Light of the North Issue 14

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Light of the North

Light of the North Light I am the Light Light of the the World Wor ld Homecoming for ‘Our Lady of Aberdeen’ Ron Smith Page 25

Overcoming alcoholism with AA Anna K. Page 12

I s s ue 1 4 , S ummer, 2 0 1 0 The Royal Scots College in Spain Peter Davidson Page 30

Newman: The making of a saint Clare Benedict Page 22

Official Papal Visit to Scotland and England 16th to 19th September, 2010

A quarterly magazine produced and published by the Diocese of Aberdeen R.C. Diocese of Aberdeen Charitable Trust, a registered Scottish Charity no.

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Pope Benedict’s Itinary The visit of Pope Benedict XVl to Britain will be only the second by a Pope to Britain, and the first state visit. The visit will last for three days from September 16-19.

He will arrive in Scotland on Thursday 16th September, the Feast of St. Ninian. Following his arrival at Edinburgh airport the Pope will be driven to Holyrood Palace where he will be welcomed by Her Majesty the Queen.

On leaving the palace he will be driven in the Popemobile through the centre of Edinburgh. Here, in the hour preceding his motorcade, a celebratory pageant will have taken place comprising: Pipe Bands, schools with special emphasis on children attending schools named after St. Ninian and a historic pageant with characters dressed as historic figures in our national life. More information on the St. Ninian’s Day Parade is available at: www. stniniansday.co.uk Following lunch with Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the Holy Father will travel to Bellahouston Park in Glasgow to celebrate a public Mass on the same site that his predecessor Pope John Paul II said Mass in 1982. At least 100,000 tickets will be made available to attend the event through Catholic parishes, who will receive a pro-rata allocation based on their Mass attendance figures. Travel to Bellahouston will be by buses which are being organised centrally.

On the second day of the visit, Pope Benedict is going to St Mary’s University College, Twickenham where he will begin the day praying with representatives of religious congregations. He will

Will you be there?

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oung people from all around the world will be converging on the capital of Spain for World Youth Day 2011 from Sunday 14th August until Tuesday 23rd August, 2011.

The Diocese of Aberdeen has booked forty places, pledged to take forty (or more, if the demand is there) pilgrims to Madrid.

The World Youth Day theme is “Planted and Built up in Jesus Christ Firm in Faith”. There will be catechesis, teaching, faith sharing and many wonderfully inspiring opportunities to meet other young Catholics. Reflection, pilgrimage hospitality and the confidence building awareness of so many other young Catholics helps us all to find space to pray and to grow.

There will be several large Masses, and some small more intimate and homely celebrations of the Eucharist with a few other pilgrim groups. The variety is truly impressive.

then meet about 3,000 young people to celebrate Catholic education after which he will meet religious leaders and people of religious faith to discuss religion and belief in our society.

Later that day, the Pope is scheduled to meet with the Archbishop of Canterbury to speak with him in front of the Anglican diocesan bishops and the Catholic diocesan bishops of England and Wales.

He has then been invited, as part of the State visit, to address representatives of British society who will be invited to Westminster Hall to hear the Pope’s address.

He will finish off the day with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Christian leaders at Westminster Abbey to celebrate Evening Prayer.

On the third and final day of the visit Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass in Westminster Cathedral where he will also, from there, greet the people of Wales.

Later in the day he will visit a home for older people, giving the Pope an opportunity to go to those who cannot meet with him. He will then be present at a Vigil of prayer which again will be in the open air in London.

The final day of the visit is focused very much on the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, and the Pope will celebrate the beatification in Cofton Park in Birmingham - adjacent, fittingly, to Rednal where Cardinal Newman was buried [See Eileen Grants article on The making of a Saint Page 22].

He will conclude the day by meeting with the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales in Oscott College before returning to Rome from Birmingham Airport.

The cost for pilgrims is approximately £787 for flights, accommodation (bed and breakfast), and registration.

However, you don’t need to pay it all at once, just a deposit of £70 from every Pilgrim to be paid as soon as possible. Thereafter we will have a series of dates for further payments. Deaneries, parishes and every individual is expected to work in a cooperative spirit raising funds to support the pilgrims and there may be small, discretionary grants from the Diocese to pay for those who have difficulty in making payments.

And, if you’re thinking, but I don’t know anyone else who’s going to Madrid, the Highland Deanery have organised a number of youth days from August through to November at: St Columba’s, Culloden; St Mary’s, Beauly; Christ the King, Brora; Immaculate Conception, Stratherrick and St Vincent’s, Tain.

For more information about the ‘Greatest Youth Festival on the Planet’ and a deposit form go to the WYD page at www. stmarysinverness.co.uk. But you’ll have to act quickly ...like now!

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contents

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S cot land welcom es Pop e B ened ic t

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witness 12

liturgy 13

educationandformation 15

faithinaction 21

faithandculture

‘Heart speaks unto heart’

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crossword 34

humour 35

Light of the North

Managing Editor Deacon Tony Schmitz Editor Cowan Watson Editorial Advisor Canon Bill Anderson Advertising Sandra Townsley 01463 831 133 Sedstown@aol.com

Light of the North Ogilvie Centre 16 Huntly Street 01224 638675 lightofthenorthmagazine@gmail.com www.lightofthenorth.org

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he preparations for Pope Benedict’s visit to Scotland are well under way and there is little doubt that when the Holy Father sets foot on Scottish soil he will receive a rapturous welcome. While Pope John Paul ll visited Scotland as leader of the Catholic Church and its chief pastor the visit of Pope Benedict will be different. He comes primarily as a visitor to all the people of the UK as a champion of the relevance of faith to the healthy evolution of modern societies.

The Christian faith has shaped our society and our culture over the last two thousand years. It is not really possible to understand who we are, where we come from or much of what we take for granted, without some appreciation of this historic faith. But more importantly, the Christian faith continues to be lived by enormous numbers of people who find in it the deepest sense of meaning and hope for their lives, and whose faith inspires them to work for justice and to offer generous service to others.

The motto of Cardinal Newman was “Heart speaks unto heart� and significantly it is these words which have been chosen as the motto for this Papal Visit for, at its core, the faith which Pope Benedict comes to proclaim speaks to the heart: to the spiritual quest for meaning and purpose at the heart of every human life.

No one is in any doubt that with the scandal of sexual abuse the Church continues to face one of the greatest institutional crisis of its history but nevertheless, as is made clear in the official booklet issued in preparation for the visit, “ This is a privileged moment for the healing of memories; for rejoicing in, and learning from, an extraordinarily rich shared inheritance; and for forging new relationships based on common interests and mutual respect�.

We should also remember, as Cardinal Keith O’Brien pointed out in a recent statement: “ Apostolic visits provide a rare opportunity for us to strengthen our faith and to show it to others ... As we commemorate the Feast of St. Ninian who sowed the seeds of faith in our country, it is my hope that a new generation will be revitalised and strengthened in bearing witness to the message of the Gospels.�

Cowan

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N ew s fro m the D io ce se

Papal award for care home trustee

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esidents and staff of Nazareth Care Home in Aberdeen gathered on Wednesday st March to celebrate two pieces of good news.

Planning permission has at last been granted for a new site in the Airyhall area of the city. Next year, , should see staff and residents transfer from the former Nazareth House to a brand new, state-of-the-art care home only two miles away.

Since the Sisters of Nazareth departed some years ago, a Board of Trustees has overseen the running of the home.

One of the Trustees, Doctor Anne Cannon (Mrs. Bruce Milligan), a parishioner of Inverurie, has devoted her professional skills, her friendly personality and endless hours of her time to supporting the management, the staff and the residents.

In their presence on Wednesday Bishop Peter Moran of Aberdeen (himself another of the Trustees) presented her with the Papal Bene Merenti Medal in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the home on its existing site and to the complex process of obtaining planning permission.

On its new site, with accommodation for fifty-four residents, the home will be renamed Northcote Lodge.

Dr Anne Cannon with Bishop Peter, Fr Mark Impson, Caroline Russo (Manager), Liz Sutherland (Deputy Manager) and staff and residents of Nazareth Care Home

Legion of Mary thanksgiving day

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early  Legionaries from Aberdeen city churches and Stonehaven travelled to Carfin in June to take part in a special Legion of Mary thanksgiving day.

The pilgrimage, led by Deacon Tony Schmitz, Spiritual Director for the group, was organised by the Legion of Mary, Star of the Sea Presidium at St Peter’s Church in Aberdeen.

A happy band of Legionaries pose for the camera in glorious sunshine

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Reception of Jessie Webster into the Church

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essie Webster from Elgin was received into the church at St Sylvester’s on Easter Sunday. Jessie is no stranger to the parish of St Sylvester’s as in her younger years she attended the Convent Commercial School where she was taught shorthand by Sr Vianney. She is especially grateful to all parishioners who made her so welcome and assisted her during her preparation period.

Seen h ere( f ro n t row ) a f t e r t he s e r v i c e Je s s i e is in th e c o m p a n y o f h e r n e w f o u n d f r i e nds Sean a n d Un a Mc Ge ow n a n d t h e i r s o n John, w hile i n th e rea r i s De a c o n Vi n c e n t Mc Qu ai d, w ho i n s tr uc ted he r i n t h e C a t ho l i c f a i th, Fr Tad Tur s ki , As s i s t a n t Pri e s t a t St Sy l ve s te r’s and Pa r i s h Pr i e s t Fr C o l i n St e w a r t w ho conf i r m ed Jes s i e d u ri n g t he s e r v i c e . Whe n asked to c o m m e n t o n he r e x p e ri e n c e o f be i ng recei ved i n to the c hu rc h Je s s i e re p l i e d : “I s h a ll a lwa ys re m e m b e r m y e n t ra n ce i nto the C a th o li c Ch u rc h o n E a s t e r Su n d a y  , as the h a p p i es t a n d m o s t f u l f i l l i n g e x p e r i e nce of m y li f e.

Th e c h urc h w a s p a c k e d w i t h t ho s e w hos e faith a n d j oy b ro u g h t a l i ve t he m e a ni ng of

Eas te r, i n a tangi ble w ay. My ni e ce , a nonCatholi c, tr ave lle d f rom Rothi e nor ma n t o s hare i n the ce le br ati ons , and a s u r p r i s e a rriva l of f r i e nds f rom Nor the r n Ire land an d t heir Inve r ne s s Doctor s on, made i t e xtr a s pecia l.

De s p i te the mou nti ng chi ld abu s e s ca nda l, I be li e ve God di re cte d me to the C a t holic Chu rch. I know i t w i ll be my chu rch unt il de ath. Ou r God has ne ve r p romi s e d u s a ea sy j ou r ne y throu gh li f e and s ome ti me s we a re as ke d to be ar he avy cros s e s – bu t ne ver a lone.

T he Eas te r me s s age i s one of gre at hope a nd of tr i u mp h ove r adve r s i ty and s u f f e r ing. We w i ll re mai n ali ve i n ou r f ai th i f we rema in s trong and tr u s ti ng. Ou r God re i gns .”

Dea c on Vi nc ent Mc Qua i d

Pluscarden Abbey Artists This summer the Ar ts an d Craf ts Centre, M o ny mu sk has b een featu rin g th e wo rk o f Plu sc ard en Ab b ey ar t ists, B ro th er Fin bar B oyle O SB an d Fr M at t hew Tylor OSB. Brother Finbar’s exhibition of his abstract calligraphic work runs from Friday 2nd July until Friday 16th July.

Later in the summer, from 14th August to 27th August it’s the turn of Fr Matthew Tylor. Fr M atthew has sold many paintings from the Abbey shop and reproductions of his pictures have been popular as postcards and notelets.

Brother Finbar and Fr Matthew held a very successful joint exhibition at Monymusk in the summer of 2008 and this latest exhibition of their work should certainly attract a great deal of critical interest.

