire to learn. For more information, see www.abortiongrief.asn.au or ring Julie on 9313 1784.
Papal frontrunner to headline Vatican II conference His Eminence Cardinal George Pell has extended an invitation to all Catholics and others interested to a Conference in Sydney on May 20-23, 2013. Keynote presenters for the event include: Cardinals Ouellet and Pell, Professor Anthony Kelly CssR, Archbishop Allen Vigneron (Detroit), Professor Anne Hunt, Professor Tracey Rowland, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Archbishop Arthur Roche, Austen Ivereigh and Jack Valero. Costs to attend: Earlybird to 15/3/13 $450 / Standard: $600 / Student $350 and Single Day $250. To register: www.thegreatgrace.org.au . Enq: 02 8096 8770 or email: thegreatgrace@ epicconferences.com.au.
Sacred concert for those about to shamrock St Anne’s Church in Belmont will host a sacred music concert in honour of St Patrick on Saturday, March 16. Perth’s Lumina Choir will perform a variety of famous choral works including Aspice Domine de Sede by William Byrd, Factus est Dominus Firmamentum by Orlando Lasso, and Laudate Dominum by Giovanni da Palestrina. The one-hour concert is free to attend, although any donations to the St Anne’s choir fund are appreciated. The concert begins at 3.30pm, and is followed by afternoon tea prepared by Fr Brian Limbourn.
FOLLOW THE
PAPAL TRANSITION
Connect with The Record’s day-by-day coverage on Facebook and at: www.therecord.com.au
Above, Glendalough parish priest Fr Doug Harris and lay Catholics pray outside a Perth abortion clinic. Left and below left, the slogan and emblem of the 40 Days for Life campaign - a worldwide initiative to pray, fast and perform public witness for an end to abortion, as worn by Perth 40 Day fo Life volunteers earlier this month. PHOTOS: MICHAEL CONNELLY
LOCAL
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
Ordination at St Mary’s continues record trend
2013 Harvest Pilgrimages EXODUS JOURNEY
from
$4990*
A 22 day pilgrimage with Fr Terry Moynihan Departing 5th September 2013 • Cairo • Mt Sinai • Red Sea • Petra • Dead Sea • Bethlehem • Caesarea • Nazareth • Sea of Galilee • Mount Of Beatitudes • Taybeh Village • Jerusalem • Optional Greece & Turkey combination Also departing 11th May, 13th June, 3rd Oct & 7th Nov 2013
*plus airfare
By Matthew Biddle IN LESS than ten days, Deacon Victor Lujano will be ordained to the priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth. Deacon Victor has been based at Good Shepherd Church in Lockridge since his ordination to the diaconate in July 2012. He said although he was both nervous and excited as his day of ordination approached, he was not thinking about it too much. “The best thing is to keep calm … maybe on the day I will be very nervous but for now I feel very tranquil,” he said. Earlier this month, Lockridge parishioners raised almost $4,000 to help defray the cost for Deacon Victor’s mother and sister to travel from Venezuela to Perth for his ordination. Deacon Victor said he was most grateful for the parishioners’ generosity. “It’s very touching,” he said. “It’s so far to come to Australia from Venezuela … so it will be great to see them and to have them support me.” In preparation for his ordination, Deacon Victor spent three days in retreat at the Benedictine monastery in New Norcia last week. “It was very strong experience, to be [away] from the parish and just to relax, and to think what the Lord is preparing for me,” he said. “The parish is very big … so you don’t have much time to reflect about what the Lord is doing every single day.” Deacon Victor said he took part in the recitation of the Divine Office with the monks at New Norcia, as well as spending time reading and meditating on scripture.
from
from
$5690*
“It was a very strong experience ... just to relax, and to think what the Lord is preparing for me.”
$4790*
*plus airfare
*plus airfare
GRACES OF EASTERN EUROPE
THE ST PAUL EXPEDITION
As a priest, Deacon Victor said he would have several aspirations that he would like to fulfill. “The thing I will wish is to become really holy, with the help of God … to recognise my sins, to recognise that the Lord has called me,” he said. “If it’s God’s will, through me, maybe many people will be saved.” Deacon Victor Lujano will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, March 8, beginning at 7pm.
from
$4190*
*plus airfare
Deacon Victor Lujano inside Good Shepherd Church in Lockridge. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE
5
A 20 day pilgrimage with Fr Albert Wasniowski OSPPE Departing 23rd Sept 2013 • Athens • Corinth • Meteora • Philippi • Kavala • Thessaloniki • Patmos • Ephesus • Pergamum • Alexander Troas • Troy • Gallipoli • Istanbul • Cappadocia • Optional Malta extension (3) Also departing 29th May 2013
GRACES OF FRANCE
A 16 day pilgrimage with Fr Anthony Dunne Departing 17th Sep 2013
A 17 day pilgrimage with Fr Patrick Vaughan Departing 16th Oct 2013
• Barcelona • Montserrat • Manresa • Lourdes • Toulouse • Rocamadour • Paray-le-Monial • Taize • Nevers • Chartres • Mont-Saint-Michel • Lisieux • Paris Also departing 16th May & 16th Sep 2013
• Prague • Czestochowa • Auschwitz • Wadowice • Krakow • Zakopane • Budapest • Ludbreg • Zagreb • Optional Croatia combination Also departing 16th June 2013
For more inFormation or to request a copy oF our 2013 Brochure contact Harvest on 1800 819 156
www.harvestpilgrims.com * Costs must remain subject to change without notice, based on currency exchange rates, departure city, airline choice and minimum group size contingency.
CATECHISM of the
Catholic Church Second Edition
“A sure and certain standard for the teaching of the faith.” -Bl Pope John Paul II
Now only $15.00
Your Church. Your insurance. New look, same commitment We’re excited to unveil our new logo and identity that will take Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) into its second century of operation. The look is new but our commitment to provide genuine peace of mind remains the same.
Call 1300 655 003 or visit catholicinsurance.org.au for a competitive quote.
Home
Contents
Car
Personal Accident
Travel*
Landlord
Caravan
Catholic Church Insurance Limited ABN 76 000 005 210, AFS Licence No. 235415 (CCI) arranges this insurance as promoter of the underwriter Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). We do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before deciding please refer to the PDS available by calling 1300 655 003; or from catholicinsurance.org.au. If you buy this insurance CCI may be paid a commission that is a percentage of the premium depending on the product. Ask us for details before we provide you with any services. *This insurance is issued and managed by AGA Assistance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Allianz Global Assistance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708.
CCI TheRecord ad JAN13.indd 1
07/01/2013 2:50:02 PM
6
LOCAL
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
Dulcet sounds of Daniel and the Dodd recorded By Juanita Shepherd DANIEL Mullaney’s is perhaps one voice which could outshine that of St Mary Cathedral’s Dodd Organ, painstakingly restored in 2009. Both voices, well-known to Cathedral parishioners and Archdiocesan personnel alike, can be heard on the CD Daniel sings at St Mary’s Cathedral launched last Christmas. A recording of St Mary’s former cantor was never in doubt, receiving strong backing from Cathedral Dean Monsignor Michael Keating. The CD features a number of favourites, including Panis Angelicus, Ave Maria and Tota Pulchra Ses Maria made famous by Dom Moreno, a Benedictine monk from New Norcia in the 1950s.
“The CD can be thought of as a tribute to Our Lady,” Cathedral music director Jacinta Jakovcevic, who accompanied Mr Mullaney, said. Although many of the hymns offer adulation to Our Lady, Mr
A tribute to Our Lady and her Son, and a chronicle of talent. Mullaney and Ms Jakovcevic also perform hymns honouring his saving son, including Divine Redeemer, and pieces from Messiah and Les Rameaux. “Les Rameaux is French for ‘the palms,” Ms Jakovcevic said.
“It’s a hymn about Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It was also the first hymn to be sung at the blessing of the Dodd Organ in 1910.” The CD is special for another reason too. Mr Mullaney joined St Mary’s Cathedral choir in 2002 as a treble chorister and, in 2008, became its principal cantor, a position he held till the end of 2012. Mr Mullaney has travelled to England to continue his studies in music. “The CD is a way of remembering Daniel’s voice,” Ms Jakocevic said. “It is capturing a part of him and we thought it was a good idea to have a collection of pieces to share with everyone.” The CD costs $15 and is available at the Cathedral.
Former St Mary’s Cathedral cantor Daniel Mullaney is now in England studying music but his voice has been captured in a new recording. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Key university driver honoured THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Dr Peter Tannock, has been awarded the Rev Theodore M Hesburgh CSC Award at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ (ACCU) annual meeting in Washington DC recently. The prestigious international award is named after Father Hesburgh, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame and a legendary figure in Catholic higher education in the United States. Dr Tannock was described as one of the chief architects of the modern Catholic education system in Australia that was established in the 1970s and 80s and was cited for his influence in framing Australian education policy. UNDA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, who also attended international gathering, said she was delighted Dr Tannock had been recognised as a distinguished leader in Catholic higher education. “This is a wonderful and welldeserved acknowledgement of Peter’s experience in education, both in Australia and globally,” said Professor Hammond. Dr Tannock received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Western Australia. He was a teacher and Senior Master in government senior high schools in Western Australia before going to the United States for postgraduate study. After receiving his PhD from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, he returned to UWA where he worked for 10 years as Professor, Head of the Department
UNDA Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Dr Peter Tannock receiving the Rev Theodore M Hesburgh CSC Award in Washington DC earlier this month.
of Education, and Dean of the Faculty. In 1980, he was appointed Chairman of the Australian Schools Commission and, in 1985, returned to Perth and became Director of the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, and
Chairman of its Catholic Education Commission. Dr Tannock was one of the founders of The University of Notre Dame Australia. He served on the original Planning Board from 1987 to 1990 and was appointed Vice Chancellor in 1992, a position
in which he served for 16 years. Dr Tannock has held fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University, Australian National University, and University of London. He has also been a consultant to the Ford Foundation in New York and a member of the OECD in Paris.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
He has advised Federal and State governments on major education policy issues, and has had a wide ranging involvement in advising and leading the Church on the structure and direction of its primary, secondary and tertiary education systems.
Students are part of ongoing Mercy story: Sister By Matthew Biddle
Sr Joan Smith RSM taking Year 7 students from Ursula Frayne College around the Mercy Heritage Centre last week. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE
MORE than 120 Year 7 students from Ursula Frayne Catholic College visited Perth’s Mercy Heritage Centre last week. The students were led through a variety of activities and given a tour of the historic convent building by Sister Joan Smith RSM. Sr Joan said it was a delight to have the students visit during the week. “Ursula Frayne Catholic College is a very important part of the Mercy story,” she said. “It’s good for the young people to see the history here.” The school’s campus ministry coordinator, Veronica Parker, said by visiting the Mercy Heritage Centre, students learnt to appreciate the heritage of which they are
a part. “It’s our way of inducting them into the charism of Mercy that richly permeates our college community,” she said. “They are entrusted with the Mercy story and it becomes their responsibility to continue the legacy of Mercy, both in their years at school and into their lives in the future. “It’s a way of them coming to know and love God through the values of justice, respect, hospitality, compassion and respect which are imbued in the Mercy charism.” The Sisters of Mercy have been hosting similar school excursions for the past three years. In that time, they have hosted students from numerous year levels from schools around the state, as well as many other visitors. “Often, just the staff come before-
hand for a staff day, and we have had parents here from the schools as well,” Sr Joan said. The Mercy Heritage Centre’s stated aim is to “encourage within the community an appreciation of the Mercy story by acquiring, preserving, researching and maintaining collections of the Sisters of Mercy”. “We really want to open the stories to the community,” Sr Joan said. “You can’t really know your future or our present if you don’t know your history.” The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Western Australia in 1846, and the Heritage Centre was the first purpose-built convent erected in Perth in 1871. The Mercy Heritage Centre is open to the public on Tuesdays, and provides tours for schools by appointment.
