The Record Newspaper 25 April 1996

What's Inside...

Perth mother and youth worker Penny Ashcroft takes her turn in new weekly column - Page 7 Colleen Clifford remembered - Page 5

k PRINT POST APPROVED PP602669,00303

PERTH, WA: April 25, 1996

Number 2994

POST ADDRESS: PO Box 75, LEEDERVILLE, 6902, WA LOCATION: 587 Newcastle Street. Cnr Douglas St (near Loftus St)

TELEPHONE (09) 22 77 080

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Pope John Paul deplores apparently unjustified Israeli shelling in Lebanon - Page 13 Figure of disgust brings faith - Page 9 The 'homeboys' of El Salvador - Page 11

Gospel our hope despite abuse crisis: Archbishop

By Peter Rosengren

Archbishop Barry Hickey has urged Catholics to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and know the "gates of hell will not prevail" despite the dark cloud which has gathered over the Australian Church following recent charges of sexual abuse of children by clergy and Religious.

The archbishop's comments have come in his weekly column in The Record (See Page 2) following a torrid string of questioning of himself and two other bishops by journalists at the Australian Catholic

Bishops' conference in Sydney this week At the press conference, Cardinal Edward Clancy of Sydney, the chairman of the bishops' national professional standards committee, Bishop Kevin Manning, and Archbishop Hickey spent most of their time fending off hostile questions from journalists over the Church's responsibility for cases of abuse carried out by clergy and members of Religious congregations.

Archbishop Hickey said that despite Cardinal Clancy's opening address to the conference assessing the overall state of the Church in Australia and the chal-

Archbishop Hickey defended Influence the Church and its lenges facing it for the future, the himself, saying neither he nor the future work in Australia. press had ignored his comments other Archbishops of Perth in the and instead concentrated excluThe cardinal urged Catholics to period since the alleged abuses. become active in public and sively on questioning the bishops Including the Archbishop of the political life, saying that it was on child abuse. time, were responsible and that it not merely a right but a duty to "Not one word of his speech had therefore been wrong to Influence society for the better was printed. Instead, the only charge him as a defendant in the and said the bishops would not thing they were interested in was case. child abuse in the Church. In the back away from making statepress conference afterwards it He was forced to point out sev- ments in the political arena. was the only topic raised in a eral times the difference between In the light of current marriage tense and thorough grilling of the the Christian Brothers being breakdown figures, the Cardinal Cardinal and his Bishop-aides," made to answer the charges and described marriage as more vital he said. himself as Archbishop of Perth. than ever for Australia's future The questioning of the bishops Bishop Manning sprang to the and addressed the issue of vocacame after allegations of Church archbishop's defence and said it tions, saying that despite declincover-ups and instances of diplowas important not to misuse the ing numbers the vast majority of Archbishop Barry Hickey mats abusing children overseas word 'Church' when distinguish- priests persevered with their emerged in the New South problem. "I'd have to note that ing between a congregation, a mission "and bear fruit in lives of Wales Royal Commission into most of these cases which were bishop in his diocese and the undramatic generosity." the police force in that state. announced before the courts go Church in Australia.

"The whole Church thanks God "The Church, despite all the back twenty and thirty years and "I think you need to be very for them and prays that he will faults and failings of the human going back to that time we didn't careful how you bandy around call more men to priesthood." he beings that handle its affairs, will know much about it. This whole the word Church," he said. said. not fail to proclaim Christ issue of molestation was left up though its speak of it as "You The bishops' meeting finished to individual bishops." he said.

Crucified and Risen and lead just one big, encompassing thing this Wednesday. people to eternal life because it "Today I believe we are much Cardinal Clancy and Archbishhas the promise of Jesus Christ better equipped to face up to the and we're all totally responsible for it.

Sir Frank Little of Melbourne op himself that the "gates of hell will problem and I think you would "We are responsible, as bishops have been re-appointed presinot prevail" against him," have to admit yourself that bishArchbishop Hickey said in his ops are being much more open in our own dioceses. I have no dent and vice-president of the responsibility for Archbishop Australian Catholic Bishops' column. about it," he said.

At one stage during the press Hickey in his diocese nor has he Conference respectively for two During the press conference conference, journalists closely (any responsibility) for me," he years.

Bishop Manning, who as chair of Bishop William Brennan of the Professional Standards questioned Archbishop Hickey's said.

Addressing the opening of the Wagga Wagga is the new chairCommittee has been working on having successfully sought to be the development of protocols struck out as a defendant in the Bishops' conference meeting at man of the Bishops' Committee and procedures for Church offi- Sydney court case over alleged St Paul's National Seminary in for Justice, Development and cials to use when confronted abuses of boys in orphanages Sydney, Cardinal Clancy dis- Peace following the retirement of with allegations of abuse, defend- run by the Christian Brothers in cussed a number of current con- Bishop William Murray from his cerns and matters which could Diocese of Wollongong. ed the bishops' approach to the Western Australia.

Sponsor families fleeing Bosnia's war, parishes asked Australian Catholic parishes cially desperate because they Archbishop Barry Hickey, who will be asked to sponsor and were being told they must leave is secretary to the Bishops' support the migration of at least now but they had no relatives Committee for Migrant affairs, 200 Ukrainian descent families anywhere else and no country said the bishops planned to fleeing the the Bosnia civil war. liaise with the Government they could go to. He knew of through the bishops national The Australian Catholic instances where families had migration office to find the best Bishops Conference meeting in been forced to live in forests. way of bringing the families out, Sydney over the last week decidThis made their situation more possibly as refugees or under ed to ask parishes to consider urgent than other categories of the humanitarian provisions of such sponsorship. refugees and this was why he the Government's immigration The bishop of the Ukrainian was promoting their acceptance policy. A third possibility was Bishop Stasiuk by Australia, Catholic Church in Australia and that they could be brought out to New Zealand, Eparch Peter said.

Australia simply as migrants.

Stasiuk, told The Record on "What we're asking the "We're also seeing whether the Tuesday the faniilies, mainly Government to do is show some Government will accept sponCatholic but also including special consideration for these sorship from groups like parishOrthodox families, had been vic- ethnic minorities who really are es rather than just individuals," tims of the ethnic cleansing pur- disadvantaged and are going to sued in the Bosnian war. have to move sooner or later A Bosnian Serb family in Sarajevo earlier this year experience the same he said. because their future is non-exis- plight as Ukrainian descent families in Bosnia as they flee a burning apartThe Perth Archdiocese would "They have no place to go, they collaborate" with the tent in Bosnia," "certainly he added. ment and are forced to unfamiliar territory.

Photo CN&Reuters were just told to leave (and) scheme if the Government was their properties were confiscatUnder the Bishops' plan famied. Their homes were taken lies, parishes or other groups appeal to the Federal Govern- es or families or groups who willing to approve it. "The Perth away from them, their farms and would be able to officially spon- ment for special consideration would take these people Catholic Migrant Centre knows according to the regulations of of the proposal and would be their jobs were taken away," sor the refugees' application for for the refugees' applications. the Australian Government," pleased to do whatever it could "We basically would like to Bishop Stasiuk said. into Australia. acceptance Bishop Stasiuk said. should it happen," he said.

He said their plight was espeThe Bishops' Conference will have a commitment from parish;1

•1

MEDITATION TAPES

( Ignatian imaginative)

by Norma Woodcock recorded with the approval of Bishop Healy 1) On the Sunday Gospels years A.B. C 2) On Gospel stories for children Cost $35 incl. postage for set of 6 tapes (12 mediations) Order from Re-cord & Copy 21 Portree Way, Ardross, Tel. 364 8117

UNDERSTANDING

BLOOD COVENANTS Catholic Evangelist

Eddie Russell FMI Will give a series of five weekly teachings on the nature of Blood Covenants from Adam to Jesus.

Understand Your Bible, Salvation, Healing and the Eucharist.

Jesus comes to us in gloom of crisis A Archbishop's the Bishops of Australia lthough f meet in Sydney twice a year, very ew people seem to know what they do.

This year it was different.

Cardinal Clancy opened the conference with a public address that one could call "the State of the Nation" or rather the 'State of the Church". All the media were invited. They turned up in force with sound booms and cameras and notebooks.

The cardinal spoke of the challenges facing the Church in this secular age, but the media were not interested.

Not one word of his speech was printed. Instead, the only thing they were interested in was child abuse in the Church.

In the press conference afterwards, it was the only topic raised in a tense and thorough grilling of the cardinal and his bishop aides. The reason was because the NSW Royal Commission was dealing with two instances of child abuse involving Church personnel.

It was understandable that the media would want to quiz Church leaders on that very disgraceful matter, but it did not allow the cardinal to be heard on other issues.

There is no doubt that child abuse has been a matter of great shame for the Church. Although it occurs in every level and sector of society, its appearance within the Church is especially scandalous because Church leaders are supposed to be leaders in moral issues, not unfaithful servants who rob the

innocence of children and damage them badly.

The Church has admitted, however painfully, the presence of such people within its ranks, and is seeking to repair the damage as best it can.

However, it must still try to carry out its main mission, despite what has happened. It must continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the world.

Perhaps it will discover that it will do it better precisely because of the purification it is undergoing than if its members were sinless.

A humble admission of flawed humanity may make the divine message shine through even more clearly.

But back to the cardinal's address. He asked us to look forward to the Great Jubilee in the Year 2000, the third millennium of Christianity.

The Church throughout Australia is gearing up to celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus.

In the lead up to the end of the centu- tury in a spirit of hope. It should not be ry we are to celebrate the Year of Jesus otherwise. The Church, despite all the in 1997, the Year of the Holy Spirit in faults and failings of the human beings 1998 and the Year of the Father in 1999. that handle its affairs, will not fail to proAll parishes and organisations in the claim Christ Crucified and Risen and Church are asked to plan what they will lead people to eternal life because it has do to prepare for the Jubilee. the promise of Jesus Christ himself that Alongside preparations for the Great the "gates of hell will not prevail" Jubilee, the Church will be organising a against him.

Synod for Oceania which will involve When the disciples were floundering Australia, New Zealand, Papua New In heavy seas on the Lake of Galilee.

Guinea and countries of the Pacific. they saw Jesus coming towards them There is a lot to be done. through the gloom. He is coming Despite all the difficulties we face, we towards us now in these days of darkwill look forward to the end of this cen- ness and storm.

Tradesman to hang up his brushes 8pm Thurs May 2nd to Thus May 30th

Cathedral Parish Centre.

450 Hay Street, Perth.

There is no registration fee for this seminar.

A "Love Offering" will be taken up each week.

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'MAN OF MIRACLES' Fr. Peter Rookey's ministry has taken him to countries around the world.

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As he prays, miracles happen.

The blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb say the name of Jesus and those in wheelchairs stand and walk. Wherever he ministers there are reports of many remarkable healings and exorcisms.

St. Mary's Cathedral Victoria Square, Perth.

Mon. April 29th.

Tues. April 30th.

Each evening will consist of: 7pm - Praise & Worship.

7.30pm - Servite Rosary.

8pm - Mass & Healing.

Sponsored By: The State Service Commitee Of The Catholic Charismatic Renewal

The ReCOid, A' Prii'251"996rPLge 2

Perspective

WA educators on march The chairman of the Catholic Several other CEO staff members Education Commission of Western together with principals and educaAustralia, Bishop Robert Healy, will tors from Western Australia will lead a delegation of approximately also attend.

50 people from Western Australian Fr Holohan has also been one of Catholic schools and the Catholic the organisers of the conference Education Office to Canberra next and was influential in getting key week for the 1996 national confer- speaker Cardinal Pio Laghi, head of ence of the National Catholic the Church's Congregation for Education Commission.

Catholic Education, to travel to The national conference, which Australia and speak. will be conducted over 5 days at the Designed to explore the developAustralian National University, is ing issues of concern and relevance held only once every eight years to Catholic educators to the year and is a major event in the 2000 and beyond, the conference Australian Catholic education will see approximately 500 people scene. involved in Catholic education at all Also attending the conference will levels come together. be CEO director, Therese Temby, Sister Helen Lombard, provost of deputy director Sr Joan Buckham Notre University Dame in and the director of Religious Fremantle, will present a two-part Education for WA Catholic schools, workshop on the "elusive idea of a Father Gerard Holohan. university."

Fr O'Halloran dies aged 84 Catholic Education Office maintenance painter Dennis Curry applies his last brush of paint to the statue of the Good Shepherd at the Catholic Education Centre recently. Dennis will retire in a few weeks after 10 years maintaining the paintwork at the CEO's Leederville headquarters. He began as an apprentice painter in England 51 years ago when he was 14 and remembers the times pushing a barrow loaded with ladders and his paint for up to nine miles to get to a job. Dennis has also painted many other schools and church buildings in Perth over his 26 years in WA.

CAPUCHIN THE CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FRIARS are a Religious Order of men, Priests and Brothers - a fraternity trying to live the Gospel in the spirit of their founder St Francis of Assisi working for peace and justice in Australia and overseas.

If you would like to receive more information about us, please write to: Fr John Cooper National Vocation Director St Anthony's Shrine 182 Power St, Hawthorn Vic 3122

FRANCISCAN FRIARS

A former parish priest of Glendalough, Father Edward William O'Halloran, died last Sunday at the St John of God Villa in Perth, aged 84 and after 58 years as a priest.

Born in 1911 in Perth, Fr O'Halloran was educated by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Sydney and then at the Benedictine Abbey of New Norcia.

Archbishop Redmond Prendiville ordained him a priest for the Abbey Nullius of New Norcia in 1938.

Fr O'Halloran's first appointment was to Wongan Hills from 1938 to 1940, after which he served as a chaplain in the Australian Imperial

Forces from 1940 to 1946. From 1946 until 1955 he was stationed at Southern Cross, going the following year to Goomalling.

He was appointed parish priest of Glendalough after having joined the Perth archdiocese in 1971 and retired in February 1993 to the St John of God Villa. Fr O'Halloran is survived by his sister, Miss Mary O'Halloran of Wembley.

A vigil Mass will be conducted for the repose of his soul on Thursday evening 25 April at St Bernadette's.

Glendalough. Archbishop Hickey will conduct Fr 0' Halloran's funeral at 10am on Friday 26 April in St Mary's Cathedral.

ARCHDIOCESAN LITURGY COM1VIITTEE Enquiries are sought from people wishing to become members of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Committee.

Membership of the Committee consists of ten persons, appointed byArchbishop Hickey. Members are appointed for a two year term, eligible for re-appointment.

Please contact the Archdiocesan Liturgy Office for application details, phone (09) 221 1548.

'People power' mines victory

A land-mine victim in Cambodia last week.

The Australian Government's came after years of campaigning decision to support a total ban in by a wide coalition of groups anti-personnel landmines is a who gained the support of hunof of thousands victory for people power and dreds shows the power Catholics and Australians.

