The Record Newspaper 31 July 2013 by The Record

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The Salvado

The urgency of

What’s it like walking from Perth to New Norcia in the footsteps of a pioneering Benedictine Abbot? - Page 3

The time has come for Christians, Jews and Muslims to speak with one voice on God and the human heart says this Orthodox Rabbi - Page 6

UNITY

WAY

Two suburban GPs’ devotion started a global revolution

Regularly ridiculed because of its Catholic connections, the Billings method of charting human fertility is winning converts all over the world, including nations with serious population problems such as India and China where it has been officially backed with government support. The method, named for Melbourne GPs John and Evelyn Billings, above, held its annual conference in Malaysia in April, enabling delegates from more than 20 countries to hear progress reports, build relationships and and swap information. Matthew Biddle reports - Page 4. PHOTO: JOHN CASAMENTO

Parishes feel the pinch as Australia’s cost of living affects parishioners, Sunday collections

Household costs hit parishes

By Matthew Biddle PARISHES are struggling to pay for necessary expenses as the cost of living continues to increase around the country. Combined with parishes’ increased costs, members of congregations are finding it difficult to put money in collection plates as a result of their own rising household expenses. While some Catholics may not know where their donations are going, a number of parishes in Perth now make their collection figures available the following week in the parish bulletin.

One parish that goes a step further is St Paul’s in Mt Lawley, where the parish makes public both the collection amounts and a list of weekly expenses. On the weekend of July 20-21, St Paul’s collected $1,483.80 but the parish expenses that week reached more than $4,000. The expenses included plumbing and roof repairs, and $1,900 worth of tree lopping. While collection amounts vary from week to week, of the parishes that publicised their collections for the July 20-21 weekend, the average total was about $1,850. With the financial year finish-

ing recently, some parishes are also making their income and expenditure statements available. Our Lady of Grace Parish in North Beach collected $214,295 during the 2012-13 financial year, with more than 85 per cent received

lection provides the annual income for a diocesan priest in Perth, which goes on daily expenses such as food and petrol. If the first collection amounts to more than is required, the Archdiocese uses the additional

On the weekend of July 20-21, St Paul’s collected $1,483 – but parish expenses exceeded $4,000. via the parish’s second collection. But capital expenditure exceeded the parish’s income for the year by more than $10,000. The Record was informed that the money received in the first col-

funds to help sustain other parish priests whose income is insufficient. The proceeds of the second collection are used on parish expenses, such as building repairs, council rates and telephone bills. A portion

of the second collection is also given to the Archdiocese to support projects such as new church buildings. Finances in every diocese around the world are governed by the Code of Canon Law, which calls for finance councils to be set up for each diocese. It is understood that dioceses differ in the way they distribute parish funds received from the Mass collections. The annual income of a Catholic priest is substantially less than that of other religious leaders. An American survey in 2010 reported that Protestant church pastors can receive as much as $400,000 a year.

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Sunday evening Masses on August 17 and 18 to come and enjoy a plate of curry, rice and a poppadum served at the parish hall. Proceeds go towards The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Round-Up JUANITA SHEPHERD

Good Shepherd Sisters to mark 150 great years

Someone needs you to reach out and help

To help celebrate the Good Shepherd Sisters’ contribution to Catholic Education in Western Australia, an historical display of photographs of ministries past and present, artefacts and memorabilia, artworks, furnishings and crafts created by the Sisters, former residents and students will be available to view at the Catholic Library of Western Australia from August 1-9. For more information about the 150th celebration, please contact Stella McNerney on 9381 3955. The Congregation of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd was founded by St Mary Euphrasie Pelletier in 1835 at Angers, France. The first group of Sisters arrived in Melbourne in 1863 and, at the request of Bishop Gibney of the Perth Diocese, the Sisters came to Perth in 1902. The foundation stone of their convent, the current home of the Catholic Education Office, was laid on November 15, 1903. Unlike other orders, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd were not commissioned for the purpose of education but, rather, to support the social needs of women and girls. The Sisters originally provided onsite accommodation, schooling and work for disadvantaged women and girls. Their work has continued and expanded over the years with the establishment of St Clare’s School for young women having difficulties in integrating into a mainstream classroom environment. Other developments were involvement in the building of a residential villa for the original women who worked in the convent laundry, the commencement of prison ministry, working with migrants and refugees,

Volunteers are needed at The Shopfront, an agency of the Catholic Church whose aim is to relieve poverty and suffering in an environment that offers practical assistance, fellowship and hospitality to the homeless and marginalised in Perth. The Shopfront is located at 170 Whatley Crescent, Maylands; for more information, call 9372 9190.

Maranatha talks to address suffering

(L-R) Sr Mary Gilhooley, Sr Marie Lewis, Sr Naomi McClements, Sr Anne Manning (Province Leader), Sr Geraldine Mitchell, Sr Marie O’Malley, Sr Joan Paul, Sr Jacinta Unger and Sr Kath Hoyne (not present) at the Sesquicentenary Mass and Celebration of the Good Shepherd Sisters last Sunday July 28 at St Michael’s Chapel. PHOTO: GOOD SHEPHERD SISTERS engaging in parish ministry, the establishment of the Trading Circle, founding the Good Shepherd Associates and outreach to the Indigenous community - to name just a few.

Talk to examine Jewish and Christian insights The University of Notre Dame is giving a lecture titled How Christians and Jews Read Scripture Differently on Thursday, August 15, starting at 7pm at the Tannock Hall of Education situated on the corner of Cliff and Croke Streets in Fremantle. It promises to be extremely interesting

given the calls from people such as Rabbi Shimon Cowen (see story by my colleague Matthew Biddle on Pages 6-7) for Christians, Jews and Muslims to begin speaking in a more unified way about God and the human heart. The lecture will delve into the Jewish Tankh and the Christian Old Testament and how both faiths read the shared stories with differences in translation, punctuation, definitions, theology, emphasis and differences in the canonical order. The lecture will also discuss these differences and what they suggest about Christian and Jewish identity. For more information or to RSVP to the event, contact Deborah Tarrant on (08) 9433 0138 or by email to

Blessed Frederic Jansoone 1838-1916 August 4

Peter Rosengren

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Accounts accounts@therecord.com.au Journalists Mark Reidy m.reidy@therecord.com.au Robert Hiini r.hiini@therecord.com.au Matthew Biddle m.biddle@therecord.com.au Juanita Shepherd j.shepherd@therecord.com.au Advertising/Production Mat De Sousa

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Classifieds/Panoramas/Subscriptions Helen Crosby

Born in France, Frederic supported his Flemish family after his father’s death, then entered the Franciscans in 1864. Following ordination, he served as a chaplain in the Franco-Prussian War, established a friary in Bordeaux, served at a school in Egypt, and in 1876 began working in the Holy Land to preserve Christian holy sites and assist Palestinian Christians. To raise funds for this work, he went on a mission to Canada in 1881-82. He left the Holy Land permanently in 1888, moving to Quebec, where he re-established the Franciscan movement and ideals, promoted three local shrines, and drew many to the practice of contemplative prayer. He died of stomach cancer and was beatified in 1988.

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Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Whitford, is hosting a curry night to support the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Two of the youth members of the parish, Scott and Gayan, will ride 200km over two days in October for the cause, which hopes to raise funds for cancer research and, while they prepare for their run, parishioners have come together to cook curry. The invitation is open to everyone after the Saturday and

Monday 5th - White DEDICATION OF BASILICA OF ST MARY MAJOR (O) 1st Reading: Num 11:4-15 Nothing but manna Responsorial Ps 80 Psalm: Israel would not obey Gospel Reading: Mt 14:13-21 Breaking the loaves Tuesday 6th - White THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (FEAST) 1st Reading: Dan 7:9-10,13-14 A son of man Responsorial Ps 96:1-2,5-6,9 Psalm: The Lord is King 2nd Reading: 2 Pet 1:16-19 We were with Him Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28-36 This is my son Wednesday 7th - Green SS SIXTUS LL, POPE, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (O); ST CAJETAN, PRIEST (O); ST DOMINIC (O) 1st Reading: Num 13:1-2,25-14:1, 26-29,34-35 This perverse community Responsorial Ps 105 Psalm: We have done wrong Gospel Reading: Mt 15:21-28 Take pity on me Thursday 8th - White ST MARY OF THE CROSS, VIRGIN (SOLEMNITY) 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16

FW O10 July 2013

Editor

Taste the curry at Whitford evening

Discover Vatican II’s legacy in your life In honour of the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB is offering the people of the Archdiocese a series of talks on the Fruits of Vatican II. The next event will be held at Our Lady of the Mission parish hall in Whitford on Wednesday, August 14 at 7pm and the guest speaker is Sister Gemma Simmonds CJ, senior lecturer in Pastoral and Social Studies and Theology from Heythrop College at the University of London.

READINGS OF THE WEEK

SAINT OF THE WEEK

CNS

Deborah.tarrant@nd.edu.au by August 7.

The Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation is hosting a three-week course on The Spirituality of Health. Presented by Father Stephen Astill, the course starts on August 6 at 7pm. The three-hour talk will cover questions which we have asked ourselves countless times: why do we get sick? Suffer through accidents and ill health? Why do we die and what is God’s role when it seems as if our lives are falling apart? The cost of the course is $20.

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Responsorial Psalm: 2nd Reading: Gospel Reading:

The jar of meal Ps 63:1-8 R.v.8 My soul clings to you Col 3:12-17 Be thankful Mt 6:25-34 God’s providence

Friday 9th - Green ST TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS VIRGIN, MARTYR (EDITH STEIN) (O) 1st Reading: Deut 4:32-40 The Lord is God indeed Responsorial Ps 76 Psalm: Your ways are holy Gospel Reading: Mt 16:24-28 Follow me Saturday 10th - Red ST LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR (FEAST) 1st Reading: 2 Cor 9:6-10 Cheerful giver Responsorial Ps 111:1-2,5-9 Psalm: Head raised in glory Gospel Reading: Jn 12:24-26 A rich harvest Sunday 11th - Green 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1st Reading: Wis 18:6-9 Virtuous saved Responsorial Ps 32:1,12,18-22 Psalm: Our hope is in you 2nd Reading: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Heavenly homeland Gospel Reading: Lk 12:32-48 Stand ready

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Pilgrimage heads for New Norcia - the slow way By Matthew Biddle ORGANISERS are preparing for the sixth annual Camino Salvado pilgrimage from Subiaco to New Norcia in August. Registrations for the 160km walk have already reached the 24-person limit, with many on a waiting list hoping for a cancellation. This year there will be two pilgrimages, the first commencing on August 25 and the second on September 8. Described as a walk for people “of faith, those with no faith and those who seek faith”, the Camino Salvado often attracts nonCatholics for the journey to the Benedictine monastery. Organiser John Bell told The Record pilgrims from Victoria and New South Wales often fly across the country to take part in the seven-day walk. He said he has been constantly amazed at the joy the pilgrims experience despite the challenges of walking 25km each day. “They’re blistered, they’re tired, they’ve got sore knees, they’ve got sore calves, they’ve got sore thighs, and somehow or other it becomes a joy in the evenings,” he said. “What emanates is this success of accepting and completing the challenge... in spite of all the aches and blisters.” Staff and students from Nagle Catholic College in Geraldton completed the walk in May prior to a student retreat at New Norcia. Damian Ramos-Nunez, a religious education teacher at the school who took part in the walk, said it was a memorable experience for all involved. “Camino Salvado is a very powerful experience for our students,” he said. “It is one of the first times in their lives that they enrol themselves in something that seems almost impossible and then, with the support of each other, achieve the goal of arriving in New Norcia.

Staff and students from Nagle Catholic College in Geraldton prepare to head off from King’s Park along the Camino Salvado in May.

“Camino really epitomises the old ‘journey is as significant as the destination’ metaphor in the way

It is often the first time students do something that seems impossible and, supporting each other, achieve it. it challenges them physically and mentally, and in the way they learn that the people, the places and the time taken to encounter themselves and even God is such a powerful experience.”

National Vocations Awareness Week

ITALY

PAKISTAN

FRANCE

38 Padre Pio pilgrims die in bus crash

Situation is ‘dire’ for Pakistan non-Muslims

Jean Vanier, L’Arche, receives award

At least 38 pilgrims were killed on their way home from the Padre Pio shrine when their bus plunged off a highway. Another 19 were reported seriously injured, including passengers of nearby vehicles. Only 11 were pulled alive from the wreckage, Vatican Radio and other news outlets reported. The accident occurred along a major highway in Irpinia, a mountainous region in Campania, in southern Italy, on July 28.

Panellists at a July 18 US religious freedom session on Pakistan urged reform of the nation’s laws, calling the situation for minorities dire. In June alone, 47 members of religious minorities were killed in Pakistan, according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The victims included an 18-year old Christian man tortured to death by police after he was suspected of kidnapping a Muslim woman.

