150128 by The Southern Cross

The

S outhern C ross

January 28 to February 3, 2015

Reg No. 1920/002058/06

No 4909

www.scross.co.za

Ponchifex: What we learned about Francis in Manila

Page 9

Fr Rolheiser: Why we need morality

Page 12

R7,00 (incl VAT RSA)

Bishop speaks 25 years after Daswa murder Page 10

Bishops: Feb 8 prayer day for modern slaves BY STAFF REPORTER

H Brescia House School in Johannedsburg is feeling a triple blessing as it welcomed no fewer than three sets of twins into Grade R this year. (From left) Tyla and Jayden Wilford, Sanelisiwe and Anelisa Makunga, and (front) Nosizwe and Nomhle Mulumba.

Jo’burg nun: Give women greater role in the Church BY STUART GRAHAM

JOHANNESBURG-BASED sister has criticised comments by US Cardinal Raymond Burke that the advent of girl altar servers has inhibited vocations to the priesthood as a “lame argument”. Sr Judith Coyle IHM, a lecturer in theology at St Augustine College in Johannesburg, told The Southern Cross that there are a lot of other things to be considered when looking at the question of decreasing priestly vocations. The Catholic Church dropped its ban on girls assisting the priests during Mass in 1983. “It requires a certain manly discipline to serve as an altar boy in service at the side of a priest, and most priests have their first deep experiences of the liturgy as altar boys,” Cardinal Burke said in January. “If we are not training young men as altar boys, giving them an experience of serving God in the liturgy, we should not be surprised that vocations have fallen dramatically.” “Young girls as altar servers certainly seem to be accepted in parishes today,” Sr Coyle said. “They bring a new dimension to an all-male scene.” The Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary noted “significant progress” under Pope Francis on the issue of women in the Church, but said that more needs to be done. “Pope Francis has restored hope in many

people. He does have some way to go on the place of women in the Church. The Holy Father is from a male religious order. I presume he worked with many women in his previous ministries. He does fall a bit short on gender equality issues, but he does acknowledge that there should be a greater place for women in Church,” she noted. “He has, for example, included a number of women on the International Theological Advisory Committee. Whether there can be a greater place for women in the Church under the current structures is the underlying question,” Sr Coyle said. “There often appears to be a fear in the Church to speak about gender issues.” The Church must investigate ways to give women a greater role in the liturgy. “I think it is a loss to the Church that women can never preach or even read the gospel. So, I say we should consider that question as a possibility,” Sr Coyle said. “We have to find other ways of proclaiming the Gospel. If the Church is to be whole we need a more whole-some perspective,” she said. An alternative to women priests, which the Church does not permit, is to consider the possibility of having women as permanent deacons, Sr Coyle said. “That would at least allow women to preach and allow them to be involved in some sacramental administration of the Church.”

UMAN trafficking is on the rise in Africa, with people being abducted “from our own doorsteps”, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) says in a new pastoral letter as it called on South Africans to join the struggle against modern-day slavery. In the letter, SACBC president Archbishop Stephen Brislin said trafficking is on the rise in Africa, with South Africa a central place of trade in human beings. He called for February each year to be dedicated to the promotion of human trafficking awareness. “People are being abducted in a world that has lost its fear of God and any sense of the sacredness of human life,” the archbishop said. “South Africa has become a particular hotspot—on our own doorstep,” he noted. “Joining in this struggle against human trafficking is to join Jesus in his search for those lost and scattered ones,” the letter said. Archbishop Brislin called for February 8 to be dedicated as a day of prayer for all who have been trafficked. The date marks the feast of St Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947), the Sudanese saint who was a victim of human trafficking at age of nine. The SACBC’s Counter-Trafficking Office has prepared booklets relating the story of St Josephine Bakhita as well as other relevant information to help observe this time of prayer. Archbishop Brislin said that “our thoughts are drawn to the plight of those who have been trafficked, sold like commodities and sucked into organised crime in the cruellest violation of their dignity and rights”. Last April’s abduction of over 200 Nigerian girls by the extremist group Boko Haram, and the ensuing worldwide “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign, was a wake-up call “for each one of us”, the pastoral letter said. “We also think of those who dedicate their lives and energy to aiding these young victims and in combating this terrible scourge,” it said. “We wish to support them as well as acknowledge those who work tirelessly in raising awareness about the trafficking of our fellow human beings.” Vulnerable people are shipped around the world as merchandise, poor people are lured with promises of well-paid jobs, people are drugged, raped and beaten, said Archbishop Brislin. “They are separated and isolated from family and friends, taken by force—modern slaves

