Light of the North Issue 5

Don’t be left in the dark

Light of the North

Get the Light of the North

Light of the North Page

I am the Light of the World

Issue 5, Pentecost, 2007

What can the Youth Service offer you?

Take a look inside!

Walking In the footsteps of Mary MacKillop Postcards from Blairs HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage Scottish Sword Dancers at the Forum!

FREE

. . . b u t a l l co n t r i b u t i o n s towards produc tion costs will be gra tefull y re ce i ved

A quarterly magazine produced and published by the Ogilvie Institute for the Diocese of Aberdeen

Light of the North

T

en days after the Ascension, the Apostles are in Jerusalem celebrating Pentecost. In a sombre interior the Holy Ghost descends upon the apostles, and to each comes a “cloven tongue like as of fire.” This symbolizes the gift of many tongues in which they will thenceforth speak.

up front

Our front cover for this issue features a Pentecost scene painted by the Florentine architect and artist, Giotto di Bordini (1267-1337 A.D.). His father was a small farmer and the story goes that Cimabue, a wellknown Florentine painter, saw the 12-year-old Giotto sketching one of his father’s sheep on a flat rock and was so impressed with his talent that he persuaded the father to let Giotto become his pupil.

Page

In common with other artists of his day, Giotto lacked the technical knowledge of anatomy and perspective that later painters learned. However, his work broke free from the stylizations of Byzantine art, introducing new ideals of naturalism and creating a convincing sense of pictorial space. At the same time he had a tremendous grasp of human emotion and of what was significant in human life.

Modern artists often seek inspiration from Giotto. In him they find a direct approach to human experience that is still valid.

Giotto’s Pentecost is one in a series of frescoes in the Arena Chapel at Padua.

Kerala comes to Mastrick

Margaret Coll erala, in the southwestern tip of India, is known as India’s most advanced society with 100% literate people, a world-class health care system, the lowest infant mortality rate and highest life expectancy rate in all of India.

K

St Thomas several centuries before it reached Europe.

In 1510 the Jesuits arrived and consolidated their faith.

And almost 5 years ago, 65 nurses arrived in Aberdeen and their numbers have swelled as their families and others came after them. At least 18 of the families now reside in Mastrick and are parishioners of the Holy Family Church to which they have brought many aspects of It is also one of two Catholic states in India with a vi- their religious culture and way of life. brant religious culture brought to them in 59AD by Continued on page 4

Light of the North

Page

contents deaneries 4 faithinaction 10

witness

13 youthlight 15 liturgy 16 educationandformation 20 children’slight 26 faithandculture 27 humour 33 crossword 34 Rome 35 OgilvieInstitute 36

Light of the North Managing Editor Deacon Tony Schmitz Editor Cowan Watson Chief Reporter Fr Paul Bonnici Editorial Advisor Canon Bill Anderson If you would like to advertise in the Light of the North from only £250 a quarter page, or sponsor a page for just £200, get in touch with us at the address below.

Light of the North Ogilvie Institute 16 Huntly Street Aberdeen AB10 1SH Tel: 01224 638675 Email: lightofthenorth@speedpost.net

It seems hard to believe but, thanks largely to your encouragement and support, the Light of the North has survived into its second year of publication. What better time to be celebrating than at Pentecost, the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples who were suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the Risen Christ!

The spreading of the ‘Good News’ is of course the primary function of the Light of the North and we are celebrating in grand style this issue with 36 pages of news, features and entertainment.

Apart from the ‘outpourings’ of our dedicated team we also have contributions from Hilary Young on this Easter’s HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes, a new regular feature by Prue King on some of the rarities from the Blairs Museum permanent collection and an article from Patricia Keane and Peggy Walker who have been following in the footsteps of the Blessed Mary MacKillop who once travelled through the Diocese. In addition, David Meiklejohn, Director of Music of the Diocesan Choir, begins a new series on Liturgical Music.

Finally, do take a look at the programmes and initiatives currently being offered to parishes and primary schools across the Diocese by the Youth Service.

We have been very heartened at the response there has been to the magazine and to see it slowly become established as a firm fixture of diocesan life. However, there is an ongoing need for advertising, sponsorship, and prayer. We will be sending out to each Mass Centre a Light of the North Collection box for donations so please give generously and, to save your Parish Priest time, why not volunteer to look after the box in your church?

A blessed Pentecost Cowan

deaneries

Page

Light of the North

N e w s f ro m the D eaneries Continued from page 2 Because of their presence in the parish, we have been the sound of thunder and the stone rolled away. A spotlight able to start Catechism classes attended by 30 plus chil- came on and the Risen Christ was standing in front of the empty tomb. Fr. Patrick blessed the statue at the end of the dren every week and children’s Liturgy every Sunday.

Gospel and it was carried to a small altar before the main alWe have two religious camps each year for the children tar. At the end of Mass everyone venerated the Risen Lord. which run for a period of three days and include biblical/ catechetical talks, games and music. Our new parishioners The congregation was the largest we had seen for an take part in the choir and are active as cantors and read- Easter Vigil and I believe this was the first time in Scoters and gradually will be totally involved in parish events. land that this had taken place. Three weeks before EastOn the first Saturday of every month we have a three hour er, realising that we had no statue of the Risen Lord, one devotion which includes Mass celebrated in the Malayalam family phoned their father in Kerala, who immediately language and is attended by the Kerala people from all couriered a statue to Scotland. over Aberdeen. They have organised their own retreats in Advent and Lent and bring a priest, Fr. Jacob, who, with There have been amusing incidents …and sometimes the Bishop’s permission and Fr. Patrick’s support, conducts very frustrating ones …concerning the English language these in Malayalam. At Christmas and Easter, thanks to the as spoken in Aberdeen and as learned in Kerala but so far constant support of Fr. Patrick Rice, our Jesuit parish priest, we have all survived! we have had special celebrations started by our Indian paIn conclusion, having worked with the people from India rishioners. since they arrived in Aberdeen, I can only say that I have benThe Easter celebration is worthy of a special mention. A efited greatly from their religious living, their enthusiasm large tomb was built at the side of the sanctuary. During and their constant attempts to be involved in the parish. the Easter Vigil, Fr. Patrick slowly proclaimed the Gospel And I am regularly introduced to Indian home cooking! with the church in darkness. A gentle wind could be heard,

Konkani Mass makes history

For the first time in the history of the Diocese of Aberdeen Holy Eucharist was offered in the Konkani language. Fr. Patrick Rodrigues, parish priest of Kinnigoli, who is on family visit here celebrated Mass on Friday, 20th April at the Nazareth Care Home Chapel.

After the Mass Aberdeen Konkan Association held its inaugural function at the home of Dr Maxim D’Costa. The president of the association, Prakash Bennis, spoke about the association, its objectives and future.

The association will strive to preserve the culture of the Konkani speaking community in Aberdeen by organizing various activities, especially those that benefit children.

deaneries

Light of the North

Page

Mary, Star of the Sea Aberdeen Diocese welcomes AOS icon of Mary Star of the Sea Fr Paul Bonnici cotland’s northernmost diocese has welcomed the icon of Our Lady Star of the Sea which is on tour in ports and parishes up and down the country.

S

The icon, with the Latin name of Stella Maris arrived in the Diocese of Aberdeen at the end of March and visited a number of parishes during the following month.

The work was commissioned by the Apostleship of the Sea and ‘written’ in the Neo-Coptic style by renowned iconographer Dr Stephane Rene. On arrival in the diocese Bishop Peter Moran of Aberdeen received the Icon during a Lenten Station Mass at Holy Family Church in the Mastrick area of the city.

At the end of Mass Deacon Brian Kilkerr, dressed in his working clothes as a Port Chaplain, spoke briefly about his role ministering at Ports in Aberdeen and the North East.

Deacon Kilkerr said: “Our work is to care for the seafarers when they visit our ports a long way from their own home and family.”

He added: “Just as Jesus accompanied his disciples in their vessels, helping them in their work and calming storms, so the Church accompanies seafarers, caring for their practical and spiritual needs.”

Bishop Peter Moran, Bishop Promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea for Scotland said: “All round the hundreds of miles of Scottish coastline, small ports welcome ships big and small: workaday freighters, sophisticated survey-ships, comfortable cruise-liners.

On all of them, multi-national crews spend weeks, perhaps months away from home.

“The Apostleship of the Sea meets those seafarers and offers them the love of God and a link with the Church.

“All round the parishes of Scotland, the Stella Maris icon, now on tour, reminds us of that work of mercy.

Our Lady, Star of the Sea, guides and brightens those in peril, and in toil, and in loneliness, on the sea.”

Fr Chris Brannan with the Icon at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen

The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) in Aberdeen needs your help. AOS is the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church in Great Britain, originally founded in Scotland in 1922 to provide practical and pastoral assistance to vulnerable international seafarers arriving in our ports.

We are currently looking for volunteers across the diocese to act as parish contacts to promote our work in their local parish. The role is very straightforward and you could choose how much you wanted to do depending on how involved you would like to get.

As a minimum we ask all our contacts to put out five copies of ‘Alongside’ - our quarterly supporters’ magazine - in their parish every few months and to assist their parish priest with the Sea Sunday collection in July. Occasionally our parish contacts set up parish support groups to run events or prayer groups.

If you are interested in becoming an AOS parish contact then please call Laura at the National Office on 020 7012 8602 or e-mail her at laurajenner@apostleshipofthesea.org.uk. For further information please visit the website at: www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

deaneries

Page

Light of the North

90 Years young!

“I said yes, without having a clue that Blairs College was the junior seminary for training Catholic Priests,” Canon Stone remarked.

From 1931, he spent six years at the college before moving to St Sulpice’s senior seminary in Paris. Then, when Germany occupied the north of France in 1940, he and other students fled south and received passage on a Polish ship to Plymouth.

Finishing his seminary training at St Peter’s, Bearsden, Canon Stone was ordained in 1942 by Bishop George Bennett at Blairs. His first appointment was as Curate at St Mary’s, Inverness after which he spent six years at at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen, and then four years as parish priest at Portsoy on the Banffshire coast. That was followed by a spell as Spiritual Director at Blairs and as parish priest at St Mary’s, Nairn.

His 18 subsequent years in Inverness saw his appointment as Highland Dean. “It has been a long but happy journey with a lot of support from my brother priests, particularly from Archbishop Conti when he was Bishop of Aberdeen,” said Canon Stone. “I just thank God for putting up with me for all these years, and the people for their kindness.”

St Peter and St Boniface parishioner Eve Harris said they had celebrated Canon Stone’s birthday in advance with a party after Mass on Saturday February 3: “Saturday night was a wonderful evening for a wonderful priest,” she said.

A

well loved and inspirational Highland Catholic priest has celebrated his 90th birthday. He is still working in St Peter’s and St Boniface’s, Fortrose, on the banks of the Moray Firth, where he has been for 11 years.

Canon Duncan Stone has been in the priesthood for 65 years, 18 of which were spent serving St Mary’s parish in Inverness. He was born on 7 February 1917 at Kilmorack, one of a family of seven.

“We all love him, the Church was crammed with people of all ages from every corner of the parish.”

“The children especially enjoyed themselves and gave him a number of gifts to mark his birthday.

Canon Stone added: “May I take this opportunity to thank God for the gift of the priesthood, to thank so many for their help and encouragement, especially my brother priests, and to ask pardon for the times I have failed.”

Attending the Catholic school in Beauly, he went to 8am Mass in the village every morning until one day George Grant asked if he would like to go to Blairs.