LOCAL
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
RCIA group largest in years
7
AUSTRALIA
Pilgrimage follows steps of Mary MacKillop The notion of going on a pilgrimage and being a pilgrim is a very ancient tradition which we may associate more with a visit to historic Christian sites in Europe than a journey within Australia. However, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart are offering the opportunity to join them on a pilgrimage visiting sites within this country, where Australia’s own St Mary MacKillop lived and worked. Through visits to locations significant in the life and ministry of St Mary MacKillop, participants will have the chance to gain a greater understanding of Mary’s story and spirituality. The journey over 11 days will begin in Melbourne and pilgrims will travel by coach through country Victoria to South Australia and, following an air flight, complete the trip in Sydney. The pilgrimage is designed to provide the opportunity for individual prayer and reflection. The pilgrimage is being held from October 23 to November 2, 2013. Places are limited. For further information please contact Laura McCarthy at LMcCarthy@sosjwa.org. au or on 08 9334 0999.
UNITED STATES
Church must strive against all killing
Mgr Tim Corcoran welcomes a candidate preparing to enter the Catholic Church as Mr Hugh Ryan, looks on.
By Matthew Biddle ALMOST 200 people were admitted as the Elect for Initiation or as Candidates to enter the Catholic Church on February 19 at St Mary’s Cathedral. The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Formal Recognition of Candidates was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton, with the assistance of the Vicar-General, Fr Peter Whiteley, and Mgrs Michael Keating and Tim Corcoran. Bishop Sproxton said the number of people entering the Church this year in Perth was the largest in recent times. “The Catechumenate has been a life-changing experience for these
people,” he said. The soon-to-be Catholics came from 30 different parishes and two communities in the Archdiocese. As part of the ceremony, each new member of the elect and each
“Some had gone to Catholic schools in Australia or overseas and felt the time had come to join the Church; some had become aware of the presence of God acting in their lives in surprising ways,” he said.
Some had gone to Catholic schools and felt the time had come to join the Church; some had been aware of God’s presence acting in surprising ways. new candidate individually met one of the four presiding priests. Bishop Sproxton said the people he met had each sought a way to respond to the deep urging of God in their own way.
“Some had friends who were Catholic whom they admired for their way of life. “Some had been searching in a variety of other religions and spiritual movements, and had wanted
PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE
to try the Catholic faith and found it gave answers to their questionings.” RCIA Archdiocesan coordinator Karen Hart said she was delighted with the number of new Catholics who will enter the Church at Easter. “The particular joy of this solemnity is the recognition that God is calling people into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation,” she said. “This is the good news story of the Church today.” The newly elect will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, communion and confirmation) at Easter, while the candidates (those baptised in other Christian churches) receive communion and confirmation.
Elect have companions on the journey By Bishop Donald Sproxton THERE has never been a greater number of people seeking baptism and full admission into the Catholic Church in Perth as there was at St Mary’s Cathedral last Tuesday. One hundred and ninety two catechumens and candidates assembled for the Rite of Election. This annual Lenten event signals the end of the instructional period for the catechumens. The Rite forms the threshold for their intensive spiritual preparation for the Easter Vigil and the celebration of baptism. I find the Rite of Election is one of the great moments in the Church’s calendar. We invite all those who are preparing for their entrance and initiation into the Church to go to the Cathedral to join the other candidates and the large crowd of Catholics for this step. They are always astounded by the building and the people who make the effort to come and support them. Their names are recorded in the Book of the Elect and the Catechumenate closes behind them. As an Elect, back in their parishes they will pass
through the Scrutinies, receive special blessings as they near the Great Easter Vigil, and be presented with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. The Rite of Election is part of the Catechumenate , which was restored by the Second Vatican Council.
his Church. They are introduced to the community of the parish, at the same time being instructed about the nature of Church and its life. They have the chance to hear the personal stories of faith and witness from their sponsors, catechists and
I find the Rite of Election is one of the great moments ... It was moving to hear how they had come to the decision to follow Christ. - Bishop Donald Sproxton This initiative by the Council Fathers was considered vital for the fullest possible preparation of people called into the Catholic Church. It is a process that recognises the importance of the people being accompanied and supported in the journey towards Christ and
priests, and they learn how to read the traces of God’s presence in their own lives. Last Tuesday, I had the chance to briefly greet the Elect during the celebration. It was very moving to hear how they had come to the decision to follow Christ in the
Catholic Church. Quite a number had found the faith of their spouse inspirational. Others had had children at a Catholic school and been moved by the celebration of their Sacraments and the pastoral care of the school staff. Some had come from a Christian family but had never been baptised and yet had felt the presence of God for a long time. It would have been wonderful to have been able to listen to each of their stories. The Rite of Election, once again, was joyous and a deeply spiritual moment for all concerned. It was remarked by one of the Elect, that the experience must be like the Transfiguration of Jesus before the disciples. From the mountain, Jesus walked steadily towards Jerusalem and to his destiny of the Passion, Death and Resurrection. For the Elect, they will now walk happily towards their baptism, knowing that they will meet Jesus the Risen One in those waters. They will experience the new life, emerging from the waters of baptism as a new creation.
The Catholic Church’s objection to the death penalty comes from its consistent teaching that life must be protected from conception to natural death, said Baltimore Archbishop William Lori. “At the core of all of (the Church’s) public witness is an evident consistency that reflects our reasoned belief that every human life is sacred and to be protected, because every life comes from God, and is destined to return to God as our final judge,” he said. Archbishop Lori said that view compels him to advocate against Maryland’s death penalty. He testified on February 14 to support a proposed repeal of Maryland’s death penalty at back-to-back committee hearings in the state’s Senate and House of Delegates. His testimony followed Governor Martin O’Malley’s, who also spoke in support of the repeal bill he introduced. Other Maryland officials also testified as part of the governor’s panel. Late on February 21, the state Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 6-5 to send the measure to the Senate floor. It was the first time in many years that the committee advanced a repeal of the death penalty to a full Senate vote. The state House of Delegates was to consider the measure in coming weeks.
VATICAN
Conclave can come forward after change In his last week as Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI issued new rules for conclaves, including a clause that allows the College of Cardinals to move up the date of the conclave to elect his successor. However, the cardinals cannot set the date until after the Pope leaves office (on February 28). Pope Benedict also defined the exact penalty, automatic excommunication, that would be incurred by any noncardinal assisting who failed to maintain absolute secrecy about the conclave proceedings. The Pope laid out the new rules in an Apostolic Letter issued on his own initiative on February 22, the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. The changes affect the rules established in Bl John Paul II’s apostolic constitution governing the election of popes, Universi Dominici Gregis. Cardinals in Rome “must wait 15 full days for those who are absent before they can enter into a conclave and begin the process of electing a new Pope”.
8
PARISH NATION WORLD
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
Popular Cardinal at forefront of making faith intelligible A PROMINENT voice at the Vatican in the run-up to the papal election, Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi is a biblical scholar who can quote just as easily from Sufi poets, Dante and Danish philosophers as he can from sacred Scripture. The 70-year-old president of the Pontifical Council for Culture has been leading the Church’s efforts to
develop a nonconfrontational dialogue with nonbelievers, trying to make Christianity intelligible to the moderns and build a reason-based consensus on key moral issues. He had the ear of Pope Benedict XVI and many cardinals when he led the meditations during a weeklong Lenten retreat at the Vatican the week before the pope resigned.
It wasn’t the first time Pope Benedict showed favour on the Scripture expert by choosing him for the Lenten reflections; he also chose the cardinal to compose the commentary and prayers of the Good Friday Way of the Cross service in Rome’s Colosseum in 2007. Since he became council president in 2007, Cardinal Ravasi has trans-
formed the way a Vatican office works. He bolstered the visibility and accountability of his staff by assigning a department to each council official, making them individually responsible for each of the council’s many endeavors such as art and faith, science and faith, economics, and sport and culture.
Star WA carer chooses UNDA A RECIPIENT of one of the Western Australian State Government’s Young People Who Care Awards in 2012 has enrolled at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus to further her studies in assisting people overcome health problems and personal trauma. Amber Clarke, a graduate of Hamilton Senior High School, will begin her university life in February having enrolled in the Foundation Year (Nursing) Program on the Fremantle Campus. She hopes to use the program as a platform to eventually enrol in and complete a Bachelor of Nursing. Ms Clarke, who donates several hours of her time each week to working with community groups, received the Caring in the Community award from Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney for her role in “caring for family and community members”. “It felt wonderful to be recognised by the State Government for my volunteer work in the community. I was so proud to be standing next to other inspirational youth,” Ms Clarke said. “I am a carer for my brother who has autism so I try to apply the knowledge I have in my situation and use it to assist other children
WA Young People Who Care Award recipient Amber Clarke is enrolled in nursing at UNDA Fremantle.
dealing with the same issues,” she said. “I believe Notre Dame’s handson approach to learning skills
in the health care environment will ultimately help me to assist underprivileged members in our community.
PHOTO: UNDA
The Foundation Year Program is an alternative entry pathway to Undergraduate studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Rachel’s workers help, one life at a time Continued from Page 1 grief work and anger work, so that’s why I deliberately keep them small.” Although the retreat participants are primarily women, the work of Rachel’s Vineyard is aimed at anyone affected by abortion. “Husbands, boyfriends, grandparents and siblings come to our retreats,” Mrs Shier said. “Post-abortion stress negatively affects relationships, it can affect bonding with future children and [cause] problems with existing children that people don’t often realise.” But the organisation, which is supported by the Archdiocese of Perth, is in urgent need of more volunteers to assist with weekend retreats. “We’re looking for mature women who are sensitive, compassionate, and non-judgemental listeners … and people who can be confidential,” Mrs Shier said. “We don’t want people who like to jump in and fix things but people who have experienced a bit of life, who know what it is to suffer and because of that they can be empathetic. “We just need good, prayerful women who are compassionate and who are able to be there for other people.” Mrs Shier said Rachel’s Vineyard also needed volunteers to help out behind the scenes. “In between the sessions we need helpers to organise the next session … so if people can’t commit to the whole weekend, they can still be a part of the team,” she said. Rachel’s Vineyard was the brainchild of Dr Theresa Burke, an American Catholic psychologist. In 1986, Dr Burke founded the Centre for Post-Abortion Healing, one of the first therapeutic support
groups for women who had had an abortion. Eight years later, Dr Burke published a 15-week support group model for counsellors, titled Rachel’s Vineyard: A Psychological and Spiritual Journey for PostAbortion Healing, which she soon adapted into a format suitable for weekend retreats. In the United States, without any form of financial or advertising support, Rachel’s Vineyard quickly became a grassroots national outreach. The success of the retreats led to more and more requests for the program in other American states. By 2000, 35 retreats were being held around the country.
have suffered for many years, from their teens, who, following the retreat, have got their life back on track, have gone to university and finished their degree, and got on with their lives. “Others … feel comfortable going back to church. They feel they can go back to their church community and not feel ashamed or guilty. “People feel they are welcome back and that’s a beautiful thing.” Unlike other forms of counselling which rely heavily on what is called ‘talk therapy’, the retreats held by Rachel’s Vineyard adopt a different strategy. “There are no lectures, talks or teachings,” Mrs Shier said. “It is an
It’s the best work in the world to be involved in ... you see people transformed. It’s beautiful. In 2003, Rachel’s Vineyard became affiliated with Priests for Life in the US. There are now more than 700 retreats held each year in 25 different countries including Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, France, Spain and Portugal. More recently, the organisation has held retreats in Singapore and Penang. It is estimated that Rachel’s Vineyard is supported by the efforts of more than 8,000 volunteers. It’s been hailed as the most successful treatment for post-abortion trauma and stress, and its work overseas and in WA is widely applauded. “You can see the healing in relationships starts to happen on the retreat between people, and that’s a very positive thing,” Mrs Shier said. “There are young women who
‘experience’ of God in the context of one’s suffering and grief. “We engage the whole person, very gently, and that enables them to be able to tell their story later on in the retreat.” The small group setting also helps to build friendships between the participants. “They grow together, almost like they’ve known each other for a long time, because they’ve all been through a similar experience … it’s really powerful,” Mrs Shier said. “[Dr Burke] found that the majority of victims wanted to join with others who had suffered the same loss and thereby end the isolation and secrecy.” Participants are also invited to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the Saturday night of the retreat. On Sunday, a memorial service
for children who have died through abortion is held, followed by a special Mass of Entrustment for them. For Jenny Shier, volunteering her time to contribute to Rachel’s Vineyard continues to be rewarding. The Floreat-Wembley parishioner said she had learnt that miracles still happen. “I’ve seen [people] change over the course of the weekend,” she said. “They walk in at the beginning of the weekend, all very scared … When they leave on the Sunday after lunch they look years younger and they’re happy. “I’ve learnt an awful lot from the women because they suffer in silence and they try to get on with their lives, but this secret that they try to ignore won’t let them have any peace. “The human condition is exactly the same now as it was in biblical times – people need healing and Rachel’s Vineyard provides psychological and spiritual healing.” And no matter how many late night or early morning phone calls she gets, Mrs Shier will continue to answer the call. “It’s the best work in the world to be involved in because you see the transformation in people … It’s a beautiful ministry to be involved in,” she said. The Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats in WA for 2013 will be held on June 14–16 and September 6–8. If you would like to volunteer your time to assist the work of Rachel’s Vineyard, you can contact Jenny Shier on (08) 9445 7464 or via email: rachelsvineyardwa@ gmail.com.