"The Australian campaign to other Christians have to change government policy, according to ban landmines has been led tirelessly by Sr Patricia Pak Poy, a Australian Catholic Relief.

Minister Sister of Mercy from Adelaide Affairs Foreign Alexander Downer and Defence who witnessed the horror of McLachlan landmines first-hand through her Ian Minister announced last week that work with Mercy Refugee Australia would propose a total Service in Cambodia," Mr Quinn ban on anti-personnel landmines said.

"Sr Patricia developed and when the review conference for the United Nations Convention encouraged a network of more on Inhumane Weapons recon- than 100 organisations, drawing venes in Geneva this week . together people of all political across right Australia is now one of 25 persuasions Australia, with the principal aim nations proposing a total ban.

Australian Catholic Relief act- of changing government policy.

"The Catholic community can ing director Tony Quinn said the change in Government policy be particularly proud of its role

in the campaign, working cooperatively with ecumenical Christian networks and the Australian Council for Overseas Aid in demonstrating the wide public support for an end to the brutal landmines trade."

A coalition of 28 Catholic and five ecumenical agencies, coordinated by Australian Catholic Relief, worked together on a seven-week national campaign last August and September. collecting 208,000 signatures for a petition to the Senate.

In all, approximately 240,000 signatures were presented to Parliament through petitions circulated by the Church agencies,

by Austcare and by community groups involved in the campaign network.

Agencies belonging to ACFOA

St Paul's Mount Lawley celebrates school EJ

worked together to organise a series of public events to draw attention to the landmines issue and campaign supporters wrote thousands of letters to their Federal political representatives.

"The campaign to ban landmines in Australia has shown yet again how effective community action can bring about positive change to government policy," Mr Quinn said.

"For Australian Catholic Relief, the campaign has demonstrated the enormous potential of the Catholic community to take up important social issues, both domestic and international.

Mr Quinn said ACR would work with other agencies to monitor the effectiveness of the Government's promotion of a total ban on landmines.

LiEl

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Fr Cunningham last Sunday: all the better for an education at St Paul's, Mount Lawley.

Fr Pat Cunningham. the retired editor of The Record, returned to his original primary school, St Paul's School in Learoyd Street, Mount Lawley, to bless the new library and administration building last Sunday.

In a moving, off-the-cuff address at the conclusion of the official blessing and opening ceremony. Fr Cunningham reflected on a wide range of matters - from humourous reflections on life at St Paul's in the 1930s, through the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, to those larger questions of why we build schools and pay such attention to architecture.

He described the large feature window in the new library at St Paul's as the "window through which you can speak to God".

He described it as such because it was a window that gave a panoramic view of the school and its playgrounds.

Looking through it was somehow uplifting to one's spirit.

The Church has long understood the importance of place and architecture as one of the most powerful tools of communication in helping Christians relate to that larger architecture

of the Divine Creation. That is why the Church has built towering Cathedrals and Churches which, from a utilitarian point of view are a vast waste of space. but from a spiritual point of view are deeply uplifting to souls.

St Paul's was established in 1929 by two sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. They brought to Mount Lawley the educational principles of an Italian educator.

Maria Montessori, who worked In Rome early this century.

The Director of Catholic Education, Mrs Therese Temb. opened the new buildings. She commented that Maria Montessori was "far ahead of her time" and would be gratified to see how much those same ideas and methodologies had been taken up in the mainstream of education today.

One of the original Montessoritrained teachers who started the school is Sr Natalie Ormond. She is now 96 years of age and lives in a retirement home in the UK. Sr Natalie sent a special message of greeting and her prayers for the opening and the future of the school.

- Brian Coyne, CEO Media Officer.

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care of everything, while others like to keep occupied Imagine, if you can, that your partner or close and involve themselves in the funeral arrangements. family member has unexpectedly died.

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The Record, April 25 1996 Page 3

TOMORROW TODAY

usic apostolate helps young people pray in the Eucharist encourages and invites them to learn.

How often do you go to Mass This is where Antioch can feeling indifferent, that you play an important role in could take it or leave it? parish life.

Sometimes the music at Mass An Antioch team of musicians can turn my feelings of indiffer- and vocalists are currently ence into one of feeling part of preparing for a music workthe Church community, where I shop to be held May 17-19 at share common ideals and com- John XXIII College. mon goals.

The particular songs learnt at Shared songs for me are a the workshop have an identity form of prayer that bring a that claims them as being sense of unity in faith thus Antioch songs. involving me wholly in the celThis gives the fourteen groups ebration of the Eucharist. a sudden recognition and sense Some people feel music is of belonging to a wider Church. superfluous to our prayer, othThe thrust of the week-end is ers feel it is a distraction to not only learning music and prayer and many feel it is a part having fun, but recognising talof their prayer. ents as gifts that are to be Generally, today's young peo- shared and appreciating how to ple fall into the latter category. be of service in parishes by lisIf they have the gift of music tening to the Holy Spirit. and song they can be a real Phone Margaret Fennessy 328 treasure to the parish commu- 9622 at the Youth Office for a nity, but often the talent goes registration form. Registrations untapped until someone close 14 May.

By Margaret Fennessy

Antioch's music and vocalist team preparing for the music workshop at John XXIII College 17-19 May.

Ministry readies for another youth rally

By Barry Newman

PRIESTHOOD What is it all about?

Ray of Enquiry for men 16 years and over.

An opportunity to: meet other people ask questions listen and reflect

Sunday 5 May 1996 St Charles' Seminary 30 Meadow Street, Guildford 10.30am - 4pm (Mass included) Lunch provided RSVP: Seminary 279 1310

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Csahalc Vaurah nI umr, V©aing AdL: OfffIcg 30 C-..&WS[ft©Cffl S'REPWR N©crn Pgrn UslIsph@ng CMR 32E3 6822 c, op The Record, April 25 1996 Page 4

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Preparations are well under way for the 'Turn The Beat Around' Youth Rally on May 25.

After the great success of the 'Eye of the Tiger Rally' last month, spirits are running high in the Performing Arts Ministry.

"Rallies are a chance for me to share my faith with others," lead singer Lorenzo Martinez said.

"Singing about God gives me a passion in my music that other music just doesn't bring."

The drama team, too, are already writing new dramas for the night.

Natasha Giglia, leader of the drama team, is very happy with the focus and direction of the whole group.

"It's great to see all of PAM coming together," she said. "Everyone is so eager to put in the hard work necessary to make the rally work."

The Performing Arts Ministry welcomed the addition of several new members last week and is still looking for other singers, dancers and musicians to come and join the group.

If you have a talent you would like to use, please phone us at the Youth Office on 328 9622.

• Meanwhile, the Catholic Youth Ministry is hosting its first public speaking skills workshop, a course being run by John Sargeant of Envision Business Builders.

The course has been running now for two nights, and will conclude next week The workshop runs for sixteen hours, and covers such elements of public speaking as voice control, gestures, stance, material and audience participation.

Each participant is videoed several times presenting small talks to

the group, and encouraged later to analyse their performance, and recognise areas to work on.

"I'm really impressed," Marcus Passauer, one of the participants, said.

"I never expected the Church to provide something as practical as this."

According to Bruce Downes, director of Catholic Youth Ministry, this is very much what youth ministry is all about.

"Youth ministry is not just about meeting the spiritual needs of a young person, but rather looking at them as a whole person - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual," Bruce said.

"We see our job as providing for them, where possible, in all these areas."

The public speaking skills workshop is yet another example of the comprehensive style of youth ministry the Youth and Young Adult Ministry advocates.

It is about expanding youth ministry to include a broader base of opportunities to cater to the individual, everyday needs of our young people.

Due to the great demand for this course, John Sargeant has agreed to run another course starting next month.

Please direct enquiries to the Catholic Youth Office.

The next Eagle's Nest Escape Weekend for 1996 will be held on the weekend of May 10 - 12, at the Eagle's Nest Youth Formation Centre in Gidgegannup.

Places for this camp are strictly limited, and sure to fill quickly.

Please contact the Youth Office on 328 9622 for more details, or a registration form.

The cost of the weekend is $45.

Musicians and Vocalists Workshop Where: John XXIII College John XXIII Avenue, Mt Claremont When: 7.30pm Friday May 17 until 4.00pm Sunday May 19 (closing Mass) Cost: $25.00 Bring: Your voice or your instrument!

Plus biscuits or cake, sleeping gear and toiletries.

Come along, discover your real talent under the guidance of experienced musos and learn heaps of new songs.

Everyone is invited to the closing Mass at 4.00pm Sleeping: Friday and Saturday night billeted to Nedlands parishioners Registrations close Tuesday 14 May 1996 Post to: Antioch, PO Box 194 North Perth WA 6006

Registration Form Name Phone Payment attached: Yes No Antioch Group Instrument: Vocal: Yes No If under 18 years, your parent or guardian MUST sign the statement below: I hereby give my consent for to attend the Antioch Musicians Weekend , and acknowledge that the organisers, while exercising all reasonable care will not be liable for any injury or damages whether arising out of contract tort or otherwise.

Signed

Date-

Colleen Clifford, a resident of Perth from 1952 to 1964, finally bowed out of Australian theatre, the world of art generally, and her earthly life, in a Sydney hospice on Sunday, 7 April, 1996, at the age of 97 An In Memoriam Mass was celebrated at St Mary's Cathedral in Perth on April 11 by Father Bruce Jones to commemodevout Clifford's Colleen rate Catholicism. Bishop Peter Ingham and six priests concelebrated her Sydney Requiem Mass on the same day at St Joseph's, Edgecliffe.

Bishop Ingham referred to Colleen's vitality and zest for living and described her as a "highly respected, distinguished, gracious and much loved lady", and said her example and encouragement given to her profession of the theatre was legendary.

Perth el'herry Catholic Drama Society Identity David Crann was a student of Colleen's.

"We would ring or write to each other twice annually, and the voice from Sydney would say: 'David Crann what are you doing?'" he remembered this week.

"Remember you're a great talent, but you've a lot to learn! Why didn't you go to London as I asked? Ah yes, I remember. You have the talent but not the temperament. Remember my little story when you experience your spiritual deserts? The one about the Little Flower? Go on! Tell me!"

And David Crann would reply: "Yes, Miss Clifford - the Little Flower of St Therese sat eating bread and jam on Good Friday and St John asked her how could she sit there eating bread and jam on the day Our Lord died?

But she replied: 1 am eating bread and jam remembering He will rise.'"

"Well done David Crann," she would reply.

"Still surviving on an oil rag? Good!

You need humility. Good night. God bless you. Pray for me."

"And I did. I do. and I always shall," David would reply.

Colleen Clifford, admired and loved by

hundreds, was a household name in the Australian theatre world and an inspiration to many, not only because of her acting ability and desire to help others striving for achievement, but also in the field of her Catholic faith which attracted converts.

Fr Jones as a student recalled her love of St Mary's Cathedral which she visited daily in Perth both going and coming

Colleen Clifford: eagerly Catholic

from her Terrace Drive flat. She would prop her bicycle beside the cathedral door while she dashed in. or All Saints chapel, (77 St George's Terrace in the early days), on her way down to His Majesty's, The Theatre Guild, or The Repertory for rehearsals, performances, classes, or recital.

At her Memorial Mass. Clem and Dawn Grogan read the lesson, Len Richards played the organ and the congregation of actors from her many productions sang and responded: to use a theatrical term "they did her proud!"

Before she went on the national stage, Colleen Clifford belonged to Perth from 1952 to 1964 during those post-war years when Perth struggled to re-establish a cultural life as Colleen busily associated herself with schools, Church, theatres, radio and television.

Yet her 32 year absence from the WA scene has not detracted from the lasting impression she stamped on our state.

A devout Catholic, she was an inspira-

lion to hundreds and an anathema to a few; those who would dismiss the eccentric theatrical lady on a bicycle, could not deny her sincerity and love for God, His Church, and her career which was a vocation.

The Therry Catholic Drama Society flourished under her influence, while Patch Theatre, His Majesty's, Gilbert & Sullivan, the Catholic Drama Festivals, the State Festivals, the ABC, opera, amateur theatres, ballet, her school, the university theatres and the Shakespeare Society, were all enriched by her considerable talent and special touch.

Her contemporaries were Nita Pannell, Frank Baden Powell, Mary Durack, Dorothy Krantz, Jeana Bradley, Philip Parsons, Sydney Davis, Harry Bluck - all gone and mostly Catholics.

Colleen's legacy embraces all the art fields and many who starred in her productions can be found all over Australia.

Between 1952 and 1960, the theatre hub was on King and Hay Streets.

The Theatre Guild where she taught was a busy place, located diagonally opposite The Maj. David Crann remembers going in there, and noticing the 'resident' statue of Our Lady in the corner, while Colleen would be saying the rosary with some of her students.

Directly opposite The Maj was Wrightsons Ballroom, with Patch Theatre off King and Murray Streets, and the Repertory a block down on the Terrace. so Colleen would have trod those slabs daily for over ten years.

Musicals - Desert Song. South Pacific, Oklahoma. Kismet - the late night revues of the late 50's and early 60's. this mass of music and drama, comedy and talent poured down those streets with Colleen. her Catholic faith, and her bicycle visits to St Mary's.

(Expressions of interest for the Colleen Clifford Memorial Scholarship at the Academy of the Performing Arts are being sought plus a proposal to the Perth City Council for a footpath plaque in front of His Majesty's bearing her name and service - phone 362 4399.)

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The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane's Council of Priests has proposed to the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, John Bathersby, that the questions of giving care of some parishes to lay leaders be studied, as well as the sharing among denominations of churches for worship.

The chairman of the Brisbane Archdiocese's pastoral planning committee, Father Ron McKiernan, said this week the proposal put the Church in the best position to be more outward looking and ready to bring the Gospel message to Australian society.

The proposals had been generated by the falling number of vocations to the priesthood. A pastoral planning program involving clergy and laity at parish level had been established to look at how they can best handle the staffing situation and how best renew the Church.

And in some new outlying suburban parishes ecumenical explorations had been conducted to look at the possibility of sharing resources between denominations.

"Given the price of land and the shortage of land in some of these areas, one of the practical questions being raised is do we have the resources between ourselves to be putting up a Catholic church on one corner, and the Uniting Church down the road and a Lutheran church around the next block." he said.

However, while no decisions had yet been made, Archbishop Bathersby, had indicated it was important to be open to exploring such ecumenical possibilities.

However, a watered down amalgamated Church was not what was being planned, Fr McKieman said.

FUNERAL

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CHIPPERS "N‘ The Record, April 25 1996 Page 5

Five First Saturdays Presentation Sisters seek justice chance at City Beach Perth Catholics hoping to reestablish the Five First Saturday's devotion have organised an allnight vigil at Holy Spirit Church, Keaney Place, City Beach, for next Friday and Saturday.