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St Anne’s, Thurso celebrates 50th anniversary

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he th March as well as being the feast of the Annunciation was also the th Anniversary of St. Anne’s Church, Thurso. There was a Concelebrated Mass led by Bishop Peter Moran with Archbishop Mario Conti - a former Parish Priest - preaching the homily, and eight other priests of the Diocese. The Altar Servers were provided by St. Joachim’s in Wick - our Mother Church - so a special thanks to them for coming through and enhancing the Mass for us. This was followed by a reception in the Pentland Hotel.

Everyone coming into the Church seemed full of the ‘joys of spring’ and the Church felt alive. This applied not just to the usual congregation but to the many visitors who joined us. These included old parishioners and members of the clergy from other denominations in the town as well as members of the congregation of St. Joachim’s.

The reception at the Pentland Hotel continued the evening with less formality: there was no “top table” and no speeches apart from Canon Bernard MacDonald - the only other surviving Parish Priest who said Grace.

Every table seemed to be made up of a mixture of visitors and people from both Wick and Thurso. The laughter and chatter was a joy to hear. It was an evening that many will remember for a long time to come.

Frances Brimelow

Banff & Buchan pro-life supporters’ chain

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n Saturday th April supporters of the Banff & Buchan branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) formed a pro-life chain from . am to .pm along the New Road in Banff.

Branch members stood at intervals along the road holding placards which were designed to bring home the reality of abortion and to give silent witness to the seven million unborn babies killed in the  years since the implementation of the Abortion Act, as well as to the hurt caused to women by abortion.

The  Abortion Act came into effect on th April  and the silent vigil, which was also held in about  other towns and cities, takes place anually on the nearest Saturday to th April.

Members of Banff & Buchan SPUC Group assemble for the Pro Life Chain

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Blairs golfers do it again!

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his year’s diocesan inter-parish golf competition for the Bishop’s Golden Jubilee Trophy (successor to the original Deacons’ Trophy) was held in breezy but splendidly sunny conditions at Elgin Golf Club on Friday nd July.

Thirty golfers making up eleven teams played the course.

Bishop Peter Moran presented the prizes following High Tea at the clubhouse. The team from Blairs Parish won the trophy for the second year in succession and the best individual score was by the youngest player George Colleran, also a member of the Blairs Parish winning team.

Mini pilgrimage to the churches of the Enzie

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n May Day Monday  members of the Banchory and Upper Deeside Parish led by Canon Andrew Mann undertook a short pilgrimage to the churches of the Enzie in Banffshire.

During the course of the day the group visited St Margaret’s Huntly, Tynet Cemetery, St Ninian’s Tynet, St Peter’s Buckie, St Gregory’s Preshome and St Thomas’ Keith.

Barbara Niven, one of the participants, reporting on the trip said: “It was a long but happy day and a most uplifting experience especially in this the ‘Year of the Priest’. I am sure that we would all recommend this five star pilgrimage to any parish in the Diocese and beyond.”

Canon Andrew Mann celebrates Mass with the pilgrims at St Ninian’s Tynet followed by a group photograph outside the church

Aberdeen Catenians host visitors from York Circle

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he Aberdeen Catenian Circle hosted visitors from York Circle during the second weekend of May. The gentlemen of the party had a meeting in the Bishop’s House on the Friday evening followed by supper at the Ashvale restaurant while Joan Vicca treated the ladies to supper at her house.

On Saturday evening Bishop Peter celebrated Mass in the chapel at Queen’s Cross followed by a meal at the Bishop’s House.

Photograph curtesy of Michael Henderson

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A letter to the Editor José Turvey (nee Durnin) was a parishioner at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen for many years. She is now a member of the Catholic Communiy of Salisbury and recalls with fondness some of her memories of the priests she knew in her youth. Perhaps you may be able to identify some of them!

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his being the ‘Year of the Priest’it set me thinking of the many priests who have been part of my life over the years.

I was brought up in a Cathedral Parish with three curates plus the Administrator. As my father was both organist and choir master the clergy were often at our house although I think my mother’s culinary gifts were

an added attraction. Fortnightly Confession was the norm for children and I can remember as I left the Confessional being asked to take a message to my father.

On speaking about this to my elder brother many years later, he said he used to be asked for the local football team’s results! Other childhood memories are of standing outside church after Mass when the priests would produce sweets from the pockets of their soutanes and having to tidy my room so that the priest could change for a game of tennis with my father.

And I can still see the Parish priest walking round and round the First Holy Communion Day breakfast table carrying a huge jar of confectionery until it was empty.

About - of us were the astonished recipients.

As I grew older and wanted to question everything I recall their endless patience. At University the Chaplain would encourage us to take our turn talking about our Faith and the Sacraments in front of the others with his unfailing help when the discussion started. He also encouraged us to meet fellow Catholic students at different universities. One Chaplain even cooked breakfast for all the students after Saturday morning Mass!

Around this time I noticed that our aging P.P. would remove his biretta during another priest’s sermon if he wanted to snooze through it.

Normally he would raise it every time the holy name was mentioned. I also discovered that visiting clergy, willing to do extra sermons, were rewarded with a good bottle!

Various clergy, from Jesuits at school retreats to Parish Priests and Missionaries have nourished my spiritual life with prayers and encouragement. I hope and pray, in this Year of the Priest, that the Lord will continue to give us the clergy needed to sustain us in our faith.

José Turvey

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‘Love one another as I have loved you’ A my D o c h er t y, a pari sh i on er f rom St Col u m b a’s, B an c h or y, was on e of t wo d e l e g a tes c h o s en f rom S cotl an d to at te nd t he 1 0 t h In ter n ati on al Youth Forum, which o cc u r s ever y th ree years, i n th e small I t al i a n tow n of Ro cca di Papa. Almost 3 0 0 co n f eren ce par ti c i pan ts ref l ec te d on l ove’s ro le i n vo cati on s, m arri age, family, cons ec ra ted l i f e an d th e pri esth o o d. A my s e n t u s t h e f o ll owi n g rep or t.

“Learning to Love” was the theme of the th International Youth Forum, Rocca di Papa (Roma) from th-th March . To represent the youth of the world there were two delegates chosen from each country to attend the forum. As a student in the city of Aberdeen and a member of the youth of Scotland, I was fortunately one of the two chosen Scottish representatives. On the rd of March, Christie O’Donnell (Perth) and I departed from Glasgow International Airport and later that day landed at Leonardo da Vinci, Fiumicino Airport, Rome.

Having never set foot in Italy before, this was all very exciting. We set out on the final part of our journey and arrived where the Forum itself was to be held, just outside of Rome in a beautiful place known as Rocca di Papa.

Upon arrival we were met by hundreds of smiling young people of all different nationalities and cultures. We had all come there together to share, pray, eat, dance, sing, talk, laugh and ultimately learn how we, as youth, are to love.

The Forum itself consisted mainly of lectures, discussions, talks and testimonies. The itinerary for the week included a number of different issues young people today are faced with in today’s society, mainly focussing on the subject of marriage.

For me, as a -year-old student, although one day I hope to marry and have a family, marriage is not something in the forefront of my mind at this present time. Subsequently, I was unsure of what insight I could bring to the Forum and also what I personally would take away from the week’s teachings and discussions.

The main topic was the subject of vocation, a vocation to love. As Cardinal Rylko said in his opening speech: “Love is the most basic and native vocation we are called towards.”

This is true, it is human nature to want to love and to be

C hr is t ie O ’ D o nne ll a nd A my D o che r t y [ back row ] w it h o t he r co nfe re nce de le g ates loved. One topic that was touched upon was “chastity”, a topic many youth nowadays would say has had its time, is “old fashioned”. The church needs to “move with the times”.

As a young member of today’s society, living a chaste life, although sometimes difficult, will and can only lead to true happiness.

Perhaps a lot of people reading this now feel like there’s no going back, that they took the wrong path and that “what’s done is done”. This is not true. There was one thing that was said during that week that stuck with me: “Do not be afraid, God’s grace is so powerful that it can make those paths straight.” Couples who were attending the forum spoke about their relationships. They were an inspiration and showed with such clarity the truth of God’s love. John Paul II once said: “Real love is demanding. I would fail in my mission if I did not tell you so. Love demands a personal commitment to the will of God.” God tells us to “Love one another as I have loved you”. If everyone on earth did this the world we live in would be an entirely different place. We as humans cannot do this alone.

It is for this reason that we must ask the Holy Spirit to be with us always so that we can learn how to love as God loves.

The last day of the forum was Palm Sunday. We attended Mass alongside another , youth with Pope Benedict at St.Peter’s Square in the Vatican. What a privilege. I can truthfully say, I took away so much from that week both in what I heard and experienced. It was a fantastic, beautiful week of my life that I will not forget.

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Parishioners’ good-will visit to India Earlier this year, Jo and Paul Costello and Margaret Duncan from St Columba’s Parish in Aberdeen travelled out to India to visit a number of missions run

by Divine Word Missionaries (SVD), before heading off to Andhra Pradesh to visit Fr. James Puppady, a diocesan priest from Kerala who has worked in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh since ordination.

Margaret Duncan

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fter a nineteen hour delay due to the heavy snow, we finally landed in the steamy heat of Mumbai. Next day we caught a train to Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Ghandi - now a hotbed of Hindu fundamentalism. Since 2002 there have been outbreaks of violence perpetrated against Christians in general and the Catholic Church in particular. This persecution has recently broken out in the next state, Madhya Pradesh. This is particularly sad as the Church has a history of helping the poor and educating children, Hindu and Christian alike.

We then travelled by jeep to Madhya Pradesh and spent a night in a remote mission station where we were given a royal welcome. Villagers live in primitive conditions with no sanitation and have to walk long distances to fetch water.

But again with typical cheerfulness, they welcomed us and plied us with chai – the hot, sweet Indian tea which is boiled up with milk and sugar on an open fire.

After another hair-raising journey by jeep on deeply potholed roads, we visited a mission which receives funding from the Scottish Charity, Mary’s Meals. A group of sisters rescue destitute children from the railway station before they fall into the hands of unscrupulous traffickers. These children stowaway on trains, often to escape parental violence and are mostly illiterate; some can’t even tell the sisters where they came from.

Without the funding provided by Mary’s Meals, the sisters could not afford to look after these children as aid which previously came from the USA has been withdrawn throughout the whole of India and sent to Malawi instead.

Many charitable institutions are desperately seeking to find alternative funding just to provide food for the poor.

We spent the final month in Andhra Pradesh with Fr. James Puppady who spent some time working at the Holy Family Parish in Aberdeen. Fr. James has a large parish and seventeen village outstations to take care of. He educates a number of orphans and raises funds to cover the annual costs. A number of our parishioners have undertaken to sponsor a child and it was wonderful to be able to meet these children and take back photographs for their sponsors in chilly Aberdeen. Fr. James is busy replacing the dilapidated

Paul, Jo and Margaret are given a warm welcome at the Tribal Mission at Tapa, Madhya Pradesh mud huts which currently serve as village churches and replacing them with more solid buildings which should keep out the snakes and rats!

Work has already started on a new church which is being sponsored by St. Columba’s Bridge of Don. This is to be named St. Columba’s and the villagers are very excited and proud that they will have a smart new church, although I’m not sure they know who St. Columba is!

The villagers present church and, inset, St Columba’s Bridge of Don A donation from our parish covered building costs so far and we are now busy raising funds to enable Fr. James to complete the building. If anybody would like to make a donation or raise funds for this church, Fr. James would be delighted. Payments may be made directly into a special bank account – details as follows:Bank: - Clydesdale Bank, Ellon.

Sort code: - 82-63-10 Account number: - 00104458 Account name: - St.Columba’s Church (India)

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Canon Duncan Stone (1917 – 2010)

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ith the death in Invergordon Hospital on Friday 28 May of Canon Duncan Stone, aged 93, Aberdeen Diocese has lost its most senior and venerable priest.

Duncan Stone was born at Kilmorack near Beauly on 7 February 1917, and suffered a lifelong chest condition caused by childhood illness.

He studied at Blairs College, near Aberdeen, Scotland’s national junior seminary, from 1931, and at Saint Sulpice, Paris, from 1937.

