The Record Newspaper 29 August 1996

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Perth: August 29, 1996

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WA Catholic students keep up art tradition 1

Principal of Santa Maria, Frank Owen, Art Teacher Thelma Gunning and Angelico winner Kather,:,--: an Co, e ine Gier in front of her painting at the awards last Monday.

No, the Blues Brothers have not been cloned. These are students from Orana Catholic Primary School Choir performing the Kazoo Concerto during the Choral Festival of the Performing Arts Festival at Trinity College last week.

Photo: CEO/Bnan Coyne

Ten students from Catholic colleges have taken out awards in the 1996 Angelico Art Exhibition opened last Monday by ViCar General Monsignor Michael Keating at the Banlcwest Tower.

The first prize was shared between a painter and a sculptor: !Catherine Gier - a Year 12 student at Santa Maria College, Attadale - won with her painting eI,ntitled I I FlJ My Place, and Anita Suvaljko - a Year 12 student at Kolbe Catholic College. Rockingham - won with her three dimensional work enlitled Repulsive Sylph.

Pregnancy help centre open soon

By Peter Rosengren

The crisis counselling service offering pro-life counselling to women uncertain whether to continue with their pregnancies, foreshadowed

by Archbishop Barry Hickey in April will begin its work next month, the Archbishop announced this week.

To be Icnown simply as Preg-

nancy Assistance, the service will operate out of premises provided by the archdiocese in Lord street, East Perth, and will be run by trained pro-life cotmsellors, 16 of whom are currently in training.

The Pregnancy Assistance service replaces the archdiocesan Centrware welfare agency's work in pregnancy counselling after the agency decided to discontinue its work in that fieM earlier this year.

A co-ordinator, Anne-Marie Langdon, has already been appointed to oversee the training of counsellors and the administration of the new service.

And while it will primarily do whatever it can to help girls or

women who are uncertain about moting the well being and dignitheir pregnancy, or do not want to ty of both mother and child in a continue their pregnancy, it also caring and professional manner." aims to help men whose wives or Initially, 15 voltutteers will staff girlfriends are in the same situa- the telephones and counsel tion. women on a 9-5, Monday to Pregnancy Assistance will also day basis, with the possibility of a provide moral support and prac- 24-hour. seven-days-a-week sertical help to women in need dur- vice later. ing their pregnancy and after Miss Langdon asked for childbirth including providing Catholics to support the new maternity clothes, childminding, body. Help would be needed in nappies, furniture such as cots, many areas, including volunteers and other child-rearing materials. interested in being trained as Apart from premises and tele- counsellors, providing follow-up phone equipment supplied by the support to women, or helping archdiocese, Pregnancy Assis- with duties such as childminding, tance will rely on donations of goI. ds and services from mem- handyman work or repairing secbers of the public to furnish the ond-hand baby furniture.

The new service will base its building and to provide suitable counselling practices on princisurroundings for the work of its ples outlined by Archbishop staff.

Archbishop Hickey said this Hickey as necessary for an agency week he was delighted that a new operating under Catholic auspices. These include: service has been established.

• providing information about He said on-going supervision would be provided to ensure the reality of human life in the counselling was always carried womb and the consequences of out in a sensitive professional abortion on the unborn child as manner and within the parame- well as the possible effects on the mother; ters of Catholic teaching.

• undertaking counselling in The new service promotes itself as being "unambiguously pro-life accordance with the Magisterium [and] totally committed to pro- of the Church, in particular the

The Exhibition was judged by Ms Marlene Stafford of the Stafford Galleries in Cottesloe and artist, Ms Rebecca Cool.

Mgr Keating reminded the stITdents, teachers and parents present of the example set by Fra Angelico in using art to explore and express the deeper meaning of life.

He noted that while the Angelico Exhibition was not an exhibition of religious art, nevertheless, some of the students had thosen to explore religious themes.

encyclicals Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae, • referral of women, wherever possible, to other pro-life agencies and Catholic health professionals; and • refusal to refer women to organisations Icnown to be linked to the provision of abortion or which advocate the use of abortifacients.

Miss Langdon said the service would also provide free pregnancy testing as well as post-abortion counselling, she said.

"While we can judge the act of abortion as wrong, we can never judge a woman who has had an abortion," Miss Langdon said.

"VVe can offer post-abortion grief counselling in a non-judgmental and caring environment" All calls to the service would be completely confidential.

Archbishop Hickey also said that discussions about a Catholic women's health care centre were continuing. "It will be .. . . a clear sign that the special medical concerns of women are clearly recognised within the Catholic health care services," he said.

Anne-Marie interview - Page 9

Cathedral packed for Pilgrim Statue - Page 3

'Prayer before programs' The Archbishop of Perth.

Archbishop Baffy Hickey. has called on Catholics in the archdiocese of Perth to remember that prayer and belief in the saving power of Jesus Christ are the major weapons to overcome evil and lead people to God. Writing in this week's Perspective coltunn on Page 2 of The Record, the archbishop forces us to remember that it is God who saves, not our plans and programs.

"We must resist the temptation to adopt the ways of the world in solving the spiritual challenges before us," he said while reminding Catholics also that devotion to Mary, the Mother of God is a sure way to avoid this pitfall.

"It would be easy to think that we could solve the question of vocations to the priesthood, or the return of faraway Catholics or the renewal of the liturgy by programmes, slcills, training, publicity and money," he said.

-These things may be needed, but without prayer, they I.come techniques that we borrow from the ways of the world, and will be inadequate for matters that are essentially spiritual."

Cardinal launches women study - Page 2

A world desperate for Christ's shining light

I have rarely felt such intense were full of love for God and for Fatima, a place made holy world, by spiritual energy asIfelt last week the conversion of hearts. But there visits of Mary and the prayersthe row from the ways of the of and will be inadequate for matIn the Cathedral on the Feast of was more. countless millions of pilgrims. ters that are essentially spiritual. the Queenship of Mary. It was the Ithink there was a feeling, howWhat makes my few days in FatiWe could also fall into the trap highlight of our Australia-wide ever un-articulated, that the world ma so memorable is that I have of helping the poor or agitating pilgrimage of the statue of Our desperately needs to see the light not been able to find such a comfor social justice by adopting Lady of Fatima from Portugal. of Christ, and that in these dark plete break from my daily duties political or social activist methI asked myself what caused times, Mary is calling us to live since. We all need such time out, ods. But without prayer, we will three thousand people to crush our faith to the full to bring the but rarely get it. achieve little.

Into the Cathedral on a cold win- world back to God. The Pilgrimage to Australia is a Prayer and belief in the saving ter's night. Was it simply their love Mary's statue came to us all the vivid reminder that we must resist power of Jesus Christ are our for Mary, or was there something way from Fatima.Ihad the privi- the temptation to adopt the ways major weapons to overcome evil even deeper at work'? All day long lege of going to Fatima three years of the world in solving the spiri- and lead people to God. Everypeople had been filing into the ago. It was a blessing for me that tual challenges before us. It would thing else is additional.

Cathedral to pray the rosary and it was the off-season, as I had be easy to think that we could It is Mary's role to bring Christ to spend time in quiet contem- plenty of time to pray quietly and solve the question of vocations to into the world. She has not ceased plation. Then the magnificent meditate without the crush of the the priesthood, or the return of doing that since she brought Him Mass at night and the Consecra- summer crowds. There was an faraway Catholics or the renewal into the world at Bethlehem.

She tion to Mary's Immaculate Heart. ascetic atmosphere in Fatima that of the liturgy by programmes, is still active today to call us back Perhaps it was the presence of called for prayer and penance. skills, training, publicity and to her Son, so that he will be the the two young preachers from Both the priest accompanying money. These things may be light of our own lives, and be the Rome that drew them there. I'm me andI were very aware of the needed, but without prayer, they shining light in the darkness of sure that was part of it, as they profound spiritual presence in become techniques that we bor- our world.

Archbishop's

Perspective

Women in Church study launched

Cardinal Clancy launches the project as secretary to the project, Sandie Cornish, and Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Peter Ingham look on.

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The Record, August 29.1996 Page 2

Cardinal Edward Clancy last week launched the Australian bishops' Australia-wide research project on how women participate in the Church and how their participation could be increased.

Cardinal Clancy said the research results would help the bishops move beyond claims and counter-claims made about women's attitudes to the Church to a deeper understanding of the real situation.

The unique project is designed to help Church bodies plan for the future and promote more effectively the Christian vision of the equal dignity of men and women.

The cardinal said the presence of bishops' conference representatives at the launch underscored the seriousness of their commitment to the project, and added that the Australian bishops were well aware of Its sensitive nature. "We intend that It should be conducted with both charity and justice in mind, and in a way that respects the principles of careful, objective research," he said.

Admitting that the example of

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Christ had not always been followed as it should have been" by the Church, he said that in the twentieth century, nevertheless, the lesson is being better learned, even if too painfully and slowly."

Bishop Kevin Manning, convenor of the research management group, reiterated the four key questions to be canvassed: What are the ways in which women participate in the Catholic Church in Australia? What assistance and support are currently offered to women to participate in the Church? What are barriers to women's participation in the Church? What are some of the ways in which women's participation in the Church can be increased.

Bishop Manning also called for written submissions from anyone with an interest in the project.

Guidelines for submissions and submission forms are available from the BCJDP secretariat with the deadline for submissions being 1 December, 1996.

Bishop Manning said research would be conducted by distributing questions to a sub-sample of the National Church Life Survey later this year, hearings would be held from mid-1997 in capital cities and regional centres across all States and Territories.

"The times and places of the hearings will be advertised nationally and those wishing to present at hearings will be asked to make appointments through the BC1DP secretariat," he said.

Further information on the project can be gained by contacting Ms Sandie Cornish, secretary to the Research Management Group at the BC1DP secretariat on (02) 9956 5800.

Pilgrim statue evokes faith

By Colleen McGtOness-Howard With not even standing room left, the crowd at St Mary's Cathedral last Thursday paid homage to their Mother Mary who 50 years ago on 22 August, 1946 was crowned Queen of the World.

Celebrating the Mass with Perth Auxiliary Bishop Robert Healy and 30 priests, Archbishop Barry Hickey commented on the enthusiastic and "tremendous crowds everywhere associated with the Pilgrim Virgin" as the statue visited 41 venues in 12 days in WA, attracting an average of 600 to 800 people on all occasions, "who'd come to feel God's presence and in a special way, the presence of Mary at Fatima."

Expressing his joy at such a public expression of faith, Archbishop Hickey said he believed many graces would come as a result of the Pilgrim Virgin's journeying throughout Australia, and hoped her pilgrimage would cause a wonderful renewal of prayer.

He pointed to the "spirit of secularism sweeping the continent," as one of the greatest evils which has entered the Church, and noted how many "Catholics, and previously fervently Catholic countries, and Catholic families" had drifted away from the faith.

Archbishop Hickey urged people to commit themselves to God. Jesus. Mary and the Saints in order to turn away from "this secularism, which in the 20th century has caused so much damage. from practices which overturn the dignity of life and scar our soci-

ety" and he emphasised the importance of prayer.

Plans, programs, publications, posters and endeavours to help the poor and all sorts of other initiatives, "will achieve nothing without deep, solid prayer," he said. "Because it is only through fervent, strong prayer that those efforts will succeed, and young men and women will want to be priests and religious; and only prayer will bring back the 75 per cent who no longer go even to Sunday Mass.

"And again we can have discussions and seminars as to how to bring them back," Archbishop Hickey reinforced, "but nothing will work unless firmly based on faith and prayer."

He asked why had Mary come so often to our world to give her message to the "little ones or people who lived in obscurity?"

And why did she call us to be faithful to the Gospel, and why did God raise her up to be the mother of His Son? In response, Archbishop Hickey repeated how in the Old Testament the people of Israel were told to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and pointed to Mary "raised up by God, pure and immaculate," to give birth to the Messiah the Saviour of the world.

Today Mary is still presenting her Son to the world, he asserted, saying "Here is my Son. Listen to Him. Obey Him. Love Him. Look to Him." He reminded the assembly that Mary was still the Mother of Jesus and was bringing the Messiah to

Archbishop Hickey entrusts the Archdiocese to the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, last Thursday evening

us; that her prayers were powerful, and that she was insisting that we turn our hearts and minds to God. Archbishop Hickey asked people to pray so that many will come forward and give their lives to God. "Because I too have heard the word of Christ and want to give myself, and urge you to pray so that our priests may never flag in their zeal and continue to bring us the Word of God and Bread of Life.

That our religious who are signs of commitment may continue to be active amongst us."

Pray for families, he asked, trying to raise children and battling against the forces of evil, "so they can carry out their responsible role and sustain the numerous pressures upon their marriages; and pray that husbands and wives will continue with their love for each other."

Archbishop Hickey crowned the Pilgrim Virgin as Queen of the World, and later entrusted the

Australian nuns jailed in Sudan 'home soon' Three Australian nuns held by the Sudanese People's Liberation Army are expected to be released this weekend and return to Australia soon after.

Sisters Moira Lynch, 72, and Mary Batchelor, 67, from the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Order, along with American Father Michael Barton, 48, and Sudanese Father Raphael Riel, 48, were held in prison before being returned to their mission compound at Mapourdit to join Sister Maureen Casey, 5 2, and a Brother lacomella under house arrest in the compound.

Catholic Communications in Sydney

said yesterday the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya. John Trotter, had advised that the Nairobi spokesman for the SPLA had ordered the immediate release of the nuns, priests and brother.