SOUTH SUDAN
Vatican establishes diplomatic links with South Sudan The Vatican announced it was establishing diplomatic relations with South Sudan, but a church official in Juba said the move was unlikely to happen soon. The move means South Sudan will open an embassy in the Vatican, while the Church will open an apostolic nunciature in Juba. Meanwhile, Archbishop Leo Boccardi, papal nuncio to Sudan and Eritrea, will continue to represent the Vatican in South Sudan. “The news that we’ll have a nunciature here, and it doesn’t matter if it takes six months or two years or more, is a big deal,” Father Nicholas Kiri Bate, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Juba, told Catholic News Service. “It may take a while, as things here have their own rhythm. But it’s significant in that it reflects the government’s desire to collaborate closely with the Church. Yet even more importantly it reflects what the people think. Even before independence, the people invited Pope John Paul II to come to our independent country. So this desire for a closer relationship has been there for quite a while,” he said. While the news was welcomed by many in South Sudan, it also underscored serious tensions within the Church hierarchy. A move by South Sudan’s Catholic bishops to break away from their colleagues in Sudan and form a separate episcopal conference was squelched by the Vatican last year. After months of tension, a compromise left Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, archbishop of Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, as the conference president, and conference offices were relocated to Juba.
VATICAN
Scottish Cardinal resigns and will refrain from conclave Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, 74, announced he would not participate in the conclave to elect Pope Benedict XVI’s successor because he did not want media attention focused on him instead of the election of a new Pope. Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the cardinal’s resignation as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh on February 18, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman told reporters on February 25. The British newspaper The Observer reported on February 23 that three priests and a former priest had accused the cardinal of “inappropriate conduct” with them going back to the 1980s. Father Lombardi had told reporters on February 24 that Pope Benedict had been informed about the accusations and “the issue is now in his hands”. Cardinal O’Brien, 74, has denied the allegations and, according to his spokesman, is seeking legal advice. Father Lombardi said on February 25 that Cardinal O’Brien, who was required by Church law to offer his resignation before his 75th birthday in March, had presented his letter to the Pope in November. In accepting the resignation, the Pope did not give any order about whether the cardinal could participate in the upcoming conclave to elect his successor, Father Lombardi said.
The Record Where the Church meets the world.
NATION
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
9
Theologian sees Pope’s legacy as a mixed picture POPE Benedict XVI’s resignation was a precedent that could open the door to other precedents in the Church, Perth academic Dr Angela McCarthy told a national radio audience recently. Speaking on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Sunday Nights on February 17, Dr McCarthy was asked about a range of hot-button issues. They included the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s controversial 2000 declaration Dominus Iesus, the role of women in worship, and whether the Pope stuck with Church teaching simply to retain its corporate integrity. “There is another possibility there,” Dr McCarthy said. “He is stating very clearly what the present position is.” “I would need to go back and have another look at it but I don’t get the feeling the he cut dead all possibilities. “[He is saying] this is where we are and I get the feeling that Benedict has done that a number of times. “That then says there are other places we can go.” Dr McCarthy agreed with host John Cleary that although Pope Benedict was considered a hero to conservatives he “confounded them in other ways”. She said his first encyclical or papal letter, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) was “extraordinary”. “That is not what one would have expected “God’s Rottweiler” to write,” Dr McCarthy said. “[Deus Caritas Est showed] real shepherding; an extraordinary encyclical on love. “The thoughts were that he would be fully conservative. I don’t think that is what we have seen.” “In his writings ... there is extraordinary beauty. There’s a really consistent way in which he has held onto the Gospel. In other encyclicals, sometimes the Gospel gets clouded over with doctrine but always Benedict was so beautifully grounded in the Gospel.” His first and only social encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth) was ahead of the curve in its advocacy for integrity in the global financial and banking system and was indicative of the Pope’s “extraordinary depth” in his advocacy for the poor. Dr McCarthy agreed with the host that governance had been a problem area for the outgoing Pope. “He’s a theologian, not an administrator. That happens in all sorts of areas of academe where you
Pope Benedict XVI leads his final Angelus as pope from the window of his apartment on February 24.
get some extraordinarily brilliant teachers. They’re so good that you bump them up the ladder and make them principal and they’re lousy at
McCarthy said. Host John Cleary also asked Dr McCarthy to reconcile what many progressives have alleged was an apparent contradic-
PHOTO: CNS
toughly, and immediately with poor Bishop Bill Morris in Toowoomba who merely made a couple of sideways glimpses at having discussions
Deus Caritas Est is not what one would have expected God’s Rottweiller to write ... a really considered way in which he held onto the Gospel. it because what they really want to do is be teaching and they want to be with their students. I have seen that over and over again,” Dr
tion in Pope Benedict’s governance: “What many people fail to understand is the way that Benedict could deal so resolutely, rigorously,
about things ... and yet be so cackhanded in dealing with [the global crisis],” Mr Cleary asked. “That is an amazing thing that
I still can’t come to any grips with understanding,” Dr McCarthy said, describing the former Bishop of Toowoomba as an “enormously pastoral man”. Bishop Morris was effectively sacked from office in 2011. The sacking was thought to have been in response to his diocese’ regular use of the third rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (absolution without confession) and his public advocacy of women priests. “He was trying to ask the questions and got hammered for it. That’s a really difficult one to understand and I wonder if that is directly Benedict XVI or is that reliant on some of the other of the functions of the Roman Curia.” Some conservative commentators, conversely, had criticised the hierarchy for not having responded to lay complaints about Bishop Morris quickly enough, with some complaints stretching back to the 1990s. Mr Cleary asked how the image of Pope Benedict as a compassionate man stacked-up against the release of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration Dominus Iesus (Lord Jesus) in 2000 when the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger headed the body. The declaration reconfirmed orthodox Christian teaching that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, while also asserting that those who did not know Christ may be saved through God’s mysterious beneficence. “That was a serious disappointment to me because I’m very strongly ecumenically supportive,” Dr McCarthy said. “That then put back a step or two the possibility of intercommunion … That was distressing in some of our circles.” Dr McCarthy is the President of the Academy of Liturgy, a national body with international affiliations. She told listeners it was the usual practice for the President to preside at the final Eucharist of the bodies’ conferences. She presided instead, as a lay woman, over a Liturgy of the Word. “It was very beautiful and totally inclusive in itself and Christ truly present but it was not a Eucharist,” Dr McCarthy said. “In previous times we have really lamented that fact liturgically but I think the very action of what we did at that final liturgy for the conference said “yes, we are not having a Eucharistic liturgy but yes, Christ is truly present and we are hopeful and joyful in what we do”.”
Papal frontrunner to headline Sydney conference By Robert Hiini SYDNEY Bishop Peter Comensoli could have claimed remarkable foresight in inviting Papal frontrunner Cardinal Marc Ouellet to speak at Sydney’s forthcoming The Great Grace: Receiving Vatican II Today Conference in May (20-23), but he didn’t. Planning for the high-calibre event has been underway for at least 18 months, Bishop Comensoli told The Record last week, but the Cardinal’s presence on the conference schedule was a measure of its significance to Australia and the region, he said. The Canadian Cardinal has been touted as one of two names most likely to emerge from the conclave when it begins, possibly as early as March 10, along with the Cardinal Archbishop of Milan Angelo Scola. Bishop Comensoli said conference organisers had not made any contingency plans. “We will deal with that as it happens. As you know, that is some-
Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet will speak at the Great Grace Conference.
thing that has only arisen in the last couple of weeks,” Bishop Comensoli said. “This was not an issue when we started planning and engag-
ing and inviting His Eminence to come, and he said yes.” Cardinal Ouellet was, as of February 26, the head of the Congregation for Bishops at the Holy See and will be the Great Grace Conference’s first speaker, delivering Communio: The ecclesial key to the Conciliar Church to an expected 650 participants. Though the content will be engaging and substantive, the bishop said, the conference would not be so academic as to be inaccessible to the majority of Catholics. Its organisers hope that people from all walks of life, and different vocations, will attend. “It is geared for and has a strong focus on lay people and lay leadership in the life of the Church” “This is meant to be something meaty, that has a bit of bite to it if you like.” The conference will also feature Prof Tracey Rowland from Melbourne’s John Paul II Institute; Archbishop Allen Vigneron from Detroit; Prof Anne Hunt from the
Australian Catholic University; and Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship & the Discipline of the Sacraments, in Rome. The conference will also feature Austen Ivereigh and Jack Valero from Catholic public relations
We will deal with any change of plans as it happens ... It is a mark of the significance of this conference. outreach Catholic Voices. Their invitation was the result of Bishop Comensoli’s direct witness of their much-lauded public relations handling of Pope Benedict XVI’s tour of the United Kingdom in 2010. “Communication is such a central part of evangelisation. How do we communicate Christ to the world, how do we communicate
with God and through God, to be proclaimers of God’s word,” Bishop Comensoli said. Bishop Comensoli said that 50 years after it opened, the pastoral teaching that emerged from the Second Vatican Council was more prophetic than ever. “Historically, councils of the Church unfold over a considerable period of time. We still go back to the Council of Trent to get a sense of our sacramentality. “We go back to Vatican I in terms of our papal authority and the beginnings of our collegiality. “Councils by their very nature are not just for the day. The Council was not just for the 1960s or the 1970s, the Second Vatican Council is something for the long-term life of the Church. “The Holy Father only said this last week, that in many regards the significance of the Council is only just now starting to flower.” More information of the Great Grace Conference can be found at www.thegreatgrace.org.au.
10
PAPAL TRANSITION
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
PAPAL TRANSITION
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
11
Rules for making popes evolved
The
CHOICE What are the rules for choosing a pope? Most people know there is a vote in the Sistine Chapel, but there are highly specific procedures and strict rules in place, all aimed at bringing about a clear result, as Carol Glatz reports ...
