The Record Newspaper 19 October 1989

PERTH, WA: October 19, 1989

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Seven million street kids in Brazil • Page 5

Unknown artist's big scoop • Page 2

ARCHBISHOP FOLEY TELLS 160: YOU HAVE MORE TO DO THAN HELP AT COMMUNION The role of the acolyte is not primarily to assist with the distribution of communion and their presence should not lessen the full participation of others at Mass, Archbishop Foley said last Sunday.

Addressing the 160 acolytes whom he instituted into the ministry, Archbishop Foley said the acolyte had an important role to assist the deacon or priest at the ministry of the altar.

Last Sunday's ceremony was the eighth large intake into the lay ministry since Archbishop Goody instroduced the first acolytes in 1974, in order to cope with the priests' need for assistance to cater for the growing number of communicants.

In the 14 years since then, ArchbiIn St Mary's Cathedral last Sunday, Archbishop Foley institutes 160 acolytes as in groups of eight they place their hands on the chalices and shop Foley said, the introduction of the patens on the altar. acolytate had seen growth in and the Sunday liturgies in the pastoral care of the sick and elderly in homes hostels and hospitals.

Clarifying the role of acolytes he said they have a responsibility towards others who also are called to serve in the sanctuary: He said: • Acolytes should not latest they had come lookPerth's take over the tasks of malgamated ing for. a altar servers.

Catholic school will She suffered much "It may be harder to carry the name of a in the power struggle recruit servers but easier pioneer religious between Bishop is not always better," the sister in the colony Brady and his Benearchbishop said.

Western of dictine co-adjutor • Acolytes should not Australia.

Serra, and had to call be called to be readers of on Dublin for funds in Ursula Frayne Colthe scriptures; others place the 29 of the Propagahonour will lege should be called to read tion of faith money year old Dublin woman the scriptures. her bishops would who with her five • The acolyte should chim's High School. not pass on. She and of Mercy Sisters not take the place of the Ursula Frayne was her group hung on arrived in Perth's then deacon and therefore almost a pioneer Sisonly because Salvado surroundings in bleak does not stand with the ter of Mercy herself. of New Norcia fame four weeks 846 and 1 priest at the altar during When she entered the eventually brought later opened a school mass. at the age of 18 order them peace and one only for which • Too many acolytes respite. child appeared on in 1834 the congregawere present at some tion was only three opening day. Eight They had set up Masses, one should be Mystical Body they serve. years old. By the age The recent Synod of the Church, he said. months later they had works of mercy, adequate at most Masses Bishops on the role of the of 26 she had already "All are called to be one Out of the laity a 100. instruction for illiterand two in larger laity had re-affirmed the number are called to with a diversity of minisbeen out to Newcollege will ate women, a cottage new The churches. foundland to make a task of the laity to renew assist in building up the try and this is true of Aborigines and two result from the amalThe ongoing formation the temporal order in Church, through instruc- development of disciplefoundation there. more schools when 11 gamation in 1990 of St and education of acolytes their homes, workplaces, tion, worship and works ship," the archbishop Her troubles were High years after her arrival Joachim's had been left mainly in and neighbourhoods, to of charity. In this context concluded. only beginning when Ursula School, Xavier ColFrayne the hands of parishes so reflect God's love to those the acolytate becomes a Earlier in a comment on Bishop Brady recrudecided in 1857 it was lege and St Joachim's far, the archbishop con- around them and to reality. the gospel reading on the ited the nuns to time to move on. She primary school. The Foley grateful Samaritan, he tinued, but in line with bring God's values to the Archbishop educate the 4000 next established the college will enrol the recommendations of world. urged the new acolytes to said it was the mark of a children he said were first group of teaching 1200 students from the Diocesan Assembly This applied to acolytes grow in commitment to true disciple to receive a waiting for them in nuns in Victoria pre-primary to Year more attention would be and should not be forgot- their families, to increase gift with gratitude and to WA. For two years where in Melbourne 12 and will be under given to this work on a ten when they are called their love for the Eucha- recognise God's goodness they were too poor to she lived for another the charge of Mrs parish or regional level. to a further ministry in rist and love for the to us. open the school for 28 years until her Anne Parker, current Aboriginal children death at 69 in 1885. princirel of St Joa-

ea role of aco yt

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• More pictures on pages 10 and 11

College's salute to a pioneer

know artist's big win A relatively unknown West Australian artist has scooped the Mandorla Art Prize for 1989 from a host of seasoned professionals.

And for Ivan Bray, of Adelaide Terrace, Perth, the biggest art win of his short career coincided perfectly with his 22nd birthday.

The winner of the prestigious religious art prize was announced at New Norcia's Art Museum on Sunday with a large gathering of personalities blending in with the black-robed monks.

The Superior of the Benedictine Monastery, Fr Placid Spearritt, O.S.B. paid tribute to the quality of the entries.

The theme for this year's competition was: "Prepare the Way" (Luke Ivan Bray and Dom Francis Byrne (nearer to camera) take a closer look at the winning picture.

3:4-6).

Ivan, whose family

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The Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission is pleased that the Liberal and National Parties' Economic and Tax Policy has rejected proposals for a consumption tax, which would have been a major burden on families and the poor.

This, together with increased recognition of the need for tax relief for families is welcome.

The Commission is pleased to see these policies would retain and build upon the measures introduced in the Government's April Economic Statement to start redressing the inequitable tax burdens placed on families over many years.

Tax rebates for all children, and the prom-

ise to repay the effect of "bracket creep", are welcome proposals.

more than children in single income families?

The Commission does The Commission has not oppose measures to strongly argued in the restrict abuse of social recent edition of "A Fair security benefits.

Go For Families" that tax However, with regard to relief was, and is, an the proposed cuts in urgent question of social expenditure, the Comjustice and not charity. mission believes that The Commission agrees sensitivity and compaswith additional rebates sion are needed in for child care but sug- dealing with the longgests that, in fairness, term unemployed. they should be available The success or failure of to all families caring for social security reform children. depends largely on how it is implemented.

Single income families reform Successful providing their own child care should not be requires a caring, tactful and patient approach by excluded. the relevant department Why should children in officers, so that benefits families where both are not taken away from parents (or sole parents) persons in real and are employed be worth genuine need.

By Dom Francis Byrne O.S.B. migrated to Western Australia from North Wales seven years ago, told me that he could hardly believe his ears when organisers telephoned him last Saturday with the news.

"I was celebrating my birthday," he said with a broad grin. "Now it has become a double celebration. It's a great win, beyond my wildest expectations."

His winning painting, titled "Samson" was one of the smallest among the final 27 entries. It had a price tag of just $800, compared to one by Salvatore Zofrea for $18,000.

Ivan, who has just become engaged, reminded me of a young intellectual rather than a budding international painter. He has been painting for only six years.

He rounded off three years of intensive study at the Claremont Art School by winning the School's Painting and Drawing prize in 1985.

"It is a form of meditation."

His mother, Joanna, is a painter, while his father, Chris, has written five novels.

Ivan's prize is a twomonth stint at the wellknown Verdaccio Studio in Tuscany, Italy, where he will come into contact with modern European painters.

Two other Western Australian artists won "Highly Commended" awards: Jeremy KirwanWard (The Way') and Kevin Robertson (The Annunciation').

One of the organising committee, Mrs Pat Toohey, said the annual competition had now established itself as a powerful means of religious expression.

"There is no more appropriate place than New Norcia to hold the competition. New Norcia has been such a centre of religious art in Western Australia for the past century."

The official prize is known as the Kevin Sullivan Art Award. The late Mr Sullivan was a leading personality in Catholic circles in Perth.

His son, Paul. represented the Sullivan family at New Norcia last Sunday and announced the winning entry.

The judges included Hal Missingham, artist and former Director of the NSW Art Gallery; John Stringer, the senior Curator of the Art Gallery of WA; Michael Iwanoff, artist and also lecturer in the Visual

"I have been painting professionally, you might say, for the past three years," he added.

"I do not make a real living out of painting yet, but this prize will go a long way towards my career."

He spent between 40 and 50 hours completing his winning painting. He feels it relates strongly to the theme of the competition: Prepare the Way. Arts Department at CurSamson, in his massive tin University and Barstrength, is depicted bara Chapman, art destroying old struc- adviser for the R&I Bank tures, false idols and in so Collection. doing opens up the way All the paintings are on for repentance. display at the New "The nature of art is Norcia Art Gallery until intimately linked with November 10 (from the spiritual," Ivan 10am to 4pm daily). pointed out.

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2 The Record, October 19, 1989

"Since 1984 the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has been in correspondence with members of the Federal Government concerning commercial dealings for profit in hard-core pornographic and other objectionable video material.

"In this correspondence, the Bishops have stated that the Federal Government has consistently supported those who deal for profit in this degrading material.

'They state that the Federal Government has strenuously opposed the efforts of those who have advocated the reintroduction of laws to establish decent standards for both imported and locally produced videos.

"The Bishops' correspondence further indicates that in 1983 the Government made laws to permit commercial dealings for profit in

firms and videos depicting matters of sex, cruelty and violence in a manner likely to cause offence to reasonable adult persons.

"This was done without public enquiry and with little or no publicity.

"When protests were raised by many sections of the community, including the Catholic Bishops, the Government caused the matter to be referred first to a Senate Committee and then to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

"Over the four years that those committees were deliberating, the Government rejected repeated calls for interim legislation to reestablish the law as it had existed up to 1983.

"By maintaining its own 1983 legislation in force, however, the Government ensured that the burgeoning trade in hard-core pornographic and other objectionable videos be would entrenched.

"In December, 1988, after

both parliamentary committees had reported, Senator Shirley Walters proposed that the Parliament should enact a new law to be called the Regulation of Video Material Act 1988.

"The purpose of the proposed law was to prohibit the importation, sale or hire of "X" rated videos and to reduce the violence permitted in "IC rated videos.

"Speaking for the Government, Senator Michael Tate, the Minister for Justice, though acknowledging that the proposed law related to three important recommendations of the joint Parliamentary Committee, indicated that the Government would not support it.

"In the course of debate on the proposed Regulation of Video Material Act, the Australian Democrats moved an amendment to it.

"The object of the amendment was to exempt nonviolent hard-core pornographic videos from the operation of the proposed law and

to limit its application to videos that were significantly violent and pornographic.

"With that amendment included, the proposed Regulation of Video Material Act, if passed, would have confirmed the availability of hard-core pornographic videos that did not portray violence.

"On 1 July, the Democrat amendment came to a vote in the Senate. The amendment was c.arried with the support of all the ALP Senators who were present when the vote was taken.

"As the amendment effected a fundamental change to the thrust of the proposed law, its original sponsors will naturally not support it in its amended form.

"One can only speculate as to the support that the proposed Regulation of Video Material Act in its original form would have received from members of the Australian Labor Party had they been free to vote

according thefi to consciences.

"In May of this year the Catholic Bishops wrote to the Prime Minister and to other Ministers, asking that Members be allowed a conscience vote on this issue.

"The letter was acknowledged by a member of the Prime Minister's staff who intimated that a substantive reply would be sent on behalf of the Government by the Attorney-General. No substantive reply was ever received.

"The Federal Government has been derelict in defeating a proposal that had potential to impact on the free availability of hard-core pornographic videos.

"Compounding this, the Government of the Australian Capital Territory is nov proposing to profit from the distribution of hard-core pornography from Can berm by imposing a form di sales tax on dealings in "X° rated videos in, and from Canberra."

