The Record Newspaper 28 August 2003

Willesee still draws a crowd

Big crowd defies weather for The Eucharist

"Iam

a Presbyterian married to a Catholic. Now I can understand his passion."

This heartfelt, public declaration within minutes of the screening of the video "The Eucharist" appeared to say it all for most of the 1000-plus people who defied the cold, the wind and the rain to attend the launch of Mike Willesee’s video on the Eucharist at John XXIII College last Thursday, August 21.

Officially launching the video in Perth, Archbishop Barry Hickey told the crowd packed into the College gymnasium, "I think you’ll find it fascinating" and there can be no doubt his prediction was accurate.

The visit to Perth by Mike Willesee and his partner in the production of the video and other projects, Ron Tesoriero, and the launch of the "The Eucharist" was arranged by The Record and Catholic Youth Ministry with cooperation from John XXIII College.

The Disciples of Jesus provided music

and Antioch youth groups served refreshments.

Four hundred copies of the video were sold on the night and orders were taken for many others.

Archbishop Hickey said the video could be valuable in the process of reaching out to all those people who had received the Eucharist, but had wandered away from God and the Church. Each one had a different story, but all were encompassed by the call of Pope John Paul II during Mass at Randwick racecourse: "Come back. We love you, we need you, we want you with us."

The video would help people to see the action of God as a reality in the world.

In a brief talk about his personal return to the Faith, Mike Willesee described a number of incidents in which God helped him and said of each, "I still didn’t get it".

Then, during a trip to Bolivia to make a previous video "Signs from God", a large wallet containing all of the passports, introductions, money and paperwork that would make the project possible were stolen. Standing in line at a busy airport, he felt a tug on his backpack and turned to C o n t i n u e d p a g e 2

Over 1000 people turned up at John XXIII College on Thursday August 21, to hear Ron Tesoriero and Mike Willesee talk about their joint documentary production on the Eucharist.

Five

which

Mike Willesee answering questions from the capacity crowd at John XXII College.

Photo:Peter Rosengren

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What I asked of four new priests

It was very providential that the ordination of four new priests came so quickly after the Vocations issue of The Record.

On a wonderful night in the Cathedral last Friday the Archdiocese welcomed four new priests into its ranks, four men who had completed all their formation for the priesthood at St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford.

Only a week before an Oblate priest, also from Western Australia, was ordained in St Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle.

These annual ordinations are a sign of hope for the future, built on the sure faith that God calls sufficient numbers of priests to serve the people of the Church.

The only question is whether every call is heard or whether the noise, distractions or opportunities of society drown out the call from God.

This is not the time to be pessimistic or defeatist about vocations. It is the time to recognise the urgency of the present time and pray earnestly and confidently for vocations to the priesthood and the Religious Life. I have been repeat-

ing this message over and over again since I became a Bishop, and am surprised and saddened at times to hear the negativity that sometimes circulates.

Perhaps these people pick up attitudes from elsewhere and think that it all applies here. It doesn’t.

Our two seminaries, St Charles and Redemptoris Mater, have assured us a steady supply of good priests over the years and continue to do so.

In addition, priests trained overseas also swell our ranks.

When we look at how God has blessed us so far, and when we look at the faith challenges before us we must redouble our prayers and efforts to keep our seminaries full.

On Friday 22nd I said a few words to the four being ordained which bear repeating here, even if only in summary form, because we can all find something for us in these words.

I asked the new priests to take seriously their duty to preach the Good News of Christ, and to remember that the hardest part was to be themselves Good News, to offer to the world the example of

lives transformed by the Gospel. After all that is what the Good News does through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Does not our own Baptism commitment require that we open ourselves to the same transformation of life to be Good News of hope, forgiveness and joy to others?

I also asked the priests to act in the name of Christ in offering the life-giving Sacraments to others, especially the Blessed Eucharist, and to lead the people in prayer.

They were therefore to be prayerful people themselves and deepen their union with God through those very Sacraments.

There is a message in that for all of us as we too are to be prayerful people whose union with God and with one another in Christ is to grow continuously.

The third word to the new priests was to be Good Shepherds, whose love shines forth in compassion, understanding, forgiveness and support, especially of the poor and rejected people whose plight may be due in some part to a lack of love.

But aren’t we all called to be loving people, bearers of God’s love?

All this is meant to remind priests and all of us that the Gospel is not to be just skin-deep. It must penetrate our very being and transform us into real followers of Christ, full of his love for the Father and for others.

Alone we cannot do this, but, if we are open to the Spirit - every time we pray, receive the Sacraments or reach out to othersthe Holy Spirit works miracles of grace in our very being.

Written on Retreat

Its unanimous: our audience loved Ron and Mike’s Eucharist documentary

By Rochelle Ransom

When 27 per cent of Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of God in the Eucharist, former A Current Affairs anchor Mike Willesee chose a good time to launch his new documentary The Eucharist at John XXIII College on Thursday night August 21.

A crowd of over 1000 people came to hear Willesee and his documentary co-producer, Ron Tesoriero, introduce the half hour documentary which investigates the Eucharist from biblical, historical and scientific perspectives.

Of particular interest are the two Eucharistic miracles that have happened in Italy in Lanciano in the year 700 and in Orvieto in 1263, where the host and wine have turned into human flesh and blood upon consecration.

While Willesee said that the scientific testing of these miracles had sometimes been criticised, proof was necessary for those who didn’t believe in the occurrences’ authenticity.

"If you have faith, you don’t need science. The problem is we don’t have faith," he said.

Audience member Frank Camacho said that, as a person who had been

in and out of religion, that faith was an important element to have in today’s world and Willesee’s documentary had captured this.

"All the miracles are lost in today’s noise. It’s very important that there are people [like Willesee] putting it to life."

Mr Camacho said he enjoyed Willesee’s approachable manner when speaking to the audience.

“ H e ’ s

u m b

d i t ’ s g o o d t o s e e ”

"He’s like the common man: we all stray. He brings a down-to-earth approach, he’s very humble and it’s good to see," he said.

Mr Camacho also added that it was important to show the youth of today that these miracles still have relevance in the modern world.

"In the end it comes down to the soul searching for the truth," he said. His sister, Gilda Deoliveira said she had loved the documentary because it visually brought to life everything she believed in.

"To see it with your eyes, brings another perspective to it. It made it

so real. It opened my heart up even more," she said.

"I’m so glad that the Eucharist is becoming a focus again."

Nick Deluca said that he thought that The Eucharist was a well-presented documentary and he wished that there were more people like Willesee out there.

"It’s wonderful. I really enjoyed it. We pray to God that we can have more people like Ron and Mike. The world needs these people to spread this information, this good news," he said.

Of significant interest to many, was the importance placed on the Virgin Mary in the documentary.

Betty Johnson, who is involved with a charity organisation called Friendly Hands, said she had appreciated the fact that The Eucharist had emphasised Mary’s connection to Jesus.

"It confirms that Our Lady is very, very much involved in Our Lord’s life, in the Eucharist and in the running of the Church. We really can’t do without her," she said.

Yvonne Aungthen said that she liked the part about Mary because it was extremely touching.

Avril Long said that the documentary was beautifully done while her husband, Allan said The Eucharist reinforced what their faith was based on. "It’s so lovely to be able to

go to Church and receive communion. What a privilege it is," he said.

There were questions raised afterwards by audience members regarding the correct way to receive communion, with one man stating that receiving the Eucharist by hand was not acceptable because humans were unworthy to touch God. Fellow audience member, Dolores Anthony disputed this.

"If you really love a person, don’t you feel like touching them? So I thought if you really love God you are free to touch him, to receive God by your hand," she said.

"I’m sure God would want us to touch him as well."

While for many, learning about the miracle in Lanciano was a new thing; Attilio Vecchio said that he already knew about it from a booklet he picked up in his local Parish.

He said that people could be encouraged to learn more about such miraculous events, if the Church made available pamphlets containing information such as this. Mr Vecchio thought the documentary would help younger people to understand the concept of the Body of Christ.

"It’s better than anything. It’s a good example because the kids can see the pictures on the video and make up their own minds," he said.

Dolores Anthony Allan Long

Attilio Vecchio

Nick Deluca

Lanny Limas

Examining the greatest miracle

C o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 1 see a woman disappearing into the crowd with the wallet. His heartfelt prayer was, "Jesus, not now."

The woman turned and came back through the crowd to give him the wallet. "I finally got it," he said. "There really is a loving God, and he knew my name. He knows your name and he loves you.

"My life since then has been a wonderful journey and the Eucharist is at the heart of it all."

Ron Tesoriero, a lawyer who kept challenging Willesee to examine the truths of the faith he had discarded, spoke of the Australian tragedy that of all the children who receive the Eucharist while at school, only about five per cent would be receiving it still by the time they left school.

Children in Catholic schools and homes deserved to be taught with conviction the extraordinary truth of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

"God who is our creator, our judge and the kingdom of eternity, this God comes to us in Communion," he said.

The video, which was shown on two big screens at John XXIII, deals with the belief and practice of the Church in relation to the Eucharist, and with some of the eucharistic miracles which are still open to scientific examination and which confirm that the eucharist truly is the flesh and blood of Christ.

It covers Jesus’ promise to give the world his flesh to eat and his blood to drink (John 6) a promise which confounded most of his listeners; the most important meal in history, the Last Supper, at which the Eucharist was instituted; and the suffering and death of Jesus which, with the Resurrection, made the Eucharist possible. All of this is presented in the context of God wanting to give us this remarkable gift of himself in Communion.

It also deals with the role of Mary as the one who gave Jesus the flesh and blood he

gives us. The examination of the miracles concentrates on the reality of the flesh and blood of Jesus, on the real, not merely symbolic, presence of his body and blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist.

The first of the miracles occurred at Lanciano, Italy, in the 8th century. A priest who was having severe doubts about the real presence was startled when, as he said the words of consecration, the host turned into flesh, and the wine into blood.

“ f y o u h a v e f a i t h , y o u d o n ’ t n e e d s c i e n c e , b u t i f y o u d o n ’ t h a v e f a i t h t h e s c i e n t i f i c e v i d e n c e m a y b e a b i g h e l p "

That Mass was never completed. Although nothing has been done to preserve them, the flesh and blood that appeared in the 8th century are still uncorrupted today.

Modern scientific examination has confirmed them as flesh and blood, and the flesh specifically relates to the heart muscle which causes the heart to beat.

The second miracle occurred at Orvieto, Italy, in the 13th century and is the cause of the institution of the feast of Corpus Christi. Another priest was suffering doubts about the real presence and as he said the words of consecration the host began to bleed over his hands and onto the corporal (the white cloth on which the host and chalice are placed during Mass). This bloodstained cloth is carried in procession each year at Orvieto on the feast of Corpus Christi.

Modern scientific tests have confirmed that the stains are human blood.

The third miracle examined in the video occurred in Argentina in 1996 when, after Mass, a priest discovered a host on the floor in the Church. He placed it in water so that it could dissolve, but instead it

began to bleed and produce a flesh-like substance.

Ron Tesoriero and Mike Willesee obtained permission to take samples to a leading forensic analyst in the US who was not aware of their origin. He confirmed the presence of flesh and blood. He is interviewed on the video and says that he would have expected some of the blood cells to have dissolved and disappeared, but they have not.

As Mike Willesee said in response to a question: "If you have faith, you don’t need science, but if you don’t have faith the scientific evidence may be a big help."

These miracles have been given to us to confirm the great miracle and mystery of the Eucharist, and scientific confirmation of them helps expand the mind of man to believe.

Video copies can be ordered at The Record for $20 each.

Above: Young people listen to the presentation given by Mike Wilesee on the Eucharist. Below: Wilesee giving his presentation. Below left: Wilesee took time out to meet people in the crowd and sign books and videos. Photos:Michael Miller

Volunteers benefit in the Kimberley

The Diocese of Broome has met many of its needs by inviting volunteers to spend time helping out in any way they can at a variety of locations throughout the Kimberley.

The program has been a big success not only for the Diocese, but also for the volunteers, according to Helen Corry (69), of Bullsbrook, who with her husband Trevor (70), spent part of the winter at Warmun. Here is her account of the experience:

“Trevor and I went to Warmun (halfway between Halls Creek and Kununurra) to be volunteers at the Mirrilingki Spirituality Centre.

Mirrilingki runs seminars for teachers from Catholic schools, retreats for religious and lay people, and drug and alcohol awareness programs for Aboriginal people.

It is run by two Sisters of St Joseph and between six and eight volunteers at any time. Volunteers stay between one and six months, and occasionally 12 months.

The nuns and volunteers gather for prayer and discussion of the day’s activities at 7.30 each morning, taking it in turns to be the prayer leader.

Trevor was kept busy watering gardens, planting new lawn and generally doing jobs that required his skills. I was asked to help with the cooking. The lady who had been there for three weeks before we arrived was used to cooking for herself and her sister – not 33 people as happened in her first week. When she realised I was more used to cooking in quantities, she heaved a sigh of relief.

In my first week we cooked for 22 and in the second 16. It was quite a lot of years since I had cooked for fairly

The Quakers

by Pater Muscamuro

A visit to the Quaker Community in Mt Lawley, was for me, all about ambition and aspiration.

Over the last 20 years I’ve had some ambitions fulfilled - and because I’m a romantic these ambitions have been eccentric, weird and quite subjective. For instance once in Zimbabwe, at Victoria Falls I met a local Perth Priest who was travelling with another group, and asked him if he would like to cycle across the bridge over the Zambesi River and enter Zambia for a bit of a look. He thought I was stark raving mad.

Some of my fulfilled ambitions have been to work with Mother Teresa in Calcutta for two weeks and hold the hand of Mother Teresa. To attend a performance of Madame Butterfly inside the Kremlin in the old U.S.S.R. To visit the biggest waterfall in the world the Iguasu Falls between Argentina and Brazil.

To see the biggest live crowd in history, 5 million, gathered for

large numbers so it took a few stressfilled days to get into the swing of things. It was scones, muffins or pikelets for morning tea, 3 or 4 different salads and cold meat for lunch, cake or biscuits for afternoon tea and a hot meal at night.

The first two weeks were given over to retreats conducted by Fr Tom Gleeson and Sr Juanita. We had Mass each evening sitting in a big circle on the lawn. One of Trevor’s jobs was to light a fire in a drum to keep us warm. During the day it is shorts and T-shirt weather, but as soon as the sun goes down about 5.30 it is tracksuit time.

the World Youth Day in Manila

1995 with Pope J.P. II. To zip along the metropolitan beaches from Fremantle to Yanchep in an F 111 (had to settle on the reverse slow speed Tiger Moth still spectacularly beautiful and back along St George’s Terrace on the most perfect day Perth has ever had).

