The Southern Cross - 120613

www.scross.co.za

June 13 to June 19, 2012

Power battle behind VatiLeaks?

Page 4

Focus on World Family Day

Pages 8-9

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No 4779

‘There is always something’

Page 12

Motorbike ministry revs up

BY THANDI BOSMAN

T

HE archdiocese of Cape Town now has a motorcycle ministry called Knights of St Christopher, with the motto “He Died For Me…I’ll Ride For Him”.

Our Lady of Fatima parish in Bellville inaugurated the ministry which serves to give pastoral support and Christian fellowship to bikers—and perform charitable works at the same time.

The motorcycle ministry was the brainchild of Bellville’s parish priest Fr Bogdan Buksa, who rides a Kawasaki Vulkan 1500cc bike.

Fr Buksa, who serves as chairman of the Knights of St Christopher, “is a keen motorcyclist and combined his passion for motorcycling with his love for our Lord—the result was the birth of a unique ministry on two wheels”, said founder member Mervyn McLoughlin.

The official patron of the Knights of St Christopher is Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town—who is not believed to be a motorcyclist.

“The Knights of St Christopher is an association for all Christian Riders, Catholic and other,” said Mr McLoughlin. “Its mission is to establish a non-profit, interdenominational Christian organisation, with dedicated Christian riders, both men and women, of the Church and any Christian denomination who share a love of the Lord and a willingness to spread his Gospel.”

As an initiative of the Catholic archdiocese of Cape Town, the Knights of St Christopher transcend parish boundaries, Mr McLoughlin said.

A key element of the ministry is to contribute to the Church’s charitable works.

“The ministry will serve the poor where there is a need and be a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Mr McLoughlin.

The Knights of St Christopher have adopted the Don Bosco Educare Centre in Delft, an impoverished area on the outskirts of Cape Town, as their charity project for the year.

Fr Buksa said that since adopting Don Bosco Educare Centre, the motorcycle ministry has committed itself to raising money throughout the year. Towards the end of the year the group will review with the centre what the pressing needs are and provide for them from the funds that have been raised.

Projects that have already been complet-

Fr Bogdan Buksa, at whose initiative the Knights of St Christopher motorcycle ministry was started, with his motorbike at an outreach in Tulbach. ed include a blanket run for the poor as well as two motorcycle outreach rallies.

The motorcycle ministry is currently organising “a huge Bible run in association with the Bible Society of the Western Cape in order to raise funds for the distribution of Bibles to the underprivileged”, Mr McLoughlin explained.

The seeds for the motorcycle ministry

idea were sown last November, when Fr Buksa realised that there was no motorcycle ministry in the archdiocese. Being a biker himself, Fr Buksa noticed that there were many bikers in the Church and therefore wanted to establish a motorcycle ministry in his parish.

Through the ministry Fr Buksa said that he wants to promote the word of God, promote

road safety and change the image of bikers.

On the last Saturday of every month a Mass will be offered for bikers at Our Lady of Fatima in Bellville at 17:00. The next one will be on June 30. n To join or find out more about the motorcycle ministry, contact Fr Buksa on 073 738 4912 or Mr McLoughlin on 082 5645183 or e-mail bellville.catholic.church@gmail.com

Leading Church historian to speak on Vatican II in SA STAFF REPORTER

O

Pope Benedict holds an AC Milan jersey presented to him by club legend Franco Baresi at the San Siro stadium in Milan during the World Meeting of Families. On the far left is Argentine player Javier Zanetti of Inter MIlan, who brought his family to the stage. See pages 7, 8 and 9 for a round-up of the family day which drew a million people. (Photo: Maria Grazia Picciarella/CNS)

NE of the world’s leading Church historians will visit South Africa this month to deliver talks in Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg.

Alberto Melloni, professor of history of Christianity at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, will address the question: “Who’s afraid of Vatican II?” Prof Melloni is widely regarded as a foremost scholar of the Council, on which he has written several books which have been translated from Italian and published in English, German, French, Russian, Portuguese and Spanish.

He will deliver his talks at the Dominican Priory in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, on June 23 at 11:00, and at St Therese’s Parish Hall in Edenvale, Johannesburg, on June 24 at 14:00. The entrance fee is R20.

Prof Melloni’s lectures are hosted by

Radio Veritas and the Dominican Order.

At least one of them will be recorded for broadcast on Radio Veritas, said station director Fr Emil Blaser OP. Prof Melloni holds the Unesco Chair for Religious Pluralism and Peace, and director of the John XXIII Foundation for Religious Sciences in Bologna. He is a regular contributor to the Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera and frequently appears on Italian television. n For further information please contact Radio Veritas at 011 663-4700 or eblaser@ radioveritas.co.za

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LOCAL

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

Winter Theology to focus on Church in Africa STAFF REPORTER

T

HE Winter Living Theology series of lectures, presented annually by the Jesuit Institute of South Africa, will begin on July 3 in Port Elizabeth and in successive weeks will follow in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.

In this year’s series, the noted African theologian Fr Laurenti Magesa will discuss “The African Church & Contemporary African Reality.”

He will offer a thorough reflection on the Catholic Church in Africa post-Vatican II. “2012 marks 50 years since the opening of the second Vatican Council in Rome in 1962. To begin with, Fr Magesa plans to help his audience to discover how the Catholic Church in Africa was involved in the proceedings of this great council,” said Fr Peter Knox of the Jesuit Institute.

“But perhaps more importantly, he will explore what the influence of the Council has been on the African Church and on society in general during this period.”

The Council encouraged “local churches” to explore their distinctiveness. According to Fr Magesa, “our conversations propose to review the impact of the council on sub-Saharan Africa in relation to some of the most important, prominent and salient social and theological issues facing the region today. These include the persistence of African Religion and its relationship to the official Church, what method is appropriate for Christian mission in changed times, the role of the Church in situations of conflict, the participation of the Church in the search for justice and reconciliation, and so on.”

Said Fr Knox: “The presentations are designed to stimulate discussion and personal reflection, allowing participants to come to their own synthesis of the relevance of the Church in the modern world and the relevance of the modern world to the Church,” n For further information on this year’s Winter Living Theology programme or to book, contact admin@jesuitinstitite.org.za or phone 011 482 4614.

Pentecost celebrated with big event

BY THANDI BOSMAN

T

HE cathedral parish of Christ the King in Johannesburg celebrated Pentecost with an archdiocesan Eucharistic celebration procession with the theme “Believe, Celebrate and Live the Eucharist”.

The celebration was to “awaken in all zeal and love for the Eucharist”.

The celebration was linked to this month’s 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland.

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg led the procession and carried the Blessed Sacrament from the cathedral to the Standard Bank Arena where the Mass was held.

He was joined by about 1 000 people who made their way through the Ellis Park area on foot to join those already seated in the area said Judy Stockill of the Archdiocesan News in Johannesburg.

Archbishop Tlhagale “reminded

J.M.J

the congregation” in his homily “that in the sacrament of confirmation they had received the seal of the Holy Spirit and that the gifts of the Holy Spirit should manifest themselves in the way of life of Christians”.

“The Church should be ‘visible, vocal and present wherever there is suffering’,” the archbishop said.

The archbishop also spoke about Christian unity and “warned that we could only be saved as a community—not as individuals, nor even as individual groups”.

In October this year the Church will see many events such as the Year of Faith, the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the Renew of Africa programme in the archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Mrs Stockill said that the Renew of Africa programme “will be an opportunity for renewal, for deepening catechesis and for embracing our duty knowing full well that God will provide the grace to do so”.

Aids Office visits Witbank and Dundee dioceses STAFF WRITER

T

HE SACBC Aids Office visited Vezokuhle Home Based Care in Hazyview, Witbank diocese, which is funded under the Global Fund Programme.

A meeting was held with the staff and caregivers and some home visits were conducted.

“From the conversations with the patients one could sense the trust and comfort that exists between caregivers and their patients,” said the Aids office’s Nondumiso Jwara.

“Most patients were upbeat and positive, although there were complaints about hospitals being too far away, and able to assist only a certain number of people a day.

This was cited as one of the reasons for patients’ defaulting on treatment when local clinics refer them to hospitals.”

On the following visit a candlelighting service was held in memory of all who have died due to Aids and in celebration of those living positively with HIV. “Vezokuhle received a lot of praise from the clinic nurses for the wonderful work that they are doing in the community, especially that of dispelling stigma,” Ms Jwara said.

Members of the community and nurses alike shared their stories of living positively with HIV openly and encouraged the community to test for HIV and join support groups.

“Some of the patients are living in appalling conditions. It is truly amazing that ‘just one visit by a

STAFF REPORTER

T

HE Family Life Desk of the SACBC organised the third annual Family Leaders Conference at the Pauline Centre in Johannesburg.

Apart from coordinators of most of the recognised family movements, a number of dioceses sent their diocesan family representatives as part of the Desk’s objective of networking with all

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caregiver goes a long way in restoring human dignity’, one patient pointed out,” Ms Jwara said.

The Aids office also visited Newcastle, in the KwaZulu-Natal diocese of Dundee, for a meeting involving the Blaauwbosch Catholic Church Antiretroviral Treatment programme with the Department of Health officials of the Amajuba District.

“Great strides have been made in the collaboration between the Church and the Department of Health in Newcastle,” said Sr Alison Munro OP, director of the Aids office.

Rosary Clinic Blauuwbosch, formerly owned by the Dominican Sisters of Newcastle and now a Department of Health facility, and the Blaauwbosch ARV clinic are

newly integrated as far as patient services are concerned. Rosary Clinic is a primary health clinic and the Aids office supported ARV clinic at Blaauwbosch initiates patients on antiretroviral treatment in the area.

