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February 9 to February 15, 2011

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Women religious survey: Educated and active

Sacrament of the present moment

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No 4714

Oberammergau and the Passion Play Page 10

Church’s role to change BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

he president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Archbishop Buti Tlhagale has called for the Church to have a greater role in society. “As a Bishops’ Conference, we are being continuously challenged to redefine the role of the Church in our changing societies,” he said. The archbishop said it was relatively easy to appreciate the public role of the Catholic Church in the area of social services, healthcare and development projects but the voice of the Church was missing in the public spaces of society. “The voice of the Catholic Church or the religious sector [must] genuinely seek to

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg (Photo: SACBC/CNS) engage the public on moral-ethical issues which impinge on the society at large,” he said. The archbishop pointed out that the three countries that make up the SACBC (South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland) were developing democracies and while they may be considered politically stable, they are “fragile”. He said this could be seen in the number of violent crimes, corruption and the lack of service delivery experienced. “To the majority of the ordinary citizens, the promises of democracy and rule of law are not only dreams that have failed but in many cases a reminder of the painful experiences of the past,” he said. Archbishop Tlhagale went on to say today’s society is highly materialistic— where the right of individuals to accumulate wealth is promoted and protected. “Our societies have lost a basic tenet of morality: the upliftment of those who have a greater need. The rich flaunt their wealth. They have become incapable of postponing their own personal interests in favour of the upliftment of poor communities,” he said. Archbishop Tlhagale said it was necessary for the Church to question its position in such a society. Is the Church able to persuade our fellow citizens that to be a truly moral person it is equally important not to harm others and to avoid greed?

The archbishop asked the conference to consider questions facing the Church. “If our Christian morality is based on our faith in God and if faith is a matter of choice (personal), is morality also not a question of personal choice? Is there such a thing as a secular morality? How does Christian morality face up to it? Can Christian leaders discuss moral issues with non-believers without reference to God? Is it a fair assumption that our countries are Christian countries? If so, does this allow Christian leaders to impose on the people Christian moral principles or threaten them with the fires of hell? What about African Traditional morality, do we as Christians simply dismiss those who believe in traditional morality pagans?” He said in spite of the many questions asked, what is abundantly clear is that the South African Church needs morality to “build compassionate human communities; government can only do so much. Is the Church leadership willing to invest resources and time in responding to this challenge? Where are our own moral theologians?” The archbishop also took the time to reflect on the statement made by Pope Benedict concerning the use of condoms by gay men. “The statement points out that the real challenge is to focus on behaviour change rather than on condom use. My question is: what is the status of the principle of a lesser evil in Catholic moral theology today?” Archbishop Tlhagale said it was time for the conference to invest in the training of moral theologians in a more systematic fashion. “HIV/Aids is not a North Atlantic problem,” he said, suggesting it was instead an African problem. “It is a disease Africa shares with gay people in Europe and North America. When Europe thinks about moral issues around HIV/Aids, they think of gay people. In Africa, we think about millions of ordinary men, women and youth; it is high time we challenge our moral theologians to assess the moral challenges of HIV/Aids.” The archbishop said the Church had a duty not to allow the “imaginative genius of the human spirit to stagnate or die”. In addition to talking about the Church’s role in today’s society, the archbishop spoke of the importance of lay formation—the empowering of laypeople to participate fully and meaningfully in the life of the Church and society by virtue of their baptism. “Lay formation has not yet been given content at conference level. It is also not clear how this dove-tails with the evangelisation and catechesis,” Archbishop Tlhagale said. He added that no plans had yet been established but that the conference was to consider the involvement of laypeople in the future as there was a need for a laity structure, “a platform, a forum where lay people can make their voices heard. If the conference does not help to facilitate such a forum or structure, other structures will emerge to occupy the empty space.” The archbishop said while there were many lay organisations already within the Church, it was “imperative that there should be a possibility of networking for the benefit of the Church”.

Armed with mini coffins, crosses, dressed in black and following a hearse, members of prolife and Christian action groups took part in a funeral procession along the streets of Cape Town. The procession was to commemorate the one million babies lost to abortion in the 14 years since the Choice of Termination act was first passed in South Africa. The procession ended with a protest outside of parliament and was followed by a special Mass at the cathedral in which Fr Peter-John Pearson of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office called for Catholics to continue to condemn the Abortion act. See Page 3. (Photo: Claire Mathieson).

Revised Bible provides ‘more clarity, more detail’ for today’s Catholic

HE revised New American Bible that will be released on Ash Wednesday, March 9, may seem most notably different to casual readers for its efforts at providing context and clarity in how the passages fit together, according to the coordinator of its publication. “It will be like going from regular TV to high-definition,” said Mary Elizabeth Sperry, associate director of New American Bible utilisation for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. “You’ll have the same programmes but more clarity, more detail.” What is being called the New American Bible Revised Edition, or NABRE, will include the first revised translation since 1970 of the Old Testament. The New Testament translation is the same as in 1986 Second Edition of the New American Bible. The NABRE will also include the updated Book of Psalms, which was revised in three phases between 1991 and 2010 and has been included in Third Edition versions of the New American Bible published since 1991. The new Bible will be available in an assortment of print, audio and electronic formats, from a variety of publishers. Individual publishers will roll out their versions on their own schedules. For instance, Oxford University Press announced its line of compact NABRE editions will be available by Easter, April 24, and its study Bibles will be on the market for autumn 2011 courses. The NABRE’s publication will not affect what Scripture texts are used for Mass. The Lectionary translation has recently been updated. Ms Sperry explained that some of the updating in the Old Testament resulted from developments in biblical schol-

The New American Bible is a Catholic Bible first published in 1970. Revisions were published in 1986 and now this Bible has undergone its first major update since then, with a revised edition to be released March 9, Ash Wednesday, and made available in various print, electronic and audio formats. (Photo: Bob Roller/CNS)

arship since the last time it was translated. For instance, recent archaeological discoveries have provided better texts, which affected scholarly views on how certain passages should be translated, she said. The goal of retranslating the Old Testament was to “get it closer to the original language”. Scholars start with the original Hebrew or Greek text, for instance, rather than simply working from the 1970 New American Bible version, or from translations used in other Bible editions.—CNS

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

South Sudan vote motivation for local government elections BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

OUTH SUDAN has confirmed, through its January election, that it will secede and form a new country. Other North African and Middle Eastern countries are calling for similar action through protests and riots for a change in power to occur. Puleng Matsaneng of the Jesuit Institute South Africa says these examples of hunger for change have been reminiscent of South Africa’s first democratic vote in 1994 and will be needed in South Africa’s forthcoming local elections. Speaking of the 1994 elections, Ms Matsaneng said her experience of joy seemed to be shared by the whole country as “millions of us took charge of our lives and voted. “Even for those who had been able to vote before, 1994 was different: they could now vote knowing it was a fully shared democratic right,” Ms Matsaneng said. Some 20 million South Africans voted that day, “placing our mark on the ballot as a commitment to change”. She compared the movement to the January vote made by the Southern Sudanese to secede. Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, archbishop of Durban, travelled to Sudan with a delegation of the South African Church to monitor the elections. Both the cardinal and Ms Matsaneng said the images of snaking queues brought back memories of the 1994 elections. The Sudanese elections saw a turnout well in excess of the required 60%, which Ms Matsaneng said showed the hunger people had for change.

This hunger was present in 1994, she said. “The long queues started at midnight. Did we feel hungry, having waited for so long? I do not remember. Perhaps a different kind of hunger—the hunger for change —made the need for food almost irrelevant.” Ms Matsaneng, who works in spirituality, researching Ignatian spirituality in an African context, said the topics of conversation from the 1994 general elections in South Africa and the Sudanese elections were the same: “By the act of voting, all South Africans were finally able to discard 48 years of Apartheid as a waste of time and energy— forty-something lost years. “The Southern Sudanese have waited 55 years since de-colonisation to shake off their wasted years. By voting and standing in long queues, like us in 1994, and like other Africans through the past decades, they have been able to reclaim their human dignity.” Ms Matsaneng said that when a nation votes for change they not only vote for a change in power but also for education, jobs and development. “In 1994 in South Africa, the prospect of jobs, houses, better service delivery and many other promises excited us. We needed these, especially those who lived in townships and in the rural areas. It did not seem an impossible dream but something that was about to happen, and right away,” she said. But in reality, the excitement of the initial vote has subsided on account of service delivery. “The years have passed and the gaps between the rich and the

poor have got bigger,” Ms Matsaneng said. “Toilets are built without walls. People, especially in rural areas, walk to find water. The poor dig at dumping places to find thrown away food. Children in rural areas walk long distances to reach their schools. ” She said the country’s constitution speaks of the importance of human dignity. “We have voted three more times since 1994 and will vote again this year in municipal elections. “Our dignity comes from voting. But our dignity also comes from living in a society in which there is fairness and equality.” Ms Matsaneng said there was huge importance in voting. She said the hunger for change can work but it needs to continue. “We South Africans were asking for that dignity but I am partly left in desolation. “Did our dignity get lost somewhere? And if so, was it lost on purpose or just by human error?” Ms Matsaneng said the accountability needs to take place and this can only happen through further votes. She said change can only happen if South Africans did as they did before: show they really want it. South Africa’s next opportunity for change and “demonstrations of human dignity” are set to take place later this year. In preparation for this year’s municipal voting, the Independent Electoral Committee, government and political parties are currently encouraging citizens to get their identity books ready for voter registration and the voting.