To be the class teacher for the Year Ones for a week at the Parish School where I was stationed, because every other teacher was down with flu.

To have No. 1 seat in the Entertainment Centre Perth for Jesus Christ Superstar. To conduct an Orchestra for 5 minutes (they did their own thing and I did mine). To go to Cat Island in

Volunteers are encouraged to watch videos and read books about the early treatment of Aborigines. The Aboriginal community lives 2 – 3 kilometres down the highway. It is a dry community with a population of about 200, including many artists doing a considerable amount of work.

There are a number of experienced white people living with them to help in the promotion, packing and marketing of the paintings which are sent all over the world.

The countryside is hilly and there are some lovely climbs for the very fit and smaller ones for those less able. Trevor and I climbed two of the smaller hills and just sat there to take in the view. It helped me understand the need for Aborigines to have their land back. It isn’t like when we own land – the land is part of them.

I had a very strong feeling of Jesus being among us at Mirrilingki. Strangers are put together and given jobs, and they all work side by side without major upsets – it has to be more than just humans. I know in my head that Jesus is among us, but this experience has helped to put it in my heart. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who has the time. It is not a holiday, but each day is a holy day.”

(Mirrilingki can be contacted on (08) 9168 7884, fax 9168 7310, or email mirrilingki@bigpond.com. The website is www.user s.bigpond.com/mirrilingki/default .html. The Diocese of Broome can be contacted at PO Box 76, Broome WA 6725, phone 9192 1060, fax 9192 2136.

the Bahamas and visit the tomb of Monsignor John Cyril Hawes of Geraldton fame.

Another ambition was fulfilled this week when I attended a Quaker Meeting.

It was a surprising and pleasant experience. The Quakers were founded by the 19 year old George Fox in 1648.

Their real name is the Religious Society of Friends. Their most famous US Quaker was William Penn who established the State of Pennsylvania.

The British Quakers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. The founder George Fox bade them “tremble or quake at the word of the Lord” and Quakers was originally a contemptuous title.

Quaker Spirituality has considerable resemblance to Catholic Mysticism and their morality is equally lofty.

For example, they deny to the State any jurisdiction in spiritual matters as do Catholics.

Their present handout leaflet about the Peace Testimony to Charles II in 1660 is one and the same with that issued from their New Zealand yearly meeting of 1987.

They totally oppose all wars and all preparation for war and

Black Madonna to grace streets of Fremantle

On Sunday September 14, the Association of Maria Santissima del Tindari, will be celebrating the eighth anniversary of the feast and procession in Fremantle.

About 3000 people are expected to take part in the procession through the streets of Fremantle in a colourful display of faith and devotion to the Black Madonna.

The secretary of the association Joe Franchina said the festivities will begin with a Solemn Triduum in the Basilica of Saint Patrick from Thursday to Saturday, September 11-13, at 7.45pm.

On Sunday September 14 at 9.45am there will be a Concelebrated Solemn Mass presided over by Bishop P.eter Quinn.

The procession will leave the Basilica at 2.00pm.

The statue of Our Black Lady will be carried through the streets of Fremantle to the Esplanade, where there will be a brief pause for a daytime fireworks display.

At the conclusion of the fireworks, the procession will return to the Basilica for Benediction.

Joe Franchina said that according to the popular legend, which has been passed down through the centuries, the Black Madonna arrived in the small Sicilian town of Tindari through miraculous circumstances in the year 726 AD.

But it was the devotion, determination and above all the faith of the community that led to another statue of the Black Madonna being commissioned and produced in Fremantle in 1996, exactly 1270 years later.

The statue of Our Lady was placed in the Basilica St. Patrick, and religious celebrations have been held every year during the second week in September, culminating with a Solemn Mass and procession.

For further information, contact Joe Franchina, Mobile 0404801138 or 93351185.

say that a refusal to fight with weapons is not surrender.

Wars will stop only when each of us is convinced that war is never the way.

Quakers often speak of the “Inner Light” and “the Spirit”.

By these terms they mean the divine stirrings by which anybody can experience God‚s promptings to illuminate their lives. God prompts us to make good and loving choices.

Our Mt Lawley meeting was set up in a nice room in a 1920‚s beautifully kept modest house. A Quakers meeting is based on silence.

It is a silence of expectancy.

Each of the 21 gathered in a circle, through meditation tries to come closer to God and to each other in the still-spirit of the meeting.

Quakers don’t recite creeds, sing hymns, have set prayers. Worship is simple, no ceremony, no priests or ministers, no prearranged structures.

There were a couple of children in the beginning in the circle, but they left after a few minutes. It is difficult, even for some adults to sit still for one hour, the length of a Quaker worship meeting.

The silence can be broken dur-

ing the hour when someone feels a need to speak or to share some enriching prompting of the Spirit. The silence is only broken for the moment, but not interrupted. The meeting closes with the Elders shaking hands with the assembled group. The group is made up of Members and Attenders.

Attenders may apply to become members when they feel they are ready.

Quakers respect all life as sacred. They have a strict nonviolence policy. The Society of Friends form as it were a religious Order within Protestantism.

Their numerous large scale works of mercy have for centuries evoked the admiration of the whole world. World wide their numbers are small, about a quarter of a million. They have a gentle image, and a simple life style.

I had hoped among my ambitions to see one day a similar group - The Shakers‚ and their exquisitively beautiful lace and tapestry work.

However, that group did not believe in marriage, so you can guess the result!

The Quakers seem to me to be reasonable people.

Black Madonna statue of Tindari

Volunteer Trevor Corry is welcomed to Mirrilingki by an Aboriginal Elder in a traditional smoking ceremony.

The story of Australia’s most inspirational woman

By Debbie Warrier

Linda Watson has won The Women’s Weekly competition for Australia’s Most Inspirational Women.

Ms Watson was one of those nominated by The Women’s Weekly as Australia’s five most inspirational women. By popular vote she won the title and with it a trip for two to Rome, and intends to take her friend Lorraine with her to see the Pope.

“I feel overwhelmed. It means I get a chance to meet the Pope. I’ve fulfilled my dreams, and it’s a victory,” Ms Watson said.

A jubilant Ms Watson said she could not think of any other ex-brothel madam who had won such an award, and called it a world first.

Her win has already begun to inspire others.

“I told one of my residents at my House of Hope when she got home from work, and she just jumped! This award gives them hope to achieve their dreams. It means I can be a role model to the girls, encouraging them not to be oppressed by prostitution as I was for 20 years,” Ms Watson said.

Ms Watson said even her nomination had a phenomenal impact on those trapped in prostitution. She said she received calls from girls around Australia, who spoke of wanting to change their behaviour.

Naming Mary Magdalene as her spiritual inspiration, Linda described the biblical saint as powerful. Ms Watson said evidence of the saint’s influence, was that Jesus revealed himself to her first after the resurrection.

Asked what drives her to achieve all that she does for those involved in prostitution,

and/or drugs, she replied “Christ has given me the compassion to rescue others like myself.”

Ms Watson spoke highly of Archbishop Barry Hickey’s support for her work.

“I do this because I have the support and belief of the Archbishop. I was a stranger, and he welcomed me in. I do the same for the girls who find themselves in this situation.”

Ms Watson believes it was the forgiveness she has received for her sins, that has made it possible for her to move forward with her life.

“When one has been forgiven much, one is able to love much.”

Ms Watson spoke of her own conversion. She said she looked up to the late Princess Diana, and her death in 1997 made her realize money can’t give you happiness.

It was a stage in her life when she was at cross roads. She had left work with a brothel madam, and stopped taking her prescribed medication.

It was then she had a spiritual encounter with God, praying, “God, if you’re there, I never want to sell another girl.”

Shortly after this, someone passed her a flier advertising Richard Egan, and the fight against the legalization of prostitution.

She decided to join this cause, and came into contact with the Archbishop, who continues to support Ms Watson’s work with prostitutes today.

“The biggest male inspiration to me is the Archbishop. I’m just such a stubborn mule, and he’s been so patient,” she said with a laugh.

Ms Watson said she knew the Archbishop was proud of her, and she was sure that her late Polish Grandmother would be proud of her also.

Ms Watson said that if she has the opportunity to talk to the Pope, she plans to address him in Polish. She added, she would like to go to Rome for Mother Teresa’s beatification in Rome on October 19, this year.

She expressed gratitude to all those who had helped her. She said her adult children inspired her with their unconditional love. Ms Watson also thanked Terry and Maureen Ryan, Archbishop Barry Hickey, and Peter Rosengren, as well as the many people who voted her in as Australia’s Most Inspirational Women.

“I must thank everyone who has voted. I have new friends from afar. God’s hand is in my victory.” Ms Watson said she couldn’t believe how much her life has changed since she left “the game” in 1997. Six years later, she describes her life as “a miracle story.”

She admires the girls in prostitution who are now seeking her help.

“People who have succeeded by putting their hands up, and going to Linda’s House of Hope, are my inspiration.”

Donations to Linda Watson’s House of Hope may be sent to: PO Box Z5640 St George’s Tce, Perth WA 6841.

New cookbook “Food for the Soul”

By Debbie Warrier

Move over Jamie Oliver, there’s a new chef in the kitchen!

Parish priest Father Wayne Davis launched the Willeton parish community’s cookbook titled “ Food for the Soul” after their Multicultural Mass last Sunday.

The cookbook contains over 200 recipes and is written testimony to the culinary secrets of many Willeton parishioners’ kitchens. Fr Wayne contributed a few recipes himself, including a 100 year old recipe for his grandmother’s Christmas cake.

Fr Wayne told those present at the launch that he credited his grandmother, mother, sister, and the “Two Fat Ladies” (UK TV cooks Clarissa Dickson Wright and the late Jennifer Paterson) for instilling in him the joy of cooking.

Describing the cookbook as an evangelization tool, Fr Wayne said the collation of recipes had brought the parish community together.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Fr Wayne said “ Eat that which is good and let your soul delight itself.”

Declaring the launch officially open, Fr Wayne wished the hundreds of parishioners assembled “ Bon Appetite.” The crowd were treated to samples of some of the food featured in the cookbook, and copies of “Food for the Soul” were on sale for $10. All copies sold out at the launch, but are available on order.

The parish’s annual Multicultural –Refugee and Migrant Mass was brought forward to coincide with the cookbook launch. An estimated 600 parishioners attended the Mass, and many dressed in their national costumes.

Head of the parishioner cookbook committee Mrs Lillian Kee addressed the congregation before Mass. She said “In this Mass we celebrate and recognize the rich ethnic diversity of our parish family and the history we have for helping refugees.”

Indonesian musicians then performed “Amazing Grace” on traditional bamboo instruments.

In his homily, Father Corran Pike spoke of how the Catholic faith is grounded in the refugee experience. He drew a parallel with the experience of the Holy

family fleeing with the infant Jesus from Herod’s persecution, concluding “We owe our faith as Christians to the refugees.”

Fr Corran then introduced ex Kenya refugee Mr Francis Olaka. Mr Olaka gave a moving personal account of life in his troubled homeland, and his experience in Australia since 1990. Describing the contrasting peace he has since experienced as an Australian, Mr Olaka said “Until today, I have not heard the sound of a gun.”

At Offertory time, national symbols were brought up with the gifts. Scottish parishioners got a laugh from the congregation, when they gave Fr Corran a bottle of whiskey. The literal meaning of whiskey is “water of life.’ A refugee family from Sudan who had recently moved into the parish took up the bread and wine.

The Church was brightly decorated with international flags painted by Orana primary school children in Willeton.

Enquiries regarding book orders, contact 9332 5992 or 9313 5049.

Happy 60th Anniversary Focolare!

By Debbie Warrier

It’s the Focolare movement’s 60th Anniversary around the world this year, and the 30th Anniversary of its presence in Western Australia.

The Focolare movement is an international ecumenical movement that conducts regular formation meetings for men, women, religious, priests, families and children.

About 150 people attended the celebrations that took place at the Little Sisters of the Poor hall in Glendalough, on Sunday August 10. Tribute was paid to St Clare of Assisi whose feast day was on Monday August 11, this year. Father Daniel Foley, and his co-celebrants Father Corran Pike and Father Robert Rindos said a Thanksgiving Mass in the Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel on site.

Founder Chiara Lubich established the movement in 1943. The Italian name Chiara itranslates as Clare in English; hence the celebration was held close to Ms Lubich’s patron saint’s feast day.

During the Mass, Focolare members Stephen Hall and Karen Hayes read a message from Chiara Lubich outlining the special relationship shared between St Clare of Assisi and Our Lady. Incidents like St Clare feeling the embrace of Mary, as the saint was dying were described. Those assembled were encouraged to learn from the principles of our Lady’s life: virginity (purity), poverty and humility.

Coordinator of the Women’s branch of the local Focolare Ms Aida Barbosa said Ms Lubich decided to give her life to God in the disruptive aftermath of World War II, finding in Him a reassuring constant. Many people had experienced losses as a result of the war, and were seeking the constancy of the Divine presence. It was with these like-minded individuals that Ms Lubich began the Focolare movement.

The celebrations continued in the Little Sister of the Poor hall. For enquiries regarding the movement contact Aida Barbosa on 9349 4052 or Mario Merlo on 6278 3425.

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Linda Watson: The winner’s smile

Catholic opinions from around Australia

Given the wonderful success of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of The Rings, it is a great pity that he was never able to complete the work it sprang from, The Silmarillion, in satisfactory and publishable form. His son, Christopher, published some complete parts, and has published many volumes of Tolkien’s drafts, notes and fragments, but Tolkien himself was well aware it was not in the form of an acceptable book. Some of the fragments are delightful to read and the whole is of the greatest interest to Tolkien scholars, but it is not a finished narrative.

One reason was probably that Tolkien never found a device to anchor it in the real world, as the Hobbits anchor The Lord of the Rings in the earth. Its high, mystic, generally Elvish, characters remain impossible to identify with, and, even more fatally in a narrative, difficult to tell apart.

This is a great problem for writers who wish, in our present mundane age, to deal with high, heroic, mystical themes. If, in The Silmarillion, this problem defeated so great a writer as Tolkien, what hope for the rest of us?

One writer who met the challenge of combining the high and heroic with the recognisable world is the late Paul Anderson, who died recently just after seeing into print what he believed was his greatest work, Mother of Kings. Based on the Icelandic sagas, it brings to life the

by Norma Woodcock

Tmagnificent but merciless world of the Vikings and the first probings of Christianity into the Norse lands. Since its publication the book has been gathering well-deserved critical acclaim. As author Greg Bear has said, Anderson showed himself in this book to be the true modern heir of those who wrote the sagas. A great part of Anderson’s genius is his gift of appealing to the senses, as Tolkien does so well in The Lord of The Rings. The book opens:

“Wind snarled and skirled. Smoke from the longfire eddied bitter on its way upward, hazing lamps throughout the hall. Shadows flickered. They seemed to bring the carvings on pillars and wainscots to uneasy life. Nightfall came fast at the end of these shortening days. Soon there would

the

be nothing but night.”

