The Southern Cross - 120711

www.scross.co.za

July 11 to July 17, 2012

Funeral dispute: Can priest refuse an undertaker?

Page 7

What to sing at Mass, and how to do it

Page 10

R6,00 (incl VAT RSA)

Reg No. 1920/002058/06

No 4783

Jesus’ birthplace now a World Heritage Site

Page 5

Churches full for Bosco relics

BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

C

HURCHES have been packed as the relics of St John Bosco, founder of the Salesian order, travelled around Southern Africa.

The relics of the Italian saint, who lived from 1815-88, visited Salesian communities in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho as part of a world tour of the relics to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the saint’s birth and 150 years since the founding of the Salesian order.

The right palm of the saint, covered by a vestment, is contained in a glass casket, mounted on a large wood and aluminium cart, holding a life-size wax replica of the saint’s body.

The display weighs almost 2 000kg and measures about 2,4m in length, 90cm in width and 1,2m in height.

Fr Alberto Villalba SDB said the tour had been very successful with people from both Salesian environments and beyond visiting the relics.

“The churches have been full,” said the Salesians’ delegate for youth ministry and social communications.

The relics arrived in the country on July 1 in Johannesburg, where Robertsham, Ennerdale and Johannesburg cathedral parishes played host to the Salesian tour.

The relics also visited the Don Bosco Centre, a youth initiative, where “learners gave the relics a good reception”, Fr Villalba said. “It was amazing to see people singing and dancing and welcoming the relics,” he added.

Two newly ordained Salesian priests, Frs Joseph Nguyen Thoi and Peter Nguyen Hieu, said their Thanksgiving Masses in the presence of the relics. The relics were also visited by various African communities, church groups and the Salesian sisters who were on their annual retreat.

“Many people came from many different places. The churches were packed, so it was not only those involved in the Salesian environment,” Fr Villalba said.

“For the whole Salesian family, this tour was very important because we are celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of our founder’s birth.” Since the relics have already visited more than 80 countries, Fr Villalba said their presence is a blessing.

“We can see Don Bosco and we can let Don Bosco see how his community has grown in 150 years.”

Fr Villalba called the visit a renewal of Salesian spirituality. “To have Don Bosco here, to see his casket, to know that this is something that connects our community—it was a deeply spiritual experience.

This tour has touched many people,” he said.

“To see people crying, touching the casket, young and old coming together and praying and asking for a special blessing— it has been very moving,” the Salesian priest told The Southern Cross.

The relics also spent time in Swaziland, Lesotho, and were scheduled to come to Cape Town from July 10-15, visiting the parishes of Lansdowne, Delft, Hanover Park, and Westridge, as well as the Salesian Institute in Green Point. They will depart on July 16 for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

The world tour, which began on April 25, 2009, will end in Turin in 2014. The bicentennial of St John Bosco’s birth in Castelnuovo D’Asti, near Turin, will be celebrated with events in 2015.

In 2009 Pope Benedict agreed, at the request of the Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, the Salesian rector superior, to grant plenary indulgences to those who make a pilgrimage to see and pray before the relics on their global pilgrimage.

The Salesians of Don Bosco were founded in 1854. Now the third-largest missionary congregation in the world, the Salesians have 34 000 priests and sisters working in 128 countries.

The order came to South Africa in 1896, and is represented in the Western Cape and Gauteng, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Olympic rings mounted on a barge on the River Thames are seen in front of the Tower of London. London is hosting the summer Olympic Games from July 27 to August 12. See pages 8-9 for a tour, in photos and text, of London’s greatest Catholic landmarks. (Photo: Andrew Winning, Reuters/CNS)

Bishop of two dioceses dies at 74

BY CLAIRE MATHIESON

O

NLY a few months after retiring due to ill health, Bishop Mogale Paul Nkhumishe of Polokwane died on June 29 at age 74.

Born the second child of a family of 12 children in Nylstroom, Limpopo, Bishop Mogale was brought up by his grandparents.

In 1957, he entered St Theresa Roma Minor Seminary in Lesotho where he matriculated before moving to St Peter’s seminary in Hammanskraal. Ten years later, he was ordained a priest by the same man who had baptised and confirmed him, Bishop Clemens Van Hoeck of Pietersburg.

As a priest, Bishop Nkumishe served the parish of Doornspruit and later Seshego, and served the diocese of Pietersburg as vocations director where he was said to have attracted many young men to the priestly vocation.

Fr Jeremiah Masela, apostolic administrator of Polokwane, as Pietersburg diocese was renamed in 2009, said the late bishops’ passion for local vocations remained a priority throughout his life. “He was always very near to seminarians.”

Bishop Nkhumishe was also dedicated to faith formation and education of the diocese’s youth. “He was a pastorally minded man. He had a passion for serving the people and empowering them to become active in the life of the Church,” said Fr Masela.

The last photo of Bishop Nkumishe in public.

(Photo: Mathibela Sebothoma) In 1981 Bishop Nkumishe was appointed auxiliary bishop of Lydenburg-Witbank, and on February 14, 1984 he was consecrated as the diocese’s bishop. He served there for almost 16 years until his transfer to his home diocese to succeed retired Bishop Fulgence Le Roy. Bishop Nkumishe thus became the diocese’s first black, locally-born and non-Benedictine ordinary.

Bishop Nkumishe was installed as bishop of Polokwane on June 4, 2000, serving it until Pope Benedict accepted his resignation due to ill health in December 2011.

Fr Masela described Bishop Nkumishe as being passionate about building the local Church, which “he dedicated his life to”.

Pope to visit Lebanon in September

BY FRANCIS X ROCCA

P

Pilgrims touch the casket containing the wax effigy and relics of St John Bosco at All Saints church in Ennerdale, Johannesburg. The relics of the 19th-century Italian founder of the Salesian order have toured the world since 2009. It is expected to conclude in the saint’s hometown of Turin, Italy, in 2014.

OPE Benedict will present a papal document addressing the church’s concerns in the Middle East, meet with representatives of local Christian and Muslim communities, and address political and cultural leaders on a three-day visit to Lebanon from September 14-16.

Pope Benedict’s primary task on the trip will be to present a document, called an apostolic exhortation, based on the deliberations of a special synod of bishops held at the Vatican in 2009.

That two-week meeting, which was attended by 185 bishops, most of them from the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with the Holy See, focused on the precarious circumstances of 5,7 million Catholics in 16 Middle Eastern countries.

A document released by participants at

the end of the synod called for “religious freedom and freedom of conscience” in Muslim lands, a theme Pope Benedict is likely to address on his visit.

Pope Benedict has called on the international community to end the Syrian conflict, and told Catholics from the Middle East that he prayed Mary would “watch over the upcoming trip that—if it pleases God—I will make to Lebanon” in September.

The pope will visit St Paul’s basilica in Harissa where he will sign the post-synodal apostolic exhortation.

In Bkerke the pope will meet with young people in the square outside of the Maronite patriarch’s residence.

In Beirut Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass and present the apostolic exhortation for the Middle East at the Beirut City Centre Waterfront.—CNS

2

LOCAL

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

Lessons learnt in Aids fight New PE home for STAFF REPORTER

T

HE SACBC Aids Office participated in a conference hosted by the German Episcopal Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The conference presented the findings of research conducted by the Institute for Global Church and Mission of the Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology at Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt, on the commitment of the Catholic Church in Africa in the field of HIV and Aids.

Institutions collaborating in the research were Missio Aachen and the Medical Mission Institute, Würzburg, and partners in five dioceses in Zambia, Malawi and Ethiopia. Four bishops, including one from Germany, participated in the proceedings.

The SACBC Aids Office hosted a visit of German bishops to South Africa in 2006, and an exposure dialogue programme involving German parliamentarians and Church agencies in 2010, and has a long-standing working relationship with the Medical Mission Institute.

The office’s director, Sr Alison Munro OP, presented a paper on HIV testing and recommended policies for dioceses and religious congregations, a topic that bore relevance to findings of the research in the three countries.

“The Catholic Church forms less than 1% of the estimated 90 million people of Ethiopia, but is a forerunner in health services, many of which were initiated by religious congregations and are now community-supported,” Sr Munro said.

“Sexual patterns vary in different parts of the country, with fewer arranged marriages and less polygamy than in the past, but there are concerns related to military presence in some areas, human trafficking, the transmission of HIV between discordant married/stable couples, and the increased mobility of students.

HIV continues to spread, with stigma still an issue though it is decreasing in some areas. The loss of traditional values rather than HIV is sometimes perceived as the problem. Decreased international donor support is a major concern,” she noted.

Zambia has a population of 13 million, 3,42 million of them Catholics, and 14,3% of the country is HIV-positive. Malawi has a population of 13 million, 80% of them Christian, including a million Catholics.

“Traditional customary practices, early marriage in some areas and witchcraft are some of the major challenges. People often follow the most convenient message, not necessarily the Church’s teaching,” Sr Munro said. Stigma and

late disclosure of HIV status remain problematic, she added.

“From an ethical perspective, caring for the sick and marginalised is a moral duty, with the person at the centre and the protection of life paramount,” Sr Munro said. “HIV is not God’s punishment, but a complex reality on various levels, demanding complex answers within different contexts.”

She listed some questions which require reflection: How are ethics applied to real life? How can charity be transformed into justice? How can gender roles be transformed? How does the Church embrace an African ethics, recognising the principles of life, liberation, inclusion, faith and moral relevance? Can we do a new theological appraisal of human sexuality, giving real guidance to individuals and putting reflection into practical action?

The conference proposed follow-up work for the dioceses in the three countries to strengthen the Church’s commitment to its Gospel mandate: in capacity building on all levels for pastoral agents; in ongoing development of north-south, and south-south relations; in work on moral and ethical reflection and praxis, and in the pastoral arena.

The completed research report is to be published by the end of 2012.

A four-day training session for Justice&Peace (J&P) chaplains and coordinators was held in Johannesburg diocese.

Twelve chaplains and 17 coordinators from 19 dioceses attended. It was the first time such a training session has been held in response to a need for the diocesan leaders of J&P to acquire effective leadership skills.

The training focused on different styles of theological and practical leadership, communication skills needed for advocacy, fundraising skills and particular advocacy needed to address land injustices. (Submitted by Fr Mike Deeb OP)

ORFORD

CONSTRUCTION

ESTABLISHED 1982

Professional Supervision

Project Management Specialists in:

New Houses • Renovations • Alterations • Additions • Painting • Plumbing

• Property Management and Care For Advice call Julian Orford B.Sc. (Civ.Eng) Tel: (021) 794 5552 Fax: (021) 794 7088 Cell: 082 493 0563 E-mail: orford@mweb.co.za www.orfordconstruction.co.za

PO Box 11095, Mariannhill 3624

NOVEMBER 9 - 11 Search for Life by Fr Pierre Lavoipierre NOVEMBER 23 - 25 Mary, the Mother, has the message by Deacon Tony de Freitas

DECEMBER 7 - 16 8-Day directed retreats by Fr Urs Fischer and Br Crispin Graham DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 1, 2013

A SPIRITUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY:

Praying constantly, bring your faith to life

by Fr Urs Fischer

Personally guided retreats may be arranged at any time throughout the year to suit individual need.

