The Southern Cross - 100707 by The Southern Cross

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Zuma honours slain Catholic

Vatican chastises cardinal

An itinerary for the afterlife

Priests: This was our World Cup

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July 7 to July 13, 2010 Reg No. 1920/002058/06

No 4683

SOUTHERN AFRICA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY SINCE 1920

Pope names new curial heads

Inside Pfanner priest dies at 80 Fr George Lautenschlager CMM, the postulator of Abbot Francis Pfanner’s sainthood cause, has died at the age of 80.—Page 3

BY JOHN THAVIS & CINDY WOODEN

Priests beaten, shot at A priest was abducted and tortured in Mexico and another survived an assassination attempt in the Philippines, but both have vowed to continue their activism.—Page 4

The forgotten Africa While the world’s attention has been on Africa for the past four weeks, there are many forgotten tragedies on the continent, writes Henry Makori.—Page 9

What do you think? In their Letters to the Editor this week, readers discuss organ donation, a high-profile South African-born priest, treatment of homosexuals, religion as a problem, the Divine Mercy, and Catholic musicians.—Page 8

This week’s editorial: Mission accomplished

The executive mayor of Dihlabeng, Chetane Mofokeng, holds the South African flag as Mr L Mepha tightens a knot during the mayor’s visit to Nativity church in the township of Bethlehem in the Free State. Mr R Mohapi and parish priest Fr Mokhesi Mokhesi look on. The visit was preceded by a procession through the centre of the township. At the Mass, vuvuzelas were incorporated in the chanting of hymns. PHOTO FROM MAFELESI JOSEPH MABUYA

FIFA rebuffed the Church A little cheer for the Italian team after the Azzuri equalised against Paraguay. PHOTO: GÜNTHER SIMMERMACHER

‘Parishes can fix Italy’s soccer woes’ BY SARAH DELANEY

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F today’s kids would just turn off their electronic games and kick the ball around in the parish playground, Italian football might have a future. That was the suggestion in a commentary in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano following the humiliating firstround elimination of the Italian team in the World Cup. The commentary, under the headline “Let’s throw out the PlayStation and get back to the parish playground”, said Italy’s national squad—the defending world champions—lacked preparation, strategy and especially a deep roster of great players. The solution in the past, L’Osservatore said, has been to turn attention to the younger generations playing in the oratorio, the parish playground where countless Italian professionals have developed their football legs. The local parish playground is a familiar place in the hearts and minds of many Italians. Older Italian films often depict a strict but goodhearted priest playing ball with his young wards, cassock flying as he runs in the church courtyard. “But today’s kids have PlayStation, they don’t go to the oratorio to play football anymore,” the commentary said. “How are they going to become players, and some, maybe, even champions?” Turning off electronic games would be a start, L’Osservatore said. More training and less emphasis on foreign players in order to build on the local talent is also necessary, it added.—CNS

BY MICHAIL RASSOOL

HE priest tasked with coordinating Church’s pastoral initiatives coinciding with the football World Cup has expressed dismay over the attitude of the football federation towards the spiritual dimension of the tournament. Salesian Father Francois Dufour told The Southern Cross that FIFA rebuffed efforts by the Catholic Church to cooperate with the organisers in making players and fans aware of the Church’s pastoral initiatives, especially in parishes located near to the stadiums. The priest said this meant that the Church could not serve the spiritual needs of travelling fans and players—many of whom could be seen blessing themselves with the sign of the cross on the football field—as much as it would have liked to. Several priests across South Africa said that Catholic World Cup visitors to their parishes had come mainly as a result of their own quest for a church closest to their accommodation or the stadium, or were referred by local fellow Catholics. Sacred Heart cathedral in Pretoria, for example, left its doors open for 24 hours as a perpetual resource to visitors, hiring security services to guard the premises throughout, but the visitors hardly came. “Under the circumstances, we as Church have done the best we can,” he said. The priest pointed out that FIFA’s attitude towards local religious chaplaincies differs markedly from that of the International Olympic Committee, which provides facilities for prayer and actively facilitates religious support for athletes who want it. Austrian Salesian Father Bernhard Meier has been chaplain to his country’s elite athletes for 28 years. He ministered to the Austrian team at this year’s Winter Olympics in Canada and came out to South Africa for the World Cup partly to avail his services to athletes and fans where he could. Fr Dufour said probably because nobody

knew of the services he had to offer, Fr Meier, a school principal in a small town outside of Vienna, left South Africa not having ministered to anyone. Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban slammed FIFA’s apparent disregard for a demand for chaplaincy services to the World Cup or any religious dimension that can be associated with sport. Mass attendance was much as it was before, he said, even though at the time of going to press he said much still had to be analysed from the Church’s end regarding the tournament’s impact. FIFA Media, the federation’s communications arm, said the body’s non-response to spiritual needs adheres to its statutes governing “non-discrimination” of any kind. “FIFA therefore can make no distinction between any religions and cannot promote any religion above another during the competition itself,” it said. “However, fans and teams can and do exercise their religious beliefs freely in private during the competition. For example, players often pray in the dressing room, and even sometimes on the field of play before a match.” FIFA said it had not received any complaints from players or teams about such non-provision. Last year FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested that displays of religious faith be banned from football fields. Cardinal Napier also criticised FIFA’s “bully boy” tactics in its attitude to local businesses, which were debarred from the marketing benefits of the tournament. The cardinal said that no direct special opportunities were provided for informal traders, robbing them of a chance to benefit from the event. “FIFA, it seems, is only interested in money, and will do anything for its designated sponsors.” Fr Dufour said that FIFA will have earned an estimated R24 billion in profits, “while many of South Africa’s poor will remain poor”.

OPE Benedict has appointed new heads of several Vatican departments, including those responsible for bishops and ecumenical dialogue. He appointed the 66-year-old Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec as prefect of the powerful Congregation for Bishops. The office helps the pope choose bishops for Latin-rite dioceses around the world. The pope also named Italian Archbishop Rino Fisichella as president of a newly created agency, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation (see page 4), and Spanish Mgr Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, a member of Opus Dei, to replace Archbishop Fisichella as president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. Swiss Bishop Kurt Koch will succeed German Cardinal Walter Kasper, 77, as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Cardinal Kasper has headed the council since 2001. Cardinal Ouellet, who succeeds 76-yearold Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, is not a stranger to Rome or to the Roman curia. He studied in Rome and returned to the city to teach in 1996. A year later, he was appointed chair of dogmatic theology at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. In 2001, he was named a bishop and appointed secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and also served on the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. In 2002, Pope John Paul II named him archbishop of Quebec, and in 2003 he made him a cardinal. He serves on the Vatican congregations overseeing liturgy, clergy and Catholic education, and is also a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture. Bishop Koch, who will also take over the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, is a past president of the Swiss bishops’ conference, a former professor of dogmatic theology and liturgy and has served as a member of the Christian unity council since 2002. In a letter to Catholics in Basel, Bishop Koch said the pope had stressed that he wanted someone who had both theological knowledge and practical experience in living and working alongside Protestant communities. The pope’s words, he said, demonstrate that improved relations with the Orthodox are not his only concern, but that the pope sees the unity of all Christians as the will of Jesus. Meeting reporters, Cardinal Kasper said that a challenge he faced repeatedly since 2001 was clarifying the Church’s position when the wording of certain documents— from the Vatican as well as from Orthodox and Protestant churches—offended the other partner in ecumenical dialogue. Particularly with the Anglicans and Protestants, he said, since the year 2000 there has been a noticeable loss of “the great enthusiasm” for the possibility of Christian unity that marked the years immediately after Vatican II. “Errors, or better, imprudence in formulating the truth have been committed by both sides, including our own,” he said. The Vatican also announced that the pope was naming Archbishop Celestino Migliore as the new papal nuncio to Poland. Archbishop Migliore had been the Vatican representative to the United Nations in New York since 2002, delivering numerous speeches on international topics and helping to arrange Pope Benedict’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly in 2008.—CNS

LOCAL

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

Course to create spiritual directors BY MICHAIL RASSOOL

Mariannhill Brother Florian Langmann blows a vuvuzela for his confrères Br Simon Pelster, Fr Christoph Eisentraut and Fr Lawrence Mota at the Mariannhill monastery ahead of the Germany vs England game. The support from Mariannhill helped Germany to a 4-1 victory. PHOTO: MAURICIO LANGA

Monastery gets into the spirit of the World Cup BY MAURICIO LANGA

LOWING the vuvuzela and discussing football games is not only for the secular world. Since the World Cup began last month, members of the Mariannhill monastery community have remained committed to their daily religious duties, but found time to watch matches and form part of the World Cup vibe reverberating around the country. The monastery has produced some outstanding football analysts, including Brs Florian Langmann and Steward.