Jesuit Refugee Service coordinator Kerry Murphy told ABC radio on Wednesday he expected the nuns to return to Australia for rest and recuperation after their ordeal.

Sister Margaret Fahey from the OLSH Sisters in Kensington, New South Wales, said the sisters hoped the charges of allegedly "hindering SPLA recruitment, being found in possession of documents

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proving they were spies from foreign countries [and] working for the spread of Islam under the guise of the Cross" would no longer be pursued.

"We are thankful that the sisters appear to be in good health and we are extremely grateful that the negotiations seem to be positive," Sr Fahey said.

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WOMEN IN THE CHURCH Submissions invited

Archdiocese to Our Lady. The beautiful statue of the International Pilgrim Virgin stood majestically on her flower-bedecked dais in the cathedral sanctuary.

During the day, St Mary's Cathedral remained filled with organisations, groups, bus loads of school children, and individuals who flocked there to pray the Rosary on the hour, take part in the midday Mass, listen to international Marian speakers, or simply quietly talk to their Mother on her feast day.

Tel. 325 3474 Fax 325 6917 Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm

•

As part of a major research project on The Participation of Women in the Catholic Church in Australia, the Bishops, in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University and the Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes, invite interested individuals and groups to make written submissions on the subject.

It is suggested that submissions address one or more of the following questions: • What are the ways in which women participate in the Catholic Church in Australia?

• What assistance and support are currently offered to women to participate in the Church?

• What are barriers to women's participation in the Church?

• What are some ways in which women's participation in the Church can be increased?

The submissions may come from organisations, groups or individuals who are male or female, young or old, actively involved in Church structures or not. They may take the form of letters, lists of points or papers no longer than ten A4 pages.

Alternatively, a submission form may be used. This is obtainable, together with guidelines, from: The Secretariat of the Bishop's Committee for Justice, Development and Peace. Leo XIII House, 19 MacKenzie Street, North Sydney NSW 2060, Tel: 02 9956 5800; fax 02 9956 5782.

Submissions should reach the same address by IDecember 1996.

If,you are Spiritual- or a Churchgoer and wouldlike improvedspiritual- we,I advise you toget in touch with St. Francis Secular Order, Victoria Park (especially if you live South of the river).

We =et every 3rdSunday of the month at 3Fm at Mariz Isaiah Place, backof St. loachipts Church, Victoria Park, Phone 361 5060 Doug Williams The Record, August 29 1996 Page 3

TOMORROW TODAY

Stickers and shirts help sell chastity message MEMPHIS, Tennessee. (CNS) - The Natural Family Planning Centre of the Diocese of Memphis is using stickers, T-shirts, boxer shorts and tote bags to promote chastity among Catholic youth.

The items are festooned with slogans such as "I'm a Piece of God's Love." "I'm Headed for Heaven," "I'm Worth Waiting For," "True Love Waits for Marriage," and "CHASTITY - It Does a Body (and Soul) Good!"

Mary Pat Van Epps, director of the centre since 1982, said the colourful line of chastity-promoting items evolved from bookmarks given to participants at the centre's first mother-daughter, father-son workshops about six years ago.

"We were going to talk about chastity to these youths and their parents." she told Common Sense, newspaper of the Memphis Diocese, "and we needed something to hand out."

The bookmarks list -25 Ways to Be a Happy Teen-Ager." including "Be choosy about your dates" and "Be patient vou deserve the best."

Van Epps said the bookmarks are still so popular she hopes to have them translated into Spanish.

Next came stickers, which proved to be

another popular workshop handout. "All kids like stickers," said Van Epps.

"Teen-agers put them on everything - wallets, textbooks, clothes and each other."

In 1990. when she was invited to talk about the centre's parent-child workshops at the Human Life International Conference in Florida. Van Epps brought along some handouts.

"After that, we started getting phone calls and letters from all over the country, asking where they could get them," she said.

"So we expanded into shirts, boxer shorts and tote bags, and began taking orders for their sale."

The items, sold to any diocese, school. parish, organisation or individual, are a not-for-profit diocesan business.

"All the money we make, we pour right back into producing more." said Van Epps.

Orders even have come from abroad.

A Memphis native and graduate of Sienna College, Van Epps is the mother of three grown sons. She also has written a manual on the centre's workshops. which now are given throughout the country.

"In Memphis. we give three a year for the girls, and one for the boys." she said, with the number of participants having grown to more than 800 a year.

Armadale and Willetton in volley ball high noon

Hot shots from Armadale and Willetton endeavour to out-do each other in volley ball.

More than 50 young people converged on the ovals of St Francis Xavier, Armadale, last weekend from Willetton and Armadale Parishes for a showdown on the volleyball court.

Led by an Eagles cheer squad Armadale stormed to the front in the opening game before Willetton rallied around an ever enthusiastic Father Steve to draw level in the second.

The third and deciding game was a tightly contested affair with Father Tony throwing himself into everything but the ball the final decision, a draw.

Following the game all 50 bodies joined with the rest of the SFX Parish for a large and loud Youth Mass led by the awesome Armadale Jazzy/Rock Band and the creative planning team.

A large BBQ dinner ensured no one left hungry and the leftovers fed the Youth Coordinator for the last week As hosts Armadale generously allowed Willetton their one and only chance to put their name on the inter-parish perpetual trophy.

Armadale also threatened to play seriously next time the two meet.

Antiochers meet Archbishop

US youth march for life WASHINGThN (CNS) - While other college students and recent graduates spent the summer working or vacationing, one group of 20 brought attention to pro-life views by walking - across the country.

The group, mostly incoming, current or former students of Franciscan University in Steubenville. Ohio. finished their 90-day, 3.000-mile trek from San Francisco to Washington early on August 20.

Celebrating their accomplishment at an early morning Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was Auxiliary Bishop William Lori of Washington.

He hailed the group as "pilgrims for life."

"Just being out there walking and being visible gives people something to think about," said Diego von Stauffenberg, a 25year-old from Arlington. Virginia.

Von Stauffenberg is president of Crossroads, a Catholic pro-life youth outreach program that sponsored the cross-country walk for the second year.

"We are sacrificing by walking and giving up our summer so that we can talk to people and tell them that abortion is wrong,"

he said. Bishop Lori praised the group's efforts, saying it was in the spirit of Pope John Paul II's call in his encyclical "Evangelium Vitae," "to activate a great campaign in support of life."

"You have demonstrated for one and all Earlier this month Archbishop Barry Hickey (centre, seated) visited and celebrated Mass with that life and the value of life is not some Applecross Antioch. Forty four young adults came together to share their faith during the weekperipheral issue but rather is at the centre end of the 9-11 August, held at St Benedict's Church and school, Applecross. Father O'Reilly was of the struggle between good and evil, light ill in hospital with pneumonia and so His Grace kindly agreed to say Mass in the school. and darkness." said Bishop Lori.

"At the crossroads of America you have sought to move consciences - to open minds and hearts to the truth - that the unborn are human beings created in the image and likeness of God." Von Stauffenberg said in suffering the hardships of the march, meeting people along their route, and speaking to church, civic and other groups, the walkers learned that "the majority of this country is prolife."

"There is a problem out there because many kids do not know what an abortion really is," he told the Catholic Standard, newspaper of the Washington Archdiocese.

"But they are learning the hard way what abortion really is. These kids are sick of people telling them that abortion is OK for them."

The age of the walkers also makes a The culmination of Youth Appeal Sunday - celebration of the Eucharist with Fr Dulgan. statement, he believes.

All young Catholics aged 18-25.

"Most of us are part of that first genThe culmination of Youth Appeal Sunday and Lynne Newton. The musicians and What does being a Catholic mean to you? eration it was legal to kill (after the on 25th August saw a large gathering of singers had some competition from the On Tuesday 3 September at 7.30pm be part of 1973 Roe vs Wade Supreme Court nil- Antiochers and Adult support come togeth- birds as did the drama team acting out a 'Focus Group to voice your honest opinions ing making abortion legal nation- er to celebrate Eucharist with Father John Matthew's gospel: Who do you say I am?" with other young Catholics. Interested? wide)," he said.

Duigan.

Linda Furey and Ben Calleja held everyContact Stephen on 377 2591 for details "We have the right to stand up with The magnificent setting for the occasion one's focus as they challenged others to moral outrage at abortion." was in Forrestfield at the home of Ralph discover the answer.

Attention!

The Record, August 29 1996 Page 4

Who do you say that I am?'

Aged care worries lobbyists duce a two-tiered nursing home system.

The association was therefore concerned the Budget would create a situation where access to what he called "essential" aged care services were based on the capacity of the elderly or their families to pay, he said.

Mr Sullivan said the association did not believe the Government's claims the funds raised from entry fees and contributions would be able to fund "chronically underfunded" areas such as upgrades of existing aged care facilities and the construction of new facilities.

However, Mrs Moylan said on ABC radio the Government would not back down on the imposition of entry fees which were necessary for the upgrade of existing facilities and the construction of new ones.

She denied there would be a two-tiered system and said a tough accreditation system would ensure that the standard and level of care would be the same regard-

By Peter Rosengren The Australian Catholic Health Care Association, representing the largest provider of non-Government health and aged care in the country, plans to meet WA MP and Howard Government Family Services Minister Judi Moylan this weekend to discuss the association's concern with Budget Plans for nursing homes.

ACHCA executive director Francis Sullivan this week criticised the Howard Government's first Budget as sending out confusing messages on aged care services.

He also questioned the size and scope of its cuts to the national hospital system.

Mr Sullivan said it was now unclear how to apply entry contributions and nursing fees as announced by the Government to nursing homes and hostels.

"It's either not clear how it will work or it will allow the industry to be driven by capacity to pay," he said, saying this would pro-

less of the location of nursing homes.

"There are safeguards in the system and we don't intend to water those down in any respect," she said.

Mr Sullivan also said the Association was perturbed that pensioners would pay more for prescriptions, that there had been a reduction in funding for mental health care and that the Commonwealth Dental Program. and the hostel care subsidy for homeless people, had been abolished.

Catholic, Anglican and other groups this week gave the Howard Government's first budget a cool reception, saying that its effects on health and aged care services, foreign aid and marginalised groups in society outweighed its gains.

In foreign aid, the Catholic Church's overseas aid agency.

Caritas Australia. said the $160 million cut to overseas aid was "savage" and had reduced Australia's commitment to its mean-

The joys of watching the football with Mgr Nestor

est level ever. Caritas chairman, Archbishop George Pell of Melbourne, said Australia's aid allocation for 1996-97 of S1.4 billion represented just 0.29 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product, its lowest level since the start of the formal aid program.

"It is a sad irony that this savage cut is occurring in the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty," Archbishop Pell said. adding that although Australia was one of the 20 nations enjoying the highest standard of living in the history of humanity "yet we are constantly cutting back our support for programs to assist the world's poorest people."

The Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission said that while the Budget contained "many worthy initiatives, particularly in regard to income supplements for working families" these were outweighed by "some particularly nasty measures which would be felt by our most disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens.

namely those who are unemployed."

The pro-family lobby group. the Australian Family Association. said that families beset with a multitude of legal, economic and social problems would give a small "hello" to the family tax package offered as the centrepiece of the Howard Government's social policy Although welcoming what it described as "marginal" gains from tax cuts for families. Western Australian AFA chairman.

John Barich, said the Budget was only one component of the solution to Australia's economic problems.

"The most important is the Balance of Payments, which is clearly linked with the national debt." he said.

Bishop Philip Huggins of the WA Anglican Church's Social Responsibilities Commission said the Budget's real deficit lay not in its fiscal figures but in its absence of vision for the nation.

POPE'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

SEND A CARD AND HELP TRAIN OUR FUTURE PRIESTS

Mgr Nestor, centre, waits in trepidation as his good friend Dr Peter Tannock speaks at the celebration of Mgr Nestor's 40th anniversary of ordination.

Monsignor James Nestor was the surprise guest of honour at a party held at Holy Rosary Nedlands parish hall last week to celebrate his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.

Over 150 parishioners turned out to give their popular parish priest a big 'hoorah' in recognition of his 40 years priesthood.

Among the guests were WAFL chairman and Holy Rosary parishioner, Dr Peter Tannock, who spoke of the Maynooth graduate's dedication to his faith and the priesthood

as well as his great sense of humour.

Dr Tannock's wife. Carolyn, presented Monsignor Nestor with two gifts from the parish - a cheque as a contribution to his next holiday in Ireland and one year's membership of the West Coast Eagles football club.

Dr Tannock said his own children often went to the football and were occasionally accompanied by Monsignor Nestor.

But whenever the WAFL chairman gave them tickets if he couldn't make it himself, they would nervously ask "who's coming?" he said.

St Vincent's Hospital

URSULA FRAYNE REUNION

MINI FAIR

including founding schools St Joachim's, St Francis Xavier and our Lady Help of Christians

Sunday, 8 Sept.1996 10.30am 2.30pm 224 Swan Street GUILDFORD

We are organising a garden party for the purpose of getting together all ex-students and exteachers. This event will be held on Saturday 5 Oct. at 3pm at Ursula Frayne College (Senior Campus). Cost S5 per person.

We extend a warm welcome to all ex-students/teachers to attend this inaugural gettogether. Hope to see you there.