Look at tension in the raw •

A group of Perth Knights of the Holy Sepulchre saw the intafada tension at first hand during their 12day stay in Israel on a visit to the Holy Places.

Walking back to their Jerusalem hotel they saw Israeli soldiers accost an Arab youth, pull cigarettes from his pocket and throw them on the ground.

Further along, the same soldiers turned over a table of sweets Arab children were selling.

"When those children grow up they will throw stones," the Arab guide told his Australian West visitors.

On the day the visited Knights Bethany, a short walk, they had a stone thrown at them but no-one was hurt. This time it was a protest strike during which all Arab shops were closed.

Incidents such as these helped Father Pat Ahern of Greenwood realise how deep are the hurts and divisions that wreck Israel today.

Father Ahern was chaplain to Knights Cliff Holloway, Kevin Rosam, Brian Sachse, Jim Kenny, Wim Hul-

Plea to Peacock

"The proposal by the Liberal Party to cut $100 million from the overseas aid allocation in its first budget is extremely disappointing," National Director of Australian Catholic Relief, Michael Whiteley said today.

"Ibelieve that it is generally accepted that our current economic problems are related in a significant way to our affluence," Mr Whiteley said, "and so it is necessary for Australians to be more realistic about their consumption and lifestyle to ensure that we live within our means.

"However, we should not be asking the poor in Third World countries to suffer in order that our lifestyle can be preserved. They do not have even at their disposal the resources we consider are essential to our every day living."

He said the poor in Third World countries cannot have any influence in policies adopted in Australia and that we have a responsibility to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by decisions we make in order to cure our economic problems."

Mr Whiteley said that if such a cut in overseas aid was implemented on top of the cut made by the Government in its last budget, Australia will be giving only 0.3% of its Gross National Product (GNP) in overseas development assistance.

This compares with 0.5% when the Liberal Party was last in Government and the target of 0.7% which is the policy of both major political parties.

"If aid is further reduced, I am sure that our neighbours in the Pacific and Asia, where most of that aid goes, will start to question our sincerity as a concerned neighbour," Mr Whiteley added.

"I also question the wisdom of proposing a major cut in the funds used to administer our overseas aid," Mr Whiteley said.

"There is a real possibility that this would lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of our aid.

"Already the administrative cost of our aid budget is one of the lowest in the world.

"Without sufficient resources, the Australian Government's aid agency, AIDAB, cannot be expected to develop and implement programs that meet the real needs of people in other countries," he said.

Mr Whiteley concluded by appealing to Mr Peacock to reconsider his party's policy on overseas aid.

He recalled the positive contribution Mr Peacock had made to improving Australia's aid effort when he was Foreign Minister.

"I believe that Australia can afford to immediately raise its aid to 0.4% of GNP. This would require a commitment of only 1% of our current budget surplus", he said.

"Such an increase in aid would have hardly any effect on our balance of payments as around 90% of the aid budget is spent on goods and services from Australia," he added.

III

link, Kevin Brady and Kevin Hogan.

Along with several of their wives and friends most of the group were visiting the Holy Land for the first time, different visiting shrines each day and culminating in Mass at the Holy Sepulchre church.

A special occasion was their meeting with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Beatitude Michael Sabbah born in Nazareth and the first local priest to be raised to this position.

His position is delicate, he told the Australians. He has a special obligation to care for his people, most of whom are Arabs. At the same time he has to maintain a good relationship with the government of Israel.

Many priests and religious in Israel are foreigners and they rely on the goodwill of the Israeli government for the renewal of their visas, he pointed out.

His further worry is that many Catholics are leaving Israel.

Many have experienced great poverty and hardship and as a minority group see no alternative to leaving Israel.

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Record Travelling down its now well worn path of getting as much wrong about the Catholic Church as it can manage, The West Australian newspaper has this time devoted its energies to promoting the not altogether unknown circumstances of the Rev Frank Sheehan, a former Catholic priest.

At lease twice in as many years he has been seized upon by the media as a cause celebre or at least a mine of knowledgable comment about Catholic Church machinations over priestly celibacy and other issues.

How the Rev Sheehan dispenses his talents and in what walk of life is indeed entirely his own business and in other circumstances would be of no immediate concern to Catholics, if indeed to anyone else in Western Australia.

But if, by courtesy of the monopoly that The West Australian newspaper exercises over the reading public of Western Australia, the events of his life are served up as a selective and gratuitous commentary on the clearly stated Catholic processes of priestly celibacy and religious vows then it is a matter of public concern to at least a quarter of the state's population to say nothing of others who deserve to be better informed.

Journalist Prue Dashfield was clearly bowled over by the life and happenings of Frank Sheehan.

Since the facts were not allowed to spoil a good story her fulsome treatment of the case was sprinkled with dark hints of Vatican obduracy over the question of Frank Sheehan.

As Rev Sheehan himself as much as admitted, the Vatican would never have heard of him. The lights of the Vatican do not burn late into the night on the matter of the Frank Sheehans of this world.

There are a few more pressing matters.

The position of the Catholic Church on religious vows and the related question of priestly celibacy may not be to everyone's liking but that should not preclude a balanced presentation of the facts if they are to be discussed in terms of a particular individual.

When Frank Sheehan entered the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart he was not unfamiliar with the order. He had been educated in their secondary college in Hamilton. They are well known; after the Jesuits they are Australia's second largest body of male clerical religious.

He did a novitiate of 13 months, no different to that done by hundreds of thousands of men and women entering Catholic religious life worldwide.

His novice master is alive and active in his ministry — in WA of all places!

Only then did he take first vows — again no differently to any other religious candidate. While not merely temporary, such vows are still only a preparatory step to a real commitment. Frank Sheehan took the step of final vows three years later, presumably aware of what he was doing.

In the MSC order he would have had the option of serving as a brother — a third of them make that choice — or as a priest. The vows that bind them are identical.

One of those vows is to remain committed to the community in the unmarried state. It is the universal vow of dedicated life in the Catholic Church — for priest or lay person, male or female.

At this stage Frank Sheehan still had a further three years on his journey to the priesthood.

Although vowed to celibacy as a religious, only on his being ordained deacon would he have become subject to the wider church law that ties all but a few priests to the unmarried state.

There is no mystery about these laws or their operation. Men training for the diocesan priesthood thus make absolutely no commitment — not even temporary promises — until their diaconate ordination some six months before priesthood. Today 25 is the minimum age for priesthood.

Frank Sheehan's subsequent career as a Catholic priest lasted barely four years,most of them at a Canberra secondary college.

Of his own volition he took leave of his congregation at that point and it is understood he made no further efforts to regularise his situation.

Whether therefore he left with only $20 in his pocket is entirely between himself and his order and begs more questions than it answers.

Whether after that short interlude he is therefore an omniscient spokesman on all things Catholic needs more than a journalist's adulation to make him credible.

Celibacy of most of the Catholic diocesan priesthood — there are Eastern church exceptions — may well have become debatable to some even in the Church. Former priests have taken their leave lawfully and married but that is not necessarily the cause of their departure.

Other churches are free not to agree with this principle. Media exploitation of personal cases however, may suit journalists in pursuit of a story but it is also a manipulation of the public right to know all the facts and is a discredit to those who participate.

4

The Record, October 19,1989

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'No' to RDT..

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CARDINAL NOT IN FAVOUR OF BLITZ IN SCHOOLS

CHICAGO (CNS):— arrested after breaking Two Chicago priests down the door of a whose anti-drug cru- warehouse where drug sade has drawn death paraphernalia was said threats, said they will to be stored. The charges ask for mandatory, were later dropped. random drug testing in Father Clements, their parish schools but known for his adoption Cardinal Bernardin of three boys, said cost present when the pri- would be no obstacle to ests made their drug testing at his school. announcement at an Urinalysis can be done anti-drug rally, said he without charge at local was "not prepared to institutions, he said. consider it."

He said he expected no In June the two were students at his inner-city

school to test positive.

Rather, he said, the testing there would serve as a model.

Both priests said archdiocesan approval was not required for testing at their schools.

Cardinal Bernardin, speaking before the two priests made their proposal said: "Iexpress my solidarity with Father Pfleger and

Father Clements and reaffirm our commitment as a church to do all we can about this terrible problem," the cardinal said.

The cardinal and 143 priests from throughout the archdiocese issued a statement supporting efforts against illegal drugs.

Their statement called for a comprehensive drug education program in every archdiocesan

school, pledging to ensure that drug paraphernalia is not sold in stores, to rid their communities of illegal drug activity, and to address aggressively the drug problem from the pulpit.

Cardinal Bernardin said his archdiocese would continue to fight drug abuse through education, advocacy, and treatment and rehabilitation, "but much more can be done."

Dirty war' sparks a split BUENOS AIRES (CNS):— The Argentinian hierarchy split o ver amnesty for human rights violators from the country's "dirty war".

Several bishops favour amnesty for 17 top ranking military officers only if they show their repentence publicly.

Other bishops have spoken out for unrestricted amnesty, while still others oppose amnesty.

The bishops against a reprieve say that "justice" must be served in punishing those responsible for the deaths or disappearances of an estimated 10,000 civili-

Preparing for step down the aisle.

•

II • The jointly built and funded LIVERPOOL Courtship may have by the two communities. begun in earnest but, Fr Clune said: "This for the time being at church is the fruit of least, the guardians of ecumensim. Make no the two ecclesiastical mistake, this wouldn't partners will be careful have been possible if to force not a ecumenism didn't work. marriage.

"My only fear is that some of the other denomA lot of talking, gettinginations might look to-know you, and Christian love and under- towards us and feel standing has to be shared excluded in some way. before that day comes. But if we do have But at least the Catholic ecumenical worship and Anglican communi- here at some stage in the ties in a corner of future both of us will Cheshire's Warrington make sure that MethoNew Town will now dists, Baptists and other worship under the same clergy and congregations will be invited to take roof. parr Ten weeks ago Catholic However, both Fr Clune resident priest Ft and Rev Mills were quick Anthony Clune said the first Masses at the brand to point out that any new Church of the form of ecumenical worResurrection and St ship will be the exception Bridget. Last Sunday rather than the rule.

Rev Mills said: "We are Anglican team minister the Rev Michael Mills here really as two separcelebrated the first servi- ate entities, and our first ces for his own flock in and foremost responsithe same church. The bilities are to our own two clerical companions specific denominations." speak openly about their Fr Clune agreed: "From hopes, fears, and over- the liturgical point of whelming happiness at view I am governed by being able to share the Canon taw and obefirst church in the dience to my Bishop, and Liverpool Catholic Arch- therefore cannot and diocese and correspond- would not want to do ing Warrington Anglican anything contrary to my Diocese, to have been service of the Church."

ans in the military's war against leftist rebels in the 1970s.

With public opinion divided over President Menem's proposed pardon of the military officers, Cardinal Raul Primatesta of Cordoba, president of the Argentine bishops' conference, is trying to reconcile the

two sides.

Cardinal Primatesta said the amnesty "would have to be preceded by a general and profound repentence on the part of the eventual beneficiaries."

Only then, and only if former guerrilla leaders are also to benefit from the amnesty, could it lead

to a true national reconciliation, the cardinal said.