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Popular centenarian recovers after mild heart attack BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

ELL-known and loved Catholic personality 106year-old Margherita Blaser is recovering after being admitted to hospital after suffering a “mild heart attack”. However, instead of looking and acting her age, Mrs Blaser has amazed the attending hospital staff who “couldn’t believe how well she was at 106. The hospital staff had never attended to anyone of this age!” said her son Fr Emil Blaser OP, executive manager of Veritas Radio. “On Monday night, January 4, my mother was going to bed at about 11pm when she had a mild heart attack and collapsed on the floor. She tried to pull herself around to the phone on the other side of the bed but couldn’t get there. She was too weak, so she slept the night on the floor,” said Fr Blaser. Family members realised something was wrong when Mrs Blaser did not answer the telephone. When she was found Mrs Blaser had been on the floor for more than 12 hours. Fr Blaser said he was amazed that his mother had not broken any bones and had waited patiently with the faith that someone would find her. She was rushed to hospital where tests were conducted. According to the doctors, her vital organs are functioning normally and her main problem is the calcification of some of her arteries – a common ailment of someone of this age. Mrs Blaser has been featured several times in The Southern Cross and has become well known for her various attributes including raising a priest, being a renowned dressmaker and owning one of the top restaurants in Cape Town. A long-standing parishioner at St Ignatius in Claremont, Cape Town, Mrs Blaser has now moved into Nazareth House and has been told by her son that it “was time for others to care for her for a change”.

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Fr Blaser said he wanted her to be in a beautiful place where she had access to all the care she needed. Mrs Blaser has been worried about filling her time. She was a very active parishioner and keen gardener. But Fr Blaser has said it is important that she try be “calm and still for a change” at her new residence. According to Fr Blaser, his mother has made excellent progress and is eating well and walking again. “Her head is as clear as a bell and she is in good shape in the circumstances. She is in excellent spirits and thanks everyone for their concern and prayers. She is deeply grateful to the Nazareth Sisters and their staff for their graciousness and selfless care. She is particularly grateful to Mrs van der Marck, one of the ladies at Nazareth House, who has given up her own room for her,” Fr Blaser said. “My presence for a short while in Cape Town also brought her much joy and comfort. I must say it was not easy saying goodbye this time, seeing her lying there helplessly yet nevertheless as beautiful as she always was,” Fr Blaser said. Fr Blaser added that he was touched by the love and concern of so many of his brethren. “This was a powerful reminder that my mother is your mother and vice versa.”

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

Oblates bid final farewell to parish BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

HE Oblates of Mary Immaculate have bid farewell to St Joseph’s parish in Mayfair, Johannesburg after 118 years of missionary work in the area. Some 24 priests celebrated Mass with Oblate Provincial Fr Terry Barnard and parish priest Fr Tony Bailey on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast of the Oblates and of the Archdiocese

of Johannesburg. Fr Bailey thanked the Oblates for the time spent at the parish. He said it had been a great opportunity to live out his mission among the poor, abandoned and marginalised—the mission which was envisioned by the Oblate Founder St Eugene de Mazenod. The parish is now the responsibility of the archdiocese.

Tangney Special Interest Tours Radio Veritas Pilgrimage Mass was held on February 1 to mark the 14th anniversary of the Choice of Termination bill. Fr Peter-John Pearson said all non-violent acts of opposition to abortion were encouraged as it helps remind the public of their moral conscience. The Mass was attended by school children, members of parliament and pro-life groups. (Photos: Claire Mathieson)

CPLO continues to pressure Abortion Act BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

N the 14 years of its existence, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act has continued to receive opposition in the form of protests and demonstrations, and from the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) which monitors and participates in the parliamentary reviews. According to Fr Peter-John Pearson from the CPLO, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) saw a need for an office to deal with legislation like the so-called “abortion on demand act” and so the CPLO was formed to tackle these issues in parliament. “That legislation spurred on the development of this office. The SACBC wanted an office to engage with that and other issues,” said Fr Pearson. He said the abortion legislation was the initial reason the CPLO came into existence. He said not only is it an important issue in society today, but the legislation is particularly important to the office as it was its first assignment. February 1 saw the 14th anniversary of the legislation being passed and with it a mock funeral procession along the streets of Cape Town for the one million babies suspected to have been lost to abortion since the establishment of the legislation. The funeral procession ended with a protest outside parliament. Fr Pearson said he felt such marches were effective as they were a “reminder that important moral issues cannot be ignored and forgotten”, and to help keep the public’s conscience alive. “I’m always for public demonstrations—they’re a good way of keeping one’s moral issues on the radar screen.” Fr Pearson said there were various ways of objecting to laws being passed. Protesting was one way and the work the CPLO did was another. “The office monitors the parliamentary reviews of regulations which happen every few years,” he said. “Rome has encouraged participation in the parliamentary process. Where you can’t change the law, you should work towards ‘chipping away’ at the issues. This is what the CPLO is working hard at doing.” The CPLO has been involved

Fr Peter-John Pearson of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office. in all the parliamentary reviews on the abortion legislation. “We’ve focused on three areas. “We push to raise the bar on the kind of medical personnel that can perform abortions. The act was moving to make it easier for people to perform abortions. We want to make it harder.” Another area of concern is the matter of a “conscience clause”. “Nurses and doctors would be free to decide whether to participate. It would make it easier for medical practitioners to act according to their consciences and easier for them not to participate,” Fr Pearson explained. A further area of concern was medical facilities. Fr Pearson said the CPLO wants higher standards of medical facilities. If the country is going to allow abortions, these should only be performed in specialised areas, he said. “Very little has changed,” Fr Pearson admitted. “But we will continue chipping away where we can.” Fr Pearson said the CPLO have been pushing for change on issues like the abortion act for the past 14 years and is dedicated to continuing to push for change and to monitor the legislation before parliament.

Holy Land. Jordan. Cairo 6 – 17 September 2011 Led by: Fr Emil Blasser OP ================

St Augustine’s Pilgrimage Holy Land. Jordan. Cairo 5 – 16 November 2011 Led by: Msgr Brendan Deenihan. Accompanied by: Val Tangney ================ Tel: (021) 683 0300 Fax: 086 691 9308 P O Box 273, Rondebosch, 7701 Email: karis@tangneytours.co.za

The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

INTERNATIONAL

Women religious: Educated and active French senate says

no to euthanasia

OMEN entering religious orders today are highly educated and active in parish ministries, according to a new survey released. The results of “The Profession Class of 2010: Survey of Women Religious Professing Perpetual Vows” were released in advance of World Day for Consecrated Life. It was conducted by the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and commissioned by the US bishops’ Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. The survey was sent to sisters represented by the two conferences of religious women in the US—the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious—and to contemplative communities. Respondents represented 52 religious orders. Of the 79 sisters contacted for the survey, 68 responded. The 2010 class of women religious was more diverse by race and ethnicity than the US population of women religious in general. Six in 10 identified themselves as white; one in five as Asian and one in ten as Hispanic, and 6% were AfricanAmerican or African. CARA said in a 2009 study that 94% of all US women religious were white, 2% identified as Asian and 3% were Hispanic. Less than 1% identified themselves as AfricanAmerican or African. Among other findings: -- The average age for new women religious is 43. Women religious making perpetual vows in 2010 ranged between 25 to 62 years of age. ● Eighty-seven percent of the sisters were born Catholic and eight in 10 came from families where both parents are Catholic. ● Although 71% of the new women religious were born in the US, they came from ten different countries of origin. The most popular non-US countries of birth were Mexico (7%), Philippines (4%) and Nigeria (3%). ● Half of responding women religious attended a Catholic elementary school. ● More than 25% earned a degree before entering their religious institute. Nearly six in ten entered religious life with at least a bachelor’s degree. ● Most women religious were active in parish life before entering their religious institute. Four in ten participated in a youth group and three in ten participated in a young adult group. Eighty-five percent had

Sr Lucia Marie Siemering, centre, prepares to sign her vows as she prepares to enter the Dominican Sisters. Pictured with her is Mother Ann Marie Karlovic, the congregation’s prioress general. (Photo: Rick Musacchio, CNS)

ministry experience, most commonly in liturgical ministry, faith formation or social service. ● Half said they were under 18years-old when they first considered a religious vocation; the average age when a vocation was first considered was 20. ● Seventy-five percent of the sisters and nuns regularly participated in retreats before they entered their religious institute. Two-thirds regularly prayed the rosary or participated in eucharistic adoration. Six in ten regularly participated in a faith sharing or Bible study group, or regular spiritual direction. ● Nine in ten women religious said they were encouraged to consider religious life by someone in their life. Of those who reported that they were encouraged to consider a vocation, more than half said they were encouraged by a religious sister. A third of the sisters said they were introduced to their institute by the recommendation of a priest or adviser. ● Even though these women were encouraged by other religious to pursue their vocation, two-thirds of respondents said they were discouraged from considering a vocation, most often by parents or family members.