(performing Arts a-estivaf for Catholic Schools and Colleges PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL CONCERT Perth Concert Hall - Wednesday, September 4th - 7:15 pm Adults S12 — Children/Concessions S6 BOCS Booking 484 1133 - 484 1144 - 484 1155 BOCS Booking

Thank you for your support & encouragement Includes Presentation of Awards - concludes with Massed Choir of 300 Voices to the students

ENCOURAGING EXCELLENCE

Pope John Paul 11 About the Card will celebrate the The card has been 50th anniversary of designed by Hein his ordination as a Walter. a contempriest on the first of porary religious November, 1996. artist. The artist's The Holy Father's interpretation is as Golden Jubilee will Follows. Our attract world-wide attention. The inter- Church encomnational Catholic aid passes a great Church In Need Aid to the organisation variety of ethnic was established by the Holy See. It would cultures, scattered like to highlight this event by asking all over the world.

Catholics In Australia to show their supFrom East to West port for the Pope by sending him a good The colour postcard measures 15cm r 10cm wishes card. The card Is available from Aid and from North to South. As Catholics we are all unified in Christ. to the Church in Need free of charge. reminds The Golden Jubilee of the Holy Father in the Pope (the outstretched arms) and the us of the great im2ortance of the oriesthoocl symbols of this unification are the Cross and within our Church. Aid to the Church in Need the Eucharist. The Latin words "Servus servocurrently supports the training of 18.000 rum Dei" mean: Servant of the servants of God. seminarians each year in Eastern Europe.

Latin America, Africa and Asia. For the major- The back of the postcard contains the address of the Holy Father in Rome and a space for ity of Catholics in these parts of the world your good wishes. there are never enough priests. In many cases the shortage is caused not by a lack of vocations but by lack of money and facilities For fifty yearsPope John Paul II needed to sustain students over the long has offered Holy Mass day in and years of formation. Many fine candidates must be turned away. It is vital to the day out for the needs of the Church future of the Church that not one single vocaand the world. This is your chance tion to the priesthood goes astray due to lack of finance. What better gift could we give the to let the Holy Father know of your Holy Father for his Golden Jubilee than to love, support, loyalty, prayer & support the training of our future priests.

thanks!

To: Aid to the Church In Need P.O. Box 11, Eastwood 2122 National Director: Mr Phillip Collignon Tel/Fax No. (02) 679 1929

4D

Please send me/us free of charge _ cards to congratulate the Holy Father on his Golden Jubilee

Optional

I/VVe enclose S to help with the training of seminarians in Eastern Europe 0 Africa 0 Asia D Latin America 0

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Rev/Sr Address

Postcode Aid to the Church in Need A Universal Public Association within the Catholic Church. dependent on the Holy See needy and oppressed Churches and aiding refugees.

ovkling pastoral relief to

Festival sponsored by ZENITH MUSIC The Record, August 29 i996 liege .5

Be ready to suffer doing God's work There's more (Romans 12:1-2), St Paul tells us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.

This involves living mortified lives, offering up to God every day the sacrifices demanded by our daily duties.

In today's gospel passage (Matthew 16:21-27), we have a translation of Our Lord's words which reads: "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me."

I consider this a misleading paraphrase for older translations read, "let him renounce himself and take up his cross

"This must not happen to you."

But Jesus turned and said to Peter: "Get behind me, Satan!

You are an obstacle in my path, for the way you think is not God's ways but man's." oday's readings show us If we fearlessly proclaim The word "Satan" means an that serving God faith- God's message, we shall obstacle, and it could well be fully involves suffering. encounter opposition. claimed that by discouraging The first reading (Jeremiah While feeding thousands of Our Lord from going through 20:7-9), is Jeremiah's conversa- Calcutta's starving daily has with His Passion, St Peter was tion with God. earned Mother Teresa high actually doing the Devil's work Although all the prophets suf- praise, and a number of for him. fered in carrying out their awards, her constant speaking We need to remember that divinely-given mission, Jeremi- out against abortion has the desire to do God's work brought Mother Teresa oppoah's sufferings were the most without suffering is essentially sition. prolonged of the Old TestaSatanic. ment prophets.

The passage concludes: Often when difficulties come Jeremiah prophesied that the "Then there seemed to me to We must realise that if we are in apostolic endeavours, the be a fire burning in my heart, Jews would be taken into exile living as we should, we shall temptation is to quit. Yet Our i mprisoned in my bones.

The in punishment for their infiLord has told us: effort to restrain it wearied me. have a daily cross to carry. delity to God. In the rust part of the gospel I could not bear it."

"If anyone wants to be a folHowever, this punishment passage, we hear how, when lower of mine, let him If we try to stop giving was long delayed, and in the Our Lord prophesied that He renounce himself and take up prophetic witness, our conmeantime Jeremiah was "a was to go to Jerusalem and suf- his cross and follow me. For sciences will reproach us. daily laughing stock" fer grievously at the hands of anyone who wants to save his It is said that silence is gold- the scribes and elders, to be life will lose it, but anyone who Jeremiah told God: "I used to say, "I will not think about him. en. put to be put to death and to loses his life for my sake will I will not speak in his name However, it is salutary to be raised up on the third day, find it." any more." remember the comment: St Peter began remonstrating A true Christian will take conJeremiah's sufferings came "Silence isn't always golden, with Him. solation in the words: "The because of people's attitude to sometimes it's just yellow!"

"Heaven preserve you, Lord," Reward after the Labour, the his message.

In today's second reading he said.

Crown after the Cross."

Peter Dwan continues _ editations on the readings m for Sunday Mass.

This week the readings for the 22nd Sunday of Year A

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To Jesus through Mary. . . . . . a column of Marian devotion

W

hile the Vatican has never said that Catholics may not go to Medjugorje, it has told bishops that their parishes and dioceses may not organise official pilgrimages to the site of the alleged Marian apparitions, Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.

"You cannot say people cannot go there until it has been proven false. This has not been said, so anyone can go if they want," the spokesman told Catholic News Service on August 21.

In addition, he said, when Catholic faithful go anywhere, they are entitled to spiritual care, so the Church does not forbid priests to accompany lay-organised trips to Medjugorje in BosniaHerzegovina, just as it would not forbid them from accompanying a group of Catholics visiting South Africa.

Navarro-Valls insisted "nothing has changed" regarding the Vatican's position on Medjugorje.

In early tune, a French newspaper published excerpts from a letter about Medjugorje pilgrimages written by the secretary of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in response to a question from a French bishop.

The letter from Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone of the doctrinal congregation quoted from a 1991 statement by the bishops of the former Yugoslavia, which said that after much study, "it cannot be confirmed that supernatural apparitions or revelations are occurring here."

However, the bishops said - and Archbishop Bertone repeated - the number of faithful travelling to Medjugorje requires the Church to arrange for their pastoral care.

After quoting the 1991 statement, Archbishop Bertone wrote, "From what was

said, it follows that official pilgrimages to Medjugorje, understood as a place of authentic Marian apparitions, should not be organised either on a parish or diocesan level because it would be in contradiction with what the bishops of the ex-Yugoslavia said in their declaration cited above."

Navarro-Valls said, "When one reads what Archbishop Bertone wrote, one could get the impression that from now on everything is forbidden, no possibility" for Catholics to travel to Medjugorje.

But, in fact, "nothing has changed, nothing new has been said," the spokesman told CNS. "The problem is if you systematically organise pilgrimages, organise them with the bishop and the Church, you are giving a canonical sanction to the facts of Medjugorje," which the Church is still in the process of studying.

"This is different from people going in a group who bring a priest with them in order to go to confession," the spokesman said.

Navarro-Valls said he commented because "I was worried that what Archbishop Bertone said could be interpreted in too restricted a way. Has the Church or the Vatican said no (to Catholics visiting Medjugorje)? No." The restriction on official pilgrimages, however, makes it clear to people that the Vatican is still studying the apparitions.

'The difference, in the terms of canon law, is that an official pilgrimage, organised by the diocese with the bishop, is a way of giving a juridical sanction to the facts; you are saying this is true," Navarro-Valls said.

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Message from Our Lady, Queen of Peace, from Medjugorje, given to Marija on August 25, 1996 "Dear Children!

Listen, because I wish to speak to you and to invite you to have more faith and trust in God, who loves you immeasurably.

Little children, you do not know how to live in the grace of God, that is why I call you all anew, to carry the word of God in your heart and in your thoughts.

Little children, place Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your home, read it and live it. Teach our children too, because if you are not an example to them, children fall into godlessness.

Reflect and pray and then God will be born in your heart and your heart will be joyous. Thank you for having responded to my call."

(It is accepted that the final authority regarding apparitions of Our Lady at Medjugorje rests with the Holy See of Rome)

to Catholic ethos than a good feeling

With Penny Ashcroft

I

Iast week a friend asked me to

explain the meaning of Catholic Ethos, the words always used in advertisements for positions vacant within the Catholic Church framework Our discussion was quite lengthy and we each interpreted the meaning a little differently.

It seemed very timely that I should attend a workshop a few days later which dwelt on Catholic Ethos and whether or not it was lived out in the workplace.

The Parish Life and Mission Agency presented the workshop for people working in administration in either Parishes or Catholic Agencies.

Values such as faith in God, respecting the dignity of all people, integrity service, selflessness, forgiveness and acceptance were all mentioned.

We were encouraged to be a people. a community, who reflect the ministry of the Church, a community who practises what we preach and who has integrity in the smallest things.

I believe also, that being Catholic. there is an added dimension which can come through in our interaction with people, a belief in the Sacraments and a love of the Eucharist.

More often than not, those working in the administrative area are the first people that others come in contact with, either by 'phone or in person.

Throughout the workshop it became evident that we, whether working in a Catholic environment or not, are the human face of the Church.

Two qualities mentioned were gentle honesty (being able to protect whilst being honest), and the ability to assist, even in irritation on the part of the other.

I appreciated the acknowledgment that allowance is always made for weakness.

Graciousness and caring always takes effort and it was good to be reaffirmed in the knowledge that an apology can always be offered and is usually appreciated.

The importance of confidentiality and discretion was also spoken about.

The point was made that trust is placed in us and that in handling confidential information we are acting out of a faith dimension.

The age old adage that we should treat others as we would like to be treated still rings true.

It will come as no surprise to hear it was generally felt that it is far more difficult to live out our Christianity in Private Enterprise or in Government Departments than in the environments that we currently work in.

I do know however, of at least one Government Department that formed a Prayer Group, prayed together on a regular basis and offered opportunities for people to ask for prayer.

If there is one Department willing to share faith in this way, there are probably others.

Having heard that our work is, or can be, more than a job, presented an opportunity to think more deeply about the fact that our faith and our work are intertwined.

We can become the 'Good News' for the people that we come in contact with in our work, in our families, in our community the example of Jesus before us.

His actions teach us about His values.

Fathers need only follow St Joseph, the Pope T

The Record

he current illness of Mother Teresa

of Calcutta would apear, at first glance, to be a strange point to reflect on Fathers' Day. But it brings to mind an incident in 1983 Eden before the Fall. It was only after the when Pope John Paul II urged Mother Fall that God the Father had to insert HimTeresa to undergo a medical check as she self more directly in history to save looked unusually tired. humanity - the reserve power after men Apart from natural concern, Pope John and women strayed.

Paul in urging Mother Teresa was exerIt is the same in principle for all fathers cising his right and duty as God's appoint- who are husbands, both spiritual and bioed spiritual father of all Christians. Almost logical, although many circumstances certainly he believed it was for the good might prevent them from exercising the of the Church as well as Mother Teresa reserve power. that she saw a doctor.

While fathers should participate closely Five days later, Mother Teresa had the in all family life, especially the teaching fall that led to doctors to discover the and raising of sons and daughters, their heart condition which they have treated attitude should be that their wives organfor the last 13 years, giving her an extend- ise family life according to the maternal ed lease on life, and feminine talents that are essential to Pope John Paul's solicitude for Mother their human dignity; fathers should only Teresa was in fact an exercise of a reserve assert their authority as a reserve power power that when used properly in the when the good order and Christian operChurch will help a person or group do the ation of the household is threatened. work of God. This does not imply that only women Normally these people work without should run the family or that men live in daily direction as Adam and Eve were left the background of the family, or are in a to live their lives freely in the Garden of continual state of being ready to "over-

rule" their wives. Parenting is first and foremost a daily complementary partnership between husbands and wives, each partner contributing what only they and no-one else can.

The reserve power is therefore a duty that suits the simple, crude nature of men - sustaining and protecting the subtle joy of the garden of life that is the family.

Was this not the life of the last of the Patriarchs of the Old Testament, St Joseph, in providing for the Holy Family of Nazareth and protecting them in the flight to Egypt?

Apart from the usual family duties, there was nothing for St Joseph to do except contemplate the glory of his wife, Mary, and his step-son Jesus following the will of God perfectly.

Although never used in the internal life of the Holy Family, his reserve power as a husband and legal father still existed and would have been deferred to.

Naturally, as all fathers know, life in all

firouno T

other families is not quite so simple.

Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, and children all contribute to disappointment.

But all ships need a reserve engine for when the main engine falters. If the reserve engine is allowed, and is willing, to contribute, then the ship sails safely into port.

And this role is not restricted to biological fathers. Pope, bishops and priests also have this function in the spiritual sphere.

As Jesus reminded us: Moses was only brought into the debate over adultery and divorce because the Israelites were unteachable and needed direction. If Christians stuck to the teaching of the successors of St Peter, then there would be less need for encyclicals and canon law.

Give fathers of all kinds the happy Fathers' Day of a family truly alive, living the true teaching of the Church.

• The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

&Weirs fo /12e Cofilor

"Most of the men" does not mean all of sive fiscal policy but rather by generosity, the men. Br Shanahan, like the rest of us, justice and love.