Spokeswoman Margaret Bowen said this week the devotion was being made possible to make reparation before the Blessed Sacrament for the sins of the world in accordance with the request of Our Lady.

Mrs Bowen said the all-night vigil would at 8.00pm on Friday May 3 with the Rosary and conclude with Mass at 9.00pm the next day.

Prayers would be said particularly to make reparation for the evil of abortion, she added.

Mrs Bowen said Our Lady had said in her last words at Fatima in Portugal in 1917 before the great miracle of the sun were: "Do not offend the Lord our God anymore, because He is already so much offended." Our Lady had also identified herself as the "Lady of the Rosary".

In asking for the five first Saturdays' devotion, Our Lady requested reparation for sin be

made, saying, ". . . . And announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating of the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary with the intention of making reparation to me."

Two of the children, Jacinta and Francisco Marto have been declared venerable.

After seeing a vision of hell, jacinta cried, "Oh, Hell! Hell! How sorry I am for the souls who go to hell! And the people down there, burning alive, like wood in the fire!" Then, shuddering, she knelt down with her hands joined, and recited the prayer that Our Lady taught them: "Oh my Jesus!

Forgive us, save us from the fire of hell. lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need."

Pray-ers willing to spend one hour with our Lord during the All Night Vigil are requested to contact either Margaret (446 1935) or Lorraine (446 9682) to confirm a time slot.

Return with more than just memories...

FRANCISCAN JOURNEY TO MEDJUGORJE ANNIVERSARY I, Fr Brian Ahearn • e(lie‘al 1..i.e .t,i‘ • Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano • Monte Sant Angelo • San Giovanni Rotondo - home of Padre Pio • Medjugorje 13th Anniversary celebrations with lose Carreras u se in concert • Rome at S4,095

MARY MACKILLOP

Australia's Presentation Sisters have committed themselves to gaining access to political and economic structures to support society's disadvantaged, after their quinquennial Congress held this month in Hobart which set future directions for the congregation.

The delegates acknowledged that society was experiencing an unprecedented shift of consciousness and the phenomenon of discontinuous change at global and local levels.

Enjoying the camaraderie of the congress: Sr Patricia Tulle from Victoria, The congress theme was left, Srs Consuela Worthington and Clare Sciensinski from WA, Sr "Earth and Stars", challenging Catherine Mulcahy of NZ, Sr Margaret Skehan of Queensland and Sr all participants to engage with Cecilia Wiltshire of Wagga in NSW. the lived experience of people and planet in the new found President, Kathleen Tynan, said their resources to participate global ambience. The newly that the goal of the Sisters and with others in the mission of elected Australian Presentation their Associates was to use Jesus.

A male in female softball territory Mercy College teacher, Mr Tom Corcoran, has set a new precedent by being selected as the first male manager of the Australian State Western Schoolgirl's Softball team for 1996.

Tom has been associated with softball since 1975, taking on a number of roles during that time. His varied career includes being an umpire at State level competitions and being a board member and state director of umpires for 4 years.

Tom has assisted with the state schoolgirl's competition over a number of years and actively coaches and participates in the softball activities at Mercy College.

The state schoolgirls softball series will take place at the Mirrabooka Softball Complex Tom Corcoran coaching Mercy College Year 9 students A udrea Urn, from Monday, 29 April to Friday,

Stacey Fox and Christina Burns

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Have you ever made a retreat? The Redemptorists at the Monastery in North Perth are conducting a series of retreats for lay people, especially retired lay people, at their Retreat Centre in North Perth.

These retreats are very popular in our Retreat Centres in the Eastern States. The will be conducted by well known Redemptorist, Fr Leo Coffey CSsR, from Sydney.

If you are from the country why not combine a City visit with a few days of retreat (some people make use of their concession rates for cheaper travel). flurry, hurry, hurry, limited places available on each retreat.

Please enquire...

The Monastery, 09 328 6600

or write to:

The Retreat Manager PO Box 74, North Perth 6006

July Retreat "The Emmaus Journey"

A retreat for retired lay people

"We thought that planning our funerals would be an uncomfortable business. But the Purslowe family made it very easy:"

Fr Leo Coffey CSsR

From Monday, July 22 (after lunch) to Friday July 26 (after breakfast) Cost $170 (Includes all meals, morning and afternoon tea and supper) Maximum 30 people

August Retreat "The Emmaus Journey"

A retreat for retired lay people Fr Leo Coffey CSsR

North Perth 444 48.35. Midland 274 3866, Victoria Park 361 1185. Wanneroo 409 9119.

Northam j096) 221137, Mareena Purslowe and Associates, Suhiaco, .388 1623

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 6

From Monday August 5 (after Lunch) to Friday August 9 (after breakfast) Cost $170 (Includes all meals, morning and afternoon tea and supper) Maximum 30 people

Other retreat dates: August 12-16 October 7-11.

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Coll/or

Centrecare study demanded integrity, honesty A

nne Pike's letter (The Record, 11 make up our community. Otherwise the April) concerning Centrecare's researcher imposes his/her own definiresearch report, Families Speaking tion. for Themselves, displays a lack of awareWe could have sought only those who ness of the integrity with which social were in church marriages, first marriages research must be undertaken if it is to and still together as couples. have any credibility.

This would have created an artificial An advertisement in The West basis for the study, which, as a conseAustralian called for expressions of inter- quence, would have been devoid of credest from "all types of families, nuclear, sin- ibility. gle-parent/separated, extended, blended Given that the same-sex family in quesetc". tion fulfilled all the criteria for inclusion They needed to have at least one child in the study, we had no right to exclude under 16 and to believe that they got on them. well together and managed "life's ups and To do so would have invalidated the work. downs".

Researchers must deal honestly with all Problems of definition in this area can only be handled by leaving the decision aspects of their study, even when these about who is a family to the people who may not reflect their own value systems

or beliefs. Honesty is essential in any endeavour.

Centrecare was aware that in including atypical families in the report it would be criticised by some. However, the agency felt that it was better to accept such criticism rather than present a report that lacked integrity.

The point of the study was to provide families with an opportunity to speak for themselves. The report was never intended to present an extensive analysis of the information gathered or draw expert conclusions from it.

No attempt was made to compare and contrast family types and suggest which types were most successful.

It was never part of the study's brief to undertake such a monumental task.

The report was simply intended as a sharing of information by people who considered their families to be coping effectively with day-to-day life.

Any study is not perfect and neither is this one. However, Centrecare is proud to have made a very positive contribution to the community.

Centrecare has focused on the positives of family life and has produced a document and video that provide a large amount of information useful to people in their day-to-day life.

Community groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to use the report as a valuable resource.

Tony 1Pietropiccolo Director Centrecare Marriage and Family Service

Musical comedy?

It's just not so . . .

has passed. Tragedies are the norm in our days, and they must be faced with heroic courage, with the heroism of a Catholic Having lived in a household in which the who confides (in Our Lord), confides, con- playing of the Church organ for Sunday fides; and when there is nothing more to services, weddings and funerals has been trust than arid confidence in God, confi- a part of life, and having had my mother, dence still stands, like the confidence of sister, aunt and grandmother so employed. suggestion on behalf of elderly peo- Job. Ihave often heard about the strange, wonple and those in ill health as the "The hour of the events foreseen at derful and funny things that happen to ter ceremonies are very long.

Fatima, the hour of great sufferings, of these people, often completely unknown Could there be - perhaps during Holy great dangers, of great uncertainties, of to the congregation in general.

Saturday - a short ceremony containing great acts of confidence, indeed of extraorI am sure that there are many organists, elements of all the ceremonies, with dinary acts of confidence, is arriving. ex-organists and children of the music beforehand an opportunity for individual Those who confide will win. makers of our Churches that have wonconfessions and after the ceremony a gen"Job trusted, and because he trusted, he derful stories to tell. eral absolution?

I would like to compile these tales that did not rebel: because he did not rebel, he This ceremony could contain a brief 'run adored God. When God brandished the bring a smile, not only to those who have through' of the Stations as a homily. scourge that wounded him, he said 'Lord I been there, but to God Himself, but I need It would be for elderly and sick only - am thine: do with me as Thou pleasest. I them to be told. accompanied where necessary of course.

If your readers have such an anecdote. revere the whip that flogs me.' .

To have to 'miss out' on the Good Friday could they please write to me at the fol"No matter how difficult the circum- lowing address: ceremony or Holy Saturday is distressing for life-long participants who dearly wish stances - even if we seem defeated, even if Mrs Barbara Hobbs we seem cast to the last places of the earth to attend.

PO Box 40. Kojonup WA 6395.

That they are 'not of obligation' doesn't - there is one mistake we cannot make, namely, to give up confidence. I would meet the need.

The good example given by attendance almost dare to say that the essential thing would assist the young too by giving wit- is to not doubt, to have confidence, the rest Recently a confused parishioner came to ness to belief in God and a desire to hon- will follow. me with a problem. She was at the funerour Him. "Come what may. with the protection of al of a friend and was surprised that the Our Lady, let us not despair, let us not fear funeral Mass was not for the dead but in Vonny Hellwig OAM being abandoned.

Thanksgiving.

Bunbury I see one real danger in the New Age "The more we suffer, the more we will be glorified. And when our suffering reaches approach, that is, that simple people will • • the unfathomable, let us sing the conclude that the dead go straight to heaven. Consequently, the poor souls in purgaMagnificat. for God's hour is near.

I wish to share with all readers of The tory are neglected, and the doctrine of matter what happens "Therefore, no Record the following extract from one of forgotten, namely that the souls in Trent the last talks given by the .great Catholic from now on. we must confide, confide. purgatory can be helped by the prayers of Our Lady will provide the rest." confide; counter-revolutionary Plinio Correa de the faithful especially by the Holy Oliveira, founder of the Brazilian Society What beautiful and practical sentiments Sacrifice of the Mass. for the Defence of Tradition, Family and to all Christians in these times.

Property, who died on 3 October 1995: James McPherson Father J Sullivan OMI Lesmurclie "The time when tragedies did not happen Lesmurdie

Special Easter aged service?

Remember the dead

Have confidence.

Flvery year at Eastertime, we read or hear so called "Christians— views F that the bodily resurrection of Christ seems too incredible for them. They then go into all sorts of vague, muddied-water explanations of what the Resurrection means to them.

Sorry chaps, but that's just not Christianity.

'Due Christians believe that the Almighty and Eternal God created all that Is, seen and unseen. They also believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the 11-inity of "persons" that make up the one Almighty God. Furthermore, they believe that God the Son took human form of the Virgin Mary and died on the cross to redeem mankind from the terrible effects of original sin that had been committed by Adam and Eve. Without the sacrifice of the Divine Victim on the cross, not one single soul would ever get to heaven as humanity was too sullied to enter heaven - the redemption by Christ was necessary to counteract the sin of humanity.

Redemption having been achieved. mankind must now live according to God's laws: people are still prone to sin and must make the effort to gain heaven.

But they can get there if they love as Christ wants them to. All of that is basic Christian teaching.

If one can accept these Christian beliefs, then surely it is not too hard to believe that God was capable of raising His own human body back to life and raising it from the tomb?

Jerome Gonzalez Willetton

Give thanks to God for the wisdom of elderly relatives Perth mother and Catholic Youth and Young Adult Ministry worker Penny Ashcroft continues The Record's new weekly column of opinion that will shine a Catholic light on events and opinions in the Church and the wider society. Melbourne daily Herald-Sun columnist Paul Gray will write on alternate weeks.

I can still recall rolling down made a life centred around their the small undulating hills of faith and each other. grass in their back garden, and Emma Jane comes from a very the perfume of the flowers that strong Methodist background were always in bloom. Aunt Jess and I have gathered from tales t was after a conversation and Uncle Jack became the told over numerous cups of tea, with a friend about her eldergrandparents we never knew. that God has been and still is. an ly mother that I began reflectAnd there is my husband's integral part of her life. ing upon my own elderly relatives and the effect they have had grandmother, Emma Jane .... she She has never been wealthy in was born in Horwich, Lancaon my life. monetary sense, both Nanna a A childless aunt and uncle of shire, England, in 1895 - a true and Grandad worked long, hard Lancashire lass in every sense of my father, who both ended their hours to clear their land and lives in a home for the blind, had the word. Emma Jane married build up a small farm at Tutanup.

Arthur in 1918 and within a few a profound influence on my They brought up three children childhood, teenage and young years they emigrated to Australia.

Nanna and Grandad were In very difficult circumstances, married life.

Their gentle hospitality and a among the original group settlers but with a great sense of humour and great camaraderie with their genuine desire to listen to us is a In the south-west of our state.

Their life was difficult, but distant neighbours. gift they gave my family that we along with their neighbours they will always treasure.

The life experience of a lady of

I

almost 101 years is immense and Emma Jane is the wisest person I know.

At some time or another each of her 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren have benefited by a heart-to-heart talk with Nanna.

Her great-grandchildren are now of an age where they are working, travelling, getting married and, without exception, always spend time with Nanna Downs before embarking on a major event in their lives.

Until the age of 92 Emma Jane was still baking the most incredibly delicious Anzac Cookies and Melting Moments in her own kitchen, always ready to teach and share her secrets, not only about baking but about life.

Today, Nanna is not very mobile, but is still very alert, delights in watching and listening to 'Songs of Praise' on ABC Channel Two every Sunday Morning (and joining in the hymns!), has a great friend in

Jesus and in a lady known as 'Sister Ella', who at the age of 80 has just ended several years of three-month stints working with Mother Teresa.

One of the joys for Nanna at her one hundredth birthday celebrations last year was receiving a letter from Mother Teresa whom she admires tremendously.

I guess as a result of my reflection I have a deeper appreciation of the contribution to be made by the elderly of our community to our lives and to the lives of our children.

It saddens me to know that there are so many of them who are lonely, feel useless and not valued.

There is so much they can share with us of their faith and their lives that can give us hope and perhaps engender a little of the tenacity that is often a part of their personalities, in us.

I thank God for the Emma Janes of this world and for our Emma Jane in particular.

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 7

Feature

Teaching there for a reason

Family means sticking by each other through thick and thin never been closer, stronger or more faithful to each other than One day someone in the gro- during the aftermath of the flood.

If "doing well" doesn't mean life cery store asked how I and my is running smoothly, what does it family were doing. It was a polite greeting extended across Check- mean?

Is it health, or money, or how stands 6 and 7 My father was dying, our family members get along? Is it a daughter had just broken up with family's stress level or the level of her boyfriend a month before support or acceptance it receives prom and my husband was in from the community? All these the middle of a tense legal case factors contribute to some extent.

While looking through a family at his law firm. album recently, I realised that Did she really want to know all we've had some years that?