French layman Jean Vanier accepted the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award in the French village where he began L’Arche a half-century ago. Vanier and L’Arche are known internationally for fostering total acceptance of people as they are - with and without disabilities. The 84-yearold philosopher, writer and man of prayer was inspired by the Gospels and social justice activists such as Dorothy Day. - CNS

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Holy Hour

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NFP on global rise: conference By Matthew Biddle METHODS of Natural Family Planning are on the rise around the world, according to experts who gathered at the World Organisation of the Ovulation Method Billings (WOOMB) international conference earlier this year. The conference, which marked the Golden Jubilee of the Billings Method, was held in Malaysia in April and attracted about 250 delegates from more than 20 countries. Four teachers of the Billings Method in Perth attended the three-day conference: Tina Jack, Kathy Musca, Michelle Allum and Marilena Scarfe. Mrs Jack said she was surprised to learn of the Method’s success overseas, particularly in China, over the past decade. “It’s really incredible how it’s taken off there,” she said. “There are thousands of teachers of the Method in China, let alone the people using it, because in their trials they found that it was more effective than using the IUD, and it didn’t affect people’s health.” But Billings teacher for almost 30 years Marilena Scarfe said the Method, which is used in more than 120 countries, has not had the same impact in all parts of the world. “It seems to be the Western countries where it’s growing a bit slower,” she said. “They don’t [fully] understand the importance of it. But I think there will be a resurgence with all this infertility that is happening… which could be due to a lot of different factors.” Mrs Jack agrees, and said the current generation is more open to methods of Natural Family Planning. “Today’s generation are probably not quite so sceptical as the last generation, who believed that the natural methods don’t work,” she said. At the conference, teachers of the Method from around the world explained its growth in their country, as well as highlighting the latest research developments. Two Melbourne men presented to the conference a new fertility application they had created that

Pioneers of the natural family planning method which bears their name, Evelyn and John Billings.

allows couples to track their fertility anywhere, anytime. But Mrs Jack said many countries appear to be more advanced in their research developments. “I would say the perception I get is that Australia is kind of lagging behind, it’s a little bit sluggish, we’re a bit cynical about anything if we don’t take a chemical,” she said. “A lot of people who use it are not Catholics, people who just want a healthy, scientific alternative to contraception.” The international conference is held every 10 years, and Mrs Scarfe said it was a great opportunity to share ideas with overseas colleagues. “You need to come together and talk about what your country’s doing, and what are the struggles and what are some of the challenges, so then we can help each other,” she said. The Billings Method, named after Drs John and Evelyn Billings,

WELCOME QUEEN OF THE WORLD TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE Comes to PERTH MANDURAH BUNBURY

works by pinpointing the fertile period in a woman’s cycle, enabling a couple to conceive or not conceive without recourse to contraception. “It’s 99 per cent effective, if used according to the rules, to prevent a pregnancy,” Mrs Scarfe said. “We also have… people who are trying to conceive and are told to use IVF, but we pinpoint fertility to them and they become pregnant.” Mrs Jack said there are three main methods of Natural Family Planning used around the world – the Billings Method, the Creighton Model and the Sympto-Thermal method. “They all are quite good at detecting different signs in the woman’s body that shows when she’s fertile and when she’s not,” she said. “People get a bit confused when they hear about the different ones. My hope for the future is that the three methodologies will work together.” While the Australian headquarters of the Billings Method is in Melbourne, the four volunteer teachers help to make the Method available in Perth. Clients come into the clinic for initial instruction in the Method,

PHOTO: PETER CASAMENTO

before going away for two weeks to chart their cycle. “The teacher’s there to explain to them when they are fertile and when they are infertile so they can use it accordingly,” Mrs Scarfe said. “It’s such an intimate part of a couple’s life, so we take that very seriously.” Mrs Scarfe added that she has witnessed countless success stories in her role of assisting couples to identify their fertility. “The Method brings couples together,” she said. “I have seen marriages which are not doing well start blossoming.” In his 1961 encyclical Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI affirmed that: “If, then, there are serious motives to space out births, which derive from the physical or psychological conditions of husband and wife, or from external conditions, the Church teaches that it is then licit to take into account the natural rhythms immanent in the generative functions, for the use of marriage in the infecund periods only, and in this way to regulate birth without offending the moral principles which have been recalled earlier.”

16 – 22 August 2013

‘My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.’ VENUES/TIMES 16 AUG St Jerome’s Troode St MUNSTER

7.00pm Mass Rosary Talk Veneration Vigil

17 AUG Our Lady of The Missions Cambawarra Dr WHITFORDS

8.30am Mass Rosary Talk Veneration

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17 AUG Our Lady of Mercy Patrick Ct GIRRAWHEEN

6.00pm Vigil Mass Talk Rosary Veneration

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18 AUG Holy Spirit Keaney Pl CITY BEACH

8.00am Mass

18 AUG Our Lady of The Assumption Stevenson Rd MANDURAH 19 AUG St Patrick’s Cathedral BUNBURY Parkfield St., Bunbury

5.45 pm Procession/ Vigil /Mass, Rosary Talk,

19 AUG Pater Noster Marmion St MYAREE 2O AUG St Bernadette’s Jugan St GLENDALOUGH

9.30 am Mass Veneration

11.00am Procession/ Talk 12.00 Mass Veneration 7.00pm Mass Talk Veneration 10.30am Rosary Mass Talk Veneration 5.45pm Mass Rosary Talk Veneration Vigil

21 AUG St Gerard Majella 9.00am Mass Talk Rosary Veneration Ravenswood Dr MIRRABOOKA 21 AUG All Saints Chapel 77,St Georges Tce Perth 12.10pm & 1.10 pm Masses Veneration until 4.00pm 21 AUG St Francis of Assisi Lilian Rd, MAIDA VALE

7.00pm Mass Rosary Talk Veneration

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22 AUG St Mary’s Cathedral PERTH -11am Talk/Rosary 12.10 Mass Veneration Hourly Rosaries QUEENSHIP of MARY 7.30pm Solemn concelebrated Mass - Archbishop Costelloe .

Pope Pius XII reflected on the miracles following this Pilgrim Statue in his Radio Address: “In 1946 we crowned Our Lady of Fatima as Queen of The World and the next year, through Her Pilgrim Image, She set forth as though to claim Her Dominion, and the miracles She performs on the way are such that we can scarcely believe our eyes at what we are seeing.”

A Catholic outreach supporting people Call us on 9474 3303 www.identitywa.com.au with disability and their families.

Fátima statue to tour Perth in August THE INTERNATIONAL Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fátima is coming to parishes in Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury this year from August 16 to August 22. As verified by the Church, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children at Fátima, Portugal on the thirteenth day of six consecutive months in 1917, beginning on May 13. The three children were Lúcia Santos (who later became a nun) and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The statue was sculpted from the description of Our Lady by Sr Lúcia. The history of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue begins in 1946 when the youth of Portugal attended a Congress in Fátima and took the original Fátima statue from display in the Cova on pilgrimage to Lisbon, feted by throngs of the faithful. The statue was eventually returned to its place in the Cova de Iria but many people wished for a visit in their own communities. The Bishop of Leiria in Fátima wrote to Sr Lúcia about sending the statue on tour. Sr Lúcia responded with a letter suggesting that a new statue by sculptor Jose Thedim be used as a pilgrim statue. The Bishop agreed and, on May 13, 1947, this new statue was blessed and named the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fátima. Out of necessity, a second replica statue was sculpted by Jose Thedim to meet the demand and this was blessed by the Bishop in October 13, 1947. The second statue was intended by the Bishop as the Western statue and the two statues were to travel about until finally they could enter Russia. The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue has since travelled the world many times, visiting more than 100 countries, including Russia and China, bringing the great message of hope, “the peace plan from heaven”, to millions of people. Many miracles and signal graces are reported wherever the statue travels including shedding tears many times. (Website: www. pilgrimvirginstatue.com.) Pope Pius XII recalled his crowning of the Fátima statue in 1946 and said during his radio address to the pilgrims at Fátima in 1951, “In 1946, we crowned Our Lady of Fátima as Queen of the world, and the next year, through her pilgrim image, she set forth as though to claim her dominion, and the miracles she performs along the way are such that we can scarcely believe our eyes at what we are seeing.” In what was referred to as the “Miracle of the Doves”, doves accompanied the original statue on her travels and rested at her feet showing reported reverence. Padre Pio is said to have been rushed to hospital with a life threatening illness in 1959, that same year the statue was taken into the chapel in San Giovanni Rotondo. Just as Padre Pio got within several feet of the statue, three white doves flew into the chapel to the base of the statue and performed the manoeuvre three times before finally resting at the base of the statue. Another physical cure attributed to the pilgrim statue was reportedly the complete healing of a man in New Orleans who fell from a building, crushing the bones in both his legs. He recovered just as his wife entered a church to pray. The itinerary of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fátima appears as an advertisment at left. For further enquiries, contact Yolanda Nardizzi on 0413 707 707.

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Santa Clara take to King’s Park to pray for poor From the Parish YOUTH from the Santa Clara Parish in Bentley gathered at King’s Park on July 7 to pray for those less fortunate members of the community. Those present prayed for those with physical and mental afflictions including addiction, depression, illness and abuse. Christine dos Santos said the prayer vigil was a chance to reflect upon and discuss the challenges life brings each person. “As young people, we are faced with these issues more and more every day,” she said.

As young people we are faced with these issues more and more, every day... Communication and prayer with God will give us wisdom and strength to overcome. “Prayer and communication with God is what will give us the wisdom and strength to face [these issues] and overcome them. Attendee Bernard Wong said he had enjoyed the experience, and especially, the fraternity. “What a privilege to have sung praises and prayed at such a beautiful place together in one spirit,” he said. “We learned a great deal from each other and, not to forget, the sausages were awesome.” SANTA CLARA PARISH

Young people from the southern suburb of Bentley gathered at King’s Park on July 7 to pray for those going without not only the comforts, but also the necessities of life. Their prayer was made complete by their own fraternity, including a sausage sizzle. PHOTO: SANTA CLARA PARISH

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Global crisis needs faith cooperation By Matthew Biddle UNITY between the major world religions is the key to restoring traditional values and morals to society, according to leading Jewish academic, Rabbi Shimon Cowen. Visiting Perth briefly in June to launch his book, Politics and Universal Ethics, Rabbi Cowen told The Record that despite their differences, Christians, Muslims, and Jews share much common ground. “There is a group of ethical principles and values which are at the root of the Abrahamic faiths,” he said. “When we look at the root from which the major world religions sprang, this takes us back to Abraham, and before Abraham all the way back to Noah, the Biblical survivor. “We have a tradition, and this tradition has been ratified by other faiths, that there are a series of basic laws or principles which share

this fundamental root.” These laws are often referred to as the ‘Seven Noahide Laws’, and include prohibitions of idolatry, murder, theft, sexual immorality, blasphemy, eating flesh from a live animal, and a requirement for establishing courts of justice. Rabbi Cowen said these laws have been affirmed by all three faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As such, Rabbi Cowen said his view on marriage was in union with the Catholic view that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman entered into for life. “Human identity is intimately associated with the union of man and woman,” he affirmed. “There’s absolutely no question that [gay marriage] is completely excluded by the Abrahamic ethic. “It doesn’t mean that one doesn’t recognise that certain people have certain tendencies and certain struggles, all of which should be viewed

with compassion. But when it comes to the crunch, it’s not something that should be indulged in practice.” The Melbourne-based Rabbi said he believes the majority of Australians support marriage between a man and a woman.

What is needed now is to open discussion and talk about why we’re here, the purpose of our existence. Let’s talk about the soul. Let’s talk about God. He added that society has made it increasingly difficult for people with same-sex attraction to understand that they do have a choice in the

matter. “The human body may have homosexual tendencies, but the soul, the conscience, which we call the mirror of God, is not something that is homosexual,” he said. “I’ve spoken to [homosexual] individuals about this… and they know their body says this and their soul, their conscience says something else.” On other life issues, such as abortion and euthanasia, Rabbi Cowen said the world’s major faiths generally held the view that both were morally wrong. “The human body and the human soul is the possession of God, and it’s not something for us to take away, it’s for God to take,” he declared. Despite the relentless push for abortion on demand, voluntary euthanasia and same-sex marriage, Rabbi Cowen said it was not too late to defend traditional values and morals from such attacks. “What we need to do now is to

restore a discussion,” he said. “People have a deep spiritual hunger, and the interesting thing is, in those areas where this discussion that we’re having is mostly prohibited, for example in the academic world, there people also have a deep spiritual hunger. “What is needed now is to take the offensive and to open discussion and to talk about what we’re here for, the purpose of human existence, let’s talk about the soul, let’s talk about God. “A lot of this discussion has simply been repressed. Once it’s re-opened then I’m sure you’ll find a resurgence. Once a person stands up and courageously raises their voice, that will crack the wall of political correctness.” Rabbi Cowen said this resurgence has already begun in the countries of Eastern Europe, and reflects the human being’s innate search for God. “Religion is part of human makeup,” he said. “There are a lot of so-

Angelus bells’ peal planned for new Attadale Church

called non-religious people who, by an act of self-transcendence, by thinking in terms bigger than themselves, are in fact en route to what we’d call religion. “Even if they haven’t yet come to embrace religion, the very fact that they acknowledge a purpose which is higher than themselves… is the sign of a healthy mind and a healthy spirit.” While those without religion will eventually be drawn to it, those with religion must unite to restore morality in society, Rabbi Cowen said. “Religious groups came together, and they came together in order to defend common ground, and therefore a coalition is growing, a coalition of voices,” he said. “There’s a tremendous value in them asserting their shared values.”

By Matthew Biddle AFTER SEVERAL years of preparation, St Joseph Pignatelli Parish in Attadale is almost ready to begin construction of its new church. The original parish church, built in 1955, was only meant to be temporary, but the parish never had the funds to build a permanent church. But thanks to a generous benefactor, the parish has now raised more than half the funds required, and hopes to commence construction work in March or April next year, pending Archdiocesan approval.

Rabbi Cowen, at right: unity between the major faiths is key to the future.

“I think he wanted it for that purpose because… he wanted us to think about the future.” Shortly after, a parish meeting was held where parishioners were informed of the donation and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of building a new church. “The consensus was that we should do something with [the money], so that started a long process of talking and trying to work out about funds,” Fr Sean said. The parish priest since 2006 said his parishioners have rallied strongly behind the project. “I admire them,” he said.

Little Flower’s mastery of the When home is the furthest place you can get from the war spiritual life won scholar A SPIRITUAL and psychological study into the “greatest saint of modern times” underpinned research by PhD graduate, Dr Judith Schneider, from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle campus. Dr Schneider, also an academic in the university’s School of Philosophy & Theology, graduated with a PhD in Philosophy at Notre Dame’s Fremantle graduation ceremony in July. In her thesis topic, Filial Relationship, Mercy and Limitation in Thérèse of Lisieux: Towards a Thérèsian Theological Anthropology and its Implications, Dr Schneider explored St Thérèse of Lisieux’s sense of God’s grace toward her as expressing mercy toward limitation. St Thérèse, a French Carmelite nun, was canonised by Pope Pius XI in 1925 for her simple yet bold dedication to her faith in the face of encroaching secularism. At a time when people were discarding their religious beliefs, she was seen as a role model of resistance against modernity, representing honesty and purity in the Catholic faith. Delving into what might have attracted so many to St Thérèse,

beyond concerns over modernity, Dr Schneider focused on Thérèse’s unique self-sense, a kind of “audacity” before God. Despite only living until the age of 24, St Thérèse is considered one of the most popular saints in the history of the Church - and one of its greatest - for her approach to the spiritual life, including discovering

Dr Schneider said she was first captivated by St Thérèse’s spiritual autobiography. She has used developmental psychology to probe deeper into the saint. sainthood amidst life’s daily and small tasks. Dr Schneider said she was “captivated” by St Thérèse’s life story after reading her spiritual autobiography Story of a Soul. “In my paper, I attempted to use the progresses made by ‘modern’ science (developmental psychology) to uncover who St Thérèse was, what lay behind her strong sense

of ‘self ’, how deep her relationship was with God, and the theological importance of her work in contemporary society,” the Notre Dame academic said. “My overall aim was to draw a ‘theology of grace’ from St Thérèse’s writing. In her time, ‘grace’ was thought to be a substance that one could have ‘more’ or ‘less’ of, and this quantitative entity as something which influenced one’s destiny.” “However, St Thérèse experienced grace in an overtly interpersonal way – she felt God lift her up, protect her and rescue her from life’s difficulties.” Despite taking over four years to complete her research, Dr Schneider believes there is still more to uncover about the life and spirituality of St Thérèse. “Having felt such a close personal connection to her throughout my research, I hope to gain a further appreciation of St Thérèse’s intuition and contribution to theology with additional research into her writings within the context of 19th century France,” Dr Schneider said. “It felt wonderful to be able to explore the life and history of St Thérèse – a prominent figure in the history of the Catholic Church.”