T
he voting by cardinals to elect the next pope takes place behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, following a highly detailed procedure that underwent major revisions by Blessed John Paul II and a small, but very significant change, by Pope Benedict XVI. Under the rules, secret ballots can be cast once on the first day of the conclave, then normally twice during each subsequent morning and evening session. Except for periodic pauses, the voting continues until a new pontiff is elected with at least two-thirds of the votes. Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, reviewed the rules with reporters at the Vatican on February 22. Introducing Bishop Arrieta, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said Pope Benedict at any minute might be signing a document with minor changes to the law, but the changes would make sense only if one knew the general laws for a conclave. Many observers had expected Pope Benedict to clarify that the cardinals have the option of beginning the conclave once all the cardinals are in Rome, even if that occurs sooner than the law’s required 15 days after the beginning of the sede vacante, literally the vacant See left by the Pope’s resignation. Bishop Arrieta told reporters that, in his opinion, the cardinals could make that decision on their own, without a change to the law, since the law was “clearly written with a sede vacante because of death in mind.” However, he also said that as the Church’s supreme legislator, Pope Benedict, before leaving, also could set the date for the conclave, “although I have no information that he would do so”. The written rules for the conclave, which have developed in reaction to the problems – political and moral – that have arisen throughout history, are “rigid and highly formal”, the bishop said. For example, he said, Pope Paul VI’s rules excluded cardinals who were 80 years old or older on the day the conclave began. Blessed John Paul changed the rule to 80 years on the day the papacy became vacant. The change ensured cardinals did not choose a conclave start date specifically to include or exclude a cardinal close to the age of 80. Under current rules, only cardinals who are under the age of 80 on February 28, the last day of Pope Benedict’s pontificate – can vote in the conclave. There were 117 cardinals eligible but, on February 21, Indonesian Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, the 78-yearold retired Archbishop of Jakarta, announced he would not travel to Rome because of his health. On February 25, Pope Benedict
Three newly created urns for the 2005 conclave held ballots to elect a new pope. PHOTO: L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO
Pope Benedict XVI prays during the closing day of a spiritual retreat at the Vatican on February 23. PHOTO: CNS/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS
A Two stoves, a new one and the original, on the right, stand in place for the start of the 2005 conclave.
This 2005 conclave ballot reads on top "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff"). CNS
XVI accepted the resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Scotland, following allegations against Cardinal O'Brien stemming back decades from several Scottish clergy. In theory, any baptised male Catholic can be elected pope, but current Church law says he must become a bishop before taking office; since the 15th century, the electors always have chosen a fellow cardinal. Each vote begins with the preparation and distribution of paper ballots by two masters of ceremonies who are among a handful of noncardinals allowed
votes of any sick cardinals who remain in their quarters at the Domus Sanctae Marthae; and three “revisers” who check the work of the scrutineers. The paper ballot is rectangular. On the top half is printed the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as the most high pontiff ”), and the lower half is blank for the writing of the name of the person chosen. After all noncardinals have left the chapel, the cardinals fill out their ballots secretly, legibly and fold them twice. Meanwhile, any ballots from sick cardinals are
collected and brought back to the chapel. Each cardinal then walks to the altar, holding up his folded ballot so it can be seen, and says aloud: “I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected”. He places his ballot on a plate, or paten, then slides it into an urn or large chalice. When all the ballots have been cast, the first scrutineer shakes the urn to mix them. He then transfers the ballots to a new urn, counting them to make sure they correspond to the number of electors. The ballots are read out. Each
As the ballots are read out, each scrutineer checks the votes, with the last scrutineer calling out the votes. name on the ballot, so all the cardinals can record the tally. The last scrutineer pierces each ballot with
a needle through the word “Eligo” and places it on a thread, so they can be secured. After the names have been read out, the votes are counted to see if someone has obtained the twothirds majority needed for election. The revisers then doublecheck the work of the scrutineers for possible mistakes. At this point, any handwritten notes made by cardinals during the vote are collected for burning with the ballots. If the first vote of the morning or evening session is inconclusive, a second vote normally follows immediately and the
ballots from both votes are burned together at the end. When a pope is elected, the bal-
When a pope is finally elected the ballots are immediately burned. lots are burned immediately. The ballots are burned with chemical additives to produce white smoke when a pope has been elected; they are burned with other chemicals to produce black smoke when the voting has been inconclusive.
The conclave is organised in blocks: three days of voting, then a pause of up to one day, followed by seven ballots and a pause, then seven more ballots and a pause, and seven more ballots. Slightly changing the rules in 2007, Pope Benedict said that after about 33 or 34 ballots without an election – about 12 or 13 days into the conclave – the cardinals must move to a run-off between the top two vote-getters. The two candidates may not participate in the voting and one of them is elected only once he obtains more than two-thirds of the vote. - CNS
history in the making
Nine cardinals are chosen: three to scrutineer, three to collect votes, three to check the scrutineers ... into the chapel at the start of the session. Then the names of nine voting cardinals are chosen at random: three to serve as “scrutineers” or voting judges; three to collect the
of the three scrutineers examines each ballot one-by-one, with the last scrutineer calling out the
FOLLOW THE PAPAL TRANSITION Connect with The Record’s day-by-day coverage, including Twitter feed, online at: Pope Benedict XVI leads his final Angelus as Pope from the window of his apartment overlooking St Peter's Square at the Vatican on February 24. His papacy was due to officially end on February 28 at 8pm Rome time - 1pm Perth time. REUTERS
WWW.THERECORD.COM.AU
Join us on Facebook for links to news and commentary from all over the world.
mbrogio Piazzoni, vice prefect of the Vatican Library and author of the book, History of Papal Elections, shared facts and curiosities with journalists at the Vatican on February 20: l Electing a pope is the main and most serious responsibility of members of the College of Cardinals. In the last several hundred years, Piazzoni said, cardinals have missed a conclave only if they were seriously ill or impeded from travelling to Rome by their governments. l The upcoming conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI “will be, technically speaking, the 75th conclave” in the history of the Church, he said. He dates the conclaves – elections conducted while the cardinal-electors were closed off in a room – to Pope Boniface VIII, who was elected in 1295 and inserted the conclave rules into the Code of Canon Law. – During World War II, Pope Pius XII, like several of his predecessors who were popes in times of war, left a document informing the College of Cardinals that if he were taken prisoner, he was no longer to be considered the pope, so the cardinals were to hold a conclave and elect a new pontiff. l Pope Gregory XV, elected in 1621, was the last pope to be elected by “spontaneous acclamation” when all the cardinals, believed to be acting under the influence of the Holy Spirit, proclaim the same candidate to be pope. Piazzoni said almost immediately after taking office, Pope Gregory changed the conclave rules to require that such a “spontaneous acclamation” be confirmed immediately with a written ballot in the conclave. He also was first to rule that the cardinals must cast their votes secretly, in writing, rather than verbally.
l Election by acclamation is no longer considered valid, nor is the “election by compromise” in which the cardinals, after a stalemate, unanimously decide to choose a few of their members and delegate to them the power to elect a pope. The last pope elected with that method, Piazzoni said, was Pope Clement IV in 1265 who was elected by two cardinals. l Pope Paul VI was the pope who clarified the exact moment when a candidate becomes pope: It is the moment he accepts his election, as long as he previously had been ordained a bishop. If the cardinals choose someone who has never been ordained a bishop, the ordination takes place immediately, then
Pope Paul VI clarified the moment when someone becomes Pope - when he accepts. the election as pope becomes valid. l When Blessed Gregory X was elected by a cardinals meeting in Viterbo, Italy, in 1271, he was not present and he was not even a priest yet. l Pope Nicholas II, who served in 1059-61, was the pope who ruled that only cardinals were eligible to vote to elect a pope. l “To put an end to discord” created when two or more candidates received a similar number of votes, Pope Alexander II in 1169 established the rule that a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. l Pope John Paul II was the first pope to specify that a conclave must take place in the Sistine Chapel. Previous popes recommended the chapel, but throughout history the conclaves have been held in a variety of churches in Rome and elsewhere. - CNS
12
VISTA
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
I can be your
HERO,
BABY
From acting and singing to production, and with a conversion along the way, Mexican-born Eduardo Verástegui has affected the lives and faith of many, writes Elisabeth Doherty, Communications Director of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
“I
f you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans,” says the opening line to the film Bella, a movie which has a special message, and which was produced by Eduardo Verástegui – a Hollywood actor who is currently touring Australia at the invitation of Australian Catholic University. Verástegui, 38, was born in a small village in Northern Mexico (Xicoténcatl, Tamaulipas) where his parents still live today. Coming from a close-knit family, and out of respect for his father, he entered law school at age 17, and studied for just two semesters. After realising that the law was not his passion, he moved to Mexico City to pursue a career in acting and singing. After years of singing all over Latin America in a “boy band” and acting in “telenovelas” (soap operas), he decided to seek out fame in Hollywood. Enjoying considerable success due to his acting talent and Latin good looks, even starring alongside Jennifer Lopez in a video clip for the song Ain’t it funny, life seemed to be on the way up for Verástegui. However, after some time passed, Eduardo began to experience emp-
tiness. “I was 28 and I had everything I had dreamed of. Yet I was empty. I had everything, yet I had nothing. It wasn't like I had hit rock bottom, but something wasn’t right.” “It was at this time that I had an English teacher and she changed my life. She used the Socratic method to teach me, and ended up posing questions to me that I hadn’t considered before. She asked me what the purpose of life was. “She asked if I planned to marry and have children. Then she challenged me to think about what kind of a man I wanted for my future
“I don’t attend Mass each day because I am a good person, it’s because I am not. Mass is a hospital for sinners.” daughters, and then asked me why I wasn’t being the man that I envisaged for them. “For me, I was like a greyhound. Have you ever seen the greyhound races where the dog catches the rabbit? The dogs can never race again
after that. I was like one of those dogs, chasing lies that I thought were true. I began to ask myself ‘Who am I chasing? What is truth?’ “My English teacher opened my eyes in many areas - both spiritually and personally. She asked the question, 'Are you assuming the responsibilities that you have as an actor? How are Latinos stereotyped in Hollywood? They are always depicted as drug dealers and gangsters. And yet, you can change that so that they can be heroes'.” Eduardo was left with many questions as a result of these encounters, and one day, upon leaving his class after a strong challenge from his teacher, he found himself sobbing in the corner of his room, reflecting on his past and on the women he had hurt. “I made a promise that I would never again do anything to offend God, my faith, my family or my Latin culture. However, I didn’t realise that this would mean I wouldn’t work for four years!!” Although he had grown up in a Catholic family, he admits that he attended Mass only once a year. Today, Eduardo attends daily Mass and says a daily Rosary. His faith is at the centre of his life and all that he does. “I don’t attend Mass each day
Above: Catholic actor Eduardo Verastegui, in a scene from the movie For Greater Glory. Right: Tammy Blanchard and Eduardo Verastegui star in a scene from the movie Bella. PHOTO: CNS/ROADSIDE
because I am a good person, it’s because I am not. Mass is a hospital for sinners. I say to Jesus every day, 'Give me what I need so I can become the best version of myself '. I need the grace of God every day.” In the first months following his conversion, Eduardo began to consider other ideas apart from continuing in Hollywood. After making a long confession, he felt cleansed and renewed and filled with missionary vigour. He found a project in the Brazilian jungle, and started making plans to become a missionary there. However, with his bags packed and ready to go, he spoke to his spiritual director. “Why do you want to go to Brazil?” asked the wise priest, “Hollywood is a much bigger jungle! There is more poverty here than there!” he said. “My plan was to go to Brazil. So, like I say, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans,” said Verástegui. Eduardo Verástegui ended up staying in Los Angeles, and growing in his faith, and although he spent the best part of four years not working, he admits that he found himself with a strange kind of peace; trusting that God had him in mind and that God’s plans were infinite. Over those four years, he met three others who had similar experiences of conversion and they created the production company Metanoia Films. The company aims to create films that have a message of faith.
Bella was their first project and is loosely based on a true story. The main characters of the film are waitress, Nina, and chef, José (played by Verástegui), who find themselves spending a day together discussing Nina’s unplanned pregnancy. With
More than 1,000 babies saved as a result of Bella: “When you know God uses you as an instrument to save another person, there is nothing like it.”