Reception: Fr Urs Fischer Fax

Cellphones: 083 9633848 083 5441504 082 7307180 Email: monretreat@saol.com

031 700 2155 031 700 2890 031 700 2738

Fr Urs Fischer Bro Crispin Mrs N Qupa

Alzheimer’s patients STAFF REPORTER

P

ORT Elizabeth’s Nazareth House, a home for the frail, aged and needy founded by the Sisters of Nazareth, has answered the call of the community to open a facility that will care specifically for patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

St Joseph’s Home will be an extension of the current Frail Care Centre in Upper Dickens Street in the diocese.

“Under the guidance of the Sisters of Nazareth, St Joseph’s Home will be a sanctuary for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and will offer our residents 24-hour care,” said Nazareth House manager Judy Boland.

The 43-room facility single rooms will have 24-hour professional nursing care and will accommodate a high carer-to-resident ratio.

“An occupational therapist will be devising programmes to provide activities for socialising and entertainment, to aid and improve rehabilitation of neuro-psychological deficits including memory and attention as well as motor function, sensory function and interpersonal skills,” said Ms Boland.

The home also has a social worker

who is available to assist with resident applications, family assistance, counselling and grants.

Ms Boland said Nazareth House has been in operation in Port Elizabeth since 1889 and it was the home’s goal to answer the call to care for the elderly and needy.

“The Nazareth Sisters have opened several homes in Southern Africa over the years, with their care based on the values of love, respect, compassion, hospitality, patience and justice,” Ms Boland said. The home was built with a Christian ethos and will be under the supervision of Sister Superior Illtyd McCarthy.

Ms Boland said there is a need for such a facility in the diocese and with the support of the Alzheimer’s Association in Port Elizabeth, the home’s staff will be trained on an ongoing basis.

“Several of our staff have already attended various workshops which provide employees with information about warning signs, types of dementia, statistics, symptoms and stages, practical management of patients, implementing and the running of stimulation groups. n For further information contact St Joseph’s Home social worker, Miempie van Wyk on miempie@nazareth housepe.co.za or 041 373 1948.

Celebrate Madiba by volunteering STAFF REPORTER

I

N celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday on July 18, South Africans are encouraged to serve their communities for 67 minutes, the number of years the former president served the country.

St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg, will open its doors to those wanting to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday in this way. Volunteers can choose to entertain, play and feed the children or visit and spend time with the adult patients.

“Some volunteers will bring

cake and snacks for the patients,” said the centre’s Cynthia Dicks, adding that the patients will greatly benefit from the interaction and attention they received.

But it’s not only the patients that will benefit. “Volunteering, visiting and the giving of time to orphans and the terminally ill, enlightens the person to the plight of others less fortunate,” Ms Dicks said.

And for those who will not be able to donate their time, the home has called for donations of R67.

To book your time at the home contact 011 894 4151 ext109

LOCAL

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

3

Conference on spiritual direction in Africa STAFF REPORTER

T

HE first ever conference on spiritual direction in an African context has been held in Johannesburg.

A joint initiative of the Jesuit Institute South Africa and St Augustine College, South Africa’s Catholic University, the conference brought together 150 participants from several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya, and many Christian denominations. Some travelled from as far as the United States and India specifically to be part of the conference.

Speakers and participants made it clear that spiritual direction is no longer reserved for priests and religious but is a ministry into which God has called many lay people.

The opening evening began with a liturgy of light asking God’s blessing on the work of the conference. Liz Ellmann, head of Spiritual Directors International, gave the opening lecture, allowing participants to situate the African focus of the conference in relation to the trends in spiritual direction happening globally.

“The first two days of the conference comprised academic papers which helped us [participants] to think about how spiritual direction might be done differently in an African context,” said Annemarie Paulin-Campbell, director of the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality.

Keynote speakers included Professor Raymond Mosha and Fr Festo Mkenda SJ of Tanzania. Prof Mosha spoke about the interconnectedness of all life in traditional

African culture and suggested replacing the name “spiritual direction” with “life direction”.

Fr Mkenda said there is a need for spiritual directors to be “cultural translators”, able to understand the language of the culture of the people they are working with in order to “translate” images and metaphors of the spiritual exercises in ways which resonate with people’s lived experience.

Three lay women from the Jesuit Institute Puleng Matsaneng, Frances Correia and Dr PaulinCampbell, offered five new possible models of spiritual direction in the South African context and advocated the importance of faith history story-telling as a process of healing the wounds of Apartheid.

The importance of hospitality as a model for spiritual direction was highlighted by Carolyn Butler

of the Centre for Christian Spirituality in Cape Town, while Marilyn Naidoo, professor of theology at UNISA, spoke of the Iviyo group process of the Anglican Church in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Professor Susan Rakoczy, a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflected on the particular needs of women both as directors and directees. “This opened up some stimulating discussion,” said Dr Paulin-Campbell.

Srs Ann Wigley OP and Tshifhiwa Munzhedzi OP presented a paper about spiritual direction as one way towards healing and forgiveness and as a critical resource for the transformation of our society.

“Some important themes which emerged from these and other speakers included group approaches to spiritual direction; the need

for healing both individually and within society; and the importance of telling one’s story,” said Dr Paulin-Campbell.

The conference ended with a recapitulation by Sr Judy Coyle of St Augustine College and a guided reflection on the conference asking God’s blessing on the important work that lies ahead now for spiritual directors.

“It is our hope that the conference will stimulate more conversation and practical exploration of how we can develop spiritual direction ‘our own African way’,” said Dr Paulin-Campbell.

Radio Veritas has recorded the talks which will become available for sale, and papers from the conference will be published in the Jesuit journal of Ignatian Spirituality The Way, Dr Paulin-Campbell said.

Stigmatines congregation elects new superior STAFF REPORTER

‘I

NEVER dreamt I’d be where I am today. I have always functioned from the background, not from the leading front.”

These were the words of the newly elected superior of the Stigmatine Congregation in Africa, Fr Benedict Mohapi Leseteli CSS. At the end of their provincial chapter at Bertoni Centre in Pretoria North, the Stigmatines elected Fr Leseteli to lead them in the next three-year term in various parts of Africa where Stigmatines are present. He replaces Fr Patrick Rakeketsi CSS who has completed six years as the superior.

Fr Leseteli was born at St Joseph mission in Koro-Koro, on the outskirts of Maseru, Lesotho. He comes from a staunch Catholic

family background, and the seed of religious vocation was planted quite early in his childhood.

Realising their child’s “desire for holiness”, his parents sent him to St Theresa’s minor seminary at Roma, Lesotho, for his secondary school education.

Upon completing his matric the young Benedict joined the Stigmatine Congregation in Pretoria.

He made his final profession on January 19, 1997 and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop George Daniel, retired of Pretoria, on September 5, 1998 in GaRankuwa.

At the time of his election, Fr Leseteli was the administrator of Christ the King cathedral in Gaborone, Botswana, and a member of the college of consulters to that diocese’s bishop.

Ignatian Day in Cape Town STAFF REPORTER

T

HE Ignatian Family, an informal grouping of those in Cape Town whose lives have been touched by St Ignatius of Loyola, including Loreto Sisters, the Christian Life Community, Jesuits and others, celebrate together each year about the time of the feast of St Ignatius at the end of July.

This year on July 21 the group will celebrate an Ignatian Day at Kolbe House (14 Grotto Road, Rondebosch) from 09:30 to 15:00, followed by Mass at 15:30.

Fr Graham Pugin SJ said all are welcome, whether experienced in Ignatian Spirituality or just inter-

ested to find out more. There is no cost.

Taking a phrase from the final Contemplation of the Spiritual Exercises, this year's theme is “Love shows itself in the deeds done”.

Sr Pat Hanvey, a Loreto Sister currently working mainly with home-based carers, at her congregation’s new mission in rural Zambia, will be the day’s speaker.

Sr Hanvey has just completed making the Spiritual Exercises in a 30-Day Retreat, despite challenged by serious malaria, and will be speaking “from her own very real experience”, said Fr Pugin. n For more information contact 083 5877 322

SUB-EDITOR invites application for the position of in its Cape Town offices

The successful applicant will have: • Experience in journalism • Skills in sub-editing, re-writing copy and proofreading • A meticulous and precise approach to their work • Knowledge of DTP using Quark XPress or InDesign • A strong command of English • The ability to work independently in a small team While a Catholic background is not a requirement for the position, knowledge of the Church and affinity for its mission will be an advantage.

e-mail applications with a covering letter to: editor@scross.co.za

Deadline: July 18, 2012

Only applicants who meet all the criteria stated above will be contacted. If they are not contacted by July 20, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Some 60 priests, religious and lay people attended the opening session of Winter Living Theology at St Luke’s in Port Elizabeth, presented by Tanzanian theologian Fr Laurenti Magesa. The three-day course continued to Cape Town from July 10-12, and then moves to Durban (July 17-19), Bloemfontein (July 24-26) and Johannesburg (July 31 to August 2). For more information contact admin@jesuitinstitute.org.za

Ninth Bishop Hans Brenninkmeijer Memorial Lecture

Educating for Citizenship

DELIVERED BY DR MAMPHELA RAMPHELE Date: 24 July 2012 Time: 14:00 Place: St Benedict’s College 24 Kings Road, Bedfordview

RSVP Hilda Mushava, Tel: 011-433-1888, Fax: 011-680-9628 Email: hilda@cie.org.za Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Mamphela Aletta Ramphele is the Founder of Citizens Movement for Social Change (CMfSC), focusing on promoting engaged citizenship. The major focus of CMfSC is to take South Africa on a Journey from Subjects to Citizens. She was Chair of the Convenors of the Dinokeng Scenarios sponsored by Nedcor/ Old Mutual that released its report in May 2009. She is using the “Walk Together” scenario approach to underpin the Citizens Movement for Social Change journey from Subjects to Citizens. She was a leading activist in the Black Consciousness Movement. She is an author of several books and publications on socio-economic issues in South Africa, and has received numerous prestigious national and international awards, including numerous honorary doctorates acknowledging her scholarship, her service to the community, and her leading role in raising development issues and spearheading projects for disadvantaged persons in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.

Ramphele qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Natal in 1972. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from UCT, a B.Com degree in Administration from the University of South Africa and post graduate diplomas in Tropical Health and Hygiene, and Public Health from the University of Witwatersrand. Dr Ramphele is the Chairperson of the Technology Innovation and Goldfields.

4

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

INTERNATIONAL

Pope names new head for doctrine congregation

BY CAROL GLATZ

P

OPE Benedict has named Archbishop Gerhard Müller of Regensburg, Germany, the new prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The 64-year-old expert in dogmatic theology and ecumenism, who has co-authored a work on liberation theology, replaced Cardinal William Levada, who retired at 76.

As head of the doctrinal congregation, the archbishop also assumes the roles of president of the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei”, the Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission.

Archbishop Müller has authored more than 400 works with the most well-known being the 900page Catholic Dogmatics: For the Study and Practice of Theology.

In 2004, he co-authored a book titled On the Side of the Poor: The Theology of Liberation with Dominican Father Gustavo Gutierrez, who is considered the father of liberation theology.

Archbishop Gerhard Müller, new prefect of the doctrinal congregation.

Archbishop Müller has close ties to Pope Benedict and in 2008 helped establish the Pope Benedict XVI Institute, which is publishing a complete collection of works by

Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI. The pope personally commissioned the archbishop to lead the publication of his collected works.