But in a homily in the Basilica of Lujan, Cardinal Juan Carlos Aramburu of Buenos Aires, vice president of the bishops' conference, expressed unequivocal support of Menem's amnesty proposal.

obligation of Catholic parents

rrte

GLASGOW, Scotland (CNS): Catholic parents in Scotland have a fundamental obligation to support Catholic Schools, said an editorial in the October issue of Flourish, and representing the views of Archbishop Winning president of the Scottish bishops' conference and of the national Catholic Education Commission of Scotland.

The editorial said the duty to maintain Catholic schools flowed from promises made in

Catholic wedding ceremonies and when children were presented for baptism.

"The choice of a Catholic School for one's child, then, is also a question of one's moral integrity, of keeping one's word before God," Flourish said.

The editorial appeared as an increasing number of Catholic parents have begun sending their children to nondenominational schools.

A 1988 law permits parents to send their children to the school of their choice.

In Scotland, the state builds, finances and controls separate schools for Catholic and nonCatholic children where the numbers of each made it practical. The Catholic Church is responsible for maintaining the Catholic character and establishing the religious curriculum of the schools it is provided.

German bishops' opinion, has involved "too many people, among them many Christians," Bishop Wanke said. "Many problems have arisen — not the least of them in our Catholic families, in our parishes and in our church charity institutions," he said.

"The withdrawal or the exclusion of people from society is not the proper way to resolve the existing problems. The one thing that can help is a patient dialogue on the part of political leaders with all sectors of the population." he said.

East German bishops had previously appealed to the country's leaders to analyse

the causes of the recent emigration and take steps to remove them "as soon as possible," he said.

Flourish said by sending Catholic children to non-denominational schools, parents weakened the Catholic school system, thus hurting the "common good".

'Don't flee country' VATICAN CITY (CNS): A leading East German bishop urged Catholics not to flee the country for the West and said the recent wave of emigration was the wrong way to solve East Germany's social problems.

Bishop Joachim Wanke of Erfurt, vice president of the East German bishops' conference, called instead for a wide-ranging dialogue between the government and "all sectors of the population.

"1 can say with satisfaction that the first steps in this direction can already be seen," said the bishop.

The emigration, in the East

"We have also asked our faithful to consider the current situation in the light of faith and to take responsible decisions," he said. He said the church hopes it can find reasons for "new hope and new trust" in East Germany.

Bishop Wanke added that the church has issued an urgent warning against any kind of violent confrontation over the social problems.

"In the current situation, this would only be damaging," he said.

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CALL TO RESTORE DIGNITY IN BRAZIL

SAO PAULO, Brazil (CNS): There are an estimated seven million children living on the streets of Brazil and their advocates say society has been lax in coming to their aid.

to . . . involve the entire society in restoring the rights, dignity and respect that these children deserve".

Alfredo Barbetta, an official of a national movement of street The Brazilian bishops' children, says the c onference president, youngsters are "abanArchbishop Luciano doned not only by their de families, but by society".

Pedro Mendes Almeida of Mariana, said The government estiBrazilians "should not mates there are up to 36 consider street children million children living as objects of our concern, below the poverty level but as subjects who have in Brazil. Children, 18 rights". years and under, comHe said "it is important prise more than half of

Brazil's population of 154 million.

Of that number, seven million are living in the streets of Brazilian towns and cities. Upwards of two million of those children are estimated to be in Sao Paulo.

Barbetta, Sao Paulo coordinator of the National Movement for Boys and Girls of the Street, said there are three groups of street children: those who work on the streets during the day and come home at night; those who live all week on the

streets, returning home lies to solve. on the weekend; and "But this is an economic those who live perman- question, and the family ently on the streets. has no way to help these "This is a moral situa- children," Barbetta said. tion. The group who have Barbetta's organisation no homes are abandoned was founded five years not only by their families ago in the northern but by society.

Brazilian city of Belem. It "We don't have social is a movement of street politics that give them children organised like a support," Barbetta said. labour organisation and "Not only the children, aimed at giving the but their families have youngsters muscle in been abandoned by demanding their political and economic rights. society."

He said the government It is funded by the De declares street children a Waal Foundation of the moral problem for fami- Netherlands.

New set of restrictions SAO PAULO, Brazil Franciscan (CNS): Father Leonardo Boff, silenced by the Vatican for nearly a year in the has mid-1980s, agreed, under pressure, to another set of restrictions.

Father Boff said he accepted the restrictions, which began in August, in order to be allowed to continue teaching at the Institute of Theology in Petropolis, Brazil.

Father Boff said he agreed not to travel or grant interviews outside Brazil until January to "calm Rome, to

quiet them", because there is trouble whenever he speaks on issues.

He said he made the agreement with his superior, Father Ottenbreit, head of the Franciscans' province in Sao Paulo.

"I had to accept, or I would have had canonical punishment," he said.

"There's a vigilance all over the Church, a repression that you accept, that you suffer, and if you want to continue on, you do it.

I hope this is the last

time, because I'm getting tired of it."

The well-known liberation theologian described the agreement as "repression in the form of persecution," but noted the conditions were less restrictive than those imposed in 1985.

From April 1985 to March 1986, Father Boff was barred from lecturing and writing on theology after the Vatican declared that his book, Church: Charism and Power, contained views that "endanger the sound doctrine of the faith".

Stallings' split W ASHINGTON (CNS): Kuji Temple, the first Father George A. Stal- branch church of the lings' split with the Imani Temple African Catholic Church appeared American Catholic Conto be hardening. gregation that he established in Washington in A fellow black priest June. working since July to mediate the conflict said "The formal mediation Father Stallings "has process we initiated has ignored our not been accepted by all Father Stallings," said communications".

Father Savage, vice presIn the meantime, Father ident of the National Stallings celebrated a Black Catholic Clergy first liturgy of his new Caucus.

now The caucus intends to "move on to the new things we want to do", he added.

A spokesman for Cardinal Hickey said that reconciliation negotiations seemed to have reached a stalemate. He did not anticipate any further actions against Father Stallings by Cardinal Hickey in the immediate future.

Ghana wants feed back ACCRA, Ghana (CNS):— Ghana has ordered religious bodies to register with the government and provide authorities with financial and other information on demand.

The West African country also has banished the Mormons and the Jehovah's witnesses.

Churches will be required to record the names and other information of the members of their governing bodies with the government's registrar general's office.

They will also be required to furnish a government Religious

Affairs Committee with whatever information it requires.

Furthermore, a registration can be canceled if the government deems a church's activities contrary to public order, public interest, public safety or public morality.

After Roman Franciscan denials that they or Cardinal Ratzinger had ordered the restrictions, Fr Boff said: "They're all liars.

They arrange from behind so when someone asks, they say, don't know'. It's something internal in the Franciscan family. In the end, I'm the one who has to stand it."

Father Boff said Cardinal Ratzinger was angry with him.

"They consider our (liberation) theology Marxist, while Ratzingees is considered a Christian liberation." he said.

"While this pope is alive, with this Curia with Ratzinger, we are going to see only control — very little freedom," he added.

"There is centralisation in the Church: control, Romanisation.

But in the popular movement, in the base communities — in that sense, there is a good future."

The theologian said that until agreeing to the period of restriction, he had planned to go to Nicaragua, Argentina and West Germany during that time.

Road to recovery speaker of the West CALCUTTA, India (CNS): Bengal (India) Assembly Mother Teresa has been them of using discharged from the accused to draw situation the Woodlands Nursing Home attention to media in Calcutta where she had themselves. spent 40 days being Not since the death in treated for a painful heart 1941 of Rabindranath ailment.

Tagore, India's leading During her stay at the poet, playwright and clinic, the 79 year old Nobel laureate, has the Mother Teresa received illness of an individual thousands of letters, evoked so much concern telegrams, telexes, telefax in Calcutta, a city of 9.2 messages and several million, according to one telephone calls daily. newspaper.

Local newspapers carThe Telegraph, one of ried expressions of con- the city's leading newscern for her welfare and papers, carried a cartoon a group of Hindus showing Mother Teresa offered prayers for the with a flickering candle, missionary to the poor walking with faltering and destitute. steps, with the caption: "I So many politicians and have promises to keep dignitaries visited the and miles to go before I nursing home that the sleep".

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The Record, October 19, 1989

5

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS A KEY STEP IN SEARCH FOR JUST, PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF PRESENT DIFFICULTIES: POPE DILI, East Timor (CNS): Pope John Paul II, celebrating Mass at a site many people say Indonesian troops used as a killing ground, issued a strong call for government officials to respect human rights.

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support for Indonesian rule, they said.

One priest attending the papal Mass said, however, that the Pope's very presence in East Timor symbolised support for Indonesian Human rights groups sovereignty.

"His coming is an still criticise Indonesia over its East Timor influence for integration policies, but there is and an influence on general agreement that internatinal opinion," the volume of violations said the priest. has lessened as the Siding with Indonesia guerrillas have become a "is not the intention of minor threat. the Pope, but people will think so because he was The Pope had prei nvited by the governviously said that it would be wrong to interpret any ment," said the priest, of his activities in East who asked not to be Timor as political state- named. ments on sovereignty.

The priest, who has worked in East Timor for During a news confertwo years, said East ence on the papal flight Timor is better off mateto Asia, the Pope said his rially since Indonesian trip to East Timor was a annexation and there is pastoral visit to the little support for Bishop region's Catholics.

Belo's referendum call.

Prior to the trip, the The referendum issue is Portuguese government "a little storm in the sea," and East Timor exile he said. groups had asked the Pope to kiss the ground.

The bishop is trying to Not to do so would be give the impression that interpreted as papal East Timorese are Indonesian troops have been successful in breaking the back of the guerrilla movement. Foreign investigators estimate there are only 200300 lightly armed guerrillas left.

Low-key on the touchy issues Except for the issue of human rights, the pope was low-key on a number of touchy subjects during his four day visit, hinting at what he meant rather than clearly staling things.

In doing so, the pope was following the Indonesian bishops' example of maintaining a low profile in a country dominated by Moslems, yet where the tiny but rapidly growing Catholic minority is granted equality under the law.

The aim is to integrate Catholics into the

LJr

he Diii stand ...

But during the half-day stay in the region, the Pope remained neutral in the presence of East Timor, a former Defence Portuguese colony, was regarding the controver- Indonesian sial issue of independ- Minister Moerdami. annexed by Indonesia in ence for East Timor.

Moerdami, a Catholic, 1976 after fighting broke The Mass was disrupted welcomed the Pope to out between Timorese by about 20 demonstra- East Timor on behalf of favouring independence from Portugal and those tors who scuffled with the government. favouring integration police after unfurling "For many years now, neighbouring banners opposing you have experienced with Indonesia's rule of the destruction and death as Indonesia. island territory. a result of conflict; you Annexation resulted in "Respect for the rights have known what it a bloody guerrilla war which render life more means to be victims of and brought heavy human must be firmly hatred and struggle," the human rights criticisms ensured," the Pope said Pope said at the Mass. of Indonesia by internaduring the morning "Many innocent people tional groups. outdoor Mass before the have died, while others Prior to the Pope's trouble started. have been prey to retaliThe Pope did not men- ation and revenge," he arrival Bishop Carlos Ximenese Belo, apostolic tion the sovereignty issue said. administrator of Dili, said during his half-day stay.

"From the very begin- the Mass site was a place That was in keeping with Vatican neutrality on the ning of my pontificate I used by Indonesian matter until it is resolved have followed your situa- troops to interrogate and by international tion with deep concern," kill suspected opponents. the Pope said. agreement.

The bishop said many "Your land is much in bodies were dumped into The Pope said respect for human rights was a need of Christian healing a nearby lake, visible key step in the "search and reconciliation," he from the Mass site. for a just and peaceful added.