VISTA
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
13
Above: Jesuit priest and martyr Blessed Miguel Pro Juarez pictured just before his execution by firing squad on November 23, 1927, in Mexico. Though he did not support the armed insurrection against the Mexican government's antiCatholic actions, he was arrested and executed without trial. His final words were reported as, "Viva Cristo Rey!" ("Long live Christ the King!") PHOTO: CNS Left: Catholic actor Eduardo Verástegui, star of the film For Greater Glory, arrives for the film’s premiere on May 31, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. The film is set during the 1920s Cristero War in Mexico, an uprising and counterrevolution against the Mexican government set off by the persecution of Catholics.
a powerful and poignant pro-life message, one wonders where this passion comes from. Although his faith had become important in his life, Eduardo wasn’t aware of the pro-life movement or of the suffering of women in this area. “For me, I didn’t really know about a pro-life movement or anything before doing the film. One day, we went down to an abortion clinic to do 'research', to try and talk to women,” said Eduardo. “I know now how innocent that was. I had no idea how much it would affect me seeing 13 and 14 year old girls walking into this clinic. “There were a group of people speaking to women as they went in, and they came across a Latino
couple who couldn’t speak English. They had been planning to terminate their pregnancy. “Because I could speak Spanish, I spoke to them. We spoke for an hour about everything: Life, culture, food, everything. They ended up losing their appointment at the clinic. “I called them day after day to follow up, to make sure they were okay.” Eventually, the couple gave birth to a baby boy and named him Eduardo, in gratitude for the way that Eduardo had walked with them during the early days of their pregnancy. Eduardo describes the experience of holding “little Eduardito” as another moment that changed his life. The movie Bella was an extraordinary success for such a low-budget film, and won an award at the Toronto film festival. It also had a different, more important kind of success. “More than 1,000 babies have been saved as a result of this movie. To this day, I still receive letters from women who have been about to terminate their pregnancies, and have somehow seen the film. I have held some of those babies. When you know God uses you as an instrument to save another person, there is nothing like it. Like Mother Teresa always said: 'God does not call us to be successful, God calls us to be faithful'", he said. Eduardo has been able to
contribute much of his passion to development projects also, and one which is particularly dear to his heart is the Guadalupe Medical Centre, which he founded in a Latino barrio of Los Angeles. So, moved to do something about a situation which had allowed 10 abortion clinics within one mile, Eduardo set up the pro bono clinic
which provides medical advice, ultrasounds, counselling and support for Latina women who face unplanned pregnancies. Eduardo speaks humbly, and admits that he is not a big fan of public speaking. Indeed, he is actually quite shy. What he realises, though, is that the message he has to share cannot be hidden under a bushel. He speaks fervently about life and faith, and shares an extraordinary conviction. Having completed films Bella,
PHOTO: CNS/FRED PROUSER, REUTERS
For Great Glory and most recently working on Little boy, Verástegui has more than enough work to keep him busy. But he does not forget what led him to this point. “I now realise that I wasn't born to be a movie star or a producer. I wasn't born to be famous. I was born to know, love and serve Jesus Christ, and to make all of us saints. “One of the quotes that I like is this from St Faustina: 'Our sins are just a drop in the ocean compared to God’s mercy for each one of us'.”
Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia plays General Gorostieta in For Greater Glory. He transforms a rag-tag band of rebels into a heroic force to be reckoned with during Mexico’s Cristero War. PHOTO: HANA MATSUMOTO
FUN FAITH With
MARCH 3RD, 2013 • LUKE 13: 1-9 • 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT
Across 1. He said to his vinedresser, “For three years now I have been coming to look for ____ on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” 4. It was just about this time that some people arrived and told him about the ____ whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. 6. “Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me ____ to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.” ‘
GOSPEL READING
Luke 13:1-9 It was just about this time that some people arrived and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them,‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than any others, that this should have happened to them? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, killing them all? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’ He told this parable, ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to his vinedresser, “For three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.” ‘
Down 2. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, killing them all? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you ____ you will all perish as they did.’ 3. At this he said to them,‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse ____ than any others, that this should have happened to them? 5. He told this parable, ‘A man had a ____ tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. FRUIT SINNERS GALILEANS FIG TIME REPENT
WORD SEARCH FRUIT SINNERS GALILEANS FIG TIME REPENT
WINNER
SHAKEIRA FERDINAND, AGED 6 SEND YOUR COLOURED IN PICTURE TO THE RECORD AT PO BOX 3075, ADELAIDE TERRACE, PERTH WA 6832 TO BE IN THE RUNNNG TO WIN THIS WEEK’S PRIZE.
“Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.” - Luke 13: 1-9
PROJECT COMPASSION 2013
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
Pronoti, a Safe Motherhood Project trainer midwife, and the program’s co-ordinator, Sr Julienne, reinforce training to midwives on ways of checking for jaundice.
15
PHOTO: CARITAS/MAJED CHOWDHURY
Project Compassion delivers
When Salma fell pregnant, she felt frightened and unsure. Thanks to Pronoti, a rural midwife from the Safe Motherhood Project, Salma’s fears dissolved and she gave birth to a healthy baby girl called Maya.
S
ALMA, 18, lives in Fulbaria in the heart of Bangladesh. When she and her husband, Masud, found out they were expecting their first child, Salma was experiencing abdominal pain, couldn’t eat and was very sick; they were both concerned. Some villagers told her sickness and a loss of appetite was a sign the baby could be abnormal. “I had also heard that pregnancy is very difficult with lots of problems; that some pregnant women had convulsions and needed an operation or could die,” said Salma. With little money, going to hospital was beyond their reach so they sought care from the village’s elderly traditional birth attendant. But Salma was frightened by the villagers’ stories and did not feel comforted by the birth attendant. When she was six months along, Salma was told about Pronoti, a local woman who knew a lot about pregnancy. Salma also heard that women who delivered under Pronoti’s care did not end up with a prolapsed uterus, as was common in the area. Nor did their infants die within the first week of life from pneumonia or birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during the delivery). “We went straight to her place but when I saw her blood pressure machine, I was nervous. I thought that she must be a doctor and it might cost us a lot of money. I had no idea what a pregnancy check-up was like,” said Salma. “However, as Pronoti checked my abdomen gently, looked at my eyes and finger nails and took my blood pres-
sure, I started to relax. She said my baby was fine and the abdominal pain was due to constipation.” During this first antenatal check-up, Salma was advised to drink lots of fluid and eat fruit. She was also told to eat more food so she and her baby would be healthy. “These words surprised me, as we were always told to eat less during pregnancy so we would not have a big baby. Her words reassured me,” said Salma who was also informed that she was anaemic and to include iron
“...A relationship in truth and love ... gives fullness to life and makes it beautiful. - Pope Benedict XVI, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
rich foods in her diet. As 70 per cent of pregnant women in Bangladesh are anaemic, this affects the nutrition of the unborn child and makes the mother more likely to develop a postpartum haemorrhage, the main cause of maternal mortality in Bangladesh. Tr ai ne d by C ar it a s Bangladesh’s Safe Motherhood Project (SMP) which is supported by Caritas Australia, Pronoti has the knowledge and practical skills to conduct comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care, as well as carry out normal deliveries at home. Emphasis is given to recognis-
ing danger signs so that timely referral to hospital is possible. Following her advice, Salma soon started to feel stronger and, when she did go into labour, just knowing that Pronoti was there gave her a feeling of peace and wellbeing. Pronoti’s gentle, respectful manner allowed Salma to relax and, after a 12-hour labour, Maya was born. “I felt amazed that my baby was so healthy and that I had given birth without any problems.” Salma can now see that some methods practised by the local traditional birth attendant, such as pushing down on the abdomen during labour, are harmful to pregnant women: “Looking back, I can see that we are at the mercy of the superstitions of fellow villagers and ignorant of danger signs.” Sister Julienne Hayes-Smith, SMP Coordinator, said that wherever she travels in the SMP communities, people tell her the number of maternal deaths has greatly decreased. “The fact that no woman has died under the care of our midwives is proof that our project activities work.” Pronoti enjoys being able to make women’s lives better. “I would like to thank the people of Australia for all the help you have given us already. We are poor but we want women and babies to have good lives, like in your country. Please help us do that.” Your donation to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion helps us care for children, women and men in over 30 countries worldwide. To donate, support or fundraise for Project Compassion 2013, please visit our website at www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or Ph: 1800 024 413
Salma says “Every day I feel more confident that I can care for my daughter and I know that I can get good advice from Pronoti if anything does happen.” . PHOTO: CARITAS/MAJED CHOWDHURY
16
OPINION
EDITORIAL
A contest for power versus human lives
B
read and circuses. As a state election looms the advertising has intensified temporarily in line with all other previous elections and much of it seems to be not very clever or original. To put it bluntly, our major political leaders and their parties display a distinct lack of imagination matched only in extent by their political cunning. Is this because electoral strategists themselves believe that what matters more is that repetitiveness is the most effective strategy? Were one to consider the most important daily issues actually confronting Western Australians, as opposed to the issues nominated and campaigned on by the various political parties, we would discover relatively little overlap. In this sense, much of what passes for politics in Western Australia is often relatively unimportant, often in the order of mere administration and even, on some occasions, disconnected from the really important priorities of the lives of human beings everywhere. Consider the following: Western Australia has increasingly become a mono-industrial economy and culture tied to the resources boom like an individual who rides a tiger. This is an extremely serious situation, exposing WA to serious financial risk of the kind traditionally associated with boombust economies. And yet none of our political leaders appear to have given the creation of this situation any serious consideration, much less planning for such a contingency should it arise. Among the social problems are the creation of a fly-in fly-out culture which separates breadwinners from their families for most of the year so that numerous Western Australians are faced with the daily life of being a relatively wealthy family but also a weaker one where parents are separated for long periods of time from their children. This is actually a serious problem because it contributes to the weakening of marriage, our social fabric and the dislocation of families. We are a state with a culture of social problems which seem at odds with the wealth of the state including serious rates of violent crime in the suburbs and regular exhibitions of bored youth for whom membership of a family often degrades to little more than an arrangement of convenience for the duration. Binge drinking – to take only one example – among young people, regarded only decades ago as the sign of a serious personal PO Box 3075 problem or weakness, is now a Adelaide Terrace regular feature of teenage subPERTH WA 6832 urban life, leading in its turn to a multitude of other serious office@therecord.com.au social problems. Tel: (08) 9220 5900 Perth expands and expands by the month but nearly 200 Fax: (08) 9325 4580 years after the establishment of the Swan River Colony, Western Australia is almost totally defined by the metropolitan city limits between the northern and southernmost suburbs of Perth. The dangers of a mono-economic state are clear. The financial security of the future has been successively sacrificed in the interests of short term gains so that there is no clear and consistent policy driving the promotion of the economic diversity so essential to a truly vibrant and secure future. Instead, the default policy setting for successive Labor and Liberal governments has been de facto acceptance of the inherent supremacy of the market and its corporate drivers as the ultimate determinant of the future, despite the fact that neither the market, annual shareholders’ meetings or company directors care one whit for the welfare of the people of the state and will, if necessary, shut down entire towns in their own interests. Western Australia is supposedly a wealthy state and yet there is now almost no such thing as a family wage. Families everywhere are instead forced to sacrifice their desire to be a family in the normal or traditional sense to the necessity of having both parents working in full-time or near-fulltime work in order to achieve the traditional goal of home ownership. Once again, children suffer – but so do mothers who would prefer to be at home while their children are young. Childcare centres abound only because of the enormous pressures now placed on ordinary families. Ordinarily, this would be regarded as social and demographic foolishness but for Western Australia it is considered normality. Successive generations of state governments of either major political party have accepted this state of affairs as a fait accompli when the situation is begging for original solutions that might inspire others elsewhere. We may well ask: given the massive wealth of the state why is it that no-one seems capable of proposing new and innovative solutions in the interests of families and of the family unit? Why is it that no-one seems to have the imagination - or courage - to reject mere conventionality? The answer, all too often, seems to be a simple lack of imagination indicating an ingrained and deeply entrenched political mediocrity. Paradoxically, the possibilities for a government in this state are immense and almost unique in Australia. The possibilities for regional development in a state of this size and with one of the greatest concentrations of natural resources in the world should be almost limitless. Instead, this election is less a choice than another unremarkable occasion that got in the way of the future. All of which means that we are waiting for someone with vision, willing to tackle the problems.
... A culture of social problems including serious rates of crime and binge drinking.