HE training of spiritual leaders is in the spotlight with the recruitment of leaders by the Jesuit Institute South Africa for its next 2-year training course. Entitled “Training in Spiritual Direction”, the course aims to create spiritual directors who can give ongoing, effective spiritual direction, and individually directed eight-day retreats. The training is structured to equip successful candidates eventually to give the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. Course coordinator Frances Correia said the Institute designed the course so that people from across Southern Africa could attend. She said the course is broad and participants will be schooled in the theory as well as the practice of spiritual direction, including a brief history of the concept and its dynamics. Participants will learn, among

The Mariannhill monastery is known for its seclusion and quiet environment, but it joined the nation in welcoming the world. The monastery comprises different nationalities, and the sounds of deafening vuvuzelas have resounded in the monastery cloister for the first time in support of the world’s biggest sporting event. Some Mariannhill missionaries went out to the public viewing areas. “It was a breathtaking experience when we went to watch the Germany vs England game at Public Viewing Area,” a missionary said.

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advance. Ms Correia said that there is a debate in the English-speaking world concerning the professionalisation of spiritual direction. She said the Jesuit Institute recognises that spiritual direction is a charism that is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but like other charisms that lead to ministry in the church it is necessary for people to seek out the appropriate training to exercise their charism. For the first year of the course modules will take place on March 18-22, May 19-22, August 6-9 and November 11-13, 2011, at St Peter’s Place Retreat Centre, Rosettenville, Johannesburg. A similar pattern of modules will follow in 2012. Those who successfully complete the two-year programme will be eligible to apply for a year of specialised training.  For details on “Training in Spiritual Direction” contact Tracy Hauptfleisch on 011 403 3790 or e-mail admin@jesuitinstitute.org.za.

Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, wearing a South Africa scarf to mark the World Cup, addresses a congregation at St Mary’s church in Nyanga that included Bavaria’s minister of state Siegfried Schneider (seated second from left) and Fr Eric Englert OSA (left), president of the funding agency missio München. St Mary’s pastor, Fr Matsepane Morare SJ, is seated on the right. The German delegation came to meet young people from Youth Unlimited, a Catholic organisation that works in partnership with the government of Germany’s Bavaria state.

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others, listening skills, the use of scripture in spiritual direction and retreats, and methods of prayer. It is an adaptation of a previous course on Ignatian spirituality also run by the Jesuit Institute. Ms Correia said said although it is given from an Ignatian perspective, it is open to all Christian spiritual traditions. Various spiritual tools have been looked at, all in the interests of forming ongoing competent spiritual directors, especially those able to lead eight-day retreats, Ms Correia said. The current course has participants from various Christian backgrounds including Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Dutch Reformed and Baptists. The primary presenters will be the institute’s Dr Annemarie Paulin-Campbell, Fr David Smolira SJ, regional superior of the South African Jesuits, Justine Cooper and Ms Correia. The closing date for applications is September 30, and interviews must be booked in

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LOCAL

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

Pfanner postulator dies at 80 BY MAURICIO LANGA

HE postulator for the sainthood cause of Abbot Francis Pfanner, founder of the Mariannhill Missionaries, has died at the age of 80 in Germany. Fr George Lautenschlager had been transferred to his congregation’s generalate in December 2009. He fell ill in April and was moved from to Rome to Reimlingen in Bavaria where he died on June 22. He was buried on June 25 at Reimlingen cemetery. A memorial service was held at the Mariannhill Monastery church for Fr Lautenschlager, who ministered in South Africa for almost 30 years. Speakers praised Fr Lautenschlager for the zeal with which he tirelessly worked for the beatification of Abbot Pfanner, who died in Umzimkulu in 1909. Fr Lautenschlager was a true living example of missionary zeal and worked tirelessly for the local Church, the mourners heard. Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba of Umzimkulu said that he had worked closely with Fr Lautenschlager in Abbot Pfanner’s cause. “Fr Lautenschlager was an enthusiastic person and competent in his duties. We hope that the next postulator will work with similar enthusiasm,” said Bishop Dziuba. Bishop Pius Ndlungwane of Mariannhill, where Fr Lautenschlager worked for many years,

The late Fr George Lautenschlager CMM, who has died at age 80. PHOTO: SYDNEY DUVAL

said his diocese would remember the late priest for his dedication to the Church as well as his interest in the social wellbeing of people. Fr Sylvester Namale, provincial superior of Mariannhill, said the congregation has lost a good religious priest, a father and friend, and a man who could say sorry when he errs. “Our wish is that God rewards him for all the good he did in various ministries,” he said. Fr Lautenschlager was born in 1930 in Burglengenfeld, Bavaria. Soon after completing his final year at school in 1950, he entered the Mariannhill Missionaries’ novitiate in Reimlingen in 1951.

He was ordained in 1956. Soon after his ordination he went on to pursue his doctoral studies in missiology at the University of Münster, where in 1961 was conferred with doctoral degree in philosophy. As an academic, he was granted study leave to do research in Africa from 1954-1966, researching in Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zaïre (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Nigeria. In 1967, Fr Lautenschlager was elected to the generalate where he served two terms as secretary and procurator general of the congregation. At his own request he was transferred to South Africa in 1980. He served as assistant parish priest in Mariatrost before joining as Mariannhill monastery superior from 1984-1993. Over the next three years he worked as parish priest in Ixopo before being elected provincial superior of Mariannhill province in 1996. After three years in office as provincial, Fr Lautenschlager served as parish priest for Mariannridge before he was appointed postulator for the beatification process of Abbot Francis in 2004. The former superior-general of the Mariannhill congregation, Fr Yves La Fontaine, has been appointed postulator of Abbot Pfanner’s cause with effect of August 1.

Celebrating 96 years of helping the poor BY MICHAIL RASSOOL

OR 96 years the Guild of Our Lady of Mercy at St Anthony’s parish in Central Durban has been helping the poor, destitute and distressed. According to guild president Liz Walker, the guild was started during the First World War, 1914, to comfort and clothe the widows and children of soldiers and the destitute. Nowadays, about 15 members work from the parish guild rooms to continue this work of helping the poor, especially women and children, she said. Mrs Walker said they collect, sort and distribute donated new

and second-hand clothing, bedding and household goods, and buy material, t-shirts, female underwear, baby napkins and vests. “Blankets are bought and distributed on behalf of Cardinal [Wilfrid] Napier to missions and needy people,” she said. Last year 7 600 blankets were bought and delivered to Kokstad and Dundee dioceses, Hlabisa, Mariannhill Monastery, Eshowe, Harding, Mthatha diocese and the Durban archdiocesan chancery for distribution She said the guild also buys bags of soya beef mince powder and “Amandla Pap”, both donated by and transported from Tek-

weni Foods, and which are distributed to many organisations that feed the poor. Over the years the guild has assisted hundreds of families and organisations, as well as individuals. “The scale of need is enormous and we try to help, in our small way, with love and humility. Each time we meet we benefit from, and are proud of, the networking that takes place at our guild rooms.We hear of people who need our help and from the many friends who reach out to help us help the poor,” she said.  For more information on the Guild, contact Mrs Walker on 031 562 1095.

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The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux are placed before the altar of the chapel of the Carmelite convent in Benoni North, Johannesburg archdiocese, after their arrival in South Africa. The relics were received ceremonially by 10several priests, including organisers Frs Vusi Sokhela CMM and Shaun von Lillienfeld, the Carmelite sisters and members of the Knights of da Gama. Fr David Evans, parish priest of St Patrick’s church in Benoni stands immediately to the right of the reliquary, with Fr Sokhela beside him. For 12 weeks, until September 27, the relics will be hosted by more than 24 churches, monasteries and institutions in several dioceses across the country. PHOTO FROM SACBC

Zuma awards slain Catholic with highest state honour BY MICHAIL RASSOOL AND DANIEL MANUEL SCP

RESIDENT Jacob Zuma has posthumously honoured the late Vincent Naidoo, a Catholic from Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town, with the Order of Baobab. President Zuma said that Mr Naidoo, as well as several other individuals, epitomised the selflessness that South Africans want to be known for as a nation. Mr Naidoo received the award for his contribution to the fight against gangsterism and drugs in his community. The award was received by his widow Cheryl, who was overcome with emotion at the ceremony in the Union Buildings. The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South Africans for their distinguished service beyond the ordinary call of duty. The wheelchair-bound family man died in a hail of semi-automatic bullets while manning a bonfire outside the home of a drug dealer last September in Westridge, Mitchell’s Plain. Mr Naidoo and his family were active parishioners of St Stephen’s church in Rocklands, also in

Mitchell’s Plain. He was a member of the Mitchell’s Plain Neighbourhood Watch Association, which initiated the idea of gathering around a bonfire on street corners and outside drug dens as a way of driving away criminal elements and customers. The Order of the Baobab is among the highest national honours awarded to citizens and foreigners who contribute to the advancement of democracy in South Africa. Mrs Naidoo said she was “overwhelmed and thankful” that her husband’s death had not been in vain and that the president and fellow South Africans recognised his contribution. “I feel very honoured. He was a ‘nobody’ who became a ‘somebody’. I want to thank President Zuma for the award, especially since my daughters will grow up knowing their father's fight against crime has been recognised,” Mrs Naidoo said. In his address, President Zuma said: “When we talk of working together to do more for our country, we must think of Vincent Naidoo, the national hero who lost his life fighting against crime in Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town.”