"The place will be resolution of present The Pope asked Catholsanctified by the Pope's difficulties. ics, the overwhelming "I pray that those who majority of the popula- Mass," he said. have responsibility for tion, to undertake the Bishop Belo is a critic of life in East Timor will act "practical works of Indonesian rule and with wisdom and good- mercy and justice favours a referendum on will toward all," he said needed on this island." the sovereignty issue.

JAKARTA (CNS): Pope John Paul II roared around Indonesia in a chartered jet, but he tiptoed through many of the Asian country's controversial issues.

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BRUNEI

Indonesian mainstream and influence national life without stirring antagonisms from a military -dominated government and from small — but expanding — Moslem fundamentalist movements.

The growth of fundamentalism is also controversial among Moslems, who make up almost 90 per cent of the country's 188 million inhabitants.

Typical of the papal approach was an October 13 speech to the country's bishops.

"You are sometimes painfully aware that certain traditional practices and other contemporary social influences bring about an obscuring of fundamental principles regarding family life 1121111

and the responsible culties" in a country that transmission of life," the recognises freedom of pope said. religion in its Nowhere in the seven- constitution. page speech did the pope Despite the predominame the "certain tradi- nant Moslem population, tional practices" and the Islam is not the state "contemporary social religion. Instead, the influences".

Constitution recognises Vatican sources said belief in one God, and "certain traditional prac- monotheism is also a tices" referred to polyg- main element of the state amy and the social ideology, Pancasila. inequality between men Catholicism, representand women in Islam and ing only 2.3 per cent of in animist sects. the population, has equal "Contemporary social legal status with Islam, influences" meant Hinduism, Buddhism government birth control and Protestantism. All programs and forced are state-recognised immigration from the churches. populous island of Java to The Catholic church less-populated areas, the cannot be too critical of Vatican sources said. the government because Similarly, efforts to it needs it as an ally in introduce Moslem law fending off efforts to became "occasional diffi- introduce Islamic law.

opposed to the govcrnment, he added.

The priest said there still are "some cases by the military" of human rights violations, but at the same time the government's influence is widespread.

East Timor is in a transition stage after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, he said.

People are poor and poorly educated, making it difficult for them to understand all the political issues at stake.

"They need time," the priest said.

Other people attending the papal Mass said opposition to the government was sizeable.

"Materially they are better off under Indonesia than under Portugal," said another foreigner knowledgeable about East Timor affairs.

"But the Indonesians haven't won the hearts and minds of the people," he added.

Security was tight for the Mass. Police check-

points were set up every 12 miles along the routes leading to the site. At each point, people were searched and their bags checked, said participants at the Mass.

As Mass neared the end, however, several supporters of independence tried to reach the altar.

"While the Pope was still on the altar, about 20 people walked toward the altar," said an eyewitness.

According to this account, a Vatican security guard stopped the group, and the demonstrators began shouting "Long live the Pope."

They also unfurled banners saying "Fretilin welcomes you," said the eyewitness.

Fretilin, the Revolutionary Front for the Independence of Fast Timor, is the guerrilla group fighting Indonesian rule.

During this episode, the Pope descended from the altar and left, the eyewitness said.

The middle course

DILI: Faced with the nowin dilemma whether to kiss the East Timorese ground at Dili, Pope John Paul took the middle course and kissed a near ground crucifix.

As his visit neared, pro. independence activists urged him to kiss the ground, his traditional gesture on entering a sovereign territory for the first time.

The Indonesian government on the other hand would not have accepted the significance of the gesture,

had the pope kissed the ground.

There was therefore no traditional airport ceremony. Instead, as the pope ascended the altar for the outdoor Mass he knelt and kissed a crucifix on a cushion on the ground.

Traditionally when a bishop first enters his diocese or visits a parish, he is presented with a crucifix to kiss.

The pope is head of Dili diocese because it is directly under the Vatican until the independence issue is resolved. Bishop Belo of Dili

is only an administrator and attends the Indonesian hierarchy meetings only as an invited guest.

In a speech to seminarians the night before, the pope outlined what should be the priests' attitude toward politics.

"He cannot allow secular involvement to compromise his position as a father to all, who stands above differing points of view in temporal affairs," the pope said.

In East Timor, standing above differing views meant bending to within kissing distance of the ground, but not actually touching it.

Vatican officials pleased JAKARTA: Although Catholic-Moslem relations are good, low-key is also the preferred approach to evangelization to avoid drawing too much attention to the significant number of Islamic converts.

Given these circumstances, Vatican officials say they were generally pleased with

the pope's trip and the approach he took.

"The pope made the trip in the way he wanted, going where he wanted, saying what he wanted without obstacles and using the language wished by him," said Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Vatican press spokesman.

The major exception to the low-key approach was human rights. The pope, in

talks to President Suharto and in East Timor, specifically asked for greater respect for human rights as a cornerstone to nationbuilding.

The pope went beyond what the bishops have said because as a world leader "the pope can influence the entire country with, his m9s,sage" said a church officio!.

Glass with touch of class Fr Kelly points to one of the church's stained glass windows.

He's 71, small in stature but spritely for his age. In short, he can be aptly described as a little human dynamo.

He is Father Rupert Kelly, parish priest of Our lady of Lourdes, Yokine.

He has been parish priest there since the church first opened its

doors about 31 years ago.

Although age is catching up on him Father Kelly has no plans for retirement. It seemed that the word retirement never entered his mind.

Twice last week Father Kelly met the writer from The Record to record an important milestone in his parish — the installa-

tion of 10 stained glass windows to the church costing nearly $40,000.

parish was blessed by Archbishop Goody some lime ago.

Nine of them were blessed by Archbishop Foley in a special ceremony on Sunday.

All the windows were specially ordered from Britain and were donated by parish groups or individuals, some of whom have since

He was full of praise for his parishioners — past and present — for their caring attitude.

departed this life.

The installation of the

He said the parish was virtually debt-free.

The other donated by Father Kelly in memory of Archbishop Prendevine who established the

stained glass windows, according to Father Kelly, is the parish's final major project.

"There's been no debt for quite a few years. The convent is paid for. The parish built the convent and gave it to the nuns.

pay that tomorrow if we wanted to.

"The school's been paid for, the presbytery has been paid for but the additions to the presbytery... There's $10,000 owing on that but we can

He concluded: "It has been a very happy and fruitful time at the parish. Those who are dead I'm quite happy have all gone to heaven."

"By this time next year there will be no debt on the parish at all."

Stolen statues a heavy blow Sometime last year the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Yokine, was dealt a heart-breaking blow — two statues were stolen.

procession would follow and the congregation would make its way into the church for a sermon and then Benediction.

The statue of Our lady of Lourdes was given to Stolen were the statues of Our Lady of Lourdes Father Kelly by a relative. and St Bernadette. They It was bought in France. had been part of the Father Kelly said he was church for 23 years. upset by the loss — and were the parishioners.

Every year during this so time people from the "First of all, my cousin parish would gather had given it to me and round the statues and say she is no longer alive. the rosary together. A "Also it was something

fairly important and had Only a low fence (less some sentimental value than a metre high) to the church," he said. separates the niche from The statues have since the paving for pedestribeen replaced but still ans along Flinders Street. seem to be a target of Although insured they vandals. become tempting targets for unscrupulous About three months ago vandals. vandals knocked down Father Kelly who desthe statue of St Bernadette and fortunately cribed the stealing of the the statue remained in two statues as bigotry said although the loss tact. was covered by insuThe statues are perched rance he nevertheless at the niche in front of found such actions disturbing. the church.

The replaced statues at the church.

At Kelly's 'doorstep' This was not a bridal procession near Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Yokine.

It was in fact a fourcar pile-up along Morley Drive right opposite the presbytery of the church's parish

priest, Father Rupert Kelly.

The accident took place a few minutes beLre noon. It had rained earlier.

Father Kelly was busy as usual at his church

when the crash took place.

He was due to go back to his presbytery for "dinner" at noon but was delayed by The Record's writer — who was one hour early for his appointment.

The Record, October 19,1989

7

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KNOW YOUR FAITH

Compiled by NC News Service

Changing times During the course of • Certain races were history, men and superior to others. women of goodwill, individually and in Those beliefs are rejected by most societies groups, believed that: and most religious bodies • The divine will was today. What accounts for conveyed in a special the change? way through the royal For one thing, individlineage. ual men and women • Slavery was approved influenced the consciences of others by the

by God. stance they took when • Women were not touched profoundly by entitled to vote. the human, spiritual and

moral needs around them: There were the Quakers hanged in the Boston Common for their stand against human slavery.

I can imagine how much these people hoped that their own

Eventually, the light might spread and the public conscience might expand. Not all at once, and not without sacrifice.

Consider the impact of Rosa Parks who refused

to move to the back of the bus simply because she was black.

There is a sixth sense among members of the human family that when a person is faithful to conscience it will make a difference — a difference to that person and a difference to others.

Sometimes the difference it makes may be barely discernible at first and others may not

inside the house. But not this time. The man had to sit down outside in the sun and eat. I never will forget that. I remember watching him. I didn't feel good about it. It just wasn't right."

The woman who told me that story recognises

that the incident was perhaps her first encounter with racial prejudice.

And she says it caused one of the initial stirrings of that built-in aptitude for making moral judgements, more commonly called conscience.

I remember being told

as a youngster that my conscience as a "little voice" that would help me know right from wrong. Not so surprisingly, Vatican II also described the conscience as a "voice", though it went on in a more substantive way.

And there were suffragettes who braved jail for their convictions regarding the rights of women.

faithfulness to conscience would — become a light enabling others to see a need within society — and spark courage in others to act according to the light of conscience.

By Dolores Leckey always agree on the difference. Consider the case of Enten Eller.

A member of the Church of the Brethren, Eller was indicted in 1982 for failing to register for military service.

Eller's reason was simply stated: "I have not

registered in order to be faithful to God, my conscience and my church."

At the time of his indictment he faced up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

As a member of a peace church, we would not have had any trouble securing a conscientious objector's status.

But, for this young man that was not enough. He

sid the action was for

i t sake of others. eople who knew Eller ‘'re quick to note that I was not a religious faatic and does not pesume to judge others iao register for the draft.

1 fact, Eller himself sad that many registints he knows are °omitted Christians, jut as committed as he is "God calls us to iferent places."

The stirrings of our conscience

"I remember when I was a little girl — oh, 6 or 7 years old, I'd say.

We lived out from town a good way. Our house sat in the middle of a big cotton field. Daddy always liked to grow cotton.

"Anyway, it was cotton

picking time one year,

must have been about 1930. A migrant worker came by looking for a job and so Daddy hired him.

The man was black.

"Now when we had other field hands, they would always come in and eat dinner with us

Briefly...

Every day after selves to the sufferings school, the 12-year-old and joys of others. came home and went When you think about immediately to his it, apathy ought to be room. There .he stayed foreign to Christians. for hours, listless and uncaring. Each day it Followers of Christ are became harder and called to be passionately harder for his mother interested in others. to persuade him to get They are invited to let out of bed and go to their moral sensitivities grow by caring about school.