Thankfully. it has always been a revered cannot know how many men, not already part of Catholic teaching that the protec- identified, may yet come forward seeking tion of the gifts of creation, in this case the compensation for sexual abuse and thereindigenous culture of this country, part of fore be required to undergo psychiatric our common Australian heritage, is a nec- assessment. our editorial, headlined All is not essary endeavour.

We do know, however, that in the Chariblack and white in Budget moves," Further, we believe that justice and mercy table Trust Deed recently received by the suggests among other things, that fis- are inseparable and that the "Haves" men, a limit of those to be compensated for cal cuts to Aboriginal legal and communi- should happily share with the "Have-nots". being sexually abused has been set at 55 ty services "might be a boon" to Aboriginals It would be gratifying to see this reflect- thirty who will qualify for $25,000 and a if the remaining funds were to somehow ed adequately in the Budget. further 25 who will qualify for $10,000. encourage self-reliance.

This restricts compensation to only 20 Christopher Saunders A real concern is how a group of people, Bishop of Broome per cent of the men involved. Br Shanahan the Aborigines of WA, who suffer from the himself said that 116 men claimed to have highest rate of imprisonment of any group Editor's note: The editorial did say clearly been sexually abuse by Brothers. Does this time, belief in free enterin Australia, might somehow become more - At the same not extend to leav- mean that about 60 sexually abused men should solutions prise self-reliant as a result of being denied adeing truly disadvantaged Aborigines with will be excluded from compensation? quate access to legal assistance.

Obviously, Br Shanahan has shut the door Bishop Saunders was Quite plainly, the reduction of legal ser- no support." be pub- on many who were sexually abused in the would note this that nformed i vices will only add to the number of Aboorphanages. Psychiatric assessments, with lished. riginal people in prison. all the trauma they inflict, will obviously Possibly one of the most insidious means play an important role in this settlement. of enforcing assimilation in Australia today Br Shanahan also claims that as the Canais by the subtle use of what is known as n his criticism of me and my reaction to dian cases were more recent than the Auscultural oppression. the offer made by his order to victims tralian cases, $3.5 million somehow equals This we may describe as the power of the of abuse in their orphanages. Brother $18 million. dominant culture through the use of mass Shanahan makes several erroneous points.

In some strange way. the age of the media, music, arts, language and the exclu- (The Record. 22 August) offence apparently diminishes its effect. I sive use of foreign economic practices, to He is splitting hairs when he claims that can assure Br Shanahan that if he spoke to combine to marginalise indigenous cul- one set of Christian Brother is different to the victims as I have, he would learn that ture. another set - both orders are Christian no matter how long ago abuse was sufIt is really very difficult to do a lot about Brothers belonging to the Catholic Church, fered, it never, never goes away. this. Quite obviously, it is a cause of major teaching children and found to be abusing Whatever Br Shanahan may say, all fair tensions in the world as indigenous peo- children in their care. people are disgusted with the minded ples continue to suffer constantly from this No amount of pedantic nitpicking will Brothers' offer. It is a fact, no matter how errant practice. fool a public which has a very clear under- much Br Shanahan may rationalise, that However. I do not think that the starvamany men, probably a majority, will get no of the issue. standing tion of funds used to assist cultural pursuits more than $2.000.

Br ask to pertinent it be would Perhaps or to build an identity for a group in need are Brothers These are men who will have no cause to Christian which Shanahan of such support is somehow going to make help from the Trust, but who neverthe of 13 Page on seek article your of subject the them more self-reliant. worked for years as child slaves on is it where theless Record, The of issue same On the contrary, it sends a clear message at Bindoon, were deprived of in Brothers buildings the Christian nine that reported that Aboriginal law and culture activities who still carry the education, basic a even physically of convicted been have Canada are not wanted, that support for indigeabuse, were physical terrible of in scars students male assaulting sexually and nous youth is not to be encouraged, that their parents about to lied and deceived 1970s. the Aboriginal musicians and media services since. ever suffered have and pubthe to be, may answer Whatever his are not worthy of federal assistance and Blaming me or anyone else for stirring up that Aboriginal women's issues may be rel- lic, they are Christian Brothers and their expectations is ludicrous. "unreal" Catholic children. little were victims egated to the back-burner with ease.

Br Shanahan should allow these men But this is not the real point. It is the Addressing cultural oppression ought to be an item of major concern to a nation precedent that was set in Canada that mat- their day in court. That is the only place that proffers interest in its indigenous peo- ters. Three hundred and fifty men abused where justice can be achieved.

He could easily do this by agreeing to ple and publicly hopes for one nation by by the Brothers were awarded $18 million for the same sort of abuse as that inflicted have the WA Statute of Limitations set aside the year 2001.

Many West Australians would be on the Brothers' victims in WA. Why should so that the case could be heard in Western shocked to know that many indigenous there be such a disparity between Aus- Australia. people on low income support - working tralian and Canadian victims? The fact that Bruce Blyth for their unemployment benefit - in this they were Christian Brothers of any sort is Director, Voices State, live in isolated areas where they pay irrelevant.

Br Shanahan claims that men will not unquestionably exorbitant prices for food, fuel and clothing; where transport costs to have to produce psychiatric reports to n regard to your article concerning an just about anywhere are expensive claim damages for sexual abuse.

Anglican priest lecturing at Notre Dame He said ". . . . most of the men who qualbecause of the distance; where electricity University this parish and this Parish is charged out at 29c per unit; where debt ify under the terms of the Trust have is a constant companion and where the already been identified on the basis of the Council are at a loss to understand how a documentation already submitted to the non-Catholic can teach Catholic theology, poverty cycle is endless.

Reconciliation, on any level, is never lawyers. Therefore any further assessment a core subject, at a Catholic University.

We are also at a loss to understand how achieved by punishment, denial or regres- will not be necessary."

WA Aborigines need help

y

VOICES replies

I

A critical question

I

he can lecture seminarians preparing for the Catholic priesthood without imparting some of his own Protestant theology into the material.

Perhaps someone would care to enlighten us. St Thomas More would not be happy at this full turn of events and, in the meantime. this parish will not support or promote Notre Dame.

Fr T. Smith Parish Priest, Guildford

Christians and Islam

M

rs Kovesi-Watt's response to recent correspondence on Islam shows how difficult it is to understand, much less live out. the Gospel!

Far from being "Vatican-inspired tolerance" (I shudder at the implications of the expression), the message is direct from the mouth of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

It was He who said: "My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are children of your heavenly Father ....If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?"

If citing some of the intolerances of Muslim countries is supposed to imply that we should be just as intolerant. I'm sorry but we haven't understood the Gospel; and besides, we could say we've been there, done that - it's called the Spanish inquisition. It's time now to listen to the gentler voice of Jesus.

Fr Chris Ross Tuart Hill

Honour Christ's Mother

W

estern Australia is indeed graced by good Bishops, as evidenced by their enthusiastic welcoming and support in Perth for the Fatima International Pilgrim Virgin Statue.

And the thousands who jam-packed St Mary's Cathedral last week showed their deep appreciation to Archbishop Barry Hickey with a thunderous 'Hail Mary' after he crowned Our Lady's statue, on the feast of her Queenship.

Every venue throughout the metropolitan area, that week, was literally bursting at the seams, as thousands flocked to Mass and days of reflection in the presence of the pilgrim virgin of Fatima.

Let those who by their silent indifference, or their active denial of the all-important role of the Mother of Christ take note. The vox populi of WA Catholics has spoken.

It is Mary, Christ's Mother, who leads all true Christians to her Son. Without the Mother, there is no Son. Without Mary, there is no true Catholicism.

Peter Nash Lesmurdie The Record, August 29.1.996._ Page 7

Features

Melbourne Church 'strong' tion already existing among the one of the brightest moments in Christian denominations, which its long and brilliant history, it is he new Roman Catholic Archbishop Little did so much to my duty to commit myself pubArchbishop of Melbourne foster over the last 22 years," he licly to both these unifying tasks. . . .I do this in faith," he said.

Dr George Pell warned last said.

But significant challenges to the And in a diocese not short of week that those who thought the Catholic Church in Melbourne Church's mission remained, priests by international standards was in a state of crisis were badly Archbishop Pell said, particularly but "critically short of seminarithat of the Australian temptation ans," encouraging vocations to the mistaken.

This was despite the fact that not to crucify Christ, but to ignore priesthood would also be an hostile pressures on faith and reli- Him - "to reduce and redefine His important work of his episcopacy, gious practice continued to be for- message to the commonplace or Archbishop Pell said.

"Tonight Irepeat the instruction midable, producing a slow even trivial."

In light of this, he called on the of Jesus to [the apostles Peter, decline in regular worship and exacerbating personal and family migrant communities who have James and John], as I urge those problems, Archbishop Pell said in settled in Melbourne since the young men who feel their God his homily during his Mass of end of the second world war to might be calling them not to dose Reception last Friday as the new continue to enliven Melbourne's their ears, not to turn away," he said.

Archbishop of Melbourne before spiritual life, "We must continue to work hard The Archbishop also reaffirmed a packed congregation of Melbourne Catholics, civic and polit- to .... encourage you to maintain the importance of celibacy for ical leaders and representatives the best of your religious and civic clerics and religious. from other churches in the city's traditions so that they help you "I shall also work hard to mainand enrich our existing deep, but tain the charism and discipline of Exhibition building.

Archbishop Pell said a principal sometimes dour devotional celibacy for clergy, religious and challenge of his episcopate would styles," he said. dedicated laity, who freely chose However in a comment which this path, freely chose to follow be to combat the secular challenge to belief through coopera- appeared to reflect on his view of the example of the Lord himself," tion with the great monotheist Australian society, Archbishop he said.

Pell pointed out that "regular traditions of Judaism and Islam.

Archbishop Pell won applause Nevertheless, the true strength acknowledgment of the one, true from the assembled congregation of the Church lay in the "hidden God of love" had important social when he recommitted the Archlives of service, sometimes heroic consequences for individuals, diocese of Melbourne to the care service, of priests, religious and families and the conununity and of Mary, the Mother of God. lay people working in institutions warned that decisions against ". . .. my illustrious predecessor as diverse as jails, hospitals, God would mean that "many Dr Mannix consecrated the Archoptions now regarded as unthink- diocese to the Immaculate Heart schools and parishes."

Archbishop Pell also flagged able will become commonplace." of Mary In this spirit,I recall this inter-church cooperation as a goal The Archbishop also empha- consecration tonight and entrust of his period as archbishop. sised the importance of the bish- again the Archdiocese of Mel"The fog of sectarian rivalries op's task of protecting the truths bourne to the most powerful among Christians has almost revealed through Scripture and intercession of Mary, whose gloentirely lifted in this city during tradition as well as ensuring his rious Assumption we celebrated the last thirty or forty years. I diocese remained united with the yesterday," he said. thank God for this," he said.

Universal Church around the (Thanks to Kairos, journal of the "Certainly it will be one of my Pope.

Archdiocese of Melbourne for help ambitions to maintain the spirit of "In this age and in this archdio- in producing this report, and for family, friendship and coopera- cese, when the Papacy is enjoying pictures used)

By Peter Rosengren

T

Archbishop Pell preaches his homily to the thousands present at his installation in the Exhibition Building.

Archbishop Pell with the Apostolic Pro Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Franco Brambilla, left, and the out-going Archbishop of Melbourne, Sir Frank Little, at the installation last week.

Photos John Casarnento/Katros

US bishop shows lead in prayer against abortion clinic

By Jacqueline Srouji

F

or the fourth year, Bishop James Sullivan of Fargo in the United States led a eucharistic procession of nearly 1,000 Catholics to North Dakota's only remaining abortion facility for a prayer vigil on August 18.

During the mile-long "Walk with Christ for Life," the bishop carried the Blessed Sacrament from St Mary's Cathedral in downtown Fargo to the Fargo Women's Health Organisation.

Marchers, who came from as far away as Texas, included young and old, families, priests, deacons, seminarians, and religious sisters and brothers who prayed the rosary and sang Marian hymns.

The annual event is sponsored by the Fargo Diocese.

Bishop Sullivan, who is episcopal liaison for the US Cursillo Movement and executive director of the World Apostolate of Fatima, earlier had called the march a pilgrimage "to keep the sanctity of human life in the forefront of our minds."

Outside the facility, the bishop prayed "in the name of Jesus Christ that the horrible killing will stop."

He called the abortion facility the last of three to operate in the state - a "house of infamy" and "an insult to the people of North Dakota."

"Show us what to do. We trust you," he prayed.

"Close down this place of death."

As he raised the monstrance holding the Eucharist, the bishop made his impassioned plea before a kneeling crowd.

"We will not be silent as long as

one little baby is uttering a silent scream in an abortuary in this nation," he told marchers.

"You have shown by your presence here today that you are not afraid to stand up to give voice to the least of our Lord's brothers and sisters - those in the womb."

Members of Nativity Council (branch) 6570 of the Knights of Columbus formed a protective honour guard around the bishop and carried statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima.

The Fargo facility has survived

two fire bombings and a 1991 protest by a non-Catholic group called the Lambs of Christ in which several protesters were jailed.

At one point, the Justice Department dispatched federal marshals to guard the clinic.

Bishop James Sullivan (centre) of Fargo, North Dakota, in the United States, leads a prayer service in front of the Fargo Women's Health Organisaffon on August 18. About 1,000 people joined in a eucharistic procession to the clinic, the only one in the state with abortion services. The bishop and pray-ers prayed that there would be an end to what he described as "horrible killing" in a "house of infamy." Bishop Sullivan has challenged Catholics to abstain and fast every Friday for the next year as a prayer to end abortion.