Anderson was one of the most prolific novelists, even by the standards of sciencefiction, with something like 100 novels and 400 short stories to his credit.

Tolkien’s work and Anderson’s share love of chivalry, romance, valour, colour and splendour. Anderson’s The High Crusade, for example, is a delightful and comic tale of a medieval English baron and his people who capture an alien space-ship and by luck, shrewdness, and noble ideals spread a chivalrous, romantic civilisation through the galaxy. Inspired by their example, many alien races become “good Christian Englishmen.” One closes the book feeling: “if only it could really be like that!”

Anderson’s stories are all intelligent and

WORD

Sunday on

A laywoman’s meditations

Are we like the Pharisees?

oday’s readings challenge us to look at whether we observe the law as an end in itself or as a means to love God and others.

I am reminded of a lesson I learned many years ago about outward observances and inward attitude of heart.

I considered myself a good home maker and housewife. My home was spotless and I followed my daily routine to the letter. My husband’s clothes were folded meticulously, the ironing was always done on time, the meals prepared and presented well. I was proud of my accomplishments.

I was also unprepared for the rude awakening I was about to have.

God had been working in my life bringing me to an awareness of what it meant to be a disciple. I loved God deeply and was beginning to realise that it was only in loving others that I could show God I loved Him.

One day, after folding my husband’s clothes neatly and placing them in his drawer and feeling the satisfaction I felt in doing these chores well, I turned to my husband and asked him innocently “How can I show you how much I love you?”

Bluntly he replied, “Stop nagging me!!”

It bowled me over. Here I was doing what I thought was pleasing to him in my housewifely competence and instead of the appreciation I felt I deserved in my smug satisfaction for jobs done well, my attitude and resulting behaviour were being challenged.

Isn’t this exactly what the scriptures are telling us today.

With good intentions we fulfil the obligatory requirements of our religion but if they become an

end in themselves all we are left with is our own satisfaction and self complacent pride in a job well done.

God asks us for a heart conversion.

In the 1st reading Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, Moses tells the people that it is through observing the laws and customs they were being taught that they would have life and enter the promised land. The laws and customs were but a means to lead them to the desired end.

The Responsorial Psalm, Ps14: 2-5, describes the just man who will live in the presence of the Lord. ‘He who walks without fault, acts with justice, speaks truth from the heart, does no wrong to his brother, casts no slur on his neighbour etc.’

The same message is spelt out in the 2nd reading, James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27. ‘Pure un-spoilt religion, in the eyes of God our Fatheris to help orphans and widows and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world.’

In the Gospel Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Jesus tells the Pharisees that their observance of the law had become an end in itself instead of the means by which one lives in the presence of God. Our religion must lead to an ever deepening love relationship with God and with other people. The end result is to live in the presence of God moment by moment. This is the promised land. It begins now and continues for all eternity. So we need to ask ourselves how do we treat other people. By our fruit are we known not by our keeping of the law. Norma Woodcock is the Director of The Centre for Catholic Spiritual Development and Prayer. Website: www.normawoodcock.com

with Guy Crouchback

many have an underlying moral seriousness. In the short story “The Season of Forgiveness” human traders on a distant world are ordinarily benevolent but believe in putting business first. They present themselves to the locals as, their spokesman says:

“Tough but fair. We’ve come to build a trade that will pay off for us, and for no other reason. It’s up to them to keep us interested in remaining, which we won’t unless they behave. That attitude, that image, is clear enough, I hope for the most alien mind to grasp.”

In fact, it is not enough. The humans get nowhere with the locals, who cling to the remnants of a civilisation ruined by wars but who now desperately need help, until an incident at Christmas shows the humans to them in a new light. The human leader reflects:

“We seemed to offer them a fair, profitable bargain. But nothing else. We seemed to have no other motive than material gain. They could not understand this. It made us too peculiar. They could never really trust us. Now that they know we have our own sacrednesses, well, they see we are not so different from them, and they’ll heed our advice.”

Anderson was a great writer whose reputation is bound to grow beyond science-fiction.

J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure "The Lord of the Rings"

Editorially, the best - by the Swag

Bishops and liturgists who know what is going on in regards to the problems of the English translations from the Latin, of the Sacramentary and the Rite of Ordination are reluctant to voice their opinions publicly.

If Vatican departmental bureaucrats have their way liturgy will be different. To mention a few. Celebrants will be denied the gesture of leaving the sanctuary to offer the sign of peace to grieving relatives at a funeral. The exclusive words of ‘man’ and ‘mankind’ will replace ‘all’, ‘us’ or ‘humankind’; chalice will replace cup and the congregation’s response to “The Lord be with you” will be “And with your spirit” instead of ‘with you’. The revised Australian Rite of Marriage may well, bite the dust.

Apparently the Roman push is all about a literal fidelity to the Latin and a new ‘sacral language’.

The last two years has seen the forced revision of the statues of ICEL, the retrenchment of an ICEL staff member, the resignation of long serving Secretary John Page, a new hostility from the Curia towards ICEL officers and the Bishop’s conferences. The rejection of the ordination rite and the sacramentary despite overwhelming approval of ACBC and other English speaking Bishop’s confer-

The missing element

Surian Chandrasegaran in his letter (The Record August7) is correct in his assessment of the late B A Santamaria’s opposition to ’economic rationalism” and the free market. However this opposition was, to a large degree, based on the work of Hilaire Belloc.

Fifty years after Belloc’s death we should honour his life and celebrate the great legacy he has left for us. We should also acknowledge that he was, occasionally, stubbornly wrong. To be wrong is one thing,omission is another.

An identification, of the major causes, behind the progress of the servile state was omitted from Belloc’s The Servile State Bad philosophy was the prime cause. Bad philosophy has also given rise, in many cases, to the development of not only bad theology but also to bad politics and a bad money system.

The Chesterbelloc circle pinpointed capitalism and the banks as one part of the problem leading to the Servile State.

John H Hotsonidentified the problem as the fact that most of ‘our’ money is created as debt. Robert Blain established that the growth of such debt was exponential. Helda Camara highlighted the very negative impact of debt on the people of Brazil. John McMurtry outlines the fundamental structure of the the Bank of Canada which is the same as in Australia.

The role of the media in promoting the “ideals” of free markets, which feed on debt money, must not be overlooked.

All of thesepieces need to be pieced together in order to identify and then rectify those institutions in our society which are a threat to human dignity and give rise to a world that does not reflect reality.

John McKay Swan View

Latin Mass available

Thank youfor recently publishing Fr Tim Deeter’s apt response to a reader’s question as to why Latin has been

POBox 75, Leederville, WA 6902

Tel:(08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au

ences. Presumably the Vatican didn’t like what our Bishop’s presented.

Though under new guidelines ICEL continues its works for the eleven English speaking Bishop’s conferences. (Australia, Canada, England & Wales, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Phillipines, Scotland, South Africa, New Zealand and USA. ) Its work is also significant for other associated Bishop’s conferences.

The vernacular has only been around for thirty seven years. It is relatively much easier to find uniformity among the German, French and Italian speakersEnglish is a different matter. Interestingly

enough the Spanish speakers (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia and Chile) all have their own different sacramentary. There are significant differences in the culture and consequently the language of English speakers. Furthermore, technology and world trade has forced English to change dramatically in the past 40 years. It has become the lingua franca of planet earth. As a living language it continues to change. Should all our English prayers be set in concrete and ignore the changes that will continue to come. The Chinese cannot get enough English teachers - soon there will be a

In place of our regular editorial this week we carry the editorial from the National Council of Priests’ publication The Swag which won first prize in the ‘best editorial’ category at the recent Australian Catholic Press Association awards in Canberra. The editorial was penned by Perth’s own F R J O H N J E G O R O W .

Around t he tabl e dnuorA t eh lbat e

‘removed’ from Catholic liturgy. As Fr Tim saidLatin can be heard at the 10am Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral every Sunday.

However, I wish to add that one can also receive a good daily dose of Catholic nutrition at the Traditional Latin Masses held at the nearby Pro Cathedral. This is Perth’s oldest Catholic church building and was used as the first Cathedral whilst the current Cathedral was being built.

For people wishing to have quieter preparation before Mass, deep contemplation during Mass with peaceful thanksgiving after Mass (disregarding our fervent chatter in the sacristy or outside the Pro Cathedral afterwards), I recommend a visit to the Pro Cathedral.We are situated on Victoria Avenue, directly opposite the Catholic Church Office.

One is also assured of being exposed to very sound Catholic theology by participating in the Traditional mass.

Mass times are available at http://www.geocities.com/latinmasswa/ as well as being shown in St Mary’s Cathedral main foyer.

Amy Harry address supplied

Thanks for Willesee

Allow us to thank you and the other sponsors, and in particular

Archbishop Barry Hickey, for permitting the presentation by Michael Willesee. Clearly, the Holy Spirit was influential in bringing a multitude to be reminded of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity).

In every generation, Jesus gives us signs of His presence. Although we may have forgotten Him, He has never forgotten us. Too many of the works of Jesus are ignored, doubted or defied. Under the illusion of protecting Jesus, He and His works are too often remoted and not promoted. Remember His big miracle at Fatima. “They spent their time instead doubting, arguing, never diffusing My Mother’s words properly so that very few knew of the urgency of the Message.”

Similarly, we are again reminded of the great urgency of Garabandal’s Message, and Medjugorje et al. All are reminders of His Love - of His desire for intimacy with us. He is pleading with us to accept the Truth, to open our hearts, to believe. The message is the same today, expressed through Don Gobbi and others. Would a loving Father not come and remind His children - is He not Omnipotent???

Congratulations Michael Willesee. Decidedly, the Holy Spirit will ensure the widespread distribution of your timely video, The Eucharist Kieran Forde Greenmount

... and again

Congratulations on the big turnout for the successful launch of Mike Willesee’s video on the Eucharist last week at John XXIII College. Thisevent, together with that of the recent visit of Christopher West, is avery positive development for Catholics in Perth.

However, I can’t but wonder if the Catholic Church in Western Australiais adequately geared up to provide structured, ongoing faith educationto the many Catholics who attended the above functions - ie what plansdo The Record and Youth Ministry have in place to follow up and offerCatholics further opportunities for faith development? Because unless these events are followed through with

‘Chinese’ nuanced English, if there isn’t already!

The issue is more likely to be about Vatican II’s teaching on collegiality - than language differences. A thorn for Vatican officials. Both Vatican II and the new code of Canon Law gave the job of translating the Latin into the vernacular to Bishop’s conferences - now, vatican officials seem to be wrestling all control of that job back for themselves.

As ICEL was re structured and changed, the Vatican attempted to ban existing ICEL members from membership of the new body. The former sub-committees were disbanded, and their experts left bruised and offended. Presumably the best in the English speaking world. To date the bishops have stood firm in resisting the curia’s insistence to control who may be appointed to any of the ICEL committees.

Will the next round of experts be more in tune with what Rome wants or expects?

Are we to return to the rubrics of old that governed and choreographed every possible gesture? Will our ‘English prayers’ meet the needs of a living people with a living language? Will the PPs (People’s pastors) please stand up, speak up and be counted!

- The Swag

structured programs, they run therisk of being regarded as “entertainment”.

On a related topic, in the current Vocations issue of TheRecord,Archbishop Hickey refers to “the urgency for evangelisation”. Is it nottime for all Catholic organisations to urgently develop a sharper evangelisation focus?

In conclusion, it is my hope that The Eucharist video is shown to allclasses in all WA Catholic Schools!

Geoff Storey

Hillarys

The Record intends to continue bringing interesting and inspiring speakers to Perth. Readers and the public will be advised of these as they become available. - Ed.

Consistency

Catholic politicians, Laurie Brereton (Labor) and Christopher Pyne (Liberal) when questioned on the Vatican’s stance on same sex unions, opined that “There is a need for the separation of Church and State.

All sounds very principled, however stripped of its humbug the euphemism they are hiding behind is the fact that they don’t publicly support the Vatican on this issue-whether they are in parliament or singing in the church choir.

The trouble with theprevailing view among the chattering classes regarding same-sex unions, was demonstrated on American TV today.

Pat Robertson, the CEO of Christian Television revealed how he recently asked one of the episcopalian bishops, who supported the ordination of the gay bishop, what he would think of a clergyman, who deserted his wife and children and went to live with another woman, would he be scandalised? “Of course” replied the bishop, “it would be a disgrace”.

Rev Robertson said “Then how do you explain that it’s OK if the same man runs off into a sexual relationship with another man?”

Frank Bellet Petrie,

Qld.

Fr David Watt of Edith Cowan University, hears confessions before and after Mass, and any other time as needed.

I was bitten by prayer

C o n t i n u i

P e r t h m a n R E G F I R T H f r o m t h e D i s c i p l e s o f J e s u s

C o v e n a n t C o m m u n i t y t e l l s b e l o w o f h i s o w n j o u r n e y t o f a i t h .

No doubt my early faith development was shaped by my Mother’s example. She clung to the security of her faith, and to the Catholic Church (Mass, Benediction, etc), during a protracted time of hardship as she battled to raise 3 young children and care for a sick husband. Every Sunday morning and evening she would walk with us to the Church. Whilst Mum wasn’t a Catholic, she yearned to be.

Dad, however, discouraged her. I remember that it was while he was in hospital, dying, that Mum again raised the matter and, somehow, it was resolved. Shortly after Dad died, Mum took instructions and was welcomed into the Church. Mum’s faith meant a lot to her; it seemed to influence her whole life. She appeared always to be happy and full of hope, even though she worked long hours in three jobs to support her young family.

Our Sundays revolved around Mass and Benediction. Five years later, when I was 16, I watched Mum die. My grief was softened by an absolute conviction that, her hardship over, my Mum now rejoiced with the angels in heaven.

I never ceased Mass attendance, although in almost every respect I neglected Christian values during my teens and through to my mid-twenties. I had no real concept of sin.

Then I met Janny deVries. Here was a delightful young Protestant lady who was so totally convicted of the reality and meaningfulness of God. Her faith was an enormous and stimulating, challenge to me.