This page has been sponsored by St Mary’s Cathedral Parish of Aberdeen

Light of the North

Page

Cathedral provides safe haven

W

hen floods devastated the Orcadian capital of Kirkwall, parishioners of Our Lady and St Joseph ended up with nowhere to worship. The solution that emerged made history not just in Orkney but also in the whole diocese of Aberdeen.

Fr Ronnie arrives to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral for quarter past nine each day except Sunday and Monday.

On Mondays he is at the St Magnus Centre at 12.30 pm to allow people from the northern isles of Orkney to take part. On Sundays during the Summer months, Mass is celebrated at 6pm in St Rognvald’s Chapel within the cathedral.

Father Ronnie Walls, himself a former Church of Scotland minister became the first priest since the Reforma- St Magnus Cathedral is unique in that it actually betion to celebrate mass in St Magnus Cathedral in Ork- longs to the City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall. It is not, ney on a regular basis. and has never been, the property of the Church.

Father Ronnie, 86, told the magazine Living Orkney: In 1468, when the islands were transferred to Scottish “We were flooded out and washed up on the steps of the rule, King James III had no means to look after the Cathedral. building so granted it to the “Magistrates, Council and Community of Kirkwall”.

“I am enormously grateful to be able to hold services here. It is a very great privilege and most agreeable to be This act meant that the cathedral had to be classed as a celebrating a Catholic Eucharist in this church. I hon- heritable possession and therefore charged the town with estly do not feel triumphalist about it. its maintenance.

“I appreciate that many other people out of communion with Rome, have worshipped God here and I would respect their sincerity and hope they would continue to do so.”

B

Fr Ronnie who has been living in rented accommodation because of the flood damage at the presbytery is looking forward to seeing life return to normal after the scheduled repair work is completed.

Bishop’s backing Buckie

ishop Peter Moran has spoken up for the future of St Peter’s Primary School in Buckie.

Speaking at a consultation meeting, the Bishop voiced fears that the council would be losing a community and not just a school.

“Although close to other schools, it is not a community that can be subsumed or consumed into other schools because it is a Roman Catholic school. What are you going to do about the community that is the school? This is about more than just a building.

“I think we are looking at this from the wrong end. We should be looking at it from the point of view of here’s a community, how are we going to serve its needs, the building, staffing and morale? The essential way of looking at it will colour some of the arguments.

“If the school were to close, what becomes of the small Catholic community of pupils? Are they bussed to St Thomas

Even bishops have to eat! in Keith, are they segregated in classrooms in Cluny with Catholic staff? Surely none of these are healthy options.”

The consultation process was due to run until May 4 and would be reported to the a newly elected council.

deaneries

Page

Light of the North

Consultation response

D

uring 2005 and 2006 an extensive consultation exercise was undertaken throughout the Diocese to obtain the views of its clergy and laity.

also a need for proper consultation prior to key decisions being made and a regular review of the work of external professionals. The Bishop assured meeting attendees that all of these issues will be addressed and that implementation will follow.

The consultation has revealed that the clergy want to participate in the formulation of strategy and to be delegated The Enhancement Programme is already benefiting the with responsibility for achieving key goals. They also want Diocese. Gift Aid participation has greatly increased, assisted through Diocesan created literature. Endowment to see communication deficiencies eliminated.

Fund income has also increased through the Portfolio The laity feel that a joined up strategy is required; that and Property Programmes. The Finance Programme is vibrant communities should be supported even if with- correcting management deficiencies and a property proout a Priest. They also want the Diocese to match clergy gramme has been implemented to identify the best use to the challenges faced, support their need for parish of property, improve the quality of property managehalls, encourage the use of more lay volunteer support ment, eliminate surplus property and reduce its cost. and to look after their clergy properly.

The Policy Programme is reviewing the policies in the Diocese with a view to making these consistent with It would seem that pastoral needs are not being satisfied Diocesan strategy. The Diocesan Management Proas well as they might; deficiencies in resources exist and gramme is, with others, responding to the findings of parishes do not like paying levies for services which do the roadshow and a related Schedule of tasks and comnot benefit them. Respondents felt that there is a lack pletion dates will be issued. Successful completion will of pastoral support for children’s catechism, for teenag- result in a Diocese fit for the First Decade of the Third ers and adult courses and a lack of professional support Millennium. for fabric, finance and fund raising activities. There is

Plea to review ‘gift aid’ giving

A

respected financial advisor to Catholic dioceses all “You could say that three percent is only about the rate over Britain has warned that Gordon Brown’s budg- of inflation anyway. We should be encouraging our doet last March is going to cost the Catholic Church nors to increase their donations with inflation anyway.” in Britain an estimated two million pounds a year.

Under the gift aid system the Church and other charities John Conlan, Head of Charity Tax at Baker Tilly in Bir- are able to claim back income tax a donor has paid on mingham, told the Universe Catholic Weekly newspaper the amount they contribute. that the estimated 17 million pounds which the Catho- He explained: “In a sense it is going back to the old days lic Church claims at the moment from the Government of the nineties. So I am saying to diocesan gift aid organas tax refunds under the gift aid scheme will go down to isers and financial secretaries up and down the land that this is a wake up call. about 15 million pounds.

Mr Conlan, who for the last ten years has been advising “It is a time to mobilise ourselves again and remind our the National Conference of Diocesan Gift Aid Organis- Mass goers that the tax system has disadvantaged us and ers, said that this is a knock on effect of the Chancellor’s would they increase their generosity to the church.” reducing the basic rate of tax to 20% from April 2008.

If you pay tax, do you donate your weekly offering to Mr Conlan said: “When the basic rate changes in April your parish by gift aid and do you review your gift aid 2008, that 17 million would go down to about 15 mil- giving every so often and consider the possibility of inlion. That is a loss of about 2 million every year. creasing it according to inflation?

“That fall in a sense goes back in the pockets of our donors, of our Mass goers. To stay in the same position we For more information please contact your parish priest have to persuade all Mass goers to increase their giving or your parish gift aid organiser. by about three percent.

Light of the North

Page

Mother Mary Garson, the pride of Udny

F

ather James Bell, Parish Priest of Tain, Alness and Invergordon as well as Dean of Highland Deanery attended the funeral at Worth Abbey, Sussex, of Mother Mary Garson OSB, founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Grace and Compassion.

conditions. She acquired a house and together with other lay women set about caring for them.

In 1959 the group planned the foundation of a Religious Congregation with advice from the then Bishop of Southwark, Cyril Cowderoy. The Rule of St Benedict was formally adopt­ed at a General Chapter in 1978. The Mother Mary, who was aged 85, was the first Prioress- Con­gregation now numbers 200 sisters and 27 homes in Gen­eral of the Benedictine congregation dedicated to Britain, India and Africa. caring for the elderly and poor in three con­tinents. She was born in our diocese at Udny in Aberdeenshire and Mother Mary was presented with the Papal Cross, Pro later lived for several years at Invergordon as the daugh- Ecclesia et Pontifice in 2002 and two years later she received the MBE. ter of the local harbour master.

Mary Sunniva Garson then trained as a psychologist and became a Catholic in 1946, later joining a pro­gramme of Catholic action known as the Cell Movement in Brighton. Her work with the eld­erly began in 1954 when she realised that many old people were living in appalling

Fr Bell, a former Anglican clergyman who knew Mother Mary described her as “supportive” of his ordination as a Catholic priest. He said: “Someone said about her that Mother Mary collected three things: houses, motorcars and priests. She gave away the first two but kept the priests very much in her prayers and correspondence.”

Redemptorist Centre of Spirituality St. Mary’s, Kinnoull Summer Retreats for laymen and women

9 – 13 July 2007 13 – 17 August 2007 Enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty of Kinnoull Hill and take time for yourself with the spiritual guidance of St. Mary’s staff. These retreats will be a healing experience for the participants.

Finding Forgiveness: The process and stages of Forgiving.

27 August – 31 August 2007 Fr. Jim McManus C.Ss.R and Dr. Stephanie Thornton The healing power of forgiveness is being re-discovered by the medical world in our own time. Dr. Stephanie Thornton, a leading British psychologist, formerly Head of the Psychology Department at Sussex University, co-authored a best selling book on Forgiveness with Fr. Jim McManus.

Saints of the Third Age: Spirituality in a time of Retirement 3 – 7 September 2007 Dr. Stephanie Thornton and Fr. Jim McManus C.Ss.R We retire from work, not from life. In fact, should we not say that we retire for life, for a fuller and more integrated life? Dr. Thornton, a leading expert in the psychology of human development, collaborates with Fr. Jim McManus in exploring the new opportunities for human growth in the time of retirement.

Full Details: Secretary, St. Mary’s, Kinnoull. Perth PH2 7BP Tel: 01738 624075 Email: copiosa@aol.com; website: kinnoullmonastery.org

faithinaction

Page 10

Light of the North

The ‘Time Out’ ladies Twice a year, usually March and October, a group of very special ladies converge on St Michael’s Centre, Tomintoul for a well deserved break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Mary Marr describes a typical ‘Time Out’ ladies weekend.

L

il arranges suitable dates then organizes whose cars to use and what food we need for the weekend. An advance party of four arrive on Friday afternoon, make a pot of soup and prepare the rooms for the latecomers who will not be leaving Stonehaven and Aberdeen until after work.

Friday evening is a joyous time meeting long lost friends whom we haven’t seen since the last visit to St. Michaels. After some singing in the chapel, we retire to the common room and chat into the wee small hours.

Saturday sees the majority of us disappear to boost the economy of Grantown on Spey, where we are sure the shops look out for us coming. Val and Ann usually do very well on the sales rail of an exclusive clothes shop.

Tess and Terry tend to stay in Tomintoul. Somehow it takes them all day to walk round the village visiting shops and chatting to the locals. Marjory and sometimes Fr Colin, lead the rest of us around the Queen’s View circular walk. What wonderful scenery, how lucky we are to come away to this beautiful place.

And do you know, the weather is always kind to us.

Saturday night is usually spent visiting a local hotel for an evening meal. The cooking facilities at St Michael’s are first class, but it is a ‘Ladies Treat’, so why not have a meal out! Back to St Michaels to make music, and

possibly a quiz and then more singing... Scottish, The Shows, Irish.... Wouldn’t it be great to be in New York for the St Patrick’s Day Parade.....One of these days!

Now, which date shall we book with Fr Colin for next year?

Sunday Mass can be at a number of places, sometimes even Tomintoul although it’s lovely to visit The Braes then have a walk up to Scalan to see the old seminary.

We really admire the work that has taken place on the restoration of Scalan in recent years.

Well, fourteen of us did actually visit New York for St. Patrick’s Day this year but that doesn’t mean we will not be going to St Michael’s. No, that’s all booked up and we’ll be singing even louder this time if that’s possible!.

Thank you St Michael’s, we always enjoy our visits. We have made such wonderful friends over the years. If anyone is feeling low when they arrive, they go home feeling a great deal happier. Thanks also to Lil who organized everything, and thanks to Faye who arranged our trip to New York.

faithinaction

Light of the North

Page 11

To serve Christ is to reign

T

he Guild of St. Stephen was founded at the beginning of the last century, in 1905. Its founder was Father Hamilton MacDonald, who was chaplain at the Sacred Heart Convent at Hammersmith in London. The Feast of St. Stephen is celebrated on 26th December each year, when servers are encouraged to gather together to honour their patron saint. There are a growing number of parishes throughout the Diocese of Aberdeen who have enrolled members in the Guild of St. Stephen.

The objective of the Guild is to raise and maintain the highest standards of serving at the Church’s Liturgy.