A parkhome formerly utilised by the PEPFAR-funded Blaauwbosch ARV programme at one of the Church satellite treatment centres has been handed over to the Department of Health for HIV Counselling and Testing Services at a taxi rank in Newcastle. Water and electricity connections are being installed and it is expected to be operational in June, Sr Munro said.

Amajuba district has been chosen to pilot National Health Insurance.

Family relationships need a greater commitment

HOT POT PAINT AND HARDWARE

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The SACBC Aids Office visited the dioceses of Witbank and Dundee where they met with locals living with HIV/Aids and their caregivers.

those in the family apostolate.

Christian Brother Michael Burke as the facilitator of the day, led the group through a number of activities.

The objectives of the conference included a study of Africae Munus, the post-synodal exhortation of the second African Synod.

Reports were presented and a particular emphasis on the role of men in families was highlighted.

More effective networking was the

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priority set by those present for the months ahead.

It is clear to all that family relationships and family spirituality need a greater commitment from the Church as a whole, said Toni Rowland, the coordinator of the SACBC Family Life Desk.

The role of the SACBC Family Life Desk in relation to the ministry remains an ongoing area. n For more details contact Toni Rowland on trowland@sacbc.org.za.

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LOCAL

Catholic school principal awarded for job well done

BY CULLEN MACKENZIE

T

HE principal of Holy Family Combined School near Rustenburg, KS Nair, has been awarded a Distinguished Teaching Award by the National Department of Basic Education.

Mr Nair has been the principal of Holy Family since January 2005.

The school is situated in Mogwase, a rural village near the Pilanesburg Game Reserve and Sun City.

“As a leader, I have drawn inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I believe, as Gandhi said ‘you must be the change that you want to see in others,’” Mr Nair said.

Mr Nair said there have been many challenges along the way.

“When I took over in 2005, I realised that the school had the potential to become one of the best in this area, if not in the province. With the cooperation of the school governing body and the parent community, I began addressing some of the challenges.”

Mr Nair focused on learner discipline—punctuality, noise making, lack of respect for some teachers and uniform issues; non-participation in inter-school sports, and other extra activities; and the lack of sports facilities.

“As I look back, I feel satisfied but humbled by the progress that

has been made so far. The school has produced 100% matric pass rate for the last six years due to the highly dedicated and motivated teachers. The level of discipline has also improved tremendously.

Our learners now participate in many extracurricular activities like sports, music, subject Olympiads and science expos,” Mr Nair said.

Holy Family primary school choir took three first positions in 2010 at the provincial level competitions and came in fourth position at the national round in 2011.

In 2010, the FIFA Local Organising Committee built an astro football turf at a cost of over R5 million.

Today the school also enjoys strong partnership with British Council, Charter School in Britain, Anglo Platinum, Northam Platinum, Foundation For Safe South Africa, Youth Zone, Catholic Institute of Education, and Sun International.

“I strongly believe that the school can still go to greater heights. We would like to improve the rate of bachelors pass from 74% to 100%. More sports facilities for tennis, cricket, and hockey are needed. With the support of the parents and the business community, we are confident that sufficient funds can be raised to realise all our dreams,” Mr Nair said.

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

3

Catholic learner debates her way to Tanzania

BY MAURICIO LANGA

W

HEN Nomkhosi Kunene, 17, took part in the Peace Forums debates last year little did she know that her debating skills would be spotted by renowned international personalities.

Nomkhosi, a Grade 12 learner at St Francis’ College in Mariannhill, was one of several pupils who made presentations during the climate conference (COP17) in Durban late last year.

Her presentation caught the attention of members of the United Nations delegation participating in the conference.

As a consequence, Nomkhosi was invited to take part in the Global Network of Religious for Children (GNRC) Fourth Forum in Tanzania, with the KwaZulu-Natal Peace Forum endorsing her selection.

The week-long forum will be attended by young people from all over the world, as well as politicians and religious leaders of different denominations from 65 countries.

St Francis’ College participates in the KZN Peace Forum where various issues of social concern under different themes are discussed.

One of the themes that brought Nomkhosi attention was the theme of Climate Change, which coincided with COP17.

“She was exceptional in her presentation,” said Mrs Glenda Hartel, arts & culture and life orientation teacher at the school.

Nomkhosi said she felt honoured to represent her school and South Africa in Tanzania this month.

Jabulani Nzama, principal of St Francis College in Mariannhill, hands a plane ticket to Nomkhosi Kunene, a Grade 12 learner who was selected to participate in the Global Network of Religious for Children Fourth Forum in Tanzania. (Photo: Mauricio Langa) “I was excited when I got the news, but at the same time it motivated me to want to give more and work hard in order to make a difference so that when I am at the conference they will see what we have been doing in South Africa,” she said.

She flew to Tanzania on June 13 for a week-long conference.

Nomkhosi commended the KZN Peace Forum, saying that participating in it had helped to boost her self-esteem and confidence.

“I would like to encourage other learners to take part in these peace forums because they are very useful. They help us as young people to discuss issues that affect us and society at large,” she said.

Nomkhosi said she was ready to take part meaningfully during the Tanzania meeting. “We will engage

in robust debates around the issues of poverty affecting millions of people all over the world.”

Jabulani Nzama, principal of St Francis’ College, described Nomkhosi’s selection as very important for the school.

“It is milestone achievement for the learner to be part of this international conference in Tanzania, and this will make the people know that there is St Francis College in Mariannhill,” Her selection would be a huge motivation to other learners, Mr Nzama added.

During her stay in Dar-esSalam, Tanzania’s capital, the learner will be given the opportunity to visit many sites of poverty where different religious groups are involved in trying to alleviate the plight of many children.

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Denis Hurley & Keeping Alive the Dream of Vatican II • Mr Paddy Kearney Catholic Social Thought on Two Inseparable Rights: Life and Private Property • Prof Mogabe Ben Ramosa Women, they too have their story: Women's Role in the Church.

• Ms Puleng Segalo A Protestant Perspective on Vatican II + 50 years: An engagement with Dissent • Prof Graham Duncan Climate Justice for All • Ms Elizabeth Mokotong Black Theology • Fr Zaba Mbanjwa, OMI Challenges for the Church Today: a South African Reformed Perspective • Dr Jaco Kruger Conference Fee: The Church: A Safety net?

• Dr Anselm Prior OFM • Two days R325 Interpreting the Council • One day R200 • Dr Judy Coyle For cost of meals, accomodation etc contact: Fr Anselm : 073 220 0234, email:prior.laurence@gmail.com or Nicky Luyckx on Tel/Fax (011) 463 9093 or e-mail nluyckx@icon.co.za

4

INTERNATIONAL

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

New Marxist: Cardinal calls for ‘social market economy’

BY MARK PATTISON

G

ERMAN Cardinal Reinhard Marx has called for a “social market economy” in the wake of the fiscal crisis that has gripped much of Europe over the past year.

In a May 30 talk delivered at Georgetown University in Washington, Cardinal Marx, the archbishop of Munich and Freising, said the economy needed to move “beyond capitalism” in order to be more fair.

He said he was not calling for the abolition of capitalism, noting that capitalism was “an element” in the social market economy he has in mind. But Cardinal Marx suggested that it was the practice of “financial capitalism” in the

era since the tearing down of the Iron Curtain that had brought Europe to its crisis point today.

The cardinal’s talk, “Economic Crisis as an Opportunity for Change”, was delivered at Georgetown’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.

“The revolution of 1989 is one of the prepositions of this crisis,” Cardinal Marx said. “The world became free from communism. As a consequence, it became free for financial capitalism.” One of the ills this form of capitalism wrought, he added, was that it “separated the virtual from the real economy,” giving people “the dream of permanent easy money” without acknowledging “the problem of debts, particularly in Europe”.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx: The economy needs to move “beyond capitalism”. (Photo: Max Rossi, Reuters/CNS) The cardinal, who wrote Das Kapital: A Plea for Man in 2008, is head of the Committee for Social Issues for the German bishops’

St. Pius Pastoral Centre East London

conference and is president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community.

Christianity has its part to play in formulating lessons to be learned, Cardinal Marx said.

“Christianity is the mother tongue of Europe. If you don’t know the mother tongue, you can’t understand.”

Cardinal Marx added: “The Bible is not, in fact, the last word” in coming to terms with the euro zone crisis. “We can make it better. This is very important.”

On the day of judgment, “we will have a new heaven, a new earth,” Cardinal Marx said. “Jesus will ask, ‘Did you make the world a better place while you were on

earth, or did you not?’”

Berkley Center director Thomas Banchoff noted that some in the United States interpret the Catholic social teaching principle of subsidiarity—which holds that decisions or actions should not be made on a higher level when a lower level of competence would suffice—as meaning “keep the government out of it”.

Cardinal Marx replied: “The state is not a bad thing, as Aristotle told his disciples,” nor is the state “unfriendly”. Without the state, he said, “man does not come to the fullest possible life”.

“You cannot navigate the common good only with the assistance of families. It is not possible,” he added.—CNS

Power battle behind VatiLeaks?

BY CINDY WOODEN

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EPENDING on what commentary one reads, recent leaks of internal Vatican memos and private letters to Pope Benedict are the work either of praiseworthy whistle-blowers or criminal moles.

Gianluigi Nuzzi, the Italian journalist who published a book based on dozens of private Vatican documents, said his main source was part of a group of Vatican employees who wanted to “help” Pope Benedict clean up the Church by revealing evidence of corruption, infighting and power struggles.

But Archbishop Angelo Becciu, a top official in the Vatican Secretariat of State, said leaking the material was “behaviour unjustifiable from every point of view”.