Pfxgry CNS/Jacque#ne Srouji

The Record, August 29 1996 Page 8

But this march was peaceful and did not draw counter-marchers, who were present at earlier marches.

Rac.helle Sauvageau, coordinator of the diocesan Pro-Life Office, said in an interview that the prayer walk is an effective and "peaceful witness to our faith."

"Prayer is our greatest weapon," said Sauvageau.

"Ibelieve it can change even the most impossible situation."

In his remarks, Bishop Sullivan recalled Pope John Paul II's warning about a "growing culture of death" in secular society.

He cited recent federal court rulings on assisted suicide and President Clinton's veto of a ban on partial-birth abortions as evidence of such a culture.

"It would be our prayer," he said, "that this culture of death be transformed to a culture of life."

The bishop, who has headed the Fargo Diocese since 1985, challenged all Catholics to fast and abstain every Friday for the next year as a prayer to end abortion.

After the eucharistic procession and prayer vigil, Bishop Sullivan and many marchers travelled to the Carmel of Mary Monastery, in nearby Wahpeton, where the bishop celebrated an outdoor Mass.

In his homily, he said Mary, who is patroness of the diocese, "is the mother of every unborn child. . . . and in a way we cannot fully know, she cares for each of these dear children and commends them to her Son." A picnic sponsored by Council 2205 of the Knights of Columbus in Wahpeton followed the Mass.

MOO

Features

Where women's true desires will be encouraged

By Peter Rosengren

A

newlyLangdon, nne-Marie appointed co-ordinator of the Archdiocese of Perth's Pregnancy Assistance Service, says that listening skills will be among the most important counsellors will have to use when the service opens later this month.

"I think they're the most important.I think a lot of the [women] who will come will simply never have had a chance to tell their story to anybody andIthink we won't need to say a lot, just to listen and to hear what that story is," she told The Record this week after the announcement the service would begin work in September.

Most women considering an abortion did not really want to kill their child, and "it's really just a matter of giving them the opportunity to say how they really feel."

At the centre, women who are in what is termed a crisis pregnancy - those who are considering having an abortion - will be able to seek counselling in a confidential and relaxed atmosphere where they can discuss their situation with counsellors.

And Anne-Marie said that most of the volunteers had committed themselves to the work in part because they had known women who have had, or considered, abortions, and were concerned that they have someone to turn to in the time they need help most.

She added that research from the United States had shown that even as late as when they arrived at the clinic door to have an abortion. approximately 30 per cent of women were still looking for someone to give them a reason why they should not do it.

This meant Pregnancy Assistance would help meet an important need and an important part of its counselling, through listening would be to discover whether any pressures were being placed upon a woman to end her child's life, she said.

"Often it's because the boyfriend or husband has said 'we can't handle another baby', so it maybe a decision that's not being made freely to choose an abortion there is no other choice - so there could be that sort of coercion, either directly or indirectly."

Counsellors would need to try and draw out from a woman just what sort of situation she was in and what sort of pressures there were on her to have a baby or not to have a baby.

Miss Langdon, who has taken 12 months leave without pay from her job at the Justice Ministry in order to get the new service off on a sound footing, said there were many reasons why women reached the conclusion that they needed to kill their unborn child.

"Sometimes it's because they can't cope, or they're too young, or parents or boyfriends or husbands are encouraging them - 'I'll leave you if you have it' - that puts them under pressure to choose [abortion]," she said.

Describing the new service as "unambiguously pro-life", she said the service hoped to fulfil the mission outlined by Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae.

"The Holy Father in Evangelium Vitae said that our mission was basically to respect, protect, love and serve life and I think that's what we're basically setting out to do - it's our philosophical framework" And the new service will be a distinctly different body to other archdiocesan agendes run by the Church in Perth.

Although its premises are being provided by the archdiocese, and it reports to Archbishop Hickey, the goal of Pregnancy Assistance was to become a fully independent organisation of Catholics run by its own Board of Management and not be funded by the Church.

It does not have the status of an official diocesan agency but will still be able to

Anne-Marie Langdon at the front of planned Lord Street centre last week

refer women to the planned Catholic Women's Health Service or related Catholic organisations.

The Church will help in other areas such as chaplaincy.

Willeton-Brentwood Assistant Priest Father Steven Casey has been appointed chaplain to Pregnancy Assistance. He will also be available to talk to anyone, male or female, wishing to talk to a priest.

Miss Langdon said Pregnancy Assistance currently had 16 volunteers who were undergoing training in counselling skills with a professional counsellor as they prepared to begin manning the telephones at the offices provided by the archdiocese at 195 Lord Street in East Perth.

While the new service will have its premises and telephone service provided by the archdiocese it will have to build itself from the ground up in terms of all the other requirements it needs.

Ms Langdon said the service most urgently needed items such as gas heaters, floor rugs, a lounge suite in good condition and baby and maternity clothes.

However, the service would also need office equipment and all the usual requirements for administrative purposes, she said, adding that public donations would be critical to its needs.

Anyone seeking to help the new organisation get off the ground or who wants to donate goods or service should contact Pregnancy Assistance on 447 4252.

McAuley centre initiative to help families, teens

By Colleen McGoiness-Howard

T

he latest initiative of Wembley's Catherine McAuley Family Centre is the launching of yet another service to help young people and their families in crisis.

It's an Early Intervention Service designed to focus on families experiencing difficulties in their relationship and communication with teenage sons or daughters, and where there is a possibility of the young person leaving home, according to Lucy Morris, Community Services Director.

This latest venture is a natural addition to the Catherine McAuley Family Centre where the Mercy Sisters have an unbroken history of service to children and families on their present site since 1901.

The Early Intervention Service came about after a needs research study, according to Steve Thrussell, coordinator of Youth Accommodation and Support Services.

He said that once teenagers or parents contact them "we will act as a mediator, problem solver, information giver and educator and then coordinate community

Catherine McAuley Family Centre social worker, Hugh Clark in a counselling session at the Centre.

services to link in with the family, as well as being a counsellor and listener."

The service will be holistic and flexible in meeting clients' needs, Mr Thrussell asserted, saying intensive support will be provided to young people and their families over a period of about

eight weeks. The aim is to een the teenager and the family."

Mr Thrussell expressed exciteenhance relationships and prevent family breakdown, but in ment about the service because the event that the young person in his view, it fills a need that does leave home, assistance can other services have not been able be given to place them in suit- to cover.

"By visiting the families in their able alternative accommodation "with on-going support to assist own homes, it makes the service in rebuilding relationships betw- as easy as possible to access, and

in this way we hope that young people will feel supported and thus work through their problems together."

The Catherine McAuley Centre is already mining a program for homeless males and females, with one hostel on-site, and the other located off-site.

The homeless program has been operating for six years.

During the last financial year the Centre received 152 referrals for help, but were only able to accommodate 63.

"So there's a great need out there," observed Mr Thrussell, adding that as well as hostels for the homeless, the Centre also provide on-going support for those living independently in the community until they no longer require it.

Often the homeless have been into alcohol and substance abuse, self harm, suicidal, and involved in crime and long term unemployment, Mr Thrussell explained.

"But after their time with us, they achieve self worth, acquire skills, a new direction, and feel confident enough to make their own way in life."

The Record, August 29 1996 Page 9

Yet more WA news

prayer Centrecare opens Reconciliation draws cultures closer Mirrabooka family mediation centre

By Peter Rosengren The new Family Mediation Service and Centrecare premises in Mirrabooka officially opened by Senator Sue Knowles and blessed

by Archbishop Hickey this week will help couples decide on the practical issues of separation such as asset distribution, financial arrangements and the on-going care of children.

The mediation service will be one of several services offered through the archdiocesan agency's new premises, including marriage and family counselling. the Family Support program for low income families and the Family Skills training program which will help train adults in parenting skills.

Director of Centrecare Marriage and Family Service Tony Pietropiccolo said that while demand for the agency's mediation service was steady, he expected increases in demand for all of Centrecare's 18 family services in Perth and Mirrabooka as a result of the closure of the Family Court's Mediation Service and the new charges for the court's counselling service.

Mr Pietropiccolo told The Record the mediation service was not a divorce service.

"The focus is not on the outcome but to minimise the impact of separation and the pain that goes

Centrecare director Tony Pietropiccolo, right, speaks about the new mediation service at the opening as Liberal Senator Sue Knowles and Labor Senator Jim McKienran, centre, listen.

with it on both children and parents," he said.

The Centrecare mediation service, funded by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department, is part of the growing trend towards existing government services being provided by non-government organisations.

Mr Pietropiccolo said recent changes to the Family Law Act now encouraged separating couples to reach their own agreements through services such as mediation centres as an alternative to the high costs associated with the courts.

Centrecare mediator Liam McGuinness said mediators were trained to establish ground rules so that both parties could safely express their concerns, listen to each other and come to settlements that they both agree to.

"We promote agreements, not disagreements," Mr McGuinness said.

"Even though a relationship is over, the two people may still be experiencing great emotional conflict and can have difficulty negotiating a future apart. Agreements are much more likely to be kept if the decisions are made together," he said.

Photo Courtesy of the Collie Mail newspaper

A special Prayer Service for Reconciliation at St Brigid's Church in Collie combined prayer by Pope John Paul and elements of smoke (purification) and water (new life), symbolic to the Church and Aboriginal culture last week. Pictures are Norm and Shirley Hayward leading the way out of the Church with grand daughter Kaneesha Jackson.

Hospital Ball is targetted

Lights, cameras, action! for schools Commencing this Sunday (25 August) the Catholic Education Office will be using TV and radio commercials in a new initiative to promote Catholic schools.

The campaign is part of a broader national initiative originating with the National Catholic Education Commission to see what can be done to encourage greater enrolments in Catholic schools from Catholic families.

The TV and radio campaign in Western Australia targets only the population in the area surrounding four schools in the north eastern suburbs of Perth.

The TV commercials will run on Channel 10 over three weeks and Filming starts at Majella Catholic Primary in Balga with students from Our lady the radio commercials will run on Sonshine FM over three months. of Mercy Primary Girrawheen, and Mercy Primary School, Koondoola.

Graeme Eddington, left, and Richard Egan protesting at King Edward

Right to Life Australia protesters gathered to protest against abortion outside the Sheraton Hotel in Perth last week where King Edward Hospital was holding its fundraising ball.

A small group of protesters displaying placards braved wintry conditions on Friday night as patrons turned up for the ball, claiming that around 200 unborn children were being killed through abortion at the hospital

each year. Right to Life state coordinator, Dr Ted Watt, questioned whether any of those attending would be aware of the number of children who would be killed at the hospital by abortion or the mothers that would suffer postabortion grief.

He called on both the State Government and private doctors not to provide any funding until the hospital desisted from the practice.

Peppermint Eyes down for Book Week Port Kennedy parish centre Grove identity hosts its first happy couple John Manson McCann, one of Peppermint Grove's oldest identities, passed peacefully away on 3 July.

His home at the foot of Irvine Street from 1921 to 1991 was a stone's throw away from the river and the then Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.

Born in Geelong in 1898, he joined the Navy at 15 years of age.

After World War I he settled in WA and had many great stories to tell of the early days of the Grove and Cottesloe shopping area.

His many relatives in WA, Victoria (including Father Charles McCann), NSW SA and Tasmania will greatly miss him.

Students from Padbury Catholic Primary School decorated their library with themes from their favourite children's stories for Book Week, celebrated by schools and libraries around the nation last week. School librarian, Rose Mooney (rear, second left), with Year 4 students gets some reading practice.

The -Fiefordi Atigget 29,1_996 _ Page 10

On July 20th Maureen Crofts and David Kay of Singleton became the first couple to wed in the new parish centre of St Bernadette's at Port Kennedy.

More WA and national news

Legion of Mary stiII spreading the Gospel

By Peter Rosengren Western Australian members of the Legion of Mary will meet over the weekend of 6-8 September to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Legion of Mary.

The organisation, founded in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday 7 September in 1921 by Frank Duff, has grown to become one of the largest and most active Marian groups in the Church around the world.

Modelled on the Roman legion hence the name - the organisation was initially founded to meet the material and spiritual needs of people but was later modified to concentrate on apostolic works because of the already existing work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in meeting the needs of the poor.

Today it has millions of members around the world.

WA Legion of Mary Senatus president Tony Pitchford told The Record this week the Legion's active works of love, as they were referred to, included visiting the lonely and bereaved, the sick, the elderly and those in prisons.

Legion members were also often involved in catechesis and work closely with Parish Priests to give catechism classes as needed, he said.

However, he said a distinctive work of the Legion was its doorknocking where members went out on to the streets in pairs and visited ordinary suburban homes everywhere to "pass on the love of God to the people."

"And the members knock on all doors, not just the Catholic ones," he said.

Visiting ordinary suburban homes, members also hand out Miraculous Medals - all previously blessed - and a pamphlet explaining the medal and its promises wherever they could, Mr Pitchford said.

He agreed that the direct apos-

tolic work of meeting people on the streets and in their homes was one of the Legion's important works and said he thought it was something the Church should be more involved in.

"I think its about the only way of meeting people.... and more effective when you meet them face-toface," he said.

"You're letting them know you care for them," he said, adding that Legion members would normally go back to visit the same person several times as a follow-up to the first visit.

He said the Legion had first come to Western Australia when its first praesidium (local branch) was founded in the Bayswater parish by Fr McBride in 1939, followed by the establishment of the WA Legion's first curia (a collection of praesidia) in 1942.