"We're doing pretty well," I when we seemed responded before I even thought to be "more w el l" about it.

But as I loaded my groceries than into the back of the car, I realised that my spontaneous answer held a truth far deeper than the polite response.

Our family was well. We were present to one another. We cried othtogether at the sight of my dad e r s .

Lying helpless in the hospital; we Wellness somemoaned about the possibility of isn't thing a family prom night for my daughter who was on the prom committee with achieves once and a dress and no date; we shared for all; there are some the frustration over the polarisa- "sick" times for all of us.

Voices from every direction tion taking place in the legal batassert that this or that is essential tle.

Friends showed up at the door for a family's wellness.

The Catholic Christian tradition with food during the long vigil at the hospital. Associates at work provides a rich teaching on famipitched in to do some of the work ly life that offers criteria for famiin my absence. Our older chil- lies to use in evaluating their own dren offered assistance and emo- wellness. The criteria have to do with how faithfully families work tional support.

We were in a terrible mess in at essential family tasks.

The Church's measuring stick some ways, but were doing quite well under the circumstances. for wellness is based on the famA friend whose home was rav- ily's identity as the domestic aged by flood waters told me two church. years later .that her family had The measure applies to every

By Mary MillerPedersen

By Father John Castelot The Old Testament writers did not leave us much in the way of complete pictures of well-adjusted, happy families.

However, the authors of the wisdom books did give indirect images of such families.

These accounts are valuable, for their authors travelled widely, observed sharply and recorded the result of their observations.

These authors saw for themselves what made for the wellbeing of families and passed on the results of their observations.

They noticed the traits that characterised congenial families: mutual respect and practical concern for others' needs.

In Mediterranean culture, of which Israel was a part, one value and one disvalue were paramount: honour and shame.

Whatever brought honour to family members, and hence to the family, was to be earnestly promoted; whatever caused shame to them was to be carefully avoided.

Respect for parental guidance was basic: "Observe, my son, your father's bidding, and reject not your mother's teaching; keep them fastened over your heart always, put them around your neck" (Proverbs 6:20-21).

Or, "A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother" (10:1).

Sirach is more specific: "For the Lord sets a father in honour over his children: a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. He who honours his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother" (3:24).

It goes without saying that parents must live in such a way as to warrant their children's love and respect.

Parents who raise children in such an atmosphere are proud of them and bless them, and this is basic to the well-being of a family: "For a father's blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother's curse uproots the growing plant" (Sirach 3:9).

In devoted families the care of aging parents is urgent: "My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength" (Sirach 3:12-13).

The New Testament authors prescribed the same ingredients for the well-being of families: mutual love, respect and caring.

Discipline will be necessary, but it must be administered with care.

Harsh, insensitive discipline can defeat its purpose by breaking children's spirit, making them unfit for a future role as parents themselves: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged" (Colossians 3:21 ).

All of this practical advice, rooted in and proven by experience, is a touchstone against which to measure the wellbeing of families in every age.

face of family: couples with or without children, single parents, blended or extended families, rich or poor, black or white, powerful or oppressed.

Four functions of family are described in Pope John Paul II's 1981 apostolic letter on the family.

The first function is to create a sense of belonging and community among members. Second is to nurture and respect life at all stages.

Families create a sense of belonging. Here we learn at the beginning of our lives the most important of life's lessons: love. Within the family, caring for and supporting each other should be our number one priority.

The family's third task is to raise upright citizens who will create a just society.

Fourth is to take part in the mission of the universal Church.

Often it is in difficult times that families function the best.

• Caring for a colicky baby is

nurturing life.

• Joining together to clean up after a flood is building community.

• Raising responsible citizens sometimes means holding a belligerent teen to the consequences when she or he has done something wrong.

Parents may not feel all is well with their family during the teen years because of the conflict that accompanies adolescents' efforts at emancipation.

But a family is most healthy and successful when it is doing its job of guiding and disciplining its young.

It is helpful for families to do a wellness checkup on themselves. but not during times of crisis or transition. Some families have family meetings each week where they take an honest look at how they are doing.

Others seek counselling now and then when an issue causes their family to get stuck.

A checkup might be as simple as a nightly prayer for forgiveness said before bedtime.

In some places, families gather annually for a "Growing Stmn.g In Family Weekend Retreat." It is a one and one half day event, put together by families themselves to look at family strengths and limitations in a format of fun and prayer combined.

Family success in the eyes of Christians has to do with becoming what we are called to be: "intimate communities of love and life," as the Pope put it.

That means sticking with each other in the good times and when everything stinks.

Some guiding rules to help family grow

By Brother Cyprian Rowe Family is what family does on a number of levels. But people don't necessarily make a family unless certain rules guide them.

Here is the set of rules that guides me: 1. A unified ''we" is the family's overarching reality.

Unity in multiplicity is extremely difficult for families to maintain in a culture that is more concerned with the full and unbridled expression of the "I" - the individual.

The "I" never will achieve human perfection unless it is deeply committed to the "we." Do you remember how Jesus referred to himself as being in the Father and the Father in him?

2. Children need to learn from parents how to pursue creative goals without neglecting the family's other members.

Parents ought to show children how individual work and homelife can be brought together so that each is enriched.

3. A family's members must always be in dialogue so that all the individuals can continue to discover the meaning of the whole.

4. Dialogue among family members must occur in an atmosphere of prayer so that the Spirit will be heard in the voices of each member.

For, each family member is a revelation of God. In fact, God is present in many ways within a family. Sometimes God's ways are surprising and may even feel strange at first.

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 8

Eadt person in each family needs every other person in the family.

5. Dialogue must occur in an atmosphere of respect for experience and order.

Remember that discipline is not the power to make all lines straight in life.

Rather, discipline means order in the sense that Claire Leighton saw order in the tides:

"Watching the discipline of tides, with their evident rhythm," there is a flow; sometimes the sea is high and sometimes low, but in the overall there is order.

6. Family cannot exist either as an autocracy or a democracyParents do not own their chil-

dren. Children have been granted to them as a sacred trust by God. This trust requires them to be constantly attentive to the genius of each child.

But God appoints parents to he the guardians of their children.

This guardianship must provide the appropriate climate in which children can pursue and express God's purposes.

7. Family - many in one; one In all; all for one - must mean that parents spend private time with each other and with each child (even if only 10 minutes a day).

8. Parents' love for each other Is as important to children as is the parents' love for the children.

Human beings must never define themselves in one "role."

To do so frustrates the multiple gifts that all of us have been given.

9. The family needs to respect work This point is critical: Children need to discover how labour effort - contributes to Ole .iis the "whole," whether that me, development of the vvhole person, the whole family, the whole community or the whole society.

10. The real family must be wrapped in a spirituality of love.

God is in the centre of all things familial.

When this is understood, a foundation exists for the type of "belonging" that each member needs if the family is to be "one" in mind, heart and spirit.

Feature

Simple faith begs miracles This security he hoped to find in both as he is; how will he ever manage without Cecilio's friendship and the Church's his hands." A graphic discussion took place about the disadvantages of being building project was part of every sanctuary located just without hands. How would he feed or hospital was local Our respectable parish priest's repertoacross the road from the Church and obvi- clean himself; and who in the world ry in the early 1970s.

And so with no little ingenuity and fore- ously Big Man urgently needed medical would do these mercies for him?

"If he dies, at least let him die with digsight (I hopeI speak modestly),I had accu- attention. nity." meet us doctor came to woman A young mulated a quantity of excellent timber for Lourdes was back at her station when I what I hoped would be my contribution to as we entered the hospital and in an returned inside. dreaded word the pronounced instant posterity in the Philippines. what was our decision? Swayed persmell.

So that was the So gangrene.

For safety sake I had stored the lumber Soon a small group of light sleepers had haps by the notion of dignity, I requested just outside my bedroom window where I could keep a watchful eye on my treasure. emerged from various quarters of the hos- that she please not amputate his hands; One morning, at some unearthly hour, I pital. They had an urgent request. Could just medicate him the best way she could.

And yes, he could come and live with was awakened by what sounded like peo- we please treat him outdoors; no one me, andI would see that he reported twice ple having a chat, right in the vicinity of could be expected to stand this stench.

This was not at all the unreasonable a day to the hospital to have his wounds my precious timber.

In an instant and without a thought of request that it may appear. Meanwhile Dr cleaned and freshly bandaged. caution - that came later - I grabbed the flashlight, jumped into my pants and slippers and headed for the back door. On the way I called to C,ecilio, my valiant "Man Friday," who was asleep in another room.

I was at the side of the house before good sense caught up with me, and I paused.

In a few moments Cecilio was at my side armed with a sturdy stick Finger to lips, I motioned him to silence. After a few seconds, there it was again, the chattering of voices.

Filled with the confidence of Cecilio at my side with his weapon. I jumped Rambo-like around the corner of the house, emitting a suitably fearsome injunction, and trained the light in the direction of the intruders.

The spot settled on a tall very stronglooking young man. He stood dazed, like a frightened animal caught in the lights of a vehicle. Except for a pair of dirty shorts, he was naked and alone. He was chattering away as though he had company. Cecilio immediately dropped his stick and in a voice laced with pity announced: "Ah! it's only Big Man." Just then a soft night breeze rustled through the banana leaves nearby, carrying from the direction of Big Man, a most incredible .stench. What was that smell?

Surely the foulest odour I had ever experienced.

With one hand to my nose I focused the light once again. By now the young man in a gesture of surrender and plea for mercy, raised both hands in front of him. It was only then, in the light's beam. that I noticed the handcuffs that firmly bound his wrists.

Before I could recover from the shock and the stench. Cecilio had discarded his ' stick and moved forward.

In a few rushed sentences Cecilio explained to me that our intruder was a former high school classmate of his, and that he was deranged. Still suspicious. and keeping Big Man in the light of my flashlight. I decided to move up-wind of him.

Just then the light came to rest on his pleading, upturned hands and my stomach heaved.

Lourdes made no comment except to These surely were not hands! They were Lourdes had quietly and efficiently begun remind me again that, because of the ganhuge and grotesque with fingers that cleaning the wounded wrists.

The handcuffs had penetrated the flesh grene, his chances of survival were very looked like oversized sausages; and what were all those white things crawling all which was puffed up with severe swelling. slim.

Across the road on the Church plaza, a over his hands and wrists? My God, white The cuffs looked as though they were maggots. I promptly threw up all over my actually embedded in the bones of his bright morning sun sent showers of silvery wrists. Dodong, the ambulance driver, was light through the voluminous foliage of the neat pile of treasured lumber.

In the meantime Cecilio, with his arm quickly dispatched and soon returned big acacia. It was almost time for morning Mass. The scattered little weekday comaround Big Man, was quietly leading him with a stout hack-saw. munity was gathering and being filled in and made excused myself At this point I away towards the door of the house with on the night's drama. cool night air.

After way out into the my soothing words of encouragement. With I vested quickly and had just arrived at very long time, Dodong what seemed a my dignity restored, I joined them on the lectern to begin when Big Man walked of the handthe emerged with the remnants steps leading up to the back door. down the central aisle of the slowly announced: "Doctora says she cuffs and Big Man's story was simple, and not all that unfamiliar. Because of the nature of will have to amputate both hands immedi- church. Still naked except for the dirty his illness and lack of suitable medication, ately. All the tendons are severed, he will shorts, his grotesque hands were now swarthed in clean heavy bandages. he was prone to bouts of violent behav- never again regain the use of his hands." greeted with a Amid the whispers of the small congrepronouncement was This iour. gation, he went directly to the president's clicking sympathetic tongue chorus of During a recent episode, his mother had where he seated himself in quite digchair group gathered at the door, from the little appealed to soldiers in a nearby military "In the name of the Father . . . . I nity. by a very lively debate. followed camp to come and restrain him. Some sol"Who would be responsible for such a began. diers had come and handcuffed him to an " "As we prepare ourselves . upright in his little house, securing his feet decision?" "What about his family?" They I glanced across at Big Man From his were just too far away to be reached. How with a length of nylon fishing line.

Tonight, after many days of incarceration about the military men who handcuffed exalted position, he sat smiling at us in some kindly neighbour had taken pity on him and never returned; shouldn't they childlike triumph at the prominence he him and cut his feet loose of the nylon take some of the responsibility for all this? had conferred upon himself.

"For a moment then let us call to mind A small balding Solomon volunteered bonds. our sins. " him his opinion: brought "It was you who This was enough to allow Big Man suffiMy mind was fuzzy from lack of sleep. I decide.

But if I were you, Father, you must cient mobility to eventually free himself.

He came he said, to a place where he felt I would not allow the Doctora to ampu- paused, and said to the people, "Well, what do you think? Is this poor man's situtate." he might be safe.

Another agreed: "Is he not pity enough ation the result of sin; and if so, whose

By Father Pat Fahey SSC

A

Memories of courage and faith linger with those who knew Big Man of the Philippines

sin?" The question though intended as rhetorical, quickly generated a heated debate.

"Where is his mother," asked one; "surely she should be held responsible."

"Iknow this poor man's mother, her husband has left her and she is hardly able to look after herself. So you can't blame her for not being able to cope."

"It's the soldiers I blame. Why did they not come back and check up on him?"

"My husband is a soldier and he has often told me how they hate to deal with cases like this. They are just not trained to handle these situations."

"Surely it's the Health Department's problem. When are we ever going to get proper care for the mentally ill?"

And so the discussion ranged back and forth for almost half an hour. In the end. unable to agree about who was most to blame, I suggested we might all benefit from a brief period of personal reflection.

Big Man, in the meantime, bored by the silence, continued a quiet chat with himself, as he rose and made his way out the side door of the church.

When Mass was over. I returned to the house but the sickly smell of gangrene still clung to the whole building. Breakfast was just not an option as I pondered my folly at having accepted such a great responsibility.

Some time later I emerged to find Big Man completely transformed. He had showered and changed into fresh clothes given to him by his friend Cecilio.

Indeed he looked like a new man. It was also clear that he was now well aware that the gangrene odour made him very difficult to be near.

With not a trace of self-pity. and using his wounded hands for leverage, he was soon busy setting up a little shelter for himself under the lean-to that served as a garage.

"I will live here. Father." he announced.

"Cecilio will bring me my food so you will not be bothered by the smell. And every day I will go and soak my hands in the sea so that, with God's help, they will get better."

"The Lord hears the cry of the poor," the Psalmist reminds us, and simple faith demands miracles.

And so it came about that in a few short weeks, not only had his hands healed but he regained almost full use of them. He stuck faithfully to his regimen of soaking his hands for hours in the sea and having the bandages changed regularly. The gangrene simply disappeared.

Dr Lourdes assured me she had no difficulty believing in the miracle that we had witnessed. She sees miracles like this almost every day, she told me.