Writing in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano after the pope’s personal assistant Paolo Gabriele was arrested on charges of possessing stolen documents, the archbishop insisted that one cannot steal documents and publish them in the name of renewing the Church—“There cannot be a renewal that quashes moral law.”

Pope Benedict himself has voiced regret over the scandal, and affirmed his trust in all those who help him “in silent faithfulness and with a spirit of sacrifice”.

Whatever the motivations of those responsible, leak scandals then and now have been fuelled by the public’s prejudices about the Vatican—the aura of mystery, power and wealth that are much more the stuff of trashy novels than reality.

Of course, an institution so old is bound to have a checquered past, including a fair share of sleaze, influence-peddling and patronage. The Vatican may be the site of more prayer and good works per acre

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State (left) and his predecessor Cardinal Angelo Sodano, now dean of the College of Cardinals, carry palm fronds as they arrive for Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square this year. For years rumours have bubbled around the Vatican over spats between curial officials aligned with the two cardinals. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) than any other state on earth, but it is still run by people. This human factor ensures it’s not heaven on earth.

F

or years, rumours have bubbled around the Vatican about spats between curial officials aligned with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, and those loyal to his predecessor, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, now dean of the College of Cardinals.

Much of the tension supposedly flows from the divergent styles of leadership, organisation and personal relations of two men from very different backgrounds.

Cardinal Sodano and his closest collaborators attended the Vatican’s diplomatic academy and put in time at nunciatures around the world before taking high positions in the Roman Curia. Cardinal Bertone, a Salesian, served as a professor, a diocesan bishop and as secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under

then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger before being named to the top curial post.

According to Mr Nuzzi, the first leaked documents he released back in January illustrated the duel between the Sodano and Bertone blocs.

In several 2011 letters to Cardinal Bertone and Pope Benedict, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who was then secretarygeneral of the Governor’s Office of Vatican City State and is now nuncio to the United States, warned of corruption, abuse of power, a lack of transparency in awarding Vatican contracts and opposition to his efforts to enact financial reforms.

Mr Nuzzi said Archbishop Vigano was part of the Sodano bloc, and that Cardinal Bertone had him transferred to Washington in October 2011 because the archbishop had angered Vatican employees used to spending freely and powerful Italian businessmen used to winning inflated Vatican contracts.—CNS

L’Osservatore gives women glossy treatment

BY CAROL GLATZ

T

HE Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano has launched a monthly insert dedicated to women, aiming to bring greater attention to their important but sometimes neglected role in the Church.

The glossy four-page colour supplement is called “Women, Church, World,” and will run the last Thursday of every month.

The idea was proposed by female journalists at the Vatican newspaper as a way to “widen the coverage of the newspaper of the Holy See” by including more articles on women and the Church, the newspaper said.

The front page will be dedicated to religious or laywomen who

play a critical role in the Church.

In particular, L’Osservatore said, highlighting the work of about 740 000 women religious around the world—compared with only 460 000 priests and men religious—“will also help amend prejudices and preconceived notions about the Catholic Church and its attitude towards women”.

The insert will cover issues dealing with “life and the condition of women, without neglecting ‘hot button’ issues,” such as “procreation, access to culture and emancipation”, the Vatican newspaper said. Like the main newspaper, it will include articles written by non-Catholic authors.

Other regular features will

include articles about women’s spirituality, issues relating to religious life and reviews The debut edition featured a front-page interview with Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement, and a colour cartoon starring “Suor Ultima” or Sister Last, drawn by an illustrator whose repertoire for other outlets includes risque panels featuring scantily clad women.

Other articles describe efforts by religious women to fight human trafficking; the recent discovery that a well-known 18th-century book on spirituality, formerly attributed to a Jesuit priest, was really written by a nun; and an in-depth reflection on St Joan of Arc.—CNS

INTERNATIONAL

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

5

Vatican censures nun over sexual ethics book

BY NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN

T

HE Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has warned that Mercy Sister Margaret Farley’s 2006 book, Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics, contains “erroneous propositions” on homosexual acts, same-sex marriage, masturbation and remarriage after divorce that could cause confusion and “grave harm to the faithful”.

In a notification signed by Cardinal William Levada and approved

by Pope Benedict, the congregation said the book “is not in conformity with the teaching of the Church” and “cannot be used as a valid expression of Catholic teaching, either in counselling and formation, or in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue”.

Sr Farley said in a statement that she feared that the notification “while clear in its conclusions, misrepresents (perhaps unwittingly) the aims of my work and the nature of it as a proposal that might be in service of, not against, the Church and its faithful people”.

“I do not dispute the judgment that some of the positions contained (in the book) are not in accord with current official Catholic teaching,” she said. “In the end, I can only clarify that the book was not intended to be an expression of current official Catholic teaching, nor was it aimed specifically against the teaching. It is of a different genre altogether.”

She said the book “offers contemporary interpretations of traditional meanings for the human body, gender and sexuality” and

“was designed to help people, especially Christians but also others, to think through their questions about human sexuality.”

T

he congregation cited five specific problem areas in Just Love, published by Continuum: • Masturbation: Sr Farley’s view that masturbation “usually does not raise any moral questions at all” and “actually serves relationships rather than hindering them” does not “conform to Catholic teaching...that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action,” the notification said.

• Homosexual acts: Sr Farley writes in the book that “same-sex relationships and activities can be justified according to the same sexual ethic as heterosexual relationships and activities.” But the Vatican said “this opinion is not acceptable” because it fails to distinguish between persons with homosexual tendencies, who must be respected, and homosexual acts, which are “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law”.

• Homosexual unions: Sr Farley says domestic partnerships, civil unions and same-sex marriage can “be important in transforming the hatred, rejection and stigmatisation of gays and lesbians that is still being reinforced by teachings of ‘unnatural’ sex, disordered desire and dangerous love”. But the Vatican said that position “is opposed to the teaching of the magisterium,” which says that “respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions”.

“Legal recognition of homosexual unions or placing them on the same level as marriage would mean not only the approval of deviant behaviour, with the consequence of making it a model in present-day society, but would also obscure basic values which belong to the common inheritance of humanity,” the notification said.

• Indissolubility of marriage: Sr Farley writes that “a marriage commitment is subject to release on the same ultimate grounds that any extremely serious, nearly unconditional, permanent commitment may cease to bind”. But the congregation, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, says love “cannot be an arrangement ‘until further notice’” and marriage requires “an unbreakable union” between the spouses.

• Divorce and remarriage: Although a “residual bond” exists between former spouses, it does not preclude remarriage “any more than the ongoing union between spouses after one of them has died prohibits a second marriage on the part of the one who still lives”, Sr Farley writes in her book. But the Vatican congregation said such a view “contradicts Catholic teaching”, noting that the catechism says those who remarry civilly after a valid first marriage “find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God’s law” and cannot receive Communion “as long as this situation persists”.

The notification seemed to boost sales of Just Love, which in a short time moved from 142 982th place among all titles sold by amazon.com to number 15 on the list of Amazon best-sellers.—CNS

Peacemaking cardinal dies at 80

BY CINDY WOODEN

R

ETIRED Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada Toruño of Guatemala City, credited with helping to end his country’s civil war in the 1990s, died on June 4 at the age of 80.

Pope Benedict, in a condolence message to the archdiocese, said the cardinal had “intensely and generously” served the Church and was committed to the task of new evangelisation.

Cardinal Quezada (pictured left) had been suffering from cancer.

Born in Guatemala City on March 8, 1932, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1956. He was made a bishop in 1972, serving first as auxiliary and later as bish-

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op of Zacapa. He was appointed archbishop of Guatemala City in 2001.

He had played a key role in negotiating an end to the country’s 36-year civil war, serving as mediator in peace talks among leftist guerrillas, the army and Guatemalan government. The negotiations led to an official end of the war in 1996, when the three parties signed sweeping peace accords.

Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 2003.

Cardinal Quezada’s death leaves the College of Cardinals with 209 members, 122 of whom are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave.—CNS

BY DOREEN ABI RAAD

W

ARNING that Lebanon is going through a critical juncture, Maronite Catholic Patriarch Bechara Rai has called for national dialogue to address the security and political situation in the country.

In a homily at Bkerke, near Beirut, the patriarch condemned clashes in the northern coastal city of Tripoli between Sunni groups opposing Syrian President Bashar Assad and Alawites who support the Syrian leader. At least 14 people died and more than 50 were wounded.

Patriarch Rai called upon the Lebanese authorities to take “immediate and wise measures to halt the conflict and reunite the people of Tripoli”.

He stressed that Lebanon is greatly influenced by what is happening in the region.

The patriarch’s remarks follow a late-May statement from the Maronite Council of Bishops, which warned against attempts to drag the country toward “a new war through fuelling sectarian tensions”.

The bishops urged officials to shield the army from political tensions that would harm its credibility and warned against divisions within the country’s military and security institutions.

“Harming its unity will lead

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Lebanon toward a dangerous path,” cautioned the bishops.

They emphasised that “the government’s institutions are the sole [authorities that can] resolve conflicts”.

They said Lebanon’s citizens are entitled to take part in determining the future of their country without placing one faction’s interests above the other.

Lebanon has been plagued by political infighting, even among its Maronite Catholic political parties.

Following a meeting with Patriarch Rai at Bkerke, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati said the tensions in Tripoli “date back several decades, and I call on everyone to practise selfrestraint”.

He maintained that his government is “preserving stability”, saying that through “unity and awareness” Lebanon can prevent a spillover of the Syrian crisis into their country.

Lebanon’s population of nearly 4 million comprises 18 different religions, 12 of which are Christian. While there has been no official census in decades, Christians are thought to represent about 33% of the population.