At about the same time I attended Mass at a neighbouring Parish and was introduced to a young couple who were friends of the Priest. Their openness to me, and their obvious faith, stirred me even more. With Janny, I spent many hours in the company of this couple and their friends. I found the faith of all of them contagious. Here were people actually excited about, and seemingly fulfilled from, their faith in Jesus Christ. Janny commenced Instruction to become a member of the Catholic Church, and I went along to the meetings to learn more about my own

World Briefs

Parish priest murdered in Congo

BUNIA, Congo - A 30-year-old parish vicar in the town of Fataki, in Congo’s northern Ituri province, was murdered by a militia following a recent raid.

The town where Father Justin Mandro Kpanga worked is predominately populated by the Hema ethnic group. The murder was linked to an opposing Lendu militia.

Eyewitnesses reported the incident to the pastor, Father Protais Dhena, according to news sources.

Contact with the Congolese priest ceased at the beginning of August, when Fataki was attacked by the Lendu militia.

Following the attack, Father Kpanga was

faith.

Janny and I were married in 1973, and continued on our faith journey. The relationships we enjoyed with our Christian friends were a source of strength, but still my faith was built on ‘head’ knowledge. Together we became very involved in Parish and other Christian activities.

Then, one by one, our friends became involved in prayer meetings. They tried to share with us their Spiritual renewal but, highly conservative and very sceptical, I resisted their invitations. Eventually, in January 1979, I gave in and attended a 4 day Conference in Perth. I was profoundly affected. God seemed to cut away my disbelief. I was involved in praying with a young boy whose eyesight was restored instantly. How could I deny any longer the intimacy of God? We had prayed to Him and this boy was healed. I remember clearly that as we prayed my fingers, which were resting on his closed eyelids, became quite warm. After the short prayer the boy declared himself healed (this healing was medically confirmed by his specialist). Later that week I was prayed with for the release of the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Almost instantly my faith went from ‘head’ knowledge to ‘heart’ knowledge. I knew the reality of God, and He touched me.

God protected me in my renewed faith walk. Shortly after, our family moved to Sydney. I rang our only Christian contact to find that he was in the process of bringing together families and single people who sought to grow stronger in their commitment to the Lord.

This was the beginnings of the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community. Our return to Perth in late 1987, primarily to commence a Branch of the Community, was a further step in my faith walk with the Lord. After a few years I began working parttime, then fulltime, for the Community. I feel so blessed, as a lay person in the Catholic Church, to have such an opportunity to serve the Lord.

I recall seeing a sticker “If you don’t feel close to the Lord today, guess who’s moved?” So many times I have wandered ‘off-centre’.

deported along with several civilians. A number of those abducted by the Lendu militia, who managed to escape, said that the priest was shot to death.

“His body was abandoned alongside the road, while he was being deported together with other civilians, but for the moment, due to the insecurity throughout the area, it is impossible to recover his body,” a religious source from Bunia told the Misna agency.

Dynamite Attack on Archbishop BOGOTA, Colombia, - Archbishop Antonio Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin appealed again for national reconciliation following a dynamite attack on his residence. The attack wounded two policemen. The archbishop was not in his residence when a fragmentation grenade

But always the opportunity, the invitation, to come back was there. Even more than an invitation, I believe the Lord has placed people in my path to help me refocus on Him. St Augustine wrote “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O God”. I had experienced my heart being restless as I actively sought fulfilment from ‘other gods’, but found peace as I embraced faith in Jesus Christ.

I came to understand that faith is a giftthe most precious gift - that God could give any of us. And He wants to give it to all of us .... even me! I came to understand that I can love God because He has first loved me. I appreciate just how much He loves me when I remember He gave His only son, Jesus, to die for me.

I remember how He gave me the faith example of my mother.

And, as a father of 6 wonderful, but sometimes naughty and disobedient children, I understand a little more about God’s compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. As I reflect on the Christ-centred relationships He has drawn me into, I marvel at His generosity to me. God wants to make it easy for me to have faith - strong, committed faith. He has consistently

placed around me ordinary people, but people who have an earnest desire to have God as their first love. Their commitment to daily prayer, the sacraments, and to their relationship with me and my family, encourages me to stand firm in my faith. Relationships built on faith in God are truly to be treasured. I believe such relationships are part of His plan for all of us.

For many years, after our evening meal our family has read from the Bible and from the life of one of the Saints. What great faith they had, and what peace and joy it gave them .... a real peace that the world cannot give. Saint Paul urges us (Ephesians 6) to grow stronger in the Lord by putting on the full armour of God. I am reminded that it is not my will-power or strength that increases my steadfastness of faith; rather it is by the power of God freely given through the Holy Spirit to those who call upon Him.

I remember when my mother was dying in Royal Perth Hospital, I ran to the Cathedral nearby - only to find it closed. I remember kneeling on the pavement outside and, in tears, crying out to God “Please don’t leave me!”

He never has.

Father’s Day

What dads can learn from God the Father (love your wives and your children)

Page 15

exploded, thrown by two men on motorcycle. The explosion, around 8 p.m. Friday, damaged the residence’s parking area, ACI reported.

At the time, the archbishop was in Valledupar, where he had travelled for the installation of the new bishop of the area. Asked who might be responsible for the attack, Archbishop Giraldo Jaramillo said: “Frankly, I have no idea,” and added “if someone has something against the Church, the best thing would be for us to meet and talk.”

Caritas seeks aid for North Koreans

HONG KONG, AUG. 25, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Caritas International has renewed its appeal for aid to the people of North Korea.

Tensions caused by the Pyongyang government's nuclear program have led to a drastic cut in funds for aid to the people, who are facing health problems and hunger, Caritas sources said.

In June, Caritas-Hong Kong, in charge of the aid, and Caritas-Korea, the main financial supporter of the assistance to North Korea, sounded the alarm.

Kathi Zellweger, director of cooperation of Caritas-Hong Kong, said the organisation has received only 30% of the US $2.67 million needed this year to finance humanitarian aid for North Koreans.

If the funds don't arrive, "the price will be paid by the most vulnerable, such as children in orphanages, the sick and pregnant women," she warned.

For more information, see www.caritas.org.

Reg and Janny Firth

Best regional publication

The Kimberley Community Profile published by the Diocese of Broome has won the award for best regional publication at the recent Australasian Catholic Press Association awards in Canberra.

Two Western Australian-based publications picked up awards at the ACPA’s annual conference.

Fr John Jegorow, parish priest of Ballajura and editor of The Swag, publication of the National Council of Priests, won the ‘best editorial’ category for his piece criticising what he saw as the Vatican’s lack of sensitivity towards local churches in matters liturgical. The editorial is reproduced in full on Page 7 of this week’s Record.

Commenting on the Kimberley Community Profile’s overall standard the judges said “This is a well-produced, innovative and lively magazine. Its layout and use of photos prove the point that communication is about more than words.

“The magazine embraces a range of cultures: a highlight was its attempt to get the whole Diocese of Broome singing a Christmas carol last year in an Aboriginal language. This magazine does a lot to unite a very diverse diocese. It also has a keen sense of fun and excellent recipes.”

Commenting on Fr Jegorow’s piece, which appeared in the Spring 2002 edition of The Swag, the judge described it as belonging to the terse and pithy category of entries.

“John Jegorow’s editorial on the Vatican’s narrowing liturgical strictures stood out among the entries. In relatively few words he paints a picture of a global, but highly centralised, Church that too often ignores the cultural and pastoral realities of a globalising, but still highly differentiated, world,” the judge said.

“And, although his criticism of the Roman Curia does not openly repudiate the rules imposed on celebrants, there is nothing mealy-mouthed about his statement of his case. The reader is left in no doubt where Jegorow, and presumably The Swag, stands.”

Parishes set up shop

By Debbie Warrier

Two local parishes have kicked off their own CaFÉ programs. St Lawrence Church, in Balcatta and the Infant Jesus Church, in Morley, are serving their faith with coffee or tea.

St Lawrence parishioners paved the way for the Catholic Faith Exploration program (CaFÉ) by running and participating in two Alpha courses.

“We have come to know more about God and what God can do for us,” say Santo and Rita Sturniolo, who participated in the second Alpha Course at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta. “We have shared with other people and come to know more people in our local parish community.”

“I see Alpha as a way of leading people to evangelisation”, says Kay Gradisen, the coordinator of the morning Alpha that has just finished. “Being filled with the Holy Spirit and deepening their relationship with God helps people to open up and let God guide them in every area of life. It is wonderful to see the change in people.”

More than 120 people have participated in the Alpha Course at Balcatta. With the completion of this second course, the participants are looking forward to continuing their spiritual journey together building on the friendships that have begun.

“The Alpha Course has been a very good way to bring people together and in a relaxed atmosphere talk about our Christian beliefs and practices”, says Fr Emil Ciecierega, SDS.

St Lawrence Parish is presently conducting one of the ‘CaFE’ courses (Catholic Faith Exploration program) Knowing God Better at the Parish centre. The Parish started the program last Tuesday at 7:30pm.

The Infant Jesus Church in Morley began running their CaFÉ program in their Parish centre on Monday August 25 at 10.15am.

To promote the program, the CaFÉ team leaders had played the “Introduction to CaFÉ” video at all the

Morley Parish Masses during last weekend.

CaFÉ coordinator and Parish councillor Aileen Budge said 50 people turned up for their first morning. The Parish has invested $700 into four CaFÉ modules and booklets. The modules are: Knowing God Better, Exploring the Catholic Church, Catholics Making a Difference, and the Parenting course.

Aileen said Parish Priest Father Gerard Moran had provided the team leaders of the program with marvellous support.

“I think it is a great opportunity for people to get to know, and grow to love their faith. Education in faith is very important,” Fr Gerard said.

She hopes the program will also provide fellowship to those isolated in the Parish community, adding “I’m delighted by the enthusiasm shown for the CaFÉ program so far.”

CaFE was launched in March 2002, and is the brainchild of the Catholic Evangelisation Services in the UK. It is currently running in 13 dioceses in England, with strong support from local Bishops, said UK Training and Development Director Jenny Baker.

Mrs Baker and colleague Mr Paul Marambos delivered a presentation on CaFÉ at the Catholic Education Centre, in Leederville on July 10 this year. The presentation was well received by the 140 people who attended.

It kicked of the Catholic Evangelisation Service’s CaFÉ promotional tour in Australia that finished on July 26.

CaFÉ is the process by which Catholics can explore their faith in Jesus Christ within the relaxed environment of small groups meeting in the parish.

It aims to help Catholics get a deeper appreciation of the sacraments, the Scriptures, and a fresh vision of the New Evangelisation Pope John Paul II is calling Catholics to.

Enquiries contact St Lawrence’s Parish Office on 9344 7066 or the Infant Jesus Parish Office on 9276 8500.

Best foot forward for East Timor

By Debbie Warrier

Amateur athlete Filomena Gould of K arrinyup is planning to walk to Kalgoorlie to raise money for youth in East Timor. She needs donations from West Australians to help the young people of East Timor access food and education.

Born in East Timor, she moved to Australia aged three when her parents separated. The fourth eldest in a family of ten, she visited East Timor every Christmas to visit her father Antonio Ricardo until she was 15.

The 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor meant the end of Mrs Gould’s visits to her homeland. Her father, his partner and their three children managed to escape to Australia that same year. Mrs Gould always felt close to her stepsiblings, and counted them as family. Her mother Edith had moved Mrs Gould and her other siblings to Darwin. Mrs Gould’s father died in 2001 from complications arising from a stroke he had seven years earlier.

Recently, Mrs Gould said she had a dream about her deceased father which convinced her it was his wish she raise funds for East Timorese youth.

“He asked me to come with him, and I turned to look down at my body

sleeping in my bed. I rose up with my father and we were smiling at one another.

“He then asked me to look through the clouds, and showed me East Timorese children who were crying. He told me that something had to be done about this, and we both began crying. I was still crying when I woke up.”

The dream inspired her to do the walkathon in aid of East Timorese youth. She plans to pay for her own flight to East Timor to personally deliver the money raised to Laga Parish Priest Father Joao de Deus.

Father Joao supervises the Primary

and Secondary “School Sponsorship” Project in his parish in Laga, East Timor.

The priorities of the project are: to ensure each student has one meal per day, to assist the parish in paying the teachers’ salary, to provide three sets of clothing per year per student, to provide two pairs of shoes per student per year and to permit maintenance of school premises.

Laga Parish is jointly responsible with the East Timorese government, for the delivery of the primary and secondary educational programs in 3 sub-districts of Baucau – Laga, Baguia and Quelicai. There are 22 primary schools within these areas, attended by 6200 students from Year1 to Year 9. Children would be encouraged to go to get an education because of the meal offered during school time, Mrs Gould said.

Mrs Gould anticipates the walk will take her between two to two and half weeks, and hopes to begin on October 15. She has been training daily, including walks to Fremantle from her home in Karrinyup where she lives with her husband and three children.

Mrs Gould said she would be happy with whatever she raises. To make donations contact Mrs Filomena Gould on 0418926177 or in October contact Dr Barry Mendelowitz 0419969551.

Infant Jesus CaFE team members from left: Janice Daily, Cheryl Davini, Aileen Budge and Andrew Davini

Local Youth in East Timor

Fr John Jegorow, Archbishop Carroll, Tony Cassar

Per th has been blessed with a large number ofseminarians.This week them from St Charles’Seminary were ordained into the priesthood.They John Daly,Brandon Crawford,Thi Lam and Michael Merrifield who were by family and friends for the special occasion.Gerard Conlan was also ordained for the Oblate Order inSt Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle.

By Debbie Warrier

Hundreds of people gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral on August 22, to see four of St Charles’ seminarians ordained into the priesthood.

Archbishop Barry Hickey called the newly ordained Father Michael Merrifield, Father Thi Lam, Father Brandon Crawford and Father John Daly to follow in the steps of the Good Shepherd during the homily.

"They must be good shepherds to their people as Jesus was, share their joys and sorrows," Archbishop Hickey said.

He encouraged the four to use their ministry to care for all, especially the poor, the rejected and those in need. People need to know God loves them, and therefore priests need to be people of love.

H e e n c o u r a g e d t h e f o u r t o u s e t h e i r m i n i s t r y t o c a r e f o r a l l , e s p e c i a l l y t h e p o o r , t h e r e j e c t e d a n d t h o s e i n n e e d .

P e o p l e n e e d t o k n o w G o d l o v e s t h e m , a n d t h e r e f o r e p r i e s t s n e e d t o b e p e o p l e o f l o v e

His Grace spoke of the expectations placed on the priests by virtue of their role in the community.

"Priests must preach the gospel, the good news, in season or out of season. They must preach the truth, whether it is acceptable or not."

The Archbishop acknowledged the inherent difficulty in such an expectation.