THE RECORD
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
LETTERS
Thankyou, Sr Stibi, for the legacy you left MANY researchers will, I am sure, agree that Archbishop Hickey made a wise choice when he appointed Sister Frances Stibi PBVM the archdiocesan archivist in 1993. Committed to the collation and preservation of the Church’s contribution to Western Australia’s history, Sr Frances has, over a period of some 20 years, managed to bring Perth’s Catholic archives up to a high professional standard. I would like to sincerely wish the recently retired archivist a happy, well-deserved retirement and congratulate both Sr Frances and the dedicated group of volunteers who worked with her, for a job well done. Ruth Marchant James OAM
Some devils need prayer and fasting CONGRATULATIONS, especially on point 8 in your ‘Return to Confession’ (February 13): deathbed conversion, while possible, is not probable. That people generally die as they have lived, is confirmed by such authorities as St Alphonsus Liguori and St Anthony Mary Claret – ‘talis vita, finis ita’. Nevertheless, a last-ditch effort to fast and pray for someone will increase the chance that he is saved. Fr David Watt ST PHILOMENA’S CHAPEL, MALAGA WA
Rights of children trump ‘right’ to children IN PARIS last January 13, well over a million French men and women marched against moves by the socialist government of Francois Hollande to legalise same-sex marriage. Incredibly, many leading homosexuals co-sponsored the march because they claim it is only commonsense, and there is abundant proof that children need and have a right to their own biological mother
and father. The “rights of children trump the right to children” was their catch-cry in this country renowned for its lax attitude to sex. France is one of the few places that links child rearing legally to marriage. Marriage, say the French, is not designed primarily to protect the love between two people but to provide children with protective families (Civil Code 1793). Fascinatingly, some leading homosexuals who are also atheists insist that the LGBT movement is wrong in opposing what is so biologically natural. They instance adoptees raised by gay parents, who say they dreamed and yearned for one father and one mother from their earliest years, and they vehemently oppose gay marriage and gay adoption. France is where the rights of man were born. Children are not people’s rights, but have their own human rights, like everyone else. The current bill on gay marriage is pure selfishness. The law is meant to protect the rights of the weak and not pander to the whims of the dominant and strong. Mothers and fathers exist for children who have prior rights to life and proper biological nurture as far as possible. Anything less is child-neglect; same-sex ‘marriage’ leads to this. Brian Keogh, PRESIDENT AFA, BENDIGO, VIC
Yay for Parramatta’s Angelus initiative I WRITE to congratulate the Diocese of Parramatta for its initiative in introducing the Angelus into their schools. The Angelus is the commemoration of arguably the greatest event in the history of the Church and the world. I often wondered at the demise of this great prayer in the life of the Church. It remains, I feel, one of a number of initiatives that would undoubtedly, if only in some small way, contribute to the re-evangelisation of the Church, particularly the youth. Why this preoccupation with our youth? As a grandparent, blessed with a number of grandchildren, I have looked on with horror at the decline in the quality and substance of the eligious education of our children. Contributors to your
newspaper have bought this problem to the fore in recent weeks. I speak specifically of Doctor Andrew Kania (the loss of the sense of the sacred), Mariette Ulrich and Rosemary Chandler (fuzzy, care bear spirituality) and Daniel Ang (variously on the youth). This leads me to the point of this letter. All the above have, I feel, scouted around the problem to a greater or lesser extent, some offering reasons and solutions, some not. A successful re-evangelisation must rest not so much with the subject matter, although very important, but primarily with the evangelisers themselves. You simply cannot hand on what you don’t have, no matter how competent one is as a religious educator. Daniel Ang mentions the qualities needed for a good evangeliser. He says the new norms for adults are being prayerful, steeped in scripture, theologically literate, articulate and committed to justice. Being prayerful, mentioned almost as an afterthought, touches on the prime and most important attribute of all, the lack of which I feel, is the root cause of the concerns expressed by the above. It seems superfluous to have to mention the need for a deep spiritual life, doctrinally and Churchbased and centred exclusively on Christ the consummate evangeliser. Sad to say, this is not always present in some of our religious educators. Some examples that should make your hair curl: my granddaughter sat stunned as a religious educator told the class that it is not necessary to go to Mass every Sunday. Another asserted that Mary is not the Mother of God. Another, when I asked why the children were not being taught to genuflect when entering or leaving the church, replied, ‘that’s only something the nuns used to do’. I could go on. Religious educators charged with imparting the doctrines of the faith, not practising or believing what they preach, is hardly the basis for a sound evangelisation or good catechetics. G Kiernan MILLENDON, WA
Something to say? office@therecord.com.au
Strike the snake far hence, and bring on the angels Living in the country closer to nature has its similarities with the Garden of Eden, including that place’s nastier personalities, writes Joao Albano ...
I
was standing outside the house watering the garden while the children were hunting around down beside the chicken run a week ago when loud yells of alarm suddenly shot through the air. His Serene Highness the Infant Dalai Lama, aged 10, had been squatting down examining a pipe that runs up a verandah support beam when he suddenly realised he was looking at a snake - not only that, but the snake was looking straight back at him and it is quite probable that both were as startled as each other to come face to face in an unexpected moment. HRH the Jade Lion Kung Fu Princess Dragon Fighting Girl heard her brother’s alarums and came running up the path beside the house crying, “Papa! Papa! We saw a snake!” I dropped the hose, grabbed a shovel and went running back down to the chicken run which is located at the far end of our house to dispatch the enemy. I don’t like snakes and never have, even though it is almost certainly a
prejudice of the worst kind. Starting with the Bible, it’s true, snakes have consistently suffered from bad global public relations which it is, admittedly, difficult to see them overcoming anytime soon. By the time we got there the snake had disappeared. I believe that as my son and the snake locked gazes it was entirely probable the snake realised it had entered a struggle of wills pitted against each other with the loser being the first to blink - a sort of contest of equals, if you like. Somewhere in this contest, however, the snake may have experienced an existential crisis. As it met its match in my son’s eyes, its own previously comfortable existence began to crumble and fall in ruins. Reflecting on this later, I wondered whether existentialists should be buried in pet cemeteries on the grounds they do not believe in God. This could solve all sorts of problems including the lack of a sense of meaning. Knowing one will rest among the remains of man’s best friends could lead some, including
radical secular environmentalists, to a sense of greater calm about their daily lives. Later, we all got on the computer to see if we could determine what kind of snake Himself had seen. Unfortunately, the image of a dugite seemed familiar so now we are all on our guard outside the house. Our theory is that a chicken run means mice attracted by the vegetable crumbles we give Rocky Roads, our Japanese rooster and all his lady friends - hence the presence of a snake. Possibly eggs might be an attractant too. I am no St Patrick to drive slithering creatures out of the realm merely by virtue of my own holiness so, now that it is Lent, I must add a prayer for protection against evil to our nightly gathering. Guardian angels already feature strongly and we are even learning parts of Night Prayer with its beautiful Canticle of Simeon. The lesson I want the children to learn is that prayer is beautiful – and always (albeit sometimes unpredictably) effective.
OPINION
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
17
Love is the answer to every challenge When others choose in ways we think aren’t in their best interests, how should we respond? Always positively and in love ...
I
WAS recently approached by Simone, a young woman I have known for a number of years. She had a huge grin on her face and was obviously excited with her news. “I’ve got a boyfriend and we’re moving in together”, she announced proudly. It is a dilemma all Christians inevitably face: how do we respond to those who are not living out values we know to be true? Do we confront them with the law of God? Do we condemn their sinful choices? Do we make it clear they could lead to an eternal separation from their Heavenly Father? Or do we simply ignore the facts and remain neutral, allowing everyone to make their own decisions? The answers are not easy because, I believe, they are never black and white. That is why Jesus so adamantly instructs us not to judge one another. Only God knows every detail of an individual’s life which is why we are answerable only to Him. I have seen Christians respond with the ‘Hell and Damnation’ approach which may have the intended effect on some but in the majority of cases I have only seen it
I Say, I Say MARK REIDY
further alienate those who do not know the love of God. Jesus did not adopt a “one hat fits all” approach. In fact, his responses appeared to be inconsistent. To Church leaders, he did not dilute his disapproval, “Alas for you Scribes and Pharisees, you Hypocrites. You shut up the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces, neither going in yourselves nor allowing others to go in who want to” (Matt 23:13). Yet to the woman caught in adultery, he shows only mercy and compassion, “Neither do I condemn you … Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Why the discrepancy? Because Jesus knew the hearts of those who stood before Him. He knew whether it was brokenness or pride driving choices and knew external behaviours were not an accurate reflection of intimacy with his Father.
Simone is a perfect example. When I first met her, she was addicted to heroin and prostitution to support the habit. Her relationships were usually with violent men who abused her and she would often brutally vent her own anger on others. She is covered with the scars of self-mutilation, has spent time in prison and has attempted suicide on several occasions. So when she proudly announces she has found a man who treats her with respect and she wants to
confrontations rather than aggressively lashing out. So how did I respond to her premarital relationship without being condemning or judgemental, but also knowing she was obstructing her own path in receiving the fullness of her Heavenly Father’s love? I decided to tell her how proud I was – not for her new living arrangements – but for the incredible, heroic changes she had made since we first met. These, I said, would be pleasing to God. In time, as her
When I first met Simone, she was on heroin and working in prostitution to support the habit. Her relationships were almost all with violent men. commit herself to a monogamous relationship, in her own eyes she has made choices that would be pleasing to God. And I believe they would be. Simone says she now talks to God and is taking steps to reduce her drug intake. She is making choices to forgive those who have hurt her in the past and has been stepping away from violent
relationship with Him deepens, He will open the doors for her to come to understand the beauty of a life-long commitment in marriage, because God will always provide doors for those who seek Him. I know some of Simone’s abusive history and how it has been devoid of loving relationships. To have burdened her with the law would,
I believe, only confirm the sense of unworthiness and hopelessness that had led to the self-destructive decisions of the past. Does that mean we allow her, or others we know, to remain in the darkness that is separating them from the fullness of God’s love? Not at all - in fact, it is our call as followers of Christ. But it is vital we first introduce them to His love, mercy, justice, forgiveness and perfect Fatherhood so they will come to understand any “law” in this context. Jesus created the Church as a vehicle to deliver his Father’s love and mercy to the world. We are called to be messengers of this love, not dictators of the law. This does not mean there is no place for the law. With our inherent nature gravitating us toward a life of selfpreservation and self-desire it is essential that we come to know the parameters of these boundaries. However, if we do not first come to know the foundations of love on which they were created, we will see them only as prison walls and not as guiding lights leading us to the fullness of freedom in Christ.