God, about each other, In school the boy's about the world they live teachers reported that he in and about themselves. was losing interest in the Weekly the liturgy classes and his grades were plummeting. Dur- reminds Christians what ing recess and lunch kind of people they are to time, the boy sat by be. the Eucharist celehimself taking a little if brated in community any interest in the games says that each individual and conversation of his has value; it urges them classmates. to recognise that what do matters and can they The boy's mother worried that her son's blue make a difference in the mood would sink into world. apathy. She and the boy's "There is no such thing father decided in consul- as 'spiritual life' or 'life in tation with his teachers Christ' apart from all the to take some positive relationships that make steps to help the boy up human life in the shake off the blahs. communities in which What is apathy? we live and serve," said John Egan in a Father Webster's New World Dictionary defines 1983 speech on liturgy apathy as being "without and justice. emotion." The dictionary The liturgy reminds applies the term to individuals that they people who have a "lack can't allow themselves to of interest, a listless become apathetic to condition, a lack of others. "For those who concern." participate, the liturgy Individuals who are expresses their continuapathetic run the risk of ing struggle to be one remaining outside the with each other in Christ mainstrtAm of life. In and gives them energy holding themselves aloof, and strength to carry that they can stunt the struggle in the midst of growth of their conscien- daily life," Father Egan ces and deaden them- said.

8 The Record, October 19, 1989

By Joe Michael Fiest Conscience, says the Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, is "a law inscribed

by God" on the heart of the human person.

FOCUS ON THE BIBLE

fin- requirement for for rung a conscience: the sanctuary." The docu- allay to assess a situaticii calmly and ment goes on to say. ac irately.

Even with the mind of a child, the woman was Ile second characterisable to determine that tic, if conscience is that it the black man was not is E ee and independclit.

Tite what she was being treated in a fair and equal manner. Thus the beg conditioned to Conscience is one's "most secret core and

believe about the races, the little girl was able to make a judgement about the situation that probably differed from the judgement of others around her.

She was able to see the world from her own perspective.

Watching the black man eat dinner outside in the heat of the day obviously aroused feelings of empathy in the young girl. She "didn't feel good about it," she recalled. Her concern for someone else's welfare shows another aspect of a

teachers and pastors and parents who tend to place great hope in the long reach of conscience.

They hope that if they live in a loving way and according to their values it will make a difference not just to themselves but to others in their lives.

Who knows how much one person's faithfulness to conscience might contribute to the world's integrity?

rightly formed conscience.

Finally, a person with a well-formed conscience should be willing to accept responsibility for actions based on it. At times this could lead to unpleasant or even painful encounters.

But what of the yield?

The prophet Isaiah once delighted his audience with a charming song typical of those sung at harvest time. It was about a man who planted a vineyard on a fertile hillside.

"He spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines" (5:2).

There was nothing the man failed to do to

DISCUSSION POINTS Dolores Leckey discusses how the courageous stands taken by people in following their conscience can affect others — even if they don't agree with the position taken.

Seeing the faithfulness of some — for instance, the suffragettes who risked jail for the rights of women — can alert others to a need in society. It also can spark others to follow their conscience, Mrs Leckey says.

Father John Castelot shows how the prophet Isaiah charmed his listeners into getting involved in making a moral decision through telling a story about a vineyard. A conscience grows through use, in making decisions between right and wrong, he adds.

Not everyone in the service.

Church of the Brethren Throughout the judicial agreed with Eller's rea- maze which preceded son, his parents for his sentencing, he made instance. it clear that his life is to His father said "I per- follow God wherever sonally could register. I that takes him. "That's would not be happy what I've got to work I with," he said. but it about could. . . We fully supHas Eller's conscience port Enten even though influenced others? Has it it's not what we would moved the cause of do." peace? Surely he hopes Eller received a sent- that it has.

I think of the many ence of community

How does the moral life develop? The conscience expands gradually over a lifetime, sometimes by leaps and bounds, other times slowly and painstakingly.

Joe Michael Feist explains how a young girl first met racial prejudice on her family's farm and her reaction. Being able to assess such incidents is a first step in developing a strong conscience, Feist suggests.

K atharine Bird interviews religious educator Gabe Huck, director of the Liturgy Training Centre of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The liturgy helps our consciences develop, Huck says, by showing Christians how a community acts and what it is concerned about.

ensure harvest.

a

first-tre

But all of a suddenhe song took a sad tin.

"Then he looked forhe crop of grapes, but %tat it yielded was %Id grapes."

At this point he audience is asked to t involved, to form its opinion.

"What more was tOre to do for my vinerd

that I had not done?

Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?"

The disappointed farmer then announced that he would make a shambles of his vineyard, rendering it totally useless for the future.

All the while those listening have been following the song with complete sympathy for

the unfortunate farmer.

They can empathise with his frustration.

But now Isaiah identifies the people themselves as the vineyard and the Lord as the vinegrower, and they are cut to the quick.

If Isaiah had simply and abruptly berated the Hebrews for their faithlessness, they would probably have reacted

By Fr John Castelot with anger and turned their backs on him. But by cleverly using the song to enlist their sympathy for the vinegrower he led them to appreciate in a very personal way just how reprehensible their conduct was.

Conscience enables a person to distinguish right from wrong. Often it operates almost instinctively.

It is not always easy to tell what the proper course of action is in any given situation. Conscience has to be formed; it has to be informed.

But, like memory, conscience can lose its sharpness through lack of use, through not caring about the moral quality of our actions. In certain instances, it can be dulled by ignorance or passion.

Isaiah's approach was effective beause of the manner in which he subtly led his listeners to share his view of the matter, to form their moral convictions.

Jesus, especially by his

use of stories, got his was neighbour to the personally man who fell in with the bearers involved in a situation robbers?" and confronted them The man answered that with the necessity of personal it was the one who acted making with compassion. "Go decisions. and do the same," Jesus When someone asked said.

"Who is my neighbour?"

Jesus did not give a cold It was only after Jesus definition. He told the had led the man to a story of the Good Samar- personal decision on itan and then asked his what constitutes a neighinquirer: "Which of bour that he issued an these, in your opinion, ethical directive.

A sense of who we are via Eucharist

The Eucharist jives Christians "a se0e of who we are, to Aonl we belong an for whom we are r0Ponsibe," said Gabe luck, a religious educait It provides an °Ping lesson in "how a inmmullitY acts nov and what things the sommunity thinks aboo and argues about. The. all help form our con 2ences," Huck added.

In a church contet, he continued, the conscience concer1! the

ways "an individual receives and internalizes and practices the norms for justice received from the Scriptures and tradition."

What we hear in Scripture is reinforced by what we see happening in "the lives of people in the Christian tradition and handed down to us from generation to generation," he added.

For Huck, the US bishop's pastoral letter on peace and their

proposed pastoral on the US economy are "outstanding" recent examples of this process at work. The pastorals reveal the bishops and many others struggling "to understand issues and what directions to point us in," he explained.

The pastorals display a "shift, a growth in how we understand our responsibility for others," Huck said. "Conscience has certainly been raised,

but where it leads is not clear yet."

Asked how the Eucharist helps form consciences, the religious educator observed that the different parts of the liturgy each play a role.

• In the Liturgy of the Word, we hear the same Scripture stories repeated again and again.

Every Easter Vigil Service, for instance, starts with the well-known creation story.

The story "speaks of the sacredness of creation. It

tells us that God sees everything he created is good," Huck said. And it's "terribly relevant to our lives now at the end of the 20th century."

That story gradually "shapes the way we approach creation," he said. It points Christians to ask themselves, "Do we have that attitude. Do we act that way?" Huck remarked.

In the community setting, he suggested, that story can take on different meaning for people at

phases different throughout their lives.

• The consciences of Christians also are shaped by the homily, Huck said. Here, the homilist endeavours to bring out the meaning of the readings for a particular people at this time and in this place.

• Then, in the intercessory prayers, Christians are reminded that "they can't be unmindful of others, that it's the task of the baptised person" to be concerned about oth-

By Katharine Bird

ers beyond individual and parish needs.

These prayers "take up what is crying out for help in the world," Huck said. Examples might be: those suffering because of drought and famine in Africa, the plight of refugees and those in prison.

"The liturgy is for the long haul," Huck observed. It doesn't lead to conversion every week. But occasionally people are motivated by the liturgy to take some

concrete action in response to another's needs.

"We gather for liturgies and learn what it means to be a baptised person," he added. "Little by little the liturgy teaches us what shape we believe the world should have."

It tells us "there are no privileged people here, no ranks or classes or degrees," Huck said. It speaks of the great dignity of all gathering around the common table."

The Record, October 19, 1989

9

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10 The Record, October 19, 1989

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Tracin path of martyrs

Keith Jacobs (left), Saski Maes, Arek Kolpa and Agnes Szulc, with Sister Petra Likhiffam PBVM, at Good Shepherd School, Lockridge, discovering that learning can be a lot of fun!

HISTORY FOR THAILAND AS CANONISATION TAKES PLACE History is in the making for Thailand this weekend when Pope John Paul ll celebrates the Solemn Mass of canonisation of the seven Thai martyrs, their first Saints, in St Peter's Basilica this Sunday, watched by 4000 Thais in Rome attending this great event.

No dusty historical matter is required for recounting of their fate, because Thai Sister Petra Likhittam PBVM of the Presentation Sisters resident in Lockridge, spent time during her return home late last year, to speak with, research and photograph their path to martyrdom from the tiny, humble, wooden shack convent they were forced from, to the Holy Woods (the cemetery) were they where executed.

It's a recent and fascinating history, taking place on December 26, 1940; too recent for such acts of barbary to be committed in so-called enlightened times, but fortunately recent enough for the eyewitnesses, relatives — and those who survived, to tell the story.

Christianity was brought to Thailand — The Land of Smiles! — about 400 years ago by the French and the Portuguese.

There were waves of suppression from time to time, in an attempt to limit

sisters had crossed the Mekong River to escape into Laos which was the story the authorities were going to use.

The police conceded this request and they knelt next to a log at the cemetary which was afterwards called The Holy Woods.

The father of the 11 yo girl dragged her away from the firing line, and six were then shot in succession until they reached the seventh, the young girl. Philip-Si-Fong had already been butchered in the woods. Silence. She called out "Don't forget me!" but they said "Forget it.

We're out of bullets".

So she survived to tell the story to Sister Petra, plus the little boy who was told to reload their guns, the girl who was dragged away by her father, their relatives and eye-witnesses.

One further twist to the story comes from a now elderly woman, who was at that time a pretty teenager.

The constable who organised the killings and the suppression of Christianity in that area, had a habit of The two sisters had been taking young wives. His eye told to wear Thai clothes fell on this one, being the instead of their 'foreign' prettiest, but when she habits, so conceded, but hid refused, she was told all the the habits under Tice sacks. girls would be killed if she However, realising they didn't agree to marry him. were going to be killed, they So she did. donned their habits in However she retained all preparation for death. the correspondence which The little band of seven had gone between his plus another young girl and authorities and himself, an 11 yo girl, were marched ordering and carrying out to the Mekong River where the persecutions. He moved they planned to shoot them. on after a year, but those But they objected to this and letters became valuable said they wanted to die with documentation when the the people, rather than a martyrs' history was being facade of pretending the recorded.

the progress of Christianity, but nothing as drastic as those events in 1940.

At that time there was a ruthless Prime Minister, intent on getting rid of the French missionaries, (especially the priests) and persecuting Christians. Religions other than Buddhism, the national religion, were considered 'foreign' specially Catholic, and therefore had to be suppressed, either through getting the faithful to denounce their faith, or eliminating them.

In the village of BoanSong Korn, near the Mekong River, two sisters lived with some girls and among the villagers there were Catholics with strong faith.