In his new capacity at the doctrinal office, the archbishop will oversee talks with traditionalist Catholics and the handling of accusations of sexual abuse of minors by priests—two issues he has dealt with extensively as bishop of Regensburg. He will also follow the Vatican-mandated reform of the US Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

The traditionalist Society of St Pius X has a seminary in Zaitzkofen in the diocese of Regensburg, and the archbishop has criticised the society’s illicit ordinations of priests and deacons there as “a sin against Church unity”. He has said the unauthorised ordinations violate canon law and create a “dangerous situation” for the Church.

There have been incidents of abuse involving the diocese, including the cathedral’s famous boys’ choir and school. Two priests accused of abuse in the 1950s have

People listen to Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior of the Society of St Pius X, during an outdoor ordination ceremony in Écône, Switzerland, on June 29.

The new prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop Gerhard Müller, has called such ordinations “a sin against Church unity”.

(Photo: Denis Balibouse, Reuters/CNS) been jailed and the archbishop has said any claims of sexual abuse would be treated with “the maximum transparency”.

However, he faced criticism for his reinstatement in 2004 of a priest previously convicted of child molestation. The priest, whose therapist had declared him no longer dangerous, was arrested in

2007 on additional abuse charges.

Born in Mainz, Germany, on December 31, 1947, Archbishop Müller became a priest in 1978 and served in his native diocese as a chaplain and religion teacher.

He was a professor of dogmatic theology in Munich from 1986 until he was named bishop of Regensburg in 2002.—CNS

Pope Benedict fires bishop Holocaust Museum amends Pius XII text

BY JUDITH SUDILOVSKY

P

OPE Benedict has removed a Slovakian archbishop from leading the archdiocese of Trnava, the Vatican has announced Archbishop Róbert Bezák, 52, had headed the Slovakian archdiocese since 2009.

The pope removed the archbishop because he had not followed through on a request to resign, a Vatican source said.

An apostolic visitation had been carried out in the archdiocese earlier this year. The archbishop’s removal was linked to the findings of the visitation and was due to “the administrative handling” of the archdiocese, according to the Vatican source who asked not to be named.

Born in 1960, Archbishop Bezák was ordained a Redemptorist priest in 1984. He replaced retired Archbishop Jan Sokol in 2009 who had led the archdiocese since 1989, following the non-violent overthrow of the country’s communist regime.

Archbishop Bezák read a letter about the action during a Sunday Mass at the cathedral in Trnava, noting that the Vatican asked him not to talk to the press.

The archbishop said he did not know the specific accusations against him, but believed that one reason might be his criticism of his predecessor Archbishop Ján Sokol, according to Slovakian

A Archbishop Róbert Bezák media reports.

Archbishop Sokol was an object of controversy for praising President Jozef Tiso, a priest who led the country during World War II when it was allied with the Nazis.

Archbishop Bezák is the fourth bishop to be removed by Pope Benedict in just over a year.

In March 2011 he removed Jean-Claude Makaya Loembe of Pointe-Noire, Democratic Republic of Congo for misusing diocesan funds. Two months later, he removed Bishop William Morris of Toowoomba, Australia, on doctrinal and liturgical grounds.

In May this year, Pope Benedict removed Italian Bishop Francesco Miccichè of Trapani, Sicily, over alleged financial corruption.

NEW text in an exhibit at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial offers a less-critical assessment of the actions of Pope Pius XII in dealing with the Nazi persecution of Jews during World War II. While the new text still points to Pope Pius’ prominent role in the Church’s negotiations with Nazi officials, it paints a more complex picture of the situation decades ago.

Still, the new text includes criticism of the Vatican for not opening its archives to allow historians to research the actions of the Holy See at the time, noting that until researchers have access to “all relevant” materials the topic will “remain open to further inquiry”.

Archbishop Antonio Franco, papal nuncio to Israel and the Palestinian territories, who in 2007 had threatened to not take part in Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony because of the exhibit’s text, said the move was “a step forward”.

“It is an opening, very important in the sense of attention to the documents and a more accurate search to try to understand really from the inside what the behaviour was of the Holy Father and the Catholic Church,” he said.

The change demonstrated “an effort” in seeking the truth, he

ST. KIZITO CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME

St. Kizito Children’s Programme (SKCP) is a community-based response to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. SKCP was established through the Good Hope Development Fund in 2004 in response to the Church’s call to reach out to those in need. Operating as a movement within the Archdiocese of Cape Town, SKCP empowers volunteers from the target communities to respond to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) living in their areas.

The SKCP volunteers belong to Parish Groups that are established at Parishes in target communities. Through the St. Kizito Movement, the physical, intellectual, emotional and psycho-social needs of OVCs are met in an holistic way. Parish Groups provide children and families with a variety of essential services, while the SKCP office provides the groups with comprehensive training and on-going support.

In order to continue its work, SKCP requires on-going support from generous donors.

Funds are needed to cover costs such as volunteer training and support, emergency relief, school uniforms and children’s excursions. Grants and donations of any size are always appreciated. SKCP is also grateful to receive donations of toys, clothes and blankets that can be distributed to needy children and families.

If you would like to find out more about St. Kizito Children’s Programme, or if you would like to make a donation, please contact Shirley Dunn on (021) 782 2792. Email info@stkizito.org.za. Donations can also be deposited into our bank account: Bank: ABSA; Branch: Claremont, 632005; Account Name: Good Hope Development Fund; Account Number: 4059820320

An Israeli soldier looks at an exhibit at the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem. A controversial caption o a photo of Pope Pius XII has now been amended.

(Photo: Debbie Hill, CNS) added. “This effort is being done in good faith in the search for the truth,” he said.

While the old text noted the controversy surrounding Pope Pius XII’s actions during World War II, it maintained that the pope signed an agreement with the German regime to preserve the Church’s rights in Germany, “even if this meant recognising the Nazi racist regime”. The text also said that upon his election as pope in 1939, he shelved a letter against racism and anti-Semitism that his predecessor, Pope Pius XI, had written.

The new museum panel is titled

“The Vatican” instead of “Pope Pius XII”. The new text reduces the role of Pope Pius XII in negotiating the agreement, explaining that it was reached under Pius XI. Pope Pius XII, then Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, served as secretary of state under his predecessor.

The new text reads in part that Pope Pius XII “did not publicly protest” when Jews were deported from Rome; the old text said he “did not intervene”.

In a statement regarding the text change, officials at Yad Vashem said the update was undertaken following the recommendation of the Yad Vashem International Institute for Holocaust Research, the museum emphasised, and not as a result of Vatican pressure, as has been reported.

Yad Vashem said the new wall panel now presents the controversy over Pope Pius XII’s actions during WWII in more detail, helping visitors to better understand the context surrounding the issue.

In its statement the museum said it “looks forward to the day when the Vatican archives will be open to researchers so that a clearer understanding of the events can be arrived at”.

Archbishop Franco said that the Vatican’s archives continue to be catalogued and will be open to the public once the work in finished.— CNS

576 AM IN JO’BURG & BEYOND also on DStv audio channel 170 & streamed on www.radioveritas.co.za

INTERNATIONAL

Caution as Jesus’ birthplace is declared World Heritage site

BY JUDITH SUDILOVSKY’

T

HE designation of Bethlehem’s church of the Nativity as a UNESCO World Heritage site complicates relations between the three churches that oversee the holy site as well as relations between the Israeli and Palestinian communities, according to a Church official.

UNESCO declared parts of Bethlehem and the church endangered World Heritage sites to expedite funding for repairs.

Archbishop Antonio Franco, papal nuncio to Israel and the Palestinian territories, said the Catholic Church believes the church which marks the site of Christ’s birth is part of the Church’s “patrimony as holy places, not because they are on a UNESCO list”.

He explained that the “sensitivity of the issue and all its repercussions” make it difficult to properly convey the Catholic Church’s position on the designation.

Archbishop Franco said because of the “concrete situations” between Israel and the Palestinian territories, the “political implications” of such a decision cannot be overlooked.

The designation had been opposed by the custos of the Holy Land, Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa. He told the Italian bishops’ news agency SIR last year that he and other Christian leaders believed the initiative would make “it harder for us to run [the church], because, under UNESCO rules, the board in charge of running a place for the UN agency is the government, not the owner of a site”.

The Franciscans are the Catholic partner in maintaining the Status Quo, a 19th-century agreement that regulates jurisdiction of and access to key Christian sites—including the church of the Nativity—in the Holy Land for Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian communities.

Archbishop Franco said he wanted to understand what role UNESCO would take in overseeing the revered site.

“Now there is another entity which will take control in a sense,” he said. “This could complicate things although [UNESCO]

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

5

Pope Benedict has approved the heroic virtues of US Archbishop Fulton Sheen, clearing the way for the advancement of his sainthood cause.

Archbishop Sheen (1895-1979), was a popular preacher on radio and TV from 1930 to 1968.

He won two Emmy Awards for Most Outstanding Television Personality.

S. Sudan churches on first independence year STAFF REPORTER

T A tourist takes a photograph in the church of the Nativity, the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. UNESCO has declared parts of Bethlehem and the church endangered World Heritage sites to expedite funding for repairs, but Catholic officials are concerned that the United Nations agency might not keep its promise of non-interference.

(Photo: Ammar Awad, Reuters/CNS) has given their full assurance that they will not interfere. We will see.”

The archbishop said the three churches sent a letter to UNESCO stating their position prior to the vote.

“We want [the church of the Nativity] to be a patrimony of humanity because of its religious identity, especially as a holy place as the birth of Jesus, not because it is a monument under the patronage of UNESCO,” the nuncio said. “We want to keep the holy places open to everyone at every time in every place without any limitations.”

M

eanwhile, Palestinians celebrated the UNESCO decision while Israel denounced it as biased.

Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

“The Palestinian people are celebrating this decision as a moment of national pride and

affirmation of their rich and unique cultural heritage,” said Hanan Ashrawi, who heads the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s Department of Culture and Information in a statement.

Mr Ashrawi said the decision was “a welcome recognition by the international community of our historical and cultural rights in this land and our commitment to the protection and preservation of such significant Palestinian cultural and religious sites in spite of the Israeli occupation and all its prejudicial measures”.

The designation was met with disappointment by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States.

Israel has said it believes the church is worthy of being nominated as a World Heritage site, but objected to the politicisation of the nomination. In a statement Mr Netanyahu noted that UNESCO has been proven to be “motivated by political, not cultural, considerations”.—CNS

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.

The

Souther n Cross

HOLY STONES, LIVING STONES PILGRIMAGE TO

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

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

O mark the first anniversary of South Sudan’s independence on July 9, the country’s Catholic and Anglican archbishops praised some of the progress made in building infrastructure—even as service delivery has not always “met the high expectations of our people”—and diplomatic efforts as well as “a nascent sense of national pride and identity”, but noted their concern about ethnic conflict and “endemic” corruption.

In their joint pastoral letter, released on July 6, Catholic Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro of Juba and Anglican Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul noted that “roads are being built, telecommunications networks are expanding, domestic airlines are serving many destinations, passports are being issued, embassies are being set up all over the world, government institutions are beginning to develop”.

They noted that a Transitional Constitution had been produced, but criticised the process of drafting a permanent constitution for being insufficiently inclusive, with inadequate representation of the Church.