However, due to instability in the country and the region, Christians have been emigrating in increasing numbers.—CNS

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LEADER PAGE

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor: Günther Simmermacher

Faith amid scandal

I

T was sadly predictable that the media marvelled at the idea that Queen Elizabeth II could attract a million people to her jubilee event earlier this month, but remained silent about the other million people who on the same weekend came to see Pope Benedict, a man of the same age as the queen, in Milan.

The double standard is revealing. Indeed, surely the size of the crowd at the pope’s Mass is the greater story: the leader of a body that has been written off as irrelevant can still attract, and regularly so, as many people as the British head of state on a much-hyped one-off celebration.

Instead of noting another huge turn-out for the pope in secular Europe, the press ran with stories that presented the Vatican in a lurid light. And the sources of these stories are within the Vatican.

The Vatican’s chief exorcist, Fr Gabriele Amorth, a man of strong opinions and not universally admired idiosyncrasies, went public with his suspicion that officials of the Church were complicit in the unsolved 1983 abduction of teenager Emanuela Orlandi, and that other Vatican officials, who are now deceased, were involved in a sex ring responsible for her disappearance.

Even if Fr Amorth’s suspicion are off the mark, we are likely to read more about this case and how it relates to Catholic officials.

Whatever the truth of the case, Fr Amorth’s comment, and the mere idea of such inequity, will have confused Catholics.

At the same time, the VatiLeaks saga goes on. The internal documents that were illegally leaked from the Vatican seem to challenge notions of the Vatican’s incorruptibility.

Moreover, it is becoming increasingly probable that the leaks were orchestrated at a high level—much higher than that of the arrested valet—in what appears to be a power struggle which does little to demonstrate Christian virtue.

Precedent suggests that the story will eventually fade away.

The valet, Paolo Gabriele, will possibly be convicted and some higher ranking protagonists will be discreetly transferred in a bid to maintain their dignity. With

it, specific questions about lapses in financial probity become blurred.

Whichever way the current problems will be resolved, the image of the Vatican, already so damaged by the scandal of clerical abuse and cover-ups, is presently taking strain.

And with that tarnished image comes the possibility that faithful Catholics will become disenchanted with the Catholic Church and look for spiritual alternatives. They may be moved to do so especially if these cases are not addressed before the People of God with full transparency and integrity.

Such Catholics would, however, misunderstand the nature of the Church.

In her article on the VatiLeaks scandal this week, reporter Cindy Wooden rightly points out: “Of course, an institution so old is bound to have a chequered past, including a fair share of sleaze, influence-peddling and patronage. The Vatican may be the site of more prayer and good works per acre than any other state on earth, but it is still run by people. This human factor ensures it’s not heaven on earth.”

As a human institution, the Catholic hierarchy is not immune to inequity and sin.

The divine institution of the Church, however, is the presence of Christ on earth. The salvific mission of the Church cannot be compromised by the personal failings of men, even when such men represent the Church.

Catholics are called to remain on the pilgrim journey with the Church, regardless of how they feel about those who lead it.

Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe, writing in 2010, put it like this: “From the beginning and throughout history, Peter has often been a wobbly rock, a source of scandal, corrupt, and yet this is the one—and his successors—whose task is to hold us together so that we may witness to Christ’s defeat…of sin’s power to divide.”

The People of God may hold the hierarchy to account when its members scandalise them, and offer their forgiveness when asked. But their faith is not in men, and it is not through men that they will be saved, but through Christ in the Church which he founded.

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.

Anne’s legacy JERUSALEM Bible, Popular EdiA tion, circa the 1980s, with a light blue dust cover…the years

have made it kind of tatty, the pages slightly misaligned where some of them have broken away from the spine, slightly grubby from contact with working hands, many worn thin at the corners, with their complement of dog-ears.

Little coloured stickers have been stuck onto some pages, marking passages significant to the owner.

Holy cards, spiritual tracts, bits of paper reside between the pages, adding to their weary bulk and possibly contributing to the spinal damage. A well-used book—not one to grace the shelves of appearanceconscious people. This was Anne’s bible.

The world is full of bibles of every version and edition, each

Christ’s blood shed for all

M

ICHAEL Shackleton’s “Open Door” of May 30 poses the question: “Was Christ’s blood shed for all or many?” The answer, not given, is that Christ shed his blood “for all” and “all” have a chance to receive the forgiveness of their sins.

However, Our Lord said “for many” at the Last Supper because he was referring to the efficacy of his sacrifice which would benefit “many”, and not the sufficiency of his sacrifice, which would be given to “all”.

In the traditional Mass, “for many” has always been used in the words of consecration. In 1973 the wrong “for all” was inserted in the modern Mass.

In 2006, Pope Benedict ordered that the correct “for many” must be used in the modern Mass.

Franko Sokolic, Cape Town

Unity with all?

A

S reported in Padraig Smyth’s article “What the Church teaches on ecumenism” (May 9), one of the Second Vatican Council’s documents, Unitatis Redintegratio, begins with the statement: “The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council.”

Paragraph five continues with the theme on ecumenism: “Jesus puts it clearly: ‘Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift’ (Mt 5:24-25).

So, if there is division in the body of the Church, then we are all

Christian home probably has at least a couple. And I venture to guess that many, many of them are in excellent condition—to the extent that they might even be placed back on the book-seller’s shelf as new, with not much sign of use.

Not so Anne’s bible. When I look at it in its shabbiness and brokenness the others seem sterile, just so much paper printed and bound and churned out by the publishers. They have no charisma, no houding, as our young men once used to say.

They have not been used; their message has not been relayed.

It takes years of devotion and loving use to mould the publisher’s product into a bible like Anne’s. Its condition speaks to us of its owner; it’s a tribute to the type of person she was. You can’t go downtown and buy one like it. And to reproduce one like it you have to walk in the steps of a person like Anne, to

hear the Word of God as she heard it.

In some ways it reminds me of the paintings one sees of an aged person’s hands clasped in prayer—it speaks of Christian devotion, of the love for God. Anne, who passed away last year, was a great lady. Not in the sense of, say, Hilary Clinton or Margaret Thatcher—she was a quiet restrained person who seldom pronounced in public. But she was a committed Christian and held the highest principles of Christianity, which, in spite of her restraint, she was prepared to defend to anyone, anywhere, anytime. She was a good mother, an excellent grandmother, and a devoted and supportive spouse.

Her bible deserves to be kept under glass in memory of the type of person she was. It might also remind us of what we might be.

Cecil Cullen, Alberton, Gauteng

called to be in the front line in working to heal the rift.”

The picture in the article shows Pope Benedict praying alongside leaders of other churches, including Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

Is ecumenism intended only to unite Christian churches that are not part of the Catholic Church?

Does ecumenism exclude individual Catholics who differ with Rome and the curia in its interpretation of Vatican II? I was invited to a lecture at a Methodist church in Cape Town. A celebrated Catholic professor and theologian addressed the meeting and spoke on “The Post-Vatican II Church”. At this meeting, I was surprised to find that I knew most of those present. They were all Catholic. Priests, nuns, theologians, professors, professionals, educators, academics, a former member of parliament, general laity, and so on.

Many were long-serving members of their Catholic churches and dedicated ministers of the word, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and a number serving in other ministries and Church activities.

However, these Catholic folk have been “sent to Coventry”, as it were, by their archbishop and have been told that they cannot meet in their own home, the Catholic Church. They now meet in a nonCatholic church.

Ironically, the Church’s policy of ecumenism strives for unity with this welcoming, non-judgmental, “Christian” Protestant church.

It is my opinion, which I sincerely conclude from my observations, that the archbishop believes that ecumenism does not apply to his

own Catholic flock and that there is no “rift” to “heal”; and therefore his gift is wholly acceptable at the altar he approaches each day.

Tony Meehan, Cape Town

End Hunger

I

N full support of Fr Bonaventure Hinwood’s letter on ending hunger (May 30), I note further that the top 20% of people in the world consume 86% of the world GNP, the next 60% consume 12,5% and the bottom 20% get 1,5%.

The FAO reports that there is enough food produced every year to feed the entire world. Even if there were not, it would simply mean that a large proportion of productive assets are geared towards luxury goods, and worse still, to trillions of dollars spent on arms.

There is enough productive capacity to feed all people. Of the world population of 7 billion some 1 billion are obese and about 1 billion experience regular food insecurity....for some people there is too much food, for some too little.

The late Pope John Paul II stated that future generations will condemn this generation for not feeding the hungry. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk 16:1931) is being enacted on a worldwide scale. Can we afford to turn a blind eye to the hungry?

Fr Pierre Goldie, Cape Town 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.

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PERSPECTIVES

What it was like at the World Day of Families

F

IVE official delegates—Bishop Mpako of Queenstown, Fr Chris Slater of the South African Council of Priests, Jonathan and Joyce Meth of Kokstad’s Family Life Office and myself, representing the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Family Life Desk—as well as Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria in his personal capacity—participated in the 7th World Meeting of Families in Milan.

The event included a three-day theological congress and two days of meetings and celebrations with Pope Benedict.

Some 6 000 delegates from every continent participated in the congress which was presented almost entirely in Italian, with simultaneous translation into the main languages of the world.

Africa was well represented by delegations of couples, priests and bishops from many English and French-speaking countries. Angola also had a large contingent. The Zimbabwean delegation was particularly noticeable because of the clothes of both men and women made from specially designed fabric.

At the Congress the presentations were on topics related to the theme “The Family, Work and Celebration”. There were sociological, spiritual and theological as well as life-related aspects.

Women and work featured strongly.