City-country issues are complex T The decision to close Nagle Catholic College’s boarding hostel was not taken lightly, writes Dr Timothy McDonald ... HE article by Father Robert Cross (The Plight of Catholic Families in the Bush) in last week’s Record requires a response to the extent that it casts doubt on Catholic Education’s willingness to support country schools. The change in Western Australia’s population since Fr Cross was in Geraldton (1992) is well documented, including the flow of people away from the country towns to cities. Catholic Education may not like this occurrence but it is fact. Despite this, Catholic Education has continued to maintain a presence across WA through supporting country schools despite many lacking viable numbers. Of the 159 Catholic schools in WA, 98 are located in the Perth metropolitan region with 61 in the country – despite the population in country areas being only 20 per cent of the state. Further, 13 of the country schools are located in the Kimberley region where costs of educating each child are about three times those in a metropolitan school. Through co-responsibility funding, which is the transfer of funding from metropolitan schools to needier schools, the Catholic Education Office of WA has been able to subsidise country schools, many of which would not be viable without this support. National Partnership funding through the Low Socio Economic School Community funding program supports 28 schools in the Catholic system with an amount of $11.6 million over the five year program. Eighteen (64 per cent) of these schools are in country locations. In terms of capital development, there has been significant activity in many of the Catholic country schools. In the past four years nearly $11 million has been accessed by Catholic secondary schools in the country for the Australian Government Trade Training Centre program. The Catholic system is constantly challenged by viability for all schools and, on occasions, decisions need to be made about school
Geraldton’s Nagle Catholic College will close its boarding hostel in 2015, forcing bush families to make other arrangements for their children.
and facility closure. Fr Cross refers to the closure of “major education facilities” in Tardun – Christian Brothers Agricultural College and the Pallotine Mission and Primary school. When both facilities were closed, they were not ‘major’ facili-
including occupational safety and health. The community was widely consulted. Ultimately, the decision to close these facilities was made by the Orders involved. Such decisions are not only financially driven as the capacity of a school to offer
to enrol. Despite this, the Bindoon facility is not full either. In the more recent case of the decision to close the boarding facility at Nagle Catholic College, numbers had declined to around 85 as Fr Cross indicated. The boarding
Numbers had declined and the Nagle College boarding facility was running at a significant annual loss. Its fees were among the cheapest in WA. ties with numbers of students fewer than 35 in each. In the case of the Agricultural College, there had been two independent reports preceding closure. Facilities at Tardun, especially boarding, were sub-standard and would have required an extensive capital development program to meet government standards,
a viable curriculum to its students is compromised when enrolments are very low. It is significant to also note that a multi-million dollar extension to boarding facilities has been completed at the Catholic Agricultural College in Bindoon where many of the Tardun students could elect
facility was running at a significant annual loss despite the boarding fees of $14,604 per student, which incidentally are amongst the cheapest in WA. In terms of Fr Cross’ comments that he laments the lack of “Catholic champions who will stand up and run the hard yards for our parents
PHOTO: CEOWA
and children who live in the bush”, then he need look no further than the Catholic Education system. Judgements based on the Geraldton Diocese only fail to represent the bigger picture. Advocacy for country schools has been a prominent aspect in dealing with the Federal Government reform agenda. We are hopeful that a better funding outcome which recognises the costs of operating small country schools will occur. Fr Cross and families can be confident that the Catholic Education Commission will continue to support education for Catholic families in country schools. Dr Timothy McDonald is the Director of Catholic Education in Western Australia
18
PANORAMA
UPCOMING SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Divine Mercy: An Afternoon with Jesus and Mary 1.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, Windsor St, East Perth. Main celebrant TBA. Homily on St Pedro Calungsod. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Refreshments afterwards. Enq: John 9457 7771. TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Lent Sessions: Spirituality and The Sunday Gospels 7-8pm at St Benedict’s school hall, Alness St, Applecross. Presenter Norma Woodcock. Accreditation recognition by the CEO. Everyone is welcome. Cost: collection. Enq: 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com. SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Divine Mercy – Healing Mass 2.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, Windsor St, East Perth. Main celebrant will be Fr Marcellinus Meilak OFM. Reconciliation in English and Italian will be offered. Divine Mercy prayers followed by veneration of first class relic of St Faustina Kowalska. Refreshments afterwards. Enq: John 9457 7771. St Padre Pio Prayer Day 8.30am at Our Lady of Fatima, 8 Foss St, Palmyra. Begins with St Padre Pio DVD in parish centre. 10am – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am – holy Mass, St Padre Pio Liturgy. Confessions available. 12pm BYO shared lunch, tea and coffee supplied. Enq: Des 6278 1540. SATURDAY, MARCH 16 St Patrick’s Mass 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth on the Eve of St Patrick’s feast day. Principal celebrant and homilist Fr Lawrence Murphy SDS. Organised by the Irish Community of WA working with the Archdiocese of Perth. Parking under the Cathedral, and free Red Cat bus service from West Perth stops outside Cathedral. Enq: 9446 3784 or pltanham@ tpg.com.au. Lenten Silent Meditation Day 9am-4pm at Redemptorist Monastery Retreat Centre, Vincent St, North Perth. Fr John Herbert OSB, Abbot of New Norcia, will talk about “Monastic Wisdom for the Contemporary Christian Journey Towards God”. Christian Meditation will be introduced. This is a silent retreat day. BYO lunch, tea provided. Cost: donation. Enq: 0429 117 242 or christianmeditation@iinet.net.au. Catholic Charismatic Renewal – Intercessory Prayer Workshop 9.30am-5pm at the Faith Centre, 450 Hay St, Perth. Conducted by Mrs Kay Rollings from FMI, the workshop teaches the skills and principles involved in intercessory prayer. Primarily aimed at establishing a CCR Intercessory Prayer Team, but all interested are welcome to attend. Please bring pen, notepad, Bible and lunch to share. Cost: $10. Enq: Kay 0412 605 502 or Dan 9398 4973. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 St Joseph’s School Waroona 70th Anniversary Celebration Mass 10am-3pm at St Joseph’s School, Millar St, Waroona. Inviting all past students, staff and families to help celebrate its 70th anniversary at the school. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Chiera, Vicar General of Bunbury Diocese, and will be followed by a day of fun, food and festivities. Please pass on this information to anyone you know from the school in the last 70 years. Enq: Admin 9782 6500 or www.stjoeswaroona.wa.edu. au. Meditative Prayer in the Style of Taize 7-8pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. Includes prayer, scripture, song and silence in candlelight. Bring a friend and a torch. Everyone welcome. Enq: Sr Maree Riddler 0414 683 926 or www.taize.fr. SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Latin Mass 2pm at Good Shepherd Church, Streich Ave, Kelmscott. Enq: John 9390 6646. GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29 TO SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena 3pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375 Alcock St, Maddington. Divine Mercy and Novena followed by Good Friday service. March 30 from 2.30-3pm, confessions, followed by Chaplet and Novena with preaching on Divine Mercy and prayers for healing. Enq: 9493 1703. SUNDAY, APRIL 7 Feast of Divine Mercy Celebrating 21 years of Devotions in the Archdiocese of Perth 1.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth. Reconciliation 1.30pm followed by holy Mass at 2.30pm. Main celebrant His Grace Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and other priests are welcome to concelebrate. 3.30pm Benediction. Concludes with veneration of two first class relics of St Faustina Kowalska. Parking for clergy will be available outside St Mary’s Presbytery. Enq: John 9457 7771.
5th Annual Celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy 2pm-6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375 Alcock St, Maddington. 2-3pm, Confession followed by procession with Divine Mercy Icon, Eucharistic Adoration, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Healing prayers. Solemn Feast Mass starts at 5pm. Enq: 9493 1703.
REGULAR EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.309pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria.com.
Cathedral Cafe Cathedral Cafe is now open every Sunday 9.30am1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral parish centre, downstairs after Mass. Coffee, tea, cakes, sweets, friendship with Cathedral parishioners. Further info: Tammy on smcperthwyd@yahoo.com.au or 0415 370 357. Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction. Reconciliation available before every celebration. Anointing of the sick administered during Mass every second Sunday of the month. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation last Sunday of the month. Side entrance to church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292. Praise and Worship 5.30pm at St Denis Parish, cnr Osborne St and Roberts Rd, Joondanna. Followed by 6pm Mass. Enq: Admin admin@stdenis.com.au. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY Singles Prayer and Social Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Sq, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth. Begins with Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and teaching) followed by dinner at local restaurant. Meet new people, pray and socialise with other single men and women. Enq: Veronica 0403 841 202. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Healing Hour 7-8pm at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta. Songs of praise and worship, exposition of Blessed Sacrament and prayers for sick. Enq: Fr Irek Czech SDS or office Tue-Thu, 9am-2.30pm 9344 7066. EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35 Years 7.30-8.30pm at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon; Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise and worship; followed by a social gathering. Come and pray at a place of grace. Enq: Schoenstatt Sisters 9399 2349. Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. Includes exposition of Blessed Eucharist, silent prayer, Scripture, prayers of intercession. Come and pray that those discerning vocations can hear clearly God’s call. EVERY LAST SUNDAY Filipino Mass 3pm at Notre Dame Church, cnr Daley and Wright Sts, Cloverdale. Please bring a plate to share for socialisation after Mass. Enq: Fr Nelson Po 0410 843 412, Elsa 0404 038 483.
LAST MONDAY Be Still in His Presence – Ecumenical Christian Program 7.30-8.45pm at St Swithun Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie St, Lesmurdie (hall behind church). Begins with songs of praise and worship, silent time, lectio divina, small group sharing and cuppa. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848 or 0435 252 941. EVERY TUESDAY Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 6pm at Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm followed by Benediction. Enq: John 0408 952 194. Novena to God the Father 7.30pm at St Joachim’s parish hall, Vic Park. Novena followed by reflection and discussions on forthcoming Sunday Gospel. Enq: Jan 9284 1662. EVERY FIRST TUESDAY Short MMP Cenacle for Priests 2pm at Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Fr Watt 9376 1734. EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We welcome everyone to attend our praise meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@gmail.com. Bible Study at Cathedral 6.15pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Deepen your faith through reading and reflecting on holy Scripture by Fr Jean-Noel Marie. Meeting room beneath Cathedral. Enq: 9223 1372. Holy Hour - Catholic Youth Ministry Mass at 5.30pm and Holy Hour (Adoration) at 6.30pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Enq: www.cym.com or 9422 7912.
therecord.com.au
February 27, 2013
EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY Novena to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 7-7.45pm at Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish, cnr Cassowary Dr and Pelican Pde, Ballajura. Begins with Mass, novena prayers and Benediction. Followed by healing prayers and anointing of the sick. Enq: Madi 9249 9093 or Gerry 0417 187 240.
Franciscans of Midland Fraternity have lunch, then 1-3pm meeting. Enq: Antoinette 9297 2314. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY Healing Mass 12.35pm at St Thomas Parish, cnr Melville St and College Rd, Claremont. Spiritual leader Fr Waddell. Enq: Kim 9384 0598, claremont@perthcatholic.org.
EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY Chaplets of Divine Mercy 7.30pm at St Thomas More Parish, Dean Rd, Bateman. Accompanied by Exposition, then Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 6242 0702 (w).
Vigil for Life – Mass and Procession 8.30am at St Augustine Parish, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Carey, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349.
EVERY THURSDAY Divine Mercy 11am at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy and for consecrated life, especially in our parish. Concludes with veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina. Enq: John 9457 7771.
EVERY FOURTH SATURDAY Voice of the Voiceless Healing Mass (Change of venue on February 23) 11.30am at Holy Cross Church, Hamilton Hill. Begins with Songs of Praise, followed by Mass. Please bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq: Frank 9296 7591 or 0408 183 325.
St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting 7.45pm every Thursday at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Includes praise, song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@flameministries.org.
EVERY LAST SATURDAY Novena Devotions – Our Lady Vailankanni of Good Health 5pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 8 Burnett St, Embleton. Followed by Mass at 6pm. Enq: George 9272 1379.
Group Fifty - Charismatic Renewal Group 7.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 150 Vincent St, North Perth. Includes prayer, praise and Mass. Enq: Elaine 9440 3661.