● Most women religious of the class of 2010 participated in some type of vocation programme or experience prior to entering their religious institute. Most commonly this was a “come and see” experience or a vocation retreat. “We are proud of the vocation, sacred commitment and service that women religious have made in the Church,” said St Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “Making the profession of poverty, chastity and obedience is countercultural,” he said, adding that it requires “courage and fidelity to remain faithful to a religious vocation”. Sister Mary Joanna Ruhland, a Sister of Mercy, who is associate director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, said the study “demonstrates that family life and education are significant in forming children in the spiritual life”. She gave credit to the women religious and priests who served as role models for these new vocations and called the active faith of these new vocations “a tremendous witness to the power of Christ and prayer in the church”.—CNS

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Several bishops spoke against the legislation and urged Catholics to write to their senators. The bishops’ conference president, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris, said a society’s “humanity and quality of civilisation” was measured by its “treatment of the most vulnerable”, adding that he believed there could be “no liberty without respect for the principle of humanity”. “The culture of our country, its history and responsibility toward Europe and the rest of the world, as well as its current fragility, require us to show ethical ambition with courage and enthusiasm,” the cardinal said in an article in the Le Figaro daily. “As Catholics, we would have denied help to a society in danger if we had not denounced this suicidal initiative, after participating for years in a spirit of dialogue in pluralistic debate on these issues,” he said. Doctor-assisted suicides and “mercy killings” were first legalised in the Netherlands in 2001 and have since been allowed under specified conditions in several European countries, including neighbouring Belgium.—CNS

A young woman helps a girl wash her hands in Bel Air, a poor neighbourhood of Port au Prince in Haiti where numerous cases of cholera have been reported as the country struggles to recover one year after a devastating earthquake. (Photo: Paul Jeffrey, CNS)

Pakistan’s bishops seek curbs on extremism to protect freedoms

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HE French Senate has rejected legislation that would have permitted any adult to request a “quick and painless death”. Under the draft Bioethics Law amendment, French citizens would have been entitled to seek medical help to die when “in a terminal state, or with a serious and incurable illness causing physical or psychological pain”. The right would have applied when the pain “cannot be alleviated or is considered unbearable”, enabling doctors to bring about the patient’s death “as the outcome of a deliberate act”. During the senate’s debate on the amendment, Catholic pro-life groups conducted a vigil and protest, during which about 700 people pretended to be dead. In a letter to senate members, the spokesman for the French bishops' conference, Mgr Bernard Podvin, said the idea of “relentless therapy” for the dying repelled French people, but added that “things affecting the most intimate, ultimate and sacred sphere and existential vulnerabilities” should not be legislated on.

HURCH commissions and human rights organisations in Pakistan have called on the government to allow “freedom of conscience and expression” by curbing increasing extremism in the country. “We strongly condemn target killings and judicial ruling on journalists, especially in cases against political workers,” said the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s National Commission for Justice and Peace. “We support the political process without any armed or religious interference. It is imperative to separate religion from state matters.” The commission sponsored a programme in Lahore to discuss concerns about the country’s crippled economy, increasing extremism and a lack of direction to address social ills, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News.

Organisers said 500 people attended the event, with most speakers being politicians. “The prevalent mindset is a major concern for us,” said Hina Jilani, Punjab chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. “Religious parties are using street power for political gains. Instigative fatwas (decrees) are being issued without any check, and TV anchors are highlighting opinions of banned religious outfits.” Christians nationwide observed a day of prayer, fasting and penance after the Pakistani bishops issued a call for peace and unity. More than 40 000 people rallied in Lahore to protest any change in the blasphemy laws, which make insults of the Quran an offence punishable by up to life imprisonment and call for the death penalty for anyone convicted of insulting Mohammed. On the same day, civil soci-

ety groups observed the chehlum—marking 40 days after a death—for the assassinated governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. Mr Taseer was gunned down on January 4 in Islamabad. His bodyguard Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri told police he killed Mr Taseer for criticising the country’s blasphemy laws. Pope Benedict has urged Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws while referring to Mr Taseer’s “tragic murder”. “Many Christians are fearful of a Muslim backlash after the pope’s appeal,” said Franciscan Fr Abid Habib, president of the Major Superiors Leadership Conference of Pakistan, as banners glorifying Mr Qadri still fluttered along the roads of Punjab province. Church leaders have long charged that the blasphemy laws are being abused for personal gain and to harass nonMuslims.—CNS

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

Technology brings Catholics back to confession BY DIANE FREEBY

AN modern technology help strengthen our faith? Some techno-savvy American Catholics from South Bend, Indiana think so. In his message for the 2011 World Communications Day, Pope Benedict said it was not enough to just “proclaim the Gospel through the new media”, but one must also “witness consistently.” The developers of “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, think their product helps people do both. The application, reportedly the only one with an imprimatur, is designed to help people make a better confession. Given in this case by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort WayneSouth Bend, an imprimatur is an official declaration by a Church authority that a book or other printed work may be published. It declares the published work contains nothing offensive to Catholic teaching on faith and morals. Centred on the Ten Commandments, the examination would be different for a young mother than for a teenage boy, for example. The examinations

An iPhone screen displays the confession application from Little iApps developed for mobile devices. “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. (Photo: Little iApps/CNS) were provided by two different priests, the developers said. “You go to the examination of conscience and it literally walks you through, step by step, your confessions as if you’re in

the confessional. “Serving as a kind of digital notebook designed to help people remember the various prayers as well as to list the sins they want to confess, the confession app provides several versions of the act of contrition, including one in Latin. Melanie Williams, a 17-yearold junior at Marian High School in Mishawaka, said going to confession is an important part of her life. A fan of technology, she appreciates the customised examination of conscience. “It makes me evaluate my personal situation in life,” she said, noting how easy it is for her to understand and remember the sins she wants to confess. “My favourite part is definitely the inspirational quote that pops up after you have gone to confession. Each time I feel like it really tells me what I really need to hear at that moment. It is a great motivational tool after a good confession!” In addition to customising each user’s list, everything is password-protected for privacy. “Once you go to confession, all that information is wiped out,” said Mr Kreager. —CNS

Religious call for transparency in northern Congo

ELIGIOUS from the Diocese of Doruma-Dungu have asked the government to quit downplaying the threat posed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the far reaches of northern Congo. They also asked the government to establish a special commission to investigate the murder of Augustinian Sister Jeanne Yengane. The Congolese nun, an ophthalmologist, was the victim of an LRA ambush as she travelled by car toward the village of Ngilima, near Dungu, in the northern part of the coun-

try’s Kasai-Oriental province. “For the love of our people, we can no longer remain silent about the central government’s policy of playing down the gravity of the LRA and its attacks,” said the statement, signed by Bishop Richard Domba Mady of Doruma-Dungu and 38 priests and nuns. The religious said the Congolese and Ugandan governments and the international community maintain a “deliberate and ongoing confusion” regarding those responsible for acts of violence against the civil-

ian population in the remote area. It said the government deliberately attributes the crimes of the LRA to other groups and claims that the LRA in the region numbers only 18 rebel fighters, when they are actually far more numerous. The government also falsely accuses civilians of being spies for the LRA, they said. “The LRA are there. The facts speak for themselves. There have been murders, people wounded and people have disappeared,” they said. —CNS

Pontifical science academy head wins peace prize

OUR Nobel Peace Prize winners, including the new president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, received the Erice “Science for Peace” award. Each year, members of the Switzerland-based World Federation of Scientists select noted

scientists and world leaders who have promoted the use of science and technology for peace. The 2011 awards ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican and was presided over by Antonio Zichichi, president of the World

Federation of Scientists and member of the pontifical academy. Among the award recipients was Nobel laureate Werner Arber, an 81-year-old Swiss microbiologist who was appointed president of the science academy in January. —CNS

Flowers sit on the railway tracks at the former Nazi death camp in Auschwitz, Poland on the 66th anniversary of the camp’s liberation. Hundreds of thousands of Jews and people of other faiths, including Catholics, St Edith Stein and St Maximilian Kolbe, were killed at Auschwitz. (Photo: Kacper Pempel, Reuters, CNS)

Victims of Legionaries of Christ given a voice BY CINDY WOODEN

HE cardinal serving as papal delegate for the Legionaries of Christ has set up a five-man commission to listen to victims of the Legionaries’ founder and present their claims to the order. Members of the “Outreach Commission” will “listen to the people who are requesting a response from the Legionaries of Christ because of Fr Marcial Maciel [Degollado] or in relation to him”, said a notice published on the Legionaries’ website. The commission will “deal only with cases having a direct relation to the person of Fr Maciel. It will not intervene in cases awaiting decisions from civil or ecclesiastical courts,” the notice said. Pope Benedict named Cardinal Velasio De Paolis papal delegate of the Legionaries after it became clear that Fr Maciel, who died in 2008, had fathered children and sexually abused seminarians. Under Pope Benedict’s orders and Cardinal De Paolis’ guidance, the Legionaries of Christ have begun a process of reform and the rewriting of their constitutions. In October, Cardinal De Paolis said

he was forming a commission to rewrite the constitutions, another to handle financial matters and a third “to approach those who in some way put forward claims against the Legion”. The Legionaries’ website— www.legionariesofchrist.org lists a postal address in Rome and an e-mail address for people who want to contact the commission. The members of the Outreach Commission are to write a detailed report on each victim’s statement and present the report to Cardinal De Paolis, who will consult his advisers and “then make decisions about what the Legion of Christ should do in each case”. Legionary Fr Alvaro Corcuera, director general of the order, said the commission’s role is to help the order “continue facing with seriousness and responsibility our recent history as regards Fr Marcial Maciel’s conduct and the implications and consequences it has had on some people”. “Insofar as it is humanly possible, we want to close this chapter in its more painful aspects, seek reconciliation and allow justice and charity to prevail,” Fr Corcuera said.—CNS