"Priests must also be examples of what

they preach, individual expressions of the good news, and have their own lives transformed by the Gospel." The Archbishop said priests were commissioned to develop the holiness of the Church. Using the Word of God and the Sacraments, priests could lead others to a

prayerful life. The heart and centre of their spiritual mission as priests was to draw others in unity to the Eucharist.

Acknowledging the difficulty in this expectation as well, he said "They will have to be men of prayer, examples of that call to prayer and deepening of

come from Ireland, France, USA, Vietnam and the Philippines.

He gave special thanks to God for generously and mercifully calling them to the priesthood.

Fr Lam delivered a short address in his native Vietnamese language to family

And then ther

faith." Archbishop Hickey said the four would achieve these objectives with the help of the Holy Spirit and the support of the faithful.

He concluded, "These will be your objectives and you will carry them out with the all the love and energy in your hearts."

Approximately 80 priests from around the diocese assembled on the altar during the ceremony to pray over the four newly ordained priests.

Refreshments were provided in a nearby hall, and many of those who attended the Ordinations Mass joined in the celebrations.

During the evening, the priests took to the stage to cut the cake specially ordered for the occasion and to address those assembled.

Fr Merrifield thanked visitors who had

and friends. On behalf of the four priests, Fr Merrifield offered heartfelt thanks to: Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Don Sproxton, St Charles Seminary Rector Fr Tim Corcoran and staff, Notre Dame University lecturers, parishioners from their parish placements, family, friends and those assembled.

"We will pray for you today and throughout our whole ministry," he said.

See also F See also F a a ther ther Conlan’ Conlan’ s stor s stor y y page 20 page 20

Father Brandon Crawford distributes communion.

The four Deacons lie prostrate before the altar as the Litany of Saints is chanted.

Photos by Peter Rosengren

four of y are joined

Numbers continue to rise as men respond to the call

The four ordinations in St Mary’s Cathedral last Friday night take the number of priests ordained for the archdiocese to 40 in the last six years. The consistently high level of ordinations in Perth is backed up by seminary numbers which are the best in Australia.

re were four...

Photos at right in clockwise direction: Father Thi Lam gives out communion; Archbishop Hickey lays his hands on Father John Daly; Father Michael Merrifield gives out communion; Archbishop Hickey with Father Thi Lam.

Deacon John Daly and Deacon Thi Lam wait to be presented to Archbishop Hickey before their ordination.

Fathers John Daly, Thi Lam, Brandon Crawford and Michael Merrifield

Meet our new priests

Perth’s four new priests come from varied backgrounds

By Debbie Warrier

These four men from St Charles’ Seminary have come from different walks of life, yet all were ordained together at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday August 22. The Record spoke to them about their individual vocations, and their step forward in faith to the priesthood.

Brandon Crawford

Brandon was born in Papua New Guinea and grew up in Nowra, on the South Coast of NSW.

When he was 12, Brandon and his family travelled around Australia, until finally residing in Perth. Brandon attended La Salle College in Midland.

He left in 1977 aged 15. He later became involved in the real estate industry, working in Perth and Mandurah.

Seven years ago he decided to explore the possibility of the priesthood, and joined St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford. The search led to his future ordination. Fr Crawford said "I’m comfortable with the decision to be a priest."

Thi Lam

Fr Lam came from South Vietnam to Australia with his family in 1991, aged 17. He described his family upbringing as being "always nurtured in strong Catholic faith."

He attended Aranmore College in Leederville and at the end of Year 12 was considering what to do with his future.

St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford had just re-opened and Fr Lam had heard they

were looking for students. He joined and completed seven years there as a seminarian. Asked what he hopes will happen when he is assigned to future posts by the Archbishop, he said "I will go wherever the Spirit leads me."

Michael Merrifield

Michael Merrifield originally came with his family from England in 1967, aged 2. He attended Sawyers Primary School until Grade 3, then Sacred Heart Primary

And one for the Oblates

The recently ordained Father Gerard Conlan (s e e p a g e 1 6 ) worked for 15 years in the mining industry, specializing in underground mining and ventilation, where he developed management and computing skills on the job.

He spent the last two years working as a consultant, which allowed him to travel extensively to several places in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Bigger things were in store for him and he had nowhere to go but up the ladder of success. He held the future in his hands, or so he thought.

But God had other plans for him. Father Conlan came to realise "it is not really important to know what the future holds for us, it is only important to know who holds our future: God" and that man should not count how much he can give up. . . but how much God can give.

With this, he dropped everything, took up his cross and followed Him.

For the late-blooming Father Gerry, the decision to join the Oblates did not come as a surprise because he knew so many Oblates and had close relationships with them since he was a boarder at the Oblate-

run Mazenod College. He singles out Fr Charlie Burrows, OMI (now in Cilacap, Java) as the greatest influence in his vocation. Second in a family of four .Gerry was born on November 14, 1961 in Leeton, NSW, to Denis James and Colleen Anne (nee Carroll) Conlan.

He entered St Mary's Seminary in Melbourne as a postulant in 1997.

It is Father Gerry's desire to share the Good News by using his practical skills to help people in under-developed regions of the world. He sees encouraging people to visit the sick, at home, as vital community work for all of us.

School until Grade 7 and finally La Salle College in Midland where he completed Year 11. During a Catholic Youth Retreat held in his teenage years, he felt God’s unconditional love and decided he wanted to give his life to him.

He did an apprenticeship in electrical fitting and installing, which set him on a career path in the caravan industry for the next 13 years.

He then joined the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community for the next three

years, and spent one of those years in the Philippines helping the homeless.

By then it was 1997, and Mr Merrifield spent four months with Fr Tim Deeter at his Casa Frassati Vocational Discernment Centre.

Fr Tim suggested Mr Merrifield continue his discernment at the Seminary, explaining such studies didn’t necessarily mean he had to be a priest.

Michael acted on Fr Tim’s suggestion, which led to his recent ordination.

John Daly

John Daly was born 1959 in Liverpool, England.

His Irish parents brought the family up in Ireland and England.

They moved to Australia in 1968. John attended Belmont High School until Year 10. He then worked for the Machinery Hire Company until he was aged 30, working his way up to Branch Manager.

"I was not a great Church going Christian up until then," said Mr Daly.

Searching for a sense of fulfillment, he travelled around the world.

It was then he met the late Mother Teresa and assisted her in Calcutta.

From 1991 to 1998, he would work a few months each year with a diamond mining company in the Kimberley to raise funds to continue his work in Calcutta.

The experience brought him back to a sense of community. He recalled praying in a small Church in India, feeling moved by his experience.

He has no doubt his encounter with Mother Teresa led him to the priesthood. The celebration of his ordination was enhanced by the attendance of two special guests: an uncle from America who is a priest, and a priest friend from Ireland, whom he met in India.

Church welcomes release of five children from detention centre

The Family Court’s decision to release five children from the Baxter detention centre was a welcome acknowledgement that children should be housed in safe and secure accommodation, rather than locked up, the Catholic Church said today.

Bishop of Port Pirie, Eugene Hurley, whose South Australian diocese takes in the Baxter centre, said the court’s decision to release the children while their parents’ asylum claims were being processed was a win for human dignity.

“This decision confirms the principle that the welfare of children should always be para-

mount,” Bishop Hurley said. “Children shouldn’t be in detention and neither should their parents. Families should be held in an alternative detention model in the community while claims are being processed.”

Priests delivering pastoral care to those in detention had been made aware of many children experiencing symptoms of anxiety, including bedwetting, nightmares, aggression and regression in studies.

Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Joseph Grech also welcomed the court decision. “This is a significant deci-

sion, which makes it clear that children should not be locked up in immigration detention centres,” he said.

“Detention is very destructive of families. The bottom line is that these children should be housed in safe and secure accommodation, preferably with their parents.”

The five children are to be taken into the care of the Catholic welfare agency, Centacare, and provided with safe accommodation and professional services.

“Respect for their religious faith will be an important part of that care,” Bishop Grech said.

St Vincent’s mattress supply exhausted

By Debbie Warrier

The State’s biggest charity, the St Vincent de Paul Society, is receiving more and more requests for living materials including single beds, single mattresses, lounge furniture and blankets.

Their Osborne Park Depot is their main point of goods distribution, and has been cleared out of supplies.

“Furniture deliveries are outweighing collections,” said State president Brian Bull.

He added within the last week the charity received over 75 requests for mattresses, Supply was not enough to meet demand.

In July this year, St Vinnies supplied 265 single foam mattresses in the metro area alone.

Mr Bull stressed that due to health requirements, St Vinnies is unable to accept donations of soiled, torn or stained mattresses.

“A new single mattress costs $42 and cash donations are needed to purchase them, if anyone can help us please call the Vinnies,” Mr Bull said. He said the mattresses would give a little warmth and comfort to those in need, and added “100% of donations received go directly to help those in need.” Donation Hotline (08) 9475 5416 or www.svdpwa.org.au

F ather Gerard Conlan with his father Denis.

Top: Brandon Crawford and John Daly, bottom: Michael Merrifield and Thi Lam.

Photo:Debbie Warrier

S t a t e P a r l i a m e n t i s e x p e c t e d t o s t a r t d e b a t i n g t h e R e p r o d u c t i v e T e c h n o l o g y A c t A m e n d m e n t B i l l e a r l y n e x t m o n t h . T h e c u r r e n t A c t f o r b i d s e x p e r i m e n t a t i o n o n h u m a n e m b r y o s , b u t t h e B i l l p r o p o s e s t o c h a n g e t h i s A g r o u p o f p o l i t i c i a n s –G o v e r n m e n t , O p p o s i t i o n , a n d I n d e p e n d e n t a n d n o t a l l C a t h o l i c s – w h o a r e e t h i c a ll y o p p o s e d t o t h e c r e a t i o n o f e m b r y o s f o r t h e p u r p o s e o f m e d i c a l e x p e r i m e n t a t i o n h a v e p r e p a r e d a s u m m a r y o f t h e s c i e n t i f i c d a t a f o r c i r c ul a t i o n t o a l l M P s i n p r e p a r at i o n f o r t h e d e b a t e . T h e s u m m a r y r e v e a l s t h a t a d u l t s t e m c e l l s , w h i c h h a v e n o a s s o c i a t e d e t h i c a l p r o bl e m s , a r e v a s t l y s u p e r i o r t o e m b r y o n i c s t e m c e l l s i n a c t u a l a n d p o t e n t i a l m e d i c a l u s e .

The summary is backed up by three pages of references to articles published in scientific journals and to current clinical uses of adult stem cells. An abbreviated form of the document is published below:

STARTING POINT

Normally a skin cell remains as a skin cell all its life and produces other skin cells. A nerve cell remains a nerve cell until it dies and so on.

Stem cells are those cells that can change into a variety of cells such as heart cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, skin etc. That is why they are called stem cells. They are the stem from which the different cell types proceed.

Stem cells can be taken from almost any part of any living human (child or adult) without harm. These are called adult stem cells.

Adult stem cells can also be taken

A A cchhaannccee ttoo ggeett iitt

from umbilical cord blood after the birth of a child. This is a very rich source of stem cells and attempts to establish a cord blood bank in WA should receive full government support.

Embryonic stem cells come from embryos, but the embryos are destroyed in the process. Very recently (July 7 2003, New Scientist) cells apparently identical to embryonic stem cells were discovered in samples of amniotic fluid (fluid surrounding the child in

the womb).

A stem cell line is created when stem cells from a single embryo or a single stem cell from an adult have been cultured in the laboratory and have multiplied for several months without changing into other types of cells.

The first stem cell lines were produced in 1998 using embryonic stem cells. Eighteen months later stem cell lines using adult stem cells were produced.

For clinical purposes it is not nec-

The advantages of adult stem cells

● Proven success in current clinical treatments, in animals and in laboratory culture

● Ability to generate all adult tissues

● Ability to “home in” on damage

● Can multiply almost indefinitely, providing numbers sufficient for clinical treatments

● Avoid problems with tumour formation

● Avoid problems with transplant rejection

● Avoid ethical quandary.

essary to wait for an adult stem cell line to be established. When enough adult stem cells have multiplied (a rapid process) they can be injected into patients to repair, for instance, damaged heart tissue, severed spinal cords, brain tissue degeneration.

HELPFOR PATIENTS

The only stem cells that have helped patients so far are adult stem cells.

Embryonic stem cell research has not helped a single patient anywhere in the world. Indeed the only use of embryonic stem cells on people was in a trial on patients with Parkinson’s disease. The patients got worse and the trial was cancelled.

Although they had an eighteen month head start, embryonic stem cells (unlike their adult counterparts) have achieved no clinical successes. There are a number of problems, but two are particularly important.

Embryonic stem cells have a tendency to multiply uncontrollably and form cancerous masses when injected into adults. This isn’t really surprising as the main job of embryos is to grow.

Part of this problem is the formation of teratomas – uncontrolled growths of cells that develop into teeth, cartilage or hair, for example. This is something we do not want to see if we put stem cells into the brain.

The other problem is immune rejection. To overcome this, scientists suggest cloning people and harvesting the stem cells from the resultant embryos. Most people find this idea repugnant, not only because it creates a new life in order to kill it, and turns women into egg factories, but also because it opens the door to further abuse by those eager to create the first cloned babies.

Other scientists suggest the problem could be solved by genetically engineering embryonic stem cells to create a “one cell fits all” line that does not trigger immune rejection. While this may turn out to be the final solution, genetically engineering human cells is a concern to the public and could have unforeseen consequences.

THE ETHICALPROBLEM

The ethical problem with embryonic stem cells arises from the fact that it has so far been necessary to kill the embryo in order to get the stem cells.

There is a world of difference

between killing someone in order to harvest their organs (a not uncommon practice in some countries) and an organ donation made by a person who has been killed in an accident or will survive the donation.

It is argued in the case of ‘surplus’ embryos, which cannot be accepted by parents or adopted, that they should not become subjects for experimentation. Some parents have expressed a desire for a burial rite for the remains or a naming ceremony.

With the very recent discovery (referred to earlier) of ‘embryonic’ stem cells in amniotic fluid, this ethical problem may disappear as long as the amniotic fluid can be obtained without endangering the mother or child.

A myth developed that adult stem cells could not form many different types of human tissue. This is not true. As revealed in New Scientist in January 2002, adult stem cells can form all body tissues.

BENEFITS OF ADULT STEM CELLS

In Israel and Canada paraplegics have regained partial movement after treatment with adult stem cells.

Griffith University in Queensland is commencing clinical trials on quadriplegics using adult stem cells. Children born without an immune system (“Bubble Children”) have totally recovered after treatment with adult stem cells. Heart disease, Parkinson’s, strokes and many other illnesses have been successfully treated with adult stem cells.

Injecting adult stem cells into adults has been so successful because they not only come from adults, they come from the adult (or child) who is being treated.