Southern Cross & Radio Veritas Pilgrimage Phone Gail at 076 352 3809 or 021 551 3923 or e-mail info@fowlertours.co.za fowlertours.co.za

THE SAINTS OF ITALY Led by Fr EMIL BLASER OP

Rome, Assisi, Florence, Padua, Milan, Venice and more

6 - 18 September 2015

Sudanese saint Josephine Bakhita, whose feast day is on February 8. conned into dehumanising conditions of work and left without the means and wherewithal to escape their bondage,” he said. “This has become a terrible scandal, an abominable evil in human society and the source of so much suffering.” Human trafficking is said to be the thirdmost lucrative illicit business in the world, along with drug and arms trades. Pope St John Paul II referred to the activities of human trafficking as “infamies which poison human society, debase their perpetrators and constitute a supreme dishonour to the creator”, while Pope Benedict XVI called it “a scourge of modern times”. Pope Francis speaks of “an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ”. “The best defence against human trafficking is for every community to become conversant with its dynamics,” Archbishop Brislin said. As communities, he said, we should educate “ourselves” as to what human trafficking is and to be alert to what is happening around us. It is important to be familiar with how traffickers operate and to report any suspicious cases of human trafficking to the police or Church officials, he said. It is vital to check the genuineness of job offers, be they local or overseas, to ensure that children are registered. And, he added, it is necessary to pray together for victims of human trafficking and for an end to trade in people.

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

LOCAL

Youth ministers to meet STAFF REPORTER

UNDREDS of Catholic youth workers from across South Africa, and even other parts of Africa, will meet in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to discover a deeper level of their faith, through workshops, talks and a special praise and worship event on Sunday evening to close the weekend, said Fr Charles Prince, vicar for youth in the archdiocese of Cape Town. The fourth annual Catholic Youth Ministry Conference with Life Teen International in late February will host an array of guest speakers on various topics. These range from relational ministry, to setting up a youth or Life Teen group, to understanding the role of social media in faith development, among other topics. This year, the conference contin-

The fourth annual Catholic Youth Ministry Conference with Life Teen International in late February will be held in Stellenbosch. ues on last year’s theme “Inspired”. It is aimed at all youth leaders; there is no age restriction or limit. The conference will take place at Okkie Jooste Camp outside Stellenbosch from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1.

Weekend packages range from R350 to R600 per person. To register, log onto www.lifeteen.org.za Registrations close on February 5. n For more information, e-mail the conference planning team on conference@lifeteen.org.za

Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Thabong-Welkom celebrated the ordination of its son Thabo David Chomane. (From left) Bishop Peter Holiday of Kroonstad, Fr Chomane and parish priest Fr Michael Rasello.

East London Knights collect food STAFF REPORTER

“Towards the end of last year we identified four needy institutions which will each receive a donation of R6 000,” Mr Hutchinson said. He praised the brother Knights who man the collection points, and Charles Wilson “who so tirelessly makes the arrangements with the stores and draws up the roster for the collections”. However, he added: “The biggest thank you must go to the patrons who do their shopping at the two stores and so generously support our cause as well.”