Some were forced to denounce their religion, but seven people refused — Sister Agnes Pila, 31; Sister Lucia Kum Band, 23; Mr Philip Si-Fong, 33; Miss Agatha Put-ta, 59; Miss Cecilia Bued Si, 16; Miss Bibi Anna Kum-Pai, 15; and Miss Maria Porn, 14 and were used as an example to the other villagers.

The villagers then took the bodies of the seven and buried them in coffins in shallow waves.

They were exhumed three years ago and taken to a holy place of worship. Three bishops officiated and when they opened up the coffins, the strong smell of roses filled the church.

Before they were taken on their death march, one of the sisters had told how she'd had a vision of seven heavenly crowns, a foretelling of their martyrdom and conferred sainthood this weekend.

Sister• Petra said many prayers and requests have been granted through intercession of the martyrs and their blood, shed in that barren, infertile place, has brought many blessings to the land; physical cures have been acknowledged and a phenomenal strength and renewal of people's faith.

Sister Petra's background is also interesting and how she came to join the Presentation Sisters in Perth.

She currently teaches at Good Shepherd school, Lockridge, having joined her Order in April, 1978.

One of 10 children, whose parents were converts, three joined Religious Orders and the fourth became a diocesan priest. One is a Redemptorist, a sister joined an Order popular in Thailand and South-East Asia, St Paul de Chartre and Sister Petra is the only one living outside Thailand.

She also has two nephews in a seminary in Thailand and a niece recently received into the Carmelites.

A large contribution from one family, considering the population of Thailand is 46 million, of which 98% are Buddhists, and of the remaining two percent, half a percent is Catholic and the rest representing seven other religions.

Religion is quite free in Thailand now, said Sister Petra, who believes there is a high number of vocations among the relative few.

Post Vatican II has seen greater development in bringing Thailand's culture into religious practice, and a lot of ecumenical integration, she said.

Sister Petra was educated in Catholic primary and high schools and then when 17, she won with 99 others, a scholarship to study for a year at New jersey in America.

The winner were chosen among millions of hopefuls

among Thailand's 71 provinces.

Overseas study is not possible for many Thais, except if wealthy, so the scholarships were highly esteemed.

At the end of the year, now 18, Sister returned to Thailand with the realisation that education really was the key for selfdevelopment and a good future.

Mindful however of the gift she'd been given and thankful to God for all her blessings, she thought it was time to do something for His people.

She also highly valued her Catholic education which was the best in Thailand and which the current King and Queen of Thailand received.

"Catholic schools in Thailand are considered high class because of their high standards at every level and the way they emphasised the real worth of every human being," said Sister Petra.

She started to consider social work, in order to help the tribes and slum children she had given to with her family and as a Legion of Mary member, taking them sweets and biscuits.

"But God told me He wanted me to give more than material things to people — He wanted me to give myself."

Sister Petra went to Ballarat, Victoria, thinking there was a social course being offered which she could do.

But finding none, she trained as a teacher at Aquinas College there and

..for 160 acolytes

taught for two years after qualifying.

Owing to the example shown and love and care given by some Religious, in particular Mother Marie Therese Mogarti, a Mercy Sister, a religious vocation presented itself more strongly. She returned to Thailand taught at prestigious Colleges for two years, and then helped by her priest brother, went through the discerning process which treading the vocation path needs.

Having finally established she would enter a convent, a chance meeting with a priest friend pin-pointed the Presentation Sisters, who unbeknown to her, had been praying for Thai vocations.

Her mother was upset to be losing her daughter to a country so far from Thailand but told her "If you can't be a good Christian, don't become a Religious. A monkey can ditna up as a religious — but that doesn't make the monkey a Religious!

"Don't think the habit you wear will raise your standard. Just be a good committed follower of Christ — that's the important thing — and be a witness of His reality as a loving, growing person."

Homesickness is a very real thing to any ex-patriot. "but the church of God is not limited to Australia or Thailand. So as long as I have Christ with me, that is sufficient.I am his ambassadoress and my love for Him is greater than anything."

Noting that nearly 50 per cent of Australian Catholics today have an origin outside Australia, Archbishop Foely said this was reflected in the

ranks of the acoyltes instituted last Sunday. He also noted presence of the first Aboriginal to join the Perth acolytate.

The Record, October 19, 1989 11

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I wish to domestic, industrial, comenthusiasm, spontaneity I be with you in eternal mercial, installation and and vivid stones. Thank maintenance, computer glory. Thank you for your you for your hard work in mercy towards me and cabling installed and mine. This prayer must be the bakehouse and invalt erminated.

Contact said for three days after uable contribution to the Frank on 446 1312. which the favour will be Maier family.

New metal roofing and granted and must be May perpetual light shine gutters, carports, patios, published immediately. upon him. maintenance repairs. For Grateful thanks to the REGAN, C.J. — Of your personal service phone Holy Spirit for favours charity pray for the repose received. T.C. Ron Murphy 277 5595. of the soul of Cornelius 0 Holy St Jude, apostle John (Toby) Regan, lifeand martyr, great in virtue long and brotherWANTED TO BUY and rich in miracles, near I in-law of the late Am kinsman of Jesus Christ,1 Miller, and of Cath. Loved Sextants, magnetic com- faithful intercessor of all uncle of Harry and Terry, passes, levels, planetarium who invoke you as special l Cathy and Col, Therese and instruments of all patron in time of need, to (RIP), Margaret and Ross, types. Phone John Walsh you I have recourse from Timmy and Marlene, Fr the depths of my heart Ted, Joseph and Trish, 385 9448. and humbly beg you to MaryAnne and Colin, whom God has given Jeannette and Eric and P UBLIC NOTICE such great power to come families. Happy memories to my assistance. Help me Jack of your visits, your FURNITURE CARRIED. now in my present and wit, concern and amusing One item to housefulls. urgent need and grant my stories. We will miss your Columban Small, medium, large vans earnest petition. In return yearly available with one or two I promise to make your Calendar, Christmas cake men from $24 per hour, name known and cause and plum pudding. all areas. Cartons and you to be invoked. Say May perpetual light shine cheap storage available. three Our Fathers, Hail upon him.

Mike Murphy 330 7979, 1 Marys and Glorias. St Jude De GO'S: Neval (Puttoo): for all who honour 317 1101, 444 0077, pray and invoke your aid. My It was a shock to hear of 447 8878, 272 3210, grateful thanks to St Jude your sudden death; you 378 3303, 384 8838. and Infant Jesus of Prague tvill never be forgotten in Country callers: for prayers answered.

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Tuesday. Comfort me in URGENT house-keeper/ all my difficulties through God has taken you to join nanny: Professional man the great favour that thou your two other brothers. (widower) requires loving did'st enjoy when the Rest in peace Grandpa mature lady to help in Saviour lodged at they (Puttoo). Inserted by his caring and upbringing of house. Intercede for my three loving grandchild3 pre-schoolers (one at family that we may be ren Jacqueline, Cheryl school next year). Drivers provided for in all our and Edwina De Gois. license essential. Full necessities. I beseech thee board and lodging plus to have pity in regard to De GOIS: Nevill (Putoo): wages. Phone 320 8544 the favour I ask of thee Retired ex-Navy officer bus hours. 342 3988 AH. (mention your request). I (Burma). Beloved husband of Daw Tin Shwe, ask thee Saint Martha to father of Donald, Baby overcome these difficul- Ann and Wendy ENGAGEMENT ties as thou did'st the (deceased), and four dragon at thy feet. (One grandchildren. Passed Our Father, Hail Mary away suddenly on EVANGELISTA — WAD- and Glory.) (light a candle 11 3prn October at in DELL Gerald and Joyce while saying this prayer on Evangelista of Mount a Tuesday.) For favours Rangoon, Burma. Sadly Hawthorn have pleasure ' granted publication must missed by his two devoted in annoucing the engage- be promised. It has never sisters-in-law Mitzi and ment on October 22 of been known to fail. Thank Doreen De Gois and all their daughter Ann to you St Martha, Lady of nieces and nephews of Rex, the youngest son of R evelation, Our Lady of Perth, Australia. R.I.P. Allie and Jack (Dec), Lourdes, the three Hail Waddell of Palmyra.

IN MEMORIAM Marys and Lidy of Sacred Heart. You will always be remembered. T.C. STANLEY. In your prayers please remember THANKS Ask St Clare for 3 favours, one and Gloria StanleyThomas whose business, two impossible, say May the Sacred Heart of nine Hail Marys for nine days anniversaries occur Sept Jesus be adored, glorified, with faith. or not. pray with 7, 1954 and Oct 20, 1957. loved and preserved candle ht. Publish imme- VVe have loved them in life let us not forget them throughout the world diately. Thanks from PG. now and forever. Sacred I Thank you Sacred Heart of in death. May Perpetual Heart of Jesus, pray for us, ' Jesus, Holy Spirit Infant Jesus Light shine upon them.

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12

The Record, October 19, 1989

-E 171 rD to the Editor

Knocked on wrong door from Mrs LORRIMAR, Palmyra

ing none there went on to Fremantle with no greater success. I gave Sir, I am curious to up, thinking that I had know why the Bishops' made a mistake about Statement for Social the date of Social Justice Justice Sunday was not Sunday or perhaps WA in evidence in Catholic Catholics were keeping it churches on Sunday, on another date.

September 24.

Imagine my surprise I particularly wanted a copy and when there now, to discover that I was not one in my own had been right: Social church, I enquired of the Justice Sunday was on parish priest why there September 24 — and I were none; he seemed still have not seen a copy Bishops' the unaware that it was of statement.

Social Justice Sunday.

I then went to a neigh- Contrary to what some bouring parish, and find- people might think, some

of us are actually interested in what our Bishops have to say and consider it the duty of our local churches to see that we have easy access to their statements; not all of us find it easy to get to Pellegrini's to obtain copies.

I would be interested to k now how many churches did have the statement available in their parishes.

EDITORS NOTE: The Record September 21 contained, across pages 2 and 3, a nine

column 18cm deep article titled "Progress Report", issued for Social Justice Sunday and with the added recommendation that parishioners should study the Australian Bishops' Statement Fair Go For Families launched

by Bishop Hickey on July 6 and of which three large extracts from that document filled page 7 of that edition of The Record along with a front page comment by Bishop Hickey. We understand that parishes were contacted to order copies of that document.

OBITUARY

RIP, Johnny and Toby The sporting world of r acing, football and swimming has lost two enthusiastic stalwarts.

Brothers-in-law Johnny Miller and Jack (Toby) R egan, baptised as infants the same year. 1905, c lassmates all their school lives, both bakers in their respective father's f ootsteps and great mates, died within days of each other.

Requiem Masses for Johnny Miller at Our Lady of Fatima.

Palmyra and for Jack Regan at Immaculate Conception, East Fremantle drew packed congregations and huge crowds attended their burials at Fremantle Cemetery.

At the King Street, East Fremantle school under the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, they sat alongside each other and made their First Holy Communion together. As their class marched to North Fremantle for confirmation classes they got up to the usual pranks. Confirmed at St Anne's, they went to CBC Fremantle till they joined their fathers' bakeries within two streets of each other, in the struggling Irish community, expenencing much discrimination.

They became brothers-in-law in 1930 when Jack Regan married Johnny Miller's sister Catherine.

Johnny Miller married in 1932 at Palmyra parish to local girl Elsie Weeks. He was father of ace WA jockey J.J. Miller and grandfather of top riders Shane and Mark Miller.