German advances into France forced the students south, and eventually they escaped by ship to England.

Duncan completed his studies at St Peter’s College, Bearsden, near Glasgow, and was ordained priest in the chapel of Blairs College on 29th June 1942.

He served in Elgin, Aberdeen Cathedral and Portsoy before appointment as Spiritual Director to the students at Blairs (1951 – 54).

After seven years as Parish Priest in Nairn (and chaplain to Fort George) he moved to the expanding area of Mastrick in Aberdeen City. His seventeen years there saw the consolidation of the parish and the building of Holy Family church, opened in 1967.

In 1977, now sixty years old, he became Parish Priest of St Mary’s on the riverside in Inverness. There he not only oversaw the internal re-ordering and extension of the church; he also built up the Catholic community in Culloden and obtained the ground on which, thirty years later, the new church of St Columba’s was opened in 2008.

Even after retiring in 1995 aged 78 he continued his priestly work in the little village of Fortrose in the Black Isle, regarding himself as the assistant of the Parish Priest of Beauly. Only a month ago he was featured baptizing the latest Fortrose arrival, a pastoral link across the

Zygmund Slotswinski (1917 - 2010)

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ygmund Slotswinski was born in October  and came to Scotland during the Second World War. His was a life of service to the Church and the Polish Community since the ’s.

Ziggy, as he was widely known, gave outstanding assistance to the priests of St.Peter’s and cared faithfully

Photograph curtesy of Ewen Weatherstone generations which gave him great joy.

Canon Stone will be remembered particularly as a gentle and kindly priest, much in demand as a confessor, but he also had a strength of character shown in his lifelong battle against illness and in his carry-through of parish developments and church building in Mastrick and in Inverness. A very spiritual man, he was already thinking ahead as early as 1997, at the age of eighty, to his own funeral which was celebrated in Beauly on Friday 4 June 2010. May he rest in peace. + Bishop Peter Moran

for the Church as Sacristan. The Church Garden was his pride and joy.

Ziggy always had a friendly smile for everyone and was ever ready to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Children loved him and the Church was his life. He received a Papal Award, The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, in April . May he rest in peace.

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Anna K.

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magical event happened in my life on th July . I came through the doors of AA. All of my life I had struggled with abusive relationships, drink and drug problems, selfharming and eating disorders. I loathed myself. Every so often I would decide to get clean and sober and gain control of my life and for periods of time it worked, but I always went back to my drug of choice — alcohol.

My social environment was pubs, singing and music so most of my friends drank, with one difference. They could stop — I couldn’t.

When my -year marriage ended because of both of our addictions I knew life for me was finished and I set out to die. I drank every day and took speed, but amazingly held onto my job because people cared and saw past the front: so did my priests and church friends for some strange reason. I had always kept a spiritual connection and I used to promise them the moon and then carry on as normal.

One of these friends gave me a Twenty-Four Hours a Day book from AA and suggested that AA might help. I was really angry but one night when I knew there was every possibility that I would die if I continued as I was I contacted AA and the next day a lady phoned and arranged to take me to a meeting. I told the friend who gave me the book and she was sceptical that I would go. I decided that I would spite them all and attend the meeting but I needed a couple of drinks first. After all, I had no intention of hanging around week after week, but my friends didn’t need to know this.

One meeting and I would be able to pretend I was going regularly and speak knowledgeably on AA — cool. I had these people sussed and I would get these people off my back.

Well, life took an unexpected twist that night of my first meeting. I was blown away by the warmth of the people and

the welcome I received. Here was something I had never experienced — unconditional love, no agendas and people who made me feel that I mattered. In the shares, people were talking about feelings I felt but could not verbalise. I cried through the main share. Here was my life and my pain being expressed. I knew I had come home and was never going to leave this magical place and people. Thank you GOD! When I first came into AA, many years ago now as a beaten individual I still remember my dismay when everyone got up at the end of the meeting to say the Serenity Prayer. I did not like this God idea. In this day and age of materialism and cause and effect - where God is excluded from business and social considerations - this idea of using God to overcome a problem can seem preposterous. It did to me.

Slowly however, I came to have faith and with this faith came a measure of self esteem - the world was not such a dark and meaningless place. Though this was still not enough to remove my obsession with drink. It was only a long time after, like so many alcoholics before me, and when I was down and out and desperate that I gave this God idea a proper go.

One of the great things about AA, in my view, is its approach to God. It is wide open and not constrained by dogma, but it is given to each individual as a means of overcoming alcoholism. AA’s version of God is your version: that’s it - no strings. God as you understand him. This is what AA calls the Third Step.

So what’s it all about? Just how did I go about doing this Third Step? Well, it’s a life decision so, after realizing alcohol had me beat and then turning to God as I understood him, for help, then it has been a case of developing this relationship by daily prayer and consideration of the other Steps in the AA Programme of Recovery. It’s been about exploring the God idea, and I have done this in the traditional way, by attending the church of my childhood and reading the Bible.

One outcome for me is looking at the world in a different light and perspective, with a sense of awe.

Thinking back over my own endeavours to overcome alcoholism, one of the differences this time in my sobriety is a freedom from the obsession with alcohol. Not only do I wish to remain free of alcohol but I also feel that if I returned to drink then I would loose the little spirituality or contact with God that I have today and that is something I do not wish to happen. I do not want to return to a life without faith. So for me sobriety and God are together and the reason AA uses this idea of God to overcome alcoholism is simple really - it works!

If You think you need help to overco m e alcoholism you can call A.A. toda y o n      in complete confidence an d sp ea k to someone who knows the proble m fro m personal e xperience.

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“In a way, it is always Pentecost” Homily for Pentecost Abbot Hugh Gilbert OSB

O

n the day of Pentecost, the disciples “began to speak in foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech,” so that each of their multinational listeners heard them in their own language. Here something new came to the fore. Not just a new presence and action of God released into the world.

But, following that, arising from that, connected to that, a new social entity, a new social agent. At Pentecost, along with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, a new “body” – St Paul’s word – came on to the stage of history. I mean, of course, the Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic, the mystical Body of Christ, the “organ of the Paraclete” as Cardinal Newman called it. The Spirit fell on the first believers in Christ and equipped them to propose that faith to the world. He brought the Church into being. And this too is a gift God will never retract. In a way, it is always Pentecost.

In the power of that Spirit, the mission of the Church began. It’s the continuation, in a different form, of the mission of Christ. It’s destined to go on till the end of time and embrace every corner and generation of humanity. It’s a mission put into effect through word and sacrament. It’s a mission that has as its object the incorporation of humanity into the body of Christ, a gathering into unity which undoes the scattering of sin.

And here’s the difficulty. At this very point, our Pentecostal enthusiasm may falter. Perhaps almost all of us, in varying degrees, in ways too many and subtle to articulate, carry in our hearts misgivings about the Church, perhaps just a certain embarrassment, perhaps real anger or something in between. I don’t want to explore this here, or try to catalogue the many forms these misgivings may take, or analyse why it should be so.

Enough just to acknowledge it. And then suggest that there is for each of us a grace of a new connection with the Church, on the basis of a new understanding rooted in faith. It’s the “hearts of believers” that are set on fire, St Augustine says.

Let me offer an approach. Among our primal needs is this: the need to say “we”. Not just always “I”, the

‘Pentecost’ by the French artist, Pierre Reymond, c. 1550 omnivorous “me”, not just “You”, not just “They” or “Them”, but “we”. Every union brings its measure of suffering, but every union, every “we”, so far as good and true, raises our life, enriches our life. We cannot in fact

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Light of the North

live, really live, without it. How many older people looked back on wartime as a time of “we”, of “us”, a time of national unity since lost. Marriage and family, friendship, common enterprise, joint projects, businesses, neighbourhoods, societies, communities, clubs: what myriad forms it can take, this deliverance from isolation.

At Pentecost a new social entity, a new “we”, entered history, became a player in the world. It’s unique. And through faith, through baptism and confirmation, we enter that “we” and it enters us. I’m not sure we’re sufficiently conscious of this. Christianity is not just me and God. Nor is it just me doing good to others for God’s sake. It’s also a new “we”. And that is what we mean by the Church. The Church is a union, a communion, set up and kept going, through all our human weaknesses, by the eternal “we” of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The grace of today is to realise that the Church is not “them” or “it”; it’s “us”. And if I can say a heartfelt “we” in this context, my life undergoes an unbelievable richness.

Thanks to the Holy Spirit, I live the life of the whole Body, and the whole Body lives its life in me. And anything honourable I am doing, so far as I am doing it as a member of the Body, becomes more than merely mine. I may be studying, running a business, looking after a farm, raising a family, working for the local Council, teaching, nursing or whatever. I may just be looking after a house, or just being ill. But when this is all woven in with my faith, with a regular sacramental life, with prayer, it is the very life of the mystical Body of Christ, the “organ of the Paraclete”, that I am living. It is “mine”, deeply mine, uniquely mine, but also “ours”.

And this – let me surprise you, though I hope I don’t – is the fullest kind of life the human being can live.

What came into the world at Pentecost, with this new social entity, with this new “we”, is a quite new quality, fullness, wealth of life. Eternal life, in fact. Because this “we”, unlike all the others, however precious, is never going to pass away. It was for the sake of this “we”, this unity, that the world was created, and every touch of the Holy Spirit in every human heart is actually relating that heart, however unaware, to this unity, this peace, this “we”. “What discord had scattered, love was to gather together,” says St Augustine again. “Like the limbs of a single body, the separated members of the human race

are restored to unity by being joined to Christ, the common head, and welded into the oneness of a holy body.” So let’s not be reluctant to share the faith of the Church and the life of the Church, her discipline even, her reasons for shame, her need for repentance. They’re ours. May we realise that the Church is not the enemy of our freedom or identity, is not a totalitarianism or a tribalism, is not something that has to sort itself out before I deign to have truck with it, is never invalidated by the sins and stupidities of its members and representatives. It’s a gift of the Holy Spirit. It’s the place where we can breathe. It’s where we can live and love, and utter a “we” stronger than death.

May Mary, the silent presence on that day of Pentecost, help us to live this.

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If you know somebody who is unable to get to church to pick up a copy of the Light of the North please let them know that for just £10.00 they can be put on our subscribers mailing list, and we will send them a year’s issues of the magazine by post. All cheques should be made out to: “RC Diocese of Aberdeen”

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This year the world church celebrates the centenary of the World Missionary Conference, held in Edinburgh in 1910. Sister Elizabeth Moran, former Catholic consultant on the staff of the World Council of Churches in Geneva and Catholic representative on the Scottish Coordinating Team for the centenary Conference speaks to Light of the North Managing Editor, Tony Schmitz about this significant centenary event in the life of the Church in Scotland Tony Schmitz: Before we begin to speak about the Edinburgh 2010 Conference, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be so deeply involved in matters ecumenical and your work at the World Council of Churches in Geneva and how you came to be involved in Edinburgh 2010?

Elizabeth Moran: I am a member of the Missionary Sisters of St.Columban, a congregation of missionary Sisters, closely linked with the Society of St. Columban (missionary priests) and with Columban Lay Mission. The invitation to ecumenical involvement and to inter-faith dialogue has steadily become more important to us, in all the countries we work in, in recent years. I spent nearly nine years as the Catholic consultant in the Mission and Evangelism Team in the staff of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, appointed there by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. That experience deepened my understanding of Christian ecumenism, and of the responsibility we carry, and gave me the opportunity of working with many good colleagues from other churches. I became involved with Edinburgh 2010 because I was asked by the Scottish Bishops’ Conference to be the Catholic representative on the Scottish Coordinating Team, an ecumenical working group for the Conference., of nine church representatives TS: This is a very significant centenary Conference. Can you tell us about the origins of the “Edinburgh 2010”

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Sister Elizabeth at one of the early preparatory meetings for the World Missionary Conference Conference?

EM: Well, you have said it yourself – this is a centenary year.