GENERAL
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY Prayer in Style of Taizé 7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Includes prayer, song and silence in candlelight – symbol of Christ the light of the world. Taizé info: www.taize.fr. Enq: secretary 9448 4888 or 9448 4457. Holy Hour Prayer for Priests 7-8pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY Young Adults (18-35) Dinner and Rosary Cenacle 6.30pm at St Bernadette Parish, 49 Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Begins with dinner at a local restaurant. 8pm - Rosary Cenacle, short talk and refreshments at the parish. Enq: st.bernadettesyouth@gmail. com or 9444 6131. EVERY THIRD THURSDAY Auslan Café – Sign Language Workshop 12.30pm at St Francis Xavier Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Its Australian Sign Language - Auslan Café is a social setting for anybody who would like to learn or practise Auslan in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Light lunch provided. Enq: Emma at emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au. EVERY FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration at Schoenstatt Shrine 10am at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon. Includes holy Mass, exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent adoration till 8.15pm. In this Year of Grace, join us in prayer at a place of grace. Enq: Sisters of Schoenstatt 9399 2349. Healing Mass 6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Healing Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Enq: admin 9493 1703 or www.vpcp. org.au. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 11am-4pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament after Mass until 4pm, finishing with Rosary. Enq: Sr Marie MS.Perth@lsp.org.au. Healing and Anointing Mass 8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation, then 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, anointing of the sick and prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189. Catholic Faith Renewal Evening 7.30pm at Sts John and Paul Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Songs of Praise and Prayer, sharing by a priest, then thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. Enq: Kathy 9295 0913 or Ann 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail.com. Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils 7pm-1.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Lochee St, Mosman Park or St Gerard Majella Church, cnr Ravenswood Dr/Majella Rd, Westminster (Mirrabooka). Vigils are two Masses, Adoration, Benediction, prayers, Confession in reparation for outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357; Fr Giosue 9349 2315; John/Joy 9344 2609. Pro-life Witness – Mass and Procession 9.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, cnr Great Northern Hwy and Morrison Rd, Midland. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Please join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. EVERY SECOND FRIDAY Discover Spirituality of St Francis of Assisi 12pm at St Brigid’s parish centre. The Secular
Free Divine Mercy Image for Parishes High quality oil painting and glossy print – Divine Mercy Promotions. Images of very high quality. For any parish willing to accept and place inside the church. Oil paintings: 160 x 90cm; glossy print - 100 x 60cm. Enq: Irene 9417 3267 (w). Sacred Heart Pioneers Would anyone like to know about the Sacred Heart pioneers? If so, please contact Spiritual Director Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or John 9457 7771. St Philomena’s Chapel 3/24 Juna Dr, Malaga. Mass of the day: Mon 6.45am. Vigil Masses: Mon-Fri 4.45pm. Enq: Fr David 9376 1734. Mary MacKillop Merchandise Available for sale from Mary MacKillop Centre. Enq: Sr Maree 041 4683 926 or 08 9334 0933.
Communication Skills Tue 4.30-6.30pm, 197 High St, Fremantle - Tuesdays 3-4.30pm. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585. Bookings essential. 1) RCPD6 ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ This course combines theology with relationship education and personal/spiritual awareness by teaching self-analysis. 2) ‘The Wounded Heart’ Healing for emotional and sexual abuse promotes healing and understanding for the victim and the offender. Holistic counselling available - http:// members.dodo.com.au/~evalenz/. Religious item donations for Thailand Church Fr Ferdinando Ronconi is the parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Phuket, Thailand. He is in need of religious items such as rosaries and holy medals for his local congregation and visitors. If you are able to help, please post items to: PO Box 35, Phuket 83000, Thailand or, if you are on holiday in Phuket, bring your donated items with you to church and stay for Mass! Fr Ferdinando can be contacted on tel: 076 212 266 or 089 912 899 or ronconi.css@gmail.com. Good Shepherd Parish History I am compiling the history of the Good Shepherd Parish and everyone who has been a part of building the Good Shepherd community is invited to write their story and include photos. An editor has been engaged and the deadline to receive your story is January 30, 2013. Please forward on email: goodshepherdparishhistory@gmail.com. Any enquiries ring Nick De Luca on 9378 2684 or 0419 938 481. Would You Not Watch One Hour With Me? Perpetual Adoration From Ash Wednesday, 24 Hours a day, seven days a week (outside Mass times) at St Jerome’s, Munster. Jesus will be adored in the Blessed Sacrament and this will be the only church in the southern suburbs where there is Perpetual Adoration. We hope we will be able to continue allowing Jesus to be adored day and night as he desires. Enq: Mary 0402 289 418.
Financially Disadvantaged People Requiring Low Care Aged Care Placement The Little Sisters of the Poor community is set in beautiful gardens in the suburb of Glendalough. “Making the elderly happy, that is everything!” St Jeanne Jugan (foundress). Registration and enq: Sr Marie 9443 3155. Is your son or daughter unsure of what to do this year? Suggest a Cert IV course to discern God’s purpose. They will also learn more about the Catholic faith and develop skills in communication and leadership. Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (National Code 51452).Enq: Jane 9202 6859. AA Alcoholics Anonymous Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Enq: AA 9325 3566. Saints and Sacred Relics Apostolate Invite SSRA Perth invites interested parties, parish priests, leaders of religious communities, lay associations to organise relic visitations to parishes, communities, etc. We have available authenticated relics, mostly first-class, of Catholic saints and blesseds including Sts Mary MacKillop, Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua, Therese of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Simon Stock and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Free of charge and all welcome. Enq: Giovanny 0478 201 092 or ssra-perth@catholic.org. Enrolments, Year 7, 2014 La Salle College now accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2014. For prospectus and enrolment please contact college reception 9274 6266 or email lasalle@lasalle.wa.edu.au. Acts 2 College, Perth’s Catholic Bible College Is now pleased to be able to offer tax deductibility for donations to the college. If you are looking for an opportunity to help grow the faith of young people and evangelise the next generation of apostles, please contact Jane Borg, Principal at Acts 2 College on 0401 692 690 or principal@ acts2come.wa.edu.au. Divine Mercy Church Pews Would you like to assist, at the same time becoming part of the history of the new Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering, by donating a beautifully handcrafted jarrah pew currently under construction, costing only $1,000 each. A beautiful brass plaque with your inscription will be placed at the end of the pew. Please make cheques payable to Divine Mercy Church Building fund and send with inscription to PO Box 8, Bullsbrook WA 6084. Enq: Fr Paul 0427 085 093. Abortion Grief Association Inc A not-for-profit association is looking for premises to establish a Trauma Recovery Centre (pref SOR) in response to increasing demand for our services (ref.www.abortiongrief.asn.au). Enq: Julie (08) 9313 1784. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - 2013 COURSES Resource Centre for Personal Development Holistic Health Seminar The Instinct to Heal Tue 3-4.30pm; RCPD2 Internalise Principles of Successful Relationships and Use Emotional Intelligence and
The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord’s Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Here is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is, as Pope John Paul II calls it, “a special gift”.
Now only $15.00 at The Record Bookshop
CLASSIFIEDS
therecord.com.au February 27, 2013
19
CLASSIFIEDS Deadline: 11am Monday RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS
ACCOMMODATION
PILGRIMAGES
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 Rd, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Esperance holiday accommodation, 3-bedroom house, fully furnished. Phone 08 9076 5083.
PILGRIMAGE OF MERCY - Departs May 11, 2013. Fatima/Poland/Czestochowa/ Auschwitz/Divine Mercy/Vilnius Lithuania/Rome/Gennazzano. Fra Elia (Stigmatist) Civitavecchia (miraculous Madonna shrine) Subiaco/Medjugorje five countries. Exceptional value all inclusive $6,890. Fr Bogoni (Spiritual Director), Yolanda 0413 707 707 / Harvest toll free 1800 819 156 - 23 days.
RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, Baptism/Communion apparel, religious vestments, etc. Visit us at 39 Hulme Ct (off McCoy St), Myaree. Ph 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve. KINLAR VESTMENTS www.kinlarvestments.com.au Quality handmade and decorated vestments: albs, stoles, chasubles, altar linen, banners. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@ gmail.com. MEMENTO CANDLES Personalised candles for Baptism, Wedding, Year 12 Graduations and Absence. Photo and design embedded into candle, creating a great keepsake! Please call Anna: 0402 961 901 or anna77luca@hotmail.com to order a candle or Facebook: Memento Candles.
FURNITURE REMOVAL ALL AREAS. Competitive rates. Mike Murphy Ph 0416 226 434.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HOME-BASED BUSINESS. Wellness industry. Call 02 8230 0290 or www.dreamlife1.com
BOOKBINDING RESTORATION BOOKBINDING and Conservation; General Book Repairs, Bibles, Breviaries and Liturgical. Tel: 0401 941 577. Now servicing the South-West @ Myalup.
TAX SERVICE QUALITY TAX RETURNS PREPARED by registered tax agent with over 35 years’ experience. Call Tony Marchei 0412 055 184 for appt. AXXO Accounting & Management, Unit 20/222 Walter Rd, Morley. Trade services.
SERVICES RURI STUDIO FOR HAIR Vincent and Miki welcome you to their newly opened, international, award-winning salon. Shop 2, 401 Oxford St, Leederville. 9444 3113. Ruri-studio-for-hair@ hotmail.com. BRENDAN HANDYMAN SERVICES Home, building maintenance, repairs and renovations. NOR. Ph 0427 539 588. WRR LAWN MOWING AND WEED SPRAYING Garden clean ups and rubbish removal. Get rid of bindii, jojo and other unsightly weeds. Based in Tuart Hill. Enq: 6161 3264 or 0402 326 637. BRICK RE-POINTING Ph Nigel 9242 2952. PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Ph Tom Perrott 9444 1200.
SETTLEMENTS ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING real estate or a business? Why not ask Excel Settlements for a quote for your settlement. We offer reasonable fees, excellent service, no hidden costs. Ring 9481 4499 for a quote. Check our website on www. excelsettlements.com.au.
19 DAYS - Petra, Amman, Holy Land, Dubai, Fatima and Medjugorje. Cost: A$6,000. Monday, May 13, 2013. Spiritual Director: Fr Francis Huy Thanh Nguyen. Tel: 9296 7088. 24 DAYS - Italy, Fatima, Lourdes, Paris and Poland. Cost: A$6,300. Sunday, September 1, 2013. Spiritual Directors: Fr Dariusz Basiaga SDS and Fr Sabu (Sebastian) Kalapurackal VC. Tel: 9398 2331 or 9381 5383. 22 DAYS - Petra, Amman, Holy Land, Poland and Dubai. Cost: A$6,000. Monday, October 7, 2013. Spiritual Director: Fr Ireneusz Czech SDS. Tel: 9344 7066.
SERVICES 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 May 31 to Sep 20, 2013. 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 May 10. For information, contact Bob Milne, Graylands Hospital, Pastoral Centre 9347 6685 (0413 325 486 mob).
Classifieds
For enquiries contact us on 9220 5900.
C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 1 Commandment that forbids taking God’s name in vain 5 Season during which the Joyful Mysteries are prayed 8 Pit stop for Jacob, perhaps 10 An element of moral culpability 11 Charity 12 Archdiocese in Morocco 13 ___ Dame 15 NT epistle 16 Catholic author, Evelyn ___ 18 “___ Fideles” 20 Sister of Moses 24 Shroud city 25 ___ of many colours 26 Old Testament hymn 28 The ___ Madonna of Czestochowa 30 Title for a priest (abbr) 32 First name of John XXIII 33 ___ obstat 34 Biblical occupation 35 Jacob’s dream (Gen 28:12)
11 14 16 17 19 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 31
1:28) Home of St Teresa Sub ___ (secret appointment) Common biblical harvest Chief minister of the Persian king in the Book of Esther “Vaya con ___” A diocese in Virginia “___ Dolorosa” “…the ___ of life” (Gen 2:7) Purloined fruit in Augustine’s Confessions One of the seven deadly sins “…___ of my bones and flesh of my …” (Gen 2:23) What we are forbidden to do by the fifth commandment Favourite food of Isaac (Gen 25:28)
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
DOWN 2 OT book 3 Slave of Philemon (Philem 15–16) 4 Jubilee entry 5 “___ was in the beginning, is now …” 6 College of Cardinals’ task regarding the Pope 7 Donate a portion of money to the Church 9 “… fill the earth and ___ it” (Gen
Panorama The deadline for Panorama is Friday 5pm
W O R D S L E U T H
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
MERCHANDISE St Mary’s Cathedral
CRUCIFIXES
New in stock to The record Bookshop are these beautiful Crucifixes made from the wood from St Mary’s Cathedral which are hundres of years old and filled with history from the conception of St Mary’s Cathedral back in the 19th Century. These amazing crucifixes are adorned with the crucified Christ which are made from Brass. Large: $140.00 Medium: $90.00 Small: $75.00
St Mary’s Cathedral
FRAMES
An amazing collection of handmade wooden photo frames crafted from the jarrah wood saved from the renoations of St Mary’s Cathedral .
An elegantly crafted piece of Jarrah wood from St Mary’s Cathedral with a design of a cross which would be a blessed addition to ones home deco. Jarrah (double sided) Photo Frame: $140.00
BIBIANA KWARAMBA Bookshop Manager
Jarrah Photo Frame: $60.00
Medium: $60.00
Telephone: 9220 5912 Email: bookshop@therecord.com.au Address: 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000