Mark served the requiem with ex apprentice jockey Harry Miller.

At 84 Johnny Miller was the oldest trainer in WA holding a licence. He had great success with Silent Tom, Tower of Babel and Captain Blood.

Claremont's Grand Final win with his nephew Gerard Neesham bucked him up greatly.

Johnny Miller lived the motto -treat others like you want them to treat you". So in the two world wars and great depression he left no customer without bread whether they could pay or not.

After baking all night and delivering on the horse and cart in the day, with a resounding "yes of course- he would come home and get the car and run a sick customer to hospital — days when transport was at a premium and ambulance outside the purse of a working family.

He was as straight as a dye and known by jockeys, trainers and owners alike as a gentleman. As a kid he had delivered bread on the horse on the way to school. He was still riding racehorses in his late seventies.

A great storyteller, Johnny gave up smoking at twelve when his father ran a "OW' campaign. He

was caught smoking and his dad sent him to buy a packet of cigarettes. You could buy only the cheapest for sixpence, but he reckoned it was Christmas. His dad sat outside and gave him one. He couldn't light up quickly enough Coughing, he got through it. "Have another.- He was coughing and changing colour. His dad sat there, passing the time of day like he was with one of his mates. Johnny looked crook but it went on. He started to turn green and the little kids ran and told their mum, "Dad's killing Johnny.- Johnny looked crook — he was doubled up There were only two left in the big packet.

He took off down the back fence.

He'd always laugh and say, -Hey! I reckon dad did me a good turnr Johnny Miller delighted in telling of the time after the Perth Cup in the 20s he travelled back to Fremantle on the horse train. The winner of the cup and its owner were with him.

After its previous race the owner had sacked young Fremantle jockey Billy Dillon. Now the proud winner was anticipating a big welcoming party in Fremantle.

The train pulled in, shunted and the horse doors opened. In came a big whip and whack, whack, whack received the owner. -My son should've been on that horse,- Billy Dillon's father yelled. That was the welcome the Perth Cup winner got.

Jack Regan married Catherine Miller in 1930 at Palmyra Church.

In a double wedding her sister Mary Miller married Michael Sheehy with Nuptial Mass. Jack drove the honeymoon car for both couples. He would quip to Mary if they met on a crowded bus, "rm not going to tell all these people here you came with me on my honeymoon."

Jack (Toby) Regan was the father of the East Fremantle footballing Regans. Old East's staunchest supporter, he was philosophical as he watched the Tigers led by his nephew defeat the Sharks in the preliminary final.

Promising apprentice jockey John Regan is Jack's great grandson.

Toby won the classic swimthrough Rockingham at 44, a mile and a half race that saw the town come to a standstill.

At 53 he swam the Fremantle to Perth race that saw most of the field abandon the course. He was the most newsworthy contestant.

An enthusiastic press photographer wanted to click Toby being helped out of the water by his son and state footballer Con Regan. who had just finished. "Cut it out" said Toby with a characteristic brush of the arm, "I haven't come all this way on my own to be helped now — and disqualified."

The grandfather appeared in the paper emerging from the water alone.

That race qualified him for the

swim from Fremantle to Rottnest.

There was a great buzz in the community about these 12 mile swims starting early Sundays — when Mass was on Sunday morning only Toby wouldn't miss Mass. He turned up in his togs, shirt and bare f eet and stood down the back of the church.

At the water's edge he was considered a late scratching. As the starter raised his gun. Toby ran up, joined the line and dived in.

During the races he had to eat.

His kids and a couple of very small grandkids, barely weaned, were alongside in the pilot boat as he swam for Rottnest. "Do you want something to eat?" "No.- A mile later, "Do you want a sandwich now.- "No." A mile later he asked, "Give me a piece.- The reply came back. -There's nothing left, the little kids ate yours.- "Likely story," he groaned. He still finished well ahead of most of the field half his age.

He relished water sports, coached the boys at CBC, helped found clubs and water polo and was invigorated all year round in a Sam swim with the Polar Bears at Port Beach.

An amphibian, even well into his seventies Toby found the easiest way to cross the river was to swim,

his change of clothes in a plastic bag.

At his Requiem was read a little lnsh poem he had on his kitchen wall: 'Each time I pass the church I make a visit, then whenIdie the L ord won't say, Who is it?'

His humour resounds throughout.

One story is recorded in the YOM parish oral history project. Each Sunday the Oblate Pnest and the Sisters of St Joseph walked from Fremantle to King Street in East Fremantle for Mass. Toby Regan and Johnny Miller amongst others were milling around in the street waiting. The Protestant boy Brown, up the road, seeing the priest and three nuns coming, yelled "You Cathlicks betta git inta church, here comes one Our Father and three Hail Marys" Both men were diligent through out their lives in visiting the sick Both were very active almost to the end. Both ended their baking careers in the Miller Bakehouse at Palmyra now a museum). Both were heads of the extended Miller f amily, in whose "old home- in Palmyra four generations gathered for their wakes, more of their stones doing the rounds well into the evening.

May they rest in peace to await the resurrection on the last day.

OBITUARY Mackin, nee G ladys Naughton, who died recently, gave a lifetime of energy to the church and community of K ellerberrin and Tammin to Busselton where she had lived in retirement with her husband Frank since 1969.

Successive priests enjoyed the hospitality of their home, especially the late Father Philbin with whom they renewed friendships in the South West in later years.

It was a scorching February day in 1928 when Gladys married Frank in Kellerberrin church, but she did not miss out on a fresh bndal bouquet. Bridesmaid Gladys Seddon of Highgate carried the arrangement on the train wrapped in damp newspapers. Gladys' father Patnck was not so fortunate.

He shaved his 40 year old beard for the occasion and finished up with a sunburnt face.

Gladys had come as an infant to WA, by ship from South Australia and the family became part of the Midland pansh when they took up a property in Helena Valley, but they were soon to move with all their belongings to Yortakine.

A t that distance Catholic education was important and Gladys boarded at Victoria Square until the drought of 1912 forced that arrangement to cease

Gladys was nevertheless able now to commence at the newly established Josephite convent boarding school at Kellerberrin. Her aunt having joined Mary McKillop in the order made the welcome warmer.

In the days when money was scarce, Gladys was to learn her mother Rebecca's love for the faith when she donated a treasured silver teapot and bracelets to be melted down for the shrine to the Little Flower soon to be constructed in St Mary's Cathedral May she rest in peace

E

TOMORROW TODAY with Father Joe Parkinson

Flame aglow

Boundless energy and enthusiasm for Christ were just two marks of A ntioch's "Flame 1989" weekend held recently at Mazenod College in Lesmurdie.

Over 150 Antiochers from fifteen Perth groups were joined by three visitors from Indonesia on October 7-8 for the annual boost to the already-energetic youth movement, one of the fastest -growing in Australia.

Talks on the Flame theme — Friendship,

Life-giving, Action, My Lord and My God, and Eucharist — as well as other talks on mission and family, formed the focus of the weekend.

Foley Archbishop received a huge welcome from over 300 joyful Catholic youth when he celebrated the closing eucharist and confirmed Antioch identity Damien McBain.

Further reports from "Flame" and interviews will appear in coming issues of "The Record" on this page.

Antioch Flame Weekend 1989 — still burning bright at the end of a long day!

Above left: Part of the big crowd putting body and soul into one of their favourite Antioch songs.

Above right: Melissa Bassett, Michelle Zejdler, Mark Humphries and Scott Favacho at Flame '89.

7

4 ,

December 3

Young Christian Workers

Quarry Amphitheatre Floreat Park

ANNUAL GALA BALL Saturday, October 28 at 730pm VENUE:

INVITATION

Mt Hawthorn Community Centre Cnr Boulevarde and Scarborough Beach Road.

PRICE:

$20.

DRESS:

Formal.

LIVE BAND:

"Lace".

1989 YOUTH RALLY

All parish youth groups are invited to a

B130 & SKIT NIGHT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 7pm to llpm

Supper provided by Community Aid Abroad.

Drinks on sale.

Tickets available Youth Office, 30 Claverton St, North Perth Phone 328 9667

at

CATHOLIC YOUTH OFFICES 30 Claverton Street North Perth Archbishop Foley after Mass, with Indonesian Antioch chaplain Father Widada.

For more details call Cathie at Catholic Parish Youth on 328 8136 The Record, October 19, 1989 13

History, art and vino!!

by Colleen McGuiness-Howard

From those small begInnm

Responding to the Year of Mission call to record parish history, Riverton's Queen of Apostles Parish has put together a splendid book Growing in Faith, edited by Dom Francis Byrne OSB of New Norcia and available from the parish.

Riverton's parish priest Father John Luemmen SAC under whose guidance religious and parishioners have succeeded in publishing an excellent book telling of their parish history, from its tiny beginnings in 1951 to the thriving parish of today.

Production of books like these are an excellent idea, because it's a team parish effort which bonds parishioners together in a concerted move to encapsulate the parish beginnings and growth — which means they themselves in effect.

They being the parish.

As a result, much parish

pride and nostalgia are generated as the parishioners usually look back fondly on the past and realise how much indeed has been achieved through hard work, planning and dedication on the part of priests, sisters and the people.

In the Riverton parish in particular, many migrants settled into this previously unsettled area, building up their homes, church, school, and lives in a new country.

So for them these tiny roots grew into the firm strong roots of the parish as it is today.

This parish has become part of their integral Australian background and given them an Australian identity and sense of pride.

Riverton is a Pallottine Order parish, ably assisted

gSIN

The sisters have also made a major contribution to the parish, involving themselves in school and parish life.

The Pallottines were not new to Perth, having established the Pallottine Centre, Rossmoyne, which is within the Riverton parish boundaries and was their initial operation around Perth.

From 1951 until the first parish building (church school hall) was built in 1953, Mass was celebrated in the Riverton public hall.

by the Schoenstatt Sisters who teach in the school Queen of Apostles.

Father Leo Hornung SAC started off the new parish in 1951 which then saw a

number of Pallottine priests and assistants until current PP Father John Luemmen took over in 1981.

From then on the parish started its real growth with the primary school opening under the direction of Schoenstatt Sister Magdlen SAC with 34 pupils.

Today there are 280 students in primary and 60 in the pre-primary.

1

Seen at the Spring in the Valley launch, were (left) Allen Cannel! (Managing Director Echo Newspaper) with Bruce Cullam (Managing Director Knox Holdings), whose father-in-law Peter Knox, is a co-founder of La Salle College with Jack Brady and Archbishop Prendiville.

Vigneron Mary Kosovich of Westfield Wines, Baskerville, pouring the 'liquid grape' for architect --.7 ,1‘,...,,Peter Joseph (left) and Councillor Humphrey Park of Bullsbrook.

Craft Show

Jeweller and metalsmith Wendy Ramshaw of London, over to display her craft at the Perth International Crafts Triennial, seen discussing her marvellous silver gilt neckpiece, Beams of the Moon, with resident artist John Corbett.

International con- around the world.

• American Figurative exhibitions: temporary craft is the The Perth International • Japanese Fibreworks — Ceramics — clay sculpture highlight of the Art Crafts Triennial comprises the work of fifteen Japanese on the theme of the human Gallery of WA's exhibi- four concurrent exhibitions fibre and textile artists figure by 17 major American tion program from at the Art Gallery with works bringing a spectacle of ceramic artists. Spectacular from 95 major artists work- elegance and drama to the in scale, the works are witty October 14 through to ing in the crafts in Europe, stage of international textile and challenging in concept.