The conference in Edinburgh in June. 2010 recalls the World Mission Conference held there in June 1910, and celebrates the achievements of that gathering. However, it is not an isolated event. Since 2005 an intercontinental ecumenical study process has been going on, bringing together representatives of more than twenty different Christian bodies in a variety of meetings and discussions on Christian mission in our times. The Edinburgh 2010 Conference is a time to gather together the fruits of all those studies and to share them with a wider audience.

TS: When I first studied missiology in what was then Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, we first learnt of the turning point that was the 1910 Mission Conference. Can you tell us what happened that month in Edinburgh 1910?

EM: It really must have been a most remarkable time in the city of Edinburgh., which became host to over 1200 delegates, mostly Protestant Christians from across the world. They gathered together to consider the worldwide mission of the Christian church, recognising that mission in a new century would need a much greater unity of purpose and responsibility.

They met in the Assembly Hall of the United Free church of Scotland, just below the Castle, for ten days of study, prayer and discussion. They were also greeted and hosted in many ways by the civic, academic and church leaders. This was not the first international conference on mission, but it does seem to have been the first to bring together delegates from mission societies and mission boards, with the purpose of promoting cooperation to solve problems and “achieve together the evangelisation of the world”. The conference considered eight themes which had been prepared by eight Commissions, and it was agreed that it would not discuss matters involving any ecclesiastical or doctrinal question on which the members of the conference differed among themselves.

TS: A hundred years on, where are we now and what are the principal differences between then and now?

EM: The membership of the Edinburgh 2010 Conference is very different from that of the conference 100 years ago. There is a much wider representation of the Christian churches this

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time. The Orthodox churches, the Roman Catholic Church and the Pentecostal movement have all shared in the study process and have sent delegations to the Conference. When you ask where we are now, I hear the question as a member of the Catholic Church, and for us it is clear that this conference is important from the point of view of work for Christian Unity. Our oďŹƒcial delegation is appointed by the PontiďŹ cal Council for Christian Unity. It is a well-balanced group, of men and women drawn from the various sectors of the Church, relating to members of other churches with respect.

And our attitude to other cultures and other countries, wherever we are from originally, is probably very dierent from that of our visitors of 1910. At that time, missionary travels from Europe would have had something of colonialism about them. The hymns of the time made use of military language and images. The prayer and worship sessions in this year’s Edinburgh conference are centred on the two themes of gratitude and repentance TS: In those days we would have spoken about the inseparability of Unity and Mission. Today, can we separate ecumenism and mission, or what Catholics are more likely to call evangelisation and ecumenism?

EM: I do not think so. We see that Mission and Unity must go together. In the gospel of John, we hear Jesus, at his Last Supper with his disciples, praying “Father, I pray that they may be one ‌ so that the world may believe that you have sent me ‌â€?

T.S: Where did the conference sessions take place this time?

EM: In Pollock Halls, the University of Edinburgh’s pleasant accommodation site, for the ďŹ rst three days of sharing worship and studies. On the ďŹ nal day (Sunday), the morning was spent with local churches and then at the Assembly Halls in the afternoon for the closing service.

Many more visitors were able to be present at that ďŹ nal service with its international variety of song, dance and colour, and to hear the ďŹ nal presentation of the commitment to mission, coming from the study process, through this conference. The presentation took the form of a “Common Callâ€? to the churches and was impressive, for its spirituality of hope and dedication.

TS: In what way is the Catholic Church involved?

EM: We have been involved at every level – in the study processes around the world, in the preparation and management of the conference on the international and national levels The Catholic delegation, led by Bishop Brian Farrell, the Secretary of the PontiďŹ cal Council for Promoting Christian Unity, had thirteen oďŹƒcial Conference delegates,

of whom Archbishop Conti was one and three additional delegates who had been part of the study processes. In addition, there were two delegates from the Catholic Church in Scotland at the whole Conference. On the ďŹ nal Sunday they were all invited to the Sacred Heart Church (a Jesuit parish) at Lauriston to share with the priests and people there in a special Mass of Corpus Christi. Cardinal O’Brien was present too, and stayed on to meet the delegates during the lovely lunch provided for everyone in the new Parish Hall. The Scottish Catholic Observer has done well in carrying information in ďŹ ve issues of the paper TS: And what about the Church and ecclesial communities in Aberdeen and the North East? What is going to happen here?

EM: I have to turn that question round and ask you “What could happen here?� Can you suggest a simple process by which an ‘echo’ of the conference could reach groups and parishes? The two delegates who attended on behalf of the Catholic Church in Scotland did so in order to provide a resource for further education on mission and ecumenism.

They are Father Pat McGuire, SMA, and Margaret Long, the ecumenical oďŹƒcer in Glasgow Archdiocese. Archbishop Conti, and Elizabeth Duy, the Youth OďŹƒcer in Motherwell, were oďŹƒcial delegates.

I would suggest that parish councils, or local ecumenical groupings (Churches together) look at the website (www. edinburgh2010.org) and decide on a way to follow up the Conference.

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Salvation History Part 3 Eileen Grant

B

ecause God always keeps His promises, keeps His side of the Covenant, the boy Isaac grows up, marries Rebecca from Chaldea, his father Abraham’s former homeland, and they have two sons, Esau and Jacob.

In typical sibling rivalry, Jacob is jealous of his elder brother and, with his mother’s help, cheats him of his birthright. Then, being afraid of his brother’s anger, he flees and finds work with his uncle, Laban, in Chaldea. Along the way he has a dream in which he sees angels going up and down a ladder reaching up to heaven. In the dream God promises to him and his descendants the land on which he lies.

Jacob meets and falls in love with Laban’s younger daughter Rachel and asks for her as his wife. Laban agrees but tells Jacob to give him seven years’ labour before the marriage can take place. When the seven years are up, he then tricks Jacob into marrying the elder daughter Leah, first. In those days, a form of polygamy was permitted, so after working for Laban for another seven years, Jacob is finally allowed to marry Rachel.

Leah bears five sons while Rachel is barren; this makes her so unhappy that she sends her maid to Jacob to bear a child by proxy. Leah also does this: a practice widely employed at the time. Then Leah has another two sons and a daughter, Dinah. Eventually, Rachel gives birth to a son: Joseph; much later she has another son named Benjamin. Between them, twelve sons are born for

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Jacob: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Isachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin.

Apart from Levi and Joseph, their names are to be given to the tribes of Israel, each with their own territory, Levi’s tribe being set aside to serve as priests. The sons of Joseph – Ephraim and Manasseh – are also given the status of independent tribes with their own territory.

After Joseph’s birth Jacob asks Laban to give him his wages and to let him take his family home so that he can make his peace with Isaac and Esau. Laban does not wish them to go and makes things as difficult as he can for Jacob. Eventually, however, after various problems and solutions, Jacob is allowed to leave peacefully, taking with him all his family and all the “striped, spotted and mottled” sheep from Laban’s flocks: hence what we now call “Jacob sheep”. It is a special coat made from the wool of these sheep that Jacob will later give Joseph as a sign of his favour. On the journey back to Canaan, Jacob has a strange encounter with a man who wrestles with him until dawn. Jacob realises the man/angel is from God and asks his blessing. The angel does so, saying: “Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel (meaning He who strives with God or God strives), for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Joseph, being his beloved Rachel’s child, is the apple of Jacob’s eye and his father lavishes gifts upon him.

Joseph is also an interpreter of dreams, leading to further favours, including the famous “coat of many colours” (not actually technicoloured, but most probably greys and browns!). He incurs the jealousy of his brothers who plot to get rid of him. At first they plan to kill him but instead cast him into a deep well, then sell him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelite merchants on their way to Egypt.

The brothers take Joseph’s coat, covered with blood, to their father, telling him Joseph has been The Jacob Sheep breed devoured by wild beasts. survives to this day Jacob mourns for his favourite child, saying he will weep for him until death.

In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, chief of Pharaoh’s guards. Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife takes a fancy to Joseph who, being loyal to his master and faithful to his God rejects her advances. Annoyed at this, she accuses him of trying to seduce her and he is thrown into prison.

There he soon endears himself to his fellow inmates, and

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Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers

God speaks to Jacob (also known as “Israel”) in a dream and repeats His promise to make a great nation of his people: “I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Then Jacob and all his people travel to Egypt where Jacob is reunited with Joseph amidst much tearful rejoicing. Pharaoh grants to the Hebrews the land of Goshen, in the eastern part of the Nile delta.

Jacob survives another seventeen years and when close to death he carries out two solemn blessings: firstly, on Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, recognising them as his own. The second blessing is of his own children and, along with the first blessing, marks the solemn institution of the twelve tribes of Israel.

On his father’s death, Joseph carries out Jacob’s dying wish to be buried in the land where he was born. With Pharaoh’s permission, Joseph and a huge company travel into Canaan where he lays Jacob to rest in a tomb near Mamre – the place where Abraham entertained the three “angels” and God made His solemn promise to him. Joseph then returns into Egypt. The Hebrew people remain there for many years; they prosper and multiply, “so that the land was filled with them”, until one day there arises a new Pharaoh “who did not know Joseph”.

to the warden, and earns a reputation as an interpreter of dreams. Hearing eventually of Joseph’s skills, Pharaoh asks him to interpret the strange, troubling dreams he has been having. Joseph does so, warning him of a great famine to come – “seven years of great plenty, but after them seven years of famine” – thus giving Pharaoh time to prepare.

As a reward, Joseph is raised to high office in Egypt.

The famine extends throughout that whole part of the To be continued world, including the land where Jacob and his family dwell, and Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt.

Kinnoull Joseph recognises them, though they do not know him.

Redemptorist Centre of Spirituality Joseph pretends to distrust them, accusing them of St Mary’s, Kinnoull, overlooking the historic city of Perth, is at the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland and, since the1860’s, has been a being spies, then, holding Simeon as hostage, sends the place of sabbatical rest and spiritual renewal. others back to Canaan, ordering them to return with Seven-Week Sabbatical Courses Join us for our Seven Week Sabbatical Course in Scotland. This will be your time for rest, their youngest brother Benjamin, born since Joseph’s reflection and spiritual renewal in the peaceful setting of St. Mary’s monastery, overlooking the historic city of Perth and at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The dates of our next courses: enslavement, as proof of their good faith. Joseph gives 18 October – 2 December 2010 16 May – 24 June 2011 and 24 October – 15 December 2011 orders to fill their sacks with grain and secretly to return Body, Soul and Spirit: Theology of the Body. their money; when this is discovered by the brothers, 4 – 8 October 2010 they are afraid and see the hand of God in it. At first, Fr Jim McManus C.Ss.R. Pope John Paul’s revolutionary Theology of the Body has been described as “a theological time Jacob refuses to let Benjamin be taken from him but is bomb set to go off, with dramatic consequences, sometime in the 21 Century”. This week will open up this rich legacy that John Paul has left to the Church and the world. eventually forced by famine to agree.

End of Year Retreat A second time the brothers go into Egypt to buy grain, Healing in the Spirit: A Spirituality of True Self-Esteem 27 – 31 December 2010 this time taking gifts and their brother Benjamin. Joseph Fr Jim McManus C.Ss.R. and Miss Marie Hogg Healthy spirituality will always deepen the awareness that we are made in God’s image and quickly comes to love his youngest brother – “His heart likeness. As Pope John Paul said, “this amazement at human dignity is the Gospel”. Book your place now on this very popular Year End Retreat and take a fresh look at the Gospel of human yearned for his brother and he sought a place to weep” dignity, your dignity.