Here in WA, the Legion has approximately 350 active members who attend weekly meetings and engage in the Legion's works for 2 hours each week, as well as somewhere in the vicinity of 2.000 auxiliaries who were usually ex-active members or young couples with families who followed a program of prayer each week for the Church and the Legion's work, he said.

The 75th anniversary celebrations will involve a day and an evening retreat held on Friday 6 September at St Joachim's church hall in Victoria Park followed by a Holy Hour at 8pm that evening.

Saturday, the day of the 75th anniversary will see a discussion on the history, spirit and future of the Legion in the morning at St Joachim's, followed by a special anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Healy at St Mary's Cathedral at 2.30pm.

Sunday, 8 September, Our Lady's birthday, will see Masses celebrated for the intentions of the Legion followed by an afternoon discussion held at the Edel Quinn centre - Legion headquarters - at 36 Windsor Street, East Perth.

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International aid body to help Pope celebrate 50 priestly years Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic aid organisation, would like to highlight Pope John Paul II's 50 years of priestly service on the 1 November this year by asking Catholics in Australia to congratulate the Pope by sending him a good wishes card.

ACN national director in Australia, Phillip Collignon, said the card, designed by a contemporary religious artist, was available free of charge from the Australian office of Aid to the Church in Need.

The card portrays a Church encompassing a great variety of ethnic cultures, scattered all over the world, from East to West and from North to South.

Mr Collignon said that, as Catholics we are all unified in Christ, in the Pope (the hori- ACN national director Phillip Collignon with the image for the cards to zontal arms of the cross). The be sent to Pope John Paul symbols of this unification were the sender: -Dear Holy Father, supports the training of 18.000 the Cross and the Eucharist. seminarians in Eastern Europe, we are entirely yours."

In a simple way the card symHe said the Pope's Golden Latin America, Africa and Asia. bolises the diversity of all who Jubilee also reminded Catholics he said. belong to the Church and and of the great importance of the Last year approximately $5 their unity in the Pope. million was given to support the priesthood within the Church.

The Latin words 'Servus Ser"For fifty years Pope John Paul training of seminarians in these vorum Dei' in the centre of the II has celebrated Mass day in countries. card mean: Servant of the ser- and day out for the needs of the Mr Collignon said Catholics vants of God. Church and the world," Mr Col- were all aware of the great need The back of the card has the lignon said. for good priests. address of the Holy Father in Yet, in Eastern Europe and the to send a is your chance "This Rome and a space to write a card and let the Holy Father Third World. in many cases the congratulatory sentence or two. know of your love, loyalty, shortage of priests was not Also featured are the words prayer and thanks." caused by a lack of vocations, Totus Tuus which mean: EntireHe said the card was available he said, but by a lack of money ly Yours. free of charge from Aid to the and facilities needed to sustain Mr Collignon said the motto Church in Need. PO Box 11, students over the long years of had a double meaning for the Eastwood. 2122, N.S.W. Ph/Fax formation. campaign.

"As a result many fine candi(02) 9679-1929.

First of all it is the motto of the From its very beginning in dates must be turned away," he Pope by which he means "Dear 194Z Mr Collignon said, Aid to said. "It is vital to the future of Lord, I am entirely Yours." the Church in Need has always the Church that not a single But, he said, when the card had as its priority the training of vocation to the priesthood goes was sent to the Pope it meant for future priests. ACN currently astray due to lack of finance."

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478 2633 after hours 279 1528 The Record, August 29 1996 Page 11

Book Reviews

Papal agenda: opening windows to God Pope John Paul II. Agenda for the Third Millennium.

Harper Collins, 1996, 235 pp.

RRP $22.95 Reviewed by John Deakin

T

his is a collection of 188 extracts from the writings and addresses of Pope John Paul H and serves as an easily accessible introduction to his thinking for those who haven't got around to tackling his encyclicals.

For those who have some acquaintance with the Pope's writings, this little book will charm, challenge and inspire.

These extracts are alive with the Pope's enthusiasm for Jesus Christ: "Dear young people, let us seek the truth abut Christ and about his Church! But we must be consistent: let us love the Truth, live in the Truth, proclaim the Truth! Oh Christ, show us the Truth. Be the only Truth for us!"

His pastoral concern is expressed in his many appeals to his listeners.

He slates firmly and unequivocally what is required of every one of us but always in a way designed to provoke us to want to do better, to love God more: "For every faithful Catholic, participation at Holy Mass on Sunday is at once a duty and a privilege; a sweet obligation to respond to God's love for us, so that we can then bear witness to this love in our daily lives. Every Sunday, all and every one of you have an appointment with God's love. Don't fail to keep it."

He shares his own spiritual life with us. "The Rosary is my favourite prayer. '‘ marvellous prayer. The decades of the Rosary consist of the sum of joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. and put us in living fellowship with Jesus through - we can say his Mother's heart. At the same time Our hearts can contain all the events making up the life of the individual, of the family, of the nation. of the Church, of the human race; things that happen to us, to our neighbours and particularly to those who are nearest to us. So the simple prayer of the Rosary keeps time with the rhythm of human life."

The papal speeches from which these extracts are drawn were given all over the world.

There are citations from addresses delivered in Chad, Miami, New Delhi, Buenos Aires.

Paris, Latvia, Uganda and even Perth.

His audiences include scientists, bishops, professors of theology, artists and journalists, cultural and business figures, politicians, diplomats, pilgrims, cloistered nuns, military servicemen, the sick, disabled children, workers and miners, representatives of other religions, the United Nations and more.

About one third of the sources listed are homilies to young people. reflecting the way in which the Pope has made his own the mission to the young through the World Youth Days and other means.

Warning of the emptiness of "much of modern, secularised thought" the Pope says: "It is a subtly dangerous philosophy, above all because young people - still unsure in their convictions, shaken by the unhappy events of past and present history, by instability and uncertainty about the future, at times betrayed in their deepest affections, marginalised. misunderstood, unemployed - may feel driven by it to seek a way out through drugs and violence, or to give up hope. Jesus Christ alone is the adequate and final answer to the supreme question abut the meaning of life and history."

In many of the selected passages the Holy Father develops his profound insights into humanity and into culture, delineating the shape of a world that has rejected God. "Some people claim to be seekers: others think of themselves as non-believers. Others again reject a God whose face has been misrepresented to them. I beg of all these peoples. in all fairness, at least to leave their windows open to God. Otherwise they are in danger of walking past the man in the street who is Christ, of cutting themselves off by attitudes of revolt and violence, and of being satisfied with sighs, impotence or resignation. Sooner or later, a

world without God is built against the human being."

On economics and politics the Pope does not pull any punches either.

"What suffering, what hardship and misery unemployment causes! So the first and fundamental concern of all and each - government officials, trade union leaders and owners of businesses should he this: to give work to all.

To expect the problem to be solved as the more or less automatic result of an economic order and development. he these what they may, in which employment materialises as a secondary con-

sequence, is unrealistic and hence inadmissible. Economic theory and practice should have the guts to consider employment and its modern possibilities as a central element among their objectives."

The Holy Father is like the scribe in the gospels praised by Christ for bringing out of his storehouse 'things new and old'.

Standing firm as Peter the Rock he brings to bear the unchangeable teaching of Christ's Church for the new millennium.

As he writes in his Apostolic Letter on the Third Millennium "Preparing for the Year 2000 has

become as it were a hermeneutical key of my Pontificate. Ills certainly not a matter of indulging in a new millenarianism, as occurred in some quarters at the end of the first millennium: rather it is aimed at an increased sensitivity to all that the Spirit is saying to the Church and the Churches.

Despite appearances, humanity continues to await the revelation of the children of God and lives by this hope."

So while these extracts are drawn from speeches given between 1979 and 1994 and deal with such diverse themes, taken as a whole they do justice to the publisher's title, Agenda for the Third Millennium.

One result of the hook should be to send those wanting to pursue further some tantalising insight of the Pope. scurrying off to find his encyclicals and other works, especially Crossing the Threshold of Hope which presents a more systematic reflection on some of the topics covered by this collection.

The publisher has grouped the extracts in ten sections - faith. the Church, prayer, love. history, evil, work. religions.

The blurb on the back misleadingly calls these "ten commandments for a new millennium".

There is no index; readers should make their own references so a choice passage can be easily relocated.

Within the ten sections there are subheadings grouping two or more extracts - a useful aid for the browser - while the list of sources at the back is mainly useful for assisting the imagination.

This reviewer checked each one while reading an extract so as to picture the Pope addressing "leading politicians in Buenos Aires in 1987" or whomever.

The several references to Dominum et Vivicantem. On the Holy Spirit, might prompt a fresh look at this neglected encyclical.

A birthday, Father's Day or, for well-organised early shoppers, a Christmas present for any Catholic or, far that matter, any man or woman who has left "their windows open to God".

Book of saintly art is a treasure Words of wisdom from I.ives and Legends of the Saints

by Carole Armstrong, Moondrake Australia. 1995, RRP $24.95

Reviewed by Nana Howard

IL

Ives and Legends of the Saints by Carole Armstrong is a book to be treasured by readers of any age who appreciate beauty.

The simple stories, kept short, are ideal for reading to children, while the superb richness of the illustrations makes the book a delight for young and old alike.

Within its pages 20 great men and women of the past are brought to life once again - depicted in masterpieces from the world's great art museums.

Some are remembered for their courageous lives, and others for the legends woven around them.

The paintings are rich in symbolism.

A tasselled crimson cardinal's hat has been casually placed on a table beside the lion in the painting of St Jerome, who sits patiently removing a thorn from its paw.

Birds of many kinds gather beneath a delicate tree on the rich gold background of Giotto's fresco to hear St Francis of Assisi

one mother to another

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ed in intricate detail, to each goldflecked strand of St Dorothy's waist length hair.

The use of light and shadows From one Single Mother adds a subtlety to the paintings to Another which only the masters were

by Sandra P. Aldrich capable of.

Focus on the Family Australia, Gentle candle light reveals the 1996, RRP $10.00 innocence and child-like wonder Reviewed by Annette Russo of the Christ-child's face, illuminated by the flame he holds for St his simple little book. well Joseph the Carpenter. researched and easy to Soft light lends an air of serene read, with short chapters beauty to Saint Appollonia, who and an easy flow of language, is leapt into a fire rather than wor- about the load of single parenting ship the Roman idols of stone and career juggling. And the which shattered when she made importance of getting on with life. the sign of the cross.

It is full of home spun wisdom.

The faces of Saints Catherine Sandra Aldrich shares her pracand Joan shine with an angelic tical and personal experiences for beauty which makes it easy to see other mothers in the same situawhy these paintings are still trea- tion. sured hundreds of years after they Using words such as 'inadefirst graced the canvas. quate', 'struggle', 'feelings', 'adjuAn index of paintings, informa- stment', 'routine', 'comfort', tion on the artists and a calendar 'common sense and self esteem', of feast-days assist us further in you realise here is someone who making our acquaintance with has the ability of expressing her the inspiring personalities we feelings, pain and anguish. meet.

It is not a book of self pity or This book is an excellent intro- even feminism, but a book of duction to the saints, and lovely to warmth and practical suggesread. tions.

Here is a person who is in touch Its universal appeal makes it an ideal gift and a valuable addition with her own emotions and full of to any bookshelf. character.

T

preach, while St Dorothy holds a basket of heavenly fruit and flowers.

A spiked wheel of torture lies shattered at the feet of the graceful St Catherine of Alexandria; angels shattered the wheel with bolts of lightening from heaven before the Emperor Maxentius could use it on her, winning it the name 'Catherine Wheel'.

The painstaking hours spent creating each masterpiece are evident everywhere - from the silvergrey battle dress worn by St Joan of Arc, with its chain mail paint-

9tiblI4cort1, August 29 1996. Page 12

She describes a get-tough attitude with herself which helped her to get things in proper perspective.

The Bible played a big part in the author's life. She turned to it for encouragement to help face the impossible situations, and in the book explains how she won through with God's help: "In faith, we have to do what we can do and not give up".

Sandra also showed insightful wisdom by counting what she had left, instead of what she had lost.

Every chapter starts with an idealistic heading followed by a practical example or suggestion.

These chapters cover areas such as maintaining your family routine, being realistic in your expectations of others, being willing to make changes and letting yourself laugh. A cheerful heart is good medicine.

As I read this wonderful book, I felt that I was just sitting with a friend over a cup of coffee discussing events of everyday life.

This book is recommended for every household bookshelf and could be used daily like the family recipe book

International News

Doctors more confident of other Teresa recovery CALCUTTA. India (CNS) - Doctors treating Mother Teresa said on August 27 they were increasingly confident she would recover from heart problems, a lung infection and malaria.

"In comparison to the suffering she had, we can certainly say that she is significantly better," said Dr Sudipta Sen. one of the doctors treating the Nobel laureate at Woodlands Nursing Home.

"Vie cannot say she is totally out of danger, but we are feeling much more optimistic." he added.

Mother Teresa spoke for the first time on August 2Z and Dr Dinamani Banerjee said she expressed concern about who would pay her hospital bills.

Banerjee also said doctors would monitor her condition through the night before moving her out of intensive care.

Doctors took Mother Teresa off a respirator for six hours on August 26. Sen said on August 27 that the oxygen tube in her throat would be removed within 24 hours if there were no complications.

Missionary of Charity Sister Andrea said Mother Teresa was pestering doctors to be allowed to leave the hospital.

"It's almost like a resurrection." she said.