December 3, 1989. the USA, Japan and Austra- art. lia, and provides a unique Curator of Craft, Robert opportunity to experience a Bell, has been organising dazzling variety of expressive and innovative objects. the "Perth International Through clay, glass, wood, Crafts Triennial" for the metal and fibre they speak past two years as a major about the relationship new initiative to show between craftsmanship, current tendencies and technology, culture and directions in crafts and society at the brink of a new object -making from century in these four

14

The Record, October 19, 1989

• Australian Crafts — the • European Metal — Urban Experience — rangJewellery and Objects — 31 ing across all media 32 jewellers and metalsmiths Australian artists working in from Britain, West Ger- the crafts respond to the many, the Netherlands, issues of contemporary Austria, Italy, Czechoslova- Australian urban life. kia and Israel show Admission: Adults $4; jewellery and objects made concessions $3; children $2; in metal, from gold and silver family (2 adults/2 children) to iron and aluminium. $10.

Spring came to the Swan Valley

Folks having fun

by Colleen McGuiness-Howard -

•::

Pamela Mulcahy (left) discussing a ceramic piece with Nan Krauth (both of Bassendean), at the La Salle Art Exhibition.

Frank and Cecelia Rakish of Viveash admiring a ceramic piece they've just purchased.

Monica lcahy (left), being instructed in the finer details of art by Madeleine Clear, artist and chief organiser in the La Salle Art Exhibition.

Tony McA linden with one of his paintings at the La Salle Art Exhibition just sold to Lorraine Laffer of Bassendean. :*••:•:••.•:•:•:•:•;•:•;•:•;•:....:•:,.....:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:••••:•••••xi•Yx-x-x.:•:•:•:•••••••:•:•:•:•:•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••:•>>:•:•:•:::: •:.

Servite Drama!

•:.

•:.

: Judy Matisons (left), Mollie Kagi and Edith McAlinden inspecting an exhibit.

Pam and John Rowe of Kalamunda (left) sampling delectable delights! Offered by Leslie Glasson, Darlington, urged on by Leon English of Gooseberry Hill.

Two devils: Allison Christou (left) with Felena Alach, hanging on to the best thing they know — Lucifer (Scot Marwick) in Servite College's The Mystery Plays.

The Servite College Drama Society will be presenting the Mystery Plays on October 27/28 and November 3 and 4 at the college amphitheatre in Tuart Hill commencing at 8pm.

The plays have their origins in the early medieval mystery cycle of plays.

Based on old and new testament biblical stories, they were produced and presented in the days leading up to Easter.

In keeping with the traditions associated with the mystery cyde, performances will take place in the school's open air amphitheatre and will involve dialogue presented in rhyming verse.

Innovative staging, costuming and lighting will combine with the traditional aspects of the mystery cycle to produce a play that is challenging for the performers and both entertaining and rewarding for the audience.

Booking enquiries please ring Paul Williams at Servite on 444 6333.

Adults $6; concession $4; family ticket $16. Group bookings are welcome.

The Record, October 19, 1989

15

Blum

THE. PARISH SCENE

LOFFICE SECRETARY

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For the Conference of Churches of WA, to commence mid-January 1990.

771 • •

DE VIALAR SCHOLARSHIP

The Emilie De Vialar Scholarship is now open for ex-students and friends of De Vialar College, Samson (formally St Joseph's College, Fremantle) who wish to contribute.

This fund is being set up as a farewell gift and lasting tribute to the many sisters associated with the colleges over 134 years.

Once the scholarship is operating no further contributions will be necessary.

Contributions should include maiden name and last year of school

attended and contributions are being accepted at De Vialar College, Marchant Rd, Samson 6163. Further information: Meg 339 1909 or Wendy 330 1723.

Twenty five years down the road, to the very day. Gary and Lesley Monck of Bateman had Father Brian Harris celebrate Mass for them in the same St Mary's Cathedral in which he celebrated their nuptial Mass and they even used the same photographer again! The additions this time were their six children Melissa, A shley, Gavin, Emma, Felicity and John Paul.

Make the

Family Mission Novena as

• A pilgrimage to the monastery • A Crusade for family sacredness • A festival of family faith

October 23-31 The Monastery Vincent St, North Perth

7.30 each evening conducted by

Fr D. Magill, C.Ss.R Fr W.D. Creede, CSs.R

CARLTON HOTEL • HEARTY BREAKFAST

• PARKING FACILITIES • REFRIGERATOR • TEA & COFFEE FACILITIES 248 HAY STREET, EAST PERTH

325 2092

Rosary and benediction will be held on Sunday, October 29 at the Bullsbrook Church at 2pm. For further information and bus reservations please ring 444 2285 for Perth, Highgate & Midland bus and 339 4015 for Fremantle bus. The church -Virgin Mary Mother of the Church" is available for pilgrimages (by appointment) and is open every day. Sacri Association PO Box 311, Tuart Hill 6060. Telephone 571 1699.

BURMA MEMORIAL

Nine evenings for your family and your faith.

with good old-fashioned hospitality in the heart of the city B&B Single $30; Double/Twin $50

BULLSBROOK PILGRIMAGE

The annual Memorial Eucharistic celebration for the deceased members of the Burmese community will be held at Columban House, 48 Riversdale Road, Rivervale at 11am on Sunday, October 5. Please BYO plate and drinks. Enquiries 361 1097 or 272 1379. k‘soli

raimenteminnomv

Hot soup The St Vincent de Paul Society Highgate will serve soup to the lonely and needy every Thursday starting on October 19.

Free hot soup will be served between 5.30 and 7.30pm at the Parish Hall in Harold Street, Highgate.

Oberammergau 1990 Passion Play

The Passion Play at Oberammergau only happens every 10 years and will be the highlight of the European summer.

25 day European tour Fully escorted

Departing Perth June 23, 1990

'visit.' England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy

$4960 per person based on share twin

In association with

INSIGHT

Contact your local Thomas Cook office for a brochure.

Thomas Cook

Perth: Shop 22-23, Wesley Centre, 760 Hay Street. Ph 321 2896.

1st Floor, API House, 104 Murray Street. Ph 325 1955. 56 William Street. Ph 322 2133 Booragoon: Shop 18, Garden City Shopping Centre, Riseley Street Ph 364 6044.

Fremantle: 119 High Street. Ph 335 7622.

Karrinyup: Shop 42, Kardnyup Shopping Centre, Karrinyup Road Ph 244 2744.

WA CM

16 The Record, October 19, 1989

A rchdiocesan Calendar OCTOBER 22 Mass and Blessing of the Fishing Fleet, Archbishop Foley.

Visitation and confirmation, Bassen dean, Bishop Healy.

Confirmation, Beaconsfield, Mon signor Keating.

Mass for Catholic doctors, St Anne's Chapel, Monsignor Keating.

24 Confirmation, Gosnells, Monsignor Keating.

25& Confirmation, Hilton, Monsignor 27 Keating.

25 Confirmation, Nedlands, Monsignor McCrann.

26 Central Zone of Priests, Archbishop Foley.

27 Confirmation, Lynwood, Archbishop Foley.

28 Catenian Circle, Archbishop Foley.

Confirmation, Kingsley/ Woodvale, Bishop Healy.

29 Visitation and confirmation, Northam, Archbishop Foley.

Visitation and confirmation, Mt Yokine, Bishop Healy, Confirmation, Greenmount, Monsignor Keating.

31 Bless Catholic Care for Intellectually Handicapped House, Bishop Healy.

NOVEMBER 1 Heads of Churches meeting, Archbishop Foley.

3 Confirmation, Karrinyup, Archbishop Foley.

4 Admission to candidacy, Minh Thuy Nguyen, Archbishop Foley.

"The Mystery Plays", Servite College, Archbishop Foley.

MENTAL HEALTH

Fr Paul Pitzen, OSM, will present a talk on "Using Imagination for Positive Mental Heatth" to the meeting of Catholic Ministry in Mental Health to be held on Monday, October 30 at Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor Street, Perth at 7.30pm.

Fr Paul will explore the positive use of imagination to enhance selfimage and develop an efficient, practical and reliable source of insight and productive planning.

The Catholic Concerns for People with Psychiatric Issues will be meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 9.45am at Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor Street, Perth.

Strategies and ideas to develop more effective use of lay pastoral workers will be outlined.

All are invited. Light refeshments will be served. For further information contact: Mrs Barbara Harris at Emmanuel Centre, 328 8113.

Applications with CV and two references to the: General Secretary Conference of Churches of WA 1st Floor, Westminster House 10 Pier Street Perth WA 6000

by November 17, 1989.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

WORLD-WIDE M ARRIAGE E NCOUNTER

Let us help you to restore the romance and joy of your married life, for the sake of your family, the church and the world.

Book now for your weekend or talk it over with our booking couple Chuck & Gloria Lusk 271 0907 Weekend Dates: Nov 10 - 12 Dec 1 - 2

LIVING WITH LOSS LIVE-IN WEEKEND WORKSHOP Presented by

Grief Management Educational Services Redemptorist Retreat House Camelia Street, North Perth

November 17-19, 1989

Cost $95 (includes meals & accom) Friday evening, Nov 17: Registration and Getting To Know You Session Saturday, Nov 18:

The Experience of Grief. . . Speaker: Gerry Smith. Living Through The Loss of A Marriage. . .

Speaker: Dr Denis Ladbrook. Letting Go/Moving On. . . Speaker: Carol Deppe. Healing Service . . .

Fr Graeme Manolas (Anglican Church), Fr Frank Smith (Catholic Church). Music by Harvest.

Sunday, Nov 19:

Please Hear What I am NOT Saying . . . Speaker: Gerry Smith. Be Still and Know Relaxation and Meditation . . . Speaker: Sheila Bowler.

Registration forms can be obtainedfrom

Ph: 445 3049 Mr Gerry Smith BOOKINGS CLOSE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

CHRISTIAN NIEDITATION

Friday, Oct 27, 7.30pm. Lecture

"A Journey to Wholeness."

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29. Day work

Dom Laurence

FREEMAN OSB BENEDICTINE MONK FROM MONTREAL, CANADA A world authority on Christian meditation willpresent a series of

Workshops and public lectures October 27 to November 1 SPONSORED BY NNDORLA C6,

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INNER Pt- -

PERTH

_

Aquinas College Hall, Mt Henry Road Manning Donation 15 (Pay at door.)

shops and evening lectures — James Nestor Hall, 50 Ruislip St. Leedenille Full Registrations only: $50 (Pensioner $401 Send with name, address, phone number to: Mandorla Centre C/o 102 Lyrebird Way, Thomlie WA 6108.

Enquiries: (09) 458 5633 (Sam or Vesta).

BUNBURY Monday, Oct 30, 7pm. Lecture

Catholic College Hall, Rodsted Street.

Registration 110 (Pensioner $8.)

Send with name, address, phone number to: Christian Meditation, Cathedral Parish House 18 Parkville Sr. Bunbury WA 6230 Enquiries: (097) 21 2141

GERALDTON

Wednesday, Nov 1, 7.30pm. Lecture

- Fitzgerald Hall, 342 Chapman Rd. Bluff Point Registration $10 (Pensioner $8.)

Send with name, address, phone number to Fr Brian Ahem 342 Chapman Rd Bluff Point WA 6530 Enquiries: (099) 23 1343

Please make all cheques payable to MANDOFtLA CENTRE