Much as I would want the story to end on this happy note. I must finish it.

Some years later after I had left that parish and moved to a nearby city. I had a visit from Cecilio who was now flourishing in a new job and getting used to being a husband and father. We talked of many things and eventually I inquired about Big Man. "I'm afraid Big Man has died," he told me. And no, he did not know the circumstances of his death. We could only imagine the worst.

So what then was the point of the miracle? Surely God is not frivolous. Can I report that I have seen great improvements in the care of the mentally ill? Sadly I'm afraidI can't. The mystery of why God should cure this young man, only to have him die shortly afterwards, may have to remain forever shrouded.

One thing occurs to me. The events of that night and subsequent weeks remain deeply lodged in my memory and I'm sure in the memories of all of us involved.

Perhaps the real miracle is that, while Big Man may have passed away in relative obscurity, memories of his courage and faith remain alive in all of us who were caught up, however briefly, in his tragic young life.

Fr Pat Fahey has served in the Philippines since 1974. Reprinted with permission of the Far East Magazine of the Columban Mission Society, 69 Woodland Street. North Essendon, Vic, 3041.

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 9

Movie Reviews

A broken record of brutal violence

B

est friends turn mortal enemies in an eye-blink when one turns terrorist in the violent action thriller.

"Broken Arrow".

Director John Woo's flair for visuals shows up throughout, but unfortunately, so does his fondness for bone-shattering, brutal violence.

The initial hour of fast-paced suspense gradually gives way to ever-escalating violence in the latter half, pushing the movie over the fine line from simple escapist fare into the territory of mindless violence made to look exciting and Inviting.

The story pits John 'fravolta's Major Vic Deakins, a renegade Stealth bomber test pilot, against his younger co-pilot, Captain Riley Hale (Christian Slater), while on a night mission with two nuclear warheads on board over the desert Southwest.

Deakins attempts but fails to kill Hale, who parachutes out.

So does Deakins minutes later after safely ejecting the warheads to land at a prearranged pickup point where other terrorists are waiting.

Deakins assumes Hale is out of the picture, not counting on his resourcefulness - or a solitary park ranger (Samantha Mathis) who sees him land on her turf.

Together the two set out to foil the terrorists, who are demanding millions from the Pentagon for the missing warheads - lest a major city vanish from the map along with its quarter-million inhabitants.

Shootouts and explosions pockmark the narrative from the air, on foot, in jeeps, on trains, down a mine shaft; you name it, the action rarely lets up as Travolta and Slater play :at and mouse with very deadly intent. The traitor has backup plans for every contingency, but the patriot has true grit.

Travolta seems to he relishing his villainous role, ferociously baring his pearly whites and casually adding nasty touches to his pure-evil character.

Fans of the actor may enjoy the performance, though for others it will seem straight out of a comic strip.

Slater struggles to keep one step ahead of a busy plot while Ms Mathis quickly transforms from a vulnerable female to a dauntless opponent willing to take on any obstacle - or male - in her path.

Some of the close calls are ludicrous, especially in light of how pristine her uniform remains.

The Pentagon types are the usual stereotypical, duplicitous military men for whom honesty to the public is a last resort.

The screenplay does factor in enough twists to keep the pot boiling, but eventually the massive number of vicious shootouts and fiery explosions is deadening.

Due to excessive violence, intermittent profanity and much rough language, the US Catholic Conference classification is 0 - morally offensive.

Anti-climax strands viewers high and dry

IN

hite Squall takes forevThe .skipper is determined to er to get to the storm mold the boys into discisequence that gives plined young men while his the movie its name, but the fact- physician-wife (Caroline Goodbased story is memorable in cap- all) and crew-mate John Savage turing the terror on board oversee their studies. when giant waves capsized the Tom Cruise look-alike Scott floating prep-school known as Wolf narrates the story as one The Albatross in 1961. of the teens, who befriends a Director Ridley Scott, admired fearful lad (Ryan Phillippe), grieffor his keen visual sense, is true stricken by his brother's accidenanother (Eric death, to form here with impressive tal backdrops of land and sea Michael Cole) who hides his culled from shooting in such poor study habits behind aggresdiverse locales as the West sive behaviour, and a pampered preppie (Jeremy Sisto) acting out Indies, Malta and South Africa.

However, the build up to the resentments against his ironcentral event of the movie willed father.

Each boy represents a particutakes nearly 95 minutes of sluggish character exposition. lar problem, but too much time The powerful storm, with its Is bestowed on their gradual tragic loss of life, is harrowing, bonding as they perform routine even heartbreaking. The inquiry chores, do schoolwork and misInto the skipper's possible culpa- behave on shore leave.

The Albatross is on the return bility afterward hastily concludes voyage when the sudden the uneven film.

The story explores a dozen, freak storm hits and, despite the mostly troubled adolescent crew's desperate efforts, four stulads signed on board Skipper dents and two crew members Sheldon's (Jeff Bridges) square- perish.

The almost anti-climactic invesrigged brigantine for a year's work-study cruise of the tigation afterward suggests that the teens support their guiltCaribbean and South Pacific.

Jeff Bridges as Skipper Sheldon in While Squall.

ridden skipper but leaves unclear what the youngsters feel they have learned under his stewardship.

Bridges makes his skipper an intriguing man whom the audience is left to judge whether he was an imperious autocrat or a devoted believer in the sea as the pathway to mould boys into men.

Although handsomely shot and

If you smoke until blue in the face

then this film could be addictive

Harvey Keitel and cigar

By Peter Rosengren

A

nyone who saw the highly entertaining and t hought -provoking Smoke will enjoy its follow up, Blue in the Face, now showing at the Luna Cinema in Leederville.

Smoke was set in a small Brooklyn cigar shop and featured four intertwining stories revolving around each of the four main characters' lives tobacco smoke wafted through every story like a genie.

Not your average Hollywood film - a major point in its favour to start with - its poignant storytelling and eccentric approach to film-making ensured it was one of the big, if unexpected, hits of 1995.

It also had, I might add, as a follower of Mr Styvesant, Smoke had the added advantage of making tobacco smokers and tobacconists everywhere feel a little less persecuted in these hard and uncharitable days of political correctness.

Blue in the Face, in a sense, therefore takes up from where Smoke left off - but with major differences.

None of the main characters discovered in Smoke are retained with the two exceptions

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 10

of Harvey Keitel as the cigar shop proprietor and Mel Gorham as his hot-blooded Latino, and highly jealous, girlfriend.

Blue in the Face was not meant to be a sequel. Because production on Smoke finished early its producers, Paul Auster and Wayne Wang, let the cameras roll and simply invited their acquaintances on to the set.

Without a script they let the actors ad lib to their hearts' content, restricting direction to holding up placards from behind shot which read "Boring!" "Get to the Point" or "2 minute warning."

Blue in the Face therefore does not have the interlinked scripted brilliance of Smoke as it is an essentially ad-libbed film.

But viewers are transported back into the same enchanting world they originally discovered in Smoke, inhabited by the ordinary people of the street who come into Auggie's cigar shop each day to loaf around, have a smoke and shoot the breeze.

And the actors who breeze on and off the Auster-Wang set read like a who's who of the moviemaking world.

Michael J Fox plays a down-onhis-luck ex-mental patient (I

think) who pleasantly asks passers-by rude personal questions, Lily Tomlin a man with chest hair who is desperate for a Belgian waffle, and Lou Reed is just plain Lou Reed, reflecting between takes on everything from smoking to his looming patent on flip-lens spectacles.

Madonna makes an appearance but it is fortunately short.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for TV comedienne Roseanne, whose foul-mouthed short stint with Harvey Keitel demonstrates in a blinding flash why talent often has little to do with stardom.

Fortunately the ladies' side in the acting department is rescued

by Lily Tomlin whose short portrayal of a derelict trying to track down a Belgian waffle shows by stark contrast what real acting brilliance can be.

Together with film director Jim Jarmusch, whose aimless reflections on the ways Nazis hold their cigarettes in the movies is extremely entertaining, Reed is the highlight of the movie and the pair's meanderings make it worth seeing for this alone.

Rated at M, this is not a movie children or teenagers can or should be taken to see as the language is strong and some of the subject-matter straight off the streets of New York.

No matter how well-intentioned the realistic portrayals, the subject matter is not for the young who usually do not have the maturity to comprehend and assimilate viewing, especially that involving some sexual themes and references.

Nevertheless, mature adults can sit and appreciate the overall drift of a movie whose offbeat nature and humour makes It worth seeing.

Photo CNSI4Mstral Worfdwide

at times 1'h/ening, "White Squall."

with all its exploration of character, only delivers surface portraits of those aboard the doomed vessel.

Because of some sexual innuendo and crude references, fleeting violence and intermittent profanity, the US Catholic Conference classification is AM adults.

Melancholy but delicate romance

L

ove is hard to pin down and harder to express in the melancholy French romance, "Nelly & Monsieur Arnaud-.

Veteran filmmaker Claude Sautet directs with delicacy and an eye for honest emotional exchanges between his lovelorn characters.

Twenty-five-year-old Parisian Nelly (Emanuelle Beart) is heavily in debt since her unemployed (Charles Jerome husband Berling) has given up any pretense at job hunting and her temp jobs barely keep food on the table.

A mutual friend introduces her Pierre judge retired to Arnaud (Michel Serrault), who immediately offers to pay her back rent, no strings attached. At first refusing, she reconsiders, tells Jerome she is leaving him and finds a studio apartment.

She also agrees to a short-term job in Arnaud's book-lined apartment, typing his memoirs about his judicial career in the islands.

Solenm Nelly speaks little of her personal life, which only adds mystique to her beauty, and Arnaud, though 40 years her senior, is smitten.

Their daily work sessions become strained when Nelly meets - and starts dating - his editor Vincent (Jean-Hugues Anglade).

Serrault and Ms Beart are amazing to watch, never appearing to be "acting" despite long scenes of dialogue and constant, lengthy close-ups. They hit no false notes in their portrayals of vulnerable human beings, hurt by failed love relationships and perhaps too wary to take the plunge again.

Due to an implied affair, the US Catholic Conference classification is AM - adults.

Features

A woman's faith rewarded Genazzano, along with Loreto, is one of the great Marian shrines of Italy.

Friday 26 April is the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel. whose miraculous image is venerated at Genazzano. the following is an account of how the image came to be in Genazzano.

M

any pilgrims visit Rome, but few visit, or have even heard of, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano about 48km south-east of Rome.

Early in the history of Rome, farmers chose the spot for their village and, being simple people, gathered together in the village square every year for a celebration on 25 April after planting the wheat, to offer to the gods their prayers and sacrifices that no harm might come to their crops.

However, as Rome grew rich and evil, many of the gentry came out into the countryside and built villas on the spur of the hills near Genazzano.

The local farmers feast in April was too rustic for their taste, so they added in honour of Venus, to them the goddess of Formal Impurity, a few rites and dances of their own.

Later on. as Christianity spread in Rome, it also came to Genazzano and the feast was Christianised; it was now celebrated with prayers and the Sacrifice of the Mass offered in honour of the Virgin Most Pure.

Then in the year 336 AD, The Pope had a church in honour of "Our Lady of Good Counsel" built on the site of the ancient rites.

The centuries passed by, and the church fell into ruin. In 1356 the ruins were handed over to the Augustinian Fathers.

Not having the means to repair the ruins they tried to maintain

Our Lady of Good Counsel

church. The white cloud slowly the buildings as best they could.

Then in the 15th century, a lady cleared, and there, standing on a named Petruccia di Nocera jut of the wall, was a picture of decided to rebuild it with the the Madonna and Child.

After this miraculous event the money her late husband had left people from Genazzano and surto her.

The masons and carpenters rounding areas helped Petruccia had to be paid regularly and, build the church, which was when the walls of one side- quickly reconstructed. been built, Because the picture had come chapel had Petruccia's money ran out. All of from Heaven, the people called it the people laughed, calling the "Our Lady of Paradise".

The rich and the poor, from all structure "Petruccia's folly".

On 25 April 1467, the village towns and villages, began to square was packed with people come to Genazzano in pilgrimcelebrating the traditional feast; age, to pray and to honour Mary. and, as had become customary, a In the first three months, 160 miracles were recorded. traditional country fair.

Not long after the picture's Suddenly, they all saw a small shining cloud moving in from the miraculous arrival in Genazzano, East towards their town and com- Iwo Albanians. Geirgio and ing to rest on the wall of the DeSclavis, arrived in the village,

claiming that it was really their picture from the church in Scutari, Albania.

They explained the picture had been venerated in their town of Scutari for centuries; in fact, all Albanians had special devotion to her.

Whenever . the Turks had attacked, the Albanians, especially the mountaineers under Scanderberg, had fought with the Madonna as their inspiration and they had won.

But Scanderberg had died in January of that year (1467); since then the Turks had overrun Albania and has desecrated many of their churches; and so there were many Albanian refugees in Italy.

When Pope Paul 11 (reigned 1464-1471) heard the Madonna of Scutari had disappeared and had reappeared at Genazzano, he sent two bishops to investigate the matter - Bishop Gaucer of Gap, Dauphiny, France and Bishop Nicholas de Crucibus of Lesina. Dalmatia.

The details of their findings are preserved in their original reports in the Papal Archives.

The careful investigations proved that the "Madonna of Paradise" in Genazzano was beyond doubt the picture of "Our Lady of Good Counsel" from Scutari.

In 1727, Pope Benedict X111 instituted the feast of "Our lady of Good Counsel".

The investigations in Scutari found the picture was a fresco.

This means that, when the wet lime plaster was put on the wall of the church the picture was painted onto the wet plaster, in this way, when the. plaster dried and became part of the wall, the painting, being part of the plaster. also became part of the wall.

The empty space left on the wall matched the picture in Genazzano.

If human hands had taken the picture out, they would have had

to chip the plaster and the painting would have been destroyed.

It had been cleanly removed in one piece.

The portrait is a charming and the delicate rendition of Madonna and Child. With their cheeks touching, the Child embraces His Mother's neck with the right hand, and with the left hand holds the edge of her dress.

The tunic of the Child is red; the Mother's dress is green. The ivory-coloured mantle that covers the head and shoulders of the Madonna is also draped on the shoulder of the Child.

Mary's chestnut hair is arranged in a Roman style. She seems hall turned toward her Son and half turned toward the faithful in what is suggested as a double interest.

A curiosity exists in that the face of the Madonna appears sad when viewed from an angle, but she appears to smile and look at the spectator who stands before her.

Church authorities have noted that the redness of the Virgin's cheeks seem to grow deeper and lighter as if to awaken the emotions of the viewer.

It is a recognised fact that the colour acquires various tones in different periods of the year although the painting is protected by a sheet of glass.

Genazzano has suffered several earthquakes, and during World War 11 the church was bombed several times.