Mother Teresa, who founded the Missionaries of Charity, celebrated her 86th birthday in the hos-

Gowda and Archbishop Henry prayed in the Missionaries of D'Souza of Calcutta joined the Charity house. and several places country's parliament and several of worship in Calcutta and elsesocio-political leaders in wishing where, said a Missionaries of Mother Teresa a speedy recovery. Charity spokeswoman.

One Muslim went to the house, "The whole nation is worried about the health and well-being put down his prayer mat at the of Mother Teresa." said PA Sang- foot of the crucifix in the chapel ma. speaker of the lower house of corridor, knelt down facing Mecc. parliament. marking her birthday. and prayed fervently for MotheGet-well wishes from world Teresa. the spokeswoman said.

Day and night prayer vigils were leaders flooded the motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity. the held in all Missionaries of Charicongregation that Mother Teresa ty houses, said the spokeswoman. started to help the poor and adding. "We are confident that our prayers for her recovery will needy.

Pope John Paul II sent Mother be heard: it has happened Teresa get-well wishes that were before."

Mother Teresa. who won the conveyed on his behalf by teleMother Teresa's Missionaries of Charily pray for their founder in Calcutta, India phone to the papal nuncio in 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. has been last Tuesday.

India. who passed on the Pope's widely acclaimed as a living saint.

In April. she was hospitalised pital. Although some members of corrected it. Sen said. She also wishes to the order.

The Pope thanked God for after she fell and fractured her the order and some wire service received antibiotics for a lung Mother Teresa's "service to the collarbone reports said her birthday was infection.

In 1989. Mother Teresa received poorest of the poor."

Mother nurses. of help the With organisanews August 26, other pacemaker. and in late Decema Washof Hickey James Cardinal tions insisted her birthday was Teresa sat up in bed on August 2ti 1991 she underwent angiober calling statement a issued ington period. for a short August 27. plasty.

Because of the tube in her throat. for prayers for Mother Teresa.

The Associated Press reported In 1993, she was hospitalised for "Just as Mother Teresa has that "in 1993, then-Prime Minister she could not speak, but wrote opened her heart to the sick and several days after a fall in which P.V. Narasimha Rao erroneously short notes.

"I want to see sisters," she wrote. the dying. so now we open our she broke three ribs. sent birthday greetings a day Even after health problems led early, beginning a tradition of cel- When she was visited by six of hearts to her in prayer." the stateher to resign as head of the Misebrating the occasion on both her Missionaries of Charity she ment said.

A priest at an August 26 gather- sionaries of Charity in 1990. her scribbled another note that said. days." ing at Missionaries of Charity order re-elected her as superior.

Mother Teresa was admitted to "Sisters. God bless you."

She maintained a heavy travel Mother Teresa has been "a won- headquarters in Calcutta said that the hospital on August 20 with a fever. Doctors discovered she had derful patient, but difficult at the previous day, for the first time schedule. visiting her order's malaria, and at one point her times because she tries to get up since she was hospitalised, Moth- houses for the poor. sick and er Teresa requested Communion dying in India and around the heartbeat was irregular "only for and move.- said Sen. Indian Prime Minister H.D. Dew' a few seconds" before doctors People of various religions world.

'Keep trying for peace' Mary, St Joseph's chaste Sorrow for wedlock 'true marriage' lost children Pope urges bishops CASFEL GANDOLFO. Italy (CNS) - Pope John Paul II encouraged the bishops of Sri Lanka to continue working for peace and an end to ethnic violence in their country.

"Only dialogue can safeguard inviolable human rights, including the legitimate rights of minorities," the Pope told the bishops of Sri Lanka on August 24 at the end of their "ad limina" visits to Rome.

Making the visits, which are required of bishops every five years to report on the status of their dioceses, the Sri Lankan Church leaders told the Pope about the ongoing civil war in their country and the effect it has had on Catholics, who come from the Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have been fighting the government for more than 13 years, seeking Tamil autonomy on the northern and eastern edges of Sri Lanka, an island nation off the southern coast of India.

The country's population is about 74 percent Sinhalese and about 18 percent Tamil.

A statement from the Conference of Major Religious Superiors in Sri Lanka said that economic and social life are spiralling downward and that there are few signs of relief.

Contributing to this decline are an economic slump and an ongoing shortage of electricity, as well as terrorism by Tamil rebels and the war against the rebels, which will cost the country 48 billion rupees (about US$1 billion),

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Imagining St Joseph as an old man in an attempt to grasp the mystery of his chaste marriage to Mary may be selling short St Joseph and the Holy Spirit. Pope John Paul II said.

according to the statement issued earlier this Summer.

Pope John Paul told the bishops to continue their efforts to help people understand "that ethnic, "The type of marriage to which linguistic and cultural diversity is the Holy Spirit led Mary and a treasure to be preserved - not Joseph is understandable only in an obstacle to be removed." the context of (God's) plan for salA key part of promoting peace vation and in the atmosphere of in Sri Lanka, the Pope said, is pro- high spirituality," the Pope said moting ecumenical and interreli- on August 21 at his weekly gengious dialogue. eral audience.

"God himself is in 'dialogue' Reaching the 30th installment of with the world, offering it his love, his audience series on Mary, Pope mercy and salvation," he said.

"In fidelity to this divine initia- John Paul fried to explain to visitive and example. the Church tors how Mary's decision to enters into the 'dialogue of salva- remain a virgin fitted in with her tion' with all men and women, promise of marriage to Joseph. freely and respectfully presenting a promise that usually would her message and listening to imply an intention to have sexuthe wisdom of other believers." al relations. he said.

As early as the second century, Pope John Paul encouraged the the Pope said, people resolved the bishops to be especially attentive question by picturing Joseph as a to the common ground all believers can find on moral and ethical issues.

"Interreligious dialogue in Sri Lanka, especially with the majorMANCHESI ER, England (CNS) ity Buddhist community, can be based on a shared recognition of - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II such values as the inalienable dig- and other senior members of the nity of every human life, the ines- royal family are considering timable value of the family, changes that would permit future respect for a life of virtue, nonvi- monarchs to marry Roman olence and self-effacement in Catholics.

The Queen's staff confirmed on serving the needs of others," he 19 the Queen was considAugust said.

The Pope also asked the bishops ering proposals to lift the bar to put more energy into Church against heirs to the throne marryprograms for young people, espe- ing Catholics.

Other members of the royal famcially as "the secularisation of the educational system and of soci- ily engaged in discussions on the future of the monarchy include ety" continues.

very old man who was more a guardian over Mary than a husband.

The Pope said Jesus had to be born of a virgin so that it would be clear that he was the Son of God. But at the same time, he needed an earthly mother and father for normal human growth and development.

"The communion of virginal love between Mary and Joseph, while constituting a very special case tied to the concrete realisation of the mystery of the Incarnation, was nevertheless a true marriage," the Pope said.

Pope John Paul also said it was quite possible that Joseph was not an old man when he married Mary, "but that his interior perfection - the fruit of grace - led him to live his spousal relationship with Mary with virginal affection."

A man holds up pictures of Julie Lejeune and Melissa Russo outside the Basilica of St Martin in Liege, Belgium, on August 22. 10.000 people gathered at the church to remember the young victims of a paedophile gang.

Queen considers revoking marriage ban the queen's husband. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: and the heir to the throne, Prince Charles. Prince of Wales.

Britain's queens and kings and their heirs have been banned from marrying Catholics since the 1701 Act of Succession.

The act also states that the monarch cannot be a Catholic Queen Elizabeth is the supreme governor of the Church of England, a title dating back to King Henry VIII. Unless that link between the

monarchy and the established Church were removed, it would be difficult to envisage a situation in which the monarch could be Catholic observers say.

Lord St John of Fawsley, a constitutional expert. ,t Catholic and a former government minister. welcomed news of tne proposal.

He said the bar was "an infringement of the human rights of members of the royal family and somewhat insulting to the Catholic community."

The Record, August 29 1996 Page 13, -

International News

US of bishop head new Possible papal visit Vatican laity council In Brief

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II will probably visit Israel in 1997, said Rabbi David Rosen of the AntiDefamation League of B'nai B'rith at a meeting of Catholic young adults.

However, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said that "no date, not even a year" has been decided upon for the visit to the Holy Land. which Pope John Paul repeatedly has said he would like to make before the year 2000.

Clinton talk veto NEW YORK (CNS) - Cardinal John O'Connor of New York has decided President Clinton will not get the traditional invitation of major presidential candidates to address the Al Smith dinner this year. according to an August 22 story in the New York Post.

Citing unnamed sources, the paper said that "the presidential snub is the latest shot fired in the archdiocesan crusade against Clinton's veto of legislation outlawing partial-birth abortions."

Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the cardinal, told Catholic News Service he did not dispute the accuracy of the story, but said he could not confirm it either.

New network WASHINGTON (CNS) - A working group of Catholic theologians from five continents formed a new international network of Catholic theology societies at a meeting from August 2-5 in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Called "Network: Catholic Theology," the group hopes to improve international communication among theologians and help the Church face the challenges of its transition from a European cultural institution to a global. multicultural reality.

Archbishop back LOUISVILLE, Kentucky.

(CNS) - In a letter to Louisville Catholics, Archbishop Thomas Kelly said he was returning from a substance abuse program in good health and -greatly energised by the prospect of continuing to serve you in the years ahead."

In mid-June, the archbishop entered a program at Guest House - an assessment and treatment centre for priests and bishops in Rochester, Minnesota. - for substance abuse problems related to alcohol and prescription drugs.

Canonist dies BERKELEY, California. (CNS) - Stephan George Kuttner, who taught canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington for 24 years and helped develop the current Code of Canon Law, died on August 12 in Berkeley.

Kuttner, who was 89, taught from 1940 to 1964 at Catholic University, where a professorial chair in canon law was established in his name in 1993.

DENVER (CNS) - Guiding future World Youth Days will be one of his key concerns after he moves to Rome, Archbishop Francis Stafford of Denver said in an interview with his archdiocesan newspaper, the Denver Catholic Register.

"I don't think the importance of these World Youth Days can be overestimated," he said.

"Where else on the planet do hundreds of thousands of young adults and youths come together just to celebrate who they are as God's children?"

"Certainly my own ministry was revolutionised by my experience at World Youth Day '93," he added.

The Denver Archdiocese hosted that August 1993 event, which drew about 250,000 young people and featured an appearance by Pope John Paul II. On August 20 the Pope named Archbishop Stafford the new president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

The Vatican agency is responsi-

I sii-10.

I ii Ph

Denver Archbishop Francis Stafford talks to the media on August 20 about his appointment as president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

ble for overseeing Catholic lay apostolates, movements and organisations, including the yearly observances of World Youth Day. Archbishop Stafford, 64, succeeds Cardinal Eduardo Pironio,

75, who is retiring after heading

the council for 12 years.

"I look at the Pontifical Council for the Laity as one of the first and best fruits of Vatican (Council) II," he said.

He said the council's Constitu-

Hon on the Church and Constitution on the Church in the Modern World "view the work of the laity as essentially secular. Lay people are called to holiness, just as authentically as priests and religious - but their particular task of Gospel witness is found in the challenges of their daily lives, in the marketplace, in the world."

Archbishop Stafford was born and raised in Baltimore, where he became a priest in 1957 and an auxiliary bishop in 1976 and headed archdiocesan Catholic Charities.

Appointed by President Carter to the White House Conference on Families in 1979-81, he said he learned two key lessons there.

The first was the importance of employment, steady employment, as a support for healthy family life. The second was my encounter, for the first time in a vivid way, with some of the cultural trends in American society that work against the Integrity of family life and the faith of lay people."

Catholic homosexuals, lesbians, gather Priest , to find support in struggle to be chaste expelled

By Lou Baldwin PHILADELPHIA (CNS) - Nurture or nature? Are men and

women attracted to members of their own sex because of genetic predisposition or because of the traumas of life, especially early in life?

This was one of the issues discussed at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia from August 8-11 during the national conference for members of Courage.

It is a support group for persons with a homosexual orientation who wish to live chaste lives in accordance Church teaching.

Many of the men and women talked about experiences of heartbreaking family rejection in their own lives.

The organisation asked that the identity of all conference participants be kept confidential.

"I teach tennis," said one young man, who said he became active in sports in a vain attempt to gain the approval of his father, now deceased.

"After my father's funeral, he appeared to me in a dream.I was on the tennis court. Without say-

ing words, he said he knew why I played tennis. I think he was saying he knew who I am and he approved of me."

"I never saw my father express affection to my mother," a woman said.

"The only time my dad said he loved me he was drunk He had been orphaned himself and he didn't know how to show affection. God is my daddy."

-I was in the (homosexual) lifestyle for nine years," another man testified.

"Ileft 13 years ago, because God told me he had been patient with me long enough."

The same man said he eventually got married, but conceded "as we know, marriage does not cure homosexuality. I had to work through all the issues."

-My father," he added, -never learned to love me and I never learned to love him. It wasn't that he didn't love me; he didn't know how to express it. The day he died,Icalled and my mother told me, 'Your father wants to talk to you.' The 26 years of ignoring me was healed."

The session that generated such impassioned comment had

been led by Dr Richard Fitzgibbons, a Philadelphia-area psychiatrist who sees a number of homosexuals in his own practice.

He spoke of what he calls "the sports wound" and its impact on homosexual behaviour.

"Studies show boys with poor hand-eye coordination are regularly rejected by their peers," Fitzgibbons said.