SPRINGFIELD CONVENT SCHOOL, WYNBERG Applicants are invited for the following posts

GRADE SEVEN CLASS TEACHER GRADE FIVE CLASS TEACHER To commence 1 April 2015

Springﬁeld is a day school for girls from Pre-School to Matriculation, set in beautiful gardens on Wynberg Hill in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Founded by Irish Dominican Sisters in 1871, Springﬁeld has a caring, Catholic atmosphere, a proud academic record, vibrant Music and Art Departments and excellent facilities for Sport.

The successful applicant will: • Be a fully qualiﬁed with experience in teaching in the Intermediate and Senior Phase in the GET; • Understand, identify with and contribute to the Catholic ethos and values of the school; • Be willing and able to teach the Catholic religious education syllabus; • Be well versed in the Intermediate and Senior Phase CAPS curriculum, and able to teach all subjects in Grades 5 and/or 7; • Be a specialist in the area of Mathematics teaching (for the Grade 7 post); • Have eﬀective organisational and administrative skills; • Have sound computer skills and knowledge of interactive whiteboards is recommended; • Be available in afternoons, evenings and at other times to attend workshops, courses, school functions and educational outings and tours; • Be willing to become fully involved in the school's curricular and co-curricular programme; • Be registered with SACE.

Apply in writing, giving details of qualiﬁcations, experience and the names of three contactable referees, including your Parish priest or Minister, to: The Principal, Springﬁeld Convent Junior School, St. John's Road, Wynberg, 7800 Or email: postmaster@sfc.wcape.school.za

Closing date for applications: THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2015

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The 40th anniversary thanksgiving Mass for the Theo Klaassen crèche in Port Elizabeth was celebrated by Bishop Vincent Zungu at Holy Spirit church. Pictured (from left) are C Diedericks (principal), Mgr John Clarke, Fr Mnyaka, Bishop Zungu, Z Niekerk and P Ruiters.

NIGHTS of da Gama in East London last year distributed almost 6 000 tins of food as well as 160 packets of soft goods (items such as tea, sugar and rice) to the poor. The Knights’ St Patrick Council No 23 collects food outside two Spar shops, in the East London suburbs of Berea and Beacon Bay. At an average price of R12 per tin, the total value of canned foods collected amounts to almost R71 000, the council said. It esti-

mated the value of soft goods collected at R19 440, arriving at a total amount of about R90 000. The collection points also have a small wooden box for cash donations. These amounted to R11 339, which is used to support needy institutions identified throughout the year, the council said. “So, all in all, our Feed the Hungry project averaged a value of about R101 723,” the council’s treasurer, Charles Hutchinson, estimated.

1918

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the ﬁlling of this post. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment, and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration.

No faxed applications accepted. Candidates not contacted shall consider their application unsuccessful.

576AM in JO’Burg & BEYOnD

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LOCAL

Bloem clerics bid farewell BY DYLAN APPOLIS

ACRED Heart cathedral in Bloemfontein has said farewell to three of its priests. A final Mass was celebrated for Oblate Frs Leo Roche, John Nolan and Sixtus Moahloli. Fr Nolan, speaking to The Southern Cross, said: “We have decided to retire even though we loved the people of Sacred Heart.” Fr Roche celebrated his 50 years of priesthood a little early in order to be able to do so with the cathedral community whom he has served for many years. The Oblates will be relieved by the Oratorians, who will start their ministry in the parish with their appointment at the cathedral. Euphonia Zwane, who has worked with the Fathers at the cathedral for many years, also took the opportunity to retire. “We wish her well and thank her for all the support that she has given us over these many years,” Sr Winifred Mosololi said. Sr Mosololi spoke to The Southern Cross about her time spent with Frs Roche and Nolan at Sacred Heart. “I admire their good work and especially taking care of the sick and aged was Fr Leo’s priority; the sick would feel strong in his hand,“ she said. “People who were depressed would find their home with these priests and Fr John was very good in spiritual and help personal growth; many families are together because of his good advice and words of wisdom and encouragement. I pray that they continue to support people of God with prayers and whatever they can to assist,” she added. The three Oblates served the