This is achieved by helping servers to understand and appreciate what they are doing, so they may assist at Mass and other liturgical ceremonies with increasing reverence and prayerfulness.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Guild, which was the second to be formed in Scotland, was affiliated to the Archconfraternity at Westminster on 12 February 1960. The Guild chaplain who at that time was Father Mario Conti, now the Archbishop of Glasgow, enrolled the first members on Ash Wednesday, 2 March 1960.

George Brand, who is one of the founder members, has been the Cathedral’s Master St Stephen, the first of the of Ceremonies Christian martyrs since 1970, when he was appointed by Bishop Michael Foylan.

He fondly remembers the days when the Mass was in Latin, and ceremonies that were on occasions in excess of 3 hours, although he happily acknowledges that the change of language into the vernacular following the Second Vatican Council was appropriate, especially for young servers.

George commented: “I can honestly say that I enjoy every minute of it. It is a great honour and privi-

lege to be so close to the celebration of Mass, assisting the bishop, priests, deacons and other ministers to perform their sacred duties.

The responsibility of a good MC and server is to have a confident knowledgeable approach to the liturgy, and exercise that function with a quiet reserve and unassuming nature. By doing this, all present can participate and enjoy the celebration in a relaxed and prayerful atmosphere. I have always been personally moved by the words from the second Eucharistic Prayer, where it says - ‘We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you’ - which should encourage all who serve at the altar”.

New servers should be encouraged to join the more experienced members within the sanctuary, where they can watch and learn at first hand - on-the-job training you could say. By this method they gradually gain knowledge and skill as they make progress in serving at the altar. Short training sessions are always useful, perhaps immediately after Mass, and lasting about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the liturgy fresh in the mind, and is more likely to be the focus for improved practice.

Membership of the Guild of St. Stephen is open to any server who can assist at Mass, and who has shown a desire to live up to the rules and standards set by the Guild. † to serve at the altar with reverence, understanding and regularity and with due attention to personal cleanliness and tidiness † to say short prayers in preparation for, and in thanksgiving after serving at Mass † to observe silence in the sacristy and great reverence in the sanctuary † to recite the Guild prayer every day It is recommended that servers should go through a period of training, and serve satisfactorily for a minimum period of six months before being enrolled as a member.

faithinaction

A

Page 12

Light of the North

Hilary Young’s HCPT Diary

berdeen Group 118 has been in existence for eleven years. It fundraises to bring children with special needs to Lourdes for one week at Easter. Our group had seven children and eleven helpers. Our bus left Aberdeen on Easter Sunday morning and picked up another group in Dundee.

Two aeroplanes took off from Prestwick with 500 children and helpers on board for Lourdes Airport.

It was the quickest, smoothest boarding I have ever experienced. Each group once called went straight to their allocated seats and wheelchair children were carried in slings to their seats.

Lourdes Airport is close to the town so we were soon at the hotel eating our tea. The children then got ready for bed as it had been a long day. Four helpers remained on duty while the rest went down to the Grotto just after midnight. It has a special peaceful and respectful atmosphere which is perfect.

Every morning helpers would help the children get up for breakfast. In between activities the group had their four course lunch and three course tea at the hotel every day. Each day there would be lines of blue invalid carriages pulled down by hand for the occupants to visit the baths and the Grotto.

On Monday 23 Scottish HCPT groups met for a welcome Mass. Everyone got their faces painted, including the priests! Rattles and bells were shaken by the children.

On Tuesday we went on a bus trip to Pont D’Espagne in the mountains where there was a lot of snow, crisp clean air and wonderful views. We had Mass outside a café in this superb location. That night we took part in the Torchlight Procession as part of HCPT. Our group used glow torches. It was a magical experience.

Mass on Wednesday morning was in a little glass chapel opposite the Grotto. Then some of the group went to see the fortress while the rest went to the baths.

Aberdeen Group 118 flying the flag

It was a fancy dress party that night. The youth group (18 - 26 year olds) run the parties and join in group day time activities. They travel overland for two days to get to Lourdes. It was some sight seeing groups in costumes walking through the streets.

The HCP Trust Mass on Thursday was held in the Underground Basilica. Over 15,000 children and helpers were there. It was very colourful. Faces were painted again. That afternoon our group went on the little Lourdes train. They brought their small water pistols on board so they could soak other groups as we went around. Some of our group did not understand the rules and soaked anyone they saw!!

Our Chaplain led us around the new outdoor Stations of the Cross on Friday morning and got the children thinking how Jesus and his followers felt at this time. We went to Hosanna House, purpose built for groups with severe disabilities, located where St Bernadette used to mind the sheep. Wonderful views all around and we had a blessing ceremony there. In the evening we went to a café where we had lots of singing and action songs from different groups. It was beautiful.

On Saturday the children went out to do last minute shopping. Lourdes has got streets of rosaries and medals etc so plenty to choose from. Mary mints were a favourite choice as a gift. Everyone’s hair was sprayed green and purple, our groups colours, for the farewell Mass. That evening we went down to the Grotto and lit candles for our friends and family. The children had a final visit to the Grotto which was lovely in the dusk.

During our week in Lourdes it was lovely to see the children blossoming. The more able began to take care of the less able. They had experiences that will last them a life time.

New members for the Scottish youth group and for group 118 are always needed. Fund raising is ongoing and donations welcome. Please contact: Ged Adams tel. 01569 766870, mobile 07725070806 email gadams@maerskoil.com

witness

Light of the North

Page 13

Blessed Mary MacKillop

and the Scottish Connection

Not only did the Blessed Mary have her roots in Scotland she also travelled extensively throughout the Aberdeen Diocese Sister Patricia Keane from the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph and Peggy Walker, a parishioner from Nairn, have compiled this fascinating account of a trip that the Blessed Mary MacKillop made to Scotland

M

ary MacKillop was beatified in 1995 by Pope John Paul II and is well on the way to becoming Australia’s first Saint. What is not so widely known about is Mary’s Scottish connection.

Mary was the eldest child of poor Scottish emigrants Alexander and Flora MacKillop. Her father had studied for the priesthood, but was never ordained.

To help support her family, Mary worked as a shopgirl, governess and teacher while still in her teens and even established a “Seminary for Young Ladies” in her home.

Folllowing the lifting of her excommunication in 1872, Sister Mary MacKillop was advised to seek official sanction from Rome for her newly established Congregation, the Sisters of St Joseph.

Unaccompanied, she left South Australia for Rome in March 1873. However, the Italian summer began to affect her delicate health so she went to England to wait for a reply from the Church authorities. While there she met Mrs Laura Vaughan, who asked Mary to accompany her to Drimnin, Argyll, the home of Lady Helen Gordon. On arrival in Glasgow the two women went to the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Charlotte Street and the next day they caught the Mail Coach from Glasgow to Greenock where they boarded the steamer bound for the Highlands.

After two weeks of Highland hospitality, Mary went to Fort William, the town of her mother’s birth, as a guest in Invernevis House, the home of her cousin Donald Peter MacDonald and his wife Jessie and their seven children. She prayed in St Mary’s Church where she met the parish priest, Fr John MacDonald. During almost three weeks here in the town of her mother’s birth, Mary walked streets familiar to her parents and her grandparents who had been the proprietors of The Ben Nevis hotel where her mother, Flora, was born.

Mary and her sister moved to Penola in South Australia. There she met Father Julian Woods with whom she opened a free Catholic school for the poor and co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, Australia’s first religious order, which was to educate poor children in remote areas; the order received episcopal approval in 1868. She soon had seventeen schools under her care but her independence and social ideas concerned Church authorities, and she was ordered by her bishop, who believed some Mary’s ancestors originated from the Braes of Lochaber, exaggerated stories about Mary, to turn over control an area around Roy Bridge and Spean Bridge and Mary of the schools and her order. She refused, and was exspent about ten days in the Braes and then returned to communicated in 1871.

Invernevis House for another week before setting off along the Caledonian Canal. She was on her way to

witness

Page 14

Light of the North

Fort Augustus to visit her cousin, Fr Coll MacDonald, donations for the Australian work; to invite priests to who was the parish priest. His father, Angus Drochaid, transfer to South Australia to alleviate the shortage of and Flora’s father, Donald Drochaid, were brothers. clergy; and to find women willing to join the Sisters of St Joseph. As her visit drew to a close she wrote in her It was on that December morning on the canal steam- diary of her weariness and disappointment; of the sader that Mary met, quite by accident, Fr Alexander ness she felt when her requests for financial help fell Forbes, the parish priest of Nairn. This was the High- on deaf ears, especially from those who could well afland priest who had befriended her during a Pilgrim- ford to assist her. She was so grateful to those who reage a few months earlier. He was eager to learn more sponded generously. Her search for priests and young about her work and invited her to visit him in Nairn. women sadly was not rewarded.

Although Mary does not record her activities while in Fort Augustus, we can imagine she was not left idle and was possibly taken to meet some of the parishioners.

After three days Fr Coll took her to Stratherrick to meet Fr Alexander Bissett. While here they were amused at the speculation about her age. While one old woman in his parish took her to be about sixteen, several others took her to be close on seventy. (She was, in fact, 31).

Althoughit was a short visit, Mary departed feeling spiritually renewed by the kindness and wisdom of Fr Bissett. He drove her to rejoin the Canal steamer bound for Inverness. Both Fr Coll MacDonald and Fr Bissett had sent introductory letters ahead and so she was welcomed by the parish priest, Fr William Dawson. The Reverend Mother of the Franciscan Convent arrived and took her to their convent. Mary was grateful for the two days in the quiet of the convent.

When it was time to leave, Fr Dawson bought her a first class rail ticket for Nairn. Fr Alexander Forbes met the train and gave her overnight hospitality in the Parish House. Next morning, on leaving for Aberdeen, Mary discovered, much to her sorrow, that he too had purchased her a first class ticket. She was perturbed at this because she felt he was so poor and could not afford it.

For some unknown reason Mary had to spend that night in the Keith Station however she left for Aberdeen next morning. Her short time here included a meeting with Bishop John MacDonald and also a visit to a large Orphanage. Once again she received the hospitality of the Franciscan Sisters and spent that night in their convent.

Mary left Aberdeen on the 18 December and spent the next month in Edinburgh before returning to Glasgow. The three months spent in Scotland came to an end on the 21 February 1874 and she retraced her journey back to London.

Mary’s visit to Scotland was not that of a tourist. She was on a mission with a three-fold purpose – to seek th

Sr Patricia Keane RSJ has just published a new booklet celebrating the visit of Blessed Mary MacKillop to Scotland. If you would like to order a copy you should call Sr Patricia on 01397 700989

EWTN Catholic Television and Radio is available on SKY, with its television service on EPG 769, and radio on EPG 0147.

Programming covers the gamut of the Church’s long-standing cultural and spiritual heritage, through documentaries, films, music, phone-in chat shows, news, educational series on a variety of topics, programmes for children and youth, live coverage of events from the Vatican, as well as daily prayer and reflection.

Viewers find programmes as varied as a documentary exploring the gothic architecture of Chartres Cathedral to children’s animated adventures of the Bible, to a concert performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, to lectures on the early Fathers of the Church, to a lively chatshow on how to be a young Christian in today’s world.

And there is no advertising.If you do not have Sky you can get Sky’s Freesat service which after the initial cost of £150 has no monthly or further costs. For more information or for a free programme guide contact: tel 08700 636734, PO Box 913, Enfield EN2 0WY, info@stclaremedia-ewtn.co.uk.

youthlight

Light of the North

Page 15

World Youth Day 2008, Sydney The Diocese of Aberdeen will be travelling with the other Scottish dioceses to Sydney to participate in the 23rd World Youth Day. There is a considerable cost involved in this project and the young people going will appreciate all the financial help they

can get. It would be great if as many parishes as possible could contribute towards the cost. The young people are all committed members of their own parishes and their participation in WYD will mark an important stage in their faith journeys.