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Healthy debate essential

Michael Shackleton

In good conscience

AN Christian morality have any influence to turn South Africa’s materialistic society from its path of protecting the powerful, corrupt and rich, to the path of uplifting the helpless poor, which is a basic tenet of morality? This is the kind of question posed by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, the president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, when he addressed his colleagues in plenary session last month (see front page). He set before them and moral theologians and the faithful at large, the weighty problems of how morality is to be interpreted and exercised among people of religious faith, African tradition and secular ideology. The Church has found that its voice is muffled and often unclear in the public spaces of society. To some extent this is due to the mainstream media which prefers to stick to popular topics and scandals, including scandals in the Church, rather than make any approving comment of what religious figures have to say about morals and the social ills that occur because of moral laxity. Besides, not all Christians see eye to eye on issues such as gay marriage, contraception or euthanasia, and journalists may find a confusion that deters them from researching and reporting. In Southern Africa, and probably elsewhere, morality appears to have been identified with one’s observance of the laws of the land. So, abortion becomes morally good if the law allows it. Also, the idea that might is right is an invitation to politically influential figures to get away with brazenly breaking the law. Archbishop Tlhagale’s remarks are reminiscent of the quest of the Greek philosopher Diogenes the Cynic. Disgusted that the politicians of his time were, what he termed, scoundrels and rascals, like a

CONGRATULATE the effort and expense of Mr Paul Goller to initiate debate and discussion on the thoughts contained in both Bishop Kevin Dowling’s reflections (to a select and confidential group) and the response by our Bishops’ Conference, both published in his full-page advert. Sadly, the only discussion that followed was in the form of an unreserved apology from the good bishop of Rustenburg, who is in no way capable of causing offence to the least or greatest of souls, but rather, is loved and revered as one who spares no pains on himself to be totally at the service of building up, strengthening in faith and char-

Love-filled faith

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However having said that I remain a loyal member of the Holy Mother church and as such I would like clarification from WAC on their stand on two issues most relevant today in this increasingly hostile climate to our faith. Where do they stand on the issue of marriage? Do they support the view that marriage to be Christian as defined in Genesis must always be a union between a man and a woman? Where do they stand on the issue of abortion on demand? Is the life of the unborn child sacred to them? A clear response from them to these most fundamental and relevant issues facing our faith as Christians would be appreciated Aideen Gonlag, St Michaels-onsea, Kwa-Zulu Natal

WAS encouraged to read John Lee’s letter titled, “Encounter the living God” (January 4), suggesting that we “give ourselves more fully to Christ”. He goes on to say that “through evangelisation, the individual will know Jesus Christ personally and pass this on with joy to all those encountered”. He also quotes John 5:39-40, wherein Jesus says: “Yet you refuse to come to me that you may have eternal life.” For those readers who like me fully subscribe to what Mr Lee is saying, I would like to recommend a book translated from French, written in the 1940s and ’50s by a French woman, Gabriella Bossis, who achieved such a relationship with Jesus. She had many conversations with him and was instructed to write them down. Jesus coaches her in building an intimate relationship with him and he gently guides her (and the readers) along the path to a deep love-filled faith in him. More than 20 of my friends and some their friends regard the book as a wonderful aid and companion to achieving exactly what Mr Lee is talking about. The book entitled He and I, has been best seller for 42 years in United States and Canada, according to the Pauline Society of Montreal, Canada. It sells in South Africa for R50. Andre Du Chenne, Johannesburg

Christian humility

HANK you most sincerely for publishing Fr Bram Martijn’s homily: The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly. Obviously the greater you are, the more difficult it is to behave humbly. But why is it obligatory for Christians to behave humbly? St Peter gives the answer: “Be clothed with humility for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourself under the mightty hand of God that he might exalt you in due course”. (1 Peter 5:5,6). Is it not the principal ambition of Christians to be exalted? But exhaltation is subject to two rules— love of God and love of neighbour. The work of the Church is to promote these two rules. Alas how often self glorification is the dominant culture—not humility. SW Norton, Cape Town

‘We are Church’

AGREE with “We are Church” (WAC) (January 12) on a number of issues, for example: their concern at the slow but steady drift towards Triumphalism which would once again lead us to being ruled, “As the gentiles are” (Matt 20:24-48) ie by hierarchical dictates, so dear to certain prelates. Their point is that as yet no meaningful role has been given to women in any significant office in the Church.

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ity, all whom he leads. And thus the debate seems to have been forthwith terminated. Sorry, about that, Mr Goller, because I am convinced that there was absolutely nothing in either Bishop Dowling’s initial statement or the Conference’s measured reply with which anyone could seriously disagree. The one complemented the other. Certainly there was no need for an apology. In today’s climate of diocesan synods, inter-diocesan consultations, a call by our epicopal leadership to invite the laity to pay up R50 million for an up-beat, cuttingedge, state of the art organ of governance (Khanya House) in the spirit of a self-sustaining, self-reliant

true cynic he set out daily in broad sunlight with a lamp in his hand looking for an honest man. The question of honesty is to be found in the same wrapping as the question of morality. The good of morality is experienced most deeply when one becomes aware of one’s conscience. Individuals have the gifts of intelligence and free will. By means of these, personal integrity embraces what is known to be good, true and of moral worth. Vatican II taught that in the depths of his conscience, man detects a law which he does not impose upon himself, but which holds him to obedience. It summons him to love what is morally good and avoid evil. Man has in his heart a law written by God. To obey it is the very dignity of man; according to it he will be judged (Gaudium et spes, 16). To proclaim this profound understanding of morality in the public space would, at first, appear foolhardy because of the profusion of contradictory opinions in that space. However, the questions tabled by Archbishop Tlhagale might be tackled from this direction. He pointed out that the Southern African Church needs a morality to build compassionate human communities, and wonders where are our own moral theologians? With their input the Church can endeavour to re-educate its people in the understanding and exercise of the very basis of moral behaviour: do good and shun evil in private and public life. Added here will have to be role models, high-profile Christians and those of good will who live patently honest lives, because the perception of moral behaviour and personal integrity will be influenced by what others do. The same Vatican II document remarked: “In fidelity to conscience, Christians are joined with the rest of men in the search for truth and for the genuine solutions to the numerous moral problems”

Tony Wyllie & Co.

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.

Celibacy debate

T was with interest that I read the article “New ordinariate for Anglicans” (January 26) as it

Church. I would hope that, as well as a collection of cash from us the laity, there could be a healthy, respectful, mature and spirited exchange of ideas and divergent views on topics that need to be articulated, not only at synods and meetings, but constantly on-going. After all, our bishops’ conference has as its emblem the black and white shield of the Dominican Order; and with it their noble tradition of study and proclamation of Truth (Veritas) in ever new and dynamic ways in whatever circumstances of time and place. Long may the pages of The Southern Cross continue to provide the opportunity for healthy debate and freedom of expression. Angela Barnard, Port Elizabeth seems to be a deviation from the entrenched Catholic order of priesthood. Either a diversion or a sign of a new order? How can someone who is married, because he is from the Anglican Church, be given priestly status whereas a born Catholic must remain celibate? It was mentioned in an article some months ago that countries such as Ireland and Germany can no longer provide enough priests for their own internal usage and this means that a vital source of recruits is no longer available to countries such as South Africa. Countries will have to begin to source their own priests and I believe that if the Catholic Church allowed married priests, like other Christian churches, we could see an increase in ordinations. Is this new dispensation a means of attracting new interest to obtain good qualified priests? Times have no doubt changed since the early Church and even though Rome will remain rigid on this issue, I am convinced that the law will have to be relaxed. The priests entering the order will, married or single, offer the much needed religious guidance and teaching in the same way in which we have become accustomed to. They would also have the luxury and benefit of a wife and family to support them in their work. This is a contentious issue to many, and these will disagree with me, but if it can be allowed with converts, why not open the doors to our own sons and we could be assured of sustained growth? Brian Gouveia, Bloemfontein 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. Please keep letters brief and to the point.

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PERSPECTIVES

Turn your life around

N the gospel of Mark the first recorded words of Jesus are: “This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (1:15). The Greek word for repentance is metanoia. It means to change one’s mind and heart. It might be used to indicate a decision to quit performing a single sinful action or to abandon a harmful attitude in a person’s life. But Jesus’ call to repent is a call to turn one’s entire life around. Whatever life we lived before hearing the Good News of the nearness of God’s kingdom, once we become aware of it, we are to abandon our previous goals, ambitions, desires and pursuits in order to be part of God’s kingdom. Placed at the beginning of the gospel of Mark, the call to repentance is to be understood as implicitly present in all Jesus’ words and actions. When Jesus proclaims a parable about the kingdom of God, those who hear (or read) the parable are to understand that this total repentance is the key that allows entry into God’s kingdom, the realm where God’s will for us always prevails. The great irony in the Gospels is that sinners are far more likely to hear the Good News of the kingdom and repent than those who have dedicated their lives to observing the rules of the law of Moses. Those who see themselves as actively pursuing righteousness (the Pharisees in particular) fail to understand that the radical nature of God’s kingdom requires that even they must repent.