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

British legacy helps Johannesburg needy BY DYLAN APPOLIS

T (From left) Frs John Nolan, Leo Roche and Sixtus Moahloli after their final Mass as they bid farewell to the Sacred Heart cathedral in Bloemfontein. archdiocese for a total of 146 years. Sr Mosololi said Fr Roche was proud that the three of them were the final Oblates in the history of Sacred Heart cathedral. “He was also proud to tell us that through the Oblates’ ministry in Bloemfontein, there was a street named after fellow Oblate Fr Bompart in Bloemfontein. It gives them joy that their order left a mark in the city,” she said. “This doesn’t mean there are no Oblates in other Catholic parishes in Bloemfontein,” Sr Mosololi added. “We are going to miss all the wonderful people we have met over the years and it was a privilege to have met them and we owe it all to Sacred Heart cathedral for giving us the opportunity to be part of the cathedral family,” Fr Nolan said.

HE Aids Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has been operating since 2000 to coordinate the response to Aids by the various Catholic Church structures in South Africa, Swaziland and Botswana. It has developed such a good track record regarding project and financial management that it occasionally receives requests from nonAids related donors to administer funds, according to Johan Viljoen, the office’s programmes manager. At the beginning of 2014, the Aids Office was approached by a British Christian non-governmental organisation. A South Africa- born woman, who had immigrated to Britain, had bequeathed it in her legacy, the only specification being that it had to benefit the poor in the greater Johannesburg area. The British NGO has partnered with the Aids Office to spend the legacy in terms of the deceased’s will. “This funding gave a welcome respite to struggling Catholic NGOs in the Johannesburg area providing services to disadvantaged people that are not Aids-specific—particularly those caring for the aged, and for physically and mentally handicapped people,” said Sr Alison Munro, director of the Aids Office. “These organisations are facing an almost total drying-up of funding. In the past all of them relied primarily on funding from the lottery. This year Lotto is only funding

Mangaliso Bavenda, 83, is pictured with Nokuthula Sibiya, the matron of Frederic Place in Coronationville, Johannesburg. He was among those who received new bedside lamps funded by a British woman’s legacy. early childhood development projects,” she said. “Most of the Catholic NGOs caring for the aged and handicapped are currently drawing on their savings. When these have been spent, they face closure,” Mr Viljoen said. Ronelle Sartor, the incoming director of Johannesburg’s San Salmentally for home vador handicapped girls and women, highlighted another threat posed by the lack of funding: all projects need to fulfil registration requirements of either the department of health or of social development. “Should they not, they will forfeit the registration. However, to meet these requirements requires

money. San Salvador, for example, must have a backup generator to ensure that operations continue during load shedding. Without funding, it is not possible to buy one. Without one, they will lose their government registration,” Mr Viljoen explained. To date, assistance has been provided to 15 organisations: St Francis Care Centre (Boksburg), Little Eden (Bapsfontein), Catholic Women’s League (Kensington), San Salvador (Hyde Park), Holy Cross Home (Pretoria) and St Anthony’s Day Care for the Aged (Reiger Park) have been assisted with operational costs. A new vehicle was bought for the Love of Christ Ministries. It is used to take HIV-positive orphans for medical appointments. Director Thea Jarvis said that the vehicle was a direct answer to prayer. New toilet facilities were also constructed at the Good Shepherd daycare centres in Madidi and Mmakaunyane. The Missionaries of Charity in Yeoville were assisted to repair the roof of their hospice. Nazareth House, also in Yeoville, was given a much-needed industrial washing machine for its children’s home. Kholofelo ya Josefa, based at St Hubert’s parish in Alexandra, was given medical kits for its community health workers. Frederic Place in Coronationville was given an autoclave, and bedside lamps for each resident.