Attadale parish priest Fr Sean Fernandez with drawings for the new parish church. Construction will hopefully begin next year. PHOTO: MATTHEW BIDDLE

Detailed drawings of the new church are on display in the parish foyer, and reveal a design that features a prominent baptismal font and a unique central cross. “At the centre of the cross will be the symbol of the Jesuits, because

At the centre of the cross will be the Jesuit symbol because they were the founders of the parish.

An aerial view shows the Zaatari refugee camp outside Mafraq, Jordan. The camp holds roughly 115,000 Syrians who have fled from war. It’s located about 13km from Syria’s border.

PHOTO: REUTERS

‘UK internet porn ban shows the way for Australia’ By Matthew Biddle

Director of the Research Office in Fremantle, Dr Marc Fellman, Dr Judith Schneider, and Dean of the School of Philosophy & Theology, Fremantle, Professor Matthew Ogilvie. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

THE AUSTRALIAN government is being urged to follow the lead of Great Britain in attempting to block access to pornography sites. Last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron said he would request internet service providers block access to inappropriate sites unless customers opt in. He said by the end of 2013 “familyfriendly” filters would become the

default setting for new internet customers, and only account holders would be able to change the settings. Mr Cameron said overtly sexual images were “corroding childhood”. Family Voice Australia’s Roslyn Phillips said the Australian government should consider similar measures. “Australia urgently needs mandatory filtering at the ISP level to protect children and maintain a healthy society,” she said. “Parents can install filters on their home

computers, but that’s not enough. They cannot protect their children from pornography on unfiltered mobile phones that other children take delight in passing around.” But the country’s Internet Industry Association (IIA) has rejected calls for Australia to consider stronger internet filtering. In a statement, the Association said there needs to be careful consideration before any filtering system is implemented.

“A balanced and well considered approached is required when it comes to allowing people to have the freedom to openly choose what they do online, where it is legal to do so, over some form of internet governance, censorship or filtering being imposed by government,” CEO of the IIA Peter Lee said. “The public typically does not take too kindly to the thought of governments attempting to censor or control their access to the internet.”

But managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby Lyle Shelton said government intervention was essential to protect children from pornography. “Parents are looking for clear and trustworthy commitments from the government and genuine action to protect children online,” he said. Last year, the Federal Government abandoned its commitment to implement a national internet filter, instead banning only sites related to child abuse.

they were the first founders of the parish,” parish priest Fr Sean Fernandez told The Record. The new building will also have stained-glass windows, several statues and, if funds permit, a columbarium and a bell tower that will ring for the Angelus. “One of the key things we put to the architects was to design a space which, from the beginning, is a sacred space, a place for the sacred liturgy, for prayer,” Fr Sean said. “The tabernacle will be under the cross and lit up, so it will be a good focal point for prayer and devotion.” Parishioners have been following recent developments in the parish bulletin, but Fr Sean said the initial stages of the project began about five years ago. “A parishioner, who is still alive, gave the parish a large amount of money, with a certain amount of money to come, but only to be used for a new church,” he explained.

“We have had some extraordinarily generous donations in the last two months. Obviously, people here believe this is something we can do.” While the project is both exciting and challenging, Fr Sean said it would not be easy for parishioners to leave their “homely” church building. “There’s no project where you’ll get everyone supporting it, and for some there’s a real attachment to this place, which you can understand,” he said. “But, overall, there’s very strong support for moving into the future and doing something for future generations.” Fr Sean said he hoped the new church would revitalise the parish community and be a visible witness to the wider population. “For every parish which has done the whole thing of shifting… the new church has brought about a real invigoration,” he said. “There’s also an evangelisation aspect to our work, we want to reach out and draw people into the church.” The new church building will be located on Wichmann Road, almost directly behind the current building. It will occupy the land where several tennis courts that the parish has used for many years are situated. While the original church building remains in good condition, its future is still under discussion. Meanwhile, in Kelmscott, preparations for the consecration of the new Good Shepherd parish church are under way, with the ceremony to take place on September 8.

The Parish. The Nation. The World. www.therecord.com.au

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Pope urges Catholics to

Be givers of

MERCY Pope Francis emphasised the Church’s need to unceasingly show mercy towards others as he addressed journalists during his flight from Rio de Janeiro back to Rome. He also hinted at a date for the historic papal canonisations, and explained why he chose to continue to live at the Vatican guesthouse, as CNS correspondent Cindy Wooden reports...

rom his personal prayer life and spirituality to the role of women in the Church and the pastoral care of the divorced, Pope Francis responded to several questions about Church teaching and ministry on July 28 when he met reporters on his flight from Rio de Janeiro to Rome. On the possibility of the Catholic Church ordaining women priests, Pope Francis said “the Church has spoken and said ‘no,’” and the form in which Blessed John Paul II declared that was the case was “a definitive formula”. Blessed John Paul II said that because Jesus chose only men as his disciples, the Church was not able to ordain women. However, Pope Francis said the Catholic Church still has a long way to go in developing a real theology that explains the importance of women in the Church and how it would be impossible for the Church to live up to its role as mother and bride without the contribution of women. “It is not enough to have altar girls, women readers or women as the president of Caritas,” he said. “Women in the Church are more important than bishops and priests,” just like “Mary is more important than the apostles”. Asked about any possibility that the Catholic Church would begin to allow Catholics who have been divorced and remarried only civilly to receive the sacraments, Pope Francis said he wanted to make it clear that divorced Catholics can receive the sacraments. The problems begin when they marry a second time without having their first union annulled. He said the annulment process needs to be reformed and streamlined but, even more importantly, the Catholic Church needs to get serious about developing a comprehensive pastoral program for the family, and that was one topic he planned to discuss with the com-

mission of eight cardinals he named to advise him on the reform of the Roman Curia and other important matters. The late Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, his predecessor as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, used to say he thought half the Catholic marriages in the world could be annulled because people marry “without maturity, without understanding it was for one’s entire life or because it seemed socially necessary”, the Pope said. Pope Francis also mentioned the practice of the Orthodox churches that allow a second marriage – what he called “a second chance” – in some cases, giving the impression that the Catholic practice could undergo modification. Asked about why he speaks so frequently about God’s mercy, he said, “I think this is a time for mercy”, particularly a time when the Church must go out of its way to be merciful given the “not-sobeautiful witness of some priests” and “the problem of clericalism, for example, which have left so many wounds, so many wounded. The Church, which is mother, must go and heal those wounds”. “If the Lord never tires of forgiving us, we have no other choice but to do the same,” he said. Pope Francis told reporters that in the Gospel story of the prodigal son, when the young man returned after squandering his inheritance, “his father didn’t sit him down and say, ‘How did you spend the money?’ but he threw a party”. And, the Pope said, the father “didn’t just wait for his son, he went out to look for him”. A Brazilian journalist asked Pope Francis why he did not speak out during his trip against proposals to liberalise Brazil’s abortion laws and to legalise gay marriage. “The Church already has spoken on these issues,” he said. “Young people understand perfectly what the Church’s point of view is.” A Portuguese reporter told

Copacabana Beach was the scene of several major events during World Youth Day. PHOTO: PARRAMATTA DIOCESE

the Pope it seemed a bit odd to hear a Pope repeatedly asking people to pray for him. “When I was a priest, I asked people to pray for me, but not as often,” he said. “I started asking with some frequency when I began the work of a bishop because I believe we need the Lord’s assistance in this work to help the people of God move forward.” In addition, the Pope said, “I

truly feel I have many limits, even sins”, and so is in need of prayer. Pope Francis said he still considers himself a Jesuit, but first he posed a tricky logic problem: “The Jesuits make a special vow of fidelity to the Pope. But if the Pope is a Jesuit, does he have to make a vow to the superior of the Jesuits?” “I am a Jesuit in my spirituality, a spirituality involving the Exercises (of St Ignatius),” he said. “And I think like a Jesuit,” he said, but smiled and quickly added, “but not in the sense of hypocrisy”. As for his decision to contin-

ue living at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse, he insisted it was a matter of liking to have a lot of people around and not a statement about simplicity or austerity, although he said both are essential for every minister in the Church. “I couldn’t live alone or with just a few people,” he said. The papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace “isn’t luxurious – it’s large, it’s big, but not luxurious”. He said he was telling the whole truth when he met students from Jesuit schools and told them his

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Coming to grips with Evolution Pope Francis listens to a question from a journalist on his flight heading back to Rome on July 28. The Pope answered questions from 21 journalists over a period of 80 minutes on his return from Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS POOL, CNS

Some friends tell me that with Darwin’s theory of evolution, we no longer need to believe in God as a creator, since natural selection explains how the different species came to be. I have trouble with this but am not sure how to answer them. Can you help me?

housing choice was a “psychological necessity”. He said people were mistaken if they thought the cardinals who work in the Curia live a life of luxury. “They don’t live like rich men, they live in little apartments,” he said. Looking ahead, Pope Francis said he was looking forward to canonising Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II, but choosing a date has become tricky. First, he said, he thought the December 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception would

be appropriate, but that would make it difficult for poorer Polish pilgrims who would have to travel winter roads by bus. The late-November feast of Christ the King – which also is the end of the Year of Faith – is a possibility, he said, but it is probably not enough time to prepare. The best guess, he said, is Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, the Sunday after Easter in 2014. Pope Francis also responded to a question about his relationship with retired Pope Benedict. Pope Francis smiled warmly and spoke

with admiration of the retired Pope’s humility, intelligence and prayerfulness. The unusual situation of having a Pope and a retired Pope both living at the Vatican is working out very well, although he said he has tried to encourage Pope Benedict to feel freer to invite people over, to go in and out and to join him for events. Having the retired Pope nearby to consult with or ask questions of, he said, “is like having a grandfather at home – a very wise grandfather”.

erhaps we should first explain what we mean by natural selection. According to Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, written in 1859, there is a natural process in living things by which individuals of a given species which are not adapted to the environment die out while others which are more adapted survive and reproduce. As a result, over time species gradually evolve and can even become transformed into other species. This discovery, or theory, has indeed led many people to think that God did not need to create the individual species, as related in the book of Genesis, but rather that they came about through the process of natural selection, or evolution. We can then ask: Are God and evolution mutually incompatible? That is, does evolution exclude the need for God? The prominent biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins thinks it does. Referring to God as the “watchmaker” of the universe, he writes: “The only watchmaker in nature is the blind forces of physics… Natural selection, the blind, unconscious, automatic process which Darwin discovered, and which we now know is the explanation for the existence and apparently purposeful form of all life, has no purpose in mind… If it can be said to play the role of watchmaker in nature, it is that of the blind watchmaker” (The Blind Watchmaker, Longmans, London, 1986, p. 14). But there are problems with this. First, natural selection presupposes the existence of the universe and of life in the first place. Natural selection might explain the evolution of different forms of life but it cannot be “the explanation for the existence ... of all life” as Dawkins says. Second, while the process of natural selection may in itself be blind and purposeless, it follows the laws of nature written into living things by God, their creator. Darwin himself admitted this. In the second-last paragraph of On the Origin of Species he writes: “Authors of the highest eminence seem to be fully satisfied with the view that each species has been independently created. To my mind it accords better with what we know of the laws impressed on matter by the Creator, that the production and extinction of the past and present inhabitants of the world should have been due to secondary causes, like those determining the birth and death of the individual.” Thus Darwin himself believed that his theory of evolution did not do away with the need for God, but rather presupposed that

Q&A FR JOHN FLADER

God had written into nature the laws by which evolution took place. At this point it is helpful to clarify what we mean by evolution or natural selection. If we mean that over time there will emerge variations in the individuals of a given species and that some of these variants will be better adapted for survival and will therefore tend to predominate in the population – what could be called microevolution – then there is no argument. This phenomenon was observed by Darwin and it is an established scientific fact. If, however, we mean that one form of life will, over time, gradually evolve into higher and very different forms of life, into different species – what

Even as a non-believer like Sir Frederick Hoyle comments: as common sense suggests, Darwinian theory is correct in small - but not the large things. could be called macroevolution – then we are no longer in the realm of scientifically proven fact but rather in that of theory. Even a non-believer like Sir Frederick Hoyle comments: “Well, as common sense would suggest, the Darwinian theory is correct in the small, but not in the large. Rabbits come from other slightly different rabbits, not from either [primeval] soup or potatoes. Where they come from in the first place is a problem yet to be solved, like much else of a cosmic scale” (The Mathematics of Evolution, Weston Publications, Cardiff, 1987, p. 9). Even if scientists should one day be able to show conclusively that evolution does take place from one form of life to another radically different one, and that humans in their body evolved from apes, this will still not do away with the need for God. I say “in their body” because in any case God implanted the spiritual soul in our first parents, as he did in every one of us when we were conceived (cf. J. Flader Question Time 1, Connor Court 2012, q. 6). In short, God and evolution are compatible. Even more, evolution requires God. frjflader@gmail.com