In Luke 5:32, where Jesus says, “I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners”, he is not saying that the righteous have no need to repent. It is the great loss of those who think of themselves as righteous that they can’t hear the call to repentance. The gift of God’s kingdom, which brings with it God’s forgiveness of sins, is only given to those who know they don’t deserve it. This is made abundantly clear in the parable concerning the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk 18:914). It is not only the “righteous” who ignore the call to repentance, however. Just as sinners are more likely to see their need for repentance, so too, the poor are far more likely to surrender their lives to the kingdom than are the rich. “It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mk 10:25). Only repentance sheds one of the cares and concerns that preoccupy the soul. The “things” of this world all too often prevent the life-giving entrance of God into our lives. The more material things we have the harder it is to be centred on spiritual values. This call to radical, life-changing repentance would seem to demand more than anyone, rich or poor, devout or irreverent, could possibly be expected to give. The gospels do in fact tell us that it was too much for many people. The example of one devout, rich young man may well be representative of many others. Having observed the commandments all his life, he comes to

Sacrament of the present moment

DON’T care much for the false comforts of pop psychology with its modern conveniences of hiding your failures just because you want to present a positive attitude to the world. So things such as New Year’s resolutions mean less to me. But I am a stern believer in an examined life. I try to live what Jean Pierre De Caussade called the sacrament of the present moment; the belief that the present moment is a sacrament from God and that self-abandonment to it and its needs is a holy state. The sacrament of the present moment is not quietism as most people wrongly believe. It is not the false inactivity of quietism but a true Christian resignation that is distinct from fatalism. It is a childlike trusting, peaceful abandonment to the guidance of grace, and the Holy Spirit, and is depicted perfectly in Mary’s unquestioning, undoubting submission to the holy will of God. De Caussade says: “The present moment holds infinite riches beyond your wildest dreams but you will only enjoy them to the extent of your faith and love. The more a soul loves, the more it longs, the more it hopes, the more it finds. “The will of God is manifest in each moment, an immense ocean which only the heart fathoms insofar as it overflows

with faith, trust and love.” When looking at one’s book of life, I will admit it is more convenient to do so through our historical calendar—at the end or beginning of the year—and checking if our joys, disappointments, struggles, victories, failures, correspond or tell us something about God’s plans for us. This is to see how we are imprinting ourselves through the time we have been given to live this life. The question is whether, when we look back at the past year, do we bless or we curse it? What is blessed by us in gratitude God accepts and eternalises, and what is cursed means we either have not met God’s demands in our lives, or we have not yet understood them, for God, most of the time, speaks louder through our failings. Karl Rahner counsels us never to think of ourselves as “so ill-willed, bitter, skeptical, gruff, or negative that such thinking transforms itself into a skeptical attitude towards God”. In biblical terms, do not let your failings/sins come between you and God, especially since you’ve been given an open path through our Lord Jesus Christ. The best attitude to adopt is that of St Paul in his seminal letter to the Romans. Know that you are a wretched man: “I do not understand my own behaviour; I do not act as I mean to, but I do things that I hate…for though the will to do what is good is in me, the power to do is

BLIND READERS OF

A contradiction? No. A group of readers has been preparing audio tapes made up of excerpts from The Southern Cross, including Editorials, selected articles, regular features such as Father Nicholas King SJ and Chris Moerdyk, and current affairs in the Church. Anyone wanting to receive tapes as part of this FREE service is invited to contact Ms Veronica Vieyra at “Clareinch”, Union Ave., Pinelands, 7405, or phone 021-532 0661.

The Post Office will deliver and return tapes without charge. Should you know of any interested blind person, please inform them of this free service.

Clifford M Yeary Hearing the Good News

Jesus seeking the way to eternal life. Jesus tells him he needs to sell all that he has, give to the poor, and to come, follow Jesus. He leaves Jesus’ company saddened. His wealth is something he cannot relinquish (Mt 19:16-22). In spite of the apparent all-or-nothing demand Jesus places on his followers, he is popular with the masses. When the religious leaders conspire against him, they are at first fearful of the crowds that swarm around him (Mk 14:2). How can someone who demanded so much from his followers have been so attractive to so many? Jesus’ call to repentance was a call to respond to the even more radical, lifechanging love of God. Jesus himself was the expression of that love, and virtually everything he did and said in his ministry was a sign to everyone that God was coming to his people with forgiveness, healing and festive welcome (Lk 7:18-35). It seems in Jesus’ time, and perhaps in ours as well, it was the poor who felt most deeply their need for God. It was the sinner who felt most bitterly the estrangement from God caused by sin. And it was the poor and the sinful that found in Jesus a welcome from God that drew from them a complete surrender in repentance. n Clifford M Yeary is an associate director of Little Rock Scripture Study in Arkansas. This article was originally published in the Arkansas Catholic, newspaper of the diocese of Little Rock. It is the ninth part of a series of 13 articles that explore the four gospels.

Mphuthumi Ntabeni Pushing Boundaries

not…Who will rescue me from this body doomed to death? God—thanks be to him—through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “The senses, in terror, suddenly cry to the soul, ‘Unhappy one! You have now no resource, you are lost,’ and instantly faith with a stronger voice answers: ‘Keep firm, go on, and fear nothing.’” (De Caussade) God has you covered and all you need is to trust; nourished by faith and love to feed you with unfailing faith. So look back at the past year and bless it, know that it was just another step towards your entry “into the incomprehensible life of God”. Say yes to the plan of God for the coming one, especially when you do not understand. When your book of life is revealed these are going to be moments the saving grace of God found you. Live each moment with the realisation that you are before the face of God, the holy ground that is the present moment which God, in his mercy, eternalises on your behalf. Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

Mgr Paul Nadal Priesthood and Ministry

Sharing a ministry

WOULD like to start this brief series on the priestly and pastoral ministry since Vatican II by giving a brief overview of some of the pastoral developments which have taken place since the council in South Africa, with reference also to the archdiocese of Durban, which I serve as a priest. Prior to Vatican II, Catholic identity and spirituality was given first and foremost in the home and in the many Catholic schools run by the Church. In that spirituality the Mass always took pride of place. There were, however, many other devotional practices—benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to First Fridays in honour of the Sacred Heart, May devotions to Our Lady, strict Lenten fasts, family rosary, and many societies and sodalities which formed us and nourished us spiritually. Vatican II brought about a new vision with many changes. The changes that touched the people most directly were the liturgical changes in the celebration of Mass and the sacraments. Mass was now in the language of the people and the altar faced them. Much was done to introduce the teachings of Vatican II. Here I mention a few. At the national level: l A new catechism, The People of God series, was introduced in 1969. Adapted and translated into 12 indigenous languages, it tries to bring the vision of Vatican II into the religious instruction classroom. l An interdiocesan consultation was held in 1980. After wide consultation (and much to my surprise), the theme that emerged was “Catechetics or Religious Instruction”. In those apartheid years many of us thought it would be social justice and liberation. l In 1989 the bishops launched the pastoral plan with its theme of “Community Serving Humanity”. In the archdiocese of Durban the first ever diocesan synod was held in 1968 (more would take place on a regular basis). The theme that emerged was “Formation”. Bible services or study were introduced and encouraged for the first time. After 1968, the diocesan pastoral council was introduced and parishes were encouraged to create parish pastoral councils. After 1987, the archdiocese of Durban chose the Renew process as its way of implementing the Pastoral Plan. Perhaps the greatest thing to emerge from Renew was the formation of faith-sharing groups. At a diocesan level the Renew process was followed by a three year “Follow Me” process. The last synod was held in 2007with the theme “Evangelisation. Mini parish synods have been held in many parishes. The Synod Implementation Committee in conjunction with the adult formation team has produced material which has concentrated on personal evangelisation. This year the archdiocese will undertake an evaluation of the process and decide on a way forward. How has all that has affected the priestly and pastoral ministry? Without exception all those who have been involved in the emergence of new ministries in the Church—whether it be liturgical ministries, or ministries of religious education, Bible study, spiritual counselling, missionary outreach, visitation of the sick and elderly—will cite the leadership and disposition of the pastor as perhaps the most significant factor in the promotion of ministries. I do not think it an exaggeration to say that the development of pastoral ministries will depend on the judgment, initiative and support of the pastor. That has been my experience in the many years I worked nationally and locally in the field of catechetics and religious education. The development of faith-sharing groups, Small Christian communities and new parish ministries is without doubt one of the most significant developments taking place in parishes today. None of this can happen until priests see their ministry—that is the Church’s ministry—as a shared and collaborative ministry. This must in no way be seen to detract from the different ministries within the total ministry of the Church, that is the ordained and non-ordained ministry of the Church. n This is the first part in Mgr Paul Nadal’s series on the priesthood and ministry.

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

COMMUNITY

Oonah Butcher of St Anthony’s church in Sedgefield, took a group of Pallottine students from Step Aside in George to Botlierskop Game Reserve outside Mossel Bay. (Submitted by Bobbi Morgan- Smith)

Srs Elizabeth Anton, 60, Veronica Tshabalala, 40, and Emmanuela Mokoena, 25, of St Paul’s parish in the Bethlehem diocese, renewed their vows at the celebration of their final profession at Regional House in Reitz. (Submitted by Fr Dikotsi Mofokeng)

Ashaan Lalla and Ronin Saunders received special attention from Aubrey des Fountain, at St Joseph’s Marist College in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Mr Des Fountain, the junior school’s computer teacher, decided to assist staff at the playschool who currently look after 13 new learners. (Submitted by Sheryl Gelderbloem)

on your computer Digital Subscriptions Receive the digital edition of The Southern Cross every week, and access past issues. Subscribe for only R260 a year, wherever in the world you are. Contact subscriptions@scross.co.za Website Discuss articles with other readers on our interactive and regularly updated website: www.scross.co.za Newsletter Receive the weekly Southern Cross’ newsletter with original content, Mass readings and more. Subscribe for free at www.scross.co.za/newsletter-signup/ Facebook Keep up to date with latest updates on The Southern Cross website by becoming a fan on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/ scross-fb)

Grade 12 learners from Assumption Convent School on their retreat at the Bosco Centre in Johannesburg. Pictured with the learners are the Bosco Youth Ministry team. (Submitted by Clarence Watts)

IN FOC US Edited by Nadine Christians

Send photographs, with sender’s name and address on the back, and a SASE to: The Southern Cross, Community Pics, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 or e-mail them to: pics@scross. co.za

FOCUS

The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

Wanted: Single Catholics — can you find them? Finding a partner is hard. Finding a Catholic partner is even harder. CLAIRE MATHIESON delved into the world of Catholic dating to find out why Catholic men and women can’t find each other.