– and he does all he can to keep Benjamin in Egypt, Personal Counselling, Inner Healing and Spiritual Direction: An integrated Model for Leadership even going to the extent of having a precious goblet 31 January – 12 February 2011 Fr Jim McManus C.Ss.R. and Sr. Germaine O’Neill. hidden in his youngest brother’s baggage and accusing Leaders in all communities today realise that the ability to empathise with those who are hurting is the him of theft. He finds it impossible to keep up the most important quality of leadership. This integrated approach to pastoral ministry trains participants to begin to listen to those feelings. In this intensive fifty hour training programme: pretence and finally tells them who he is. Any thoughts * You will learn how to work with the feelings of others. of vengeance are abandoned and, sending them home * You will discover new ways of helping people find within their feelings, the insight they need for a new start in life. with many lavish gifts and provisions, he urges them to * You will acquire a new ease while listening to others. return with Jacob and all his household to settle in Egypt Details: The Secretary, St. Mary’s, Kinnoull, Perth PH2 7BP Tel: 01738 624075 where they will be safe from all threat of famine. For E-mail: stmaryskinnoull@btconnect.com.org Web Page: www.kinnoullmonastery.org Joseph’s sake, Pharaoh is pleased to agree to this plan.

St Ma r ys Re t re a t / st

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S T A T I O N S O F L I G H T Sr Janet Fearns “I find myself increasingly drawn to the Stations of Light because I can pray them throughout the year, except for Lent, of course.” This was the first time that I had ever heard of the Stations of Light. I asked for clarification. “They started recently and are becoming increasingly popular around the world.” That was my unexpected introduction to a spreading phenomenon within the Catholic Church.

The Stations of the Cross need a companion. Just as the traditional Mysteries of the Rosary did not refer to the whole period of Jesus’ public ministry, a time so critical to our entire history, so also the Stations of the Cross omit something crucial.

The days that followed the burial of Jesus in a borrowed tomb were of unique importance. The Apostles had to come to terms with their own desertion of Jesus at a time

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when he most needed their support, but they were also forced to come to terms with the fact that he had died and, somehow, lived and moved amongst them once again, albeit in a changed manner. They had no previous knowledge or understanding of ‘resurrection’ apart from Jesus’ own words, which they did not understand and promptly forgot until confronted with its reality on Easter Sunday.

The next fifty days were, for the Apostles, not only a unique learning experience, they were absolutely fundamental to their own understanding and for the foundation of the Church.

For forty of those days, they enjoyed the intermittent company of Jesus, who used this period as a time of concentrated teaching. Then, before the Apostles felt that they had even begun to grasp the importance of all that they heard, he left them, returning to the Father.

The subsequent ten days were not so much spent in consciously waiting for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but in trying to make sense of all that they had seen and heard, piecing together their experiences in the dawning understanding of the Resurrection. Did they expect the spectacular enlightenment that they received at Pentecost?

Probably not. There was no precedent. Did they expect to change from quivering cowards to courageous witnesses?

Probably not.

Thus the days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost were pivotal for our entire understanding of the nature of God, the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus, and of all that it means to be Church.

In , the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued its Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy in which it commented (no.) on the Stations of Light, or, as they are also known, the Via Lucis. It stated: “A pious exercise called the Via Lucis has developed and spread to many regions in recent years. Following the model of the Via Crucis, the faithful process while meditating on the various appearances of Jesus - from his Resurrection to his Ascension - in which he showed his glory to the disciples who awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf. John , ; , -; Lk , ), strengthened their faith, brought to completion his teaching on the Kingdom and more closely defined the sacramental and hierarchical structure of the Church.

“Through the Via Lucis, the faithful recall the central event of the faith - the resurrection of Christ - and their discipleship in virtue of Baptism, the paschal sacrament by which they have passed from the darkness of sin to the bright radiance of the light of grace (cf. Col , ; Ef , ).

“For centuries the Via Crucis involved the faithful in the first moment of the Easter event, namely the Passion, and helped to fixed its most important aspects in their consciousness. Analogously, the Via Lucis, when celebrated

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in fidelity to the Gospel text, can effectively convey a living understanding to the faithful of the second moment of the Pascal event, namely the Lord’s Resurrection.

“The Via Lucis is potentially an excellent pedagogy of the faith, since ‘per crucem ad lucem’. Using the metaphor of a journey, the Via Lucis moves from the experience of

Th e se n e w st a ti ons emp h a s i z e t h e p os itive, h o pe f u l a sp e c t of t he C hri s t i a n s t or y

This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity - this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed - is called “heaven.” Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfilment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. (Catechism of the Catholic Church:) The Stations of Light, therefore, give us a taste of Heaven on earth!

Sister Janet Fearns FMDM is the Communications suffering, which in God’s plan is part of life, to the hope of Co-ordinator for the Pontifical Mission Societies. arriving at man’s true end: liberation, joy and peace which You can visit her website, ‘Pause for Prayer’ at http://pauseforprayer.blogspot.com are essentially paschal values.

“The Via Lucis is a potential stimulus for the restoration of a ‘culture of life’ which is open to the hope and certitude offered by faith, in a society often characterized by a ‘culture 1: Jesus rises from the dead of death’, despair and nihilism.”

2: The Disciples find the empty tomb These new stations emphasize the positive, hopeful aspect 3: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene of the Christian story that is not absent from the Way of 4: Jesus walks with the Disciples to Emmaus the Cross, but is not as easily seen amidst the glorious 5: Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of tragedy of the Crucifixion. bread The Stations of Light mirror the Stations of the Cross in 6: Jesus appears to the Disciples that there are fourteen of them though some churches have 7: Jesus confers on his Disciples the a th Station of the Cross – the Resurrection. Thirteen of power to forgive sins them focus on Jesus, but as the Risen Lord, acting to 8: Jesus confirms Thomas in faith establish his Church. The thirteenth Station is the only 9: Jesus appears to his Disciples on the one in which Jesus is not explicitly present, but Mary is shore of lake Galilee there with the Disciples. Their waiting is intensely active 10: Jesus confers primacy on Peter because they are open and ready to receive the Holy Spirit.

11: Jesus entrusts his Disciples with a It is no accident that in the thirteenth Station of the Cross, universal mission where Jesus is taken down from the Cross, tradition has it 12: Jesus ascends into Heaven that he was placed in the arms of his Mother. Once again, 13: Mary and the Disciples await the Holy we see that Mary is inseparable from Jesus and his Church.

Spirit Her role as his Mother, the Beloved of the Father and filled 14: Jesus sends the Spirit promised by the with the Holy Spirit, is to show the Son to the world.

Father to his Disciples

The Stations of Light

I N VE RNESS

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Winter Care Shelter ‘I was hungry and you fed me’ (Matt :) Just some of the volunteers who contributed their time, energy and resourcefulness to make this year’s Winter Care Shelter such a success Over the Winter months volunteers from churches of all denominations in Aberdeen joined forces with the Bethany Trust to provide food and shelter for the homeless in the City. Jane Heath of St Mary’s Cathedral Justice and Peace Group submitted the following report

Jane Heath What did the Winter Care Shelter do?

For volunteers, a typical evening would begin in excitement and uncertainty: no one had done it before; no one knew what to expect; everyone was glad to be involved. Tables and chairs were moved, places laid and tables decked with artificial flowers.

Potatoes were washed, vegetables dropped into a cauldron of boiling broth, and trays of pasta, cheese tarts and garlic bread went onto the oven shelves. Then a vehicle appeared with bedding and Bethany staff; scripture was read and prayers said, and finally the gates were opened to the homeless. Bethany manned the door, while volunteers tried to marshal guests and crockery. The time flew until stomachs were full, beds were laid, tables cleared, dishes washed and the parishioners scuttled away, leaving Bethany staff to spend the night amidst those who had no place else to which to scuttle.

Why did we do it?

Nobody wrote a theology of the Winter Care Shelter, but many people reflected on it informally in snatches of conversation, observation and prayer, many of which were taken up in the thanksgiving Mass that followed the Shelter. One volunteer pointed out that Jesus always used to eat with people and we were trying to do likewise; others thought of James urging us to show faith by deeds (James :–); God’s promise of justice to the poor was recalled; and we were reminded of our own God-given homelessness until we rest in Christ. The most prominent theme expressed was that of love of neighbour; many also expressed gladness that all different churches in Aberdeen had worked together on this project. The theme of divine encounter could perhaps have been emphasised more: ‘I was hungry and you fed me’ (Matt :). All Christians cannot yet share in meeting Christ present at the altar of the Eucharist, but all of us can find Christ present in the needy and at the table where we eat together with them.

What benefits did the Winter Care Shelter bring?

A debriefing meeting gave the welcome opportunity to reflect with each other and with visitors from Bethany and from the City Council on what had been done, what had been learned, and where we should go next.

Staff from the City Council spoke eloquently about the opportunity the Shelter had given everyone to sit and speak with homeless people in an informal setting. This unsettled stereotypes of the homeless, many of whom

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were sober and merely striving in hardship, and put a face on what appears on government books more as a ‘problem’. The Council staff met people at the Shelter who had been excluded from Council and voluntary services, but who behaved quite differently at this project.

Here they could be ‘met’ rather than ‘processed’ through a system. Moreover the unconditioned eyes of the volunteers brought a fresh insight into situations where the authorities may have developed blind spots. They felt the roles of Council and church were complementary, and both received renewed energy for their task.

For the guests, the Shelter provided three months of relative stability. For those fallen out of society into chaos, it helped bring some orderliness in eating and sleeping habits. It also offered both the chance to meet housing and other agencies with the help of support workers, and a reminder to keep medical appointments.

Many, however, came for company at least as much as for food and warmth.

What next?

There were some minor suggestions for a future Shelter such as charging a small fee for all visitors (e.g. p) for the sake of dignity.

Beyond the church portal, we would hope for more integrated services within the city. Rooflessness is currently high on the agenda but because of funding cuts many of the root causes of homelessness, such as addictions and other mental health problems, have been neglected. Funding and support from the higher government bodies are desperately wanted.

We sincerely hope the Winter Care Shelter will run again next year. In the meantime, everyone who would like to work with homeless people in Aberdeen is warmly invited to get involved in one of the projects of the Bethany Christian Trust: www.bethanychristiantrust. com/aberdeen/index.html. Or, for the Justice and Peace Group who organised St Mary’s input to the WCS, contact: morgiane.richard@gmail.com

The making of a saint Cardinal Newman, one of the most significant converts to the Catholic Church Clare Benedict

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hat makes a saint? In the Early Church, most saints were martyrs, loving Christ and following him into death. In our own times, much more caution is used before a declaration is made, and the process usually has three stages. Ultimately, of course, only God knows the sanctity of a person’s heart and only God knows how many of those who have died are now enjoying their blessed reward in heaven.

This September, Pope Benedict XVI will declare Cardinal John Henry Newman to be “Blessed”: what a wonderful occasion it will be! Newman, one of the most significant converts in the history of the Catholic Church, and certainly the most illustrious in his own time, has left us a huge legacy of preaching and teaching and is credited by many as “the father of the Second Vatican Council”. His cause for sainthood was opened in  and he was declared to be “Venerable” in  – the first stage.

Newman was born in London in , the eldest of six children, his father a banker and his mother of Huguenot descent. He entered private school at the age of seven.

In , a family crisis occurred when his father’s bank collapsed and Newman remained in school during the

John Henry Cardinal Newman, painted

by W.W. Ouless in 1879

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holidays. Isolated and anxious, the -year-old fell ill: this he later regarded as the first of three “providential” illnesses in his journey towards the Catholic Church. It was followed by his first “conversion”, a conviction of God: “I fell under the influence of a definite Creed.” This early faith took a Liberal, evangelical form.

The following year, Newman entered Trinity College, Oxford, where he encountered many difficulties owing to financial problems and other stresses. In  he was awarded a rd class BA, having suffered a nervous breakdown during the exams. Despite this, he sat for and won a fellowship to Oriel College where he began studying for ordination. Ordained Anglican priest in , he was appointed a curate in Oxford, and tutor at Oriel. He later wrote that the influences leading him deeper into Liberalism were abruptly checked by his second “providential” illness, a nervous collapse brought about by overwork, financial troubles and the death of his much-loved sister Mary.

In the summer of , Newman began to read the Church Fathers, a significant development in the formation of the faith which eventually led him into the Catholic Church. He was not yet ready, however, to take that step. In , he was appointed vicar of St Mary’s, Oxford, with the chapel at Littlemore attached to his charge. There he became renowned as a brilliant preacher with a sublime command of the English language, “with words and thoughts which were a religious movement, subtle, sweet, mournful”.