On one occasion a bomb fell on the basilica, crashed through the roof and exploded on the floor of the sanctuary.

The main altar and several others were completely destroyed, but the nearby altar of the Madonna remained intact with the fragile image being entirely unaffected.

- Courtesy of Ave Maria magazine of the WA Garabandal Centre

The violent Peter Pans of El Salvador offered hope

By Mike Lanchin SAN MARTIN, El Salvador (CNS) - Despite their youth, The Little One, 15, and The Cry Baby, 19, are hardened street fighters and local leaders of the two most feared gangs in El Salvador.

As in the rest of the country, the rival gangs they lead - known as "Mara Salvatrucha" and "Mara 18" - fight regular and frequent battles over their territories, sowing terror in the local population.

Just days after the government rushed through new anti-crime legislation, The Little One and The Cry Baby decided to call it quits.

"Too many homeboys have been killed; it's not worth the trouble," said The Cry Baby, the lanky, dark-haired leader of "Mara Salvatrucha."

"We weren't getting anywhere; killing each other didn't amount to anything," added The Little One, the skinny leader of "Mara 18."

The driving force behind the truce is Father Andres Alvarenga, parish priest of San Martin, a town of 55,000 situated 16km north-east of the capital.

Along with a group of lay missionaries, Fr Alvarenga spent more than a year trying to get close to members of the different gangs operating in San Martin.

He said the majority of members had drifted into the gangs because of broken homes resulting from the 12-year civil war that ended in 1992.

Although the priest lived close to fighting during El Salvador's civil war, he said he felt "extremely nervous" the first time he brought rival gangs face to face in his small parish hall.

"They sat eyeing each other up, each side armed . . . . ready to fight," he said.

To break the ice, Fr Alvarenga asked who had been baptised.

Each one put up a hand, he said.

That gave him "the opening to talk about Christ, loving one another, and so on," he said, smiling.

During Holy Week, the two sides met again under the auspices of Fr Alvarenga, who told them about the teachings of Christ.

A week later, the two young leaders signed a pact in the name of their 120 followers, bring a fragile peace to the neighbourhoods they consider "territo"It was a true miracle," said Fr Alvarenga. "There is such hatred between the gangs .. . Something reached into their hearts; God gave them strength."

Sociologist Irene Romero, who has studied the phenomenon, said many of the homeboys grew

Salvadoran children make the signs of the "Mara 18" gang.

up in exile in the United States, where more than one million Salvadorans fled during the fighting. Without strong cultural roots and with a feeling of not belonging, they formed gangs to defend themselves.

"Salvatrucha" and "18" were founded in Los Angeles before being "imported" back to the streets of El Salvador, she said.

Local imitations sprang up and quickly recruited among an increasingly disillusioned youth. she added.

Salvadoran officials estimate that more than 260 different gangs with some 13,000 members operate across the country.

Photo: CNS/Retiters.

Fr Alvarenga blamed the lack of jobs and good education for the surge in gang membership.

Gang members "are merely the product of a ruined society," he said. "I tell them that they're not bad, that society has made them bad."

Many people would not agree.

They see gang members as incorrigible delinquents.

"We recommend our students stay away from them," said Sara Escobar, a school teacher in San Martin who has had to run for cover on occasions when gunfights erupted between rival gangs.

In March, responding to what it

has interpreted as a public clamour for tighter measures against street crime, the government rushed though The El Salvador congress emergency legislation giving wider powers to judges and police.

Human rights groups have criticised the new measures for violating constitutional guarantees and for treating minors on the same terms as adult criminals.

Even before the law was in effect, The Little One and The Cry Baby said they were harassed constantly by police.

Local officers told them the police "haven't signed any peace pact" with the gangs.

Fr Alvarenga said he believes the youngsters should be given a chance to re-adapt.

'They have lost their sense of valuing life .... we must give that back to them," he said.

Ms Romero, too, said she believes rehabilitation programs were a better solution than stiffer penalties and that sending gang members to jail only made things worse.

For now, the youngsters who signed a truce in San Martin are looking forward to the vocational Fr training promised by Alvarenga. with the help of the local mayor.

"The majority of us really do want to learn something new," said The Cry Baby.

The Record. April 25 1996 Page 11

International News

(To Jesus through Mary column: see Page 11)

Catholics help South Africa's truth commission

By Bronwen Dacia CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) - The bishops of southern Africa have set up centres where victims of apartheid can receive counselling and record their stories for the country's "truth commission."

"We serve many needs, from counselling to helping people fill In the forms properly," Father Sean O'Leary, head of the justice and peace department at the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference in Pretoria said.

The 17-member Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, had its first public hearings in mid-April.

The commission was to hear evidence of human rights abuses by those who fought for and against apartheid, South Africa's former system of strict racial segregation.

Over a two- year period, it will consider events from March 1960 to December 1993 and will decide on reparation for victims

of abuses. "We want ordinary people to feel that this is their commission," Fr O'Leary said.

Abraham Road told his story to justice and peace department staffers, who sent it to the investigative unit of the truth commission.

For 14 years, Mr Road has tried to find out how or why his 22year-old nephew, Fred, was killed at a police station.

"I was still at school in 1982 when Fred, who was working, went to Rustenberg for the weekend with a friend," Mr Road told Catholic News Service. "His friend came and told us that Fred was killed by the police."

Fred, who had been the breadwinner for his extended family, was "a gentleman who never caused trouble," he said.

Mr Road said his sister and father went to the Rustenberg police station to find out what had happened and, after many hours of waiting with no one prepared to talk to them, they were handed Fred's bloody jacket and told he was in a hospital.

Staff at the hospital told the Roads that police had dropped

'Officials • in moral bind' must resign WORCESI kalt. Massachusetts.

(CNS) - Public officials who feel an -irresolvable conflict between the demands of faithful discipleship and public service" should resign, Boston Cardinal Bernard Law said in an April 13 talk.

"If the price of election is to deny what is true and good, then that price is too high for any faithful disciple to pay," the cardinal said at a conference at Assumption College in Worcester in the United States.

The conference was sponsored by the Institute for the Study of the Magisterial Teaching of the Church to explore the relationship between the Church's moral teaching and the responsibilities of Catholic voters and public officials.

Cardinal Law specifically mentioned the issue of abortion, rejecting the claim of some Catholic politicians that their personal opposition to abortion does not obligate them to take a political stand against it.

"The public servant is not immune from the responsibility to have an informed conscience, nor is he or she permitted to act with impunity in violation of that informed conscience in matters of public trust," he said.

"Anyone who is willing to act in violation of his or her conscience is, ipso facto, unworthy of public trust," the cardinal added. ' 'Hence those who claim to be 'personally opposed to abortion but' have proclaimed themselves

unworthy of that trust." Cardinal Law opened his talk by referring to the 1962 excommunication of Leander Perez by then Archbishop Joseph Rummel of New Orleans because of Perez's opposition to the desegregation of local Catholic schools.

Perez, a judge, expressed his support for the Church in 1968 and was absolved from the censure, the cardinal noted.

Why was Perez, a judge, singled out for excommunication when many others at the time had also rejected Archbishop Rummel's decisions, Cardinal Law asked.

"Clearly, Leander Perez was excommunicated because, by virtue of his role as a public servant, his influence on others was magnified," he said.

"Indeed, the element of scandal is often greater on the part of public servants and other public persons, not because the demands to be faithful disciples are different if we are public servants, but simply because the implication of scandal is more likely to occur in the dissent of public servants."

Cardinal Law criticised the rise of a "false dichotomy ... which would insulate certain obligations of the public servant from the demands of faithful discipleship."

The cardinal said Catholic universities "have a special obligation to assist public servants in appropriating" all of the social teaching of the Church.

Theflecbrd, April 25 1996 Page 12

friend, who directed him to the bishops' justice and peace department in Pretoria. "We want to know what happened to him," Road said. "My mother, who is dying, asks about him all the time."

He said he hoped the person or people who killed his nephew would be found and arrested, but added that punishment was less important to him than finding out what happened, and why.

-The most important thing we want is the truth," Mr Road said.

"Even if they punish the policeman who did it, that will not bring (Fred) back. My mother is old, and before she dies, she must know how he died, and why."

Victims of human rights abuses and clergymen perform a cleansing ritual Although Archbishop Tutu's April 14 during a service held in advance of the first meeting of the Truth and commission will not be able to Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.

Photo CNS/Reuters hear all the apartheid victims' stories, people working at the "We couldn't do anything about church's support centres have Fred at the casualty unit, and he it, because we had no money. My been instructed to write down was registered dead on arrival.

-The police were so rude to my sister tried to talk to lawyers, but everyone's story, translating father, they didn't want to listen she couldn't find out anything," when necessary, because "the and wouldn't tell him what hap- he said. recording itself, in a caring envipened. . . . they were so rough," Mr Road said he heard about ronment, brings healing." Fr Mr Road said. the truth commission through a O'Leary said.

Dawn of evangelisation breaks slowly in some countries, faster in others

By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) - When South Korea's bishops came to Rome in March, they handed Pope John Paul II a report that may have raised his eyebrows.

Proud of its "miraculous" growth in membership in recent years, the country's small minority Church was offering to push evangelisation farther - not just to communist North Korea, but to the 1.2 billion people in China, just across the Yellow Sea, and to Russia, too.

Pope John Paul II Ambitious? Yes, the bishops said, but proclaiming the Gospel gelisation opportunities, each in Asia is both a duty and an one is different.

• In southern Sudan, some 2.3 opportunity.

A week later, the Pope heard million Catholics are literally from another minority church, under the gun, caught up in a civil war and dominated by an this one in Tunisia.

Archbishop Fouad Twal of Arab government that has Tunis, prepping the pontiff for his installed strict Islamic law.

Bishops can openly criticise the April visit to the country, explained that the Church was regime because they have nothing to lose. happy to keep a low profile.

• In places like Finland, where -We have no big plans. We live day by day, and thank God we do 6,000 Catholics live in harmony the best we can," he later com- with the mainly Protestant popumented, describing the evangeli- lation, the Church operates freely, sation strategy of his 18,000- but active proselytism would wreak ecumenical havoc. member flock.

• In Russia and other ex-Soviet Some might describe the Koreans as gung-ho, the Tunis- countries the Church's revival ians as lay-low. after the fall of communism The Pope. however, under- prompted a Catholic-Orthodox stands both approaches and blow-up. accepts them.

The Vatican worked out an "Minority" status is, in fact, the agreement with Orthodox leadnorm for most Catholics outside ers in which both Churches Europe. promised not to go fishing for But many people don't realise converts among each other's that the minority is often very faithful. small: in more than 100 countries • In Sri Lanka, where a papal the Church represents less than visit was boycotted last year by 10 percent of the population. leaders of the majority Buddhist Some 70 million Catholics live community, the Church operates in this situation, with varying with relative freedom. effects on their pastoral lives.

Yet three years ago it had to Pope John Paul's native Poland rebut allegations of a secret plot is about 95 percent Catholic, and to convert the country's Buddso is his adopted country of Italy. hists by the year 2000.

The Church in both places is a • India's 15.4 million Catholics powerful institution affecting - the largest of such minority every aspect of social and politi- Churches - have been fighting cal life. legal and public opinion skirBefore and after his election, mishes over evangelisation for however, the Pope has travelled years. Last year the Pope encourto many non-Christian regions aged bishops to be more aggresand gotten to know the problems sive in promoting the Gospel; the of less dominant Churches. bishops pointed out, however, In terms of freedom and evan- that most of India's Hindus,

Muslims, Buddhists, Jams and Sikhs already have a strong faith.

• In Nigeria. Catholic-Muslim tensions have not prevented the minority Church from pressing its evangelisation campaign, especially among the followers of traditional religions.

The results have been heartening: Since Pope John Paul's election, the Church has grown more than twice as fast as the general population.

The Pope's favourite theme in recent years has been evangelisation, yet he usually avoids giving marching orders to Churches.

Instead, he outlines major goals and offers a few words of advice.

In his 1991 encyclical "Redemptoris Missio," he spoke strongly of the Church's evangelising duty in every land and said he was concerned that Catholics remained a tiny minority in Asia and Africa.

But he said evangelisation was a "complex reality" that takes different paths; in many places, Christian example is the most effective method.

In April, the Pope's own words illustrated the diverse approaches.

In where Catholics are not even 1 percent of the population, he spoke of the Church radiating its faith through witness and service.

In six speeches carefully read by his Muslim hosts, he did not mention "evangelisation."

Two days later, he met bishops from the other end of Africa in Lesotho a Christian country where Catholics are more than one-third of the population.

To them, he gave a pep talk on saying the evangelisation, Church cannot soft- pedal its message.

The only salvation is in Christ, he said, and the Church exists to lead new disciples and new generations to him.

In his 1991 encyclical, the Pope spoke of the "dawning of a new missionary age," especially for young churches.

But as he looks at the smaller Catholic communities around the globe, he recognises that dawn breaks slowly in some places and faster in others.

International News

Pope deplores shelling VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope when Israeli shells fell on a UNJohn Paul II appealed on behalf sponsored refugee camp near of civilian victims for an end to Tyre, Lebanon. the "incredible violence" in The Vatican, in an unusually southern Lebanon, saying there sharply worded statement on was no apparent justification for April 19, expressed its "clear conIsraeli shelling in the area. demnation" of the Israeli bomThe Pope's words at a Sunday bardment. blessing April 21 echoed an earThe chairman of the US bishlier Vatican statement that con- ops' Policy International demned the Israeli bombard- Committee Bishop Daniel Reilly ment. of Worcester, Massachussets, The shelling, a response to sharply condemned both sides rocket attacks on northern Israel for killing civilians.

by Iranian-backed guerrillas, left "Hezbollah rocket attacks on more than 130 people dead, most Israeli settlements are abhorof them Lebanese civilians. rent," said Bishop Reilly.

Speaking from his apartment "The governments of Lebanon window to several thousand peo- and Syria should put an end to ple, the Pope said he was worried these attacks and be held about the "incredible violence accountable by all people of conthat again has shaken the Middle science for tolerating and even East" abetting a guerrilla organisation "Once again it has been the which targets Israeli civilians as a civilian population - especially matter of course," he added. the Lebanese - which has paid "It is utterly irresponsible to the price of the actions of war, for allow such independent militap, which it is difficult to find accept- units to operate freely, thereby able justifications," he said. knowingly inviting reprisals on He reminded all sides in the Lebanese civilians." conflict that "real justice does not He said the initial Israeli arrive through hatred and the response to the Hezbollah violence of weapons." attacks "was narrowly targeted."

Guerrillas of Hezbollah, or but "that response has since Party of God, have been launch- grown to excessive and disproing rocket attacks on Israeli terri- portionate levels." tory from bases in Lebanon.