Where previously in the Church, women were encouraged more strongly to be mothers at home, the present-day reality and difficulties experienced by women, in our regions too, of women choosing and balancing work and family was

repeatedly mentioned.

It was stressed that the family is a universal phenomenon, existing in a variety of forms, with experiences changing over time. The family is a foundation of and resource to society rather than a burden. All sectors of society and the Church are called on to recognise this aspect and provide for the family’s needs in order to allow it to contribute effectively to the human capital that is essential in building a stable society.

Sociological research has revealed that stable families consisting of a married couple and two or more children provide the best outcome for future wellbeing. Building and supporting families in their task is a work of the Church, of society and importantly of families taking this responsibility seriously themselves too.

Pope Benedict leads an evening service with families during the World Meeting of Families in Milan. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS)

Education for freedom

Y

OUTH DAY on June 16 can all too easily be reduced to just another holiday commemorating yet another figure or group engaged in South Africa’s democratisation.

To do this we sell the youth of 1976 short while we praise them, unless we see the critical role of education in the process. For the spark that lit the fuse on June 16, 1976 was education—equal access to good education. Sadly this dream has yet to be realised 36 years later: our education system is a mess, our youth are still short-changed by the system. What can the Church do about it?

Vatican II addressed education at length—catechetics, seminary formation, universities, media literacy and schools.

It drew upon centuries of experience educating at all levels.

Whether we are talking of great universities of Europe founded in the middle ages or primary schools in rural Africa, to catechism classes in inner city parishes, the Catholic Church must be seen as the most comprehensive and long-running educational institution in the whole of human history.

In many ways Catholic religious teaching orders created the modern school system. Moreover, around the time of the Council, in Brazil the most radical new approach to literacy, education for critical political consciousness, was being pioneered by educationist Paulo Freire, helped by mainly young Catholic activists.

The Council’s Decree on Christian Education, Gravissimum Educationis (1965), in its preface welcomed contemporary circumstances that gave rise to renewed commitment by all people to youth and adult education, noting that people who became more conscious of their inherent dignity “are eager to take

an even more active role in social life and especially in the economic and social spheres”. Science, technology and communications made this easier; new experimental methods in education were also welcomed.

As a point of principle, the Council Fathers noted: “It is the duty of the state to ensure that all its citizens have access to an adequate education and are prepared for a proper exercise of their civic rights and duties. The state itself, therefore, should safeguard the rights of children to an adequate education in schools. It should be vigilant about the ability of the teachers and the standard of teaching. It should watch over the health of the pupils and in general promote the work of the schools in its entirety” (6).

W

e can see from this that Vatican II heartily endorsed what we might call a holistic and non-discriminatory approach in public schooling: insisting that none should be discriminated against on ground of race or gender— which would violate “natural rights of the human person”—the Council recognised that education had to address the whole person.

Unhealthy or hungry poor pupils had to be cared for, as much as they had to receive proper academic and civic formation that could make them good productive and well-rounded citizens. Though Freire is never mentioned, the vision was clearly one of education for freedom.

In addition the Council insisted that religious education should be given to young Catholics, both within and outside Catholic schools. While young Catholics should ideally be educated in Catholic schools, they recognised that this was not always possible. In these cases Christian education should be pro-

Toni Rowland

Family Friendly

On the final days the Holy Father arrived. He met with and addressed a variety of groups, from civic authorities to priests and religious of the diocese, and he had an especially meaningful meeting with thousands of newly confirmed youth. As official delegates we were entertained at a concert at the famous La Scala Opera House and shared in prayers in the historical Duomo cathedral.

However the highlights for the families were the Saturday evening “Feast of Testimonies” attended by 350 000 where Pope Benedict interacted with representative families sharing their stories, and the final Mass on Sunday morning in which close on a million people participated, including cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and laity from around the world.

Exquisite music provided by massed choirs and an orchestra contributed to making this Mass a true celebration of being the Church together.

Apart from the restrictive language barrier, this World Meeting of Families for our Southern African delegation a most enriching and joyful experience with a strong challenge to increase our support for all aspects of the pastoral care of families.

Anthony Egan SJ

A Church of Hope and Joy

vided within parishes. In all cases, they added, the first faith formation of children should be at home. The family was the foundation for all faith formation.

Since the Council stressed here and throughout its teachings the priority of justice, the challenge was laid out to Catholic schools everywhere: move away from exclusively educating the rich, get involved with the poor.

Dramatic shifts in Catholic school systems followed Vatican II. Many Catholic teaching orders shifted their focus from educating elites, moving into ghetto schools or devising ways of bringing talented but poor pupils into established institutions.

They also “opened up” in other ways, like admitting non-Catholics and even non-Christians. By the mid-1970s the Church courageously defied apartheid laws and opened all Catholic schools to all races.

Inevitably there was unease, even resistance particularly among parents at elite schools. Conservative Catholics also objected to introduction of justice themes into catechesis programmes.

Others objected bitterly that the introduction of non-Catholics to the schools “watered down” the “Catholic ethos” of schools. Few, however, understood what they meant by “Catholic ethos”, outside some reference to all pupils attending catechism and school Masses!

If, however, we see what happened as the Church practising what the Council preached—opening up the Church in generous engagement with the world— we can see that these changes were in fact a deepening of the “Catholic ethos’.

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

7

Michael Shackleton

Open Door

Do priests preach sound teachings?

In your column of May 2, 2012, you say that authority to preach the Word of God was given

by Christ to his apostles and their successors, the bishops, who mandate this authority to priests and deacons. What is understood by “preaching”? I have heard homilies that contradict the dogmas of the Church. How can we, the flock, take the word of these and others who also write about the our faith?

M R Kolbeck HEN the bishop gives his authority to priests and deacons to proclaim the word of God publicly, he does so knowing that these are men of great faith and theological knowledge. They are deeply conscious of their responsibility to encourage their hearers to become increasingly alert to the divine life given them in baptism and to conduct their lives accordingly.

Preaching therefore must accord with the Church’s clear understanding of God’s word in the person of Christ, in the scriptures and in the Church’s Christ-given mandate to teach all nations. The preacher has to reflect his own enthusiastic acceptance of this by sticking to orthodox doctrines when addressing his hearers.

However the hearers in the congregation are not ignorant of the faith, even if they lack the preacher’s refined knowledge and experience. As you indicate, you know when a preacher contradicts a point of doctrine held jealously by the Church.

Sometimes this is due to a slip of the tongue.

For example, when a priest in his homily repeated the phrase “the human person of Jesus Christ”, I reminded him a while later when we met that Christ is not a human person but a divine person in human nature. He took it well, admitting that his concentration had lapsed a little bit, and joked that I must not think him a heretic.

You can be pretty sure that the preachers in your diocese and elsewhere stick religiously to orthodox doctrine. They have regular meetings with their bishop and in their deaneries where they discuss the state of the diocese and the events of the day.

Preachers explain the mysteries of our faith practice in their own individual ways. Some may have strong emotions that can overflow into personal opinions that might be interpreted as contradicting Church teaching or authority. This, in my experience is rare, but if there is a clear case of a homily expressing open disobedience to this authority, the preacher must be challenged with it.

W

n Send your queries to Open Door, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000; or e-mail: opendoor@scross.co.za; or fax (021) 465 3850. Anonymity can be preserved by arrangement, but questions must be signed, and may be edited for clarity. Only published questions will be answered.

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8

CHURCH

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

Faith builds strong families

The World Meeting of Families drew huge numbers as the presence of Pope Benedict dominated the proceedings.

CAROL GLATZ looks at the pope’s activities during the event.

Despite the jubilant and festive air among participants, the pope and archdiocesan leaders peppered their speeches with reminders of the thousands of people rendered homeless or destitute by a recent series of earthquakes in northern Italy.

The pope called for concrete aid to those in need, assuring victims of his prayers.

The archdiocese announced that a half-billion euro had been collected during the papal visit and would be given in the pope’s name to those hardest hit. The pope’s own charity recently donated a large sum and the pope met personally with a couple who lost their home and were living in tents.

Pope Benedict also hosted a lunch for 100 poor families—about 300 people—who live in Milan, but come from a variety of countries.

A

BOUT one million people from 153 countries braved dawn wake-up calls, shouldered supply-laden backpacks and prodded along sleepy kids to descend on Milan’s Bresso Park to take part in the closing Mass of the VII World Meeting of Families, which gathers every three years to celebrate and help families live out their Christian values.

In his homily, the pope called for church unity, emphasised marriage as between a man and a woman, urged parents to keep the transcendent alive in a world that adores the high-tech over high ideals, and urged kids to respect and love their family.

Because the five-day meeting’s theme was how to balance work demands, family needs and religious celebration, the pope upbraided economic theories that advocate that the best policies, markets and work ethics are those that push the most products and reap the most profit.

“The one-sided logic of sheer utility and maximum profit are not conducive to harmonious development, to the good of the family or to building of a more just society, because it brings in its wake ferocious competition, strong inequalities, degradation of the environment, the race for consumer goods and family tensions,” he said.

Such a “utilitarian mentality”

2012 WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

G

A family approaches Pope Benedict as he leads an evening service during the World Meeting of Families in Milan. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) takes a toll on the family and social relationships “reducing them to a fragile convergence of individual interests and undermining the solidity of the social fabric”, he added.

The pope spent nearly three full days at a variety of events: meeting

local citizens, religious, government and business leaders and Catholic young people and families from around the world.

He was also treated to a concert of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Milan’s famed La Scala opera house.

od, who suffered with humanity and for humanity, made people capable of sharing the suffering of others and of turning that pain into love, he said at La Scala.

He urged faith communities and secular governments at several events to work together for the common good by having people of faith live their values in all areas of life.