What can the Youth Service offer you?

The Youth Service can currently offer the following programmes and initiatives to parishes and primary schools across the diocese: • An overnight post-Confirmation retreat: Young people in Shetland enjoyed a retreat based on the recent film, Superman Returns. We looked at our need for a saviour and the kind of saviour Jesus is. Do we want a God who stops bad things from happening to us? What is our role in all of this?

• Preparation for Confirmation – whole day | half day | evening(s): The Youth Service is able to offer sessions in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Is this something that your parish could benefit from?

• Resource packs: Every parish in the diocese received a resource pack with the Stations of the Cross prepared for young people. Did this happen in your parish?

• Classroom sessions with P7: Pupils from Aberdeen, Inverness, Elgin and Keith have all participated in retreat mornings. The activities include small group work, worksheets based on film clips, games, art and craft sessions, and prayer times. It is not too early to be booking a morning(s) for the next academic year.

•

Occasional sessions with children (First Reconciliation & Communion)

• Film nights and discussions: The Youth Service is planning to use the recent film, The Nativity Story, in parishes during Advent 2007. Please get in touch if this would interest you.

The following items are particularly aimed at young adults: • Topical discussions: Last year the young adults group from St. Peter’s, Aberdeen, spent a morning looking at the issues arising from Pope Benedict’s controversial Regensburg lecture.

•

Creative prayer times (e.g. Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral)

•

Possible workshop topics: Relationships from a Catholic perspective Catholic Social Teaching Papal homilies and encyclicals

youthlight

Page 16

Light of the North

Aberdeen Young Adults Group The St Peter’s young adults group brings together people aged between 18 and 35, living in and around Aberdeen.

Our ever expanding group consists of people from around the world, from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and friendly community.

Scripture readings followed by discussion, prayer and singing, form the core of our meetings. Fr Keith and Fr Piotr offer support and guidance, answering our questions and deepening our understanding of our faith.

We organise weekend retreats, which are wonderful in helping us to develop as a group, both spiritually and socially. Latterly, we stayed at St Michael’s Centre, Tomintoul, where we had a weekend full of singing, praying, eating and laughter!

Peter’s, Castlegate. Afterwards we go for coffee and crepes and get to know each other better!

For more information phone Priscilla (07909 826019) or come along on Thursday nights – you We meet on Thursday nights, 7.30 – 9.30pm at St will be guaranteed a warm welcome!

Do try this at home!

Concentrate on the four dots in the middle of the picture on the left for about 30 seconds.

Then close your eyes and tilt your head back.

Keep your eyes closed. In a few seconds you will see a circle of light. Continue looking at the circle and you will be amazed at what you’ll see next.

Now, look at the dots for another 30 seconds.

This time, don’t close your eyes but instead look at a white or light coloured wall and the image will appear there, only larger than before.

Also, for a really breathtaking view, take this page outside, just before the sun sets. At that time look at the dots for 30 seconds and then look up into the sky and you will see a truly amazing sight!

Light of the North

Page 17

Nazareth Care Home Residential & Respite Home Registered Charity and Scottish Care Commission Approved In 1862 the Bishop of Aberdeen asked the Sisters of Nazareth to come and look after the poor of Aberdeen. He built them a beautiful house which now graces the plot between Union Grove and Claremont Street. It is thus close to the centre of Aberdeen and regular bus services yet sits within its own extensive gardens.

In April 2006, the Sisters of Nazareth left Aberdeen.

Bishop Peter formed a new Board of Trustees and this continues to operate the home as a non profit making charity. The home provides high quality residential and respite care in a safe and welcoming environment for 60 residents.The dedicated management and staff ensure that the Home is at all times clean, safe and secure and a homely atmosphere pervades throughout.

In the pursuit of excellence, the staff are actively encouraged to maintain and improve their caring skills with regular training.

The Trustees value the inestimable worth and dignity of each human being as made in the image and likeness of God. Commitment to this ideal leads the Trustees to provide, to all that need care, a service that is marked by a spirit of love and compassion. Quality of life is paramount. Dignity, privacy and confidentiality are part of our ethos. We support the resident’s right to choice and encourage family and friends to become involved in the resident’s care. We care for the whole person and this includes all aspects of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social welfare.

Facilities Call system in all bedrooms. Six lounges spread throughout the home, allowing residents to congregate in small groups, to watch television, listen to music or just relax.Six small dining rooms. All food is produced from quality ingredients in our own kitchen.Activities co-ordinator.Bus outings, entertainment and films, book club, bingo, cards, painting, knitting, drawing, dancing, gardening etc.The hairdresser visits the home twice a week.

Our own Chapel accessed from the ground and first floors with daily Holy Mass Informal enquiries are welcome.

The Care Manager deals with all applications. All potential residents are encouraged to visit the home before admittance. We will be happy to show you what we have to offer and answer your questions. If this is not possible assessment at home can be arranged.

It is important that our home is fully able to meet the needs of every individual admitted.

Nazareth Care Home, 34 Claremont Street, Aberdeen. Tel. 01224 582091

liturgy

Page 18

Light of the North

‘Today He comes in wind and fire’

tament,’ said another early Christian, ‘proclaimed the Father clearly, the Son more obscurely. The New Testament revealed the Son and gave us a glimpse of the divinity of the Spirit. Now the Spirit dwells among us and grants us a clearer vision of himself ... Advancing and progressing from glory to glory, the light of the Trinity shines with ever more brilliant rays’ (St Gregory of Nazianzus).

‘An orderly progression, each one leading to the next’, to fulfilment. ‘The Holy Spirit, life-giving life, moving all things, the root in all creation … wakening and reawakening’ (St. Hildegard of Bingen). The Holy Spirit already in creation, glimpsed in water and wind, fire and the recurrence of green, springing life. The Holy Spirit already in human life and history, for all its sin and error, hidden in every genuine love and truth, in creativity, in art, in simple joy.

But today we came to fullness: the fullness of the presence of God in man and the fullness of life for ourselves.

There are religions, one might say, which through myth and ritual and the rhythms of nature seek the hidden face of a silent Father. There are others, more sophisticated, turning inward, seeking a life of the spirit. There are others again that cling to the words of prophets.

Such are the winding ways of man’s religious story. But in Christ, the Father has unveiled his Face and spoken, not a word, but the Word, his Word, and Father and Son have sent, not a spirit, but the Spirit, the Spirit of God, theirs. And today He comes in wind and fire, and ‘they were all filled with the Holy Spirit’.

+ Abbot Hugh Gilbert

‘An orderly progression, each one leading to the next’, to fulfilment. The Holy Spirit coming first on the Twelve, and round those twelve, people from every nation under heaven coming together, assembling, becoming the universal Church, the world restored, one Body in the Spirit. And each of them in turn and each of us baptised for the forgiveness of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit. Each of them and each of us, in turn, with dignity restored, with a life worth living, the Spirit given to each, quite uniquely, for a good purpose.

‘This is a great feast for us,’ says St. John Chrysostom.

‘Like the changing seasons which succeed one another throughout the year, the feast days of the Church follow an orderly progression, each one leading to the next. Not long ago we celebrated the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and then his Ascension into heaven. Today we have reached the Yes, ‘an orderly progression, each one leading to the next’, supreme and final grace... the actual fulfilment of the to fulfilment. Pentecost, the fiftieth day, the coming of the Spirit on the Twelve, the birthday of the Church, the Lord’s promise.’ beginning of her mission to the ends of the earth and the end of time. A day of fullness. And if we believe this, if es, spring is turning into summer and Easter we’ve received it, let us live it, let us live it to the full, till has brought us to its fiftieth day, to Pentecost. the day we go forth to the fullness of life and light and The Father sent his Son into the world, and the love in the vision of the Three in One. Son, risen from the dead and returned to the Amen.

Father, has sent the Holy Spirit. ‘An orderly progression, each one leading to the next’, to fulfilment. ‘The Old Tes-

Y

liturgy

Light of the North

Page 19

Sacred music raising minds to God In the first of a new series, David Meiklejohn highlights the importance of liturgical music as promulgated

by Pope Paul VI. It is hoped that reflection on these issues will be helpful in supporting the work of the Diocese in developing an increasing integration of music and liturgy in our parishes. Future articles will also consider the unique contribution of music to the liturgy by John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

I

Happiness is singing in the Aberdeen Diocesan Choir

t is often supposed that the reforms of Vatican II (1962–1965) were in large measure responsible for the abolition of parish choirs when it mandated fuller participation of the faithful but such acts of apparent cultural decimation cannot be attributed directly to this source alone. The problem appears to have arisen over difficulties of interpretation. How can we equate active participation of the people singing when there is a choir? The Latin term is participatio actuosa, rather than participat activ. We can actively participate when we listen to the choir, just as we participate in the homily by listening attentively.

with the spirit of the liturgical action, as laid down in Article 30. {16}

The following extracts are taken from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium solemnly promulgated by Pope Paul VI on December 4, 1963:

By way of further explanation of section six Pope Paul VI writes:

The musical tradition of the universal church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy. {112} Sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites….. {112} The treasury of sacred music is to be preserved and cultivated with great care. Choirs must be assiduously developed especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs, as laid down in Articles 28 and 30 …{114}.

The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy...but other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord

Religious singing by the people is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises, and also during liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may ring out according to the norms and requirements of the rubrics… {118}

The faithful are also to be taught that they should try to raise their minds to God through interior participation as they listen to the singing of ministers or choir (Musicam Sacram,1967, Part II section 14).

Pope Paul VI stressed the importance of developing choirs: Because of the liturgical ministry it exercises, the choir should be mentioned here explicitly. The conciliar norms regarding reform of the liturgy have given the choir’s function greater prominence and importance. Therefore choirs are to be developed with great care, especially in cathedrals and in other major churches, in seminaries, and in religious houses of study. In smaller churches as well a choir should be formed, even if there are only a few members. (MS Part II section 19).

The above statements set out essential benchmarks of expectation some of which may be at variance with current practices. It is worth considering how we can best continue to respond to these important invitations by continuing to provide all the faithful with ‘a treasure which is rightfully theirs’.

David Meiklejohn is Director of Music of the Aberdeen Diocesan Choir

educationandformation

Listen for the still, small voice

Page 20

Light of the North

Clare Benedict ‘And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong ‘moment’ of silence. We need this moment to recollect wind rent the mountains … and after the wind an ourselves, to remember who and what we are and who earthquake … and after the earthquake a fire … and God is; this silence serves after the fire a still small voice.’ (1 Kgs 19:11-13). ‘… to remind us of a basic truth: that we are o I love silence? Or am I uncomfortable not the ultimate source, reason or destiny of with it? Many of us can find silence disour own existence. We are not God. In being concerting, especially when it comes at unasked to acknowledge our sinfulness, we are expected moments. We may feel an urgent not invited into an exercise of introspection, need to fill that silence and in today’s society there is no still less into self-doubt or guilt. Rather we shortage of noise; everywhere we are bombarded with are to establish again the true perspectives it. Churches are traditionally places of silence; they’re of our status as creatures standing before the places we can go to be alone with God, alone with our Creator.’ (V. Nichols). thoughts, our prayers.

D

‘For everything there is a season … a time to keep silence, and a time to speak’ (Eccl.

3:1, 7).

What about Mass? Mass is a communal celebration in which we are expected to participate with heart and soul and voice, surely, not in silence. Yet there are several points during the Mass when silence is precisely what is called for. That’s when we may become uncomfortable, because we’re not sure what’s supposed to be happening. Maybe the priest’s lost the place or the reader’s been overcome with nerves.