This makes the cells totally compatible. All that is happening is nature is being given a boost. The few stem cells the body produces aren’t enough to do the job so these are multiplied outside the body and then injected back into the patient and because they are the patient’s own stem cells, the body knows how to use them.

The concept with embryonic stem cells is entirely different. Alien cells are injected into a body that does not recognise them and does not know how to control them.

To make matters worse the main job in life for these stem cells, coming as they do from embryos, is to multiply and grow.

A researcher handles culture trays containing human embryonic stem cells.

Daniel Marshak, chief scientific officer for Osiris Therapeutics in Baltimore, briefs US bishops on stem-cell research. He said experiments seem to indicate that it will be possible to use adult stem cells to regenerate bone, blood, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec

CNS photo courtesy University of Wisconsin

Surprise party for Sr Cecilia

Sr Cecilia celebrates her golden jubilee with parishioners

By Debbie Warrier

Celebrations for Sister Cecilia Fystor’s fiftieth anniversary were held at the Ukrainian Church Hall, next to St John the Baptist’s Church in Maylands on Sunday August 18. About 90 guests were on standby to surprise the guest of honour.

Sister Cecilia (Anne) is originally from Warwick, Canada.

After graduating from St Martin’s Roman Catholic high school, she entered the Novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate (SSMI) in Ancaster, Ontario, on June 29, 1953.

She made her final profession of vows on August 15, 1959.

In 1994 she came to Geelong to continue her ministry with the Eparchial parishes in Australia. She has been in Perth since 1996.

Tributes to Sr Cecilia flowed from overseas, interstate and locally.

Absent family and friends sent emails thanking Sr Cecilia for her generosity, joy and example in faith.

Many sent flowers. Representatives from the different groups assembled in the Hall gave speeches, acknowledging the contribution to the community Sr Cecilia, and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate have made.

Visiting Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Peter Stasiuk from Melbourne acknowledged in his speech the difficulties the Sisters had surmounted in the 10 years they had been with the Eparchy.

He spoke of their achievements, which included getting Eastern Rites recognised in Catholic schools’ religious education, their work with Youth for Christ, Parish religious education, and Liturgical education.

“Thank God, praise God, for Sr Cecilia and the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate,” he concluded. Sr Cecilia admitted to being suspicious when the other Sisters kept disappearing the day before the surprise party.

Though a cold made it difficult for her to speak, she said “…my heart sings the Magnificat.”

One of the chief organisers of the event, Mrs Luba Valega, presented Sr Cecilia with a photo album set out in a “This is your life” format, based on the TV program.

Not to be outdone, among other songs they sang for the occasion, the Sisters performed an affectionate send up song called “Cecilia.”

Sr Cecilia said Sr Maria Moravski, of Geelong, Sr Darlene Pelechaty, of Brisbane, and the President of the Parish Council Mrs Myroslava Stasiw assisted Mrs Valega in organising the 50th jubilee.

Sr Cecilia attended the Teachers’ College in Toronto, in 1956 for a year and subsequently attended the Canadian Universities of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan (SK), Ottawa in Ontario (ON), Brandon in Manitoba, Hamilton in ON and Edmonton in Alberta.

Sr Cecilia said she moved to different locations according to where there was need identified by her Order or she herself chose

to go. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of SK in 1968. To enhance her teaching apostolate, Sister Cecilia has also undertaken courses in Eastern Theology and Spirituality, Iconography, Christology, and Counselling. She studied Scripture for a year in Jerusalem and made pilgrimages to various Holy land sites.

Sister Cecilia was involved with the teaching apostolate of the Sisters Servants in Canada for 26 years. During that time, she

taught from elementary to high school years, taught catechism on weekends and at summer camps, and also taught “Ukrainian school.” She served as local Superior at the mission in Vegreville, Canada for seven years. In 1986 Sr Cecilia has served in the Eparchial Religious Education Centres directed by the Sisters in Canada at New Westminster and in Regina, SK. Meanwhile, another Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate,

Blessed Sister Josaphata Hordashevska is the Ukrainian founder of the SSMI Order who died in her homeland of bone cancer, in1909. Pope John Paul II granted her the title of venerable in 1998, and she was beatified in 2001. Another member of the Order, Blessed Tarsykia Olha Matskiv died a martyr in 1944 and was also beatified in 2001.

Execute Amrozi, create a martyr warns Oblate missioner

Visiting priest asks bombing victims to forgive those who attacked them

By Debbie Warrier

An Indonesian Oblate missionary who has just visited Australia warned that executing Bali bomber Amrozi bin Nurhasyim could create a Muslim martyr who would inspire other terrorists.

Father Charlie Burrows OMI spoke to The Record about the recent acts of terrorism committed in the world, asking even the victims to put aside their understandable anger.

He had come to Perth to attend the ordination of Brother Gerard Conlan (see pages 13 and 20) and give talks on the vocation of being a Missionary.

Referring to Bali Bomber Amrozi bin Nurhasyim’s death sentence and the bombing of the Marriot Hotel in Jakarta, Fr Burrows said “A lot of people want Amrozi dead. [But] dead creates dead.

“If you want to free yourself, forgive others. Otherwise you become a slave to your enemy because he dictates your feelings. People have to think what they are allowing these bombers to do.”

Speaking from his experience as a prison chaplain in Indonesia, Fr Burrows said “The Catholic Church condemns capital punishment. If those with an opposing view ever went to an Indonesian jail, they wouldn’t think life was a lighter sentence.

The prisoners really suffer.”

“The misunderstandings about religion started before September 11. There needs to be increased dialogue [between the faiths.] Conflict resolution doesn’t have to end in violence,” he said.

Fr Burrows believes a social policy of social inclusion is the key to inter faith rivalry.

In Fr Burrows view, terrorism is a shared problem between Indonesia and Australia.

“Ninety-nine point nine per cent of Indonesians would feel very bad about Australians dying or in hospital because of these acts of terrorism. Most Indonesians are living scared themselves,” he said.

Fr Burrows said the terrorists are a very

small group of people. He added that the Indonesians were not just one unified group. Within that group there were differences of faith, dialects, factions and ethnic backgrounds.

“There is a difference between faith and religion. Religion can become a dangerous thing if it turns into fundamentalism to the point where you are following your own agenda, not God’s, or ignoring the rights of people,” Fr Burrows said.

“ B u s h a n d B i n L a d e n a r e b o t h f u n d a m e n t a l i s t s b e c a u s e b o t h

b e l i e v e G o d

Referring to the events of September 11 and its aftermath, Fr Burrows said “[President George W] Bush and Bin Laden are both fundamentalists because both believe God is on their side. It is dangerous to be that arrogant. God is on everybody’s side.”

Fr Burrows believes that to execute Amrozi if his appeal is unsuccessful would be a serious mistake.

“Making Amrozi a martyr is a bad idea because people will look up to him,” he said.

Fr Burrows is an advocate of education as a means of reform, and believes more effective change can be achieved by exposing Amrozi to the sufferings he has inflicted on others.

While many have publicly commented on the lack of remorse expressed by Amrozi, Fr Burrows believes that only by respecting life and forgiving our enemies can we experience true freedom. Even in the case of terrorism.

“I can understand the reaction of the victims of these acts but I would like to see them freed from hate to experience emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual freedom.”

Fr Burrows was ordained in Ireland in 1969. He came to Australia the following year on the-then ten-pound scheme offered to UK and European immigrants to settle here. In 1973 he moved to Java. From 1973 to 1979 he was a prison chaplain. He resumed that role in 2000, and continues to care for the spiritual needs of prisoners in four jails out of the 11 in his region. Fr Burrows also helped build and runs 25 primary schools, and said 7500 of the 8000 children that attend are Muslim. He has assisted with the building of local Mosques and dykes too.

In 1999, the US Agency for International Development (US AID) arranged for the Catholic Relief Services of America to give 27,000 tons of rice and some monetary assistance to Food Aid to be distributed to the poor in Indonesia. Fr Burrows helped set up Food Aid for the first time and the inter faith committees that would be responsible for the distribution. Fr Burrows was primarily involved with organising the transportation of the rise and funds to those in need. He believes the experience forced different faiths to put aside their differences.

Marijka Konderewicz, took her final vows on August 10. Bishop Stasiuk also celebrated his 10th Anniversary as a priest this year.

Sister Cecilia at her surprise anniversary party.

Photo by Debbie Warrier

Father Burrows (left) with Father Conlan

What dads can learn from God the Father

For this reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth receives its name. Eph 3:14-15

On Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day here’s a r eflection on how dads on earth should model themselves after our loving Father in heaven

by Stephen Gabriel

Jesus referred to the First Person of the Blessed Trinity as the Father. And we continue to refer to Him as the Father — not because he is male, for God has no gender, but because Our Lord chose to use that term.

He must have felt it was most helpful for us to think of Him as a father. One of the reasons He may have chosen to refer to the First Person of the Trinity as Father was to make clear to us fathers that He was to be our role model in carrying out our duties of fatherhood. To be sure, mothers will benefit by following the example of God the Father as well. But somehow Our Lord must have felt that we “macho” fathers would be more likely to follow the example of God the Father than God the Mother. It would be worthwhile for all fathers to consider their relationship with God and reflect on God’s traits as a father — and how they can practice these traits in their own families. Here are just five of them.

Providence

God looks over us always and provides for all our needs. He does this effortlessly, because He is omniscient. Fathers are also called to be providential. We look after our families and provide for them. However, we must make an effort to provide the care our families need. They not only need food, shelter, clothing and education; they need spiritual and emotional nurturing as well. In order to provide for all the needs of the members of our families, we must be fully engaged in their lives. We must be “tuned in.” This usually requires that we be involved in their lives, spend time with them and pay attention to them a sufficient number of hours per day. Workaholics, beware! If we don’t return from work at a reasonable hour most of the time, we are putting our families at risk, and we are abdi-

It’s not quantity of time spent but quality that counts. Even better is quantity plus quality

cating our responsibilities as father. One more bit of advice for fathers who want to be tuned in to the emotional needs of their children — listen to your wives! They will pick up things about which you would not have a clue.

Authority

God the Father is the ultimate authority. He created the world and holds it in existence by the power of His will. He can do all things. His word is law. Fathers, in collaboration with their wives, have authority in their families. This authority must be wielded wisely. The home is not a democracy. It is more like a benevolent dictatorship. But our rule must be steeped in service. We don’t bark out commands to be obeyed without question. We lead our families through service and love. And lead we must, because if we do not lead our families, someone

else will. Those who are ready and willing to lead your children include their peers and the media. Parents must be proactive, set rules, demand respect and obedience and lavish their children with love and affection. As the father of eight children between the ages of 15 and 27, I can tell you they will thank you later for loving them in this way.

Patience

People who hear that I have eight kids immediately assume that I have the patience of Job. Well, I don’t. Growing in patience has been a lifelong struggle for me. But I am improving. It helps me to consider God’s incredible patience with me.

Let’s face it: We all ‘blow it’ time and time again. Thank goodness Our Lord knew this and gave us the Sacrament of Penance. How many times do we come

A Father’s examination of conscience

● Do I continue to court my wife each day; realising the best gift I can give to my children is a happy marriage?

● Do I try to get home from work in time for dinner with the family?

● Is it clear to my children that my faith is the most important thing in my life?

● Do my children know I love them unconditionally?

● When is the last time I spent one-on-one time with each of my children?

● Do I make sure my children dress modestly and teach them why it’s important?

● Do we have a television policy in our home that ensures only good and wholesome programming is aired in my home - and only for a limited period of time?

● Do I personally observe the family television policy?

● Do I encourage and plan family outings?

● Do I teach my children the spirit of poverty by not acquiring needless “toys”?

● Do I see myself as the servant of my family?

back to the confessional with the same sins? We resolve to be better, and then we commit the same sin again. But God is always ready to forgive us and offer us advice and consolation. We fathers need to remember how we repeatedly disobey our Father in heaven. If nothing else, it should give us some perspective when we are tempted to lose our patience with our children.

Teacher

God the Father is a teacher. He gave us the Ten Commandments and the Church to teach us and guide us in matters of faith and morals. Fathers have a crucial role in teach ing their children and forming them in the faith. Our teaching is carried out first and foremost through example.

Our children must see us struggling to live our faith and values. They need to see that we are willing to pay a price for something we believe in. If they don’t see this, it won’t have any value to them. Fathers should also be actively involved in providing religious formation to their children. We can’t just leave it to the Catholic school or parish. We can talk to them about God and our faith and give them extra doctrinal formation during the summer months. They may complain sometimes, but it’s worth it.

Unconditional love

God loves us despite everything we’ve done to alienate ourselves from him. The Scriptures are filled with evidence of God’s unconditional love for us. Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son makes it clear that there is no sin too grave for our Father to forgive. Indeed, He is waiting for each of us to approach Him with a repentant heart. We fathers must play the role of the father in the parable — just as we played and continue to play the role of the prodigal son. The process of growing up is a difficult one for our children. At times, they will disappoint us. In fact, there may be times when they are not particularly lovable. These are the times we must love them all the more. We should ask Our Lord for the grace to love our children unconditionally. Indeed, conditional love is no love at all. What better assurance can we have that we truly love than if our love is accompanied by the Cross?

- Our Sunday Visitor

God Reveals his love

Italy (CNS) Through the beauty of creation and through the Bible, God reveals his love for every human being, Pope John Paul II said.

The believer's response to God's revelation of love, the pope said, must be "prayers of praise to bless the Lord of life and liberty, existence and faith, creation and redemption."

At his August20 weekly general audience, held in the courtyard of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope continued his long-running series on psalms and canticles used in the church's morning prayer.

Psalm 147, he said, calls on the faithful to praise the Lord for giving his people freedom, peace and security; for the gifts of nature; and for his gifts of revelation and the law, "which are a foundation for peace more solid than any walls."

The psalm celebrates "the election of Israel and its unique mission among the nations: to proclaim to the world the word of God," he said.

E-mail threat

SARAJEVO,(CNS) A 23-yearold Bosnian Muslim has been sentenced to six months in jail for sending an e-mail threat against the life of Pope John Paul II during his June visit to Croatia.

Almir Abdulah told a court in Sarajevo that he sent the email as a joke, Associated Press reported on August21.

Judge Branko Peric said, "I couldn't accept such an explanation because he appeared to be an educated and intelligent young man who should have known his message would be perceived as a serious threat."During the Pope's June 5-9 trip to Croatia, the Italian news agency ANSA reported that an e-mail saying "We will kill the pope in the name of Allah" was sent from a Bosnian e-mail account to IKA, the Croatian Catholic news agency.