The letter praised efforts to address the inter-ethnic conflict in Jonglei State, “in which the Church is grateful to God for having had the opportunity to play a leading role in the peace process”, and noted that there is no inter-religious tension in South Sudan.

“We as a nation—government, Church and citizens—can be proud of all of this,” the archbishops said.

However, they also pointed to problems in the new nation.

“Corruption has become endemic within certain classes. This is unacceptable.”

The archbishops also warned of the “constant danger” of ethnic discontent, and noted that “here are reports of growing resentment against citizens of our neighbouring countries which supported us during our liberation struggle”.

The archbishops described the deteriorating relationship between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan as unacceptable.

“We reject war as an option to resolve disputes and call upon all parties to implement a meaningful cease-fire and withdrawal of forces from the border region. Oil is a God-given resource which should benefit both countries. We call for an agreement based on international norms for transshipment of oil.”

They called on Sudan to cease the “harassment and expulsions of South Sudanese in Sudan, and for all people to be accorded their human and civil rights regardless of which country they find themselves in”.

The letter also condemned attacks on Christian churches, schools and institutions in Sudan, and noted that “there is no end in sight to Sudan’s three civil wars, in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile”.

Stating their vision for the future of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan, the archbishops called for “two nations which are democratic and free, where people of all religions, all ethnic groups, all cultures and all languages enjoy equal human rights based on citizenship”.

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

6

LEADER PAGE

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor: Günther Simmermacher

The Pius XII debate

T

HE Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem has amended a text which had accused Pope Pius XII of failing to intervene in the Nazi persecution and intimated that he was indifferent to the crimes of the Hitler regime. This revision has been overdue.

The new text maintains a critical view of the war-time pope, in particular about his failure to unambiguously condemn the persecution of Jews. To this charge there can be no conclusive verdict.

It is a fact that Pope Pius issued no explicit condemnation which named the perpetrators and the victims of the Shoah, though he did speak out briefly.

In his often neglected 1942 Christmas broadcast, Pope Pius said: “Humanity owes this vow [of working towards a just society] to those hundreds of thousands who, without any fault on their part, sometimes only because of their nationality or race, have been consigned to death or to a slow decline.”

For Pius’ defenders, the pope’s reluctance to speak out more trenchantly was a prudent decision, intended to prevent tragic repercussions, such as the round-up of Jews and non-Aryan Catholics in the Netherlands, in reprisal for the local Church’s anti-Nazi pronouncements.

One may speculate that a compelling declaration of the Church’s solidarity with the persecuted Jews might well have persuaded a greater number of people to come to their aid. Yet, there is no evidence that public pronouncements of protest would have had any positive consequences, but much to support the view that such protests might have been counterproductiv The notion that Pius XII was indifferent to the Shoah is no longer sustainable, if it ever was.

He did much to facilitate the Catholic Church’s initiatives in saving Jews, especially in Italy as well as through papal nunciatures such as those in Budapest and Istanbul. Indeed, the pope’s official neutrality might have been a key to these efforts.

In that light, the decision by the Yad Vashem Memorial to temper its critique of the pope is a step in the right direction.

Archbishop Antonio Franco, the papal nuncio to Israel and

the Palestinian territories, is not entirely impressed by the amended text, but he has perceived a shift in attitude: “This effort is being done in good faith in the search for the truth.”

This does not put to rest the Pius controversy, of course.

Until all relevant documents are released from the Vatican archives—and there is no deadline for that—uncertainty, speculation and misrepresentation will continue to cloud the debate.

The disputes will inevitably rumble on even once all documents are released and studied.

In the event that the archive’s documents serve to exonerate Pope Pius, many critics doubtless will cling to old certainties, and the conspiracy theorists will allege a cover-up.

The narrative of “Hitler’s Pope”, as the title of a poorly researched 1999 book put it, has deep roots—and sometimes it serves as a convenient stick with which to beat the Catholic Church.

Even for some people of good will, the pope’s failure to make a big statement against the Shoah will remain unpardonable.

The Church, even if it is convinced of Pius’ righteousness, must beware of ignoring the strong feelings of Jews on that matter.

Yad Vashem’s new formulation still does not vindicate Pius XII, and the text seems to accurately reflect the understanding of Jewish leaders, even and especially those who are engaged in dialogue with the Catholic Church.

Because of the tragic history of anti-Semitism, the Catholic Church’s relationship with Judaism must be grounded in humility and sensitivity. The manner in which Catholics treat the Pius XII issue must reflect these characteristics in the pursuit of the mission decreed by Nostra Aetate.

The prospect of beatifying Pius XII, for example, should be put on ice until the debate about his war-time conduct is fully resolved, following the release and due study of the archive documents.

One day the full story will emerge, and perhaps Pope Pius XII will be included among both the Righteous Gentiles and the College of Saints.

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.

From top to bottom?

W HAT are the elements making up the Church? In the first place the pope, who receives his power directly from God and who exercises full authority over all the Church.

Then comes the body of bishops, divinely instituted, but each member of which, taken individually, may be deposed and replaced by the pope; the clergy, who have no juridical authority except that which they receive, always revocable, from the pope and the bishops.

Finally the faithful, whose duties consist in full submission to the diverse authorities over them, without any right to exercise authority in the religious

Our love of Mary

society of which they form the incomparably most numerous part.

In the Church, in one word, power descends from top to bottom, and never goes from the bottom to the top. What was it that Jesus Christ wanted to initiate? A society in which obedience, submission, in all its degrees, found its complete realisation.

I wonder, if this homily, which I have represented above, was given at a Sunday Mass in present-day South Africa, and with the current ambiguity about the teachings of Vatican II, how many parishioners would have the courage of their conviction to

I

REFER to Fr Anthony Egan’s wonderment at the attempts of those Catholics who call Mary coRedemptrix) and his warning against offending Mary by cherishing an unbalanced devotion to her.

I mourn the emptying and closing of our churches worldwide and the departure of millions of Catholics—some to other faiths; others to a state of neo-paganism. I trace this situation back to the watering down of devotion to Mary, the angels and the saints, which started in the 1960s.

One example of that period which reduced our fervour is the discontinuation of the recitation of prayers to Mary and St Michael the Archangel at the end of Mass.

Mass attendance dwindled. Among pockets of Catholics, devotion to Mary, the angels and the saints, continued to flower.

Though their adherents are not the ones missing Mass, they are often the ones who want Mary to be proclaimed co-Redemptrix.

In addressing Mary as the Pool of God, the American nun-poet Jessica Powers explained why Almighty God employed Mary’s services so extensively during Christ’s life on earth.

There would have been no need for Christ to be nailed to the Cross if all people, from Adam and Eve down, had, like Mary, been pure reflections of God’s grace within us.

Even an unbalanced devotion to Mary can have no lasting illeffects because Mary is the kind of mother who mends, corrects, heals and unites. When a spoilt, muddy baby casts itself into its mother’s arms, the mother will hug it fondly and fiercely before cleaning it up. Should our love of Mary— unthinkably—get into the way of our love of God, Mary would sim-

ply pass it back to God. But the reality is that our love of Mary and the saints and angels not only stems from our love of God but constantly draws us closer to God. That is one facet of the glorious mystery of love.

Luky Whittle, Kroonstad

Book for life

I

RECENTLY read a book Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortion?

by American former Protestant Pastor Randy Alcorn which proves conclusively the abortive potential of “the pill”, and which adheres precisely to traditional Catholic teaching, especially Humanae Vitae, on this issue.

This book should be read by all Catholic clergy, seminarians and lay persons and can be ordered online at www.epm.org.

Damian McLeish, Johannesburg

Mondragon praise

I

AM sure you will agree that unemployment is the most serious problem we face in beautiful South Africa at present. In fact its the most serious problem we face in most of the world.

approach the presiding priest or deacon to objec It is in fact the view of Dom Gueranger in an article in the Catholic journal L’Univers from 1857, not untypical of the time, which I read in Fr Yves Congar’s Eglise Catholique et France Moderne (Hachette, 1978) which Fr Congar wrote to defend the very different attitudes to the Church promoted at the Second Vatican Council.

And what I suspect is the depressing answer to my question, would seem to suggest that very little of Vatican II has penetrated the minds of South African Catholics, nor of the de facto structures of the organisation.

(And a good thing too, some would perhaps want to reply!)

Patrick Giddy, Durban The letter “An alternate economy” by Fr Finbarr Flanagan OFM (June 20) identifies a brilliant and proven way out of this dreadful problem: the Mondragon Corporation which was founded by a priest over 50 years ago.

What a wonderful success it has become.

I have tried something similar, though on a far smaller scale, and know how successful it can be.

It is a tragic fact of life that far more is said than ever done. However if we can draw the attention of our political leaders to the success of the Mondragon Corporation, then we will have achieved something positive and possibly do some good.

Roy Glover, Tzaneen

Inspiring example

T

HANK you for publishing Diane Beamish’s article “How Home Affairs broke a refugee in SA” (July 4) and for the supporting editorial, “Dying of hope”.

Ms Beamish is giving an inspiring example of the care and compassion which our faith enjoins us to practise—welcoming the stranger and feeding the hungry.

Her example humbles us all.

The work of Mercy House, which she established in Johannesburg in 1990 as a home and place of refuge for people fleeing from persecution and destitution in lands across our borders, deserves the support of us all.

Gerald Shaw, 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.

KRUGER PARK VIVA SAFARIS (Member of SATSA)

SCHEDULED DAILY SAFARIS TO KRUGER PARK Fly-in and overland tours. See www.vivasafaris.com

Viva Safaris is engaged with 4 projects aimed at the upliftment of the Acornhoek community, including the COMBONI MISSIONARIES’ OUTSTATION

www.volunteersafaris.co.za Reservations:

Father Xico with partially completed church building

082 450 9930 Trevor 082 444 7654 Piero 082 506 9641 Anthony

CASA SERENA The retirement home with the Italian flair.

7A Marais Road, Bedfordview. Provides full board and lodging, medical services and transport. Senior citizens wishing to retire in this beautiful Home, please phone 011 284 2917 www.casaserena.co.za

WE HAVE STOCK OF THE GOLDEN CROSS ZULU/SOTHO HYMNALS SELLING AT THE OLD PRICE: R45.00 PER BOOK R3040.00 PER BOX OF 76 (R40-00 PER BOOK) Contact before 12.00 Monday to Friday POSTAGE & PACKAGING NOT INCLUDED Contact: OMI Northern Province of South Africa Provincial Treasurer 35 Road, No 3, Victory Park Tel: 011-782-2805 Fax 011-888-3939 Email: ominorthern@telkomsa.net (Same premises as St. Charles, Victory Park) E.&O.E.

PERSPECTIVES

Families must reflect the Trinity

S

INCE returning from the World Meeting of Families in Milan, Italy, last month, I have felt quite severely challenged to bring the message back, take it home and put my money where my mouth is.

It did cost a lot of money to take us there and even a great deal more to fund such an event where 6 000 attended the theological congress and a million people gathered to celebrate the closing Mass with the Holy Father.

The meeting was a celebration of solidarity of worship. Appropriately, on Trinity Sunday the Holy Father spoke of the family and its role to emulate and model the love relationship of the Trinity, in whose image we are all created, as people in relationship.