INDING love is a challenge and adding specific prerequisites to your search can make that challenge even greater. The dating game is tricky, but one that young and old will probably experience at one point in in their lives. Even trickier is finding a Catholic partner. But is finding a Catholic partner a matter of luck or the result of hard work and is it worth it? Officially, the Church does not approve of marrying outside of the faith and wants Catholics to date other Catholics. However, according to Toni Rowland from the Family Life Desk at the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference this concept of interfaith marriage is not enforced strongly across the board. She said there was an attitude of “don’t put pressure, they are free to choose” across the country and throughout the world— where the Church is trying to accommodate more people. So, unofficially, there is no real pressure from the Church. While this could be seen to be a good thing —as free choice is always a privilege—some Catholics complain that because there are no dating guidelines there are also no dating opportunities. One parishioner from Our Lady of Mercy in Springs, Johannesburg said she was struggling to find places to meet Catholic men. “Because there’s no pressure from the Church to marry within the Church—most people are finding love outside of the Church. “I don’t mind that too much on principle, but I want to find someone who shares my Catholic values. Unfortunately he’s dating outside of the Church,” the singleton said, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Certain faiths and cultures have become famous for their dedication to helping their members find each other. According to Orli Barnett from Cape Town, there is tremendous pressure on Jewish youth to marry each other. “I think the Jewish community is very small, and close knit, and from my experience it is impor-

tant for many Jews to marry other Jews. The size of the community means assimilation could reduce it even more, and people may be afraid the traditions and culture will fade away.” Another common reason for interfaith marriage is that of understanding. “Some Jews may feel that non-Jews may not understand their very unique culture, age-old traditions and extensive history, their feelings towards Israel and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and even what it’s like to go to a Jewish school, learn Hebrew, go to shul (synagogue), or have a bar mitzvah. For some Jews, these differences are just too vast to make an inter-faith marriage work,” Ms Barnett explained. The same is true for Catholics and their feelings.

imilarly, Muslim singles are expected to marry within the faith and are to raise their children Muslim. Men can marry only Muslim, Christian, or Jewish chaste women. Any children born of the relationship must be raised Muslim. Muslim women can marry only Muslim men. Muhammed Ebrahim, an accountant from Johannesburg said it was vitally important he find a Muslim wife and that the search was not limited to himself: “My family is always on the lookout for potential.” So finding someone within one’s own faith is not uncommon, but locating one can be a challenge. The problem seems to stretch across all ages and regions. There are very few parishes with singles’ evenings and some Southern Cross readers have even gone as far as to place a personal advert in the Classifieds in the hope of finding likeminded people. And why not?

ewer Catholics are attending Catholic schools and Catholic tertiary education is even further limited. The chance of meeting a Catholic high school sweetheart comes down to luck more than arrangement. Jenna Wieden met her boyfriend Emmet Williams at university but the fact that both are Catholic was merely a coincidence. Despite her mother being a devote Catholic, Ms Wieden never felt any pressure. “My mother never gave her opinion when it came to who I chose as a boyfriend. She was always open and was happy with who I wanted to be with as long as I was happy,” she said. This attitude was not a surprise

>ĞŶƚ ŝƐ Ă ƚŝŵĞ ŽĨ ƉƌĂǇĞƌ͕ ƌĞĨůĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƐŝŽŶ >ĞŶƚĞŶ >ŽŶŐŝŶŐƐ ŝƐ ĨŽƌ ^ŵĂůů ŚƌŝƐƚŝĂŶ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ ^ĞĂƐŽŶĂů 'ƌŽƵƉƐ /ŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ZĞĨůĞĐƚŝŽŶ /ƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ^ŝǆ ĨĂŝƚŚͲƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ǁŝƚŚ͗ ^ĐƌŝƉƚƵƌĞ ƌĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞƐ ZĞĨůĞĐƚŝŽŶƐ ^ŚĂƌŝŶŐ YƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ WƌĂǇĞƌƐ

ǆƉůŽƌĞ ŵŽƌĞ ĚĞĞƉůǇ ƚŚĞ >ĞŶƚĞŶ ^ƵŶĚĂǇ ZĞĂĚŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ƐŝŵƉůĞ ĞǀĞƌǇĚĂǇ ůĂŶŐƵĂŐĞ͘ dŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ ǇŽƵ ĐŽƉǇ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƚŚĞ Z E t /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƚŝŽŶĂů EĂƚŝŽŶĂů KĨĨŝĐĞ ďǇ ĞŵĂŝů Ăƚ ƉĚŽΛŝƐĂƚ͘ĐŽ͘ǌĂ͕ Žƌ ďǇ ƉŚŽŶĞ ŽŶ Ϭϰϭ ϯϲϱ Ϯϭϭϳ ŽŽŬƐ ĐŽƐƚ Zϭϱ͕ϬϬ ĞĂĐŚ ƉůƵƐ ƉŽƐƚĂŐĞ͘ ůů ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ ŶŐůŝƐŚ͕ yŚŽƐĂ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŝŬĂĂŶƐ

Catholics Jenna Wieden and Emmet Williams met at university and say their meeting was more luck than plan. While faith was not a major consideration for dating—they feel it will play a big role later on in their relationship. (Photo: Claire Mathieson) as “choice” has always been a part of Ms Wieden’s Catholic life. Despite having attended a Catholic school, interfaith dating was not necessarily encouraged while she was there. Ms Wieden added that she did not feel attending a Catholic school gave her an advantage in finding a partner as “many students weren’t even Catholic or considered converting”. However, she can see that being in a Catholic relationship may be of benefit later on in marriage and family life. This sentiment is shared by Mrs Rowland. “Unity is the goal in marriage and that includes unity in faith and practice of religion,” she said. Mrs Rowland said one of the problems in Catholic dating is that a Catholic culture does not really exist. “In their day-to-day life they wouldn’t meet Catholics who identify themselves as such straight away, the reborn are more outspoken about it.

“I think our culture of not being ‘proudly Catholic’ up front is the main cause.”

he internet is filled with dating sites—some devoted entirely to Catholics. This could be the natural progression of dating on account of the way society communicates today. Alternatively these websites may have been formed due to the need for a place for Catholics to meet. Catholic Friends (www.catholic friends.co.za) offers Catholics an opportunity to meet each other and provides tips and dating guidelines. The website states that their service is solely dedicated to bringing together faithful, practising Catholics and boasts multiple marriages. Often Catholics want to meet people from other parishes, but most complain that it is a difficult task to go to another parish simply to meet other people. Mrs Rowland said there were no or very few diocesan events that bring all groups together that

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have worked well in the past. While some parishes have vibrant and active youth groups, this excludes anyone still single and not considered a “youth.” Mrs Rowland said the lack of Catholic culture also means that people are not “proudly Catholic”. “When all is said and done I think it is the general attitude of Catholics that has the most influence,” she said, pointing out that having a good attitude can go a long way. But she warned people not to be too narrow-minded as it puts others off. It seems that there is no secret to finding Catholic love. The Church wants it but does not push it. The opportunities are limited and not well advertised by parishes and priests, but there are options out there. Dating is hard and dating with specific requirements is even harder. In the long run, according to the experts—if you can find a partner, Catholic marriage could be well worth it.

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FOCUS

The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

Oberammergau: Place of piety and revenue O

F the tens of thousands of people who saw this year’s five-month run of the Oberammergau Passion Play, I believe our group of 45 Southern Cross pilgrims in September was among the privileged few who had just seen the original sites where what was being performed on stage actually happened. Only a couple of days earlier we had walked the Via Dolorosa and celebrated Mass in the church of the Holy Sepulchre, just a few metres from where the cross stood. We had seen the steps on which Jesus actually walked, had Mass as close as can be to the Upper Room, where he instituted the Eucharist, and we visited the Garden of Gethsemane, celebrating Mass at the rock of our Saviour’s agony. With the impressions of these astonishing experiences fresh in our minds, we were at a distinct advantage as we went to see the Passion of Our Lord performed, in a chronological narrative. What did it matter that its cast comprised amateurs in an

Günther Simmermacher The Pilgrim’s Trek obscure rural village in Bavaria, in a language many in the audience didn’t understand (and the thick Bavarian accent of some actors was unintelligble even to German-speakers)? In any event, our tickets came with a bilingual book with the Play’s script. In 1633, at the height of the Reformation, the Black Death was sweeping through the region. The terrified villagers of the small village of Oberammergau promised by way of collective prayer to perform every ten years a Passionsspiel, a play depicting the Passion of Christ, should their hamlet be spared the plague. It was, and on Pentecost the following year the villagers staged their first Passion Play, at the town’s cemetery, where it would be performed until 1815. These days, the pieties in the

play are certainly cemented by the economic benefits. Oberammergau, which is near the winter sports resort of GarmischPartenkirchen, subsist on the revenue of the play and the associated tourism. This year’s run, from May to October, was fully sold out, with two extra performances put on. One day fights broke out at the box office when 300 people came to compete for 40 available tickets. This year half a million people attended 102 performances. Many of these multitudes come from afar, as we did. They must sleep somewhere, eat, drink, buy souvenirs. The whole region around Oberammergau benefits (presumably also Unterammergau, the sibling that is no less picturesque but whose villagers neglected to strike lucrative deals with God). Our group, for example, stayed in two charming inns in nearby Oberau. The package included lunch and dinner—there is a three-hour break in the production—at the Lärchenhügel restaurant, an establishment that defines that elusive German adjective gemütlich. The souvenir shops are plenty, and the village’s world-famous woodcarvings are not all produced in the village. Our guide, Fr Johannes Schuster, advised our group to ensure that carvings we might buy are not made in China. Still, much of the souvenirs are of reasonable quality and price, and the commercialism falls just on the other side of frenzied crassness.