PANORAMA

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 Spirituality and the Sunday Gospels 7-8pm at St Benedict’s school hall, Alness St, Applecross. Presented by Norma Woodcock. Everyone is welcome. Cost: collection. Accreditation recognition by the CEO. Enq: 9487 1772 or www.normawoodcock.com. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 Council of Christians and Jews WA Inc Seminar The Image of Paul and Jewish-Christian Relations 7.30pm at Temple David Social Hall, 34 Clifton Cr, Mt Lawley. Presenters: Dr William Campbell and Dr Kathy Ehrensperger of The University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter. Cost: $10, ($5 for members). Light refreshments. All welcome. Enq: ccjwa@aol.com. SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 Alan Ames Healing Mass and Talk 6pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 82 Collick St, Hilton. Begins with Holy Mass followed by talk by Alan Ames and Healing Service. Enq: 9314 7733. Day with Mary 9am-5pm at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Mary St, Highgate. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10.10am Holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and on Our Lady, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Stations of the Cross. Finish approx 5pm. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. One Day Retreat on God’s Gift of the Family 9am-1.30pm at Maddington Parish, Lot 375 Alcock Street. Program includes Praise and Worship, preaching of the Word of God, Confession, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Healing Prayers. Morning tea and lunch provided. Enq: 9493 1703. SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 Retreat Day - God The Father of all Mankind 10.30am-3.30pm at God’s Farm, 94 Woodlands Rd, Wilyabrup. Mass, celebrant Fr Brian Morgan, who also will deliver inspired talks from Mother Eugenia’s messages and his own book Life for the Father’s Glory which is available on the day. Lunch provided. Enq: Betty 9755 6212. Divine Mercy 1.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor St, Perth. An afternoon with Jesus and Mary. Main celebrant will be Fr Matthew CRS, homily on the Transfiguration of The Lord. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Refreshments afterwards. Enq: John 9457 7771. THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 Healing Mass – In Honour of St. Peregrine 7pm at Sts. John & Paul Church, Pinetree Gulley Road, Willetton. There will be veneration of the relic of St. Peregrine, Patron of Cancer sufferers and those in need, and anointing of the sick. Enq: Jim on 9457 1539. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Retreat 7.30pm at St Bernadette’s Church, Glendalough. Begins with Holy Mass. Fr Michael CSsR will be conducting a retreat based on his Gospel centred ministry, which has a focus on the Eucharist and Confession, as well as Divine Mercy, spiritual direction, and healing. Enq: Parish Office 9444 6131. SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 The Secular Franciscan Order Honour St Clare 6.30pm Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. We honour this day and gather for The Transitus of St Clare of Assisi who died in 1253, to remember when she was taken up into the Glory of God. Please bring a plate. Visitors welcome. Enq: Angela 9275 5658 or email angelmich@ bigpond.com. St Padre Pio Prayer Day 8.30am-1pm at St Mary’s, Franklin St, Leederville. St Padre Pio DVD in parish centre; 10am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction; 11am Holy Mass, St Padre Pio Liturgy, Confessions available; 12pm bring a plate for a shared lunch, tea and coffee provided. Search You Tube.com type “Hello from San Giovanni Rotondo” Enq: Des 6278 1540. Big Screen Saturday 5.30pm at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. A film adaptation of Bethany Hamilton’s autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to get back on the Board (PG). Adult $10, concession $8, family $30. Snacks and refreshments available and free kids movie. For details and bookings: perth.disciplesofjesus.org/ movies or 041 992 3420. SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 Divine Mercy Church Fundraiser Dinner Dance 7.30pm at Greek/Macedonian Club, corner Homer St and Wordsworth Ave, Dianella. Organised by Viet/Aust Charity Group. S/East Asian dinner, live performances, disco, dancing and raffle draw. Entry $40 (all profits donated to Divine Mercy Church, Lower Chittering). Enq: Tickets Fr Chris 0420 449 820, Doris 9571 8135, Fr Paul Fox 9571 8068 or 0427 085 093. Divine Mercy Healing Mass 2.30pm at St Francis Xavier Church, Windsor St, East Perth. Main celebrant Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM. Reconciliation in English and Italian will

be offered. Divine Mercy prayers followed by Veneration of First Class Relic of St Faustina. Refreshments later. Enq: John 9457 7771. SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Latin Mass 8.15am at The Good Shepherd Church, Streich Ave, Kelmscott. To be celebrated by Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey. Enq: John 9390 6646. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 TO THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue comes to Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury, 7pm at St Jerome’s, Troode St, Munster. Activities will include Holy Mass, Rosary, talks, Veneration and vigil at the following parishes and dates: Aug 17 Our Lady of the the Mission, Camberwarra Dr, Craigie, 8.30am-noon and 6pm at Our Lady of Mercy, Patrick Ct, Girrawheen. Aug 18 Holy Spirit, Keaney Pl, City Beach, 8am and 9.30am Holy Mass and 5.45pm Our Lady of the Assumption, Stevenson Rd, Mandurah. Aug 19 St Patrick’s Cathedral, Bunbury starting 11am. Aug 20 10.30am and 5.45pm St Bernadette’s, Jugan St, Glendalough. Aug 21 9am at St Gerard Majella, Ravenswood Dr, Mirrabooka, 12.10pm All Saints Chapel, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth, and 7pm St Francis of Assisi, Lilian Rd, Maida Vale. Aug 22 11am St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Holy Mass and 7.30pm Solemn Holy Mass, Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB. Enq: Yolanda 0413 707 707. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Fr John Rea-Public Healing Ministry 7.30am 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Men’s Breakfast at Disciples of Jesus. 7pm, Aug 22, healing Mass at St Andrews, 60 Victorsen Pde, Clarkson. Aug 23, Sacred Heart Parish, Guppy St. Pemberton. 7.30pm, 26-30Aug, healing Mass at Our Lady Of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, 175 Corfield St, Gosnells. Enq: 9202 6868; D.O.J. 9202 6868, Betty 0427 711 916, Dan Hewitt 9398 4973 or Daniel. hewitt5@bigpond.com, respectively. SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Meditative Prayer in the Style of Taizé 7-8pm at St Joseph’s Convent Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. Includes scripture, prayer, song (mantra) and silence in candlelight. Chapel door open 6.30pm. Bring a friend and a torch. Enq: Sr Maree Riddler 0414 683 926. Auslan Cafe 10.30am to 12 noon Emmanuel Centre Hall next to St Francis Xavier Church, Windsor St, Perth. Ever thought about learning how to communicate with profoundly Deaf people through Auslan (Australian Sign Language)? Now you can and it’s FREE. Come and learn in a relaxed and fun way. There is always an interpreter at St Francis Xavier Church, for the 9.30am Sunday Mass. Light lunch provided. Enq: Emma or Barbara by email emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au or 9328 8113. World Apostolate of Fatima 3pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace, cnr. Milroy and Harfoot Sts, Willagee. All welcome. Enq: 9339 2614. SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 International Food Fair at The Little Sisters of the Poor 10am to 3pm at No. 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough. All welcome to eat or take away great varieties of Asian and Continental Food -Satay, Char Kway Teow and more. Live music to entertain. All proceeds are for upgrading the Marian Centre in the Home. Enq: Francis Lim 0437 562 263. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Medjugorje Evening of Prayer Group 7pm - 9pm at St. Bernadette’s Parish, 49 Jugan St. Mount Hawthorn. It is reported Our Blessed Mother has been appearing daily in Medjugorje since 1981 with messages for all her children. In thanksgiving The Medjugorje evening of prayer group meet monthly in a different parish to spread Our Blessed Mothers messages. Free dvd’s on Medjugorje. NEWSFLASH Pilgrimage. Oct.8-24th. Rome/Italy/ Medjugorje. $3,999. Enq. 9402 2480 or 0407 471 256; medjugorje@y7mail.com. MONDAY, SEPT 2 TO TUESDAY, SEPT 10 Fr John Rea-Public Healing Ministry 7.30pm 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Healing service for women. 6.45pm Sept 4, Healing Mass at All Saints Parish, 7 Liwara Pl, Greenwood; 7.30pm, Sept 5 Healing Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral Perth; 7.30pm Sept 7, Healing Service for Marriages and 3pm Sept 8 Healing Service both at 67 Howe St Osborne Park; 10am, Sept 10 Healing Mass at Holy Spirit Parish, City Beach. Enq: Disciples of Jesus 9202 6868. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 TO SUNDAY 15 A live-in/live-out Retreat - Faith and Grace Held at the Redemptorist Retreat House North Perth. Fr Carl Schafer OFM from Sydney, National Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order in Oceania will lead the retreat. Fr Carl’s ministry to the Secular Franciscans spans forty-eight years, twelve of those in Rome. Enq: Angela 9275 5658, or angelmich@bigpond.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER, 19 TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER, 22 ZIMBABWE CATHOLICS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND CONGRESS Starting Afresh In Jesus Christ 7pm at Swanleigh, 58 Yule Avenue, Middle Swan. The Zimbabwe Catholics Perth Community will

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July 31, 2013

host the inaugural Congress and the drums have been warmed for this weekend. Two dynamic priests from Zimbabwe will be the guest speakers and local priests. There will be other various interesting activities to enhance. Come let us journey together in the Year of Faith. Enq: Bibiana 0458 945 444, Jane 04240 667 819. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Individual Silent Directed Retreat 4.30pm at St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, 113 Tyler St, Tuart Hill. Meet daily with your retreat directors, Celia Joyce or Fr Stephen Truscott SM, to explore the movement of God within your life. The retreat unfolds at your own pace. (Limited to 10 retreatants.) Enq: 9485 8980 or www.fullnessoflife.org.

REGULAR EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.309pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria.com.

EVERY TUESDAY Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 6pm at Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm followed by Benediction. Enq: John 0408 952 194. Novena to God the Father 7.30pm at St Joachim’s parish hall, Vic Park. Novena followed by reflection and discussions on forthcoming Sunday Gospel. Enq: Jan 9284 1662. EVERY FIRST TUESDAY Short MMP Cenacle for Priests 2pm at Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Fr Watt 9376 1734. EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We welcome everyone to attend our praise meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@gmail.com. Bible Study at Cathedral 6.15pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Sq, Perth. Deepen your faith through reading and reflecting on holy Scripture with Fr Jean-Noel Marie. Meeting room beneath Cathedral. Enq: 9223 1372.

Cathedral Cafe Cathedral Cafe is now open every Sunday 9.30am1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral parish centre, downstairs after Mass. Coffee, tea, cakes, sweets, friendship with Cathedral parishioners. Further info: Tammy on smcperthwyd@yahoo.com.au or 0415 370 357.

Holy Hour - Catholic Youth Ministry with Emeritus Archbishop Hickey 5.30pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Mass followed at 6.30pm with Holy Hour. We are having a special guest, Emeritus Archbishop Hickey to celebrate with us during WYD Rio. Enq: 9422 7912 or admin@cym.com.au.

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction. Reconciliation available before every celebration. Anointing of the sick administered during Mass every second Sunday of the month. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation last Sunday of the month. Side entrance to church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292.

EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY Novena to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 7-7.45pm at Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish, corner Cassowary Dr and Pelican Pde, Ballajura. Begins with Mass, novena prayers and Benediction. Followed by healing prayers and anointing of the sick. Enq: Madi 9249 9093 or Gerry 0417 187 240.

Praise and Worship 5.30pm at St Denis Parish, corner Osborne St and Roberts Rd, Joondanna. Followed by 6pm Mass. Enq: Admin on admin@stdenis.com.au. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY Singles Prayer and Social Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Sq, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth. Begins with holy hour (Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and teaching) followed by dinner at local restaurant. Meet new people, pray and socialise with other single men and women. Enq: Veronica 0403 841 202. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Healing Hour 7-8pm at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta. Songs of praise and worship, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament and prayers for sick. Enq: Fr Irek Czech SDS or office Tue-Thu, 9am-2.30pm on 9344 7066. EVERY THIRD SUNDAY Oblates of St Benedict’s 2pm at St Joseph’s Convent, York St, South Perth. We welcome all who are interested in studying the Rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for laypeople. Vespers and afternoon tea conclude our meetings. Enq: Secretary 9457 5758. Divine Mercy Hour 3pm at St Pius X Church, 23 Paterson St, Manning. There will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Prayers, Rosary and Benediction. Please join us in prayer. Enq: Mrs K Henderson 9450 4195. EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35 Years 7.30-8.30pm at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon; Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise and worship; followed by a social gathering. Come and pray at a place of grace. Enq: shrinetimemtrichon@gmail.com. Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. Includes Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent prayer, scripture, prayers of intercession. Come and pray that those discerning vocations can hear clearly God’s call. EVERY LAST SUNDAY Filipino Mass 3pm at Notre Dame Church, cnr Daley and Wright Sts, Cloverdale. Please bring a plate to share for socialisation after Mass. Enq: Fr Nelson Po 0410 843 412, Elsa 0404 038 483. EVERY MONDAY For You My Soul is Thirsting (Psalm 62:1) 7pm at St Thomas Parish, 2 College Rd, Claremont. Tend to your thirst for God. Begins with Adoration, then 7.45pm - Evening Prayer; 8pm - Communion Service and Night Prayer. Come to the whole thing, or just to a part! Enq: Michelle: 0404 564 890.

LAST MONDAY Be Still in His Presence – Ecumenical Christian Program 7.30-8.45pm at St Swithun Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie St, Lesmurdie (hall behind church). Begins with songs of praise and worship, silent time, lectio divina, small group sharing and cuppa. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848 or 0435 252 941.

EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY Chaplets of Divine Mercy 7.30pm at St Thomas More Parish, Dean Rd, Bateman. Accompanied by Exposition, then Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 6242 0702 (w). EVERY THURSDAY Divine Mercy 11am at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy and for consecrated life, especially in our parish. Concludes with veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina. Enq: John 9457 7771. St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting 7.45pm at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Includes praise, song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@ flameministries.org. Group Fifty - Charismatic Renewal Group 7.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 150 Vincent St, North Perth. Includes prayer, praise and Mass. Enq: Elaine 9440 3661. EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST Introduction to the Study of Contemporary Christian Spirituality Course 7-9pm at St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, 113 Tyler St, Tuart Hill. Presented by Fr Stephen Truscott SM PhD; course examines contemporary Christian spirituality as both lived experience and academic discipline, combining reading, discussion, lectures and reflective exercises. You will build the capacity to develop beyond yourself in relationship with others and with God in understanding, liberty and love. Enq: 9485 8980 or www.fullnessoflife.org. EVERY FIRST THURSDAY Holy Hour Prayer for Priests 7-8pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079. Prayer in Style of Taizé 7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Includes prayer, song and silence in candlelight – symbol of Christ the light of the world. Taizé info: www.taize.fr. Enq: secretary 9448 4888 or 9448 4457. EVERY SECOND THURSDAY Life in the Spirit Seminar 6pm at 2 King St, Coogee. The Resource Centre for Personal Development and Catholic Charismatic Renewal will hold seven sessions every second Thursday until October. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY Social Dinner (Young Adults aged up to 35) and Rosary Cenacle 6.30pm at St Bernadette’s Church, 49 Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Begins at 6.30pm with dinner at a local restaurant, followed at 8pm by a Rosary Cenacle, short talk and refreshments at the church. Great way to meet new people, pray and socialise! Enq: 9444 6131 or st.bernadettesyouth@gmail.com. EVERY FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration at Schoenstatt Shrine 10am at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon. Includes holy Mass, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent adoration till 8.15pm. Join us in prayer at a place of grace. Enq: Sisters of Schoenstatt 9399 2349. Healing Mass 6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Stations of the Cross,

Healing Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Enq: admin 9493 1703 or www.vpcp. org.au. EVERY FIRST FRIDAY Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 11am-4pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament after Mass until 4pm, finishing with Rosary. Enq: Sr Marie MS.Perth@lsp.org.au. Healing and Anointing Mass 8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation, then 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, anointing of the sick and prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189. Pro-life Witness – Mass and Procession 9.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, corner Great Northern Hwy and Morrison Rd, Midland. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Please join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. Combined All Night Communion of Reparation Vigil with Fr Bing 9pm-4am Saturday at St Anne Church, Hehir St, Belmont. August will be a combined Vigil with Fr Bing. There will be no vigils at Corpus Christi Church and St Gerard Church for August only. Mass, Adoration, Benediction, confession in reparation for outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357, John/Joy 9344 2609. Catholic Faith Renewal Evening 7.30pm at Sts John Paul Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. There will be songs of praise, prayer, sharing by a priest, then thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. Enq: Ivan 0428 898 833 or Ann 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail. com. EVERY SECOND FRIDAY Discover Spirituality of St Francis of Assisi 12pm at St Brigid’s parish centre. The Secular Franciscans of Midland Fraternity have lunch, then 1-3pm meeting. Enq: Antoinette 9297 2314. EVERY SATURDAY Teachers, parents and friends mission outreach 10am at Morley Parish Centre, 47 Wellington Rd, Morley. Meet during school terms. Primary English teachers and prospective aides offer their services for a small remuneration and donations from the tuition are distributed to missionaries. “Come and See” sessions are offered. Enq: Maggie-9272 8263, margaretbox7@icloud.com. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY Vigil for Life – Mass and Procession 8.30am at St Augustine Parish, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Carey, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349. Mission Rosary Making at the Legion of Mary 9.30am-2pm at 36 Windsor St, East Perth. All materials are supplied. The Rosaries made are distributed to the schools, missions and those who ask for a Rosary. Please join us and learn the art of Rosary making on rope and chain. Enq: 0478 598 860. EVERY SECOND SATURDAY Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Succour) and Divine Mercy Chaplet (Chant) 8.30am at Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Whitford, 270 Camberwarra Dr, Craigie. Holy Mass at 8.30am followed by Novena. Enq: Margaret 9307 7276. EVERY FOURTH SATURDAY Voice of the Voiceless Healing Mass 11.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, 211 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq. Frank 9296 7591 or 0408 183 325. EVERY LAST SATURDAY Novena Devotions – Our Lady Vailankanni of Good Health 5pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 8 Burnett St, Embleton. Followed by Mass at 6pm. Enq: George 9272 1379.

GENERAL Free Divine Mercy Image for Parishes High quality oil painting and glossy print – Divine Mercy Promotions. Images of very high quality. For any parish willing to accept and place inside the church. Oil paintings: 160 x 90cm; glossy print - 100 x 60cm. Enq: Irene 9417 3267 (w). Sacred Heart Pioneers Would anyone like to know about the Sacred Heart pioneers? If so, please contact Spiritual Director Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or John 9457 7771. St Philomena’s Chapel 3/24 Juna Dr, Malaga. Mass of the day: Mon 6.45am. Vigil Masses: Mon-Fri 4.45pm. Enq: Fr David 9376 1734. Mary MacKillop Merchandise Available for sale from Mary MacKillop Centre. Enq: Sr Maree 041 4683 926 or 08 9334 0933. Financially Disadvantaged People Requiring Low Care Aged Care Placement The Little Sisters of the Poor community is set

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Oct.8-24. Rome/Italy/Assisi/ Loretto/Eucharistic Miracle (Lanciano)/Cave of St. Michael the Archangel/San Giovanni Rotondo (Padre Pio) plus 6 nights Medjugorje. Overnight Dubrovnik. Spiritual Director Fr Joseph Asnabun. Cost $3,999 includes flights, transfers, tipping, guides, bed, breakfast, and evening meals in Italy, and Medjugorje. Enq: 9402 2480, 0407 471 256 or email medjugorje@y7mail.com.

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CATHOLICS CORNER Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Ph 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

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BOB’S PAINTING Registered and insured. Free quotes 0422 485 433 www.bobthepainter.com. au.

RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, Baptism and Wedding candles, etc. Visit us at 39 Hulme Ct (off McCoy St), Myaree. Ph 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve.

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Primary Level English lessons. Morley Parish Centre 47 Wellington Rd Morley. Small Group or individual. Saturdays. Enq: Maggie margaretbox7@ icloud.com.

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BEAUTY LOOK YOUNGER. The Younger You Mobile Clinic for facial rejuvenation. We come to you. Visit: www.youngeryouclinic.com.au or call 0478616781. RURI STUDIO FOR HAIR Vincent and Miki welcome you to their newly opened, international, award-winning salon. Shop 2, 401 Oxford St, Leederville. 9444 3113. Ruri-studio-for-hair@ hotmail.com.

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C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 1 Shepherd-turned-prophet 4 Son of Jacob 7 God is the Supreme Being who ___ all things and keeps them in existence 9 Site of first miracle 10 You do this before the altar 12 A Old Testament high priest 13 Second word in the name of a French basilica 14 Latin Mass 17 A mark of the Church 18 “…a man sows, that he will also ___.” (Gal 6:7) 21 ___ of thorns 23 “Regina ___” 24 Lent markers 26 Baptismal basin 29 Holy day cusp 30 Opening pair? 33 “I ___ no evil for thou art with me” (Ps 23:4) 35 “Bind them upon your heart always; ___ them about your neck.” (Prov 6:21) 37 Commandment number 38 Mount from which Moses saw Canaan 40 Charity 41 Catholic actor Martin ___, of “The West Wing” fame 42 Catholic actress, Bonnie, of “Cheaper by the Dozen” fame DOWN 2 ___ culpa 3 “His Eye is on the ___” 5 Vestment made of a narrow strip of cloth 6 Animal of sacrifice in the Old Testament

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Continued from Page 18

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in beautiful gardens in the suburb of Glendalough. “Making the elderly happy, that is everything!” St Jeanne Jugan (foundress). Registration and enq: Sr Marie 9443 3155.

Enrolments, Year 7, 2014 La Salle College now accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2014. For prospectus and enrolment, please contact college reception on 9274 6266 or email lasalle@lasalle. wa.edu.au.

Is your son or daughter unsure of what to do this year? Suggest a Cert IV course to discern God’s purpose. They will also learn more about the Catholic faith and develop skills in communication and leadership. Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (National Code 51452).Enq: Jane 9202 6859. AA Alcoholics Anonymous Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Enq: AA 9325 3566. Saints and Sacred Relics Apostolate Invite SSRA Perth invites interested parties, parish priests, leaders of religious communities, lay associations to organise relic visitations to parishes, communities, etc. We have available authenticated relics, mostly first-class, of Catholic saints and blesseds including Sts Mary MacKillop, Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua, Therese of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Simon Stock and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Free of charge and all welcome. Enq:

Acts 2 College, Perth’s Catholic Bible College Is now pleased to be able to offer tax deductibility for donations to the college. If you are looking for an opportunity to help grow the faith of young people and evangelise the next generation of apostles, please contact Jane Borg, Principal at Acts 2 College on 0401 692 690 or principal@ acts2come.wa.edu.au. Divine Mercy Church Pews Would you like to assist, at the same time becoming part of the history of the new Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering, by donating a beautifully handcrafted jarrah pew currently under construction, costing only $1,000 each. A beautiful brass plaque with your inscription will be placed at the end of the pew. Please make cheques payable to Divine Mercy Church Building fund and send with inscription to PO Box 8, Bullsbrook WA 6084. Enq: Fr Paul 0427 085 093. Abortion Grief Association Inc A not-for-profit association is looking for

premises to establish a Trauma Recovery Centre (pref SOR) in response to increasing demand for our services (ref.www. abortiongrief.asn.au). Enq: Julie (08) 9313 1784. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - 2013 COURSES Holistic Health Seminar The Instinct to Heal (begins July 25) Thursday 11am-1pm; RCPD2 Internalise Principles of Successful Relationships, and Use Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills, now on Thursdays 11am-1pm. 197 High St, Fremantle. Bookings essential. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585 or www.rcpd.net.au. Drop-In Centre and Op Shop - Volunteers urgently needed at RCPD, 197 High St, Fremantle.

Panorama The deadline for Panorama is Friday at 5pm on the week before the edition.

W O R D S L E U T H

7 8 9 10 11 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 31 32 34 36 39

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“WYD?

Special commemorative foldout for the twenty-eighth World Youth Day - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, July 31, 2013.

What is it that I expect as a consequence of

I want a mess!

”

- Pope Francis, speaking to WYD pilgrims from Argentina on July 25 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“I want to tell you something. What is it that I expect as a consequence of World Youth Day? I want a mess. We knew that in Rio there would be great disorder, but I want trouble in the dioceses... I want to see the Church get closer to the people. I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures. Because these need to get out.” - Pope Francis, speaking to WYD pilgrims from Argentina on July 25 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

More spectacular photos online For a bird’s eye view of the 28th World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, visit:

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Front and back cover photo: Happy young pilgrims from around the world swarm along the front of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Pope Francis drew an estimated 3 million for the final Vigil Mass on July 27.

PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK, DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA

No boundaries

Be disciples first!

Tired - but on fire

Pope Francis tells youth to take the Gospel to the world and not to be put off by borders. Pages 4-5

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB speaks to Aussie pilgrims gathered in Rio. Pages 8-9

Bishop Donald Sproxton on interesting changes that developed during Rio’13. Pages 10-11

therecord.com.au

July 31, 2013

Take it to the

Streets Confound the world with your faith and love Pope Francis has often felt free to depart from prepared remarks - to elaborate on what he really means. He did so again at World Youth Day last week, making headlines around the world.

OPE FRANCIS told a gathering of some 30,000 youth from his homeland that they are to “make a mess”, shaking up the comfort, self-satisfaction and clericalism of a Church closed in on itself. “What do I hope for from World Youth Day? I hope for a mess... that the Church takes to the streets. That we defend ourselves from comfort, that we defend ourselves from clericalism,” the Pope told a group of pilgrims from Argentina during this week’s World Youth Day. “The Church must be taken into the streets,” he said in the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro on July 25. Pope Francis’ meeting with the youth of Argentina was not originally planned, and forced a rearrangement of his schedule. The encounter was not announced until Tuesday, when the Pope was already in Brazil. At least 35,000 Argentines flocked to the Cathedral to see their Pope. “Thank you to those who are inside, and to the 30,000 who are out there: I greet all of you from here, you who are standing in the rain,” he said. “Thank you for your gesture of being close to us, of being with me here at World Youth Day.” “I asked my organisers if there was a moment this trip at which I can meet with my fellow Argentines, please find it.” He indicated that the meeting was a result of his own “personal request”. Pope Francis told them his hopes for the event, and stressed that the Church, that the life of parishes, must be taken into the streets. “If not, the Church becomes an NGO. And the Church cannot be an NGO,” he said, echoing his very first Mass as Bishop of Rome, in which he preached to the cardinal electors that “if we do not profess Jesus Christ … we may become a charitable NGO, but not the Church, the Bride of the Lord.” Pope Francis said that the world “has made a cult, a god, of money. We are before a philosophy that exults material goods,” and that this

striving for comfort and following the mundane must not seep into the Church. This philosophy, he reflected, “excludes” the youth and the elderly. “We do not let aged people speak, and as for young people – it is the same. They do not have the experience and the dignity of work … Young people must be able to go out and fight for their values,” he urged. “Care for the two extremes of life,” he taught. As youth must be able to stand up for their values, so must “older people be able to speak out, to transmit their wisdom and knowledge”.

“What do I hope for from World Youth Day? I hope for a mess ... that the Church takes to the streets. That we defend ourselves from comfort, that we defend ourselves from clericalism.” “You must not let yourselves be marginalised. Faith in Christ is not a joke. The only sure way, is the way of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus.” “Faith in God’s Son, who became man and who died for me, must make a mess, must disturb us out of our complacency.” “This is your protocol for action: the Beatitudes and Matthew 25,” he advised the youth. Matthew 25 tells of the separation of the sheep from the goats at the Last Judgement: “I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in.” “Please, do not water down the faith,” he pleaded. “Stir things up, cause confounding, but do not diminish faith in Jesus Christ.” Finally, Pope Francis thanked his

Top, Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil on July 24. Above, a familiar scene throughout the week of WYD as pilgrims celebrate on Copacabana Beach (pictured right). CNS

countrymen for their closeness to him. He lamented that he could not be closer to them. “At times I feel (encaged)... how ugly it is to be encaged, I would have liked to be closer to you all... Don’t forget to make a mess, to disturb complacency. Don’t forget the youth and the aged.” The Pope concluded by blessing the crowd, as well as a Franciscan cross and an image of Our Lady of Lujan, Argentina’s patroness, which will be returning with the youths

to their country. “The Lord left his mother among us to accompany us. “She cares for all of us, protects us on our way, in our heart, in our faith. May we be disciples, just as she was, and missionaries, also like her.” Pope Francis asked God’s mother to give voice “to the scandal of the cross... which speaks of the closeness of God”. “May God bless you all,” he said, leaving his compatriots. “Pray for me. Do not forget to pray for me.”

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

Have courage, be bold and go against the tide Christ is no mother hen, Pope Francis told a meeting of seminarians, priests and bishops. He wants us to get out amongst it.