INTERNATIONAL New Vatican council set up to Cardinal chastised evangelise secularised world 4

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

BY CINDY WOODEN

OPE Benedict has announced he is establishing a pontifical council for new evangelisation to find ways “to re-propose the perennial truth of the Gospel” in regions where secularism is smothering Church practice. Leading an evening prayer service at Rome’s basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict said there are areas of the globe that have been known as Christian for centuries, but where in the past few centuries “the process of secularisation has produced a serious crisis” in people’s sense of what it means to be Christian and to belong to the Church. “I have decided to create a new organism, in the form of a pontifi-

cal council, with the principal task of promoting a renewed evangelisation in the countries where the first proclamation of faith has already resounded and where there are churches of ancient foundation present, but which are living through a progressive secularisation of society and a kind of ‘eclipse of the sense of God’,” he said. The challenge, he said, is to find ways to help people rediscover the value of faith. The new pontifical council will be headed by Italian Archbishop Rino Fisichella, currently president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. The last pontifical council to be created was that of Health Care Ministry, by Pope John Paul II in 1985.—CNS

Priests beaten and shot at, but vow to fight on

PRIEST was abducted and tortured in Mexico and another survived an assassination attempt in the Philippines, but both have vowed to continue their activism. In Mexico’s Oaxaca state, Fr Martín Octavio García Ortiz of Ortolán was abducted and “beaten with sticks and stones” and pistolwhipped. State police arrived six hours later, he said, after being lobbied by Archbishop José Luiz Chávez Botello of Antequera. Fr García has subsequently been ordered to be held for 30 days while judicial officials review his case. The priest has been accused of inciting a violent protest against a Canadian mining project that led to the deaths of two officials. Fr García denied the allegations stemming from the June 19 incident, describing the accusations as politically motivated revenge. “I’m a government hostage,” Fr García said from his hospital bed as six state police officers guarded his room. “The state government has been in favour of this project,” he said. “If I’m out of the way, they can work freely.”

In the Philippines, Fr José Francisco Talaban, 43, parish priest in the village of Bianoan in Aurora province, was shot at while he slept in his home. The bullets missed him narrowly. The priest told Vatican Radio that he will not abandon his rural parish and will continue serving the poor. Police recovered empty shells and grenade shrapnel as well as pamphlets accusing Fr Talaban of belonging the armed wing of the Communist Party. The priest said he suspects the attack was related to his campaign against government projects in the Aurora Special Economic Zone, an area established to develop Aurora’s agricultural economy and ecotourism potential. Fr Talaban is known as a vocal advocate of the rights of farmers’ and indigenous people who will be displaced by the project. Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Infanta condemned the attack, saying the threats will not deter the Church. “We are on the side of the poor, so if they think we will back out, they are wrong,” the bishop said.—CNS

for criticism of Roman curia BY JOHN THAVIS

N an unusual public chastisement, the Vatican said a series of statements by Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, archbishop of Vienna, have contributed to widespread misunderstandings on issues related to clerical sexual abuse. In particular, the Vatican took issue with Cardinal Schönborn’s statement that Cardinal Angelo Sodano, former secretary of state, had blocked an investigation of sexual abuse and offended victims by calling their complaints “petty gossip”. “It should be remembered that in the Church, when there are accusations against a cardinal, the competence rests solely with the pope; others may have an advisory role, always with the proper respect for the person,” a Vatican statement said. The statement was issued after Pope Benedict met with Cardinal Schönborn. The meeting was requested by Cardinal Schönborn to “clarify the exact meaning of his recent statements” on a number of topics, the Vatican said. In a closed-door session with Austrian news editors in May, Cardinal Schönborn reportedly said that Cardinal Sodano, the longtime secretary of state under Pope John Paul II and now the dean of the College of Cardinals, had hindered the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of minors by the

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS

late Austrian Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer, who was forced to step down as archbishop of Vienna in 1995. Cardinal Schönborn said that at that time, Pope Benedict—then head of the Vatican office in charge of investigating accusations of clerical sex abuse—had been thwarted by Cardinal Sodano in his efforts to take more direct action on the accusations against Cardinal Groer, Austrian news media said. Cardinal Schönborn also was quoted in the reports as saying Cardinal Sodano had offended victims of sexual abuse in the Church when, at the pope’s Easter Mass in April, he used the term “petty gossip” in referring to the current controversy surrounding the Church. In addition, Cardinal Schönborn was said to have suggested that the Church reconsider its position towards remarried divorced Catholics, who are not allowed to

take Communion, and towards homosexuals in stable relationships. He also has made statements that appear to support reconsideration of the mandatory celibacy rule in the Western church. The Vatican said that in their private meeting, Pope Benedict and Cardinal Schönborn had discussed his comments about Cardinal Sodano as well as “some aspects of current Church discipline”. Afterwards, Cardinal Sodano and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the current secretary of state, were called in for a continuation of the encounter. The pope and the cardinals were able to “clarify and resolve some misunderstandings that were widespread and in part deriving from some expressions used by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who expresses his displeasure at the interpretations that were given”, the Vatican statement said. After underlining disapproval of public criticism of a fellow cardinal, the statement said Cardinal Sodano’s use of the term “petty gossip” was “erroneously interpreted as a lack of respect for the victims of sexual abuse”. In fact, it said, Cardinal Sodano has compassion for the victims and condemns the evil of abuse. In using the term, he was quoting from a papal homily the week before about the need for Christians to have “the courage not to be intimidated by the petty gossip of dominant public opinion”.—CNS

Pope’s anger over Belgian police raid BY SARAH DELANEY

OPE Benedict has decried a raid on Belgian Church headquarters by police seeking evidence of alleged clergy sexual abuse. In a letter of solidarity to Belgian bishops, he called the blitz on the Mechelen-Brussels archdiocese “surprising and deplorable” for the heavy-handed way it was carried out. However, the pope also reiterated his position that accusations of abuse of minors within the Catholic Church should be pursued by civil as well as Church authorities. Meanwhile, members of an independent commission created by the Church to examine clerical sexual abuse accusations resigned,

saying that the police raids have made it impossible for them to continue their work. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, had harsher words regarding the raid, in which bishops gathered for a plenary meeting were detained all day as police confiscated cellphones, documents and computers. “There are no precedents for this, not even in the old Communist regimes,” the cardinal said. The pope’s letter said justice should take its course, while respecting the rights of individuals, institutions and especially the victims. He urged that the efforts of those in the Church who are collaborating with civil authorities and trying to shed light on the problem be recognised. During the nine-hour search, a spokesman for the bishops’ con-

ference said, police seized more than 400 files belonging to a commission established to investigate alleged abuse cases. Belgian Justice Minister Stefaan De Clerck defended the action, saying that bishops had been treated normally and that proper legal procedures were followed. Vatican and Belgian church authorities were particularly angered over the search of the tombs of two cardinals in the cathedral crypt. News reports said that holes had been drilled in the tombs and cameras inserted to look for possible hidden material. In May, the bishops of Belgium asked forgiveness of victims of priestly sexual abuse and promised wide-ranging steps to curb the problem in the future in a pastoral letter addressed to the faithful.— CNS

INTERNATIONAL

Vatican defends its missionary finances amid graft probe BY SARAH DELANEY

HE Vatican has defended the wide-ranging work throughout the world of its missionary arm, which has come under scrutiny in an Italian investigation into a public works corruption scandal. A Vatican statement said recent news stories about the alleged involvement of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples in the probe had prompted the need to “recall some objective facts to protect the good reputation of this important body of the Holy See and the Catholic Church”. Managing the significant financial and real estate patrimony of the congregation, the statement said, requires expert advice and there exists the possibility of “exposure to errors in judgment and fluctuation in international markets”. The statement did not mention Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples and former

head of the congregation, who has been formally placed under investigation by Italian judicial authorities. Italian newspapers speculated that the cardinal sold property below market value to a government minister, who then allocated public funds for work on the Vatican building housing the congregation. There are also questions about how the cardinal helped a government official—now under investigation— find an apartment. Cardinal Sepe has said that all of his actions as prefect of the congregation from 2001-06 were carried out in full transparency and with the good of the Church in mind. The Vatican statement listed the many tasks assigned to the congregation, including sustaining young churches throughout the world; the formation of local clergy, catechists and pastoral workers; and the construction of new churches, schools, hospitals and other structures in poor parts of the world.