Father’s been on at us to sing up so why hasn’t the hymn started? Yes, we should sing out, speak out, at the appropriate moments, but silence is also an essential part of our worship: I confess: ‘To prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries let us call to mind our sins’ – our first

The Opening Prayer: this is also known as the Collect, because the priest pauses to collect up all the prayerful intentions of the people so that he may offer them up to God on our behalf. This is our next ‘moment’ of silence, a communal silence in which we reflect that we now stand in the presence of God, and which leads us deeper into a worshipful encounter with our Father; we should be glad to prolong that silence. Archbishop Vincent Nichols, after many years of celebrating Mass, discovered a new depth in this silence during one particular Mass: ‘I was deeply moved on one occasion at an early morning concelebration of Mass with the Holy Father. At this moment in the Mass there was a pause which seemed to be almost five minutes. I became distracted, wondering what had happened. But then I gave myself to the silence. The longer it lasted the deeper it became and the more I

educationandformation

Light of the North

was taken up into the prayer it contained.’

We then make that whole prayer our own by our Amen.

The Readings: of course we keep quiet for the readings!

But how active is our silence? How well do we listen?

The reader is called to proclaim the word of God; we in our turn are called to listen, rather than read; to listen attentively, to take that word into our hearts.

When the reader announces the text, there should be a moment of silence while we prepare ourselves to receive the word, for God Himself is about to speak to us and through His word He invites us to step into our ‘inner room’ where we may rest in His presence – be still and know that I am God. At the end, the reader should pause again, that we may be conscious of taking that word deep into ourselves; then we can truly acclaim the word of the Lord.

By our attentive listening, we take that word into our hearts, as well our minds, for we are nourished by the Word of God as well as by the Body and Blood of Christ. We can hold that silent moment in our ‘inner room’ and then, like Mary, ponder these things in our hearts – after the homily and later at home.

Page 21

selfish notions and rejoice in that amazing oneness.

There is, however, a place for silence at this time; we all, including the celebrant, need silence after the distribution of Holy Communion. It is then that we close our physical senses and see and hear with our spiritual senses, with the eyes and ears of the heart. This ‘silence is more musical than any song’ (C. Rossetti), and in it we may become more deeply aware of the awesome mystery in which we have been caught up, and will go forth ‘to love and serve the Lord’, suitably nourished by His word, His Body and Blood and His silence.

‘In … silence we find a new energy and a real unity. God’s energy becomes ours, allowing us to perform things well’ (Mother Teresa).

‘The Son of man came not to be served but to serve’ and Jesus spent his life on earth for those he made his own, but he also had a need of silence, of moments when he could be alone with his Father in a communion of love which deepened his communion with his people.

Surely we need no less? God our Father speaks most eloquently to us in His silences; we should listen out for Him, for our moments of deepest communion come when our silence meets His silence. Listen out for that still small voice and rest in God’s silent love.

Bidding Prayers: the moment when we lay before God our prayers for all our needs. The reader should pause at the end of each one before inviting us to implore the ‘In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in Lord to hear our cry; we need this moment of silence a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive in order to make the prayer our own, to write it on our resolves itself into crystal clearness’ (Gandhi). hearts, for the Lord sees into our hearts even before He hears our words. We should also be given a few Providing legal services to the moments of silent time while we formulate our own Diocese of Aberdeen for over 100 years requests in the secret place of our hearts so that ‘[our] Father who sees in secret will reward [us]’.

‘It is in silence that God is known, and through His mysteries that He declares Himself.’

(R.H. Benson)

Holy Communion: Silence can be difficult at this time, especially when there are a great many communicants.

This is the moment when I may crave silence, to be alone with the Lord whom I have just received; then someone strikes up a hymn, which may (or may not) fit the mood of the moment. Quiet background music may suit the moment better, muffling the sounds of tramping feet or of querulous children who have been patient for long enough. I have to remember, though, that at this moment I am not really alone; I have become a part of Christ’s Body, along with all the other communicants; it is a moment to put aside all

Solicitors and Estate Agents —————————— Notaries ———————————

We offer a full range of legal services to personal and commercial clients including:-

House purchase and sale Mortgages Wills and Executries Commercial Property Companies and Partnerships Taxation Trusts Family Matters Home visits available - Please contact us for details 13 Bon-Accord Crescent, Aberdeen, AB11 6NN

Telephone: (01224) 588295 Fax:(01224)575400

educationandformation

Page 22

Light of the North

‘Receive, celebrate and adore’ Pope Benedict appeals for our active engagement in the Eucharistic feast

T

The Rev. Dr. Bernie O’Connor

“many members.” Moreover, “to each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” In other words, our heritage as Catholics means that our life lived for God and in the Spirit of God is intended to yield a oneness in mutuality and solidarity, and is never an advocacy In Acts 2:1-11, we are told that “tongues of fire” came for self-interest. “to rest on each” of the assembled disciples. They were thereby “filled with the Holy Spirit” and, as a result, “be- Like the disciples on that New Testament Pentecost, we, as Church, are commissioned to ‘proclaim’ what the Spirit continues to inspire and prescribe; motivating our willingness to reach out on behalf of the conversion of the world. None of us is exempt, and each of us is to be engaged in eliciting a positive response to the universalism of Divine Love. We are designated as cooperators in a ‘Salvation’ process which begins with the person, extends to the family, reforms communities and environments and transforms society. Each level is thereby linked in strengthening the reality of the Kingdom of God in our midst. his reflection on Pope Benedict’s recent Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist, Sacramentum Caritatis, will be published circa the Feast of Pentecost. The timing is wonderfully appropriate. Because for centuries, religious scholars have referred to Pentecost as the ‘birthday’ of the Church.

And so it is well to recall the Pentecost liturgy’s first and second readings.

The message of Pentecost parallels the message contained in the Apostolic Exhortation. Situated in context, the Exhortation gives logical expression to the fundamental Catholic belief that the faithful are not an aggregate of passive onlookers. By virtue of the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, we are destined to be active, dynamic and fully participatory in the Church’s very mission. This principle is reflected throughout the Three Parts of this remarkable and practical text. Even a cursory glance at the Exhortation’s 97 Articles suffices to verify this. gan to express themselves in foreign languages” and to “make bold proclamations as the Spirit prompted them” Witnesses attested that the occurrence was miraculous and represented a visible unity among people of diverse ethnicities, geographic locations and cultures.

St. Paul, in his 1Cor. 12:3-7, 12-13, further teaches that the Church is truly “one body,” though having

“Quote ... Unquote” It often happens that I wake up at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the Pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the Pope.

Blessed Pope John XXIII

educationandformation

Light of the North

Page 23

What you always wanted to know about your faith but were afraid to ask! be linked with him in visible and invisible communion is an essential part of being a Catholic Christian. The Church is also apostolic in that she is sent out to proclaim the Gospel to all people.

The People of God The Church is an assembly of people, children of the People of God in the Old Testament, who were a part of God’s plan of salvation. Each of us is called to play a part in this plan, as a member of a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, God’s own people (1 Pt 2:9). The New Covenant brought by the Son of God created a new people, consecrated to God, made ONE in the Spirit. ‘ We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’

There is neither Greek nor Jew, there is neither slave not free, there is neither male not female, for you are all now one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to his promise (Gal 3:28-9).

‘The Church is One: she acknowledges one Lord, confesses one faith, is born of one Baptism, forms only one Body, is Family of God given life by the one Spirit, for the sake of one hope, at whose We are all related by adoption as children of God, brothfulfilment all divisions will be overcome’ (CCC 866). ers and sisters of Christ; becoming a member of the Church means entering into this Family for all eternity.

The Church is Holy because Jesus, her Head, makes her holy.

She is a community of both saints and sinners; individual The Bride of Christ members may be sinful, but the Church is always holy.

In Revelation, the Church is described as: ‘the spotless spouse of the spotless Lamb’ (Rev. 19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17).

The Church is Catholic in the true meaning of the word It is she whom Christ “loved and for whom he delivered – ‘universal’, because she is open to everyone; all are wel- himself up so that he might sanctify her” (Eph 5:26). It come to come within her embrace. God made us to be is she whom he unites to himself by an unbreakable alone. Through the Church salvation may be mediated to liance and whom he constantly nourishes and cherishes’ all people. ‘She is sent out to all people. She speaks to all (LG 6). Throughout the Old Testament we find God’s men. She encompasses all times’ (CCC 868). relationship with His people described as an image of faithful, married love. The image stresses: She is Apostolic because Jesus gave his Apostles the Spirit of God who is Truth. He gave them authority to carry • the inter-personal relationship between Christ on his mission, to teach, to make decisions and to bap- and his Church; tize. He chose Peter to lead his Church and gave to him • the free response of the Bride to the Bridethe keys of the kingdom of Heaven (Mt 16:18-19). He groom’s faithful love; also gave Peter the power to ‘bind and loose’: to make • her matching obligation of love, faithfulness decisions on matters of faith and morals. Later, Jesus and self-sacrifice gave the other Apostles a share in this power (18:18).

They, in turn, appointed successors to carry on Christ’s This love is demonstrated in the gifts given: Gospel, Sacwork. We still have a visible link with this original ‘ap- raments, Spirit. The Church as Bride will always remain ostolic’ Church, in our Pope, Christ’s Vicar on earth. To faithful to Christ, confident in God’s promises, strength-

educationandformation

Page 24

Light of the North

ened by His grace, aided by His Spirit. If Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25), is it likely he would ever allow her to be corrupted or lost? From this flows the image of Church as Mother, ‘that majestic Mother at whose knees I have learned all’ (Paul Claudel); ‘the Mother of love at its most lovely, of healthy fear, of divine knowledge and holy hope’ (Henri de Lubac).

Through the Church we become Christ’s Body on earth, to show it forth to the rest of the world:

The Body of Christ St Paul viewed the Christian communion as Body as one which stressed the organic unity by which all share a communal, inter-dependent life in Christ. He built on the idea of the People of God as the Bride of Christ; in Scriptural thought, bride and bridegroom are united in one flesh, one body. He stressed the inseparable union of Christ and the Church, of the Head and his members: ‘For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body’ (1 Cor 12:13).

Eileen Grant is the RCIA Catechist at St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen

Within this unity, we find amazing diversity. Just as different parts of our physical bodies have different functions, so the members of the ‘Body of Christ’ are given different gifts and so have different functions – different, but all directed towards the same end: to build up and strengthen the Body. ‘Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them’ (Rom 12:6).

We can see, then, how any act of self-will can damage the Body. Just as any physical hurt will restrict our physical activity, so the individual member of the Body of Christ, in seeking to go his/her own way in wilful defiance of Christ’s teaching, can wound the Body. And just imagine the chaos in ourselves if individual parts of our bodies suddenly ‘did their own thing’!

It was for the sake of his Body that Christ gave us the Sacraments, in order to build up the Body, to nourish its life and effectiveness. Baptism makes us members of the Body; Confirmation seals us as full members; Ordination and Marriage are sacraments of service to the Body; the Sacraments of the Sick and of Reconciliation bring healing; and the Eucharist allows us to share fully in fellowship with Christ and with one another.

Because the bread is one, we, though many, are one Body, all of us who partake of the one bread. (1 Cor 10:17) Each time the members of the Body come together to celebrate the Eucharist, and offer the whole Body of Christ to the Father, we are united with our Head into his Mystical Body and we become ONE – not yet complete, sadly, because of divisions in communion, but strengthened by the sacrament to work towards wholeness.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which must look out Christ’s compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now (St Teresa).