In / he visited Italy and fell in love with Rome; the At Littlemore he became renowned as a brilliant preacher with a sublime command of the English language, “with words and thoughts which were a religious movement, subtle, sweet, mournful”.

Roman Catholic Church, however, he regarded as “idolatrous”. There followed his third “providential” illness, when he became dangerously sick in Sicily. On his recovery he was convinced that God still had important work for him to do in England. It was at this time he composed the poem “Lead, kindly light”, when, on his way home, his boat was becalmed. Once home again, he formed part of a group of colleagues who set up what came to be known as the Oxford Movement or “Tractarians”, as they all contributed to a series of “Tracts for our Times”. One of the things they preached was a reclamation by the Anglican Church of its “catholic” roots, a via media, a “middle way” between Roman Catholicism and popular Protestantism. Needless to say, they, and Newman in particular, were regarded with suspicion.

In , Newman acquired a copy of the Roman Breviary, as a keepsake from a deceased friend’s library; it

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On 9 October 1845, Newman was received into the Catholic Church at Littlemore by Fr (later Blessed) Dominic Barberi proved a revelation to him: “I studied it, wrote my Tract from it, and have it on my table in constant use till this day.” In  his doubts about Anglican authority surfaced and two years later he published Tract , which proposed a “Catholic” reading of the  Articles. This caused a huge furore; the Tracts ceased and Newman himself realised he was now “on his deathbed as regards membership with the Anglican Church”. The following year he withdrew to Littlemore, living in monastic conditions with some followers, and praying the Roman Office daily. In , he published a retraction of his objections to the Catholic Church and, later that same year, preached his final sermon as an Anglican: by all accounts a most moving occasion, with many of his congregation audibly in tears.

On  October , he was received into the Catholic Church at Littlemore by Fr (later Blessed) Dominic Barberi, an Italian Passionist, and a year later was ordained Catholic priest in Rome. Returning to England an Oratorian, two years later he founded the first English Oratory in Birmingham and subsequently established the London Oratory. Newman’s conversion sent shock waves through the English establishment and feelings ran high, partly because of the recent establishment of the Catholic Hierarchy by Pope Pius XI. Newman’s conversion brought him much joy but also loneliness in leaving behind career, colleagues and friends who could not understand, or agree with, the huge step he had taken.

Much vindictiveness followed him and in  he was sued for libel and found guilty in what many commentators described as “a gross miscarriage of justice”. It is a measure of the affection in which he was already held that his fine () and expenses (.) were paid by public subscription.

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From ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;ľď&#x153;´-ď&#x153;¸ Newman was in Ireland where he served as Rector in the newly established Catholic University in Dublin. Thereafter, he returned to Birmingham where he resided until the end of his life. In ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;ˇď&#x153;¸ he was elected an honorary fellow of Trinity College, an honour which aďŹ&#x20AC;orded him great delight. The following year he was created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII, an unusual promotion given that he was only a priest. Pius IX had tended to distrust him but the Duke of Norfolk and other â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold, and what they do not...â&#x20AC;? distinguished Catholic laymen persuaded Pope Leo to confer this honour on Newman. While in Rome to receive his Cardinalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat, Newman insisted on his longheld opposition to â&#x20AC;&#x153;liberalism in religionâ&#x20AC;?.

His health having begun to fail from ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;ś, Cardinal Newman preached his last sermon on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;¸, and celebrated his ďŹ nal Mass on Christmas Day the following year. On August ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;ą, ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;¸ď&#x153;šď&#x153;°, he died of pneumonia in Birmingham and was buried ď&#x153;¸ days later at Rednal Hill, just outside the city, some ď&#x153;ąď&#x153;ľ.ď&#x153;°ď&#x153;°ď&#x153;° people lining the streets as his funeral cortège passed by. He left an

enormous legacy: sermons, treatises, poetry, letters, diaries and of especial worth, his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apologiaâ&#x20AC;?, in which he clearly outlines the journey which eventually led him into the Catholic fold. His reputation as â&#x20AC;&#x153;father of the ď&#x153;˛nd Vatican Councilâ&#x20AC;? comes partly from his passionate desire for â&#x20AC;&#x153;an intelligent, well-instructed laityâ&#x20AC;?, not, as many of his contemporaries feared, a laity that would â&#x20AC;&#x153;take overâ&#x20AC;? the Church, but one that would cooperate with and complement the clergy. He died much loved and, to quote Ronald Knox: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just love people, with a fondlove that made him blind to their shortcomings; he loved their souls; loved with a ďŹ erce, supernatural jealousy, the image of Christ in them.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold, and what they do not, who know their creed so well, that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it. I want an intelligent, well-instructed laity; I am not denying you are such already: but I mean to be severe â&#x20AC;Ś in my demands; I wish you to enlarge your knowledge, to cultivate your reason, to get an insight into the relation of truth to truth â&#x20AC;Ś to understand how faith and reason stand to each other, what are the bases and principles of Catholicism.â&#x20AC;?

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Homecoming for Our Lady of Aberdeen To h elp cel eb ra te th e 150th an n i versa r y of S t M a r y ’s Ca t h edral, Ab erdeen , th e C hurch of ‘ Notre Dame du Finistère’ in Brussels has kindly agreed to lend the Cathedral the original statue of ‘Our Lady of Aberdeen’ which was removed to the Continent for safe keeping after the Reformation. The statue will be on display at the Cathedral from the 13th September to the 31st October this year.

Ron Smith

T

he story of the statue of Our Lady of Aberdeen is a true story that reads like fiction. The story begins with that most charismatic of churchmen, Bishop Elphinstone, who did so much for the North-East of Scotland.

It was important for Aberdeen and the whole NorthEast to bridge the river Dee, which blocked the main trade route to the south. The Dee was a difficult river to bridge. It was (and still is) tidal, and the bottom is mostly mud. It had defeated several bridge builders. At that time bishops were responsible for roads and bridges, and derived an income from the tolls. Bishop Elphinstone prayed, and had a vision from the Blessed Virgin, showing him just where to build the bridge. He immediately started construction, and the bridge is still there today.

To give thanks and to celebrate this, he erected two chapels at the southern end of the bridge, and placed statues of Our Lady in both.

At this time, there were several statues, made of gold and of silver, and one rather less significant one made of oak. Wars came, attacks on Aberdeen, and then the Reformation, when it became illegal to be a Catholic, and all Catholic “trappings” were fair game. There was quite an export industry taking Catholic vestments, candlesticks etc. and selling them abroad, while other valuables like silver statues would be melted down. Our statue had a silver crown (open) on Our Lady, and a silver crown (closed to represent the highest authority) on the baby Jesus. These disappeared, but the wooden statue was of little interest. It escaped plunder. For the next  years, it was kept in secret by the faithful of the North-East.

During this time, secret Masses were said (by the “heather priests”, including St John Ogilvie) when the statue would be mysteriously produced, and then spirited away again. Eventually, it simply became “too hot to handle”. As a symbol of continuing Catholicism, continuing resistance to the power of the King, and of possible unity with the French (or Spanish – a threat at that time) it had to go. Local people contacted Isabella, the Spanish princess who ruled in the Netherlands at that time and a ship carried the secret cargo from Aberdeen to the Low Countries. Sailing across the North Sea, dodging Dutch pirates, English warships and a violent storm, the ship, unmasted and listing, eventually slipped into Dunkirk, the only port that was not blockaded by the Dutch.

By an amazing sequence of events, the statue escaped theft and was presented to Isabella, who promptly attacked and defeated the Dutch, taking so many prisoners that they had to distribute them on the way

The Statue of Our Lady of Aberdeen in the specially built chapel at the church of Notre Dame du Finistère in Brussels

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back to Brussels, with our statue leading the procession.

In Brussels, it was placed in a big church, and venerated as having brought success to their efforts; hence, ever since, it has been known as “Notre Dame de Bon Succès” in Belgium.

Later came the French revolution, and Napoleon’s army entered Brussels, desecrating churches as they went, with horses being stabled in the church where our statue was.

An English merchant in Brussels took the statue into hiding for the next eight years, keeping it safe. After this, it was placed in the present church, which at that time was in an area of market gardens. Today, that church (Notre Dame du Finistère) is incongruously in the middle of a modern, bland, pedestrianised street of shops.

The veneration of our statue was so popular that a separate chapel was built alongside the main church, and our statue reigns there on a high plinth. Many efforts

have been made to get it back. For example, in the First World War, Canon Grant and a detachment of Gordon Highlanders battled their way there and entered the church, intending to take the statue, The church was full of Bruxellois, who said that the miraculous powers of our statue was proven – as a squad of soldiers in kilts had turned up to save them from the Germans!

More efforts since have been repudiated by a succession of Bishops of Mechelen, who quite rightly say that it is so highly regarded by the people of Brussels, is credited with so many miraculous interventions, and is such a part of their faith, that they could not let it go back home.

However, it is coming home for six weeks…

The story of this statue covers so many centuries, Mary, Queen of Scots, wars and battles, it makes a tremendous story.

Musical Memories of the North-East

T

Shelagh Noden

his round of musical memories is mainly concerned with a well-kent figure from 19th century Aberdeen, Rev Charles Gordon, better known as “Priest Gordon.” He was revered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike for his charitable and educational work in the city, and for a life spent selflessly in the service of others. Perhaps less well-known is his great love of music and his strenuous efforts to encourage the newly-formed choir in his church of St Peter’s in the Castlegate; a choir which later became famous for its prowess.

As his biographer, Constance Davidson, explains; “He was filled with a great longing to make his people love the church, and was always thinking of how to make it more attractive to them.” When St Peter’s was opened in 1804 the event was marked by the first public High Mass in Scotland since the Reformation, with Bishop Alexander Cameron as principal celebrant. The necessary choir was brought in from the seminary at Aquhorties near Inverurie, and included Rev George Gordon, who was then on the staff there. A notable musician, he later compiled a two volume collection

of church music which was widely used in Scottish churches; a copy formerly owned by St Peter’s is preserved in Aberdeen University library.

It was not until 1814 that Priest Gordon announced that steps were being taken to introduce music into the weekly services held in the Chapel. A “very superior small Organ,” built by Flight and Robieson of London, was ordered, and the following year Mr Gordon recorded that on July 2nd “it was performed on at 6 o’ clock pm, by Mr John Ross, an experienced organist.” More of him later. The cost of the organ was £336, a not inconsiderable sum for the time, and in addition, a gallery had to be constructed for it at the rear of the church.

Mr Gordon’s account continues, “Our next case was to select from the young people of the congregation a sufficient number of good and willing voices, and to engage a Teacher.”

He went on to point out that church music was hitherto unknown to his congregation. “Scarcely one individual among us had ever heard a single note of Music in any place of worship.” Furthermore, the printed music had to be ordered from London at great expense, though only one copy of each piece was bought; extra copies being made by “a young man of great merit and unwearied industry,” for the choir members’ use.

The first public appearance of the new choir took place on

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Easter Sunday, 1815, when at the 11 o’ clock Mass they to “crowning the statue of Our Lady to the strains of ‘Bring performed “one of the works of the celebrated Mr Webbe”. Flowers of the Rarest.’” An examination of old music A rather flowery account describes how “through the silence preserved at the church has uncovered such gems as Vogler’s Veni Sancte Spiritus, rang the passionate passionate cry, ‘Kyrie Eleison, Eleison, Christe Christe Spiritus, Elgar’s Ave Verum Corpus, Corpus, and Palestrina’s Eleison, Kyrie Eleison!’

Presently as the bell Eleison, Eleison!’ Presently Palestrina’s Sicut Cervus, alongside alongsidepopular popular four-part Masses including pealed, there burst out the triumphant pealed, triumphant includingMass of the Holy Rosary, Mass of St John the Baptist, ‘Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus…’”

Baptist, Mass of St Cecilia, Opinion on the choir’s performance Cecilia, amongst amongst others, others, which many readers was divided. Maybe some people did readers of a certain age will remember! not take to Mr Webbe’s Mass, or maybe remember!