The theatre—partly an amphitheatre—in which the Passion Play is performed every ten years.

ocals say that the revenue from Passion Play years is enough to pay off the municipal debts accumulated over the previous five years. Looking forward to the revenue of the next Passion Play in 2020, the municipality will cheerfully run up debts again. It’s the way things work in Oberammergau, one local told me, and few are complaining. But it would be unjust to dis-

on DStv audio channel 170 & streamed on www.radioveritas.co.za

Tourists walk in Oberammergau. The village subsists on revenue created through its famous Passion Play. (Photos: Günther Simmermacher) miss the Passion Play as a purely commercial exercise. The Catholic faith infuses the air in Oberammergau, as it does throughout the region (most of Germany’s remaining 21 Passion Plays are performed in Bavaria). The sincerity of those who take part should not be doubted. Only locally-born people or longterm residents may act in the play (musicians and members of the chorus may be drawn from surrounding areas). The cast also includes a horse, a donkey, three sheep and, marvellously, two camels.

or the 2 500 villagers who take part (from a population of 5 300), it is a labour of love and, for many, an exercise in evangelisation. There is not much in it for most of them, but the sacrifices are many. Some actors took unpaid leave to take part. Outside the leading roles, the actors don’t earn much (the two actors who play Jesus earned 2 000 euros or R18 000 per month each, but the guy who crucifies Jesus received only 60 euros, or R540). And there are fines for transgressions; laughing on stage, for example costs 3 euros. In return for the modest remuneration, the cast members invest many hours of practice every night from November to the curtainraiser in May. Then there is all the time they stand on stage, or await their sometimes brief

time in the limelight behind the scenes—a time of utter boredom. Many men must change their appearance, growing long hair and beards, by official order of the mayor. The actors who portray Christ, the disciples, the judges of the Sanhedrin all look like hippies, in a region where people don’t tend to look like hippies. Two of these hippies alternate in the role of Jesus. On the night of the performance we attended, Jesus was played by Frederik Mayet (to the delight of one pilgrim from Mpumalanga who shares his surname). Ten years ago, Mayet played the disciple John. Before that he participated in one of the roles for children (this year, 500 kids took part). The other Jesus, Andreas Richter, changed his life for the role, giving up a children’s home he had built. The experience has given him a new understanding of Jesus. “It has made me reflect. Why did Jesus die? For other people,” he told the Munich daily Süddeutsche Zeitung in an interview in September. “It was about love for the other. And what is society mostly about? Money. But what is money against love? Nothing.” n This is the 16th part of Günther Simmermacher’s series on The Southern Cross’ Passion Pilgrimage in September. The series will conclude next week.

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The Southern Cross, February 9 to February 15, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Asking forgiveness

AM writng to ask for forgiveness from all women for what I did to my wife. It doesn’t matter what the problems were—I assaulted my wife and she lost an eye. Although she has said that we divorced three years ago in court, I just leave everything in God’s hands. My Viola, I loved you with all my heart, go well. Please forgive me

for assulting you and your friend. In this time of fighting abuse against women and children I ask God to forgive me and protect my two sons in Zimbabwe. Lastly, I ask God to reunite me with my children, whom I love and who are my blessings from God. Darlington ChiganGo, Pollsmoor Correctional Services Centre

Community Calendar To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 465 5007 or e-mail c.allen@scross.co.za (publication subject to space)

BETHLEHEM: Shrine of Our Lady of Bethlehem at Tsheseng, Maluti mountains; Thursdays 09:30, Mass, then exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. 058 721 0532 CAPE TOWN: Holy Hour to pray for priests of the archdiocese, 2nd Saturday monthly at Villa Maria shrine Kloof Nek Rd, 16:00-17:00. Good Shepherd, Bothasig. Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. All hours. All welcome. Day of Prayer held at Springfield Convent starting at 10.00 ending 15.30 last Saturday of every month—all welcome. For more information contact Jane Hulley 021 790 1668 or 082 783 0331 DURBAN: St Anthony’s, Durban Central: Tuesday

J.M.J

09:00am Mass with novena to St Anthony. First Friday 5.30pm Mass—Divine Mercy novena prayers. Tel: 031 309 3496 JOHANNESBURG: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: first Friday of the month at 09:20 followed by Holy Mass at 10:30. Holy Hour: first Saturday of each month at 15:00. At Our Lady of the Angels, Little Eden, Edenvale. Tel: 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. Tel Shirley-Anne 012 361 4545.

Liturgical Calendar Sun, Feb 13, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sir 15:15-20, Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37 Mon, Feb 14, Ss Cyril, Monk and Methodius Genesis 4:1-15, 25; Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21; Mark 8:11-13 Tues, Feb 15, feria Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Psalm 29: 1-4, 3, 9-10; Mark 8:14-21 Wed, Feb 16, feria Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22; Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19; Mark 8:22-26 Thurs, Feb 17, Seven founders of the Order of Servites Genesis 9:1-13; Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23; Mark 8:27-33 Fri, Feb 18, feria Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 33:10-15; Mark 8:34,9:1 Sat, Feb 19, Sat Mem of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hebrews 11:1-7; Psalm 145:2-5, 10-11; Mark 9:213 Sun, Feb 20, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 1213; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Matthew 5:38-48

Family Reflections 2011 FAMILY THEME: PEACE ON EARTH BEGINS AT HOME”

FEBRUARY—THE POWER OF LOVE AND THE LOVE OF POWER World Marriage Day at the same time as Valentine’s Day highlights the fact that marriage is intended to be the most fulfilling of love relationships, if lived according to God’s plan and in his presence. Every love relationship has its challenges and power struggles, and support is often needed. Constant reconciliation, asking and granting forgiveness for the hurts we cause, is called for in every loving relationship in a family. This is true for the sake of a couple and for the example they give to their children. When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. —Jimi Hendrix

11th Our Lady of Lourdes. Day of Prayer for the Sick. There is much illness around, physical, mental and emotional too. Together pray for those who are sick, for healing and for acceptance and remember how good it is to visit the sick. 13th 6th Sunday of the Year. World Marriage Day. The Law of Christ. This law is not like man-made laws but goes deeper as a law given by love and lived out in love. In the gospel Jesus refers to the need for faithfulness. Marriage relationships should be built on the power of love, not the love of power. Reflect on this and discuss it especially with young people looking to marriage in the future.

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CLASSIFIEDS Births • First Communion • Confirmation • Engagement/Marriage • Wedding anniversary • Ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • In memoriam • Thanks • Prayers • Accommodation • Holiday Accommodation • Personal • Services • Employment • Property • Others Please include payment (R1,15c a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

DEATH DONEGAN—Sr Carmel. Holy Cross Sister, Sr Carmel passed away in Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria on January 30, 2011. Lovingly remembered by her family circle in Ireland, the Holy Cross Sisters and the staff and residents of Holy Cross Home.

IN MEMORIAM BODILL—Arthur Clifford (Cliff) In loving memory of my beloved husband, father and grandfather who left us 3 years ago on the 15.02.08. Deep are the memories, precious they’ll stay, no passing of time, will take them away. Always in our thoughts and prayers and lovingly remembered by Peace, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. DE PALO—Cedric. Born on 14/08/1989 and passed away on 11/02/2010. Always in our hearts our precious child, brother and special friend to many. Daddy, Mummy, Marcia, Peyton and Taniel. HUSKISSON—Claire. Passed away on February 9, 2009. Thank you Claire; for all the love and joy you always showered upon us. You are lovingly remembered by your husband Des and all your children and grandchildren. “So much Love”.

PERSONAL ABORTION WARNING: ‘The Pill’ can abort, undetected, soon after conception (a medical fact). See website: ww.human life.org/abortion_does _the_pill.php LEBANESE Community. The President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union Mr Eid Chidrawi, will be visiting South Africa from April 1 2011 to April 8 2011. Further details contact: Ken 084 783 0726. LOOKING for active business partner, franchise or non-franchise, coffee shop in northern Gauteng area. As soon as possible. Contact Zelia 082 365 9875. TAKE a trip with Access Tours, Cape Town on February 23, 2011, to Sutherland to see South Africa’s largest telescope (SALT) and enjoy a night of stargazing. For further information and bookings call 076 921 1224.

PRAYERS

Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO #431 ACROSS: 5 Cash, 7 Devotional, 8 Sail, 10 Hastened, 11 Eclair, 12 Semite, 14 Addled, 16 Inside, 17 Last drop, 19 Bays, 21 Sacerdotal, 22 Inch. DOWN: Ides, 2 Roll calll, 3 Hither, 4 Enosis, 5 Clue, 6 Seventh day, 9 Archdeacon, 13 Mass Book, 15 Direct, 16 Impart, 18 Tosh, 20 Sole

HOLY St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kins-

man 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. MD 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, pay for us who have recourse to thee (three times) Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times) Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Say this prayer for three days and then publish. MD.