The costs of these works “is a great deal less than those of any other international organisation involved in aid work”. The congregation also directly supports the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, other colleges and many dioceses, according to the statement. All of this requires financing, most of which comes from donations connected with World Missionary Day, the statement said. However, the congregation also relies on income generated from the rent or sale of its real estate patrimony, much of which is found in Rome. Italian newspapers have said that the congregation owns a vast network of apartments, villas and land, much of it left to the Church in the wills of the faithful. The Vatican and Cardinal Sepe himself have said that he will cooperate fully with the investigation within the rules of protocol between the Holy See and Italy.—CNS

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

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Musicians from Malawi perform during Pope Benedict’s general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican. PHOTO: PAUL HARING,CNS

OPE Benedict will appoint a representative to the government of Vietnam as a first step towards establishing full diplomatic relations with the communist country, the Vatican has announced. After a meeting of Vatican and Vietnamese representatives at the Vatican, a statement said that unlike a nuncio, the Vatican’s representative would not be residing in Vietnam for the time being. The meeting of the VietnamHoly See Joint Working Group took place about six weeks after 57-year-old Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet of Hanoi resigned his post amid rumours that the Vietnamese government made his ouster a condition for launching full diplomatic relations. The archbishop denied he had been pressured to step down after he asked Catholics in 2007 to pray for the government to return the former apostolic nunciature to the Church.—CNS

Anti-Christian violence: Leader guilty of murder BY ANTO AKKARA

LEADER of anti-Christian violence that rocked the jungle district of Kandhamal in 2008 was convicted of murder by a court in eastern Orissa state. Manoj Pradhan, a member of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in the Orissa legislature, was found guilty of killing Christian Porikit Digal. He was given a seven-year prison sentence. Pradhan was accused of orchestrating the violence and had faced charges of murder, rioting, rioting with a deadly weapon, unlawful assembly, causing disappearance of evidence, wrongfully restraining another person, wrongful confinement and mischief by fire or an explosive substance with intent to destroy property. “This is a long-awaited judgment, and we hope this would strengthen people’s faith in the judiciary,” Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack-Bhubanes-

Lipsarani Digal, second from right, outside a Church hostel in Kandhamal, India, last December. The girls’ fathers were all killed in the 2008 attacks on Christians. Lipsarani’s testimony was instrumental in the conviction of her father’s murderer. PHOTO: ANTO AKKARA war said after the verdict was announced. “This is a warning to the fundamentalists, and it will help boost the confidence of our people,” he added.

Although Pradhan originally was charged in connection with seven murders, he was acquitted in six of the cases after witnesses changed their testimony following Hindu threats, Archbishop Cheenath said. Church lawyers who assisted the witnesses in Pradhan’s most recent trial credited the testimony of Mr Digal’s 6-year-old daughter, Lipsarani, who told the court how her father was brutally murdered as she and her mother watched. Despite the charges, Pradhan was elected to the state legislature in April 2009 after running his campaign from a jail cell. He was freed on bail in December and has since attended legislative sessions. In the violence that continued for weeks, more than 90 Christians were killed and more than 5 000 Christian houses and 300 churches and Christian institutions were looted and torched. Overall, an estimated 54 000 Christians were displaced.—CNS

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The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

Tournament of unity The FIFA World Cup comes to an end on July 11 and with it some of South Africa’s most memorable experiences. MICHAIL RASSOOL does a round up

of perspectives on the tournament through the eyes of six clerics. Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM, Durban

ATTENDED the Moses Mabhida Stadium to watch the second round match between the Netherlands and Slovakia (the former winning 2-1), which I had vowed never to do if only because of the piercing sounds of those vuvuzelas. But I had been in possession of a ticket, so I went, and I must say it gives a whole different perspective on a soccer match; there isn’t this ready analysis of goals as one would have when watching it on television. But what I was able to see too is that visitors to South Africa are bowled over by the people here— the efficiency, the courtesy and helpfulness. They have been truly impressed by the conduct of South Africans, who are easy to talk to. It’s the human contact factor, which is very positive. For their part, the few South Africans who have been to the stadiums have found visitors friendly and open. The fact that Bafana Bafana

From left to right: Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM, Fr Thomas Plastow SJ, Fr Sean Mullin CSSp, Fr Thulani Manana MCCJ, Fr Ignatius Fidgeon OMI, Fr James Ralston OMI didn’t make it past the first round, perhaps, is a blessing in disguise, as I believe it has made South Africans move away from a kind of national chauvinism, seeing the tournament as African and not just South African. The leaders of our country, especially, are saying that this is an African presentation and not a South African one. The fact that the Ghanaian team has made such progress has also galvanised much support for this African team. Another significant point is that, although there have not been many Africans attending the matches, communication between those who came and the local people have made a difference in the latter’s outlook, making them see for themselves that they are part of something bigger, especially when they open themselves up to people from other countries and continents. They get to see that people are happy about the same things, they cry about the same things, and everyone is part of the same

human family, a major source of hope. South Africans have got to know the players, and the players have got to know South Africans as soccer enthusiasts.

Fr Thomas Plastow SJ, Orlando West

must say there has been a lot of spirit here in Orlando West, especially because we have Orlando station nearby, where the opening concert took place. People who could not attend it could hear the music clearly and see the fireworks display afterwards, which was a great way to start us off. On World Cup Sunday, which the bishops invited all parishes to celebrate, people came the day before to decorate the whole church in bunting and flags as well as photographs of Bafana Bafana players. We had different groups of children competing for the best “diski” dance (the special

dance created for the World Cup) as well as competing “shoot out” teams. Prizes for these will be handed out only on the last Sunday of the World Cup, which is a way to keep the spirit alive for the entire month. All of this was organised by a special ad hoc committee of three, who are members of the parish pastoral council. People have also been encouraged to wear soccer Tshirts to Mass. Whereas at one or two parishes there were those who needed a little help in coping with their disappointment over Bafana Bafana’s performance, this is not the case in our parish, where there was still a strong feeling of enthusiasm. The celebration has not been confined just to World Cup Sunday, but has been one continuous activity. We also treated children from nearby Nkanyezi Stimulation Centre, an institution which has children with multiple sclerosis, Downs Syndrome and other conditions, keeping them alert, alive and included, with a visit to Soccer City, which was sponsored by the motor car company Hyundai.

Fr Sean Mullin CSSp, Durban Central

e have a small, innercity, non-residential parish which draws people from all over Durban. Football-loving parishioners follow

the English Premier League week after week, and Manchester United and Liverpool are especially big here. On World Cup Sunday we had 18 teams participating in a World Cup parish programme, which started immediately after Mass. There was a great sense of joy and unity on that day, when people stayed right to the end. Most people wore football jerseys and we had banners of the different countries, and so on. Since mid-May, we have had the flags of the countries participating in the World Cup flying, with the South African flag at the entrance to welcome visitors. Prayers for the success of the World Cup have been offered every day at all the Masses, based on material for this purpose that came from the archdiocese. At our two schools, St Anthony’s and St Augustine’s primary schools, each class adopted a World Cup team, but something far more developed from this. It became a history and geography lesson on the countries concerned; pupils found out population figures, different population groups, the climate, the major cities, and so on. Classroom windows and walls were filled with material. The teachers and principals took all of this on board wonderfully. At every lunch break miniWorld Cup tournaments, with pupils togged out in the featured teams’ colours, were played, and

FOCUS

Maud Stellenboom of the archdiocese of Cape Town's Centre for Pastoral Development, Fr Timothy Wrenn SDB, parish priest of Lansdowne, and Sr Ana-Maria Maneiro FMA pose beside a Football World Cup installation in the archdiocesan chancery foyer. The three had just taken part in a Churchbased demonstration against human trafficking outside parliament. PHOTO:

vuvuzelas were blown at full blast. The whole World Cup experience has promoted a tremendous sense of joy and enthusiasm which has radiated right through the parish and schools. The challenge from now on, hopefully, is to keep going, at community level and throughout the country. I see sport as a great unifier of people. I see a great sense of national pride in South Africa being able to pull off an event of such a scale. It showed the potential of building a nation with no reservations or restrictions in their shared joy, in which race, colour, and so on, are left behind. It is the binding together, coming together, unity, joy, ubuntu. It is also a reflection on the soccer authorities and government here, since staging this cup was not easy.

Fr Thulani Manana MCCJ, Soweto,

ola parish organised a minisoccer tournament for elderly men and women and one for youth, boys and girls combined, which promoted a unified spirit of celebration. On June 13, World Cup Sunday, people came to Mass decked out in different colours, especially

MICHAIL RASSOOL

the team colours. Such active participation by all has promoted the idea that soccer isn’t just for the youth, but for everyone. What was also very significant about the World Cup is the unity promoted on another level. There was a lot of xenophobia in these parts, and the tournament has unified people in the township as never before. One has a real sense of celebration for the whole African continent. For the first time people are speaking openly about xenophobia and all the tensions that went before. But now people are able to last to celebrate together. So, in a real sense, the World Cup is most certainly a unifying factor with good implications for nation building. Added to that, in a real way Africa is being put on the world map for the first time. South Africa as a nation is being recognised worldwide, which is so good for the nation’s self-esteem.