But for the final musical story from the whole thing came as a shock. In St Peter’s, recorded by Alasdair the evening, at Vespers, hymns and Alasdair Roberts, we are indebted anthems were sung, and this time the indebted to Bishop Peter Moran. The Bishop describes music met with general approval. describes how, “many years ago when Miss The parish records for 1815 provide Margaret Shaw taught details of the organist who was chosen taught music at St St Peter’s School to perform on the new instrument.

School she had a choir which sang from the church balcony.

Perhaps surprisingly Perhaps surprisingly it was a young lady, balcony. One day a little Catherine Fraser, who had the Mrs Catherine little boy who did not know about it came to church with his granny responsibility,, and Mr Gordon was at pains to responsibility granny and both of them went to the front. When the choir began qualified. He writes: writes: ensure that she was well qualified. advantage of receiving “She had the advantage receiving The Rev Charles Gordon, better to sing the boy was taken by surprise surprise and known as “Priest Gordon.” twisted round to see where the voices instruction and lessons from that were coming from. As they went out, he accomplished Master of the Organ, Mr John Ross, of St Paul’s [Episcopal] Chapel, who not only paid was interrogated: ‘Fit was aa that carry-oan at the start o’ every attention to the progress of his Pupil, but was, Mass?’ He replied, ‘Ah thocht ah heard the angels singan, bit moreover, pleased, with his own hand, to harmonise for the fan ah lookit roon it wis jist a lotta quines on a shelf.’”

Organ a great many of our pieces of Music. And all this he did without fee or reward.”

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY CENTRE, This is a notable example of ecumenism at work; perhaps GLASGOW Mr Ross was motivated by his high regard for Priest PROGRAMME 2010-2011 Gordon.

“UNCHAIN MY HEART” All too soon Mrs Fraser had to give up the job to look after her young family; she was succeeded by Alexander Downie Freedom in Scripture, Ignatius and Art Led by Fr James Crampsey SJ who remained in post for many years. Mr Gordon was very appreciative of the efforts of his choir leaders and rewarded Saturday, 9th October 2010 10.30am – 4.00pm them generously. In 1824 he notes that “this year Mr Downie Our Annual Opening Day will also offer an overview of resources at received…£20 7s 6d and Mr Wilson [the choirmaster] £8.” the ISC and other Centres of interest in the coming year For their part the choir members were sufficiently enthusiastic Please contact the Centre for details to present the chapel with a clock, and not just any old clock, ***** but “an elegant eight-day striking Timekeeper, the price of COURSES from October 2010 onwards Spiritual Accompaniment Course: A 2 year course to explore which was sixteen guineas.” the skills and gifts of accompanying others in the Ignatian The choir was soon in great demand, not only on their tradition. home turf. I am grateful to Ann Dean for pointing out the Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living: A one year course exploring ways of praying and reflecting, fostering connections reference in the Catholic Directory of 1835, which notes between prayer and life. that at the opening of the new church in Huntly, “the Choir Please contact the Centre for details and application forms for of St Peter’s Chapel, Aberdeen, executed several pieces of the above courses Sacred Music in very superior style.” As usual the Directory ****** For a copy of our 2010-2011 Programme and information, frustrates the music historian by omitting to mention the contact: names of these pieces!

The Administrative Secretary, Once established, the St Peter’s choir became an important Ignatian Spirituality Centre, part of the church tradition. The bicentenary booklet by 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE Tel 0141 354 0077 Fax 0141 331 4588 Alasdair Roberts, produced in 2004, refers to “the four part e-mail: admin@iscglasgow.co.uk Website: www.iscglasgow.co.uk Latin Mass (with clouds of incense) on Easter Sunday,” and

Ignatian Spirituality  /

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Margaret Bradley

hat is sort of flat and round, similar in texture to a croissant but saltier, tastes good cold but is scrumptious toasted with lashings of butter and perhaps marmalade? Yes, you’ve got it - it’s the Aberdeen buttery, rowie or morning roll.

Butteries are said to have been developed in Aberdeen in the s, to provide the growing fishing industry with a type of high fat roll which would keep for longer periods at sea than the traditional Sea Biscuits, an important part of the sailor’s sea diet. Sea Biscuits, also called Hard Tack, Ship’s Biscuits, Sea Bread, Pilot Bread, were thick, hard biscuits made with flour, water and salt. To soften the biscuit, it was often dunked in coffee or soup, or added to a stew. With incorrect storage and over time the biscuits softened and became infested with insects. It is said that an Aberdeen fisherman who disliked these asked a baker for a new Sea Roll and these soon became popular with the fishing community.

The s also saw the start of a vital new era in Aberdeen’s maritime history, adding to its existing illustrious shipbuilding and shipping history. In  the River Dee diversion had been completed and the harbour area expanded. Steam trawlers were developed and there was a rapid expansion of Aberdeen’s trawler dominated fishing industry. Market street was extended and in  the Victoria Bridge over the Dee was completed leading to the rapid development of Torry as a residential area for crewmen, skippers and fish merchants.

David Farquharson (-), in his painting of Aberdeen harbour, “The Herring Fleet Leaving the Dee” painted in , highlights the role the harbour played in the development of Aberdeen at this time. Also featured in the painting are the smoke houses at Point Law, the Round House at Fittie, the Albert basin and the upper dock, with a skyline of Aberdeen spires, including Marischal College, the Town House, St Nicholas Church and St Mary’s Cathedral.

In more recent years butteries have been one of Aberdeen’s unofficial exports, sent or taken to exiles overseas or living in other parts of the country. The last stop before driving south has often been the baker’s shop to pick up the butteries. The smell and taste of a warm buttery is guaranteed to make the exiled Aberdonian yearn for a chilling blast of North Sea air at Fittie, the smell of fish and oil at the harbour, the screech

David Farquharson, The Herring Fleet Leaving the Dee 1888, oil on canvas. Photo courtesy of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collection of the herring gulls and a glimpse of the cold steely-grey granite of Union Street. A bit of home wrapped up in a buttery.

Fishing and shipbuilding may have declined but we do still have the buttery - though the high fat content may not appeal to the calorie-conscious of today . But just for once, why not forget the calories, celebrate a bit of Aberdeen’s uniqueness, keep a bit of history alive and treat your self to a buttery.

Aberdeen Butteries 1lb. Plain flour 2 level tsps. Salt 6oz lard 6oz butter 1oz yeast 1 tsp. Caster sugar ½ pint warm water Sieve the flour and salt into a large bowl.

Blend the yeast and the sugar with the water in a smaller bowl; add to the flour and mix to a dough. Set in a warm place to rise until twice its bulk. Keep it covered with a warm cloth.

Beat the lard and the butter until thoroughly blended; then divide into three equal portions.

Place the dough onto a floured board and roll out into a strip and mark into thirds.

On 2/3rds of the top, spread 1/3 of the fat.

Fold the lower 1/3 of the dough over the centre and bring the top down on this, seal the edges with a rolling pin, half turn and rest for 10 minutes in the fridge. Repeat this operation twice to use up all the fat.

To make the butteries, roll the pastry out ½ inch thick and cut into 12-16 squares. Place on a greased baking tray and leave in a warm place to prove until puffy. Bake above the centre of a hot oven, 425F Gas 7, for 15 - 20 minutes. Eat cold or toasted with butter and marmalade.

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Charity number: SC010100

faithandculture

Page 30

Light of the North

Historical Curiosities from the Diocese of Aberdeen

The Royal Scots College in Spain Peter Davidson

T

he Scots College in Spain has a history stretching back into the seventeenth century, and has survived to the present with a splendid archive, library and picture collections all of which contain material which sheds light on the history and culture of the Church in northern Scotland.

The College was founded by a Scottish exile, Colonel William Semple of Lochwinnoch (-) and his Spanish wife Doña Maria de Ledesma. Semple’s life reads like a historical novel: his military career began in the Low Countries in the service of William of Orange, but after a few years he surrendered the town which he was holding for the Calvinists and, together with all the men under his command, went over to the Catholic forces of the Spanish Netherlands. Thereafter he was closely associated with the commander of the Spanish forces, the Duke of Parma. He made one quasi-diplomatic visit to Edinburgh after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, to try to persuade James VI to avenge his mother with continental military assistance. While he was there the news of the failure of the

The principal façade of the former Scots College in Valladolid

Armada made his position impossible: he was arrested but escaped, making his way back to Madrid, where he spent the rest of his life. To this day, the library of the college contains a small collection of seventeenth-century books on fortification and the art of war, which must represent the remains of Semple’s own library.

For the first century of its existence the College was to some degree a shadowy institution, dogged (as it was until the nineteenth century) by the extraordinary complications and delays which attended the payment of money owed to Semple (and to the College foundation itself) by the Spanish treasury. The Rectors were Scottish and Spanish Jesuits and student numbers were very variable, although in the year  there were, for once, enough students to perform a College Play as was the custom in Jesuit colleges.

The subject was the life of St Hermengild and the play, a lost item in the history of Scottish drama, was by the Aberdonian Alexander Sinclair SJ. Among the teachers at the College in the seventeenth Century was another Aberdonian, Hugh Ross, who had taught in one of the University Colleges of his native city before he left for Spain in the s. As a Jesuit establishment, the college was suppressed as part of the general expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in .

The re-foundation of the College, and its successful reestablishment in the University city of Valladolid was the work of one of the most sympathetic and brilliant figures in Scottish Catholic history, John Geddes (-, from  titular bishop of Morocco.) Born in the Enzie, on the estates of the Gordons of Letterfourie, son of a tenant farmer, he studied at Preshome and then for ten years at the Scots College in Rome. By the time that he set forth for Spain in  he had served with great success as parish priest at Shenval in the Cabrach.

His re-establishment of the Scots College in the premises of the former Jesuit College of San Ambrosio in Valladolid was a triumph of perseverence, patience and of Geddes’s own extraordinary human gifts. Ably assisted by the genial rector of the Royal English College in Valladolid, Dr Philip Perry, Geddes threaded his way through bureaucracy, obstruction, hostility from other establishments and the sheer disorder into which Scottish affairs in Spain had

faithandculture

Light of the North

The remarkable Bishop John Geddes who re-established the Scots College in Valladolid fallen, to settle himself with his “loons” and “bairns” (as he called them) into the Valladolid College in May .

Although Geddes had many troubles during his time as rector, including students of variable quality and committment and an unfortunate vice-Rector who would now almost certainly have been diagnosed as subject to paranoid delusions, he succeeded in re-establishing the college and transforming it into an institution genuinely ahead of its time. Contemporary complaints that Geddes was a lax disciplinarian, and that the life which he allowed his students to lead was altogether too gentlemanly and pleasant by the clerical standards of the day, read very differently to modern eyes.

He was clearly profoundly concerned with the welfare of the individual students (whom he called by their first names) and with their formation as adults with the mental and spiritual resources to function as effective and balanced parochial clergy. Thus he allowed them an unusual degree of contact with lay families, as a preparation for work with their future parishoners. He emphasised their education in manners and what was then called “polite learning”, so that they might act as ambassadors for the Church in civil society, as Geddes was himself to do with extraordinary effect in later years in Edinburgh where he secured the friendship and respect of Robert Burns amongst others. He encouraged the development of recreational activities potentially of a use to a parish priest, such as gardening. Despite all opposition from his colleague Hay in Scotland, he cultivated music and musical teaching in the College. This bore fruit most visibly in the activities of Fr Gordon in Dufftown, whose musical activities have often featured in these pages, [See

Page 31

Shelagh Noden’s “Musical Memories of the North - East” and in particular her article about Rev George Gordon in Issue No.  of the Light of the North] but must also have given many a relatively isolated parish priest a lifelong interest and resource.