Two Australian pilgrims in priestly and national garb about to grab a bite to eat down at the waterfront, Copacabana Beach, Rio. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

ITH the young pilgrims of World Youth Day, Pope Francis was encouraging and challenging; with the bishops, priests and religious who minister to them, he was firm and blunt. “It is not pastoral creativity or meetings or planning that ensure our fruitfulness, but our being faithful to Jesus,” the Pope told an estimated 1,000 bishops along with thousands of priests, seminarians and religious who accompanied pilgrims to Rio or were involved in the program. Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the ministers on July 27 in Rio’s St Sebastian Cathedral, repeating one of the key ideas of his papacy: “We cannot keep ourselves shut up in parishes, in our communities, when so many people are waiting for the Gospel.” “It is not enough simply to open the door in welcome,” he said, “but we must go out through the door to seek and meet the people.” The ability to share the Good News relies on first recognising how truly good it is, the Pope said. Ministers of the Gospel “must have a memory”, treasuring the knowledge that they were called by God and spending time with him in prayer and adoration. It also means spending time with Jesus present in others, especially the poor, he said. The hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in Rio for World Youth Day also have heard Jesus’ call to go and make disciples of all nations, the Pope said. But that can be a frightening prospect and the Church’s ministers have an obligation to give the young the education, formation and support they need in order to respond. “Let us help our young people to discover the cour-

age and joy of faith, the joy of being loved personally by God, who gave his son Jesus for our salvation,” Pope Francis said. “When the young understand they are personally loved by God, they can keep going,” he said. Jesus obviously loved his disciples, the Pope said, but “he did not keep them under his wing like a hen with her chicks. He sent them out.” A key part of the Church’s mission activity, he said, is promoting “the culture of encounter” to fight a growing “culture of exclusion, of rejection”. Too often today “there is no place for the elderly or for the unwanted child; there is no

It is not our pastoral creativity or meetings or planning ensuring our fruitfulness but our being faithful to Jesus. Have courage to go against the tide. time for the poor person on the edge of the street,” the Pope said. “Dear brother bishops, priests, religious and you, seminarians who are preparing for ministry: have the courage to go against the tide,” the Pope told them. Humanity is one family and society can be humane only when all are welcomed and treated with dignity. “We must be almost obsessive in this matter,” he said. “We do not want to be presumptuous, imposing ‘our truths,’” but rather “the humble yet joyful certainty” of being touched and transformed by the truth of Christ is something Christians must share with others. - CNS

therecord.com.au

July 31, 2013

Right, pilgrims wait for Pope Francis to lead the Angelus from the balcony of the Archbishop’s palace in Rio de Janeiro on July 26. Below, two pilgrims on the beach with a local indigenous man. Far right, security forces were on patrol throughout WYD proceedings.

PHOTOS: CNS

Love has no

Before a congregation of three million, Pope Francis called on the young to be missionaries

OPE FRANCIS commissioned some three million young people to join forces and form what could be called ‘Missionaries Without Borders’. “Where does Jesus send us?” he asked World Youth Day pilgrims on July 28. “There are no borders, no limits: He sends us to everyone.” On the white sand of Copacabana Beach - under partly sunny skies, a relief after days of rain in Rio Pope Francis celebrated the closing Mass for the July 23-28 celebration of World Youth Day Rio. Although retired, Pope Benedict XVI had chosen the theme for the gathering - “Go and make disciples of all nations” - it was tailor-made for Pope Francis who continually tells Catholics: “Go out. Go forward. Keep going.” “Sharing the experience of faith, bearing witness to the faith, proclaiming the Gospel: this is a command that the Lord entrusts to the whole Church and that includes you,” he told his beachfront congregation, which included hundreds of thousands who had spent the night on the sand, sleeping or not. Long journeys, days of rain and sometimes improvised accommodations did not dampen the spirits of the World Youth Day

participants, and Pope Francis told present: the Pope invited a couple them that if they did not share and their baby girl, who has anentheir experience of God’s love with cephaly (missing part of her brain), others it would be “like withholding to come forward during the offeroxygen from a flame that was tory. Pope Francis met the family burning strongly”. on July 27 as he was leaving Rio’s Jesus did not tell his disciples to St Sebastian Cathedral and invited share the Gospel “if you would like them to participate in the Mass. to, if you have the time”, the Pope Under Brazil’s abortion laws, the said. Instead, he commanded them to proclaim the Good News to the “Bringing the world. Shar ing t he Gospel is love and mercy of God and the salbringing God’s power to vation offered by Christ through the pluck up and break down Church “is born not from a desire evil and violence... the for domination or power, but from barriers of selfishness, the force of love”, the Pope told the intolerance and hatred.” young pilgrims, who were joined on the beach by tens of thousands of Rio residents couple would have been able to and other Latin Americans, includ- abort the child, but chose not to. ing Brazilian President Dilma With the father carrying the Rousseff, Argentine President baby, the parents walked up to Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the Pope wearing shirts with a Bolivian President Evo Morales and Portuguese message on the back: Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse. “Stop abortion”. But even more special guests were In his homily, Pope Francis told

the young people that evangelising requires a personal witness of love for God and love for others, especially the weak, the poor and the defenceless. When the psalm says “Sing a new song to the Lord”, he said, it is not talking about a certain set of lyrics or a specific melody, rather “it is allowing our life to be identified with that of Jesus; it is sharing his sentiments, his thoughts (and) his actions”. “The life of Jesus is a life for others,” the Pope said. “It is a life of service.” The Pop e did not mince words with his young audience, tel ling t hem: “Evangelising means bearing personal witness to the love of God, it is overcoming our selfishness, it is serving by bending down to wash the feet of our brethren, as Jesus did.” Pope Francis said he knows how daunting it can be to recognise that each Christian bears per-

sonal responsibility for sharing the Gospel with his or her actions and words, but Jesus told the first disciples and tells disciples today, “Be not afraid”. “Jesus does not leave us alone; he never leaves you alone,” the Pope said. And the Church does not leave any of its members, or even small groups, to go it alone, he said. “Jesus did not say: ‘One of you go,’ but ‘All of you go.’ We are sent together.” “Be creative. Be audacious,” he said. “Do not be afraid.” Pope Francis thanked the hundreds of bishops and thousands of priests who accompanied their young pilgrims to Rio, but told them the pilgrimage was just one step on the young people’s journey of faith. “Continue to accompany them with generosity and joy, help them to become actively engaged in the Church; never let them feel alone,” he said. He gave the younger generation a final instruction, “As you return to your homes, do not be afraid to be generous with Christ, to bear witness to his Gospel.” It can change the world, he said. “Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence, to destroy and overthrow the barriers of selfishness, intolerance and hatred.”

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

A ray of light in a shrine of suffering Pope Francis walked the talk in visiting recovering addicts, Francis Rocca reports.

Pope Francis embraces a patient at St Francis of Assisi Hospital, where the Pontiff addressed recovering drug addicts on July 24. CNS

OPE FRANCIS addressed a group of recovering drug addicts in a workingclass neighbourhood of Rio, offering them a message of compassion and hope as well as a call to self-determination. At the Hospital of St Francis of Assisi, which he called a “shrine of human suffering”, he told patients they were the “flesh of Christ” like the leper embraced by the institution’s patron saint in a crucial step toward his conversion. He also said those struggling with drug dependency deserve the “closeness, affection and love” of all society. Yet the Pope also stressed the necessity of personal will in recovering from addiction. “To embrace someone is not enough,” Pope Francis said on July 24. “We must hold the hand of the one in need, of the one who has fallen into the darkness of dependency perhaps without even knowing how, and we must say to him or her: ‘You can get up, you can stand up. It is difficult, but it is possible if you want to.’ “Dear friends, I wish to say to each of you, but especially to all those others who have not had the courage to embark on our journey: ‘You have to want to stand up; this is the indispensable condition!’” The Pope arrived at the hospital a little after 6.20pm and was greeted by patients, family members and hospital staff packed into one of the hospital’s courtyards. The audience was ebullient despite the rain, and Pope Francis spent nearly an hour milling through the crowd, then listening to several speeches, including two by recovering addicts. Clamouring pilgrims with ponchos and umbrellas took pictures and reached out to touch the Pope as he walked among them. The Pope’s speech, delivered in Portuguese, also addressed the social, political and economic ramifications of drug abuse. He denounced

Limits without boundaries, reports Cindy Wooden.

People of the world unite: pilgrims revel in the festive atmosphere of WYD Rio.

PHOTO: JMJ 2013 RIO

the “scourge of drug trafficking that favours violence and sows the seeds of suffering and death” and called traffickers “dealers of death” who “follow the logic of money and power at any cost”. The Pope said that the answer to drug addiction was not a “liberalisation of drug use, as is currently being proposed in various parts of Latin America”, but solutions to the “problems underlying the use of these drugs”. Such solutions, Pope Francis said, include “promoting greater justice, educating young people in the values that build up life in society, accompanying those in difficulty and giving them hope for the future”.

I say to each of you... you have to want to stand up; this is the indispensable condition. The Pope praised the hospital, which is operated by the Fraternity of St Francis of the Providence of God, as a place where the “parable of the good Samaritan is made tangible. Here, there is no indifference, but concern. There is no apathy, but love”. During his visit, Pope Francis inaugurated a new wing of the hospital especially dedicated to treating users of crack cocaine, who represent three per cent of the population of Brazil, according to the World Health Organisation statistics cited by the hospital. The city of Rio estimates there are 6,000 crack users in the city alone. Sabrina Vasco, a psychologist and human resources coordinator for the hospital, wore a clown nose - sometimes used for therapy - for the papal visit. She told Catholic News Service the Pope’s visit “will have an immediate therapeutic effect, both on these patients as well as their families”. - CNS

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July 31, 2013

Get back to

BASICS in a world hungry for answers

We need to stare reality in the face, not so as to assimilate ourselves to it, but to provide authentic Christ-centred answers to an age and a people in great need, writes Francis Rocca.

CKNOWLEDGING the Catholic Church’s heavy loss of members in Brazil over recent decades, Pope Francis told the country’s bishops that they must learn to understand and sympathise with the reasons for people’s disaffection and speak to them in a simpler language of beauty, mystery and love. “We need a Church capable of walking at people’s side, of doing more than simply listening to them, a Church which accompanies them on their journey,” he said. The Pope made his remarks on July 27 at a meeting with 300 active and retired Brazilian cardinals and bishops. According to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the five-page speech was the longest to date of his young pontificate. While counselling hope, the Pope painted a grim picture of the Church’s state in Brazil. “We have laboured greatly and, at times, we see what appear to be failures,” he said. “We feel like those who must tally up a losing season as we consider those who have left us or no longer consider us credible or relevant.” Although Brazil has more Catholics than any other country, the Church’s share of the country’s population declined from 92 per cent in 1970 to 65 per cent in 2010, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Centre based on Brazilian census data. Pope Francis pointed to the social and cultural impact of what he called a “relentless process of globalisation (and) an often uncontrolled process of urbanisation” to help explain the change. Among the effects of these economic transformations, he said, were a “loss of the experience of belonging to any ‘nest’ whatsoever, subtle but relentless violence (and) the inner fragmentation and breakup of families.” The unhappiness bred by these losses, he said, inspires many to “find an answer in drugs, alcohol and sex, which only become further prisons”. Others seek solace in a “poor imitation” of the Church and “go off in search of someone who will lead them even further astray”. The Pope did not specifically refer to Brazil’s fast-growing Protestant population, which rose from 15 per cent of the national total in 2000 to 22 per cent in 2010, but referred to the appeal of the “new religious groups that are sprouting up”. Pope Francis laid much blame on

Catholic leaders, who, he said, had lost power to communicate. “At times, we lose people because they don’t understand what we are saying, because we have forgotten the language of simplicity and import an intellectualism foreign to our people,” he said. “For ordinary people the mystery enters through the heart.” The Pope also warned the bishops against assimilating fashionable values of secular culture. “People today are attracted by things that are faster and faster: rapid internet connections, speedy cars and planes, instant relationships,” he asked. “Is the Church herself caught up in the frantic pursuit

of efficiency? Dear brothers, let us recover the calm to be able to walk at the same pace as our pilgrims, keeping alongside them, remaining close to them, enabling them to speak of the disappointments present in their hearts and to let us address them.” Among the Pope’s specific recommendations for the Church in Brazil were deeper engagement by bishops in national debates on such “pressing concerns” as “education, health and social harmony”; and more attention to collegiality within the episcopate, downplaying “central bureaucracy” in favour of “local and regional elements”. He gave special attention to the

needs of the Amazon basin, in terms of both ecological protection and the training of indigenous clergy to serve indigenous peoples there. “’Pastoral care’ is nothing other than the exercise of the Church’s motherhood,” the Pope said. “She gives birth, suckles, gives growth, corrects, nourishes and leads by the hand. “So we need a Church capable of rediscovering the maternal womb of mercy,” he said. “Without mercy we have little chance nowadays of becoming part of a world of ‘wounded’ persons in need of understanding, forgiveness and love.” - CNS

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

Do not lose heart, Francis tells favela Francis Rocca reports on the Pontiff ’s visit to one of Rio’s notorious slums.