The subject line on the email was "Message to the infidels," and it was signed, "the Islamic Front of elMujahadeen."

Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls had told reporters travelling with the Pope on June 6 that threats and rumours were common during a papal trip, but that usually they amounted to hoaxes.

Catholic news from around the world

Support group for same-sex attracted Catholics Courage held an annual conference at a university in St Paul in August,and were challenged by Dignity who oppose their view.

By Julie Carroll

The University of St. Thomas Courage meeting drew 265 members for workshops and prayer services, as well as 135 priests, deacons and seminarians, who attended a separate track focusing on pastoral issues related to homosexuality.

The Courage conference was closed to the public and the media to protect members' confidentiality, organizers said. Nevertheless it drew demonstrators from the Dignity Coalition, a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their families, who seek the church's acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.

Dignity demonstrators held their own conference at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in St. Paul

Some demonstrators accused Courage of attempting to change homosexuals into heterosexuals, citing an article by conference speaker Peter Rudegeair, a leading proponent of the theory that homosexuality can be cured.

Father John Harvey, Courage's director, said such a transformation is not his organization's goal.

"Our philosophy is to help people to lead chaste lives," said the 85-year-old Oblate of St. Francis de Sales priest at a press conference on August. 7.

Courage ministers to people who seek the group's help in becoming chaste, he said. If someone requests counselling,

Support for Courage

he refers that person to a psychologist.

Courage was founded in New York by the late Cardinal Terence Cooke, who appointed Father Harvey director in 1980. The organization has more than 95 chapters worldwide.

Courage uses the 12-step approach of Alcoholics Anonymous to help members achieve chastity. Its members' five goals are: to live according to Catholic teaching; develop a prayer life; meet regularly for support; form good friendships; and be good examples to other homosexuals.

At their own conference, some Dignity members objected to Courage's use of the words "objectively disordered" in their literature to refer to homosexual inclinations. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" also calls homosexual acts "intrinsically disordered."

"I strongly choke on those words," said Dignity co-chair Brian McNeill, 49, one of the

protesters outside the conference. When asked about McNeill's remarks, Father Harvey paraphrased the 1986 Vatican letter "On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons."

The document states, "Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder."

Father Harvey made a distinction between the homosexual person and homosexual acts. The church does not say the homosexual condition itself is sinful, he told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese. Rather, sin is a result of the choices people make in response to their passions and desires. The church teaches that sexual intimacy belongs only in marriage between a man and a

woman who are open to the possibility of new life, he explained. Therefore, people with homosexual attractions are called to a life of celibacy.

"Once you give in to the inclination (to commit homosexual acts), you're committing an act that is contrary to the whole meaning of sexuality," he said. "It leads nowhere."

McNeill, who said he has a master's degree in theology from Maryknoll Seminary in Ossining, New York., argued that Christ sanctified homosexuality when he took a human form

"That Christ became human means he took on humanity in all its variations," he said. "One of those is homosexuality. Christ accepted and blessed that and made it holy."

Calling the idea the theology of incarnation, he said “Some humans are homosexual.That's part of life. That's part of the humanity that Jesus assumed."

Father Harvey responded that Christ's nature wasn't fallen. Original sin brought about disordered passions or desires, such as homosexuality, which are not good for human beings, and homosexual intercourse is contrary to God's design, the priest said.

However, Catholics should respond to homosexuals with charity and respect, without advocating homosexual activity, Father Harvey added.

The church will never bless same-sex unions, believes Richard Gerst, facilitator of Courage groups in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey.

"Church teaching doesn't change; it doesn't evolve," Gerst said. "We don't have the right to change it.."

Gerst, 72, of New Jersey lived a promiscuous gay lifestyle for 25 years. He "got out of gay life" in 1981, but struggled until he joined Courage in 1995.

Church of the Nativity dispute

By Michael Brown

The Church in the Holy Land is seeking the assistance of the Palestinian National Authority to resolve a dispute with the Greek Orthodox Church over access to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, said a spokesman for the Franciscans in the Holy Land.

Last year, Greek Orthodox monks changed the locks on the doors to the church, leaving access to the site up to the discretion of the Greek Orthodox leadership, said Franciscan Father David Jaeger, spokesman for the Franciscan office that takes care of the holy places in the Holy Land.

Under a 151-year-old-decree recognized by Israel and the Palestinian authority, management of Christian religious sites is shared by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and Roman Catholics. Father Jaeger said that traditionally clerical representatives of each church possessed keys to the holy places.

Despite repeated meetings with the monks and Greek Orthodox patriarch, the Franciscans and priests from the Armenian Orthodox Church have not received their own keys, nor has the original lock been restored, Father Jaeger told The Providence Visitor, diocesan newspaper.

On July 29, the Franciscans demanded in writing that the Palestinian government compel the Greek Orthodox to provide keys to the priests from the other churches or to restore the original lock.

"Unhappily, it is not resolved," Father Jaeger said on August 19.

"This will be a test of the will of the Palestinian authority," Father Jaeger said. A treaty between the Vatican and Palestinians approved in 2000 "obligates the Palestinian authority to enforce the 'legal regime' in the holy places in the territory under its governance."

The demand followed a May 12 letter from the Franciscans and the Armenian patriarch

to Palestinian National Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat seeking the governing body's help.

"It is important to point out that the essential credibility of all parties in the area, at this particular time in the history of the region, depends on full compliance with and enforcement of international law obligations," Father Jaeger said.

The pertinent document is a decree issued in 1852 and published in Nea Zion, the official newspaper of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Father Jaeger said. Documents dating to the 14th century validate the right of the Franciscans to have access to the site.

Father Jaeger said that foreign consular missions in Jerusalem, including the U.S. mission, have been briefed about the churches' demands. He said he hopes their intervention might also be helpful in resolving the matter.

Courage Director Fr Harvey relaxing during a recent Perth visit.

Photo:Peter Rosengren

International News

Catholic news from around the world

Religious seek peace

Asian religious leaders gathered in Pasay called for the rejection of extremism and for collaboration to resolve armed conflicts in the world.

About 60 Catholics, Muslims and Protestants from other countries joined nearly 100 participants from the Philippines at the August 18-20 gathering outside Manila to discuss "Seeking Peace and Development Through an Authentic Christian and Muslim Dialogue of Life in Asia," reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

Father Romeo Intengan, Jesuit provincial in the Philippines, spoke to participants about numerous armed conflicts in the world that "involve religion in a major way." He spoke of conflicts among Jews, Muslims and Christians in the Middle East; between Hindus and Muslims in India; between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan; and between Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka. He also referred to Muslim and Christian conflicts in Indonesia and the southern Philippines.

Father Intengan spoke of how the start of the 21st century has seen religion as a prominent factor in armed conflicts that have taken "damaging forms." Though the world situation is adverse to peace, he said, it is important not to "succumb to discouragement."

Instead, he suggested, "we should continue to do all we can to prevent these conflicts or seek equitable and lasting solutions to them, employing in a major way the abundant resources of our respective religious traditions."

The Jesuit also proposed four steps to help resolve such conflicts: educate one another on "each of our faiths"; appreciate

the truth, goodness and beauty of each other's religion; respect religious freedom and other human rights; and adopt common actions that address the roots of conflict and social violence such as poverty and corruption.

Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, spoke about "Christianity as a Religion of Peace." He said Pope John Paul II has emphasized the need for cooperation and dialogue among people of different religions and that the Vatican believes all faiths must proclaim their "firm conviction that violence and terrorism are incompatible with the authentic spirit of religion."

Irish Health Minister: incense a health risk

By Cian Molloy

Irish Health Minister Jim McDaid has issued a warning about incense, saying that though the health risk is minimal altar servers need to be taught to minimize that risk.

McDaid, a medical doctor, made his remarks in an interview on August 20 with Highland Radio, a local station broadcasting in County Donegal, where he was speaking in favour of the Irish government's plan to ban tobacco smoking in all pubs, bars and restaurants.

During the interview, he called on priests in the Raphoe Diocese to take greater care in instructing altar servers about how to hold the censer properly.

"Often you will see a child holding the incense burner in a position below their waist and a huge cloud of smoke rising up into the child's face," he said.

"It makes me cringe, particularly

given the delicate nature of a child's lungs. Among children the alveoli, the small bubbles in the lungs, are particularly delicate and easily damaged.

"Carbon is a carcinogenic and by definition smoke is 'a suspension of small particles of carbon in the air,' so incense is carcinogenic," he said. Speaking on RTE Radio's Liveline on August 21, the minister denied a report in that day's Irish Independent newspaper that he was "incensed about the use of holy smoke."

"That slant was put on it to ridicule me," he said. "I'm quite used to ridicule, but I am not against the use of incense at religious ceremonies.

What I am saying is that there is a minimal risk to health here, but if we manage to minimize that risk we will have achieved something."

The health minister's concerns are legitimate, said Father Andrew McKeever, Raphoe diocesan secretary.

"As we condemn every recourse to violence and war in the name of God or of religion, we commit ourselves to doing everything possible to eliminate the root causes of terrorism," the archbishop said, citing the Pope's address to representatives of world religions during the January 24 day of prayer for peace in the world.

Archbishop Fitzgerald also noted that an interreligious assembly organized by the pontifical council in 1999 cited the "urgent need for interreligious collaboration" to prevent conflict and crises in different parts of the world.

"Collaboration among the different religions must be based on

"Of course we have to think of the health risks," he told Catholic News Service. "I tend not to let the altar servers (but) to use the thurible myself, mainly because they don't hold it properly and because some of them, particularly those with bad chests, can have a reaction to the incense smoke.

"I think most priests would be aware of the problem and understand that it is an issue. But at the same time, incense isn't really used that much, except at Benediction and funerals, and it would be the priest himself who would mainly be handling the thurible," the priest said. -CNS

the rejection of fanaticism, extremism and mutual antagonisms which lead to violence," he said, citing the resolution of participants who attended the 1999 assembly.

The event was organized by the seven-year-old Bishops-Ulama Conference, which sponsors meetings of Catholic and Protestant bishops and Islamic scholars in the southern Philippines. The Philippine Office of the Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns provided funding and logistical support for the international gathering in Pasay.

Catholic Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao, Philippines, told UCA News that he and other religious leaders in Mindanao

decided to initiate the Asian gathering after the October bombings that killed more than 200 people in Bali, Indonesia.

Archbishop Capalla said the Bishops-Ulama Conference shares the concern of some government officials about "increasing extremism on the part of some Muslims in Asia."

"We can help prevent extremism on both sides -- on the part of Christians and on the part of Muslims," he said at an August 16 press conference in Manila.

Archbishop Capalla noted that 200 million of Asia's 670 million Muslims are in Indonesia, while most of the continent's 150 million Christians live in the Philippines, where at least 90 percent of the people are Christians.

At the press conference, United Church of Christ Bishop Hilario Gomez spoke of his recent experience while going to discuss the Asian gathering with Protestant leaders in Ambon, Indonesia. He said when airport officials learned he was a Christian bishop from Mindanao they told him it was "very dangerous" and did not allow him to enter Ambon, site of Christian-Muslim tensions. Norberto Gonzales, presidential adviser on special concerns, told reporters that some Islamic scholars on Sulawesi Island in central Indonesia gave him resolutions from a meeting of religious leaders. One resolution was aimed at "preventing Christians from smuggling guns to the enemies" of Muslims in that area.

Gonzales said the Philippine government supported the Asian religious gathering. He said " We don’t want our neighbors to accuse us of being the cradle of terrorism in Southeast Asia.’ -CNS

Fanning Muslim fundamentalism

US-based preachers fanning Muslim fundamentalism, warns Bishop

Preachers from US-based religious sects are triggering a backlash of Muslim fundamentalism in Iraq, says the Latin-rite Catholic Archbishop of Baghdad.

Archbishop Jean Benjamin Sleiman, who has stayed close to his people before, during and after the war, said that "Christian preachers have arrived … who want to convert the Muslims."

"They are those groups that harangue people on the streets and want money. They put a notice up anywhere and open a church," he told the Misna missionary agency. "They don't

realize that they are creating an impossible atmosphere which, by offending the sensibility of the people, fosters the development of Shiite extremism."

In fact, he said, Iraq's ongoing problems may lead to problems for Christians. Instability and fear can "foster the growth of Muslim fundamentalist forces, as the civilian population more or less identifies Iraqi Christians with Westerners and, therefore, with the Americans."

"I cannot see a political solution," Archbishop Sleiman said. "Despite all their analysts, Americans have not realized that Iraq is a much more complicated country than they imagined."

He added: "There are no security agents or police or any sign of a presence -- even if generic -- of public administration on the streets."

Muslim and Christian leaders talk during a gathering of Asian religious representatives in Manila on August 19. From left are Mohammad Al-Sharief, secretary general of the World Islamic Call Society; Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue; and Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao in the Philippines.

Photo:CNS

Reviews

V I D E O

T h e G o o d

P o p e

When Pope Pius XII died in 1958 he left behind many powerful memories of his years in the Chair of St Peter. A dying Pope Pius XI made it clear that Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli,the Secretary of State, was his candidate for the conclave to elect a new Pope.

It came as little surprise, therefore, when Cardinal Pacelli was chosen on March 2, 1939 after the shortest conclave since that which elected Pope Urban VIII in 1623.

The new Pope's energies were focussed on the conflict in Europe and the aftermath of World War II. On the death of Pius XII the cardinal electors at the conclave chose Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, the Patriarch of Venice, who took the name John XXIII.

The tall, aristocratic Pius XII was replaced by a short, fat peasant who at the age of 77 quickly endeared himself to all he met.

Because of his age many looked on the new Pope as a 'fill-in'. This was to be far from the truth.

The diplomatic skills he had used as Papal Nuncio in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and finally France, were put to the best possible use in the Vatican.

Although he is best remembered for the warmth of his personality and his peasant origins,

R E A D I N G

The Catholic perspective on popular culture

John XXIII was a brilliant and well educated servant of the Church. The idea that he was “unknown’ when elected Pope is a reflection not of reality but of the way the secular media report the Church.

His diplomatic activities during World War II included extensive work to help save Jews. When this work was publicly recognised by Jewish organisations after the war, he explained that he was acting on Pius XII’s instructions.

His first action as Pope was to increase the number of cardinals which had dwindled under Pius XII.

He also wrote two stirring encyclicals, 'Pacem in Terris' and 'Mater et Magistra'.

Both continue to be influential documents.

"A book for anyone who needs to keep their courage alive.."

Sr

Helen Prejean, Author of Dead Man Walking

This is the story of Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, a member of the Ngo Dinh family, Christian patriots destined to play a part in the glory and tragedy of a beloved country, whose life tells of a people torn by the horror of violence and war brought on by their struggle for independence.