Aberdeen Diocesan Calendar ST. DROSTAN [July 12th] Abbot and evangelist, who brought Christianity to the NE of Scotland. St. Drostan may have been of royal descent but was entrusted to the care of St. Columba (who some sources say was his uncle) who trained him for a monastic life. Drostan followed Columba when he came to Aberdour, now known as New Aberdour, which lie about 8 miles west-south-west of Fraserburgh. The Pictish ruler of Buchan gave them a site at Deer, some 14 miles (22 km) inland, where they established a monastery some time between 563 and 597 AD. When Columba returned to Iona it was Drostan whom he left there as abbot.

Some time later, St. Drostan succeeded as the Abbot of the abbey at Holywood (Dumfries and Galloway). He later resigned this position to enjoy a life of greater seclusion as a hermit at Glen Esk. Here Drostan preached, attracting the pious, and is said to have performed several miracles, including restoring sight to a priest called Symon. After his death, Drostan’s body was carried by his followers back over the mountains to Aberdour and his relics were preserved there.

Prayer Lord our God, you chose Saint Drostan to sow the seed of your word In the hearts of our forebears. Grant to us, at his intercession, an ever greater harvest of faith, that we may come at last to share in your glory, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

educationandformation

Light Lightof ofthe theNorth North

Page 25

Ogilvie Workshops for Catholic Adults The following workshops which are offered by the Ogilvie Institute are intended to provide a systematic education for those who wish to deepen their knowledge and practice of their Catholic Faith. If you would like the Institute to arrange a workshop on any of these topics in your parish please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us telephone: 01224 638675 or email: director@ogilvie.ac.uk

1 The Meaning of Life 2 Creation and Fall 3 Moral Action 4 The Life of Prayer 5 Salvation History 6 Natural Law and the Ten Commandments 7 The Incarnation 8 The Life of Christ 9 The Lord’s Prayer 10 The Paschal Mystery 11 The Trinity 12 The Church 13 Liturgy and the Sacraments Ogilvie Workshops 14 Baptism and Confirmation 15 Grace and the Beatitudes 16 The Eucharist 17 Praying the Mass 18 Vices and Virtues 19 Confession and Anointing 20 The Practice of Confession 21 Scripture and Tradition 22 Marriage and Holy Orders 23 Christian Life in the World 24 Catholic Devotions 25 Mary and the Four Last Things

children’slight

Page 26

Light of the North

Father Ronald Walls’ Guide for happy young folk

M

he could be very hard-hearted with thieves and Vikings. And there were trouble-makers who stirred up conflict between the two cousins.

Our story about Magnus begins at the end of the 11th century when the king of Norway and Magnus went on an expedition in long boats down between England and Ireland. As they approached Wales they encountered an Irish fleet, and the king wanted to fight them. Magnus refused to join in because he had no quarrel with these people.

Throughout the battle Magnus chanted psalms, and although he took no shelter he remained unhurt although many men died that day.

It was agreed that the two cousins would meet on the island of Egilsay, each bringing two ships with only a few men; there they would come to an agreement. Magnus set off in calm waters but suddenly a freak wave broke over his ship. Magnus told his men that he saw this as a foreboding of his death; his men urged him to flee to safety, but he refused, saying, ‘I shall go sure enough, our journey will end as God wills’. Throughout his life Magnus had always shown deep reverence for God and a sure trust in God’s providence. That is why he can be called a saint. And now he was about to give further proof of saintliness.

y dear Primary School children - and children of all ages – who read the Light of the North, I am writing you a letter on the 16th April, which is the feast day of St Magnus; and I have just come back from celebrating Mass, which I do every day now in St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which is the capital city of the Orkney Islands.

Magnus knew that he was now in trouble, and so in the night he jumped out of the ship and swam ashore. He hurt his foot badly but was able to climb up into a tree where he hid. Sure enough, the king sent bloodhounds to follow him and they picked up his scent; but Magnus threw a log at one of them which gave it such a blow that it ran off back to the ship, followed by the whole pack.

Magnus escaped but dared not go back to Orkney. He spent some time in Scotland with king Malcolm.

In the end Magnus went back to Orkney to find that his cousin Haakon, was in charge. Magnus went on to Norway where new rulers were in power and these allowed Magnus to go back to Orkney where the islands were to be shared between earl Magnus and his cousin earl Haakon.

And here is where more trouble began.

At first things went well; Haakon accepted his cousin’s presence and seemed willing to share the government of the islands with him. Gradually Haakon began to be envious of Magnus, who was very popular with everyone, because he was so just and generous and compassionate, although

St Magnus Cathedral

Sure enough, Haakon had laid a trap for him.

When they met on the island it was clear that Haakon was determined to kill him. A servant of earl Haakon was commanded to split Magnus’ skull with an axe. The story is told in detail in the Magnus’ Saga. ‘He prostrated himself on the ground, committing his soul to God and offering himself in sacrifice. He prayed not only for himself and his friends, but for his enemies and killers, forgiving them with all his heart for their crimes against him.’ He imitated very exactly our Lord’s behaviour and words on the Cross.

In 1137 St Rognvald, a nephew of St Magnus laid the foundations of what now is the beautiful cathedral of St Magnus. Many people believe that they have been cured of illnesses through the intercession of St Magnus, and his bones, including the split skull, were eventually laid to rest in the cathedral. Today they are enclosed in one of the great pillars, and I sit beneath that pillar, leaning against it when I hear confessions there before Mass on Sundays – so some people are certainly being healed spiritually in the shadow of St Magnus.

Fr Walls

faithandculture

Light of the North

Saint Maelrubha’s Bell In a new series for the Light of the North Prue King, a volunteer at Blairs Museum, takes a look at some of the remarkable objects in the museum’s collection which spans 500 years of Scottish Church History

O

ne of the oldest exhibits, and probably the oldest Christian item in the Blairs Museum, is St. Maelrubha’s bell. A visitor might not think very much of a flattened cylinder with a loop on top made of iron sited in the side of a case with other items but it must have a long and very interesting story at which we can only guess.

It was contained in a specially made case and accompanied by a hand-written note, now faded with age, which stated that it came from Applecross in the north-west Highlands. Obviously it has been cared for lovingly and while there is no evidence of an internal striker, that does not mean that the bell itself is incomplete; early bells from Celtic times were often struck by a wand rather than having an integral tongue.

Page 27

Postcards from Blairs

ou The Light Wish y re of the were he North

useum

M The Blairs

The coracle was the round hide boat which was a popular method of transport in the times and which survives in remote places to-day. Around twenty years ago, Tim Severin, the explorer set out to test the truth behind the voyages of St. Brendan by building a coracle and visiting Iceland and other points in the West Atlantic. One can imagine St. Maelrubha setting off from Bangor in a coracle piled with wood, a bag of earth and all topped by the bell heading though the inner islands of the west of Scotland with his gold piece tightly tied into his clothing, tossed by the waves, drenched by the spray until he reached the comparative haven of Applecross.

With what relief he must have set about building his little church in the lovely scenery, cultivating a plot of herbs and tending to What was so important about a bell? Lots his people. It lasted for more than one hunof churches had them. They rang for servdred years until the Vikings arrived and to ices, alarms, and other occasions sumMaelrubha’s Bell (late 7th century) this day the remains of a pre-Reformation moning the faithful and ordering their lives. They were an important part of the foundation of the church can be seen and an old Celtic cross nearby. church. The Icelandic Placename book tells how St. Patrick sent a priest named Orlyg to Iceland on a mission and supplied him with wood to build a church, consecrated earth to put beneath the pillars, a golden penny and a bell. These were what were considered to be necessary for the establishment of a place of worship. It would be true to form if St. Maelrubha had been similarly equipped in his mission.

Applecross might not be as far away as Iceland, but it was almost as remote.

It was not so long ago that going to Applecross was an adventure. To-day there are still only two ways of approaching what was considered one of the most remote places on the Scottish mainland; the paths went over the Bealach-na-Ba (Also known as Bealach nam Bo, The Pass of the Cattle) or round by Loch Sheildaig which is still an interesting route despite road improvements. As for the Bealach-na-Ba, one pities the cattle being driven over that to the great trysts in the South! So, St. Maelrubha would have probably reached his destination by the same method as Orlyg, namely by coracle.

BM THE BLAIRS MUSEUM Come on a journey of faith Discover the treasures of the former Roman Catholic Seminary situated on Deeside and see the recently restored St Mary’s Chapel.

On display are the rarest portraits of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie; fabulous gold and silver church plate and splendid 16th century embroidered vestments Guided Tours • Shop • Disabled • Access Open: April to September, Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12 noon - 5pm; or outwith these times you are welcome by appointment.

For further details telephone 01224 863767 www.blairsmuseum.com South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen AB12 5YQ

faithandculture

Page 28

Light of the North

Winter pilgrimage to Iona

Mr Ron Ferrari realized a dearly held ambition when. accompanied by two companions from Aberdeen, Fr Piotr from the Parish of St Peter’s and Sister Moira Donnelly from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, he made this memorable pilgrimage to Iona.

S

now was falling over Aberdeen at 7am on Tuesday 6th February, 2007 when three intrepid pilgrims set out by car for Iona. Some people told us we were daft to be going at such a time of year but, enthused by the daring of Columba and other Celtic wanderers, we put our trust in God and soon found ourselves driving through a sunlit landscape and then voyaging over two tranquil sea -crossings to the holy isle.

For over a year, Mr Ron Ferrari had talked about his great desire to make this pilgrimage and how he would like to have companions for the trip. Father Piotr, the young Polish priest at St Peter’s parish and I were happy to join him and, at last, on that Tuesday evening we landed on Iona where Sister Jean Lawson, a wonderful person, was waiting with her car to welcome us to the House of Prayer.

During the excellent evening meal we made the acquaintance of our fellow-guests, a delightful group of five Swiss pilgrims, three ladies and two men who were making their second visit to Iona. Their genial presence added so much to the happiness of our time on the island.

In the twilight, on that first evening, Father Piotr and I walked to the Abbey, (which had been restored by Very Reverend George MacLeod of the Church of Scotland using workmen from Govan in the 1930s), after which he celebrated Mass at the House of Prayer. Next day, Wednesday, we had morning prayer with Sister Jean, then break-

fast and prayer at the Abbey and back to the House of Prayer for Mass.

After lunch, I walked over the machair, as the frost had left it firm underfoot and when I got to the top of the hill there was a wonderful view of the ocean and the islands beyond. As the sun grew brighter, the frost sparkled on the grass and the blue of both sky and sea grew more intense and even lovelier. It was an afternoon to remember always with delight.

That evening another delicious meal awaited us as we sat down, nine at the table, and reminisced about the day.

Ron was on his first visit to the Abbey, so we spoke of the impressions made on us by the hallowed stones and the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere of the island. During the meal, Tim, the senior member of the Swiss group, invited us to pray with them the next day before we left and we gladly agreed. We then had a spontaneous singalong session around the table, sharing Swiss, German, Polish and Scottish melodies.

On our last morning, we had morning prayer and, after breakfast, Father Piotr offered Mass for the third and last time at the House of Prayer. As on the previous morning, two neighbours joined us in the oratory (with their devout little white terrier). In the course of the afternoon we paid our last visit to the Abbey and the ruined Nunnery and after a lunch of hot soup, homemade bread, cheese and fruit, we all gathered in the big window embrasure for our prayer together. Outside the sky was deep blue over the snow-capped mountains of Mull and more distant Jura and, in the garden just outside, the goldfinches were busy at the bird-table.