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Guiding dreams; inspiring greatness Open Day Saturday 7 February 2015 09:00 - 12:00

Grade 8 2016 Entrance and Scholarship examinations: Saturday 21 February 2015 08:00 - 12:00 To register or for further information, email admissions@brescia.co.za or visit www.brescia.co.za

͞dŚĞ >ŽƌĚ ĂƐŬƐ ƵƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ũŽǇŽƵƐ ŚĞƌĂůĚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ŽĨ ŵĞƌĐǇ Θ ŚŽƉĞ͊ /ƚ ŝƐ ƚŚƌŝůůŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ũŽǇ ŽĨ ƐƉƌĞĂĚͲ ŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ŐŽŽĚ ŶĞǁƐ͕ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌĞ ĞŶƚƌƵƐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƵƐ͕ ĐŽŶƐŽůŝŶŐ ďƌŽŬĞŶ ŚĞĂƌƚƐ Θ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ŚŽƉĞ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ďƌŽƚŚĞƌƐ Θ ƐŝƐƚĞƌƐ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐŝŶŐ ĚĂƌŬŶĞƐƐ͘͟ WŽƉĞ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐ͛ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ĨŽƌ >ĞŶƚ

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

INTERNATIONAL

Nigerian bishop calls for the West to stop Boko Haram BY CAROL GLATZ

NDERLINING the failure of the Nigerian government to stop the violent rampage of Boko Haram, a Catholic bishop has called for Western military intervention. The Muslim militant group’s increasingly deadly assaults and expanded recruitment from countries across North Africa mean “a concerted military campaign is needed by the West to crush Boko Haram”, said Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri, capital of the troubled Borno state. “The West should bring in security—land forces—to contain and beat back Boko Haram,” he said in an interview with the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. Boko Haram, which the US has labelled a terrorist organisation, claims it seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamic state. More than 11 000 people have died since Boko Haram launched an insurgency in 2009, engaging in a campaign of terror, mass killings and abductions, carrying out suicide bombings, burning villages and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee. Some reports from human rights groups say as many as 2 000 people may have been killed when militants captured Baga in early January, razing thousands of homes in their path. Bishop Doeme said that of the

A girl, displaced as a result of Boko Haram attack in the northeast region of Nigeria, rests her head on a desk at a camp for internally displaced people in Yola. (Photo: Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters/CNS) 125 000 Catholics in his diocese, almost 70 000 have fled their homes and about 1 000 have been killed. In his diocese, he said, Boko Haram militants have destroyed more than 50 churches and chapels, and more than 200 churches have had to be abandoned in the past five years. Doctors Without Borders, which has a permanent base in Maiduguri, estimates between 800 000 and 1,5 million people are displaced, mostly in northeastern Nigeria. Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja said Boko Haram is committing “serious crimes, crimes against humanity”. However, even more serious is the fact that Nigerian government

leaders “continue to do nothing and live as if nothing has happened. It’s not that they lack the means: the money is there and lots of it. What is missing is the sense of responsibility on the part of those who govern,” he told Vatican Radio. Bishop Doeme said the Nigerian military is corrupt, complicit and inept. “Among the soldiers, there were sympathisers with Boko Haram, some of them were even Boko Haram members, and many of them just ran away” during the militants’ attack on Baga, he said. The bishop said the government also knows who is financially supporting the group from abroad. Boko Haram militants have spilled over into Cameroon and are recruiting people in neighbouring countries “enticing them with money, they pay in dollars. And the people, who are without work, follow them”, Cardinal Onaiyekan said. African nations need to cooperate, he said, and prayers are urgently needed “so that our government is able to recognise the seriousness of the situation, so that we can launch not just a military [response] but also a path of political dialogue”. “That way we can slowly begin to change the mentality of these people who commit these atrocities not just against our country but against human life,” the cardinal said.—CNS

A young girl peeks through signs she is holding as she walks through downtown Chicago during the city’s March for Life. The event was one of many held across the US to mark the anniversary of the US Supreme Court’s decision legalising abortion. (Photo: Karen Callaway, Catholic New World/CNS)