"They experience isolation and non-gender conformity, they don't accept their masculinity and very often develop homosexual attraction very early in life."

Fitzgibbons contends the sports wound, loneliness and the father relationship are major factors in the development of homosexual behaviour.

The decision to treat it as a genetic disorder is "purely a political position," he said.

Fitzgibbons contended that homosexuality -cannot only be treated, it can be prevented." "(Courage) has been very helpful to many of my patients over the years, while they are dealing with identifying and healing the emotional wounds they have and then the sadness which can only be healed spiritually," he said.

CALCUTTA, India (CNS) The Indian government has expelled Salesian Father Jesus Gimenez, a Spanish missionary who worked in the country for the past 46 years.

The government order that led to the priest's departure for Madrid on August 16 mentioned no charges against him, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

But sources in Bihar state's Purnea district, where Father Girnenez worked among Santal tribals, said the priest's failure to get an officer's relative admitted to a school two years ago led to the expulsion.

Although dated April 4, the expulsion order from the federal home ministry was served on Father Gimenez on April 28, only five days before the May 3 deadline it set for him to leave the country.

Besides setting up schools and hostels for tribal students, the missionary also promoted rural health and the Santali culture and language.

American women religious discuss their future WASHINGTON (CNS) - Lead- Carney, was murdered in Honers of the nation's women reli- duras in 1983. gious discussed and acted on "We think someone from the their belief in nonviolence at a School of the Americas was national meeting of the Leader- involved" in the priest's torture ship Conference of Women Reli- and murder, Sister Brenner said. gious in August.

The theme of the LCWR meetThe day before the opening of ing, which drew more than the August 17-21 meeting 900 religious superiors representin Atlanta, about 450 heads of ing some 70,000 US sisters, women's orders arrived early was "The Fierce Urgency of Now: to participate in a prayer vigil at Imagining Leadership for a Nonthe School of the Americas at violent World."

Fort Benning, Georgia, where Franciscan Sister Nancy Schreck Central and South American sol- of Dubuque, Iowa, outgoing diers are trained.

LCWR president, challenged the Among them was Sister Frances leaders to ask themselves, "What Brenner, a School Sister of St Fran- can we do to be peacemakers in cis from Milwaukee, whose this land of violence?" cousin, Jesuit Father Guadalupe She compared the living of non-

The Record,August 29 1996- Page 14

violence in today's violent assuring just pay for all Church world with the ancient exile of employees; full use of women's the Israelites when they were pastoral, ministerial and spiritual enslaved in Babylon but kept their gifts and more support for the identity, their hope and their education of women in profesfaith despite the efforts of their sional Church fields. captors to destroy their spirit.

In a talk at the Atlanta assembly The promotion of women's roles on August 20, St Joseph in the Church was the theme of a Sister Helen Prejean urged LCWR 101-page book, "Creating a Home: members to "be about the work Benchmarks for Church Leader- of justice, Gospel work ... to walk ship Roles for Women," issued Into the places where the poor shortly before the assembly by people are bring God's message." the LCWR executive committee. It In a panel discussion on August proposed 15 "benchmarks" to 19 on leadership in the face of perassess Church progress in the sonal or institutional violence, advancement of women. four current or past leaders of The proposals ranged from women's communities described Pogressively recruiting women how their communities worked Jr Church leadership posts to through such situations.

Official Engagements

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Phone: (09) 227 7080. Fax: (09) 227 7087 e-mail: cathrec@iinetnet.au Publisher Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

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Archdiocesan Panorama OUR LADY'S BIRTHDAY ROSARY BOUQUET The Scroll covering the 48 hour Perpetual Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady's Birthday will be offered up at 10.00 am Mass, St Mary's Cathedral on 8 September, NOT 10.30 am. Enquiries: Margaret, Ph/Fax: (09) 446 1935 or Janis (09) 225 1382.

C ATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL RALLY The Charismatic Prayer groups of the Northern suburbs are holding a rally at St Kieran's Church.

Osborne Park on Sunday 8 Sept at 2.00 pm. Allan Panozza will speak on National Vision for Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Enq: Pam 381 2516.

CHARISMATIC HEALING MASS Flame Ministries International are celebrating a Mass for healing at Holy Family Church, Thelma St. Como on Sunday 8 September at 6.00 pm.

Address

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SEPTEMBER Disciples of Jesus Gathering, City 1 Beach - Archbishop Hickey Confirmation, Willagee Bishop Jobst Thanksgiving Service celebrating 150 years of Christian Witness in Perth - Rev Fr K Long Confirmation, Carlisle Rev Fr G Holohan Central Commission and National 2-5 Liturgical Commission, Sydney Archbishop Hickey Blessing of extensions to Nolla3 mara Primary School Bishop Healy Benedictine Torch Arrival (Subiaco, Italy to Subiaco, Perth) Mgr M Keating Final Concert of Performing Arts 4 Bishop Healy Civic Reception for High Commissioner of South Africa Mr G Searle Confirmation, South Perth 5 Mgr M Keating Confirmation, Lynwood 6 Mgr J Nestor Visitation Southern Cross and 7-12 Kuhn - Archbishop Hickey 75th Anniversary Mass Legion of 7 Mary, St Mary's Cathedral Bishop Healy Confirmation, Belmont/Redcliffe 8 Rev Fr G Carroll

BROTHER ANDREW RETREATS September springtime Retreats "Our Faith is Vital" will be given by Brother Andrew (Father) of Calcutta, with daily Mass and private interviews at Gracewood - God's Farm, near Busselton.

Details from Betty Peaker, Box 24 P.O. Cowaramup 6284. Phone/Fax (097) 556 212.

Annual subscription: $80 for 52 issue Name

AUGUST Opening and blessing of Boulder 30 Primary School - Bishop Healy Confirmation, Palmyra Mgr J O'Shea Novena to Our Lady of Vailankani, Embleton - Archbishop Hickey

OUR LADY'S BIRTHDAY To celebrate the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin on Sunday 8 September there will be Midday Mass at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation. 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Immediately after Mass there will be anointing of the sick. Enquiries, 447 3292 or PO Box 311 Tuart Hill 6060.

JOHN PAUL MARIAN NOVENA The Annual Marian Novena at SS John and Paul Church commences on Wednesday 28 August. (excluding weekend of 31 August and 1 September and 7 September) at 7.30 pm.The Novena will conclude on Sunday 8 Sept at 5.00 pm with a prayer service followed by a shared meal.

MASS IN THE WILDERNESS Spiritu Santo is holding the First Anniversary Mass on Saturday 7 September at 10.30 am at Hudman Quarry. Celebrant: Father Ughanze.

Meditation, Mass and lunch. Transport available.

St Joachims departs 8.00 am, Infant Jesus departs 9.00 am. St Brigid, Midland departs 9.30 am. Arrival 10.00 am. Returning 1.00 pm approx.

For information Tel: 362 4399.

SOCIAL JUSTICE TALK Speaker Liz Way, from the Catholic Social Justice Office, will speak on the topic of "Social Justice: What is happening and what difference can I make?" at the Multi-purpose room, John XXIII College, Wednesday 4 September, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. S5 (or donation unemployed and pensioners). Contact: Murray Graham on 384 1122.

The Record, AugUsl 29 1998 Page 15

mAtmit Mission priests a hallmark of 100 years at Southern Cross N

ext Sunday the parish of Our Lady of Monserrat, Southern Cross, will celebrate its centenary as a parish.

Archbishop Barry Hickey will travel to Southern Cross approximately 400 lcms east of Perth to celebrate the 100 years with the parish as part of his pastoral tation of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Perth. He will also make an official visitation to the wheatbelt parish of Kulin.

Southern Cross was declared an independent parish in 1896 with Fr William Prendagast as the first resident priest.

In 1903 it was incorporated into the newly enlarged Abbey Nullius of New Norcia. This was due in part, to the insufficient supply of clergy serving the more remote areas governed by the Perth archdiocese, and in recognition of the excellent pastoral service given by the Benedictine Fathers to the people of the Victoria Plains.

In 1904, Dom Torres took possession of the extended Abbey Nullius incorporating Southern Cross.

The affival of the Presentation Sisters on 14 February 1900 heralded the advent of education to Southern Cross. Indeed, these

good Sisters provided the first education service to the people of the town.

In 1904 the Presentation Sisters left the town to establish a school and community in the coal ing town of Collie.

The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the "Brown Joeys," as they have been affectionately Icriown throughout many areas of Western Australia settled in Southern Cross in 1905, continuing the work of educating Catholic students.

Their famous "Bushie Schools" complemented parish and family faith instruction to students in outlying areas.

Early Church services were held in the School Hall. The present building was a feat largely negotiated by the efforts of Fr Planas.

It was built at a cost of $4000 $2000 of which was raised by Fr Planas in Spain.

The new Church named "Our Lady of Monserrat" was officially opened and blessed by the Lord Abbot 1 t1ss Catalan, on 26 April 1936.

By the 1970's the Church had been returned to the ministration of the archdiocese of Perth to be served by secular priests.

Qttr ,C#141

Th,onserritt, c_50tit4ern eross

Parishioners on Palm Sunday outside Our Lady of Monserrat, Southern Cross, last year.

Edi

At a Glance Priest: Fr Robert Carrillo Addi•ess: 48 Altair St, Southern CrOSS. Tel: (090) 49 1049 Parish size: 3Z01`,)0 sq km Weekday Masses: 9.30am Sunday Masses: Saturday (Vigil) 6.30pm, Sunday 8.30am, Mass centres: Westonia every first and third Sunday 10.45am, Warrlakin every second Sunday 10.45am.

Reconciliation: By appointment School: St Joseph's School, Tel. 090 49 1046 Principal: John Ryan Today, in true missionary style, our present priest Fr Robert Carrillo from the Philippines, continues the work of God in Southern Cross.

A link to an ancient Spanish tradition

T

he Benedictine influence of New Norcia in the early history of the Southern Cross parish is seen in the choice of Our Lady of Monserrat as the patroness of the parish.

The Benedictines built a monastery at Monserrat in Catalonia in north-eastern Spain in the 11th century.

Many of the 2.5 million people who visit the Spanish Monserrat in the Sawtooth Mountains of Catalonia 60 kilometres from Barcelona to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Monserrat which houses a small, 12th-century wooden statue of the Black Madonna.

According to tradition, St. Luke made the first image of this Black Madonna in Jerusalem, then gave it to St Peter, who gave it to St Etereo, the first bishop of Barcelona.

Visitors are also attracted by the mountain's beauty and Montserrat's 50-voice boy choir.

Some come to keep a promise or participate in Benedictine liturgies; others are called to conversion.

It was at•Monserrat that St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, made a lengthy confession and changed his life.

Cardinal Angelo Roncalli, patriarch of Venice, Italy, visited MonUJuILuJ II.!1!

11111111111 Pope serrat just before he became John and said the statue appeared to smile at him. Later, The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of when Pope, he jokingly remarked that he now knew why Our Lady Monserrat Photo CNS had smiled - He had told Our Following the Saracen invasion Lady of all the problems he faced of Spain, Christians hid the cher- in leading the patriarchy of Venice ished image in a Monserrat cave when She knew that he had much in 718, and from there it came to bigger difficulties to come as the MonSerrai monastery.

Pope.

SEMINAR POSTPONED The 'Life in the Eucharist Seminar' scheduled for the weekend of September 6 - 8 at Holy Cross Parish Hall, Kensington, has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Details will be published in The Record.

SATURDAY DEVOTION The final of the five 1st Saturday Devotions concludes on Saturday 7 September, at Holy Spirit Church, Keaney PI, City Beach. Celebrations commence 8.00 pm on Friday 6 September with Rosary followed by All Night Vigil, and Rosary on the hour. Confessions between 8.00 pm and 9.00 pm Friday evening. Vigil to conclude with Holy Mass Sat. 7 Sept. 9.00 am. (Rosary and Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will pre-

The Record, August 29 1996 Page 16

Inside the Parish Church

The blessing of the palms at Southern Cross on Palm Sunday last year

Archcliocesan Panorama cede Mass). You are invited to join in this Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Prayers will also be offered in reparation for abortion. If you would like to spend time with the Lord during the night, contact Margaret 446 1935 or Lorraine 446 9682 to confirm time slot.

FLAME OF PEACE The Benedictine Flame of Peace, inaugurated in 1978, is leaving Europe for the first time and coming to Western Australia as part of the Centenary celebrations of Local Government in Subiaco.

Local Government representatives from

Subiaco, Italy, will bring the `Flame' to Perth and deliver it into the care of St Joseph's, Subiaco for two weeks. A ceremony to welcome the Flame will be held in St Joseph's Church, Subiaco on 2 September, at 6.30 pm. All welcome.

POLYPHONIC CHOIR "CITTA DI SUBIACO" This Choir of classically trained singers are visiting Perth as part of the Centenary celebrations of Local Government in Subiaco and will sing at the 10.00 am Mass on Sunday 15 September. The chief celebrant will be Benedictine Abbott

Raphael da Salvo, visiting from Subiaco, Arkansas, USA. The choir are renowned for their European performances, including in 1984 the opening concert for the first International Congress for Gregorian Chant.

LITURGICAL MUSIC FOR EVERYONE: OUR LANGUAGE OF FAITH Text writing for sung and unsung prayer, presented by Tricia Walsh. Over the two nights Tricia will introduce ways of writing texts that express our faith.Thursday 5 and 12 September, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Leederville Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St, Leederville. Cost $10 for two nights. For further info and registration please contact Kylie, Archdiocesan Liturgy Office, ph: (09) 221 1548.

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