We were then invited to bless the Swiss pilgrims, which each of us did as the Spirit moved us. Then they in turn blessed us for the journey and for our future lives.

faithandculture

Light of the North

Finally, Ron asked the Lord to bless all of us. I think we all found it a profound and moving experience. As the ferry bore us away at 3pm, our hearts were full of gratitude for the blessings of these few unforgettable, special days.

The blessings continued, on our way home across the awkward, 40-mile single-track road over Mull, the calm ferry crossing to Oban and the five star welcome from our gracious hosts there, Charlie and Cathie McAuley.

Incidentally, they have a son who is a priest and they were celebrating their forty-ninth wedding anniversary that day.

Page 29

The next morning Father Piotr was able to celebrate Mass at St. Columba’s Cathedral, Oban and then we were on the last leg of our 480 mile round trip . By the time we reached Aberdeen on Friday afternoon we were glowing from the joy of our achievement. The risk we had taken in a Volkswagen diesel car was in no way comparable to Columba’s voyage by coracle, but our little winter excursion out of our normal zone of security brought us new enthusiasm, deeper trust and companionship and precious memories that will brighten our lives in the years ahead.

Sr. Moira Donnelly rscj and Ron Ferarri

This quilter’s not for quitting!

Just after Christmas 2003 an exhibition of quilts by Kross been obtained, after hours on the Internet, from Diana Kounty Quilters was held at St Anne’s Church,Thurso in Moore of Lovenest Designs in Oregon, in America. order to help raise funds to subsidise the cost of a trip to The Altar Frontal is made up from ten different materiRome by several of the teenagers in the parish. als, including the bias tape which makes up the ‘leading’.

Inspired by the exhibition it was suggested at a parish This had to be sourced from America. The quilt was ficouncil meeting that a quilt could be made which could nally finished on the 10th November, 2006. hang on a wall of the church and on special occasions could be used as an Altar Frontal. This was approved Elly admits that there were times when she wished she and Mrs. Elly Dunbar was commissioned by the parish had never started it! It was such a ‘steep learning curve’ council to take the task in hand. Not only had she been as she had to master a number of new techniques. For instrumental in arranging the exhibition and a member starters it was her first large stained glass quilting project; of our congregation, but she also had a son, Lewis, who her first ‘quilt as you go’ project and the first time she had used the invisible, machine appliqué technique. But was going to Rome. there has been such a favourable reaction to the new alA notice was placed in the Church news sheet request- tar frontal that it now it seems as if all that work was ing that interested parties attend a meeting towards the worthwhile. end of May about the designing and making of a quilted Altar Frontal together with a smaller piece for the front As the frontal was made up from two different designs, of the lectern. It was decided that a general design be with the lilies being reversed in one of them, Elly deattempted rather than alluding to one specific season in cided to send the designer a photograph to show her the finished quilt and was delighted to receive an email saythe Churches’ year. ing: ‘You have taken my patterns and done them more

By October materials and designs had been chosen and than justice. What a beautiful piece. I hope it will bless Elly had done a sample of one of the designs. These had many people. Thank you for doing such beautiful work.

In Christ’s love. Diana Moore of Lovenest Designs.’

faithandculture

Page 30

Light of the North

On a wing and a prayer Father Peter Barry explores the bird life of Scotland and other exotic climes!

T

he Latin name for a bird always provides some clue as to its nature. Thus the Chaffinch goes by the name offringilla coelobs, the celibate finch, as the males and females seem to separate in the winter time. Epennis Enucleator is an altogether rarer member of the finch family. It is known in English as the Pine Grosbeak, and is the largest member of the finch family at around 8 inches in length. The Latin name suggests a winged creature which eats the kernels of Pine cones. A bird was found on Holy Island in 1975, but twitchers in the U.K. were to wait another 27 years for a further sighting.

On the feast of the Annunciation, the 25th March 1992, Mass had been celebrated in the lovely church of St Margaret’s in the middle of Lerwick. A woman attending Mass had left her dog in the garden to play with mine. Jockie the mongrel labrador chased Breck the cross-whippet around the church grounds.

As we chatted briefly after Mass, we heard a songbird in the dentist’s garden across the road, a triple fluting note new to my ear. Soon the bird showed enough of itself to suggest that a Pine Grosbeak had somehow made it from North America or Scandinavia to the shores of Shetland.

gave us crisp views of this rarest of creatures.

It was quite tame, flicking its wings as it prised open the nutritious seeds from cones with its stout bill. The plumage was powdery blue, tinged red and brown, a real beauty of a bird. Full marks for charisma, we all felt.

We marvelled also at the As reported by the Aberdeen Press & Journal various coincidences: the last found in Holy Isle, the next by a Catholic Priest. After a brief disappearance the bird was found again- in Cockatoo lane! “ How did you find it,” I was asked repeatedly. “After spending some time in prayer,” I answered honestly! At the Rotary club that evening there was much laughter as the President, John Boxwell, announced that the Priest had found a beautiful bird in his garden.

The bird stayed in Lerwick for 8 days, and a huge number of twitchers came north for a sighting, among them a serious ‘lister’ called Ron Jones. Jones was the first to see 250 species in the UK, then the first to see 300, then 400. The top men are now nudging the 500 mark.

I rushed into the house in disbelief. My lodger, Alan MacClymont, was setting off to work in Sullom Voe, and from the startled expression on my face thought that a serious accident must have occurred. As I searched for the binoculars, he ran into The following Sunday Lerwick was awash the street with first aid in mind. When I with twitchers. I hoped that a number might explained everything, he could only say: “so The Pine Grosbeak...Not just attend Mass in gratitude, and told the passany bird! it’s only a bird!” keepers to expect heavy plates! Alas, a single birder appeared, a fellow called Franco. He won’t mind me There is a procedure for cases like this. A telephone call to telling his story: travelling to the rainforests of Latin Amerone member, who phones another, who phones another, ica as a bird-guide, but secretly drug-running, until he was etc., eventually brought to the chapel garden the usual array caught and spent some time in prison. He was converted of twitchers- beards, wellies, telescopes and tripods, eyes there by a catholic chaplain. like organ stops, wondering where the bird had flown.”Or Everyone is famous for 20 minutes, according to Andy Warperhaps the Father had been on the altar-wine“, I heard somehol. It was good to wander among the tripods and telescopes one mutter. A search of the wooded areas of the town soon and be pointed out as the finder of this bird. A bubble coming from my head would read, ‘ That’s one up for the Catholics’.

P

faithandculture

Light of the North

oetic licence

Page 31

Canon Bill Anderson takes a look at some of his favourite inspirational verse

On the grasshopper and Cricket

his genius in lighter vein. It anticipates too some of the glorious observations about Nature that shine out in later work, not least the great odes.

The summer grasshopper’s extravagant activity is perfectly summarised in the words: “he takes the lead in summer luxury.”

The chirping cricket’s music is linked to it through someone’s drowsily hearing “the grasshopper’s among some grassy hills” whilst dozing before a winter fire.

The poetry of earth is never dead When all the birds are faint with the hot sun, And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run From hedge to hedge about the new-mown mead; That is the Grasshopper’s - he takes the lead In summer luxury, - he has never done With his delights; for when tired out with fun He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.

The poetry of earth is ceasing never: On a lone winter evening, when the frost Has wrought a silence, from the stove there shrills The Cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever, And seems to one in drowsiness half lost, The Grasshopper’s among some grassy hills.

In his last known letter written from Rome Keats admitted: “I can scarcely bid you goodbye, even in a letter. I always made an awkward bow.” Awkward no longer, he has taken his place centre-stage among the great lyric poets - Gerard Manley Hopkins, for instance, whose debt to Keats was incalculable.

J

ohn Keats was only twenty-one when, in 1816, he wrote that sonnet, in which, as one critic puts it, “already he manifests an astonishing ear, inner and outer.” Four years later he died in Rome

of tuberculosis in a state of frustration and sadness. He is buried in the midst of that city in the cemetery reserved for catholic foreigners, and the tombstone bears this inscription composed by himself: “Here lies one whose name was writ in water.”

He did not anticipate literary survival, let alone immortality, for during his short lifetime he had suffered much at the hands of cruel detractors and felt the ensuing pain deeply. Our poem, with its arresting opening line, “The poetry of earth is never dead”, illustrates

‘Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water’

faithandculture

Page 32

B O O K

Light of the North

R E V I E W

Unfolding the Mystery Author: Abbot Hugh Gilbert Publisher: Gracewing ISBN: 0852440936 List price £9.99 Paperback 172 pages

Clare Benedict ‘The Liturgy is the summit and source of the Church’s life, said the Second Vatican Council, and the liturgy unfolds its riches within an annual pattern: the Church’s year. Here our life, lived in time, can meet and mingle with the life of Christ communicated in time. In Benedictine monasteries, the liturgical year shapes the whole life of the community. In these community conferences and homilies a Benedictine abbot shares with fellow-monks and fellow-Christians something of the wealth of the mystery of Pluscarden Abbey Christ as the liturgy unfolds it.’ So writes Dom Hugh Gilbert, Abbot of Pluscarden Abbey, about his first book, published in February, comprising a selection of his ‘chapter conferences’ on the liturgical year, plus four brief, but exquisite, homilies on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, Pentecost and All Saints.

These conferences, delivered originally to Abbot Hugh’s monastic ‘family’, are of immense relevance to Christians looking for props to underpin their lives of

faith in an alien society, to help quench their thirst, and, above all, to give the beleaguered Christian, surrounded by the values of a hostile, secular world, a spiritual shot in the arm of hope, consolation and reawakened joy in his/her faith. Gleaned from Abbot Hugh’s wide experience as monk, novice-master, abbot and lover of the liturgy, they are accessible to any seeker after enlightenment.

Christian Congregations and Mental Illness Author: Edna Hunneysett Publisher: Fivepin Publishing Ltd ISBN: 1905533004 List price £19.95 Paperback

Jackie Armstrong This is a much needed, thought-provoking, and substantially researched book on the Christian Churches’ attitude and action towards people with mental ill-health.

The crux of the book contains a major piece of research on the theory and practice of the contemporary Christian communities’ attitudes and care of people with mental ill-health. There are three main surveys of the research undertaken within the book. The first examined the pastoral formation of Christian leaders on supporting people with mental ill-health and their families. The second compare whether there was any difference in attitudes of Christians and of the general public towards people with mental ill-health. The third investigated the attitudes of the Christians about mental ill-health.

This looked at a range of attitudes and beliefs, for example their spiritual beliefs and any influence on their attitudes; the relationship between being Christian and suffering from mental ill-health; whether people with mental ill-health were supported in their faith communities; how they could be helped and supported; and any differences between the denominations’ attitudes.

Many like myself will slog through the statistical sections of this book but it is worth it. There is both good news and bad news here. The bad news, however, is that the churches leaders feel they need more training and the laity want more education and knowledge and also feel the churches’ should be doing more. The good news is that reading this book gives us some pointers on what could be done!

Jackie Armstrong teaches confidence building courses for people with mental health issues at the University of Aberdeen.

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 person down to size. Humour is the first step to humility.

Suzy and Johnny After catechism classes, Suzy, a little Catholic girl told her mother;”I can’t wait to get to heaven because they have such beautiful clothes there!””Suzy, where did you get that idea?””Well Mommy, because today we learnt the beautiful prayer called the Memorare and it is written; ‘To thee do we send up our size!”

“Johnny, are you eating in class? Do you have something in your mouth?””Eh .. well … no Sister … I mean … yes Sister. I’m not eating anything … but … eh … I’m only soaking a prune for playtime!”

Page 33

Well I never!

A farmer from Aberdeenshire fell down a well.

His shouts brought his wife to the scene. She took one look and told him she would fetch a couple of workers to haul him out.