Families are a resource if they emulate that relationship, striving for harmony, unity, practising reconciliation, being the first educators of their children, caring for and supporting one another, old and young.

Work is an essential form of support, but ideally should be at the service of the members, not make them its slaves. It is now generally accepted that men and women hold down jobs and this calls for careful consideration of the work-family balance.

A challenging question for all families, especially in these tough economic times to reflect on is this: “Do you live to work or work to live?” What do the children think?

The message of the family as the model for the Church is developed through family ministry, and family catechesis is a part of that. The media is a resource through materials produced by the Family Desk, Marfam and other local family organisations as well as the internet and more.

The bishops long ago passed resolutions that every diocese should have a family office or desk, and every parish should have this portfolio on its pastoral council, along with catechetics, liturgy, youth and so on.

Families need to be served, to have their needs met for marriage preparation and enrichment, counselling, training in parenting skills and so on—but as the first evangelisers formation is essential too.

How family friendly is your parish?

Does it have a family desk, programmes for families and parish family celebrations? Are resource materials promoted and sold? Is there some form of investment in family ministry, for training and resources?

I

t is a source of serious concern for me when parishes, including those that are affluent, claim they cannot invest a minimal amount of money in formation or subsidising even simple inexpensive publications that present Church teaching, from the latest sources and relevant documents, and offer the possibility of family enrichment.

Equally a concern is the situation when family people are not using or demanding the resources they need.

What kind of Church are we aiming for

Pope Benedict greets families during the 2012 World Meeting of Families in Milan.

(Photo: Maria Grazia Picciarella via CNS)

Toni Rowland

Family Friendly

or planning for, or expecting to have in future?

In many cases throughout the world, as we heard in Milan, grandparents are the ones who are passing on the faith to their grandchildren. Parents are often too busy with work and other commitments—even church ones—or are themselves poorly formed in their faith.

Grandparents doubtless have more time, perhaps a more mature spirituality and one of their very important contributions is prayer support for their children and grandchildren.

That is one of the miniprojects of the Family Life Desk, especially for the month of July with the “Day by Day with God and Family” theme. However, living the faith in the family can be done only by the family themselves.

Ideally a married couple mirrors the Trinity to their children, all families celebrate at their own dinner table—if they still have one—as an introduction to the Eucharist, the family meal of God’s people. Happy and hurting families of all kinds teach and model sharing, caring and reconciliation in their daily lives.

One of the most important tasks of parishes, the various families themselves whatever their composition, their priest, PPC and PFC, is to ensure that their vision of the Church is explored. Is it focused sufficiently on the role of the laity and their task in the world?

It should be seen as essential that a vision of a family-centred Church model is adopted, that an investment of time, money and personnel is made, that structures exist and resources and programmes are available.

That is the way to build a familyfriendly Church and society which is so needed in the world of today.

For me, and I believe for the other delegates coming back from the World Meeting of Families, that is the way to put my money where my mouth is. And for you?

How the bishops’ job description changed

M

ANY years ago I read a book titled Bishops—But What Kind?. It was a collection of essays by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant scholars about the different understandings of the role of bishops in Christianity.

The book argued for the necessity and importance of the ministry of episcopos— the “overseer”—for the Christian tradition. Vatican II did much the same for Catholic bishops.

The episcopate, or ministry of bishop, has a long and complex history traceable back to the Apostles. Having said this, we should note the many variations that are to be found in this history, not least in the selection and authority of bishops.

In ancient times Christians chose one of their number to serve as overseer. As time went on the bishop was, variously, elected by fellow priests (often the senior priests of a diocese or cathedral chapter) or selected by a local authority—often a feudal lord or king. Each bishop was then confirmed in his appointment by the pope.

What held them together was a common faith and commitment to serve as leaders of the local Church. They were bonded by a sense of communion with each other and, until the 11th century, with the bishop of Rome, the pope, who enjoyed a primacy of honour rooted in the tradition that St Peter had been bishop of Rome.

The bishop had authority in his own diocese. At times and in certain places, this included, in the case of some European prince-bishops, civil authority. The bishop of Rome, for example, was also a king in central Italy until 1870. Bishops resolved local issues locally, while Councils of the Church brought them together to address broader doctrinal questions.

This collegial relationship was weakened by the 11th Century breakaway of Eastern bishops to form what we call today Eastern Orthodoxy and further damaged by the Reformation.

With the expansion of Catholicism to mission territories around the world,

episcopal appointments were usually made by the pope. Only in the 1917 Code of Canon Law was it made the general norm (with a few exceptions) that the pope appointed bishops.

At the First Vatican Council (1869-70) the authority of the papacy was strengthened, not least by the declaration of limited papal infallibility. Where previously doctrinal issues had been resolved by councils of the Church or by individual bishops seeking the expert advice of theologians, now doctrinal and administrative authority was centred on Rome.

At the Second Vatican Council the assembled bishops largely challenged the centralisation that had developed, articulated by bishops like Cardinal Leo Suenens and Bishop Emiel-Jozef De Smedt in their critique of clericalism.

Vatican conservatives opposed their call for decentralisation.

T

his potential impasse was resolved by two carefully worded documents, Lumen Gentium (1964) and Christus Dominus (1965).

The documents stressed the historic collegiality of all bishops, while emphasising that this collegiality could never exist without the pope. All bishops were equal, sharing in the apostolic succession traced back to Peter and the Twelve.

Each bishop was the head of the local Church in his diocese and in communion with all his brother bishops, including the bishop of Rome. They all had the right and duty to preach and to teach the Gospel, and to govern their local Church—but always with and never apart from the pope.

In addition, the Council emphasised the importance of conferences of bishops that would have specific jurisdiction over territories—sometimes countries (such as the United States, Germany) and sometimes regions (such as Southern Africa, Asia), particularly in areas of concern like the implementation of liturgy translations, administration of ministries and justice and peace.

In the wake of Vatican II many of these conferences interpreted this to mean a greater regional autonomy than

Anthony Egan SJ

A Church of Hope and Joy

many in Rome liked. There has been a growing move towards re-centralisation as a result.

Other reforms the Council implemented included the move towards Councils of Bishops to discuss change and implementation in Church policies, including continental synods to help the Church engage with the “signs of the times”. Here, in theory at least, the great “unity in diversity” of contemporary Catholicism could be celebrated.

All these reforms have been unevenly implemented. Some observers have even suggested that in the last 25 years there has been a drift back towards “Vatican centralism”. The influence of bishops’ conferences has been limited, they suggest, by Roman directives that often curtail innovative local developments in theology and Church practice.

Central to this, the fiercest critics say, has been in the continued appointment of bishops by Rome, chosen (they argue) primarily for their sympathy to a highly centralised model of church. The critics call this a “branch manager” model of episcopate.

If the critics are right then we would be seeing an erosion of the model of collegiality implemented by Vatican II. It would also indicate a kind of “siege mentality” among those who have the ministry of oversight in the Church at a time when many of us see the need for innovative and constructive engagement with the postmodern world.

The historical vision of the ministry of bishops offers us hope however. Bishops’ roles have changed over time, meeting the needs of the people of God in often difficult situations. They can and will change again as the needs arise.

As successors of the Apostles it has been their calling to lead the Church in turbulent times.

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

7

Michael Shackleton

Open Door

Funeral refused over money dispute Do we have to consult our parish priest with regard to which funeral parlour he would like us to use? A local priest refused to conduct a funeral for an elderly Catholic woman because he claimed the undertakers who her funeral policy was with, owed him money. She was buried from a non-Catholic church!

Concerned Catholic ANON Law (c1184) specifies a number of grave reasons why a Catholic may be refused a church funeral. A priest’s squabble with an undertaker is certainly not one of them. In fact, canon 530.5 lists the conducting of parishioners’ funerals as one of the duties entrusted to the parish priest.

It would not be normal for a parish priest to restrict the number of undertakers that he and his parishioners would deal with. If the undertaker owed money, one has to ask to whom? Was it to the priest himself personally or was it to the parish finances?

If it had something to do with his personal dealings with the undertaker, he would be wrong to refuse a Catholic burial to one of his parishioners who would have had no part in that problem.

If the undertaker owed money to the parish itself, it seems that the priest was still rash to act in the way you describe. The person who handles the parish accounts should be the one to negotiate with the undertaker to urge repayment of the debt. Otherwise the priest should have done so.

Either way, the deceased had no part in this squabble, and denying her a Catholic funeral was unjust and clumsy, and even seriously offensive pastoral practice, because of the negative effect this would have on the woman’s family and friends.

From what you say, one has to ask why the priest, seemingly without notice and at the last minute, abruptly refused to bury the woman.

Was there some sort of breakdown in communication between undertaker, family and priest?

When arranging with a priest to conduct a parishioner’s funeral service, the name of the undertaker is generally mentioned, or as sometimes happens, the undertaker contacts the priest to fix dates and times. So I suspect a severe lack of effective communication here.

Not knowing more details, I cannot comment further.

C

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.

CATHOLIC LITURGICAL ARTS

We supply a wide variety of Liturgical Items for all your church requirements.

Elegantly designed vestments, copes, Processional candlesticks and crosses the candlesticks are spring loaded avoiding mess.

Sanctuary lamps and beautifully designed altar linen.

Contact Theresa Tel/Fax 011 782 3135 E-mail: catholicliturgicalarts@gmail.com

NEW FOR 2012 9-18 DECEMBER 2012

ST MARTIN DE PORRES PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLYLAND Bethlehem, Capernaum, Joppa, Tabgha, Mt Beatitudes, Nazareth, Ein Karem, Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem – just some of the towns and villages where you will visit Christian sites And walk in His footsteps on this unforgettable pilgrimage organised and led by Fr Davis Cost from R18 000

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

8

TRAVEL

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

A tour of London and its lively Catholic history After the Reformation, Catholics in England suffered many persecutions and discrimination.

And yet they never left. As London prepares to open the 2012 Olympic Games, SIMON CALDWELL describes the city’s historic Catholic landmarks.

V

ISITORS to the 2012 Olympic Games might be surprised to discover the extent to which London has been marked by the Catholic faith over the centuries.

Riding the trains of the London Underground they notice stations with names such as Temple, Blackfriars, Charing Cross and Covent Garden.

Above ground, the traces of Catholicism are yet more noticeable: Whitefriars, Greyfriars, Ave Maria Lane and Paternoster Square all denote a rich Catholic heritage that precedes the Reformation.

Catholics never left London, and during the 16th and 17th centuries they soaked the city with their blood, with 105 beatified and canonised martyrs dying on the Tyburn gallows, while many others were executed in other parts of the capital.

However, the hope and new confidence that was ushered in with the “second spring” of the 19th century means that, today, stunning Catholic cathedrals and churches again adorn the city landscape.

Here are a number of sites well worth a visit, not listed in order of importance or prominence:

T

1. Tyburn convent

his is the motherhouse of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre, an order of cloistered Benedictine nuns, and it stands just yards from the site of the infamous “Tyburn Tree” on which more than a hundred Catholics died for their faith during the Reformation.

It houses the Martyrs’ Crypt, which contains bones, hair, scraps of bloodied shirts, fragments of rope and other such relics salvaged secretly by Catholics and preserved for generations.