The Church offers its teaching and input as a service to society, he said, as he urged governments to be just and guarantee liberty, based on natural law, for everyone “beginning with the right to life of which its deliberate suppression can never be allowed”.

Inside Milan’s monumental Gothic cathedral, the pope met women and men religious, priests,

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seminarians and bishops for a prayer service in the Ambrosian rite.

A religious vocation and one’s personal well-being are not at odds, the pope said, but go hand-in-hand since being a good priest or sister and a happy person both find its source in drawing closer to Christ.

Later that day in Milan’s San Siro football stadium, the pope told some 80 000 boys and girls who were or would be recently confirmed that they, too, can be saints as they let the Holy Spirit guide them to use their talents for the good of the community.

“You are called to great things,” he said, so keep one’s aims high.

Study and work hard, obey one’s parents, help others and be selfless “because egoism is the enemy of joy”.

At an evening vigil marked by testimonies from families all over the world and international music by well-known artists, the pope shared the joys and sufferings of the world’s families.

Five couples and families went up on stage one group at a time to ask the pope a personal question or appeal for advice.

The first, a 7-year-old girl from Vietnam, sat by the pope’s feet, wanting to know what it was like growing up in his home.

Aware of the content of each question beforehand, the pope spoke off-the-cuff, saying even though Germany at the time was suffering from a dictatorship and war, his childhood was “unforgettable” and joyful as their home was always filled with music, faith, love and long walks in the woods. continued on Page 9

CHURCH from Page 8 “To tell you the truth, if I could imagine what it will be like in heaven, I always imagine the time of my youth, of my childhood,” he said.

When a Greek family told the pope about their dire economic situation back home and asked how they could go forward in hope, the pope said words could never convey his sadness for people hit hard by the global economic crisis and the sadness over feeling unable to help.

He criticised the current political state of affairs, saying all political parties have to become more responsible and stop promising things they couldn’t deliver.

Candidates need to see that the votes people invest in them are not votes for the leaders but are a call for them to fight and be responsible for the good of all people, he said.

He said one idea for people to help right away was for more financially stable parishes and families to adopt a struggling family or parish akin to the twin cities initiative.

A Brazilian couple who work with divorced or separated Catholics asked how they can give the people they talk to hope.

The pope acknowledged the huge sense of loss and alienation divorced or remarried Catholics feel when they can no longer receive the sacraments. While preventing a marriage from breaking up is ideal through counselling and accompaniment, parishes can help divorcees still feel part of the community, experiencing the word of God and getting ongoing spiritual guidance, he said.

While they cannot receive the sacrament of the Eucharist, they can experience a spiritual form of Communion, by being united in the body of Christ as Church, he said.

The pope ate lunch together with seven families after the Mass.

They came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Australia, Mexico, the United States, Spain and Milan.

At the closing Mass at Bresso Park, Pope Benedict announced that the next World Meeting of Families in 2015 will be held in the US city of Philadelphia.

The first world meeting was held in Rome in 1994. Since then it has taken place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1997; Rome in 2000; Manila in 2003; Valencia, Spain, in 2006; and Mexico City in 2009. Almost every meeting has drawn more than a million people.

However, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia said the 2015 event for financial reasons will need to be a significantly smaller affair than the enormous gatherings seen since its inception.—CNS

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

9

The South African Neochatechumenal delegation at World Family Day in Milan. (Left) The Furgione and Eckard families with Archbishop William Slattery outside the Duomo cathedral. (Right) Dino Furgione and children, proudly Catholic, proudly South African.

Large families find strength and grace at world family meeting

BY CAROL GLATZ

O

NE thing the Tuncaps and the Wongs have in common, other than attending their first World Meeting of Families with five children each, is they’ve had a lot of people tell them they were crazy.

Paula Wong, 42, said that back home in Coogee, Australia, people at the supermarket often say “I’m so glad I’m not you!” as she pushes her cart with her tousle-haired kids.

Her husband Hendrikus, 45, said his relatives still can’t understand why he would want so many children when his mother grew up poor in Jakarta in a family of ten.

“She didn’t want this for us” because she equates large families with hardship and poverty, Hendrikus said, shaking his head.

Allen Tuncap, 28, said his friends thought he was crazy for taking his wife and five kids from Charleston, South Carolina, to Europe on a shoe-string budget, with no set itinerary, hop-scotching across the Atlantic and Europe by hitching “space available” military family seats on cargo or commercial planes.

He told his wife Janell, “just pack light, bring lots of Pampers and God will take care of the rest”. The

Prison Care and Support Network

ATTORNEYS

l

nappy supply was for 6-month-old Madden, the youngest of their five children. The others are Ethan, 10; Aveah, 6; Tobey, 3; and Elyjah, 2.

Allen, a petty officer in the US Coast Guard, credits lots of planning, prayers to St Rita, packing skills, good friends with good connections and the grace of God for getting his family where they ended up: sitting at the pope’s table during a private luncheon in Milan.

“We were so nervous, we didn’t know how to eat, which fork to use,” said Janell, who still couldn’t believe they were chosen to sit with the pope at his table.

Elyjah and Ethan got up enough courage to go up and speak to the pope after the meal, which consisted of a starter of cured beef slices, followed by Milanese risotto, veal and wild strawberries with custard.

The two kids talked to the pope about school, what their names were “and he said he was going to pray for our family”, Janell said.

Tobey was really shy but finally went up to the pope and hugged him, she said.

The Wongs’ trip was fully sponsored by the archdiocese of Sydney.

While they didn’t have the uncertainty of where they would sleep or when their next plane would take off like the Tuncaps, they had to

NOTARIES

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CONVEYANCERS

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or

P.O Box 17204 WITBANK, 1035 Tel: 013 656 3708 Cell: 082 838 5428 lekgala.m@gmail.com

endure a 26-hour flight.

Twins Madeleine and Michael, 14, Theodore, 12, Catherine, 5, and 5-month-old Laura Philomena, were doing fine in Milan coping with the ten-hour jet lag, Hendrikus said.

Hendrikus and Paula moved to Australia during the Jakarta riots of 1998. He said he left behind a successful career in banking and corporate finance to start from scratch in Australia.

Despite two master’s degrees from Australian schools, he said he still couldn’t find a career that offered economic security. But it’s a Catch-22, he said, because a better paying job would most likely mean missing time with his family, “and I don’t want that”.

“We do our best. Our investment is in the children, not in having a nice car or house, and we have no pension,” he said.

Everything is focused on formation: giving the kids the love and guidance they need to become good men and women some day, not spoiling them with gadgets, he said.

“I used to dream that my kids would become doctors and make money, but not now,” Paula said.

She changed when she read that the true measure of a child’s success is if he tells his parents one day, “Thank

you for all you’ve given and done for me”.

Hendrikus agreed, saying if a strong foundation of values is laid down for their children, “they will work hard and everything else will follow”.

The Tuncaps said they came to the world meeting to “get graces” and inspiration for raising good kids, especially in a culture that doesn’t always promote or respect what is best for humanity.

“We are on the front lines right now” against a culture that lacks respect for human dignity and life, said Allen.

He said their oldest, Ethan, is like “a lab rat for our parenting skills”— how they live their lives and raise their children will either “keep him in the faith or let him be derailed.

So if we don’t get our graces now, then one, two, three, four, five lives suffer,” he said giving a head count of his kids.

Allen said that after reading Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae (On Human Life), Pope John Paul II’s theology of the body, and Pope Benedict’s encyclical on charity Deus Caritas Est, he was amazed that “these guys never married but they understand love so deeply”.—CNS

10

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

COMMUNITY

Some 300 guests attended this year’s Ball of HOPE in Cape Town, which also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce in South Africa. Live entertainment was arranged by Adolf Thelen of Songscape Productions and song and dance performances by the Holy Cross Convent Primary School in Brooklyn. Retired Archbishop Lawrence Henry, diplomatic representatives, Deputy Mayor Ian Neilson, business representatives, private sponsors, friends and supporters of HOPE joined in to improve the lives of many children and their families in the Western Cape. All proceeds of the evening went to the HOPE Cape Town Association, which was founded in 2001 by the German-speaking Catholic community of the Cape Peninsula, under the guidance of Fr Stefan Hippler, to provide treatment, counselling and training for children and adults infected and affected by HIV & Aids. Pictured are HOPE staff and volunteers with Fr Hippler and Anja Tambusso-Ferraz, regional representative of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The president of The International Women’s Club 2012, Giovanne Sartos, and other members visited the Women In Need (WIN) Playhouse run by Catholic Welfare and Development in Salt River, Cape Town, to share their time with the children and brought them toiletries to take home.

WIN Playhouse cares for homeless and refugee children during the day for safety. The organisation prepares preschoolers for school and looks after pupils in the afternoon school before the children go back to their families at night.

(Submitted by Clara Madzinga)

Norah Pape, the retiring Sacristan of the Holy Redeemer parish in East London, with Fr Robert Kamangu and Reuben Radloff who encourages parishioners to buys The Southern Cross. (Submitted by Mervyn Gatcke)

The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Durban North had a fundraising cake sale with the proceeds going towards pyjamas for children at Just Us 4 Children, an organisation that fights child abuse. (From left) Carol Borodinsky and Nicky Hardwick (both from Just Us 4 Children), Anna Accolla, Pauline Leclezio, Tottie Bremner and Pauline Lotter. All members of the CWL of Our Lady of Fatima parish.

Society of St Vincent de Paul members and volunteers from St Dominic parish in Hillcrest, Durban, packed food parcels for under-privileged families in the area.