One of his first pronouncements raised eyebrows in the Vatican. 'So long as I am able I prefer to be one who dispenses warmth rather than cold.'

Putting this statement into action, he began visiting churches and hospitals in Rome and on the day after Christmas, 1958, made his most famous visit to Rome's Regina Coeli prison, where he explained to the astonished inmates: 'You can't come to me, so I have come to you'.

A few weeks later, on January 25, 1959, he made the most famous pronouncement of his pontificate when he informed the world there was to be a Council of the whole Church. This council finally began on October 11, 1962.

When Blessed John XXIII died on June 3, 1963, he left a vast lega-

Coming from a Catholic political family and a nephew of Ngo Dinh Diem, the first president of the Republic of Vietnam assassinated 12 years earlier, Van Thuan was accused by Vietnamese Communist authorities of being implanted in Saigon as a subversive influence. He was arrested on August 15,1975, and imprisoned without trial for a total of 13 years, nine of them in solitary confinement. Instead of turning to bitterness or despair at this injustice, he chose to emulate Saint Paul by writing letters while in prison and sending a message of love and hope to his people. He was finally freed in 1989 but was expelled from his beloved homeland in 1991, and never allowed to return. He went to Rome, where he served the Church in the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, becoming its president in 1998. He was made a Cardinal of the Catholic Church on February 21, 2001.

Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan died, aged 74, on September

cy of warmth, friendliness, compassion and a great sense of humour. A rare tribute to the unique qualities of this great

16 2002, from a rare form of cancer. Van Thuan has been inspirational as a prolific writer and international speaker offering his indelible message of hope to millions. His books include Testimony of Hope, The Road of Hope, Prayers of Hope, Words of Courage, Five Loaves and Two Fish.

About the Author

Andre Nguyen Van Chau was born in Hue, Vietnam. After obtaining a doctorate degree in humanities at the Sorbonne, Paris, he taught literature and creative writing at various universities in Vietnam for twelve years. In 1975 he began 25 years of work for migrants and refugees around the world, 10 of which were spent as the head of the International Catholic Migrations Commission with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2002, MrVan Chau was inducted into the Catholic Academy of Sciences. Andre lives in the United States with his wife, Sagrario, and their four children.

Pope is contained in a video, 'The Good Pope'.

This full length film will not be in cinemas, but will be available for sale later this year.

A Magna Pacific release, 'The Good Pope' stars Bob Hoskins in a most convincing portrayal. As can be expected, we see in this film only certain aspects of Angelo Roncalli's life, but what is portrayed is a sensitive and touching account of a man born of humble farming origins whose purpose was to bring peace to a world poised on the brink of self destruction.

We cannot recommend this production too highly.

It is guaranteed to instruct as it entertains.

The DVD is currently available in a variety of video shops in Perth.

THE MIRACLE OF HOPE

Life of Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan Political Prisoner, Prophet of Peace by Andre Nguyen Van Chau St Paul’s Pulbications (288pp) RRP$29.95

Blessed John XXIII

CNS file photo

Bob Hoskins plays John XXIII. Photo:CNS

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IN MEMORIAM

panorama a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Sunday August 31

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

Access Channel 31,1 - 2 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation / Fr William Casey [Parish Mission Series] We are reaching minds and hearts,but your help is urgently needed to continue.The cost of putting one program to air is $300.We appeal to Parishes to sponsor a program,or for 50 people to contribute $20 a month.Please ring 9330-1170 for enquiries. Postal address:Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270,Booragoon 6954.

Sunday August 31

GATE OF HEAVEN

CUSTOM crafted crystal rosary beads and chaplets all occasions ph:Joanne 0414 624 580

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Send us your Panorama items early

To place a piece in the Panorama section please make sure your items reach us at least two weeks before the intended date of your event.This way you are sure to obtain a response.All items are guaranteed a one week placement.

This week (107.9FM – Radio Fremantle) will again feature the fascinating account of the North American Martyrs who worked among the savage Indians in the first half of the 17th century.Steve Wood in The Carpenter Shop follows.Tune in from 7.30 – 9pm.

Wednesday September 3

DEEPENING OUR FAITH

Session 1:Expressions of Faith.Presenter:Fr Adrian Lyons S.J (Visiting Jesuit Priest and Author) $10 (Donation Unwaged) 7.30-9.30pm.Multi-Purpose Room,John XXIII College.Enq:Murray 9383 0444

Friday September 5

GENERAL RETREAT

Crossroads community will be having a General Retreat from Friday the 5th to Sunday the 7th of September at St John of God Retreat Centre,Safety Bay.Contact us on 9319 8344.

Friday September 5

PRO-LIFE PROCESSION

The first Friday Mass,Procession and Rosary Vigil will commence at 9.30am,with Mass Celebrated at St Brigid’s church,Midland.The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate will lead us.All are invited to witness for the sanctity of life and pray for the conversion of hearts.Enquiries:Helen 9402 0349

Friday September 5 - Saturday September 6

REIGN OF THE TWO HEARTS

All night vigil and Eucharistic Adoration.All Saints Chapel,Allendale Square.First Friday Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and First Saturday Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,commencing at 9pm,concluding with Holy Mass at 7.00am.Enq 9444 1940 or 9385 8563.Please come and join us in prayer.Tea,coffee and sandwiches will be available during the night.

Saturday September 6

WITNESS FOR LIFE PROCESSION

Archbishop Hickey will celebrate Mass at 8.30am,St Anne’s Church,Hehir St,Belmont.Afterwards we proceed prayerfully to the Rivervale Abortion Centre and conclude with the Rosary.Please join us to pray peacefully for the conversion of hearts.Enq:Helen 9402 2349

Saturday September 6

DEEPENING OUR FAITH

Session 2:Will our Faith have Children.Presenter:Fr Adrian Lyons S.J (Visiting Priest and Author) $10 (Donation Unwaged) 2-4pm.Multi-Purpose Room, John XXIII College.Enq:Murray 9383 0444

Sunday September 7

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary’s Cathedral,Victoria Square,Perth,at 1.30pm.Holy Rosary and Reconciliation,with Fr Kevin Cronin on St Peter Claver followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction.Enq:John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Saturday September 13

ECUMENICAL ‘GET-TOGETHER’

St Anthony’s Church Hall,Greenmount (cnr Bullara & Innamincka Rds) 3pm.Iraq and Beyond – Issues for Peace and Ecumenism.Guest Speaker:Rev Neville Watson,Uniting Church Minister.Neville will speak on ecumenism in the light of his recent journey to Baghdad.Afterwards,questions and viewpoints will be invited from the floor.No admission charge.Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.For more information please contact:Peter 9294 3524 or Helena 9294 4481.

Saturday September 13

RCIA:THE RITE APPROACH

Hickey Confirmation,Bayswater - Bishop Sproxton

11Mass for Murdoch University Students - Archbishop Hickey Visit Confirmation candidates,Greenmount - Bishop Sproxton Confirmation,South Perth - Bishop Quinn

11 & 12Confirmation,Dianella - Mgr Thomas McDonald

WA State RCIA Conference.Sr Ilsa Neicinieks RSM, RCIA Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Adelaide. This conference will highlight the potential of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults,with its ritual steps,to transform not only the hearts and minds of the catechumens and candidates but of the whole parish community.Venue:Lumen Christi College,81 Station Street,Martin 9am - 4.30 pm followed by cheese & wine from 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm.Register by Wednesday

10 September to Archdiocesan Liturgy Office,GPO Box P1217,Perth,6844.Telephone:9221 1548,Fax: 9221 3694,Email: litrcia@nw.com.au

Sunday September 21

PILGRIM MOTHER SUNDAY

At the Schoenstatt Shrine,9 Talus Drive,Armadale. 1.30pm.Official start with a talk by Fr.I Allies.3pm. Covenant Devotions and Benediction at the Shrine. Recommissioning of Coordinators of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate.Afternoon Tea.Everyone welcome.(11am Holy Mass for those who would like to spend the whole day at the Shrine).

Tuesday September 23

MORE SIGHT-SINGING WORKSHOP

Fr Timothy Deeter,Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral,with the support of the Parish Liturgical Musicians Network will present a workshop of Sight Singing.7.30 pm – 9.30 pm,St Mary’s Parish Centre, 40 Franklin Street,Leederville.Register by Wednesday 17 September.Archdiocesan Liturgy Office,GPO Box P1217,Perth WA 6844.Phone:9221 1548,Fax:9221 3694,Email:litrcia@nw.com.au

Saturday October 4

BROTHER ANDREW’S THIRD ANNIVERSARY

Father Paul Glynn s.m.will be celebrating Brother Andrew’s third anniversary retreat at God’s Farm on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.A second reprint of Brother Andrew’s book “What I Met Along the Way,” including 2 extra chapters omitted from the first reprint,will be launched by Fr P Glynn at Brother’s Celebration Retreat.From 8pm Fri Oct 3 to 2pm Sun Oct 5 at God’s Farm – Gracewood,40k’s south of Busselton.Suggested donation $80 inc.all meals. Contact Betty Peaker.P O Box 24,Cowaramup 6284.

Tel and Fax 08 9755 6212

Sunday November 16

SAINT ALOYSIUS CONVENT SCHOOL (TOODYAY)

In conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the former Mercy Sisters’Convent in Toodyay,the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate are sponsoring a reunion of all former students ofSt.Aloysius School. Students who attended Bushie Camp or Bushie School are alsoinvited.The day’s events begin at 11 am followed by lunch (BBQ available).Past school photos may be sent to P.O.Box 1028,Toodyay WA 6566.RSVP by 7 October 2003.Contact:Ellen 95742242 (ellenferg@bigpond.com) or Franciscan Friars 9574-5204 (avemaria@avon.net.au).

REFLECTION DAYS FOR WOMEN

Conducted by Fr I Allies,Schoenstatt Father.Saturday 6th,Wednesday 17thand Thursday 18th September. 9.45am to 2pm at the Schoenstatt Shrine,9 Talus Drive,Armadale.Talks,reflection time,Reconciliation and Holy Mass.BYO shared lunch.Inq:Schoenstatt Sisters.Ph:9399 2349

PARISH OF ST JOSEPH PIGNATELLI

The parish of St Joseph Pignatelli will host a series of presentations at St Joseph Pignatelli Church, Davidson Road,Attadale,on the first three Tues in September,starting at 7.30pm.2 September:Fr Joe Parkinson,LJ Goody Bio-ethics Centre,will speak about stem cell technology,prostitution,in-vitro fertilisation,artificial reproductive technology and homosexuality.9 September:Bishop Don Sproxton will speak about his vision for the church.16 September: Fr Kevin Long,Rector of St Thomas More College and lecturer at the University of Notre Dame will speak on initiatives to achieve Christian unity.

ALL SAINTS CHAPEL

Centre of Spirituality and peace in the heart of Perth. 77 Allendale Square,St Georges Tce,Perth.Fr Jim Shelton.Chaplain – 9325 2009.Morning Prayer 8.00am,(Liturgical Hours).Confessions 10.30am to 11.45am.Masses 12.10pm and 1.10pm.the Holy Rosary daily 12.40pm.Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction,Mondays and Fridays 1.35pm.St Pio of Pietrelcina Novena to the Sacred Heart and Benediction Wednesdays 1.35pm.Chapel closed weekends and public holidays.

MEDJUGORJE MESSAGE

“Dear children! Also today I call you to give thanks to God in your heart for all the graces which He gives you,also through the signs and colours that are in nature.God wants to draw you closer to Himself and move you to give Him glory and thanks.Therefore,little children,I call you anew to pray,pray,pray and do not forget that I am with you.I intercede before God for each of you until your joy in Him is complete. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (It is accepted that the final authority regarding appartions of Our Lady at Medjugorje rests with the Holy See of Rome)

Oblates celebrate

Father Gerard Conlan’s ordination by Geraldton Bishop Justin Bianchini on Friday August 15 was a particularly special occasion with most Australian Oblates of Mary Immaculate attending the service at St Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle.

The ordination had been organised to fall on the last day of a retreat for the Oblates given by Father Ron Rolheiser OMI.

The timing could not have been more perfect because the ordination also fell on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Fr Wilhelm Steckling OMI, Superior General from Rome, Emeritus Bishop Myles McKeon, Emeritus Bishop Peter Quinn and the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese of Perth Father Brian O’Loughlin concelebrated the Mass along with about 40 other priests.

It is was also a special occasion for the Fremantle community as it was only the second ordination of an Oblate at the Basilica, which is the Oblate’s Mother house, in 100 years.

On a more personal note Father Conlan’s father Denis served as Deacon at the Mass. His aunt Sr Mary Conlan FDNSC had also made the trip from Papua New Guinea to be at the ordination.

Father Conlan said his journey to becoming an Oblate started at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie. Although he was not aware of his calling back then the time did foster a deep respect and affection for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

After leaving school he studied mining engineering in Kalgoorlie and worked in the industry for several years.

It was not until he went to Indonesia and was inspired by the work of the Oblates there, in particular Father Charlie Burrows, that he first considered becoming a priest.

He attended St Mary’s Oblate seminary in Victoria for six and a half years,

where he had formed many friends, who he said had offered great encouragement and friendship.

In his homily Bishop Bianchini said that although Gerard had left his profession to become an Oblate he was still called to be an engineer, only this time in God’s Kingdom.

Being a priest was a more difficult task because one could not always gauge the results.

His advice for the new priest was that in order to be a successful servant of God, it was important to be weak.

"We have to ask ourselves are we weak enough to be a priest," Bishop Bianchini said.

"When we are weak we identify with God’s people." He said that, like Christ, when we are weak we are strong.

At the ceremony held in the Basilica hall after the ordination, Father Conlan said his calling to be a priest was a late one.

"If God was a farmer, then I would be the errant sheepdog who had finally been called in to line," he said pointing to his collar and drawing a laugh from the crowd.

He thanked the Fremantle community for their generosity in organising the celebrations following his ordination. He had had time to get to know the community when he had spent Christmas at the Basilica.

He also thanked his family who played an important role in his becoming a priest and had been very supportive of him during his studies.

Father Conlan's first appointment as an Oblate will be in a large parish in Adelaide.

Father Steckling, who as superior general gave Father Conlan his first appointment, said that Father Conlan had asked him if his first"assignment could be in Australia and he was happy to oblige.

Father Conlan joins 406 other Oblates in their missionary work around the world.

Deacon Conlan reflects at the altar at his ordination in St Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle.

Photos by Carole McMillen

From left: Bishop Justin Bianchini lays his hands on Father Conlan; Father Conlan distributes communion; Father Conlan concelebrates Mass with his fellow priests and Oblates at the altar