Having survived both the Peninsular and Spanish Civil wars, albeit with skeleton staffs, in the late twentieth century, the college moved to its present most agreeable home in Salamanca, a Castilian city with two universities, two cathedral buildings and the ancient College of the “Noble Irish”, all sited on a hillside above the river Tormes in one of the most harmonious architectural compositions in Europe.

As well as a splendid library, which includes the copy of the Edinburgh edition of Burns which Bishop Geddes bought for it, the College also preserves excellent portraits of its founders and rectors, large-scale baroque paintings of St Ninian and St Margaret and the fine picture collection inherited from the Jesuits of Valladolid. The archives are rich in manuscript music, a testimonial to the deep cultural life of the College from its eighteenthcentury re-foundation.

Professor Peter Davidson holds the Chair in Renaissance Studies in the School of Divinity, History & Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen.

CBC /

faithandculture

On a wing

Page 32

Light of the North

and a prayer

Father Peter Barry

I

n February, four religious sisters from Belarus came to Aberdeen, to sell religious artefacts: icons, wooden dolls carved inside each other, painted eggs, etc.

They were all in their twenties, with good University degrees. Two were so pretty they could have modelled on a catwalk. Why should they give up so many secular delights for convent life?

I went out to visit them, armed with a written invitation to facilitate the required visa. In the outskirts of the city of Minsk they have a huge complex of buildings: a church for prayer and services; a farm where alcoholics and drug addicts recuperate from their addictions through prayer, reflection and hard physical labour and a home for handicapped children.

The children are grouped into five categories dependant on the severity of their illnesses. Some are completely bedbound and will never leave their cots. They may be in their teens, but are as tiny as two-year-olds. The State used to make some provision for them, until the Sisters were given the task. Previous to this they were changed once every two days! Now they are changed up to five times a day, with great care and tenderness. They have all been abandoned by their families. Oleg, a lay brother, supervises these children. He has an honours degree in Physics, and when I suggested he could be making good money in the oil industry he said (verbatim ) “ What would I spend it on? Cars. . . clothes?. . . a nice house? No, this is my life, and I am happy here. This is what God wants.”

The Government is Stalinist, though not so severe as North Korea! The President describes himself as an Orthodox Atheist .... Orthodox by culture, atheist by lack of religious conviction. There are twenty Russian Orthodox Churches in Minsk, lovely buildings with onion domes.

Easter services last for five hours, and only the elderly sit. I I was in Belarus when the Polish President’s plane crashed and I attended the memorial Mass next day in the Catholic Cathedral. There was a great outpouring of grief as many ambassadors and heads of state came to pay their respects, with hundreds of local mourners.

Fr Peter with the Abbess of St Elizabeth Convent, Minsk, Belarus The day after I left the volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded all flights and I felt lucky to get home. Otherwise, I might still be on the streets of Minsk, selling little wooden dolls on the pavement, flicking them over and watching them bounce back again. Sister Olga helps to carve these dolls. “ Watch how they can’t be knocked over,” she said. “ That’s just like you, Father Peter.”

An abiding memory: an old lady washes a stone floor in the convent. The water is filthy and the floor becomes stained, but nobody says anything by way of rebuke. She has many mental problems and no one cared for her. Now the Sisters have given her their home and their hearts.

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faithandculture

Light of the North

Page 33

P oetic Licence Canon Bill Anderson delves into some of his favourite inspirational verse.

“The stars shine joyfully at their posts; when he calls them, they answer, ‘Here we are’; they shine to delight their Creator.” (Baruch 111, 34-35).

The following lines take up the theme of our text, and express the sense of awe and wonder felt by the poet as she contemplates the glory of God’s creation made manifest in the starry firmament. Not only does she marvel at the beauty of it all, for she muses on the possibility that Christ may have visited other planets in his universe, and constellations like the Pleiades, the Lyre, and the Bear. The poem speculates how perhaps humanity will in the end share its experience of the presence of Christ in its midst with others, of whose very existence we can only guess, but who may in some mysterious way have heard the Word through “a million alien Gospels”. Sheer poetic licence, of course, but curiously enticing!

Alice Meynell, an Anglican convert (1847-1922) had many friends in the literary world, including Francis Thompson (of “Hound of Heaven” fame). Her best poems generally deal with themes of religious mystery, and this is perhaps the most striking: With this ambiguous earth His dealings have been told us.These abide: The signal to a maid, the human birth, The lesson, and the young man crucified.

But not a star of all The innumerable host of stars has heard How He administered this terrestrial ball.

Our race have kept their Lord’s entrusted Word.

Of His earth - visiting feet None knows the secret, cherished, perilous, The terrible, shamefast, frightened, whispered, sweet, Heart-shattering secret of His way with us.

No planet knows but this Our wayside planet, carrying land and wave, Love and life multiplied, and pain and bliss, Bears, as chief treasure, one forsaken grave.

Nor,in our little day, May His devices with the heavens be guessed, His pilgrimage to thread the Milky Way, Or His bestowals there be manifest.

But,in the eternities, Doubtless we shall compare together, hear A million alien Gospels, in what guise He trod the Pleiades, the Lyre, the Bear.

O be prepared, my soul!

To read the inconceivable, to scan The million forms of God those stars unroll When, in our turn, we show to them a Man.

“O be prepared, my soul!

To read the inconceivable”

crossword

Crossword No.13

Page 34

Light of the North

This issue’s competition winner will receive a copy of “The Book of Catholic Wisdom - 2,000 Years of Spiritual Writing” compiled by Teresa De Bertodano.

Just send your completed entry, together with your name, address and telephone number to the Light of the North, Ogilvie Centre, 16 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SH. First correct entry drawn out of the hat is the winner. Closing date: 1st September, 2010.

Last issue’s crossword solution Across 1. Chastise; 5. Accuse; 9.Moisture; 10. Spring; 12. Awake; 13.

Atonement; 14. Christ; 16. Parable; 19. Traitor; 23. Apocrypha; 25. Selah; 26. Gather; 27. Caiaphas; 28. Rested; 29. Philemon.

Down 1. Cymbal; 2. Arimathea; 3. Tithe; 4. Servant; 6. Cupbearer; 7. Unite; 8. Eighteen; 11. Soap; 15. Intercede; 17. Bethlehem; 18. Stranger; 20. Rope; 21. Pharaoh; 22. Chosen; 24. Oaths; 25. Snail.

Congratulations to our last competition winner, Rev. Derick W. B. McCulloch from Aviemore.

Little Horror Sudoku No. 2 If you prefer soduko to crosswords then you still have a chance to win “The Book of Catholic Wisdom” with our super tough “Little Horror” sudoku puzzle.

Name .........................................................................................

Address ..................................................................................... ........................................................................................................

Telephone ..................................................................................

Across 1 Not to be put under a bushel. (6) 3 Let yours shine before men! (5) 7 Moth and rust will do this to your earthly store. (7) 8 If you do this, you will find. (4) 10 These should not be done in view of men. (4) 13 The eight sayings by Christ at the beginning of his sermon. (10) 15 They sound trumpets in the streets when they are being charitable. (10) 18 The peacemakers will be called this. (8,2,3) 20 They were with Jesus when he gave the sermon. (9) 22 You can’t serve God and this. (6) 23 Fellow believers. (8) 24 The earth is this to God. (9) Down 2 Jesus gave this as an example of how to communicate with God. (5,6) 4 Don’t lay these upon the earth. (9)

5 Whoever says this to his brother shall be in danger from the council.

(4) 6 Those who are given happiness and good fortune. (7) 9 When engaging in this, you should enter into your closet and shut the door. (6) 11 Where the sermon was given. (8) 12 You should search for this first, before worrying about food and clothing. (13) 14 What you should do to your eye if it offends. (5) 16 They which do this shall be filled.

(6) 17 The hypocrites disfigured their faces while doing this. (7) 19 If you are forced to go a mile with someone, this is how far you should go. (5) 21 The foolish man built his house on this. (4)

Name .........................................................................................

Address ..................................................................................... ........................................................................................................

Telephone ..................................................................................

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Light of the North

humour

Humour from the Vestry Humour serves to destabilise the ego. This is why laughter is essential to religion. It cuts a SHUVRQ GRZQ WR VL]H +XPRXU LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW VWHS WR humility.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up doc?

Doctor, doctor, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for biting fingernails?

Very sharp teeth.

Doctor, doctor, I have a hoarse throat.

The resemblance doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end there.

Doctor, doctor, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m at deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pull you through.

Doctor, doctor, something is praying on my mind!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, it will probably starve to death.

Doctor, doctor, I have a pain in the eye every time I drink hot chocolate!

Take the spoon out of your mug before you drink.

Doctor, doctor, my hair is falling out, can you give me something to keep it in?

Yes, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a paper bag.

Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a dog.

Well get up on this couch and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll examine you.

I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not allowed on the furniture.

Watch the birdie!

Andy Writes Home Andrew, a university student, was notorious for not contacting home from one week to another. All his time was taken up with studying, drinking and sleeping. Then one day he received the following letter: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear Andrew, Your mother and I enjoyed your last letter. Of course, we were much younger back then and more impressionable. Love, Dad.â&#x20AC;?

Page 35

Love is blnd!

A couple summed up the reason for their long and happy marriage.

The husband said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have tried never to be VHOĂ&#x20AC;VK $IWHU DOO WKHUH LV QR Âś,¡ LQ WKH ZRUG CPDUULDJH ¡¾ The wife said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For my part, I have never FRUUHFWHG P\ KXVEDQG¡V VSHOOLQJ Âľ

First Come, First Served A teacher asked the class why, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go over and help the man by the wayside. A little girl answered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because he saw that the man had already been robbed.â&#x20AC;?

An Englishman, a Frenchman and an Irishman were in a pub talking about their children. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My son was born on St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;remarked the Englishman, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;So we obviously decided to call him George.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real coincidence, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;observed the Frenchman, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My daughter was born on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, so we decided to call her Valentine.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really incredible, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;drawled the Irishman, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Exactly the same thing happened with my son Pancake.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Vive La DiffĂŠrence A holidaymaker in Paris was dining in a restaurant when he noticed a fly in his soup. He summoned the waiter and, being proud of his knowledge of French, pointed to his plate and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Le mouche!â&#x20AC;?

The waiter glanced at the plate and replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Non, Monsieur - câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est la mouche.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Lord!â&#x20AC;? exclaimed the diner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You French certainly have first-class eyesight!â&#x20AC;?

Bedside Manner 2QH PDQ LV WDONLQJ WR DQRWKHU Âľ0\ ZLIH DQG , Âľ KH H[FODLPV ´JRW DQJU\ ODVW QLJKW DQG ZH KDG D ILJKW Âľ +LV IULHQG DVNHG him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How did it end up? Why, she came FUDZOLQJ WR PH RQ KHU KDQGV DQG NQHHV Âľ ´:KDW GLG VKH VD\"Âľ ´6KH VDLG Âś&RPH RXW IURP XQGHU WKDW EHG \RX FRZDUG ¡¾ Oratory is the fine art of making deep noises from the chest sound like important messages from the brain.

Why did the Hindu refuse the dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Novocaine?

A: He wanted to transcend dental medication.

Nazareth Care Home Great News!

We will be moving to a New Home this time next year.

Our lovely old house was built in 1862 by the then Bishop of Aberdeen and it graces a plot in its own gardens between Union Grove and Claremont Street.

This is a care home with a Catholic Ethos, its own beautiful chapel, daily Holy Mass and a loving caring staff.

We are moving to a new state of the art home on the Craigton Road. We will have the same Catholic Ethos, a new chapel and the same loving caring staff. All rooms in the new home will have en suite facilities. There will be a bar/cafĂŠ, a gymnasium, a large activity/entertainment room and several landscaped gardens. There is a local bus service. The present residents will be moving to the new home.

We expect a great demand for these rooms.

Why not come to Nazareth Care Home now and guarantee a room at the new home?

* (SITE OF NEW HOME)

The home accepts residents who are funded by social services and those that are self funding. It is a registered non profit making charity and there are no top up fees.

If you are interested, we invite you to come and see us.

Please contact us on 01224 582091