The
S outher n C ross www.scross.co.za
October 9 to October 15, 2013
Pope Francis thought of turning down papacy
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Our Lady and Holy Scripture
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R6,00 (incl VAT RSA)
Reg No. 1920/002058/06
No 4843
Mission Month: Nun’s 50 years of service to SA
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Bishops’ letter: Let’s act on corruption now BY CLAIRE MATHIESON
C The 24th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Cape Town saw the local Portuguese community come down to the harbour to thank God for his blessings and to pray for the fishermen ahead of the fishing season, an industry central to the Cape Portuguese community. Mass was celebrated by retired Archbishop Lawrence Henry after which the procession of friends, family and fishermen boarded the local Portuguese vessels, each adorned with flags and palm fronds. This year the Werkendam carried the statue of Our Lady and the Predator carried the statue of St Peter, both key figures in the faith of the fishermen. As the vessels sailed into the harbour they were blessed from Werkendam by Archbishop Henry. An anchor of flowers was also blessed by the archbishop and thrown into the sea to acknowledge those who had lost their lives at sea. After the blessing, the community enjoyed traditional song, dance and food as part of the celebration. (Photo and report: Claire Mathieson)
The bad news for a change
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FTER keeping the cover price of The Southern Cross stable for more than a year, it has become necessary to increase it to R7,00 as of next week. This is the only the second cover price increase since early September 2010—and only the fifth since February 2004. Although every effort is made to keep the price as low as possible, rising costs in production, distribution and overheads made the present increase inevitable. “We are presently facing tough times with costs increasing faster than we can generate income. This price increase is crucial to our survival as the only Catholic weekly newspaper in the country,” said Pamela Davids, business manager of The Southern Cross. In real terms, The Southern Cross costs less than it did ten years ago. “Some years ago we ran a campaign called ‘Fuel for your Soul’ in which we compared the price of The Southern Cross to the price of other everyday items,” said Ms Davids. Most of the items that were about the
same price as The Southern Cross then are now much more expensive than the newspaper. Unlike other newspapers, The Southern Cross is able to hold off more frequent price increases because it is not profit-driven, Ms Davids said. “We receive no subsidies and rely on sales and advertising revenue for our daily survival. But with much disciplined budgeting we have succeeded in holding off a price increase for longer than almost every other newspaper in South Africa,” Ms Davids said. “One issue of The Southern Cross still costs less than a bar of chocolate, a can of cool drink, a packet of chips, an ice cream, a litre of petrol or other things we don’t think twice about buying—and it’s actually good for you,” she said. The subscription price for the Digital Southern Cross will be R385 a year as of December 1. The price for postal subscriptions will be R450 per annum, also from December 1.
ORRUPTION is not only the government’s problem, but “it is our problem” as well, the bishops of Southern Africa say in a pastoral letter. The pastoral letter, which is to be read in all churches in the region at the weekend Masses of October 13, aims to address the damage caused “in society and in the Church by rampant corruption” and to “encourage all to work towards its eradication”. The bishops decided at their August plenary session in Mariannhill that the Church would give greater attention to the damage caused in society by corruption. Corruption is theft from the poor. Corruption hurts the most vulnerable. Corruption harms the whole community. Corruption destroys our trust. This is the very strong position the bishops are taking in tackling the issue. “Money diverted into the pockets of corrupt people could have been spent on housing for the homeless, on medicine for the sick or for other needs. Aid should reach those it is intended for,” the bishops’ letter says. Even pushing in the queue for housing or for a permit results in everyone else being pushed back in the queue—“especially those who are defenceless: the elderly, young children, refugees and single mothers”, they say. The bishops’ letter notes recent statistics which highlight the very serious problem of corruption in many areas of Southern Africa. Some reports indicate that as many as half the residents in Southern Africa admit to having paid a bribe, mostly to police officers and government officials. When bribery becomes “a way of life for civil servants, business people or church personnel, their real responsibilities are put aside in pursuit of making money for themselves. The experience of corruption leads us to become cynical about each other, to distrust the very people we regard as our leaders and as honourable people,” the bishops say. “This means that the challenge to work for the eradication of this illness is addressed to all of us. Each must do some-
thing within their power to tackle corruption,” the bishops say, calling on each citizen to examine their own attitude. “A change of heart is called for so that we walk in the light of the Lord.” The bishops call on Catholic South Africa to resist the temptation to participate in corrupt actions. “Therefore, let us each pledge to ourselves that we will not pay a bribe or offer one, no matter how serious or important it may seem to be at the time.” The bishops also ask citizens to report all actions of corruption. Those who engage in corrupt practices “persist because we allow them to continue”, the bishops say. “Commit yourself to greater transparency and honesty in the home, parish and the work place.” As part of the bishops’ stand, the week starting Sunday October 13 has been dedicated to fighting corruption and joining the international anti-corruption campaign “Exposed”. The Southern Cross is running a monthlong series of feature articles as part of the “Exposed” campaign.
CANONISATION PILGRIMAGE Join The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi to witness the canonisation of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII in the Vatican
Led by Fr Emil Blaser OP • April 25 to May 4
Canonisation Ceremony | Papal Audience | St Peter’s | Sistine Chapel | Catacombs | Ancient Rome | Baroque Rome | Major Basilicas | Castel Gandolfo | Assisi | Porciuncula | Hermitage of the Carceri | Greccio (where St Francis invented the Nativity Scene) | Fonte Colombo |and much more.
For itinerary or to book phone Gail at 076 352 3809 or 021 551 3923 info@fowlertours.co.za www.fowlertours.co.za