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

the World Cup. I must say that evangelising is difficult when most people are in a celebratory mood. But we here, nevertheless, have been caught up in the spirit of things. We have had a display of the flags of the competing countries in our church, and parishioners have bought the country flags of their favourite teams from us to display in their cars. At all Masses since World Cup Sunday, we have sung the national anthem with so much enthusiasm, which we will do until the 11th when the tournament ends. We also had a talk on human trafficking by a parishioner, Mary-Anne Alho, an exponent on the subject, a few weeks before the World Cup started. It is a subject with tremendous relevance to the event.

Fr James Ralston OMI, Victory Park, Johannesburg

s the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference suggested, we have become involved in the whole thing. Starting on World Cup Sunday, we have had displays of 20 flags in the entrance and in the sanctuary, which include the South African flag as well as the papal flag. On the day itself, we had a child stationed at the church’s entrance who was decorated with flags. Before the final hymn everyone sang the national anthem with great gusto. We made our parish available for the spiritual needs of visitors, but on the whole this was lowkey. What is great about this World Cup experience is that it brought the whole country together. Even with Bafana Bafana not advancing, there was still a good spirit among South Africans and a strong sense of hospitality, and a need among to many to help out where possible.

Rivonia parish celebrated World Cup Sunday in true Bafana Bafana style! Parishioners came dressed up in their supporter gear and brought along their vuvuzelas! The children’s Mass was preceded by games of football, after which they still had a little energy left to sing in the choir! Visitors from Spain, Italy, South Africa, Scotland, Argentina, Ireland and China joined the parish for tea and a chat, with everyone giving their predictions on the winning team! PHOTO FROM ELVIRA ROHRBECK

Parishioners from St Philip’s parish in Strandfontein, Cape Town, get into the spirit of the World Cup. PHOTO FROM

GLENN MULLER

Fr Ignatius Fidgeon OMI, Victory Park, Johannesburg

part from seeing the odd visitor from the United States and Portugal, we haven’t had much of a chance to minister to many visitors here for

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LEADER PAGE

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive preference. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special circumstances and at the Editor’s discretion. Name and address of the writer must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Many reasons to donate organs

Editor: Günther Simmermacher

Mission accomplished

OR six years South Africa built up towards hosting the 2010 World Cup, and for the past four weeks much of the country has existed in football fever. On July 11 the final whistle will blow, the confetti will rain on the new world champion, and South Africa will return to normal. Or perhaps it won’t. Perhaps the World Cup will present a turning point for South Africa, and indeed Africa. The economists have been doubtful that the World Cup in itself would have a significant commercial impact on the country directly. A sporting event is not likely to inspire business to impulsively pump resources into the event’s host nation. Yet, the benefits may materialise indirectly as South Africa has refuted many prejudices against the country and its continent. The successful hosting of the World Cup surely will help put South Africa on investment shortlists, with many false preconceptions about the country now neutralised. South Africa will now be regarded as a country with the competitive infrastructure and human capacity to satisfy the highest expectations. Doubts that South Africa would have the ability to host the world’s biggest event— arguably bigger even than the Olympics—surfaced as early as the first bidding process, for the 2006 World Cup, which South Africa controversially and perhaps providentially lost to Germany. When South Africa won the right to host the 2010 World Cup, FIFA’s confidence in the country was not widely shared. The sceptics predicted with undue certainty but no foundation that the country would not be able to build the required stadiums in time. They were very wrong: all construction work was completed ahead of their deadlines, even where initial difficulties caused delays. In contrast, London’s Wembley Stadium missed its deadline by almost a year. England is bidding to host the 2018 World Cup. The chorus of

doubters has yet to appear. It may be argued that many people—internationally and even locally—wanted South Africa to fail, perhaps to confirm their own prejudices. First it was the stadium question, then it was crime. And while our crime problem is indeed serious, it turned out that the German team did not require the bullet-proof vests which they reportedly would wear while in South Africa. And when it was not crime, then international media— especially Britain’s gutter press—excitably warned that football fans could be caught up in a race war. In short, to many European observers in particular, it seemed a preposterous notion that an African country could presume to compete with the rest of the world. And with all predictions of a disaster evaporating, the only complaint about South Africa’s World Cup concerned the noise of the vuvuzela, a criticism tainted by the often racist commentary that accompanied it. But why should a football event in South Africa not be scored by the typical sounds of football in South Africa? Why should South Africans bend to the subjective preferences of others? In the event, visiting fans and supermarket customers in England embraced the sound of South African football. The World Cup has brought South Africans together, however fleetingly. It is not too sentimental to appeal for that sense of unity of purpose to be nurtured and developed. South Africans must be exhorted to maintain the spirit of concord that allowed us to stage a mammoth event in a manner which many people thought inconceivable. Our country has shown the political, economic and social will to put together as huge a event as a football World Cup. But we must be warned: the dividends of the superb accomplishment will be squandered if we, as a nation, fail to apply the same collective will to addressing the scandal of poverty.

WOULD like to compliment and thank you for your editorial on organ transplants (Iune 16). I received a new kidney on New Year’s Eve, and it is really as if my life has started anew. I had been waiting for a transplant for three years and was on dialysis for two. The depression of dialysis is indescribable: I was one of the lucky ones to have to be dialysed only twice a week. I had to leave for the unit at 15:45 to be put onto the machine anywhere between 16:30 and 17:00. The dialysis itself lasted four hours with 30 minutes at each end for getting you on, and waiting for the bleeding to stop when getting off. It was six hours door to door,

Apostolic visitor Church’s gay line from South Africa is insensitive

OUR report “Pope’s high-powered team to help Irish Church in crisis” (June 9) refers . Your readers might be interested to learn that the two priests appointed by the Holy Father as apostolic visitors to the male religious orders are Fr Joseph Tobin CSsR, an American who is the immediate past Superior General of the Redemptorists, and Jesuit Father Gero McLoughlin, a South African and past pupil of St Aidan’s College in Grahamstown, where he was educated by the Jesuits from 1952-60. Having entered the Society in 1961, Fr McLoughlin was ordained to the priesthood in 1975 in the cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg by the late Bishop Hugh Boyle. For most of his priestly life, Fr McLoughlin’s apostolate has been the promotion of Ignatian Spirituality, and presently he is the promoter of Ignatian Spirituality in the British Jesuit Province. He resides in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fr McLoughlin’s father was also an alumnus of St Aidan’s College. He served as a director of The Catholic Newspaper and Publishing Co. Ltd—which publishes The Southern Cross—from the late 1930s to early-mid ’40s, following in the footsteps of his father, A P McLoughlin, who in his time served the company both as a director and as its chairman. In passing it is also interesting to note that in May 1931 both A P McLoughlin and his wife Norah were “received” into the Redemptorist order as lay associates by the then-Superior General of the order, Fr Patrick Murray. Paul Taylor, Johannesburg

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feeling awful afterwards, up to half of the next day. Then a good day, and then back to the unrelenting grind. As I have no relatives and a rare blood type there was no possibility of a live donor. Although some friends offered, they were turned down for one reason or another. The kidney eventually came from a 16-year-old male who had been killed in circumstances unknown to me. Although the euphoria of the kidney kicking in immediately was indescribable, psychologically it was difficult coming to terms with the idea that someone had died, and by so doing had let me live. The view expressed by a good

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N insensitive response to homosexuality makes the Vatican sound simply un-Christian. When homosexuality began to be openly discussed, the Haymarket Theatre produced a play by a homosexual in which the punch line was: “Show me a happy homosexual and I’ll show you a happy corpse”. People do not choose to be gay. Trying to shift the blame again to homosexuals for the sexual abuse scandal in the Church reminds us of a lack of responsive and caring leadership in other areas as well. Recalling the Inquisition is a reminder of the Church’s recuperative power and of how it maintains the values under which it stands judged sometimes. At least its record is incomparably better than that of the armed states that supplanted it as Europe’s most important institution and that immediately launched their European and then Euro-American assault on the rest of the world that many argue has not ended yet, and that has done so much to cause the cry of the poor. Donovan Lowry, Germiston

Religion a problem in today’s world

N today’s world any reasonably educated adult could conclude that religion is one of the greatest problems the world faces. There is no doubt that there will be no peace between the people of the world until all people can embrace each other and themselves with love. The Southern Cross through its editorials, articles, commentators and readers’ comments can be considered to be open-minded in what it prints, but also illustrates how stuck on rituals and beliefs people can be. There are those progressives who plead for change to meet the changes we face in the world today, and those who insist what has existed without change for at least the last 1 500 years are and must be the only criteria to follow. Pope John XXIII saw the need for change, but sadly his Vatican II has been consigned to history. Is there a solution to the problem? Deryk Bayman, Durban Opinions expressed in The Southern Cross, especially in Letters to the Editor, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or staff of the newspaper, or of the Catholic hierarchy. The letters page in particular is a forum in which readers may exchange opinions on matters of debate. Letters must not be understood to necessarily reflect the teachings, disciplines or policies of the Church accurately.