The nuns will show visitors around the ground. www.tyburnconvent.org.uk

(Top) Westminster Abbey, set in the heart of London near the Houses of Parliament, is Britain’s pre-eminent gothic church. (Photo: Marcin Mazur, CNS)

(Above) The church Of The Immaculate Conception. Erected in 1844-49 by architect J Scoles. (Photo: David Banks)

(Left) Plaque outside Tyburn Convent near Tyburn Tree, Westminster.

2. The church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street

B

ecause of its proximity to the US embassy, the mother church of the English Jesuit province—

to which South Africa’s Jesuits belong—is sometimes considered the “American church”.

It is worth a visit because it is the finest Catholic example of the Victorian Gothic Revival in London and one of the most beautiful churches in the city, the grandeur of its architecture exuding the joyful hope of English Catholics as they emerged from a long period of suffering. www.farmstreet.org.uk

A

3. Westminster cathedral

Byzantine-style structure designed by John Francis Bentley and opened in 1903, this is the mother church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

It is not yet completed, and mosaics are being added all the time. It is the burial place of Cardinal George Basil Hume and the other archbishops of Westminster and also of St John Southworth, a 17th-century martyr.

Take the elevator up the bell tower (the bell is named Edward after St Edward the Confessor, patron of the archdiocese) for a spectacular view across to Buckingham Palace. www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

T

4. Westminster abbey

his is an Anglican church under the personal jurisdiction of the sovereign. This former Benedictine monastery founded by St Edward the Confessor is the place where English monarchs are crowned, sometimes married and often buried.

St Edward’s tomb survived the frenzied destruction of shrines during the Reformation, partly because it was a royal tomb. Nearly 1000 years after his death he is still there. His October 13 feast day is the only time when the abbey is open free of charge.

Pope Benedict addressed Anglican leaders in the abbey during his 2010 visit. www.westminster-abbey.org

T

5. Westminster Hall

his is where St Thomas More, St Edmund Campion and many other Catholic martyrs were tried and sentenced to death, commemorated by a plaque in the centre of the hall.

Continued opposite

PILGRIMAGES 2012

Holy Land Pilgrimage With Fr. Terry Nash September 2012, Only 3 seats available.

Book now to avoid disappointment Call Elna at 082 9750034 e-mail: elna@holysites.co.za Website: www.holysites.co.za

Pre-school to Grade 12

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS YOUR CHILD CAN:

* be educated in an English-medium Christian school * receive affordable private education * mix with boys and girls in small classes * never need to change schools * enjoy school life in an atmosphere of love, care and mutual respect

Who are the Norbertines?

To misquote William Shakespeare: “A rose by any other name smells just as sweet”

Corner: Cussonia Ave & Pretoria Street, Pretoria Tel 012 804 1801 Fax 012 804 8781 Email admissions@cbcpretoria.co.za

vocationslcm@zol.co.zw

For further info, contact: Vocations Director, St Norbert’s Priory PO Box 48106, Kommetjie, 7976 (Cape Town) OR Tel 021 783 1768 Fax 021 783 3742

TRAVEL

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

9

(Above) The tomb of St Thomas More is seen in the crypt of the St Peter ad Vincula chapel in the Tower of London. (Photos: Marcin Mazur, CNS)

Continued from page 8 It was the venue in which Pope Benedict addressed British members of parliament during his 2010 visit. A worthy place of pilgrimage but book in advance. www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/build ing/palace/westminsterhall

C

6. St George’s cathedral, Southwark

ardinal Nicholas Wiseman was installed as the first archbishop of Westminster here when the hierarchy of the Catholic Church of England and Wales was restored in 1850, making it the first Catholic cathedral in England since the Reformation.

Ironically, this gothic cathedral, now the seat of the archbishop of Southwark, was built on St George’s Fields, where Lord George Gordon in 1780 incited three days of rioting—the Gordon Riots—against plans to emancipate Catholics. www.southwark-rc-cathedral.org.uk

T

7. Temple Church

his historic gem is tucked away in the back lanes and courtyards off Fleet Street.

A church of the Knights Templar, it was consecrated in 1185 by the patriarch of Jerusalem. It reflects a fashion in the Crusades era for circular naves in imitation of the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It features in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. www.templechurch.com

8. St Etheldreda’s Church, Holborn

T

his is the oldest Catholic church in London, pre-dating the Reformation. Built in 1290, it was formerly the chapel of the London palace of the bishop of Ely and was lost to the Catholic Church at the Reformation before being bought by the Rosminians in 1874.

It is beautifully preserved and oozes history. Its stained-glass windows are among the most beautiful in the city, and it has a collection of life-size statues of the many Catholic martyrs who once lived in the vicinity.

The church is within easy reach of the Ship Tavern, a pub where 18th-century Catholics secretly gathered to hear homilies

by Bishop Richard Challoner. www.stetheldreda.com

9. St Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield

T

his former Augustinian priory, built in the 12th century, survived the Great Fire of London and the World War II London Blitz; it is now an Anglican church. Its age and the solemnity of its Norman architecture make it one of the most atmospheric churches in London, and it is often sought as a location for filmmakers—Four Weddings and a Funeral was shot there, for example.

It stands close to where William Wallace (“Braveheart”) was executed and where some Protestant—and Catholic—martyrs were burned for their faith.

English artist William Hogarth was baptised there, and Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, worked there for a time as a printer. www.greatstbarts.com

ATTORNEYS

l

T

here is so much Catholic history associated with this one site that it is advisable to turn up early and spend the whole day there.

Graffiti by such martyrs as Ss Philip Howard and Henry Walpole are etched into the walls of the Beauchamp and Salt towers respectively and is so well-preserved that it looks recent. Ss Thomas More and John Fisher were imprisoned there in 1535 before their executions on nearby Tower Hill. Their headless bodies, along with those of two Catholic martyrs, Blesseds William Howard (Viscount Stafford) and Countess Pole, lie in the crypt of the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.

Other martyrs, such as St Edmund Campion, were racked in the Tower, and St Nicholas Owen was tortured to death there. www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

O

ther sites of interest might include a walk along Cheapside, the ancient thoroughfare off which Ss Thomas More (Milk Street) and Thomas Becket (Ironmonger Lane) were born. Bl John Henry Newman was born on nearby Old Broad Street.

At London Charterhouse there are still the remains of the Carthusian priory where St John Houghton celebrated a Mass of the Holy Spirit before refusing to take the oath attached to the Act of Succession, resulting in him becoming the first martyr of the Reformation, on May 4, 1535.

In London’s West End is the church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street. This was formerly the chapel of first the Portuguese and then the Bavarian embassies and was, for a period, one of the few places in London where Catholics were free to attend Mass. It was destroyed in the Gordon Riots and rebuilt, but still offers good examples of English Baroque architecture.

The present chapel was opened on the feast of St Gregory the Great in 1790. It is frequently used for classical and choral concerts.

In Covent Garden is Corpus Christi church, Maiden Lane, dubbed the “actors’ church”. Watch for famous faces. Founded in 1873, it was the first London church dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament after the Reformation, and the famous hymn “Sweet Sacrament Divine” was written by its parish priest, Fr Francis Stanfield (1835-1914).

Not far away is the Anglican church of St Giles in the Fields. Eleven Catholic martyrs are buried against its northern wall, including four Jesuits and their provincial who were executed on June 20, 1679, amid the hysteria of the fabricated “Popish Plot” of Titus Oates.

Heading farther west, don’t miss the London Oratory (also known as Brompton Oratory), the Renaissance-style church near Harrods and home to the Oratorians. It is popular with well-heeled and fashionable London Catholics, and for many years was the place to go for the Latin Mass, alongside Corpus Christi in Covent Garden.

London’s museums also include items of Catholic interest. The Museum of London, for instance, contains the plinth of the Monument to the Fire of London that falsely blames the disaster on Catholics, and the Clink Prison Museum on the south bank of the Thames River recreates the conditions under which Catholics were incarcerated during the Elizabethan persecution.—CNS

NOTARIES l CONVEYANCERS

For personal and professional attention · · · · ·

Please allow us to help you with Conveyancing and all Property Transactions Estate and Financial Planning Wills, Trusts and Deceased Estates Property Management and Letting Debt Counselling

Call Shari or Sean on 011 361 6050

www.ohagan.co.za

10. The Tower of London

(Left) St Etheldreda’s church in the Holborn area of central London is the oldest Catholic church in the city.

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

(Above) St Bartholomew the Great priory, West Smithfield.

(Below) The Temple church which dates back to 1185

J.M.J

HOT POT PAINT AND HARDWARE (PTY) LTD

46, 12th Street, Springs, 1559 Tel: (011) 362 3071, (011) 362 4682/3, (011) 812 1655/6/7

BRANCHES: Springs

(011) 362 3071

Vereeniging

(016) 427 5525

Alberton

(011) 907 8676

Benoni

(011) 422 2331

Heidelberg

(016) 349 5886

Boksburg

(011) 892 5186

Randburg

(011) 678 2436

Lephalale (Ellisras) Mike or Annette (014) 763 3147

STOCKISTS OF: Paint, Hardware, Geysers, Rollup garage doors, Sink tops, Bosch Power Tools.

ALL AT THE VERY BEST PRICES! Looking to open franchises in ALL areas.

If interested please contact Nero or Gerald on 083 4606650

10

LITURGY

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17, 2012

Don’t talk: Singing it right at Mass The selection of music in the Mass is subject to several principles. Fr MALCOLM McLAREN explains how these apply to the Agnus Dei, the Kyrie and the Prayer of the Faithful.

L

tant of the three because it forms part of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is also distinct because it is the only one which is specifically a hymn (or acclamation). The Agnus Dei and Kyrie are not hymns but litanies: a series of petitions or prayers.

They may be compared to the appropriately named Litany of Saints which, for example, forms part of the Rite of Ordination and the Liturgy of Baptism at the Easter Vigil where there are baptisms.

During this litany, a solemn petition to God, the Church unites itself with the men and women who have witnessed to the faith, asking them to help inspire, strengthen and guide the newly ordained or baptised with their prayers, as well. It is difficult to imagine a litany that is recited rather than sung.

AST year I wrote an initial article in The Southern Cross outlining some of the key liturgical principles that should be used to guide the selection of music during the Mass.

The context of these principles was to highlight those parts that should be sung (in preference to others) in a Mass where not all the parts will be sung. The article coincided with the imminent implementation of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) revised English translation of the he Agnus Dei is a litany that Mass. forms part of the Communion Now, following implementation of the translation and publi- rite.

Like the entrance and commucation of the Roman Missal (the book used by the priest at the nion antiphons, it accompanies altar), it seems appropriate to an action(s): the moment when write this second article dealing the priest breaks the consecrated specifically with the “ordinary” host and places a small part of it into the chalice, parts of the Mass, makes his own prinamely those parts vate preparation which remain conWe have an before Communion stant in every Mass and, if needed, when such as the Kyrie, opportunity to consecrated hosts Lord’s Prayer and reserved in the taberAgnus Dei. (The restore the nacle may be brought Sanctus and Gloria to the altar for use are also ordinary distinct nature during Communion. parts of the Mass, In larger celebrabut they were disof music lost tions, it should also cussed in the initial accompany the distriarticle.) after Vatican II. bution of consecrated The ordinary hosts to the conceleparts of the Mass are brants. significant musicalHere it is important to stress ly because they occur in every Mass and so it is possible for them that it is the Agnus Dei, and not a hymn traditionally sung during to be learnt and sung.