“Hold on,” he shouted. “What time is it?”

“Half past twelve.”

“Oh well. There’s only half an hour till their lunch

Cutting Remark Speaking about the marvels of Creation and the proof they give, even by the light of natural reason, of the existence of God, Father remarked that each blade of grass is a sermon.

Found mowing the lawn by one of the faithful the next day he was told, “That’s right, Father, keep the sermons short”.

Prayerful pooch!

“Suzy, Why don’t you give a piece of your apple to your little brother?””Oh no Mummy! Look at Eve. She did that and she has been criticised for it ever since.”

In that same catechism class, the teacher asked: ”Does anyone here know what we mean by sins of omission?””Oh yes,” replied Johnny, “those are the sins we should have committed, but didn’t!”

From the mouths of babes ...

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied: “That priest said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home and I wanted to stay with you guys.”

And lastly, the phaomnnel pweor of the hmuan mnid

Looking to sell your house or flat?

Good prices offered.

Call Julian on 07917616603

Aoccdrnig to rsreeach at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dosn* t mttaer in waht oredr the Itteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and Isat Itteer be at the rghit pclace. The rset can be a ttaol mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lleter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Aobsetuly amzanig!

Crossword

Page 34

Light of the North

To solve the following puzzle which was created

by Keith parishioner, Franc Kaminski, you have first to solve the individual pairs of clues. Each pair will generate one letter i.e. the one letter that is different in the two halves of the pair.

Example: 1 it comes out of a boiling kettle _ _ _ _ _ = steam 2 a small river _ _ _ _ _ _ = stream So this pair of clues gives you the letter ‘r’. Then you have to arrange all 15 letters to achieve the final answer. (Helpful hint: The answer is two consecutive words taken from St Mark’s account of the Passion.)

To win a copy of Unfolding the Mystery, the new book by Abbot Hugh Gilbert of Pluscarden Abbey send your completed entry, together with your name, address and telephone number to the Light of the North, Ogilvie Institute, 16 Huntly Street, AB10 1SH. First correct entry drawn out of the hat is the winner.This issues crossword Crossword 4 is mainly about Saints.

Good luck! a 1 room _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 slight curve on a road surface _ _ _ _ _ _ b 1 equitable _ _ _ _ 2 Christmas tree _ _ _ c 1 gather, accumulate _ _ _ _ _ 2 at midnight at Christmas _ _ _ _ d 1 long-eared members of the horse genus _ _ _ _ _ 2 estimate, evaluate _ _ _ _ _ _ e 1 broad smile _ _ _ _ 2 eg rice, rye, millet _ _ _ _ _ f 1 boxing match _ _ _ _ 2 approximately _ _ _ _ _ g 1 imperial unit of fluid _ _ _ _ 2 eg eggshell, oil or emulsion _ _ _ _ h 1 ire, wrath _ _ _ _ _ 2 alternative crib at Christmas _ _ _ _ _ _ i 1 ran away _ _ _ _ 2 submitted eg a complaint or application _ _ _ _ _ j 1 pious, sacred _ _ _ _ 2 Christmas decoration _ _ _ _ _ k 1 examination in a court of law _ _ _ _ _ 2 relating to a group linked by social, cultural etc. ties _ _ _ _ _ _ l 1 fine open fabric _ _ _ _ 2 spear _ _ _ _ _ m 1 dispatched, forwarded _ _ _ _ 2 odour _ _ _ _ _ n 1 large member of the plant kingdom _ _ _ _ 2 number of Persons in the Trinity _ _ __ o 1 an attempt to resolve a conflict _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 type of silent prayer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

You will find the answer in our next issue

Across 1 Pictish Bishop of Ross, who sounds as if he was a handsome Scot (Mar 14). (8) 4 Saint with a Head - did she give everyone a buzz? (Sept 6). (3) 6 Holy island of 13 and 20. (4) 7 The father of English History (May 25). (4) 8 Formerly enough, it is what the Saints set for us. (7) 10 No mad man, he preached around Stirling (Feb 4). (5) (Anagr.)

12 A French bishop who journeyed to Jerusalem and visited S Adamnán.

(6)14 A West Scottish saint, whose Chair is in Banffshire (Mar 1). (6) 15 Up to nothing, a Saxon who became a monk of Solignac and preached in Belgium (Jan 7). (5) 16 Well, I’ll be what all the Saints are! (7) 19 In no small way, S Dominic was a canon of this Spanish cathedral. (4) 20 Apparently the race was abandoned for this companion of 13 (May 8). (4) 21 In the King James Bible, indeed! (3) 22 Rearranged to save runs, he founded Culross in Fife (Jul 1). (8) (Anagr.)

Down 1 A virgin Saint who is always about to be wed (Feb 1). (5) 2 In any order, this is S Ninian’s real name. (5) (Anagr.) 3 An associate of S Francis of Assisi who founded a poor order (Aug 11). (5) 4 Saint of Clonfert who made a remarkable voyage (May 16). (7) 5 Forever new replaced by learner, he was buried on Fife’s Isle of May (Dec 3). (7) (variant spelling) 9 It’s not right! (4) 11 Fruit rises, along with detectives. (4) 12 One was the founder of Christian monasticism, another is the patron Saint of lost things (Jan 17, Jun 13).

(7) 13 Bum cola? Not in order on his island! (Jun 9). (7) (Anagr.)

16 Second-class aircraft with no head becomes a Perthshire Saint (Aug 10). (5) 17 Bishop of Marseilles, calm but finally lacking direction (Aug 9). (5) 18 Could this Parisian Saint really have been a menace? (Oct 9) (5) Congratulations to Mrs Jennifer Foster from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, last issue’s crossword winner.

Last issue’s Solution Across: 1 heretic; 7 papal; 8 karma; 9 Skye; 10 Gath; 11 ouch; 12 gold; 17 Annas; 18 Padua; 19 New Year Down: 1happy; 2 rule; 3 take; 4 curia; 5 episcopal; 6 cathedral; 12 canon; 14 order; 15 a sow; 16 apse

Rome

Light of the North

Page 35

Sister Janet Fearns FMDM works with the English Programme of Vatican Radio. She also has her own website called Pause for Prayer : http://pauseforprayer.blogspot.com And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1)

T

he skirl of the bagpipes filled Rome’s ancient city centre on the day of the Rome Marathon.

In the midst of the many thousands gathered for the occasion, the tartan and the kilt swirled around the stage set up on the edge of the Forum. A pipe band waited for the dancers to finish before they made use of their own opportunity to make the piazza echo with the sounds of Scotland-come-to-Rome. People who had never before had the opportunity to see Scottish country Scottish country dancing at the Forum dancing, including a couple of sword dances, stood with their faces wreathed in smiles and swaying to the music. waved their relatives out of the race for a momentary hug What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon! and torrent of praise.

The paracyclists led the Marathon, their arms working furiously as they sped along the road. There seemed to be two types of cycle: those which enabled the athlete to keep his or her legs stretched out in front, and those in which the cyclist leaned forwards, with legs tucked underneath… but then came an extra special cycle, for its rider had no legs whatsoever. His body finished at his groin. His massively muscled arms kept him amongst the leaders of the Marathon. …But it was then that I realised that some of the runners were actually blind. Sightless, they had undertaken a 25-mile race around the cobbled and uneven streets of Rome. They ran in tandem with a sighted runner, their hands linked by a short cord or chain to keep the blind person heading in the right direction.

Many of the amateur participants raced for charity. Conspicuous in vests emblazoned with a gold and russet-coloured sunburst and, on their backs ‘Diabetes Canada’ seemed to be everywhere. Yet there were also those who didn’t attract attention, running on behalf of who knows what worthy cause?

They were equally generous, equally magnificent. …and then the race was over. The participants nursed their aches and pains, several limping and decidedly the worse for wear …especially the man who had run dressed as a Roman soldier, complete with body armour and carrying a shield. Absolutely exhausted, he sat on a piece of stone and drooped his head and hands between his knees, blackened after at least one fall.

Surprisingly, the elderly were the most energetic and lively, Then there were the elderly, some of them so frail-looking that strutting around in delighted triumph. They had proved their it seemed as though they would never survive one mile, never relatives, their doctors and the whole world wrong. Their mind the twenty-five. Yet they did survive to tell the tale. stubbornness and refusal to take no for an answer, magically changed them into white-haired teenagers. They knew they At the start of the Marathon, the leaders were still bunched would probably pay the price on Monday, but on Sunday, together, many of them long-legged Africans. It was easy they were young once more! Who was bothered about arthrito pick out the professional athletes. Their movement tis, bunions and a twinge of this, that or the other? Not they! was leisurely and smooth. Yet the professional athletes were, in a sense, the ones who attracted the least atten- All the competitors received a medal. They ran a great race. tion. It was the amateurs who gained the applause and They finished the course. Whoever they were and from wheradmiration of the bystanders. Somehow everybody could ever they came, the Marathon was an achievement. For identify with the extra-padded hips, varicose veins and some, whose very participation had been against great odds, the not-quite designer trainers. The ever-encouraging whether or not they reached the finishing post at the ColossItalians cheered every paracyclist, teased the elderly and seum, they were the heroes and heroines of the day.

Ogilvie Institute

Page 36

Light of the North

More reliable resources from the Ogilvie Institute Now ava ilable from the O gil vie Institute is B ern a d e t te MacD onald’s splendid new resource for older chi l d re n entering the Church, ‘I aske d for Ba ptism’.

To order these books or other O gilvie Publication s j u s t get in touch with us at the O gilvie I nstitute.

THE MASS ILLUSTRATED FOR CHILDREN Published by Second Spring Illustrations by Susan Bateman Conceived and designed by Léonie Caldecott ISBN 978-0-9555380-0-1 List price £5.00 Available from the Ogilvie Institute This 32-page softcover book is the result of a collaboration between two mothers who have both been involved in teaching and catechesis over many years. It results from the observation that there is very little material that enables children to enter into the meaning of the Mass, particularly in the two or three years before they make their first Holy Communion. After some years of discussion and experimentation, the book was aimed principally at 5-8 year olds.

It includes the words of the Mass, and all the prayers and responses spoken by the congregation, in two colours for ease of reference.

Unusually, the illustrations incorporate numerous symbolic clues that connect the Mass with Holy Scripture. The idea is that a child can use this book before and during first communion preparation, “personalizing” it by colouring in, and using it to follow the Masses that they attend during this period, and afterwards. A catechist or parent can help the child to unpack and explore the connections suggested by the pictures, and to follow the instructions on prayer.

MARYVALE COURSES OFFERED IN SCOTLAND

OGILVIE WORKSHOPS

Certificate for Parish Catechists Studies in the Catholic Catechism Listening to the Word BA in Applied Theology Diploma in Evangelisation and Ministry Art Beauty & Inspiration in a Catholic Perspective

Workshops on Spirituality Workshops for Readers Workshops for Auxiliary Ministers of Holy Communion Workshops on Liturgy Workshops for Catechists Workshops on Catholic Social Teaching Workshops on Catholic Faith and Culture Workshops on Scottish Catholic History Workshops for training Echoes Coordinators

If you would like further information on any of the above courses contact the Ogilvie Institute, 16 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SH, Tel 01224 638675, Email: director@ogilvie.ac.uk Director: Deacon Tony Schmitz Courses Coordinator: Mary Nelson

Have you seen the Ogilvie Institute’s new website?

Just go to www.ogilvie.ac.uk to learn about all the great courses and workshops on offer, such as the ‘Listening to the Word’ scripture course or the ‘Parish Catechists’ course. You can also find out about forthcoming events, and soon you will have complete access to the Ogilvie Library which is currently being uploaded to our site.