many of my visitors was: “Well, there’s no point in me becoming an organ donor, as nobody would want my parts.” That made me angry: everyone is entitled to say they don’t want to donate, but to say that your organs are useless to another is a cop out. How can anyone say that their 50-year-old corneas are not needed by a 60-year-old with failing eyesight, or that their 40-year-old kidneys cannot save the life of another 40-year-old? Leave it to the experts: the transplant organisations are way better qualified to determine whether organs are of use. Unless you have an ethical reason for not becoming an organ donor, please contact the Organ Donor Foundation—you could save a life or even more. Dickon Daggit, Cape Town

Pio was banned too

N answer to Fr Allan Moss’ letter “Divine Mercy used to be banned”, the feast of Divine Mercy to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter does not in any way interfere with the momentum of the resurrection. The picture of the Jesus of Divine Mercy is that of the resurrected Christ as he appeared to the apostles in the cenacle. Fr Moss mentions the feast of the Sacred Heart as holding an important place in our faith, but this feast was also established after a private revelation (to St Marguerite Marie Alacoque). I believe that God uses private revelations not to bring anything new in the Church, but to help the people in their faith. We cannot deny that the world is so bad today that we need to implore God’s mercy for poor sinners. St Padre Pio was also banned from appearing in public for 16 years or so, and yet today he is one of the greatest saints of our century. Marie-Claude Lamusse, Durban

Hit the right note

HRIS Moerdyk in his article “Reasons to believe in SA” (June 9) refers to Byron John, but says he had never heard of him before. Byron John has been actively involved in Catholic contemporary music since about 2000, and has become well known as the singer and songwriter for the Catholic Band Soul Summit. He has released his solo debut album, titled Sincere Worship, and has been actively involved in music ministry in Victory Park parish in Johannesburg. He has been featured on Radio Veritas almost on a weekly basis, especially on the Catholic music show, “Catholic Exposé”. There are many Catholic recording artists in South Africa. These gifted people can be invited to assist with a fundraiser in parishes or to evangelise within the communities. Apart from Byron John, some of the Catholic recording artists in South Africa include Dave Monks, Peter and Gloria Mulligan, CIRCUS and Dean Spiller. All of these feature on “Catholic Exposé”. Readers may contact me at paul@radiover itas.co.za if they would like to find out more about Catholic contemporary music. As a member of the International Catholic Association of Musicians, we are also looking to promote local talent overseas. Mr Moerdyk ends his article by saying: “I reckon if there [were] more Byron Johns around, this country would be an even better place.” Why don’t we, as Catholics, get behind Byron and other Catholic musicians, and get them to travel around the country. Paul de Beer, Radio Veritas, Johannesburg

PERSPECTIVES

Separating Church and state in Africa

Henry Makori

Reflections of my Life

The forgotten Africa

HE blare of vuvuzelas is everywhere, even here in Kenya where we have no real national football to talk about. The World Cup 2010 in South Africa has so stirred up and united Africans that even people who ordinarily don’t care about football—I have my fiancée Pamella in mind—wish the cup remained in the continent. My heart and those of many Africans have been beating like drums in our chests since the World Cup kicked off for the first time ever on African soil. From our living rooms, offices and pubs we have grown hoarse cheering African teams. At the end of one thoroughly entertaining match in the second week of the tournament, I switched my TV to an international news channel to catch up with goings-on in the world. That was when I saw them: pictures of thin, sickly babies clinging to their helpless mothers, themselves reduced to skin and bones by massive famine ravaging parts of North and West Africa. The thrill that had filled me from watching the World Cup clash evaporated. I seemed to recall seeing a few days earlier a news release about the disaster by the Catholic global charity Caritas Internationalis. But I had forgotten about it. The story was not in local newspapers or TV—although there were reports of flooding in China and Mexico and deadly ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan. It appeared to me that the World Cup in South Africa was the only news that was supposed to come out of Africa until July 11. No need to mess up the historic excitement with reports of starvation, poverty, disease and other ills that have come to define Africa for the rest of the world. Here was Africa hosting the world’s greatest sports show for the very first time; here we were, blowing our vuvuzelas, dancing and singing, “Zamina mina zangalewa! ‘Tis time for Africa!” Here was the world united in euphoria—and yet 10 million African people faced a real risk of death from starvation up north. Very few people seemed to notice or care. I have been thinking about those bony, bleary-eyed women and their emaciated children I saw on the TV report. And the many, many more the world has not got to see. Famished people terrified they would go to sleep and never wake up. But somehow they wake up every day with an empty stomach, wander out in the burning Sahel sun and then stagger back into their huts to try to sleep again. I wondered whether those starving people were aware that their continent was making football history; that the whole world had its eyes fixed on South Africa enjoying the beautiful game. Could the Sahelians have the breath to sing “Zamina mina zangalewa”? What does the World Cup mean to them? Nothing. Their only concern is survival. Niger is the worst hit country, with 8 million people at risk of starvation. Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso are also facing serious food shortages since December, Caritas reported. International response has been slow despite appeals for food aid by humanitarian organisations. Irregular rainfall, crop deficits, rising food prices (by up to 30%) and chronic poverty have all contributed to the spiralling food crisis. People are now reliant on extreme means of coping, including selling off livestock, eating wild foods, taking children out of school and abandoning their homes in search of food. These are the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters. Drought and famine in the Sahel is nothing new. On his first visit to Africa in 1980, Pope John Paul II was so touched by the suffering in the region that he launched a solemn appeal to the world to help the people. In 1984, John Paul II’s Sahel Foundation was set up and runs projects in Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. But a report about the foundation’s 25th anniversary last year said that its funds come primarily from the churches in Germany and Italy. I have never heard churches in Africa say anything about that foundation or the perennial crisis in the Sahel. Perhaps the rest of the continent is so preoccupied with its own hardships to think about the Sahel. But was it not John Paul II who said that no one is too poor to give? The TV news report I watched described the famine afflicting 10 million Sahelians as a “slow-motion disaster”. Surely, we the people of Africa can do something about this. After all, we have shown everyone we can stage the football World Cup—and have contributed the vuvuzela to global culture!

AST October’s Synod for Africa realised the need to step up the Church’s involvement in speaking for the voiceless, not only in conflicts but also in getting governments to improve services for the people. That is why the final statement speaks of the need to change attitudes and to have structures that will work effectively in ensuring reconciliation. I like the observation that the Church has not fully utilised those opportunities influencing policies. That’s why the synod spoke of the need of the Church to have representation on national and international organisations. From this, I perceive the African Church coming to a certain realisation that she has not acted sufficiently. But such realisation is not enough, and unless we have a real African reflection regarding Churchstate relations—within the provisions of canon law—the Church in Africa will always remain timid, therefore risk falling short in fulfilling her prophetic role. Church law speaks of separation of Church and state, thereby defining especially to which extent the clergy can be involved in politics. The Church’s position did not come by chance, but from experience. It came as a result of the effects of the interaction of the Church and state when the divide between them wasn’t that clear. Such situations always have had consequences on the evangelising mission of the Church. And so, the laws in this regard have a history, linked to certain concrete situations and events. While the position is good in principle, however, the manner that the African Church is relating to it leaves much to be desired. The Church in Africa still has a voice that is much diminished in Europe, and it can be enhanced and channelled to improve the lives of people. In fact, significant political changes took place when the Church straightened up from her timidity and said: “Enough is enough”; something happened. But this moral authority that she enjoys is not tapped to the maximum. Why? The “keep Church out of politics” talk has often paralysed many pastors, even in situations where their prophetic responsibility could have obliged them to stand up and speak.

Evans Chama

Echoes of African Synod As a result, there have been cases where people have been subjected to injustice, and all they got from the people who are supposed to speak for them was overly cautious statements that fell short of the boldness of truth, all that for fear of engaging in politics.

ome priests, and even bishops, have disagreed with the timid silence and try to go alone and speak out. Often they are judged harshly for that, both first by the government they criticise but also by fellow pastors who look at them as going beyond the Church law. Often those prophets remain isolated, weakened, and defenceless. We may not ignore prudence and obedience to the Church law. However, that shouldn’t paralyse our witness nor does it justify lukewarmness. Indeed, when we allow this view of the separation of state and Church to land us in mediocrity, not only does the Church let Africa down but she fails in her mission. The concrete form of the Church’s mission in Africa is not the same as in America or Europe; it means the Church needs to be “armed” differently according to where she is and what she is doing. It certainly would be a failure in her duty if the Church in Africa sought to relate to the state in the manner that, for instance, the French Church would in France. Here is an area that would require study by canon lawyers, theologians and bishops in the African Church, to come up with concrete proposals on how the Church would effectively fulfil her mission. It’s in this where I see the need for the Church in Africa to rise, pick up her pallet, and walk. She needs to accept that the political scene in the West is not the same as in the so-called “Third World”. Therefore the African Church must work out a particular way of observing the law of the Church in a manner that does not compromise her prophetic role in the face of the multitudes in her flock who are victims of injustice.