(Submitted by Robynne Lott)

The

Souther n Cross

HOLY STONES, LIVING STONES PILGRIMAGE TO

HOLY LAND • ROME • ASSISI • CAIRO 27 September - 11 October 2013 with

BISHOP JOE SANDRI MCCJ

Join The Southern Cross and the Bishop of Witbank on a special pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Meet with local Christians – the Living Stones – before travelling to Rome to see the Pope and to Assisi to see original relics of St Francis and St Clare.

HOLY LAND: Jerusalem (with Via Dolorosa). Bethlehem. Nazareth. Cana (with an opportunity to renew marriage vows). Mount of Beatitudes. Capernaum. Boatride on the Sea of Galilee. Mount Tabor. Jordan River. Ein Kerem. Dead Sea, and much more.

ITALY: Rome with PAPAL AUDIENCE, the four major basilicas (including Mass in St Peter’s), catacombs, ancient sites. Assisi and the beautiful Rieti Valley, where St Francis lived and invented the Christmas crib.

CAIRO: Pyramids. Sphinx. Nile Dinner cruise.

Estimated price: R 29 300 (incl. airport taxes, subject to currency fluctuations)

FOR FULL ITINERARY OR TO BOOK: Gail at 076 352 3809 or Fax 021 465 3850 or e-mail info@fowlertours.co.za www.scross.co.za/pilgrimage-2013 or www.fowlertours.co.za

The Southern Cross, June 13 to June 19, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Fr Ian Laurenson OFM

F

RANCISCAN Father Ian Laurenson, who served the parish of Holy Rosary Church in Dundee and was a provincial of his order, died on April 1. He was 77.

Fr Laurenson was born Robert Laurenson in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 14, 1934. On September 6, 1951 he became a Franciscan novice, taking the name Ian. He was ordained a priest on March 22, 1958, and a year later was sent to offer his services in South Africa, where he remained until his death.

Fr Laurenson’s first post was at Ss Peter and Paul parish in Newcastle which would become the diocese of Dundee. During his time in Newcastle, he promoted the Boy Scout Movement in Northern Natal. Later Fr Laurenson became the parish priest of Christ the King in Evander, KwaZulu-Natal.

Fr Laurenson was known to be good with administration. In 1968 when, Mgr Marius Banks OFM was appointed prefect apostolic of Volksrust (later the diocese of Dundee), Fr Laurenson became secretary and bursar to the prefecture.

When Fr Laurenson worked in the parish of Holy Rosary, Dundee, he helped with the Boy Scout Movement as well as with the diocese. He also saw to the building of the curial house and offices in Dundee as well as the present cathedral church.

After Bishop Michael Paschal Rowland OFM was appointed to head the diocese of Dundee in 1983, Fr Laurenson worked as the diocesan secretary for a short time. He then left to become a full-time army chaplain in Bloemfontein.

After leaving the army chaplaincy he became secretary and bursar of the Franciscan province

Community Calendar

To place your event, call Lara Moses at 021 465 5007 or e-mail l.moses@scross.co.za (publication subject to space)

CAPE TOWN: Helpers of God’s Precious Infants meet every last Saurday of the month except in December, starting with Mass at 9:30 am at the Salesians Institue Community Chapel in Somerset Road, Cape Town. Mass will be followed by a vigil and procession to Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Bree Street. For further information contact Colette

Thomas on 083 412 4836 or 021 593 9875 or Br Daniel Manuel on 083 544 3375 JOHANNESBURG: Rosary at Marie Stopes clinic, Peter Place, Sandton. First Saturday of every month, 10:30-12:00. Also Gandhi Square, Main Rd. Third Saturday of every month, 10:30-12:00. Tel: Joan 011 782-4331

Day of Reflection on the Eucharist

by Mgr Paul Nadal

June 30 from 9.00 – 16.00 St Peter’s Church, 360 Mahatma Ghandi Road, Point.

Tel/Fax: 031 337 5676 stpeterspoint@telkomsa.net

11

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 (R1,15 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

PERSONAL

of South Africa and moved to Pretoria, working in the parish of Maria Regina in Lyttleton. He was in charge of the national office of the Lenten Appeal for a while, later going to Durban and then Ladysmith as Franciscan provincial secretary and bursar.

After falling seriously ill he underwent treatment and spent his last days in Nazareth House, Pretoria.

Fr Graham Bouwer OFM

Liturgical Calendar Year B

ABORTION is murder Silence on this issue is not golden, it’s yellow!

ABORTION WARNING: ‘The Pill’ can abort, swiftly and undetected. It clinically makes the womb inhospitable to, and reject those early ‘accidental’ conceptions (new lives) which sometimes occur while using it. (Medical facts stated in its pamphlet) CAN YOU be silent on abortion and walk with God? Matthew 7:21 See www.180movie.com

PRAYERS

Weekdays Year 2

Sunday, June 17, Eleventh Sunday Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, Mark 4:26-34 Monday, June 18, feria 1 Kings 21:1-16, Psalm 5:2-3, 5-7, Matthew 5:38-42 Tuesday, June 19, feria 1 Kings 21:17-29, Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16, Matthew 5:4348 Wednesday, June 20, feria 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Psalm 31:20-21, 24, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday, June 21, St Aloysius Gonzaga Sirach 48:1-15, Psalm 97:1-7, Matthew 6:7-15 Friday, June 22, feria 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20, Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18, Matthew 6:19-23 Saturday, June 23, feria 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34, Matthew 6:24-34 Sunday, June 24, Birth of St John the Baptist Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80

Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO #502. ACROSS: 5 Alms, 7 Urbi et orbi, 8 Thud, 10 Blissful, 11 Agency, 12 Graces, 14 Pauses, 16 Posits, 17 Advocate, 19 Roll, 21 Archimedes, 22 Hymn.

DOWN: 1 Suit, 2 Findings, 3 Stubby, 4 Frying, 5 Airs, 6 Monumental, 9 High and dry, 13 Asserted, 15 Starch, 16 Prefix, 18 Oman, 20 List.

HOLY ST JUDE, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make

your name known and publish this prayer. Amen.

L and A.

ACCOMMODATION

CAPE TOWN: Cape Peninsula Beautiful homes to buy or rent. Maggi-Mae 082 892 4502, AIDA Cape Lifestyle Homes, 021 782 9263 maggimae@aida capelifestyle.co.za

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

LONDON: Protea House: Single per night R300, twin R480. Self-catering, busses and underground nearby.

Phone Peter 0044 208 7484834.

BALLITO: Up-market penthouse on beach, self-catering. 084 790 6562.

FISH HOEK: Self-catering accommodation, sleeps 4.

Secure parking. Tel: 021 785 1247.

GORDON’S BAY: Beautiful en-suite rooms available at reasonable rates. Magnificent views, breakfast on request. Tel: 082 774 7140. bzhive@telkomsa.net KNYSNA: Self-catering accommodation for 2 in Old Belvidere with wonderful Lagoon views. 044 387 1052.

KZN SOUTH COAST: Honeywood: Luxury chalets & The Cellar boutique restaurant. 7 x 4-sleeper luxury chalets. Quiet urban forest retreat opposite Sea Park Catholic Church. Ideal for retreats & holidays www.honeywoodsa.co.za honeywood@honey woodsa.co.za Tel 039 695

50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

1036 Fax 086 585 0746.

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 SEDGEFIELD: Beautiful self-catering garden flat sleeps four, two bedrooms, open-plan lounge, kitchen, fully equipped. 5min walk to lagoon. Contact 082 900 6282.

STRAND: Beachfront flat to let. Stunning views, fully equipped. Garage, one bedroom, sleeps 3-4. R450 p/night for 2 people-low season. Phone Brenda 082 822 0607

RETREATS

PLETTENBERG BAY: Sat Chit Anand Interfaith Spiritual Retreat Centre.

Make space in your life for Spirit. Enjoy a peaceful holiday with optional meditation, mass, theology classes, yoga. Interfaith chapel, library, and healing centre. Self-catering cottages. Priests stay free.

See www.satchitanand.co.za for more info, Phone 044 533 0453 or email satchi tanand@global.co.za

To advertise in this space call Elizabeth Hutton 021 465 5007 or e-mail advertis ing@scross.co.za

Word of the Week

Anaphora: The Eucharistic Prayer.

Application: The prayer of thanksgiving and consecration which is the heart and summit of the celebration of the Mass.

Ursulines of the Blessed Virgin Mary We are the Ursulines of the Blessed Virgin Mary, called to serve Christ through education of girls, women and servants, pastoral and social work.

Do you feel God’s call? Join us.

Contact Vocation directress: Ursuline Sisters PO Box 36 Ngqeleni 5140 Cell: 072 958 2111 OR Box 212 Libode 5160 Tel: 047 555 0018

NOAH OLD AGE HOMES

We can use your old clothing, bric-a-brac, furniture and books for our shop which is opening soon.

Help us to create an avenue to generate much needed funds for our work with the elderly.

Contact Ian Veary on 021 447 6334 www.noah.org.za

Community Notice

Turffontein Catholic Church Holy Family parish is building a New Wall of Rembrance and would like to relocate the existing Memorial Plaques to the new wall and garden.Families of these deceased parishioners are asked to contact the Parish on 011 434 0206 asap.

Fr Duncan Tsoke, Priest in Charge, 078 479 2781

WATHEN Clifford & Iris (nØe Theron) celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on 23rd June, 2012.

Congratulations from their sister Dorothy.