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HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CAPE WEST COAST Yzerfontein: Emmaus on Sea B&B and self-catering. Holy Mass celebrated every Sunday at 6pm. Tel: 022 451 2650. FISH HOEK: Self-catering accommodation, sleeps 4. Secure parking. Tel: 021 785 1247. FISH HOEK: Self-catering holiday accommodation from budget to luxury. Pensioners rate. Tel/fax:021 782 3647, alisona@xsinet.co.za FISH HOEK: Peninsula Fever self-catering, against mountainside overlooking False Bay. Sleeps up to 4 people at

R680 per night. Lounge with sleeper couch, kitchenette, double bedroom, timber deck with sea views. Phone Lizette 084 827 0385 GORDON’S BAY: Beautiful en-suite rooms available at reasonable rates. Magnificent views, breakfast on request. Tel: 082 774 7140. E-mail: bzhive @telkomsa.net HERMANUS: Pleasant getaway. Self-catering double accommodation, comfortable, fully equipped in tranquil church garden. Five minute walk to village centre and seafront. R250 per day, minimum two days. Get one night free for all bookings of three days or more. Phone church office 028 312 2315. (Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am1pm or leave a message and phone number). KNYSNA: Self-catering garden apartment for two in Old Belvidere with wonderful lagoon views. Tel: 044 387 1052. LONDON, PROTEA HOUSE: Underground 2min, Picadilly 20min. Close to River Thames. Self-catering. Single per night R250, twin R400. Email: houseprotea@hot mail.com. Tel 021 851 5200 MARIANELLA Guest House, Simon’s Town: “Come experience the peace and beauty of God with us.” Fully equipped with amazing sea views. Secure parking, ideal for rest and relaxation. Special rates for pensioners and clergy. Tel: Malcolm Salida 082 784 5675 or mjsalida@mweb.co.za STRAND: Beachfront flat to let. Stunning views, fully equipped. Garage, one bedroom, sleeps 3. R450 p/night for 2 people —low season. Phone Brenda 082 822 0607 UMHLANGA ROCKS: Fully equipped self-catering 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, sleeps 6, sea view, 200 metres from beach, DStv. Tel: Holiday Division, 031 561 5838, holidays@light house.co.za

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www.scross.co.za Editor: Günther Simmermacher (editor@scross.co.za)

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7th Sunday February 20 Readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Corinthians 3:1623; Matthew 5:38-48

NE of the most remarkable things about our biblical texts is that we are invited to become like God, in the Old Testament, and, in the New, like Jesus. That is the invitation laid before us by next Sunday’s readings. The first reading has as its centre: “You are to be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” And what does holiness imply? “You are not to hate your brother with your heart...you are not to take revenge or bear a grudge against the children of your people. You are to love your neighbour as yourself.” It is obvious, once you think about it, but we need to think about what it means, this invitation to holiness. The p salm likewise invites us to keep our eyes on God: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and let all that is within me bless God’s holy name.” In particular we are led to see what our God is like: “Who forgives all your sins, and heals all your ills...surrounds you with love and compassion.” And where we might be inclined to explode in rage at those whom we perceive to be “sinners”, God is “slow to anger, rich

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Our dealings with each other Nicholas King SJ Sunday Reflections in mercy...and has not dealt with us as our sins deserve” (just in case you fancy that you are sinless). God is “as a father with his children, so the Lord is merciful on those who fear him”. In the second reading , Paul is dealing with his Corinthians, who have rather gone off the rails because they regard themselves as too “clever” for that sort of thing, and have forgotten that they are “the Temple of God—and the Spirit of God lives among you”. So they must stop trying to steal the advantage over against each other, and recognise that God has given them everything: “Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” We need to remind ourselves of this in our dealings

with each other. In the g ospel for next Sunday, Jesus is continuing his review of the Law; his line is that not only must Christians keep the Law—we must actually be stricter about it than other people. And the reason for that is so that we should become more like God, and more like Jesus. The reading starts with a famous quotation, “eye for eye and tooth for tooth”; we shall do well to remember that originally this was not a command to vengeance, but a reminder that vengeance is to be strictly limited. Jesus restrains our lust for revenge even more severely than in the Old Testament version: “Turn the other cheek...if someone wants your jacket, give them your trousers as well! Give to beggars when they ask you.” He even tells us how we are to deal with the colonialist invaders: “If someone conscripts you to walk one mile, then go two miles with him [of your own accord].” And, just as you are thinking, “this is crazy”, it gets harder: “Love your enemies,

Lenten loopholes E

VERY year around about this time, when my children were still in primary school, there was the inevitable dinner table discussion about who was giving up what for Lent. My sons would try and change the subject and bluster their way out of making any form of commitment. Their younger sister, however, used to annoy them intensely when with enthusiasm and excitement, she would announce that she was once again going to give up nuts and raisins. Which she did with dedication and courage, never once in six weeks allowing a nut or raisin to pass her lips. Thirty years later, just after her first child was born, she and I were sitting in her lounge talking about the old days. She asked me if I was proud of her for producing a grandchild and I replied that I was proud of a lot of things she had done but never so proud as those days when she was not much more than a toddler when, with such determination, she had given up nuts and raisins for Lent. “Oh for heaven’s sake, dad,” she said, “didn’t you ever work it out? I hated nuts and raisins.” My daughter would have got on well with a fellow called John who was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighbourhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling

Conrad

Chris Moerdyk The Last Word a big juicy steak on his braai. Meanwhile, all of his neighbours were eating cold tuna and lettuce for supper. The neighbourhood men got together and decided that something had to be done about John. They decided to try and convert John to Catholicism. They went over and talked to him and before long he decided to become a Catholic. They took him to Church and the priest sprinkled water over him, and said: “You were born a Protestant, you were raised a Protestant, and now you are a Catholic.” The men were so relieved, now their biggest Lenten temptation was resolved. The following year the first Friday of Lent came and just at supper time, when the neighbourhood was sitting down to their tuna and lettuce they were suddenly conscious of the delicious smell of steak cooking on a braai. The neighbourhood men could not believe their noses! What was going on? They went across to John to see if he had forgotten it was the first Friday of Lent. There he was standing over his braai holding a small jug and sprinkling

water over his steak, saying: “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.” But, the most ingenious Lenten dodge of all comes from the Irishman who moves into a tiny hamlet in County Kerry. He walks into the pub and promptly orders three beers. The barman raises his eyebrows, but serves the man three beers, which he drinks quietly at a table, alone. An hour later, the man has finished the three beers and orders three more. This happens yet again. The next evening the man again orders and drinks three beers at a time, several times. Soon the entire town is whispering about the man-who-ordersthree-beers. Finally, a week later, the bartender broaches the subject on behalf of the town. “I don’t mean to pry, but folks around here are wondering why you always order three beers?” “Tis odd, isn’t it?” the man replies. “You see, I have two brothers and one went to America, and the other to Australia. We promised each other that we would always order an extra two beers whenever we drank as a way of keeping up the family bond.” The bartender and the whole town was pleased with this answer, and soon the man-who-orders-three-beers became a local celebrity and source of pride to the hamlet, even to the extent that outof-towners would come to watch him drink. Then, one day, the man came in and ordered only two beers. The bartender poured them with a heavy heart. This continued for the rest of the evening— he ordered only two beers. The word flew around town. Prayers were offered for the soul of one of the brothers. The next day, the bartender said to the man, “Folks around here, me first of all, want to offer condolences to you for the death of your brother. You know— the two beers and all...” The man ponders this for a moment, then replies, “You’ll be happy to hear that my two brothers are alive and well. It’s just that I have decided to give up drinking for Lent.”

and pray for those who are persecuting you.” And why? “So that you may become children of your Father in heaven, because he makes his sun rise on the wicked as well as the good, and his rain fall on the moral as well as the immoral.” So if we are to be like God, we cannot be content to be nice merely to those who are nice to us, or exchange greetings with those who are our brothers and sisters in the faith. Alarmingly, the invitation comes to us to be “perfect, just as your Father, the Heavenly One, is perfect”. You are alarmed at that; but just consider: how has God dealt with you, thus far in your life? What did Jesus do to those who attacked him and stripped him of his clothes and crucified him, and wanted things from him? What was Jesus’ attitude to those whom you or I might class as “immoral” or “wicked”. Think about that this week, and reflect on how you are going to resemble God during the next few days.

Southern Crossword #431

ACROSS 5. You’ll find it in Sunday collection (4) 7. To do with religious practice, and live too (10) 8. Go to sea (4) 10. And these did not take their time (8) 11. Chocolate-topped cake for Claire (6) 12. He’s one of the Jewish people (6) 14. Confused like a rotten egg (6) 16. Kind of job for internal crime (6) 17. Final drink for one about to be hanged? (4,4) 19. Howls at sea inlets (4) 21. Relating to the priesthood (10) 22. Measurement of Winchester cathedral (4)

DOWN 1. March day fatal for Caesar (4) 2. A way to discover who’s present in classroom (4,4) 3. Strike girl towards this place (6) 4. Noses I feature in Cypriot unity (5) 5. A lead for Mr Holmes (4) 6. Jewish sabbath (7,3) 9. Cleric under architectural feature? (10) 13. Missal (4,4) 15. Credit about to be straightforward (6) 16. I’m partially to communicate (6) 18. Nonsense shot about (4) 20. Sounds like fish with no body (4)

Answers on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

SUNDAY school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?” “No,” replied Johnny. “How could he, with just two worms.”