CONGREGATION OF MARIANNHILL MISSIONARIES

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

Gerald O’Collins SJ

Point of Reflection

Believing in God a bit like wedding vow

UNDAY by Sunday, we say together at the Eucharist: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty.” The Creed declares our common faith in God and does not begin by stating: “We believe that God exists.” Believing in God takes us beyond simply believing that God exists. “Believing in” involves deep commitment and lasting trust. Last September, at a wedding in London, I received the marriage vows of a young couple, Amber and Charles. It is always very moving to hear a bride and bridegroom commit themselves to each other. They trust each other and want to rely on each other for the rest of their lives. Freely and responsibly, they pledge themselves to each other. Jewellery stores used to sell engagement rings with the message: “Diamonds are for ever.” Believing in each other means that a couple wants to commit themselves to each other for ever. They want their commitment and trust to resemble diamonds in being utterly strong and lastingly indestructible. When Amber and Charles pledged themselves to each other, I thought once again of the Old Testament and the way the Jewish Scriptures picture our believing in God as a kind of marriage relationship. It helps to think of faith as a kind of marriage relationship. People normally marry each other because they believe that this new relationship will work. They enjoy similar interests, share similar values, and know that they get along well together. Getting married is no wild leap into total darkness. There are good reasons for thinking that their marriage will work. But they don’t have absolute certainty. They go “beyond the evidence” in pledging themselves to each other. Believing in God is something like that. There are good reasons for our faith in God. Believing in God is no reckless jump into total darkness. Yet we do go beyond the evidence when we believe and continue to believe in the loving but invisible and very mysterious God, who is with us always on our journey through life. We commit ourselves to God with lasting trust when we say: “We believe in God.” We want to trust and rely on God in the kind of way a happily married couple trust and rely on each other. They truly believe in each other, and normally don’t spend their time anxiously asking themselves: “Can I really trust him? Why should I rely on her?” Day after day, they trust each other and rely on each other. Believing in God is very much like that. Day by passing day, we trust God and rely on God. We don’t normally spend our time anxiously wondering whether we can really trust God and rely on God. We leave our lives in the best place they can be—in the hands of God. We can learn a great deal about believing in God if we think of the way a happily married couple believe in each other and continue to believe in each other.  Fr O’Collins is visiting South Africa for the Jesuit Institute’s Winter Living Theology course. He will speak in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Durban. Contact admin@jesuitinstitute.org.za or 011 403 3790 for details.

Ora et Labora The Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, CMM, sprung from the Trappist Monastery of Mariannhill founded by Abbot Francis Pfanner in South Africa in 1882. We believe that: “Our missionary field is the Kingdom of God and that has not boundaries!” Faithful to the example of Abbot Francis Pfanner, the Mariannhill Brothers and Priests try to be of service to the local church through pastoral, social and development works. We make our contribution to the call for renewing, uplifting, developing and sustaining the human spirit, as our response to the signs and needs of the time. In our missionary life of Prayer and Work (Ora et Labora), we try to effectively proclaim the Good News to all people, especially to the poor and needy, so that there are “Better Fields, Better Houses, Better Hearts!” To know more about us contact: Director of Vocations PO Box 11363, Mariannhill, 3601 or PO Box 85, Umtata, 5099

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COMMUNITY

The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

The Theology and Body team (TOB) of Northriding parish in Johannesburg coordinated a nineweek TOB retreat for youth between the ages of 17 and 28, with 45 young people attending. SUBMITTED BY MARIEANNE TEBRAKE

Nearly 2 000 pilgrims braved the cold weather to participate in the Sacred Heart Centocow Pilgrimage, which takes place every three years at Centocow mission in Umzimkulu diocese, KwaZulu-Natal. SUBMITTED BY BISHOP STANISLAW DZIUBA

Educators Sharon Smart of St Augustine Primary School, Petula Moollen of Austerville Primary School, Dawn Gaillard of St Theresa’s Primary School and Angela Pienaar of St Augustine Primary School, all in the Durban archdiocese, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Education in Religious and Values Education. SUBMITTED BY ANGELA PIENAAR

The parishes of St Francis Xavier and St Martin de Porres in East London congratulated their parish priest Fr Christopher Slater after he was awarded his doctorate in pastoral theology from Unisa. Pictured with Fr Slater is his sister, Sr Jennifer Slater, who holds a doctorate in systematic theology. SUBMITTED BY NIALL ERASMUS

Holy Cross Primary School in Aliwal North celebrated the feast of St Boniface, apostle of Germany, during a special assembly presentation where learners were given a peek into the life and missionary work of the saint. As part of the presentation, the school’s choir (pictured) performed special German songs, including the country’s national anthem.

IN FOCUS

Edited by Nadine Christians

SUBMITTED BY SR BEATRIX MARIA

 J.M.J

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The Southern Cross, July 7 to July 13, 2010

Sr Paschal Halmanseger HC

oly Cross sister, Paschal Halmanseger, died aged 102 on May 28 in Aliwal North. Sr Paschal was born in Germany in 1907. She became a Holy Cross candidate in June 1927, arriving in South Africa by boat later that year. She made her first profession in January 1931 and then trained as a primary teacher in Oudtshoorn. During the 79 years of her religious life, she taught primary classes in several Holy Cross schools in the Eastern and Western Cape, including Dis-

trict Six in Cape Town. Such was her dedication to teaching that she could often become so absorbed in her work that she forgot about time! She excelled in woodwork and fretwork and loved to teach this to the boys. She continued taking classes even after she turned 80. She took a keen interest in current events, especially in what was going on in the Church and was an avid reader of Church documents. Sr Paschal suffered from precarious health but had a strong, persevering spirit, loved life to

the very last and always had hope. She was original and gifted, very independent and had strong opinions. Her rule of life was that God is always good and means everything to be for our benefit. However, she found the limitations and debility of her extreme old age difficult to bear. On May 28 she received the anointing of the sick and died peacefully in the presence of the Sisters and staff of Holy Cross Retirement Home, Fatima, Aliwal North. She is buried in the cemetery in Aliwal.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR Thoughts for the Week on the Family

BETHLEHEM:  Shrine of Our Lady of Bethlehem at Tsheseng, Maluti mountains; Thursdays 09:30, Mass, then exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  058 721 0532 JOHANNESBURG:

FAMILY CALENDAR 2010 FAMILY THEME: “Families Play the Game.” JULY THEME: The Veteran’s Cup Introduction Sport is not only for the young and fit. Older people can and need to keep as fit as possible and play sport when they can. Playing their part in the game of life helps to avoid frustration and irritability. Our elders can look back on the many sporting events they have witnessed and share with the young how things have changed and grown over time. Have things improved over time? In which ways are they better or perhaps worse than they were in the past? Are we tolerant of one another across the generations? Do we show respect for wisdom gained over time? 11th 15th Sunday of the Year C. The Word is Near: The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us what a neighbour should be. Our nearest neighbours are those in our own homes and families. Are older persons playing the game fairly and are they being treated fairly? Pray for an increase in respect for one another across the generations. As the World Cup ends today, thank God for the gift of our bodies that enable us to play sport and provide competitive enjoyment to others, old and young.

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Tel: (031) 266 7702 Fax: (031) 266 8982 Email: judyeichhorst@telkomsa.net A list of current pilgrimages can be viewed by clicking on the Valley View Travel icon at www.catholic-friends.com

 First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 10:30. First Saturday: Devotions: Our Lady’s Cenacle, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary, 15:00–16:00. Special devotion to Our Blessed Lady for her priests. Our Lady of the Angels, Little Eden, Edenvale,  011 609 7246  First Saturday of each month rosary prayed 10:30-12:00 outside Marie Stopes abortion clinic, Peter Place, Bryanston.  Joan Beyrooti, 011 782 4331 PRETORIA:  First Saturday: Devotion to Divine Mercy. St Martin de Porres, Sunnyside, 16:30.  Shirley-Anne 012 361 4545. CAPE TOWN:  Holy Hour to pray for priests of the diocese, 2nd Saturday monthly at Villa Maria shrine Kloof Nek Rd 16:00-17:00. To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 465 5007, or e-mail c.allen@scross.co.za

Mass readings for the week Sundays year C, weekdays cycle 2 Sun July 11, 15th Sunday of the Year: Dt 30:10-14; Ps 69:14,17,30-31,33-34,36-37; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37 Mon July 12, feria: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9,16-17, 21,23; Mt 10:34-11,1 Tue July 13, St Henry: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wed July 14, St Camillus de Lellis: Is 10:5-7,13-16; Ps 94:5-10,14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Thur July 15, St Bonaventure: Is 26:7-9,12,16-19; Ps 102:13-21; Mt 11:28-30 Fri July 16, Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Is 38:1-6,21-22,7-8; Ps: Is 38:10-12,16; Mt 12:1-8 Sat July 17, feria: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:22-25,28-29,35; Mt 12:14-21 Sun July 18, 16th Sunday of the Year: Gn 18:1-10; Ps 15:2-5; Col 1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42

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WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DICKENS—Bernard and Shirley. Giving thanks to God for our 45 years of marriage. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit intercession, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary, St Anthony of Padua for prayers answered.