This revised English translation the sign for peace, which accomhas also provided a welcome panies these actions—the Missal opportunity to restore the charac- does not ask for music during the ter and distinct nature of three sign of peace.

Choose a setting that accompaparts which, strangely in the English tradition alone, were lost nies these actions well. Bear in after Vatican II—the Kyrie, the mind that while historically the first petition which ends “have Sanctus and the Agnus Dei. The Sanctus is the most impor- mercy on us” together with the

intonation “Lamb of God…” was sung twice before the final petition “grant us peace”, this need not be the case. It is probably sufficient for many celebrations where the action calls for a short setting, but, the first petition and its intonation could be repeated three or four times (as many times as needed) before concluding with the final intonation and petition, “grant us peace”.

Some common sense is required as well: when it is known the action will take longer, choose a different or more elaborate setting rather than use seemingly endless repetition.

Kyrie (Lord have mercy)

T

T

he Kyrie, a litany pleading for mercy, is found in the Penitential Rite. However, like the Sanctus, it does not simply accompany an action, but is itself the action: it is a cry pleading for the Lord’s mercy.

It has a very clear structure.

The plea is intoned (sung for the first time) by the celebrant or cantor or choir, and the congregation responds. In other words, the choir, for example, intones “Lord have mercy” or the Greek words “Kyrie eleison”, and the congregation then respond using the same or similar tone (tune).

This dynamic cannot be achieved with a hymn! The use of a simple tone makes the singing of this litany not only possible, but more profound. Moreover, the Kyrie does not need to be accompanied with instruments or the nervous dashing for hymn books: the congregation simply replies to what they heard, uniting themselves to the petition.

Some useful tones are now provided in the Roman Missal. A very simple setting could be used on weekdays (especially feast days), while a solemn or more elaborate setting of the Kyrie, perhaps with musical accompaniment, could be used during the penitential season of Lent. An elaborate Kyrie sung during Eastertide would seem inappropriate.

A second form of the Kyrie, which replaces the “I confess”, extends the intoned part using the various options or trophes found in the Roman Missal, for example:“You were sent to heal the contrite of heart, Lord have mercy.”

This longer form, which includes an acclamation together with the plea, can also be easily intoned, again not necessarily by the celebrant, but by the choir or can-

Franciscan Sisters Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus

Parishioners sing at Mass. In the first of two new articles, Fr Malcolm McLaren explains how certain parts of the Mass should be sung. (Photo: Nancy Phelan) tor. Many useful settings exist.

Two words of caution: choir, cantor and priest must plan beforehand if the Kyrie is to be intoned. Secondly, stick to one form and one tone, whether it is English or Greek, until it is well known. There is nothing achieved in moving to a new tone when the first is not known.

This logic, of course, applies to each of the Ordinary parts of the Mass.

Prayer of the Faithful

H

aving discussed these two litanies of prayer/petition, a brief comment can be made regarding the Prayer of the Faithful (or general intercession).

Its structure suggests that a similar musical approach to the Kyrie might be adopted. This is already seen, although in a slightly different form, with the General Intercessions at the Liturgy on Good Friday.

In short, the deacon or another member of the congregation could announce aloud the prayer intention and, after a suitable pause during which the community actually pray for that intention, follow with words recited or sung such as, “Let us pray to the Lord.” The community then responds in song, “Lord, hear our prayer!”

This possibility is mentioned only in passing because many musical issues, including those which I highlighted in the initial article, remain of greater priority and are more worthy of attention.

However, the Prayer of the Faithful is a moment for prayer rather than rattled-off intentions, and this approach might help not only to unite the community, but also create the space for them to pray. n In the issue of July 25, Fr McLaren will discuss the Lord’s Prayer in the context of liturgical music.

READ YOUR CATHOLIC WEEKLY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Are you called to join us to love God, in praising Him in Prayer and serving Him, as we care for people in need, especially children?

Read The Southern Cross on-line, exactly as it appears in print, on the day it appears – Anywhere in the world.Only R312 a year!

Or receive the print edition in the post every week in SA for only R416 a year

Write, phone or visit us

Holy Childhood Sisters P.Bag 553 Eshowe, 3815

Sr. Teressa Zungu Phone: 035 -4744242 Cell: 082-0932002 E-mail: anwerresh@netactive.co.za

Mbongolwane Convent P.Bag 506 Eshowe, 3815 Sr. Bongiwe Xulu Phone: 035-4766262 Cell: 076-3064446

Go to www.scross.co.za/subscribe

Or e-mail Avril at subscriptions@scross.co.za or telephone 021-465-5007

The Southern Cross, July 11 to July 17 , 2012

Black consciousness fighter dies

BY MATHIBELA SEBOTHOMA

O

NE of the promoters of black theology and a former leading priest of the struggle, John Sello Sebidi has died after a long-term illness two days before his 73rd birthday.

Born in Potchefstroom, to farm working parents from Lesotho, the young John Sebidi went to a Catholic high school and completed his studies in 1959, after which he joined the Handmaids of Christ the Priests, a secular local religious congregation started by Canadian Fr André Blaise OMI that operates mostly in Lesotho and the Pretoria archdiocese.

As a priest, Fr Sebidi taught at St Pius X Minor Seminary in the Eastern Cape. It was a free high school for students who were keen on entering the priesthood, taking ordinary school subjects but with special emphasis on the priesthood. He would later study towards degrees in philosophy, theology and education.

He was appointed the first black rector of St Peter’s Seminary in Hammanskraal where he was “not an armchair philosopher”.

He steeped himself in his people's fight against oppression and exploitation. In no time, following the years after the 1976 student uprising, he made his mark in South Africa as an active contributor for change. He was to be counted among the remarkable members of Black Theology, the then Black Priests' Solidarity

Group, Soweto Committee of Ten, and Greater Soweto People's Delegation that contributed in promoting the different nature and content of local government in the country.

Black Consciousness stalwart Ishmael Mkhabela said that South Africa had lost an “intelligent son, a wise counsellor and a rare pearl”.

A memorial service and cremation was held on Thursday, June 28 at St Francis Catholic church, Vaal Mall, Vanderbijlpark. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, assisted by Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo of Bloemfontein, Bishop Zithulele Mvemve of Klerksdorp as well as many priests from around the country.

Bishop Nxumalo, a lifelong friend of Mr Sebidi, said he was a serious and diligent student while studying towards becoming a priest and “manifested interest and love for his studies at the time. Indeed he had an ambition to become a cultured, learned and erudite person, yet he was a humble and loving person”.

The bishop described Mr Sebidi as a talented writer and a “master also at the art of homiletics and preaching,” the bishop recalled. “He enjoyed philosophical studies and theology and was great reader of novels.

As a man of the Word and literature he was well educated and his interests always remained in education.”

The bishops said Mr Sebidi

was well respected by many members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference.

“Archbishop Denis Hurley [of Durban] and Archbishop Joseph Fitzgerald [of Johannesburg] admired him for his bright and keen mind. For this reason in 1976-77 he was appointed Rector of St Peter's Seminary for the education of indigenous priests in South Africa. This was not to last because of political struggle in South Africa.”

Bishop Nxumalo said that the then Fr Sebidi could not see himself “pussy-footing around and keep to niceties and leave others to struggle for the liberation of South Africa. Being rector at St Peter’s Seminary became a challenge. When St Peter’s was closed down he was assigned to pastoral ministry.”

Shortly after, Mr Sebidi left the priesthood but continued to work in education.

He worked as the head of Funda Community College as well as Trust for Education Advancement in South Africa (TEASA). In addition he led the New Horizon Project, a social awareness-raising arm of Wilgespruit Fellowship Centre. He was also a founding chair of Interfaith Community Development Association (ICDA), an agency to advance community organising as well as dispute resolution. He last worked for the Westrand municipality.

He is survived by his wife, Violet, and their children.

Southern CrossWord solutions

Liturgical Calendar Year B

SOLUTIONS TO #506. ACROSS: 1 Ably, 3 Patrick's, 9 Minimal, 10 Manse, 11 Narrow-minded, 13 Recite, 15 Bow-tie, 17 Contradicted, 20 Ditto, 21 Unadorn, 22 No result, 23 Thus DOWN: 1 Almoners, 2. Loner, 4 Aplomb, 5 Roman holiday, 6 Convert, 7 Spew, 8 Importations, 12 Dead ends, 14 Crofter, 16 Manual, 18 Tooth, 19 Odin.S

Sunday, July 15, Fifteenth Sunday of the Year Amos 7:12-15, Psalm 85:9-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, or 1:310, Mark 6:7-13 Monday, July 16, feria Isaiah 1:10-17, Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23, Matthew 10:34-11:1 Tuesday, July 17, feria Isaiah 7:1-9, Psalm 48:2-8, Matthew 11:20-24 Wednesday, July 18, feria Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16, Psalm 94:5-10, 14-15, Matthew 11:25-27 Thursday, July 19, feria Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19, Psalm 102:13-21, Matthew 11:28-30 Friday, July 20, feria Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8, Isaiah 38:10-12, 16, Matthew 12:1-8 Saturday, July 21, feria Micah 2: 1-5, Psalm 10: 22-25, 28-29, 35, Matthew 13: 24-30 Sunday, July 22, Sixteenth Sunday of the Year Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 2:13-18, Mark 6:30-34

Weekdays Year 2

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

BIRTHDAY

I, CHARLES Sheldon celebrated my 89th birthday on July 2. All praise, honour and thanks to God for all his blessings and grace. Thank you Mary for also being my mother and sharing your Son with me. Thanks to all for your continues prayers and well wishes. God Bless.

IN MEMORIAM

ALEXANDER—Ralph. In loving memory of my beloved husband Ralph, our father and grandfather who passed away July 12, 2011. May he rest in peace.

Always remembered by your wife Evelyn, children Blaise, Imelda, Mark, Celesta, Delia and Rowen, daughters-in-law Sandra and Mary Anne, son-in-law Martin and grandchildren Blayke, Reece, Xavier and Cleeve.

LETORD—In loving memory of Deacon Roger of Durbanville who passed away three years ago on July 19, 2009 aged 96. Will always be remembered by his family Helen, Stephen, Matthew, Thérèse and Kieran, Janet, Dean, Michael and Kyle, Anne, Basil, Sarah, Warren and Jessica and Joan Swanson. May his soul rest in peace.

PERSONAL

ABORTION is murder – Silence on this issue is not golden, it’s yellow! Avoid ‘Pro-abortion’ politicians.

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) HOUSE-SITTER/AUPAIR: Based at Benoni parish/will travel/ with references. Ph Therèse 076 206 0627.

YOU CAN have no culture of life until you have a cul-

ture of Christ. See www. abort73.com/end_abortion FOR INFORMATION about St Padre Pio. Post gift and request to PO Box 5211, Secunda, 2302, RSA.

HOUSE FOR SALE

NAPIER: South Western Cape.Two cosy separate homes sharing a large enclosed courtyard.

House: three bedrooms (one upstairs)open plan living/dining room,open plan kitchen,bathroom with bath.

Cottage: 1 bedroom,open plan kitchen,living/dining area,shower/loo/handbasin,knotty pine ceilings throughout. Large double garage. Large storeroom.

Property walled on three sides,wooden picket fence in front.Neat established gardens.