"It is intolerable for military Israel. which has occupied a forces deliberately to target civilstrip of southern Lebanon for ians and civilian neighbourhoods several years, said its shelling of another country to deal with was aimed at the Hezbollah the unacceptable acts of guerrilla guerrillas. warriors," he said.

But most of the victims have

By April 22, the 12th day of been Lebanese families, includ- renewed hostilities, more than ing more than 100 people killed 150 people had been killed and

Lebanese Christians and Muslims light candles in Beirut last Sunday to mourn the 102 civilians killed in the Israeli attack.

Photo. CNS-Reuters

more than 300 wounded on both sides, most of them civilians.

US Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, was shuttling between Israel and Syria, which has a large military force in Lebanon, to negotiate a cease-fire.

Israel's counterattacks were provoked by the shelling of several northern Israeli settlements by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a Shi'ite Muslim group leading resistance to Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.

"There is no justification for military operations that seem not to take into account the humanitarian right and safety of the defenceless civilian population," the Vatican statement said.

"There are no political or military reasons that can justify such dramatic consequences," it added.

It called for an immediate end to hostilities under a cease-fire plan.

Pope John Paul met on April 18 with Jerusalem Latin-rite Patriarch Michel Sabbah and presumably discussed the renewed violence and its impact on the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Patriarch Sabbah said on April 17 that the conflict stemmed from the lack of a comprehensive Middle East peace agreement and the continued occupation of territories in the region.

He said Arab countries were ready for a comprehensive peace agreement and "it's up to Israel" to make it happen.

"Making peace means giving back all occupied territories - in Lebanon. in Syria - and settling with the the problems Palestinians," he said.

"Once there is a total and definitive peace, we'll have total and definitive security for Israel itself and the whole region."

Even before the Israeli attack on the refugee camp near "Dire, some 400,000 Lebanese fled from southern Lebanon to the north, and several thousand Israelis fled from their country's northern border region to the south.

Clinton veto is 'shameful and To just which god does the President pray? incredibly brutal': Vatican VATICAN CITY (CNS) President Bill Clinton's veto of the bill banning partial-birth abortions "in practice amounts to an incredibly brutal act of aggression" against the unborn, the Vatican said.

"The fact that this presidential decision legalises this inhuman procedure morally and ethically imperils the future of a society that condones it," said Vatican spokesman Joaquin NavarroValls.

In its April 19 edition, the Vatican newspaper printed an Italian translation of the April 16 letter written by eight US cardinals and the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning Clinton's veto of the bill.

"The Holy See completely supports the position taken by the cardinals of the United States and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops," Navarro-Valls

said on April 19. "As has already been stated by the American cardinals, this presidential decision is 'more akin to infanticide than to abortion,' and thus it is not surprising that 65 percent of those who call themselves 'pro-choice' are opposed to partial-birth abortions," he said.

Navarro-Valls explained to reporters at the Vatican that the bill vetoed by Clinton would have banned a procedure used in late-term abortions.

Navarro-Valls, who is a medical doctor, said the procedure involves the partial delivery of the fetus before surgical scissors are stabbed into the base of its head.

The brains are removed by suction, allowing for easier delivery of the rest of the fetus.

Clinton's decision to veto the bill passed by Congress is "shameful," the spokesman said, and "in practice, amounts to an

incredibly brutal act of aggression against innocent human life and the inalienable rights of the unborn."

"Naturally, this situation makes even more urgent a greater solidarity in defence of the life of the unborn who cannot speak for themselves," he said.

Navarro-Valls said the fact that the United States will hold a presidential election in November played no part in the Vatican's decision to comment on Clinton's veto.

"The Holy See cannot say nothing," he said.

"This is an ethical and moral problem which is very clear and very serious."

The same day the Vatican issued a statement condemning the Israeli bombing of a refugee camp in Lebanon, killing many civilians, he said. "We must also say something about this attack on defenceless, unborn babies."

Abortion setback may help pro-lifers' cause ROSEMONT, Illinois. (CNS) Although it was a bitter setback, the veto of a bill banning partialbirth abortions may eventually strengthen opposition to abortion, according to participants in a pro-life conference held near Chicago.

Organised months ago, the Catholic Respect Life Conference was held in Rosemont on April 12-13, just days after President Clinton vetoed the legislation.

Participants said the debate on the bill exposed the deceit of what they called:the pro-choice

lobby," widened the gap between average Americans and that lobby, and will turn voters against candidates who favour legal abortion, including Clinton, in the November elections.

Sponsored by the Catholic Conference of Illinois, the forum drew about 10 Illinois bishops, including Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, and about 250 others, many of whom are active in the pro-life movement.

Helen Alvare, director of planning and information in the US bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life

Activities, said in a keynote talk that the debate on partial-birth abortions revealed the so-called pro-choice lobby as duplicitous and extremist.

Its leaders falsely claimed the procedure causes no pain to the unborn child and shamelessly pushed their agenda of abortion on demand, without exception, she said.

"They contradicted themselves.... They used lies regularly," said Ms. Alvare. "The degree of their falsehood is more evident than it was before."

The following editorial headlined -Pray to whom, President Clinton?" in the April 18 issue of The Providence Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Providence in the US had this to say about President Clinton's veto on the partial-birth ban.

On April 7, 1996, Roman Catholics across the United States and around the world marked the resurrection of Jesus, reminded that the Saviour who took on human flesh suffered, died and arose from the dead so that we could be saved from our own sinfulness.

On April 8, President Clinton signed a proclamation that designates May 2 as a National Day of Prayer. Establishment of a prayer day "stems from our understanding that faith is a fundamental part of our nation's social fabric," the president said.

On April 10, the president vetoed the partial-birth abortion ban, a piece of legislation that would have outlawed an abortion procedure so heinous that even abortion supporters voted for it.

"This is a difficult and disturbing issue, on which I have studied and prayed about for many months," the president wrote in a letter to Chicago Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

What's wrong with this picture?

The president, a Rhodes scholar from Oxford University, is clearly a man with a broad educational background. There is little to dispute that if he said he

has "studied" the partial-birth abortion ban, then we should take him at his word that he is fully aware of the technique: that a baby is delivered breech. leaving only the head in the birth canal, where the skull can be pierced and the brain suctioned out, rendering the human form lifeless.

We can only assume that the president has no concept at all of what it means to pray.

Certainly, the president has a longtime affiliation with the abortion lobby, taking advantage of its ability to raise money and provide organisation to any political campaign.

But, clearly, the president would not have grievously offended these pro-abortionists if he had permitted the ban to become law without his signature, all the while acknowledging his political difference with the bill and mainstream America.

But the president chose Instead to veto it, citing prayer as a major vehicle for his decision.

And, as if not brazen enough. in sheer political chutzpah when announcing the veto, the president dragged out -a Catholic" and "a pro-lifer" who support his decision. This is salt that will linger in the wound.

To what god does Bill Clinton pray?

Surely it is not the God who hears the cries of the 1.5 million innocent pre-born children who every year have their lives ended thanks to greedy politicians and abortionists.

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 13 10,4

International News

Catholic-Orthodox split Diocese's gun policy in Europe warning In Brief

By Jonathan Luxmoore WARSAW, Poland (CNS) - The secretary-general of the World Council of Churches has warned that a potential religious split in Europe risks giving NATO and the European Union a "confessional dimension."

The Reverend Konrad Raiser, WCC leader and Lutheran pastor, also said "most problems" with the Catholic Church have now been solved through dialogue.

Dr Raiser said he had discussed issues surrounding Europe's with Polish reunification President Aleksander Kwasniewswki and had stressed the dangers of a "clash of civilisations" if attempts were made to isolate East European countries from NATO and European Union structures.

Bosnian churches talk peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) - As the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina attempt to resume a normal life, the leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches in the country met to outline a plan for resuming ecumenical dialogue.

Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo and Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Nikolaj of Central Bosnia met in Sarajevo on April 16, Vatican Radio reported.

Among the topics the two Church leaders discussed were ways in which Catholics and Orthodox could support each other as they work to minister to their own communities.

The ethnic and religious makeup of neighbourhoods, villages and regions changed during and after the war, which pitted the mostly Orthodox Serbs against Bosnian Muslims and the mostly Catholic Croatians.

Vatican Radio said the two churchmen also agreed to work together for the immediate release of prisoners of war and to share information about people still listed as missing.

Cardinal PuIlic and Metropolitan Nikolaj also said all the nation's Catholic and Orthodox bishops should have a joint meeting soon, and they discussed the possibility of an ecumenical peace meeting in Sarajevo with Pope John Paul II, Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Pavle and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexei II. Pope John Paul had hoped to visit Sarajevo and to meet with Patriarch Pavle in Belgrade in September 1994, but went instead only to Zagreb, Croatia, because of security concerns in Bosnia and opposition from some Serbian Orthodox to a meeting between the Pope and patriarch while the war was still going on.

"From the WCC's viewpoint, it will be very dangerous if the impression is given that a new border is forming between Europe's Orthodox-dominated East and a richer, more secure western part under Catholic and Protestant influence," the secretary-general said at the end of a three-day visit to Poland.

"The WCC firmly rejects any such analysis of the situation in Europe and will continue building bridges of understanding between all sides."

Dr Raiser spoke after a bishop from Poland's 570,000-member Orthodox minority criticised attitudes of "deep-rooted exclusivity" in the Catholic Church.

Orthodox Bishop Jeremiasz of Wroclaw said Catholic priests had refused baptismal certificates to members of other confessions and had used "direct

and indirect force to achieve the confessional conversion of nonCatholics."

"There is now a great danger that when Poland, Slovakia and Hungary join the EU and NATO, the economic and political border will also become a confessional one," Orthodox Bishop Jeremiasz said.

Asked about the proliferation of new religious sects and cults in Eastern Europe since the ending of communist rule, Dr Raiser said It was a "basic principle of religious liberty and tolerance" that the religious beliefs of Christians and others should be accepted and respected "in their full integrity."

"The key question is whether a particular Christian community accepts its basic relatedness to others," the WCC head added.

"That new Christian religious

movements have spread so fast is a sign of essential weakness on the part of the historic churches.

Rather than rejecting them, the churches should see them as posing a challenge to a more effective contemporary witness," he said.

Dr Raiser said the WCC had "always favoured full cooperation" with Catholics, although the Vatican had decided against enrolling the Catholic Church as a full member of the ecumenical body, comprising 340 churches.

He added that an "intensive ecumenical dialogue" with Catholic theologians had now resolved "most difficulties" over Issues of communion and the Eucharist.

However, "essential problems" still surround the authority of the ordained ministry and the role of the Pope, Dr. Raiser said.

Christians and Klansmen confront each other at rally

By Angela Partee LOUISVILLE, Kentucky. (CNS) Some 600 people gathered in a downtown Louisville park on April 13 to make a stand against racism and counter a Ku Klux Klan rally being held across the street on the steps of the county courthouse.

Catholics were among those opposing the Klan rally with their own rally for justice and unity.

"I think it's a great turnout of people, especially given the weather conditions - it's cold and raining," said Father Patrick Delahanty, director of Migration and Refugee Services of Catholic Charities.

"It's nice and peaceful," he told The Record, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Louisville.

"It's important to come out and stand for the truth as opposed to what some others might be standing for."

As a safety measure, police closed parts of downtown Louisville to cars, and the rally sites were separated by a fence.

People attending both rallies were searched: they were not allowed to carry bottles, pocket knives or items that could be used as weapons, including umbrellas.

About 50 people participated in the Klan gathering, the group's first rally in Louisville in 20 years.

"I came down to take a stand against the ignorance and the bigotry of people," said Peggy

Rally participant Alex Amaya expresses his sentiments opposing the Ku Photo (..,NS 1-for ner Klux Klan.

Gross of St Pius X Parish. "Also, the Klan is against Catholics as well as Jewish people, blacks and all minorities...."

"I can't believe this is still going on in the '90s," she added.

Various speakers encouraged participants to continue working for justice.

Many carried signs quoting Scripture. People also sang and cheered. One cheer was: "Together! Forever! Together!

Forever!"

"We want to show that our community accepts everyone," said Tim Buckler, a member of Holy Name Parish.

"Diversity is what makes us the great country we are," said

Stephanie Hapeman, a member of Mother of Good Counsel Parish who coordinates special programming for refugees at Catholic Charities.

"I just think it's horrible what some people believe," she said. ' Yes, you have your freedom of speech, but it's a scary thing when you can walk down the street and say 'I hate you' just because you look different than me." deacon David Permanent Tomes, of Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, said although he wished the Klan wasn't there, the Klan's presence did unite the community.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I really think it's drawing a lot of people together."

The day before the rallies about 300 people from different religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption for a "Silent Gallery of Solidarity."

Participants prayed and reflected: many signed petitions affirming diversity and mutual respect.

Among those attending were Jefferson County Judge-Executive Dave Armstrong and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.

Before the silent observance began, Louisville Archbishop Thomas Kelly read a statement signed by some 40 representatives of Louisville churches and synagogues.

Fifty other religious leaders phoned or faxed their support for the statement.

We will denounce corruption: bishop BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) Political pressures will not keep the Colombian Church from denouncing corruption within the Government and the whole country, said Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Saenz, president of the Colombian bishops' conference.

The archbishop's statements came after politicians close to President Ernesto Samper Pizano said the Church lacks moral

The Record, April 25 1996 Page 14

authority because it has received drug trafficking money from Colombian drug lords.

"We are ready to do an internal purge" if it can be shown that priests have accepted money from drug trafficking in the country, said Archbishop Rubiano, now archbishop of Bogota and former archbishop of Cali, known for its drug cartels.

Even though there was no proof

of the accusations, the archbishop said, "we are ready to condemn and publicly punish any Church member that could have sold his conscience for drug money."

However he acknowledged the possibility of corruption. "It might have happened because, unfortunately, drug money has been flowing around all levels and sectors of our society."

SAN ANGEW, Texas (CNS) All buildings and property of the Diocese of San Angelo are off limits to guns and other weapons, according to a new policy promulgated by Bishop Michael Pfeifer.

Bishop Pfeifer said the ban is a response to the state's Concealed Gun Law allowing Texans over the age of 21 to carry concealed handguns. specifically policy The excludes peace officers or government officials "authorised by law to carry such weapons, if they are on duty. . . ."

Burns' bequest WASHINGTON (CNS) - In memory of his wife, Grade Allen, comedian George Burns bequeathed $100.000 to her Catholic alma mater, Star of the Sea School in San Francisco.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who operate the 320-student parish elementary school, were notified in a letter from attorneys for Burns' estate a few weeks after his death in March. He was 100.

Priest importers WARSAW (CNS) - TW0 Polish priests have been charged with illegally importing and selling expensive Western cars after falsely claiming they were to be used for charitable purposes by Catholic parishes.