DEATHS H A L M A N S E G E R —S r Paschal, 102 years of age, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2010 at Fatima House, Aliwal North. RIP. PUBEC—Sr Theodata, 103 years of age, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2010 at Lady Selborne, Pretoria. RIP.

IN MEMORIAM H O L L O W A Y —C h a r l e s Albert. Sept 9, 1932 June 29, 2009. Asleep in the arms of Jesus after a long battle with illness fought with dignity and courage. We love you and miss you every day. R I P. Lorraine, Tony, Terri, Nicky, Mike, Chris and families.

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PRAYERS

HOLY St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. Thank you for prayers answered. Carol E. HOLY St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need

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and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. Nelspruit. O MOST beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, blessed Mother of the Son of God, immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me where you are, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There is none who can withstand your power .O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands. Carole E. Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries. Amen. Carol E.

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Pregnant? July 7 to July 13, 2010

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16th Sunday – Year C (July 11) Genesis 18:1-10; Psalm 15:2-5; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42

OD is utterly generous; and we, who are made in the image and likeness of God, are at our very best when we reflect the divine generosity in our behaviour to one another. Next Sunday’s readings show some very striking examples of this. The first reading is the splendid story of Abraham giving hospitality to God, disguised as “three men”. Now Abraham is 99 at the time of the narrative, and very sensibly “sitting at the gate of his tent, in the heat of the day”. However when he sees guests, the Middle Eastern instinct for hospitality takes over, and everything is done on the run from now on: he asks for the privilege of giving them some washing-water, some food and refreshment. His wife Sarah is instructed to make cakes, and the servants to prepare a calf for eating. The whole meal is made ready in about 30 seconds flat and we learn that Abraham “stood over them, under the tree, while they ate”. There is no hint at all that Abraham is expecting any reward for this generosity; it is simply what you do in that culture (and

1. ACCOMMODATION Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance. “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2) 2. PASSPORTS Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper papers/credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority. “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

CONRAD

Donations and volunteers and prayers always welcome

Our mission of hospitality; generosity Fr Nicholas King SJ

Scriptural Reflections our culture would do well to learn from this model of accepting strangers). Nevertheless, there is a reward: “One of them said, ‘I shall return about this time next year, and your wife Sarah shall have a son’.” That sends Sarah into fits of giggles; but that is another story. For the moment, simply see how Abraham’s generosity makes him god-like. The psalm looks at this from another angle, and asks the Lord, “Who may live in your tent?”, and produces a description, in which we can recognise Abraham, and perhaps ourselves on a good day, “the one who walks in perfection, and performs justice, and speaks integrity in their heart”, and, on the contrary, “who does not slander with their tongue, or do evil to their neighbour...who does not take a bribe”. Our task,

in our culture, is to present the image of God in which we were created. In the second reading, Paul presents himself as willing to suffer (“I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf; and I am filling up that which is lacking from Christ’s afflictions.”); he proclaims himself “a servant of the Church, in accordance with the mission from God that was given me for you, to fill out God’s word”. So God’s gift is not just for Paul, nor just for the Church, but “to make known the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, that is to say, Christ among you, the hope of glory”. Paul’s aim is to “present every human being as perfect in Christ”. The generous instincts of the Paul who has come to know Jesus is a model for us all. The gospel is the lovely story that Luke places after the tale of the Good Samaritan; it is the story of the hospitality offered to Jesus, on his journey to Jerusalem, by “a woman whose name was Martha”. Luke explains to us that Martha “had a sister called Mary, who was sitting at Jesus’ feet,

Itinerary for the afterlife NE of the great benefits of our modern world is that international travel is becoming a lot more affordable, thereby allowing more people every year to explore the wonders of foreign climes. But, as every tourist knows all too well, the success of travel abroad is very much dependent on how well an itinerary is planned. Air tickets, hotels, cruises, car hire and sightseeing excursions need to be booked in advance. As an aside, have you ever wondered about the difference between a tourist and a traveller? Apparently a tourist is someone who goes on packaged, guided holidays, while a traveller is someone who does his or her own thing. Anyway, this all got me thinking about the most important journey any human being can make—that final journey to heaven. I started looking around for an itinerary for this particular trip, not expecting to find anything. So I was very surprised when I found this fascinating article on a Baptist website in the United States, headed “HEAVEN—PLANNING YOUR TRIP”.

www.birthright.co.za

world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

Chris Moerdyk

The Last Word 3. DEPARTURE TIMES The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travellers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). 4. TICKETS Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in hand. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24). 5. CUSTOMS Only one declaration is required while going through customs. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). 6. IMMIGRATION All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited. “…they were longing for a better country…a heavenly one…he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). 7. LUGGAGE No luggage whatsoever is necessary. “For we brought nothing into the

and listening to his message”. That of course is also hospitality of a kind; but Martha, who is “torn apart by much service”, is not pleased. She “stands over Jesus” (which is not exactly hospitable), and utters the rebuke to him that in another gospel his terrified disciples had uttered: “Lord —don’t you care?” In this case the problem is not a life-threatening storm, but the failure of Mary (“my sister”)’s to assist in the serving. Jesus very gently defuses the situation, with the repetition of her name (“Martha, Martha”), and the affirmation that Mary is also showing appropriate hospitality: “Mary has chosen the better portion, which is not going to be taken from her.” It is no good our bellowing: “But who in that case is going to wash the dishes?” The point is that if we are to exercise our Godlike mission of hospitality, we have to be attentive to The Other, who is created in God’s image and likeness; our task, this week, is to imitate the absurdly youthful Abraham, the generous psalmist, and Paul who sees his only task as to proclaim the Jesus story to the Gentiles.

Southern Crossword #399

8. AIR PASSAGE Travellers going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of imminent departure. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). 9. VACCINATION AND INOCULATION Injections are not needed, as diseases are unknown at the destination. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4). 10. CURRENCY Supplies of the following currency may be forwarded ahead to await the passenger’s arrival. Deposit your heart, mind, soul and life. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). 11. CLOTHING A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveller. “For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). 12. TIME CHANGES Resetting of watches will not be necessary. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp…for there will be no night there” (Revelation 21:23,25). 13. RESERVATIONS Booking is now open. Apply at once. “…now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). 14. CORONATION CEREMONY The highlight of the journey is the welcoming reception and coronation which await the arrival. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8) I found it interesting that, unlike any other form of travel, this trip appears to be entirely free of charge.

ACROSS 4. Cause suffering (7) 8 and 3. It's necessary in the confessional (6,3,3) 9. Lenient pope? (7) 10. His pup becomes assertive (6) 11. Mother of Timothy (2 Tim 1) (6) 12. Removing impurities from finer gin (8) 18. Sentry who won't accept new ideas? (3,5) 20. Apply to a higher court (6) 21. He gets the prize (6) 22. They are the Catholics (6) 23. Lovely girls sound like ringers in church (6) 24. Schoolchild's habit (7)

DOWN 1. Says our containers with relics (7) 2. Doze as things lessen (4,3) 3. See 8 5. We are commanded not to worship him (5,3) 6. Song of grief (6) 7. Contemptuous old Greek philosophers (6) 13. He worships 5 down (8) 14. Sort of one deserving a halo in any list (7) 15. A speech where you are situated (7) 16. Wrench the wrist right in Iberian Peninsula (6) 17. Kind of map for alleviation? (6) 19. Penguin eats old gold coin (6)

SOLUTIONS TO #398. ACROSS: 1 Subtle, 4 Abseil, 9 Abortifacient, 10 Bad news, 11 Linen, 12 Shame, 14 Scale, 18 Aaron, 19 Chateau, 21 Behold the lamb, 22 Reside, 23 Candle. DOWN: 1 Shabby, 2 Broad churches, 3 Litre, 5 Bucolic, 6 Eternal reward, 7 Litany, 8 A fish, 13 Mangled, 15 Barber, 16 Scots, 17 Mumble, 20 Arena.

CHURCH CHUCKLE When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say: “And all girls.” My curiosity got the better of me and I asked her: “Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?” Her response: “Because everybody always finishes their prayers by saying “All Men”!” - Anonymous Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.