Locals react with glee, at left, at the visit of Pope Francis to the Varginha slum in Rio de Janeiro on July 25. Pope Francis kisses an infant, far left, as he makes his way to Copacabana beach for the World Youth Day Way of the Cross service in Rio de Janeiro on July 26. Young people, above, pray during Eucharistic adoration led by Pope Francis at the vigil on Copacabana Beach on July 27. Top far left, Pope Francis embraces a boy as he arrives at a park to hear confessions in Rio on July 26. PHOTOS: CNS

ISITING one of this city’s notorious favelas or slums, Pope Francis denounced corruption and a “culture of selfishness and individualism” and called for a “culture of solidarity” in pursuit of social justice. While stressing the need to alleviate material suffering, he also said that “real human development” requires the promotion of moral values, to satisfy a “deeper hunger, the hunger for a happiness that only God can satisfy”. The July 25 speech was the Pope’s first major statement on social and economic questions during his visit to Brazil, a country that has enjoyed years of strong economic growth but is currently in turmoil over widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. The Pope arrived at the Rio neighbourhood of Varginha just before 11am and began his visit with a short ceremony in the small neighbourhood chapel, where he blessed the altar before a congregation of more than 100 people. Afterward, Pope Francis walked through the city’s streets, apparently indifferent to the rain, stopping often to greet many of those crowding tightly around him. Loud cheers accompanied him as residents reached out for his hand or to take his photo with their cell phones. At one point, the Pope entered a resident’s house, festooned with balloons in the yellow and white colours of the Vatican flag. He spent 15 minutes inside and, according to the Vatican spokesman, he greeted more than 20 people of all ages packed into a small room. After more than half an hour, the Pope stepped onto a stage overlooking the neighbourhood soccer field where more than 20,000 people had gathered from Varginha and surrounding neighbourhoods. One resident, Rangler dos Santos Irineu, formally greeted the Pope with a speech in which he noted that Varginha had received new street lighting and newly paved roads in the weeks prior to the papal visit. In his own speech, Pope Francis thanked residents for their hospitality and said they and other Brazilians could “offer the world a valuable lesson in solidarity, a word that is too often forgotten or silenced, because it is uncomfortable”. Turning to address a wider audience, the Pope urged the world’s wealthy, public officials and “all people of good will who are working for social justice” to “never tire of working for a more just world” and greater equality. In a likely allusion to anti-government protests in

Brazilian cities since early June, the Pope said young people “have a particular sensitivity toward injustice” and are “often disappointed by facts that speak of corruption on the part of people who put their own interests before the common good”. He urged those opposing injustice and corruption not to “yield to discouragement”: “Do not lose trust, do not allow your hope to be extinguished... Do not grow accustomed to evil, but defeat it”. Echoing a famous revolutionary slogan, Pope Francis said “everybody, according to his or her particular opportunities and responsibilities, should be able to make a personal contribution to putting an end to so many social injustices”. But the Pope added that giving “bread to the hungry”, while required by justice, is not enough for human happiness.

He urged those opposing corruption and injustice not to lost heart or trust, not to give into evil but defeat it. “There is neither real promotion of the common good nor real human development when there is ignorance of the fundamental pillars that govern a nation, its nonmaterial goods,” he said. The Pope identified those goods as life; family; “integral education, which cannot be reduced to the mere transmission of information for the purposes of generating profit”; health, “including the spiritual dimension” of wellbeing; and security, which he said can be achieved “only by changing human hearts”. Pope Francis suggested that he appreciated the ambitious anti-poverty policies of the government under President Dilma Rousseff and her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, commending the “efforts that Brazilian society is making to integrate all its members, including those who suffer most and are in greatest need, through the fight against hunger and deprivation”. But using a term associated with the government’s policy of rehabilitating neighbourhoods like Varginha by removing drug traffickers and other criminals, Pope Francis said “no amount of ‘pacification’ will be able to last, nor will harmony and happiness be attained in a society that ignores, pushes to the margins or excludes a part of itself ”.

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July 31, 2013

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Perth’s Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB addressed thousands of Australian pilgrims at a special “Aussie Gathering” on Wednesday, July 24 at the Vivo Rio Centre. He encouraged those present to strengthen their love for Christ by spending time in Eucharistic Adoration and frequent reception of Holy Communion. Pilgrims and Australian bishops spoke at the gathering, including Bishop Anthony Fisher OP of Parramatta and Bishop Christopher Prowse of Sale. PHOTOS: ALPHONSUS FOK

Young people celebrate, above. Below: Clergy and bishops from Australia also attended the event, including Bishop Julian Porteous, Bishop Eugene Hurley, Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Cardinal George Pell, who delivered the final address. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

Disciples become new evangelisers Christ invites us all to be his disciples and to make disciples of others,

T Throngs of pilgrims crowded Rio’s Metro subway all week as they made their way to the World Youth Day events. The subway was forced to partially shut down on Tuesday due to an electrical problem. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

he Gospel today, which is the theme of World Youth Day, really offers us two things. It calls us to do something and it calls us to be something. The doing part is pretty clear: go and make disciples of all nations. The Lord is sending us out. He is calling us to be people who stop looking inward and start looking outward. He is asking us to make sure that our faith isn’t just about ourselves but is about others. Here, in Rio, we have experienced once again what a fantastic gift our Catholic faith is. To be a Catholic is to belong to a family that is full of energy, full of enthusiasm, full of hope, full of life. To be a Catholic is to know that God gives us the gift of life and the gift of faith because he loves us and he wants us

to reach out with both hands, grab hold of these gifts, both of them, life and faith, and live them to the full. Who wouldn’t want to share these gifts with others? Who wouldn’t want to invite others into the family? Who wouldn’t want to say “yes” with enthusiasm and determination to Jesus’ invitation, “ Go and make disciples of all nations”. Today, here in our Aussie gathering, I think the Lord is asking each one of us to hear this invitation as a very personal one to each of us - Peter, or Joanna, or Josh, or Rebecca - you go, yes, you - and start making disciples. You go and spread the word that the fantastic gift of faith is there for you if you are ready to reach out and accept it. This then is the doing part, but what of the being part? I think really it’s pretty simple. You can’t

The “Aussie Gathering” has become a World Youth Day tradition, held at every pilgrimage since Toronto in 2002. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

The event attracted about 1,600 pilgrims from dioceses around Australia and included music, prayer, dancing and testimonials. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

work with the Lord to offer the gift of faith to others, you can’t work with the Lord to make new disciples - and remember that in the end making new disciples is the Lord’s

“It is not so much what we do that makes us Christians, it is why we do what we do.” work and not ours - if you are not a disciple yourself. This is the being part. You have to be a disciple if you want to make a disciple. Our first Australian saint, St Mary MacKillop, had a famous saying which I’m sure you have all heard lots of times before: “Never see a need without doing some-

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB told Australian WYD pilgrims.

thing about it”. This is the doing part - and you certainly can’t be a disciple without it. But there’s another saying of Mary McKillop’s which I think is just as important: “Never forget who it is you are following”. There are lots of people in the world who do good things. There are lots of people in the world who do much more than many of us do - but they are not Christians. Doing good things for others is not enough to make you a Christian, although you can’t be a Christian without this. It is not so much what we do that makes us Christians, it is why we do what we do. We want to reach out and help others because we are disciples, followers, imitators, friends, lovers of Jesus. He is at the heart of our faith and he is at the heart of our lives. We know this in

Australia because we have all just lived through the Year of Grace. For the last twelve months we have been reminded over and over again to look to Christ, to contemplate his face, to start again from him, to put him back where he belongs - at the centre of everything. Who is this Christ whom we follow? He is the one who said “I am the Way, I am the Truth, I am the Life”. If you want to know the way to a better, richer, fuller future, follow him because he is the Way. If you want to know the truth, about who you really are, who God really is, what God is inviting you into, what life is really all about, listen to him, because he is the Truth. If you want to live life to the full, with real integrity, deep peace and great joy, then model yourself on him because he is the Life.

Here, in Rio, this, I think, is the great invitation: Make room in your life each day for him. Do what you can to develop your love for him. Get to know him by reading the Gospels. Spend time with him in Eucharistic Adoration, receive him into your life and your heart as often as you can in Holy Communion. Let him be the friend to you that he so desperately wants to be. He will not force his friendship on you but it’s always there on offer. “Come to me,” he says in the Gospel of today’s Mass. “Come to me and I will refresh you. I will give you life.” This is his invitation. This is his plea. This is his cry. For your own sakes don’t miss the opportunity this World Youth Day offers to give him your “yes” - and make it clear, make it loud, make it strong - and make it count.

Aussie youth celebrate during a catechesis in the Cathedral of St Sebastian. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

Youth lend their musical talents to the catechesis.

PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

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July 31, 2013

Aussie pilgrims pray during Mass at the 18th-century Church of St Rita. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

A cross is carried onstage during the Way of the Cross at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro on July 26. The Pope told young people that in every encounter with Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross, they can draw strength from him and they can leave the heaviest part of their burden with him. Pope Francis waves to the crowd surrounding the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, left, in Brazil on July 24. The same day, Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Shrine, entrusting World Youth Day to Mary's maternal protection PHOTOS: TOP: PAUL HARING; LEFT: L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO; FAR LEFT: PAUL HARING

After two weeks of relentless pilgrimage activities, Bishop Donald Sproxton filed this report for The Record

Three million witnesses are By Bishop Donald Sproxton

O Archbishop Costelloe and Bishop Sproxton with other bishops at the 'Aussie Central' gathering for pilgrims in Rio. PHOTO: ALPHONSUS FOK

ver 1,600 pilgrims from all over Australia travelled to Brazil for World Youth Day. The highlight has been the opportunity to be with Pope Francis and to hear his messages of encouragement to the young people of the world. The pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Perth are made up of young people who came to Rio in two groups. Archbishop Costelloe and I joined the first group which left Perth about two weeks before the WYD program of events began. The second group joined us in Brasilia, bringing our number to 72. We arrived in Brazil after two long flights across the Indian and South Atlantic oceans. Our first night was spent in SĂŁo Paulo, the largest city in Brazil at 19 million people. It is also the main business centre in the country. Refreshed by a good sleep, we flew to the Iguazu Falls. This part of our journey was

one that we had looked forward to with great anticipation. The pilgrims were aware of the history of this region. The film The Mission tells the story of the Jesuit reducciones of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Jesuits attempted to protect the indigenous people in the region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay share the border created by the Iguazu Falls. Some 40 mission towns were built where the Guarani people were welcomed and protected from the slave traders. Slavery continued to be practised into the late 19th century in Brazil. By establishing towns, the Jesuits thought they would receive the protection of the government. They were able to save many people from the slavers, not without great personal sacrifice and persecution. The falls feature in the first few scenes of the movie. The falls themselves are enormous: higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls in Africa. They extend for 2.8km and while we were there between 2 and 3 mil-

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

Even in cold and wet Perth, crowds turned out in Northbridge, above, to watch the Vigil Mass with Pope Francis and three million pilgrims. Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, below, preaches to Aussie pilgrims in Rio. PHOTOS: MILLER LOKANATA, ABOVE, ALPHONSUS FOK, BELOW

shortly before boarding his flight to return to Perth from Rio de Janeiro.

the new evangelisation lion litres of water per second were cascading over them. The next day, we crossed into Argentina to visit the Jesuit mission ruin of San Ignacio Mini. This was a surprise. Most of the original buildings are standing but without roofs. They were built of massive stone blocks brought from another

Yet for the immensity of the crowd the periods of prayer were amazingly quiet, especially in adoration. site. Around a quadrangle had been built the church and clergy house, and two streets of long buildings divided into simple apartments. A wall and gateway completes the fourth side. Four thousand five hundred people were once housed in San Ignacio. Later, we were to learn that some of the reducciones

have continued to be used up to today as parish churches. From Iguazu we flew to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. In many ways, the city is unlike the other cities of Brazil. It began to be built in the 60s and it has the feel of Canberra. The public buildings are shown off by being placed in large spaces. It even has its own man-made lake. The town planning enables the people to move through the city with ease. Yet, there are areas in the satellite cities where the ever-present poverty of Brazil can be seen. Our purpose in going to Brasilia was to share the spiritual, cultural and missionary life of a community. As usual, the experience brought together our pilgrims with unbelievably hospitable and generous hosts. The Days in the Diocese is always a high point in the World Youth Day experience. The days were arranged so that we could visit the usual sightseeing sites first and then concentrate on the big number of diocesan institutions, which were of more interest to

our pilgrims. One site of great interest to us was the Don Bosco Park. Some five years before his death, St John Bosco had a persistent dream. It was of a new city. The details of the dream were recorded including the coordinates of latitude and longitude. In time, the city was built. Over 80 years later, a shrine to Don Bosco was built to honour

At the start, people would call out Viva Papa! Gradually, the calls changed to include Viva Cristo! him as the patron of Brasilia on that coordinate. When the shrine was blessed by the Salesian General, as he turned, he realised that what he was seeing was as described by the saint, a city of great beauty with an immense lake, when Brasilia was no more than a plain or savannah.

In the same park, there is the Redemptoris Mater seminary and a Carmelite monastery of nuns. The seminary has 250 seminarians and was built on the suggestion of Blessed John Paul II. Our pilgrims were impressed by the tour of the seminary and the explanation of the various chapels and study areas. The Carmelite monastery was a place of peace, silence and prayer. We met a professed nun who described the Carmelite life, and a novice whose sister and daughter happened to be visiting. It was very moving to see their embraces as they greeted each other, especially when the little niece embraced her aunt. The vision for Brasilia was given by the architect Niemeyer. Most of the public buildings exhibit the modern architecture of the time. The Cathedral is one of his works. It is a circular building that rises to a very great height and resembles a chalice,and is the pride of the Catholic community. At the time we had to leave

Brasilia, the connections made by the pilgrims became obvious with many tearful farewells. Our whole group has been overwhelmed by the welcome of our hosts at San Padre Pio Parish, in particular Fr Carlos and the young coordinators. We arrived in Rio de Janeiro on the Sunday afternoon at the beginning of WYD week. On Monday evening, Pope Francis arrived and it seems that he has been very busy with civic duties and visits to a hospital and the favela Varginha, a very poor area of Rio. He has made time to meet with athletes and to bless the Olympic and Para-Olympic flags. His first encounter with the pilgrims was at Copacabana Beach for the welcoming ceremony. We had been there on Tuesday for the Opening Mass with the Archbishop of Rio. All of the celebrations have been there, including the Stations of the Cross, the Vigil and the Mass with the Holy Father on Sunday. All the bishops were invited to celebrate Mass with the Holy Father in the Cathedral on Saturday morning. Seminarians, religious and priests attended to hear Pope Francis encourage vocational discernment and families to assist in posing priestly and religious vocations as an option for their children. On Saturday morning, the pilgrims began their walk to Copacabana for the Vigil and the overnight stay before celebrating the final Mass with the Holy Father. Originally another site had been chosen for the events but the rain had turned the Campus Fidei at Guaratiba into a quagmire. Copacabana proved to be a very fine alternative. From the altar, it was possible to see the extent of the crowd which stretched along the beach for 2km. Eventually, 3.2 million pilgrims gathered on the beach, making the Brazilian WYD the second biggest. Yet for the immensity of the crowd, the periods of prayer were amazingly quiet, particularly during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Mass. Throughout the week, the Holy Father was with the young people; he challenged them to remain close to Jesus who has called us to faith and to make disciples. This missionary message included his plea that we always keep the poor in sight. He invited a representative from each continent to have lunch with him. There, he spoke to each with great warmth and encouraged them to speak about the things on their mind. He asked them to always remember those who have to struggle just to live and the sincerity of his words made a great impact on them. It was interesting to notice a shift in emphasis as the celebrations proceeded. At the start, mostly people would only call out Viva Papa but as the days progressed the call would be preceded by Viva Cristo. This would have been very gratifying for the Holy Father who continued to put Christ in the centre of his message and called us to put Christ in the centre of our lives. He emphasised on each occasion the need for us to recognise that Christ calls and provides what we need to be missionaries for him in the world. The final stage of the journey began on Monday when our pilgrims departed from Rio by bus for Aparecida and Campos do Jordao. Aparecida is the most venerated shrine to Our Lady in Brazil. It is to be found in the second largest basilica in the world which is said to be able to accommodate up to 45,000 worshippers. The opportunity to relax and reflect on the WYD experiences in these last days is very welcome. Quiet time at the Shrine of Aparecida provides the pilgrims with precious time to absorb all that has made up the pilgrimage, and to give thanks for the countless blessings the group has witnessed.