Price:R980000.00.

Phone:072 1966 108

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.

BETTY'S BAY: (Western Cape) Holiday home sleeps six, three bathrooms, close to beach, R800/night. 021 794 4293 marialouise@ mweb.co.za FISH HOEK: Self-catering accommodation, sleeps 4.

Secure parking. Tel: 021 785 1247.

GORDON’S BAY: Beautiful en-suite rooms available at reasonable rates. Magnifi-

cent 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 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 satchitanand@global.co. za

To advertise in this space call Elizabeth Hutton 021 465 5007 or e-mail advertising@scross.co.za View with Maggi-Mae 082 892 4502,or 021 782 9263, AIDA Cape Lifestyle Homes; www.aidacapelifestyle.co.za

Art Deco Apartment Splendour, Cavendish Upper Claremont, Cape Town.

Only R1,25M webref: 333015385

The Mountainside Lock'n Go Cottage You've always Wanted, Fish Hoek at R1,095M webref: 91344157571

•

•

•

MICASA TOURS Pilgrimage For 2013

Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes & Nevers, 28 Mar-6 Apr 2013 Holy Land & Fatima, Portugal, 3-16 May 2013 Feast of St Anthony, Padua, Italy, Papal Audience, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo and many more.

9-20 June 2013

Call us now for more information!

Tel: 012 342 0179 / Fax: 086 676 9715 Email: info@micasatours.co.za

The Southern Cross is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa. Printed

by Paarl Coldset (Pty) Ltd, 10 Freedom Way, Milnerton.

Published by the proprietors, The Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Co Ltd, at the company’s registered office, 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town, 8001.

The Southern Cross is published independently by the Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Company Ltd. Address: PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000. Tel: (021) 465 5007 Fax: (021) 465 3850 www.scross.co.za Editor: Günther Simmermacher (editor@scross.co.za), Business Manager: Pamela Davids (admin@scross.co.za), Advisory Editor: Michael Shackleton, News Editor: Claire Mathieson (c.mathieson@scross.co.za), Editorial: Claire Allen (c.allen@scross.co.za), Lara Moses (l.moses@scross.co.za). Advertising: Elizabeth Hutton (advertising@scross.co.za), Subscriptions: Avril Hanslo (subscriptions@scross.co.za), Dispatch: Joan King (dispatch@scross.co.za), Accounts: Desirée Chanquin (accounts@scross.co.za).

Directors: C Moerdyk (Chairman), C Brooke, P Davids, S Duval, E Jackson, B Jordan, M Lack (UK), Sr H Makoro CPS, M Salida, G Simmermacher, Archbishop B Tlhagale OMI, Z Tom

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

NOAH OLD AGE HOMES

Pregnant?

Help is as near as your telephone

Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 • 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town, 8001

079 742 8861 031 2015471 www.birthright.co.za Donations and volunteers and prayers always welcome

Tel: (021) 465 5007 • Fax: (021) 465 3850

Editorial: editor@scross.co.za

Advertising: advertising@scross.co.za

Website: www.scross.co.za

16th Sunday: July 22 Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:13-18, Mark 6:7-13

O

NE of the great challenges in religious and political institutions is that of how they deal with power. Religion (for some reason) makes people come over all funny, and they can convince themselves that they are acting for the best, when they are in fact pursuing enlightened self-interest. When that happens, then listen out for the voice of God; for it will be speaking.

So next Sunday’s first reading has Jeremiah railing at the “shepherds who have scattered the flock”. The prophet is writing at about the time of the Exile, and is aiming, not just at Jehoiakim, witlessly pursuing what he thinks are his own interests, and an alliance with Egypt, but also at the religious establishment, the priests who are not listening to God “the shepherds who shepherd my people”.

And he is aware that God is very angry indeed with his representatives: five times in our passage we hear phrases like “thus says the Lord”, and when you hear that, you need to quiver. What have the power-hungry done? “Scattered them and not cared for them”, whereas God is always working to unite his flock. And it is God who is going to make things better (in both Church and

•

•

Business manager: admin@scross.co.za

•

Subscriptions: subscriptions@scross.co.za

Digital edition: www.digital.scross.co.za

•

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thescross

God’s power in service

Nicholas King SJ

Sunday Reflections

state); and, more than that, God is going to produce a real shepherd: “Look! The days are coming...when I shall raise up a righteous shoot for David; he shall reign as king”.

God never neglects his people, whatever human leaders may do; and it is no good our looking complacent, sneering at Jehoiakim and those silly priests; we must, each of us, examine our consciences as to how we have used our power.

The psalm for next Sunday is the lovely “Lord’s my shepherd”, which shows us the psalmist’s vision of how God behaves, and how real shepherds, religious and political, should behave, namely to “make me graze in green pastures” and “lead me along the

right path”, so that the sheep are not afraid “even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death”.

Then comes a lovely image: the divine shepherd is not going to have his own picnic while the sheep starve; instead, the psalmist tells God, “you have laid a table before me”, and then we are offered a vision of how “goodness and steadfast love shall follow me, all the days of my life. I shall dwell in the House of the Lord for length of days”. That is how we are to deal with power, by offering our service (as God does, remarkably enough).

That service is expressed in the life of Jesus by the shedding of blood (the opposite of power-games); and in the second reading for next Sunday that has the transforming effect of bringing “near” those who were “far away”, or, in another striking metaphor “pulling down the electric fence” that divides the powerful from their weaker brothers and sisters, “in order to create the two in [Christ] into a single human person, bringing about peace”.

Three times the author uses the word “peace”, presenting it as “reconciliation in a

Finding solitude in busy lives E

IGHT-hundred years ago, the poet Rumi wrote: “What I want is to leap out of this personality and then sit apart from that leaping. I’ve lived too long where I can be reached.”

Isn’t that true for all of us, especially today? Our lives are often like overpacked suitcases. It seems like we are always busy, always over-pressured, always one phone call, one text message, one e-mail, one visit, and one task behind.

We are forever anxious about what we have still left undone, about whom we have disappointed, about unmet expectations.

Moreover, inside of all of that, we can forever be reached. We have no quiet island to escape to, no haven of solitude. We can always be reached.

Half the world has our contact numbers and we feel pressure to be available all the time.

So we often feel as if we are on a treadmill from which we would want to step off. And within all that busyness, pressure, noise, and tiredness we long for solitude, long for some quiet, peaceful island where all the pressure and noise will stop and we can sit in simple rest.

That’s a healthy yearning. It’s our soul speaking. Like our bodies, our souls too keep trying to tell us what they need. They need solitude. But solitude isn’t easy to find. Why? Solitude is an elusive thing that needs to find us rather than us finding

Conrad

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final Reflection

it. We tend to picture solitude in a naïve way as something that we can “soak ourselves in” as we would soak ourselves in a warm bath.

We tend to picture solitude this way: We are busy, pressured, and tired. We finally have a chance to slip away for a weekend. We rent a cabin, complete with a fireplace, in a secluded forest. We pack some food, some wine, and some soft music and we resist packing any phones, iPads or laptops.

This is to be a quiet weekend, a time to drink wine by the fireplace and listen to the birds sing, a time of solitude.

But solitude cannot be so easily programmed. We can set up all the optimum conditions for it, but that is no guarantee we will find it. It has to find us, or, more accurately, a certain something inside of us has to be awake to its presence.

Let me share a personal experience.

Several years ago, when I was still teaching theology at a college, I made arrangements to spend two months in summer living at a Trappist monastery.

I was seeking solitude, seeking to slow down my life. I had just finished a verypressured semester, teaching, doing for-

mation work, giving talks and workshops, and trying to do some writing.

I had a near-delicious fantasy of what was to meet me at the monastery. I would have two wonderful months of solitude: I would light the fireplace in the guesthouse and sit quietly by it. I would take a quiet walk in the woods behind the monastery. I would sit on an outdoor rocking chair by a little lake on the property and smoke my pipe. I would enjoy wholesome food, eating in silence as I listened to a monk reading aloud from a spiritual book, and, best of all, I would join the monks for their prayers—singing the office in choir, celebrating the Eucharist, and sitting in quiet meditation with them in their stillness chapel.

I arrived at the monastery at midafternoon, hastily unpacked, and set about immediately to do these things.

By late evening I had mowed them all down, like a lawn that had been waiting to be cut: I had lit the fire and sat by it. I had taken a walk in the woods, smoked my pipe on the rocking chair by lake, joined the monks in choir for vespers, sat in meditation with them afterwards for a half an hour, ate a wholesome supper in silence, and then joined them again for sung compline.

By bedtime the first evening I had already done all the things I had fantasised would bring me solitude and I went to bed restless, anxious about how I would survive the next two months without television, newspapers, phone calls, socialising with friends, and my regular work to distract me.

I had done all the right solitude activities and had not found solitude, but had found restlessness instead. It took several weeks before my body and mind slowed down enough for me to find a basic restfulness, before I could even begin to nibble at the edges of solitude.

Solitude is not something we turn on like a water tap. It needs a body and mind slowed down enough to be attentive to the present moment. We are in solitude when, as Thomas Merton says, we fully taste the water we are drinking, feel the warmth of our blankets, and are restful enough to be content inside our own skin.

We don’t often accomplish this, despite sincere effort, but we need to keep making new beginnings.

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

single body” , and “good news” and “access in a single Spirit to the Father”. That is what real shepherds do, a challenge to the leaders in our church and in our nation.

The g ospel gives us an enchanting portrait of what a proper shepherd does. The apostles have been sent out on their firstever mission, and come back wagging their tails and longing to “tell him everything that they had done and taught”.

Jesus’ response, however, is not a demand for money or obedience, as you might expect; instead, he issues the lovely invitation, “Come here, you lot, privately, to a deserted place, and rest for a while”, because “there were many coming and going, and they didn’t even have a moment to eat”.

So they sail away to just such a place; but the story does not really have a happy ending, and they never get their picnic, or their debriefing, for the crowds follow; and now the disciples have to learn the hard way what leadership means: you have to behave like Jesus, and “take pity” on the crowds, because (and here we come back once more to shepherding rather than exploiting or seeking to dominate) “they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things”.

How are you going to exercise your power, this week?

Southern Crossword #506

ACROSS

1. Competently (4) 3. His holy day’s in the green (8) 9. Referring to tiniest amount (7) 10. Male goes south-east to parson's house (5) 11. Prejudiced and not widely remembered? (6-6) 13. Repeat from memory from Tierce (6) 15. Owe bit for formal wear (3-3) 17. Asserted the opposite doctrine (12) 20. The same thing again (5) 21. Road nun takes to remove decoration (7) 22. Scoreless sports match (2,6) 23. Shut in this way (4)

DOWN

1. They distribute to the poor from fifty moaners (8) 2. This one could be a hermit (5) 4. Self-confidence (6) 5. Time off in the Eternal City (5,7) 6. Switch faith (7) 7. Gush out from the pews (4) 8. Things brought in as I tint pa’s room (12) 12. Roads to the graveyard (4-4) 14. He runs a small farm (7) 16. Sort of work for the organist? (6) 18. One of many in the comb (5) 19. Find God in here (4) Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

A

woman entered the pearly gates of heaven and was surprised to find it was so quiet.

She was told to keep her voice to a whisper.

When she questioned why, St Peter replied: “Because the Catholics think they are the only ones up here.”

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