The case follows warnings by Church leaders against the abuse of tax and duty exemptions by clergy members engaged in commercial activities.

Monastery visit VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II will travel to Hungary in early September to join celebrations marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Benedictine monastery of Pannonhalma, known as a centre of dialogue between the Christian East and West, the Vatican has announced.

Gambling protest

CEBU Crry, Philippines (CNS) - The Cebu Archdiocese is continuing to fight introduction of a computerised numbers game into the second-largest Philippines' city, despite legal and official support for the game.

Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu led some 5,000 people in denouncing plans of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to operate the lotto in Cebu City, 350 miles southeast of Manila.

Threat of priests WARSAW, Poland (CNS) Russian nationalist presidenVladimir candidate tial Zhirinovsky has urged citizens of neighbouring Belarus to resist the "anti-Russian influences of the Catholic Church."

He also accused Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko of "failing to appreciate the dangers" of allowing Catholic priests to work in his country.

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Phone 227 7778 (24 hours)

HOUDAY ACCOMMODATION SUNSHINE, WINTER BREEZES. SUMMER Kalbarri, comfortable. self contained accommodation by the sea. within walking distance of shops and entertainment, S140 for t wo: S210 for four, for seven days. (09) 459 8554.

BEACH FRONT. Silver two Sands, Mandurah storey holiday villa, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 12. two bathrooms. two toilets. walk to shops. no smoking, no pets. S80 a day. $120 holidays 018 92 8895.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED MALE STUDENT 21 yo wishes to board in house in Perth or Tuart Hill area.

Phone 272-3709 for offers.

LEADIJGHTS C HRISTCHURCH leadlights.

C athedral Traditional leadlights. creations and repairs. Free quotes. Call Justin on 445 9053 or pager No. 480 5593.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Tea. KOMBUCHA Nutritional and Personal Care products now available in WA. Independent urgently distributors required.

Country enquiries welcome. Phone

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE SHARED accommodation. mature male or female, non-smoker, to share 3 in bedroom duplex Northern -Suburbs. Tel. 309 2213 for further details

PUBUC NOTICE MASSEUSE:

Bethany professional Clinic, masseuse, dealing with skeletal and muscular pain, sporting injuries, stress, relaxation and deep tissue acupressure. massage.

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm. Saturday 10am to 5pm. Ring Orial 479 7120.

S5 discount pensioners.

This service is definitely non-sexual.

FURNITURE CARRIED housefuls, units, flats offices, including single items, small medium and large vans available with 1 or 2 men, all metro areas and near country. Mike Murphy 008 016 310 (free call all areas): or 24 hour 480 5006.

PSORIASIS SUPPORT GROUP meets every first Wednesday of the month at Bassendean Community Hall at 7 pm.

Supper provided. Next meeting, 1 May. Enquiries Gwen Fenech ( w) 377-2190, (h) 279-

PERSONAL

A wa r eness Communication. The resource centre has new course for men and women beginning soon.

The course is to synthesise personal awareness and relationship education with the of the teachings Catholic Church and Scripture in order to promote faith in Jesus Christ with an emphasis on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Authenticity at every stage of development. Tolerance and unity in relationships.

People who are interested, phone Eva or Helmut on 418 1439

FOR SALE 4 c.d....

Continuous Concrete Garden edging in various colours For obligation free quote .Phoot ..

John oo 331 240!)

TEAK oak wood desk $480. jarrah bar $100. two jarrah bar stools $40, pine five seater lounge $250. six big chairs $300 or nearest offer. Tel. 279 7369

THANKS ASK and you shall receive Ask for 3 favours. Say nine Hail Mary's for nine days with a lighted candle. Pray. whether you believe it or not. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised. adored, glorified, loved. today and every day for ever and ever. Thanks and praise to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Blessed Lady, Mother of Mercy.

Infant Jesus, St Jude. patron saint of the impossible. Maureen Lortan HEARTFELT thanks to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. for a cure from cancer and thanks also to St Peregrine, for his faithful intercession. Thanks also to Fr Patrick Turner of St Columba's Bayswater for his anointing of the sick on every first Friday. Robin Andrews.

HOLY Spirit, thou who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach the ideal, you who gave me the divine gift to f orgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I in this dialogue want thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never wanted to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. L.T. MAY the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, preserved and loved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St Jude the worker of miracles pray for us. St Jude, helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day. Say for nine days. Thank you St Jude for the favours granted.

Loretta.

For ads 25 words or less please send $5 with your copy.

Menopause Information for Women from age 40 onwards Friday 3 May 1996 Date: 9.30am to 2.30pm Time: Venue: 29 Victoria Square Perth 510 (includes light lunch) Cost: Contact: Ann 221 3866 for bookings

Finished with your childbearing years-...? Learn how your body, adjusts from

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING 221 3866 Country clients welcome. Phone or write.

Phone (008) 11 4010 ( local charge) Natural Family Planning Centre 29 Victoria Square Niemtwr of thc Australian Council of Natural Family Manning Ink-

SERVING ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - OFFICE 272 8411 — Mobile: 018 955 332 (Res): 375 3116 Pager 483 6551

CARTERS REAL ESTATE BAYSWATER 3a King William Street

SALLY PALMER Plrosed to lie of service

ELLIOTT & ELLIOTT

Optometrists Contact Lens Consultants 4 Cantonment Street, FREMANTLE Phone 335 2602

The Catechism of the Catholic Church The condition of Christ's risen humanity 645 By means of touch and the sharing of

a meal, the risen Jesus establishes direct contact with his disciples. He invites them in this way to recognise that he is not a ghost and above all to verify that the risen body in which he appears to them is the same body that had been tortured and crucified, for it still bears the traces of his passion. Yet at the same time this authentic, real body possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when he wills: for Christ's humanity can no longer be confined to earth and

belongs hence forth only to the Father's divine realm. For this reason too the risen Iesus enjoys the sovereign freedom of appearing as he wishes: in the guise of a gardener or in other forms familiar to his disciples, precisely to awaken their faith.

646 Christ's Resurrection was not a return

to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that he had performed before Easter: lairus' daughter, the young man of Naim, Lazarus. These actions were miraculous events, but the persons miraculously raised returned by Jesus' power to ordinary earthly life. At some particular moment they would die again. Christ's Resurrection is essentially

different. In his risen body he passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. At Jesus' Resurrection his body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit: he shares the divine life in his glorious state, so that St. Paul can say that Christ is "the man of heaven."

The Resurrection as transcendent event

647 0 truly blessed Night, sings the Exsultet of the Easter Vigil, which alone deserved to know the time and the hour when Christ rose from the realm of the dead!

But no one was an eyewitness to Christ's

Resurrection and no evangelist describes it. No one can say how it came about physically. Still less was its innermost essence, his passing over to another life, perceptible to the senses. Although the Resurrection was an historical event that could be verified by the sign of the empty tomb and by the reality of the apostles' encounters with the risen Christ, still it remains at the very heart of the mystery of faith as something that transcends and surpasses history. This is why the risen Christ does not reveal himself to the world, but to his disciples. "to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people."

April 25 1.99,6,3W115

THE CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA invites applications for the position of

FOUNDATION PRINCIPAL

CLARKSON CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Clarkson Catholic Primary School will commence operation in 1997 catering, initially, for students from kindergarten to Year 2. The school is expected to develop into a full two-stream school catering for 520 students. It will be catering for the multi-age grouping approach to education. Additional information will be available with requests for applications.

The successful applicant will be expected to take up the position at the commencement of Term 4, 1996.

Ideally, the Foundation Principal will have previous Principal experience and a broad exposure throughout the primary grades which will enable her/him to undertake the development and leadership of this new school. The applicant will have knowledge of contemporary trends in primary education.

Applicants need to be actively involved in thc Catholic Church and be experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, pastoral and managerial competencies together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification and will have, or be prepared to complete, appropriate Accreditation requirements.

Further information and official application forms are available from Sr Clare Rafferty, Consultant, School Personnel Team, Ph. (09) 388 4268.

Official application forms should be addressed to the Director, Catholic Education Office of WA, PO Box 198, Leederville WA 6903 and be lodged no later than Wednesday, 8 May 1996.

All Catholic schools are smoke-free workplaces.

MERCEDES COLLEGE WESI'ERN AUSTRALIA

PRINCIPAL Mercedes College, Perth is a Catholic girls' College which is owned and operated by The Sisters of Mercy Perth (Amalgamated) Inc with an enrolment of 750 day students in years eight to twelve.

The College was founded in 1846 by six Sisters from Dublin. Ireland who had arrived at the Swan River colony in January The Sisters opened the school in February 1846 at Victoria Square, Perth, the same site it occupies to this day.

Steeped in the Mercy tradition, the College is committed to excellence in all areas of education and to the development of attitudes and values that will prepare its students to work for the betterment of the community.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced educator who can show a commitment to the established ethos, values and traditions of the College and is able to take it into the 21st century, while retaining the great Mercy traditions of its past.

Documents giving full details of the appointment and the selection criteria are available from: Sister Leonie O'Brien, RSM Congregational Leader The Sisters of Mercy Perth (Amalgamated) Inc PO Box 74, WEMBLEY WA 6014

Official Engagements

THE PARISH S CENE VOLUNTEERS WANTED Emmanuel Centre, a self help centre for people with disabilities is seeking anyone with a few hours to spare each week either during the weekdays or on weekends.

Activities would range from helping to sort newspapers, house cleaning, befriending or accompanying people on outings. etc.

If you feel God's call give Barbara a ring on 328 8113.

FIRST SATURDAY Our Lady requested at Fatima, that reparation be made to the Immaculate Heart on the first Saturday of five consecutive months.

In accordance with Our Lady's request, five all night Vigils will be held at Holy Spirit Church, Keany PI, City Beach. The first vigil will c ommence at 8pm, Friday March 3 with Rosary (Confession available between 8pm and 9pm), concluding with Holy Mass at 9am on Saturday May 4 Act (Rosary and of Consecration to the immaculate Heart of Mary will precede Mass). All are invited to join in the Rosary and prayers at commencement of Vigil on the Friday evening and if you can spend time with the Lord during all night Vigil please contact Margaret

(446 1935) or Lorraine (446 9682) to confirm time slot.

Prayers will also be offered in reparation for abortion.

COMMUNION SERVICES This evening workshop is for Special Ministers of the Eucharist, Acolytes and Pastoral Workers involved in preparing and celebrating the Word with communion in the absence of a priest.

Presented by Fr Vincent Glynn and Sr Kerry Willison.

Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm 9.30pm, St Denis Church, 60 Osborne Street, Joondanna or Wednesday 29 May, 7.30pm - 9.30pm St Thomas More Church, 100 Dean Road, Bateman.

Cost S5. For further information and registration please contact the Archdiocesan Liturgy Office, phone (09) 221 1458.

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS A traditional sung Latin Mass will be celebrated on the feast of St Joseph at St John's Pro-cathedral, Victoria Avenue, Perth on Wednesday 1 May 1996 at 7.30pm.

Mass is celebrated here every Sunday at 11.15am and at Corpus Christi Parish Church, Evershed Street, Myaree at 11am. All welcome.

Enquiries phone 457 5860 or 382 2451.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL

BOOKSHOP Books Martin Griver, second Bishop of Perth, by LJ Goody $ 5.00 Finding God in All Things. William Barry SJ 11.00 Children's Books Miraculous Medal 4.80 The Cure of Ars 8.65 3.00 Story Books. Great also for grandchildren Videos Hill of Redemption 400 year history of persecution and martyrdom in Japan's 35.00 Christian past 36.00 Vision of Freedom. The suffering church in Ukraine. A story of faith. each 27.00 God Bless. Fr Ken Roberts. 4 tapes Practical Apologetics. Answering common objections to Catholic faith.

By Fr Scott Hahn. 3 tapes each 20.00 each 28.00 Sr Briege McKenna on how to experience Jesus. 4 tapes Marriage Preparation. Looks at personal issues, problem solving, finances, parenting, religion. 4 tapes each 37.50

15 Bronte Street, East Perth

Applications close Monday 13 May 1996

Celebration of the Liturgy in honour of

ST PEREGRINE Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers

Friday, 3 May 1996 Programme: Z3Opm Healing Mass Blessing and veneration of relic of St Peregrine, OSM

APRIL Ecumenical Prayer Service 26 and Launch of ACSJC Document on Domestic Violence, All Saints Chapel Archbishop Hickey Investiture Mass, Equestrian 27 Order of the Holy Sepulchre St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey 29 - 3 May National Education C onference, Canberra Bishop Healy Civic Reception for 29 A mbassador of Belgium Rev Fr F Marlow SJ Heads of Churches Meeting 30 Archbishop Hickey Italian Apprentice of the Year Award, Osborne Park Monsignor Keating MAY 1 2 3 5

Confirmation, Newman Junior School - Monsignor Keating Mass and Opening of Hostel at Catherine McAuley Centre Archbishop Hickey Visit to St Charles' Seminary Archbishop Hickey 25th Anniversary Celebration of Friends of Saligao

6

Association, Riverton Archbishop Hickey University of Notre Dame Australia, Students' Mass Archbishop Hickey Association San Leone, Solemn Mass - Bishop Healy Visitation to Seminaries in USA - Archbishop Hickey

THE VATICAN LIBRARY GIFT COLLECTION Crucifixes

The jewellery and gifts Rosary Rings of this prestigious collection is Gold or Silver Pendants plated and crafted by skilled artisans.

Reliquaries Each piece is beautifully Rosary Boxes giftboxed, bears the Vatican seal and has Key Rings been inspired from illuBookmarks minated manuscripts Pens and illustrations in the Vatican Library.

Brooches Truly beautiful and lastEarrings ing gifts for this special occasion.

Cuff Links

pcilEgnm's ADVERTISE IN THE RECORD

858 Hay Street, Perth Tel. 321 6655

WA's LEADING TOOL DISTRIBUTOR

TOOLIMART The Complete Tool Centre

Anointing of the Sick

TOOLS FOR THE HANDYMAN & PROFESSIONAL

Venue: St Denis Church, cnr Roberts

• Power Tools • Hand Tools • Workshop Equipment •

and Osborne Sts, Joondalma, WA

All welcome.

Enquiries: Fr Carlo Marchetti, OSM, Servile Cmmnunity, 2 Morgans Street, Tuart Hill, Phone (09) 444 1223 The Record, April 25 1996 Page 16

St Peregrine, OSM Order of the Servants of Mary Penitent and Miracle worker Feast: 4 May

Biggest Range - Expert Service Repairs - Spare Parts Midvale East Victoria Park 321 Great Eastern Highway 804 Albany Highway, W.A. 6101 Ph: 250 2661, Fax: 250 2385 Ph: (09) 361 8788 Fax: (09) 470 2394