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July 31, 2013

Above, pilgrims from every corner of the globe signed one another’s flags and shirts - a WYD tradition. Right, two pilgrims enjoying the beach. Far right, Copacabana beach on the morning of the final WYD Mass with Pope Francis, July 28. PHOTOS: CNS; JMJ 2013 RIO

We’re Playing on P

WYD Rio was a carnival-like experience of joy and faith, but Pope Francis reminded pilgrims, the real

OPE FRANCIS told young people God might have been trying to communicate something in forcing the World Youth Day vigil’s change of venue from a huge field to a long narrow stretch of sand and sea. Addressing as many as 3 million young - and not-so-young - people on Rio’s Copacabana beach on July 27, Pope Francis said he had prepared a reflection that would have used the original venue, a space baptized “Campus Fidei” or “Field of Faith,” as the starting point. “Isn’t the Lord asking us to say that the real field of faith, the real Campus Fidei, isn’t a geographic place but is us?” the Pope told the crowd, which had begun to gather on the beach 12 hours before Pope Francis arrived. The beach, site of events with the Pope and pilgrims the two previous evenings as well, became the site of the vigil and the next morning’s closing Mass after several days of unusually heavy rain turned the Campus Fidei into a field of mud and standing water. Hours of music and dancing including repeated practices of the dance steps for what organisers hoped would be the world’s biggest flash mob - gave way in the end to a hush in the crowd and the crash of the waves during eucharistic adoration led by Pope Francis. Prayer and the sacraments, he told the young people, are absolutely essential for a growth in faith.

One of the pilgrims, 19-yearold Denilson Paulo of St Mark’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda, Angola, said the vigil was “an encounter with Christ, an encounter with God” and “a time to pray to God that he may watch over the youth here... the youths of the world”. The result, Paulo told Catholic News Service, must be that the pilgrims “take this message to those who were not able to come”. The evening’s formal program began with short speeches from young people: a former drug user from Rio, a priest, a man in a wheelchair who had been shot in a robbery, and a female youth minister. They recounted how they

Church needs each and every one of them to build the Church and share the Gospel with the world, the Pope turned to the image of the field - a place where seeds are sown, a place where athletes train and perform, a place where buildings can be constructed. “Please,” he told them, “let Christ and his word enter your life, blossom and grow.” In Jesus’ parables, the seed sown on rocky or fertile ground is the word of God, and the soil is the human heart, he said. “What kind of ground are we?” he asked, the kind where God’s word just stays on the surface, or starts to grow but withers

Prayer and sacraments are essential for growth in faith. The Church needs each and every one of you. came to the faith, then each added a wooden plank to a “church” that was being constructed on the stage. Pope Francis recalled the story of St Francis of Assisi, who heard the Lord tell him to rebuild his house. “Slowly but surely, Francis came to realise that it was not a question of repairing a stone building, but about doing his part for the life of the Church,” the Pope said. Pope Francis said that for the saint, as well as for all of them, it is about “being at the service of the Church, loving her and working to make the countenance of Christ shine ever more brightly in her.” Telling the young people that the

when enthusiasm dies, or “thorny ground” where “negative feelings choke the Lord’s word in us?” Pope Francis told the young people he was confident they were fertile soil, “not part-time Christians, not starchy and superficial, but real”. Turning to one of his own passions and one Brazilians are famous for, Pope Francis spoke of soccer fields, and especially the athletes who train and sweat and train some more. Jesus, he told them, wants you “to play on his team... Jesus offers us something bigger than the World Cup,” he said, referring to the soccer championship that Rio will host in 2014.

Jesus offers the possibility of a fulfilling and fruitful life on earth and eternal happiness in heaven, he said, “but he asks us to train, to get in shape” through regular prayer, the sacraments and loving one another. Finally, he said, when people’s hearts are prepared to accept the seed of God’s word and people have “worked up a sweat” striving to live a Christian life, “we experience something tremendous: We are never alone, we are part of a family of brothers and sisters, all journeying on the same path: we are part of the Church”. Pope Francis said the church they are called to help build is not “a little chapel, which holds only a small group of persons,” but rather a “church so large that it can hold all of humanity”. Leidiana de Jesus, 32, of Euclides da Cunha, Brazil, said the evening left her with a challenge: “Try and walk the path with Jesus”. Italo Chinchay Mendoza, 24, a pilgrim from St Peter’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Lima, Peru, said one thing was clear, “The youth of the Pope is the youth of the future”. Pope Francis also used his speech at the evening vigil to make his first public comments about the demonstrations that have been taking part all across Brazil in the past month. He said it is right for young people to want to be “protagonists of change” on behalf of a more just world, but they need to “offer a Christian response” to political and social concerns.

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

Francis had grandparents in mind The Pope had some choice WYD words for the very young and the... more experienced.

World Youth Day pilgrims cheer after getting a glimpse of Pope Francis as he made his way along Atlantic Avenue in Rio on July 26. - CNS

Jesus’ team mission field is back home, wherever that is, writes Cindy Wooden.

HE 76-year-old Pope Francis went to World Youth Day with grandparents, or at least society’s elders, on his mind, and he honoured them in a special way on July 26, the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne and Grandparents Day in many countries. In dozens of homilies and speeches since becoming Pope in March, Pope Francis has referred with great affection to his grandmother, Rosa, and her role in teaching him the faith. Reciting the Angelus on July 26 with tens of thousands of people gathered in the square outside the archbishop of Rio’s residence, the Pope highlighted the importance of grandparents “for family life (and) for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society”. Even on the airplane heading to Rio de Janeiro and World Youth Day, Pope Francis had the older segment of society on his mind. He spoke to journalists about the danger of societies tossing aside the young just like they often do with the aged. And, again on July 25, during a meeting with Argentine pilgrims in Rio, he spoke against a world so concerned with making money that it ignores the needs and wisdom of the elderly as well as the potential and energy of the young. Talking about Jesus’ grandparents in his Angelus address, Pope Francis said Sts. Joachim and Anne surrounded Mary with “their love and faith. In their home, she learned to listen to the Lord and to follow his will.” Mary’s parents, he said, “were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their love for God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary, who received the Son of God in her womb and who gave him to the world, to us.” “How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith,” the

Pope said. “How important grandparents are for family life.” Pope Francis said every person, every family and every society needs a dialogue and exchange between the young and the old. Quoting the document he was in charge of drafting during the Latin American bishops’ meeting in Aparecida, Brazil, in 2007, the Pope said, “Children and the elderly build the future of peoples: children because they lead history forward, the elderly because they transmit the experience and wisdom of their lives.” The Pope said he hoped the crowd gathered for the mid-

How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith. How precious are grandparents for family life. day prayer would “feel like one big family” as they turned to Mary to recite the Angelus and ask her to “protect our families and make them places of faith and love in which the presence of Jesus her son is felt”. Pope Francis led the Angelus after a morning dedicated to several private events. He began the day celebrating Mass with a group of Jesuits, then went to Rio’s Quinta da Boa Vista Park, which had been dotted with portable confessionals for World Youth Day. The Pope administered the sacrament to three young men and two young women in Spanish, Portuguese or Italian. When he arrived at the archbishop’s residence, he held a private meeting with eight young prison inmates from four different youth detention facilities in Rio de Janeiro state.

therecord.com.au

July 31, 2013

World captivated I

F BLESSED John Paul II had an actor’s mastery of the dramatic gesture and Pope Benedict XVI engaged the faithful most effectively through his learned and lucid writing, Pope Francis showed the world on his first international trip that his forte as a communicator is the simple, seemingly artless action that resonates powerfully in context. During his visit to Brazil July 22-28 Pope Francis said little that he had not already said more than once during his still-young pontificate. He repeated forceful calls for social justice, a more humble and empathetic church leadership and a more active and engaged laity. But given the historic nature of the occasion - the first Latin American pope returning to his native continent - he must have known that everything he said and did here would take on special significance, and he made extensive use of the setting. The display began even before he left Rome, when the pope was photographed carrying his own briefcase onto the plane, sending a characteristic message of humility: the menial work of carrying the bag was a task he reserved for himself. Pope Francis’ entrance into the city of Rio in a modest compact van instead of the usual large sedan - an image that instantly turned the Fiat Idea into a world-famous model was an exhortation to simplicity for clergy and laypeople alike, consist-

What was significant about World Youth Day 2013 in Rio, Brazil, the first for Pope Francis?

Pope Francis wears an Indian headdress presented to him by members of the Pataxo tribe of Brazil July 27 in Rio de Janeiro. PHOTO: CNS

ent with his previous complaints about spending on luxuries in a world where children starve. It was during that ride that Pope Francis used his already famous gift for spontaneity to salvage what could have been a dispiriting mishap. The swarming of his car by pedestrians and the driver’s decision to enter rush-hour traffic, where the papal motorcade promptly got stuck, briefly seemed to augur only more chaos. Instead, the incident became a chance for the pope to display his almost magical rapport with crowds, when he was seen opening

his window and greeting the very people that members of his security detail were frantically pushing away. Images of Pope Francis’ visit to a Rio “favela” - his walk down the streets of shanties, and the tears in his eyes behind the altar of the slum’s little chapel - will surely leave more lasting impressions than anything he said there. Similarly, his speech to what the Vatican called the “ruling class of Brazil” - a gentle call to dialogue and “social humility” in a country shaken by massive anti-government protests - was clear and thoughtful,

yet less eloquent than his embrace of a recovered drug abuser and former favela resident on the stage before the dignitaries. Pope Francis said nothing during the trip about moves to liberalize Brazil’s abortion laws because, as he told reporters on his plane back to Rome, “young people understand perfectly what the church’s point of view is.” But he symbolically espoused the defence of unborn human life during the culminating Mass of World Youth Day, when he welcomed a married couple and their baby born with only part of her brain; they had chosen not to abort even though current Brazilian law would have permitted them to do so. The surprise inflight press conference was the pope’s final symbolic act of the trip, remarkable above all for the sheer fact that he did it and for the way that he carried it out. Known during his days as a cardinal for refusing interviews, he proved with a no-holds-barred exchange that, though he may usually be too busy for journalists, he certainly is not afraid of them. Having already charmed them on the flight from Rome by greeting each one personally, he then spent 80 minutes gamely answering their questions, following seven days of activity that had left all the reporters exhausted. In that way, the 76-year old pope also showed that, in the game of dealing with the press, he is well prepared to stay ahead.

therecord.com.au July 31, 2013

Ruling classes get lesson in peacemaking Pope Francis had some advice for rulers and demonstrators alike, in wake of protests.

Far left, Polish pilrims react after the site of the next World Youth Day, Kraków, Poland, is announced, last Sunday. Pope Francis hears the confession of a young woman, one of five penitents he heard on July 26. Portable confessionals were set out in several public places for pilgrims. PHOTOS: CNS; JMJ 2013 RIO

by francis Seasoned journalist Francis Rocca tells it as he sees it.

Riot police fire rubber bullets at demonstrators near Guanabara Palace, where Pope Francis met with Brazilians politicians on July 22. CNS

PEAKING to political, economic and cultural leaders in Brazil, a country recently shaken by anti-government protests, Pope Francis called for a “culture of encounter” and said dialogue is the only way to promote social peace. The Pope made his remarks on July 27 in Rio’s Municipal Theatre, to an audience representing what the Vatican’s official schedule described as the “ruling class of Brazil”. The Pope did not explicitly refer to the series of demonstrations in Brazilian cities that started last month, aimed at a range of grievances, including government corruption, unsatisfactory public education and health services, the high cost of public transportation and police brutality. But he pointed to dialogue as a third way “between selfish indifference and violent protest.” “A country grows when constructive dialogue occurs between its many rich cultural components: popular culture, university culture, youth culture, artistic and technological culture, economic culture, family culture and media culture,” he said. Pope Francis also called on his listeners to share “fraternal responsibility” for Brazilian society, “rehabilitating politics, which is one of the highest forms of charity.” “The future demands of us a humanistic vision of the economy and a politics capable of ensuring greater and more effective participation on the part of all, eliminating forms of elitism and eradicating poverty,” he said. Noting the importance of Christianity to the country’s cultural heritage, the Pope said the Church offered an “integral vision of the human person” that is “true to Brazilian identity and capable of building a better future for all.” “Christianity combines transcendence and incarnation,” he said. “It brings ever new vitality to thought and life, in contrast to the dissat-

isfaction and disillusionment which creep into hearts and spread in the streets.” Yet the Pope endorsed the separation of church and state, historically a volatile topic in Latin America, where the Catholic Church long held a privileged legal position in many countries, but where it has more recently clashed with governments over issues, including abortion and samesex marriage. He said such separation favours “peaceful coexistence between different religions,” since the state, “without appropriating any one confessional stance, respects and esteems the presence of the religious factor in society,

The Pope endorsed the separation of church and state saying it favoured peaceful coexistence between different religions. while fostering its concrete expressions.” Later, the Pope greeted representatives of some indigenous Amazonian tribes appearing in their traditional dress. “The Pope was saying what each one of us would have wanted to say if we had been on stage,” said a member of the audience, Alvaro Siviero, a concert pianist from Sao Paulo. “We saw there a person of common sense who didn’t speak in the way that is usual in politics.” Siviero said the Pope’s decision to address them in his native Spanish instead of the national language of Portuguese - for which he asked forgiveness at the start of his speech - was welcomed as a sign of humility. “He wanted to talk to our hearts, not our minds only,” the pianist said. “His Spanish was from the heart, it was a universal language.”