Tony Wyllie & Co. Catholic Funeral Home

Personal and Dignified 24-hour service 469 Voortrekker Rd, Maitland Tel: 021 593 8820 48 Main Rd, Muizenberg Tel: 021 788 3728 Member of the NFDA

PO Box 2372, CAPE TOWN, 8000 Tel: (021) 465 5007 Fax: (021) 465 3850

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NEW FOR 2012

CHRIST THE KING BUTTERWORTH PILGRIMAGE 28 September to 6 October 2012

Visiting VATICAN CITY, ROME AND ASSISI Organised and led by Rev Fr Sonwabiso Zilindile Cost from R16720

Tel: (031) 266 7702 Fax: (031) 266 8982 Email: judyeichhorst@telkomsa.net

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Published independently by the Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Company Ltd, Cape Town

Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, staff or directors of The Southern Cross.

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John the Baptist’s Birthday: June 24 Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 139: 1-3, 1315, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66

M

ARY and John the Baptist are the only saints who have more than one feast-day, and John the Baptist is the only person apart from Jesus and his mother whose birthday is celebrated by the Church.

That is presumably because of his indispensable role in the history of our salvation, which culminates in a brutal death, the fruit of a drunken oath, and an old man’s fascination for a young dancing-girl. But always remember, you who read these words, that this could also be your story.

The first reading for the feast is the second of the “Songs of the Suffering Servant” from the poet whom we call Isaiah of Babylon; it fits John the Baptist beautifully, with the sense that God “from the womb called me, from my mother’s womb he mentioned my name”. Then he offers some military metaphors: “sword, arrow, quiver”, before making it clear what the vocation is: “You are my servant Israel, in whom I shall be glorified.”

Meanwhile the prophet has (and has it not happened to you?) been in despair about his vocation: “I said, it is in vain that I have laboured, my strength all spent.”

Then he hears God opening up, and knows what his job is: “For Jacob to return to him,

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It’s all about God

Nicholas King SJ

Sunday Reflections

and Israel to be gathered to him—and I shall be glorified in the eyes of the Lord my God.” Finally, the vocation expands even further; it is not just a mission to the people of Israel, but also “a light to the nations, for my salvation to be at the ends of the earth”. Is this the tale of your vocation?

The psalm for next Sunday is appropriately uncomfortable for someone like John the Baptist (or even yourself). “Lord you probe me and you know me”, it starts, “you know my sitting down and my getting up”.

But it is not a “big brother” feeling this, the sense that you cannot move a muscle without God knowing about it, but a much more confident sense of God’s benevolent power; it is God, after all, who brought the psalmist into existence “for you formed my inmost being, you knitted me [a reassuringly homely metaphor] in the womb”.

The psalmist is grateful, not irritable, at God’s omnipresence: “My bones are not hidden from you; when I was made in secret, moulded in the depths of the earth.”

So far, there has been nothing, you will have noticed, about John the Baptist, whose birthday we are celebrating. That is, of course, because all saints’ days are really part of the story of what God does in the lives of human beings.

Nor is the second reading really about John; notice instead what it is about. The setting is the first of Paul’s many sermons in the course of Acts of the Apostles; he is, characteristically enough, in a synagogue, and tracing out how Jesus is the culmination of God’s dealing with Israel, how David had succeeded Saul, and how David’s offspring was Jesus (rather a large leap, this, over a millennium of the history of God’s people) “a Saviour for Israel”.

Now at last John comes into the matter, but only as someone who points to what God is up to: “He had proclaimed in advance, ahead of his entry, a baptism of repentance for the entire people of Israel.” We are invited to see John (“when he had fulfilled his run”), not as the Messiah, but as a forerunner: “Look! There is one coming after me, of

There is always something!

A

FRIEND of mine jokingly says that when she dies she wants this epitaph on her gravestone: “There was always something!”

And there always is! All of us appreciate her frustration. Invariably, there’s always something, big or small, that casts a shadow and somehow keeps us from fully entering the present moment and appreciating its richness.

There is always some anxiety, some worry about something that we should have done or should be doing, some unpaid bill, some concern about what we need to face tomorrow, some lingering heartache, some concern about our health or the health of another, some hurt that is still burning, or some longing for someone who is absent that mitigates our joy.

There’s always something, some loss, some hurt, some anxiety, some bitterness, some jealousy, some obsession, or some headache, that is forever draining the present moment of its joy.

Fr Henri Nouwen once gave a very simple, poignant expression to this: “Our life,” he wrote, “is a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. There is a quality of sadness that pervades all the moments of our life.

It seems that there is no such thing as a clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness.

“In every satisfaction, there is an awareness of limitations. In every success, there is the fear of jealousy. Behind every smile, there is a tear. In every embrace,

Classic Conrad

They are adamant we accept a gay couple!

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final Reflection

there is loneliness. In every friendship, there is distance. And in all forms of light, there is the knowledge of surrounding darkness.”

There’s always something!

Jesus had his own way of expressing this. There is an incident recorded in the gospels wherein Peter approaches Jesus and asks him what reward a disciple will receive for following him. Jesus replies that anyone who gives up father, mother, spouse, children, house, or land in order to be his disciple will receive these back (mothers, spouses, children, houses, lands) one hundred times over. But then he adds a rather unwelcome clause: “Though not without tribulation.”

There will always be something—some stress, some jealousy, some persecution— which can wipe out both the recognition and the enjoyment of the hundredfold.

In effect, what Jesus is saying is that we can have everything—and enjoy nothing! Why? Because there will always be something impaling itself into the present moment that can cause us to lose perspective and thus lose the richness and joy inside of our own lives.

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus specifies what that something often is, namely, jeal-

ousy. We can have everything and enjoy nothing because we are jealous of what other people have. How true.

How often do we denigrate our own lives and talents, failing to see and savour their richness, because we would like to be someone else, someone rich and famous, someone set apart? Our lives are rich, but we are not content within them because we would want what someone else has.

There is a rich literature today, both within religious and secular circles, that tries to challenge us to not let our anxieties, heartaches, jealousies, and worries block us from entering fully into the present moment.

Most of that literature is good since it formulates the right challenge. Sometimes, however, some of these authors give us the impression that, if you focus your attention and work hard at a few techniques, this is an easy thing to do.

It’s not! Entering into the present moment, truly entering it without being waylaid by our own heartaches and headaches, is one of the most difficult psychological and spiritual tasks in all of life.

Our lives are rich, and that is true for all of us, not just for the rich and famous.

At the height of his fame, the poet Rainer Marie Rilke received a letter from a young man, complaining that he wanted to be a poet but was handicapped because he lived in a small town where nothing exciting or noteworthy ever happened.

Rilke wrote back, telling him that if his life seemed poor to him then he probably wasn’t a poet after all because he couldn’t pick up the riches of his own life.

Every person’s experience is the stuff of poetry. There are no lives that aren’t rich; but most of us are blocked from entering into the richness of our own lives and can never appreciate the hundredfold...because there’s always something.

The challenge is to be present to the richness inside of our own lives, and that means learning to celebrate the temporary, the imperfect. That means learning how to go to the great banquet that lies at the heart of life, even while our lives are not yet fully healthy and complete.

And part of that means accepting too how difficult this is, enjoying the times when we do get there, forgiving ourselves for mostly falling short, and having an epitaph engraved for ourselves that reads: There was always something!

whom I am not fit to undo the sandal of his feet.”

Sadly, though, no one listened to John, and Jesus was condemned to death under Pilate, “and when they had completed all the things that had been written about him, they took him down from the cross and put him in a tomb”.

Then comes the denouement, which alone makes sense of our lives, and of Jesus’ life, and of the life of John the Baptist: “God raised him from the dead.” Paul then lists the evidence, people who knew him well, and takes the story back into the history of Israel: “Our gospel to you is the promise that came to the ancestors”, and quotes Psalm 2 (unusually identified as such) in support, making it clear that Jesus is the descendant promised to David.

And so to the g osp el, which is indeed about John the Baptist; or is it? Read it through carefully before next Sunday, and I think that you will notice that it is a story all about God: God’s great mercy, the robust response of John’s mother, and the liberation of Zechariah from being unable to speak; and so we are left breathlessly wondering with the neighbours: “What is this child going to turn out to be?”, and the evangelist’s comment: “For the hand of the Lord was with him” reminds us that John’s story is at one level the story of God, and at another level our own story. Read it, this week, as your own.

Southern Crossword #502

ACROSS

5. They’re given to help the poor (4) 7. Pope’s Roman blessing, local and general (4,2,4) 8. Heavy object may fall with it (4) 10. Happy state of newlyweds (8) 11. Business that provides news (6) 12. Lends honour by your presence (6) 14. In the sermon, these could be dramatic (6) 16. Stops, I realise and puts forward (6) 17. Holy Spirit, the barrister (8) 19. Call for who’s present for bread (4) 21. Original Eureka man (10) 22. It’s in the book in the pew (4)

DOWN

1. Set of clothes for playing cards (4) 2. Discoveries judge makes in court (8) 3. Short, like your used cheque-book (6) 4. We hear the friar cooking breakfast (6) 5. Broadcasts (4) 6. Like a memorial of great importance (10) 9. How Noah’s ark was left (4,3,3) 13. Declared: Dress, eat! (8) 15. Carbohydrate in the laundry (6) 16. Does it repair the word early? (6) 18. Land among the Romans of Arabia (4) 20. Catalogue of leaning tower? (4) Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

T

he parish priest visited a very sick millionaire in hospital. As they were talking, the priest suggested that the man make a donation to the Church in the form of a stained-glass window in atonement for his sins. He promised to allow the man to inscribe on the bottom of the window anything he liked. This perpetual memorial would cost R50 000, which was not much for this wealthy man.

At this point the doctor walked in and presented the hospital bill of R400 000 for caring for the patient for only two months.

On seeing the amount the patient almost had a stroke. Realising the end was near the sick man made out both cheques. He then told the priest to inscribe beneath the window: “In honour of Patrick Murphy, who died like Christ...between two thieves.”

Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.