Irish blasphemy law to stay BY MICHAEL KELLY

HE Irish government said it will not hold a national referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the country’s constitution. Currently, the crime of blasphemy is punishable by a fine of up to R340 000 for publishing or uttering material “grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion”. In the wake of the massacre on the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo, the Irish government has been under increasing pressure to propose a vote to repeal the blasphemy law. However, Prime Minister Enda Kenny

told parliament that his government has no plan to hold such a vote before a general election early 2016. The offense of blasphemy was first introduced in Ireland in 1937. However, no one has ever been prosecuted, and in 1999 the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional provision was incompatible with another article guaranteeing religious equality. Legislation in 2009 addressed the constitutional conflict and restored the offence of blasphemy, specifying that for a crime to be committed it was necessary that the intent and result are “outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion”.—CNS

‘Dirty Dozen’ of sexual exploiters in media BY MARK PATTISON

HE third annual version of Morality in Media’s “Dirty Dozen” sexual exploiters in media was unveiled at the organisation’s Washington headquarters. Among the repeat offenders was Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the American Library Association, Verizon, Facebook, YouTube, the Fifty Shades of Grey book and movie about sexual violence toward women and Cosmopolitan magazine. Founded in 1962, Morality in Media describes itself as the leading organisation opposing pornography and indecency by educating the public and urging vigorous enforcement of the law. Among reasons the organisation gave for repeat offenders on its list

include the hardcore pornography movie choices it said Hilton Hotels & Resorts offers to its guests. Facebook “has become a top place to trade pornography”, it said. YouTube made the list for the many sexually explicit videos posted on the site. Dawn Hawkins, Morality in Media’s executive director said YouTube does not police its site but instead depends on individuals to do so. Ms Hawkins added that YouTube’s parent company, Google, had made the list previously for posting ads for sexually exploitative businesses but had since changed its ways after talks with Morality in Media. She said based on that, she was hopeful YouTube can be similarly cleaned up.—CNS

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The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

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The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Girl altar server: unfair attack

Editor: Günther Simmermacher Guest editorial: Fr Chris Chatteris SJ

A breath of fresh air?

BIG Pope Francis story this year will be his anticipated encyclical on climate change. According to Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the encyclical and two meetings of faith leaders are being planned to feed into the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2015 in Paris. Already last year the big news networks were abuzz with reports and comment about this coming papal intervention and its possible effects. There’s a palpable excitement among green commentators who clearly hope that Francis, on this vital issue, will inspire our politically nervous world leaders with some of his moral courage. Environmental concern used to be focused mostly on fresh air, or the lack of it. Post-war Britain’s terrible “pea-souper” smogs caused serious health problems for young and old. We now know that the problem isn’t just the pollution of fresh air that the burning of coal, oil and forests causes. It is also the excessive emission of carbon dioxide which traps heat in the atmosphere which in turn disrupts the climate. Not everyone believes that this is in fact happening. However, the overwhelming majority of scientists say that the debate is now over and that it is clear that most climate change is being caused by modern industrial society’s emission of greenhouse gasses, especially carbon dioxide. The warnings are becoming increasingly urgent about the need to radically reduce emissions if our children and theirs are to have a chance of living on an inhabitable planet. Pope Francis clearly concurs with the scientists and sees the urgency of the matter. He also sees it from the perspective of the poor of the earth. For while the richer nations, who have largely caused the problem and profited from it, may have the resources to survive the worst effects of the present and coming changes, it is the poor who will suffer most. When typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines in November 2013, some 6 000 people were killed, and many more were

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injured and made homeless. In the US people are able to evacuate far more easily in the face of hurricanes. The pope is also likely to link climate change and our consumerist economy in which, to produce all the consumer goods we believe we need, we have to burn vast amounts of coal, oil and gas (90 million barrels of oil per day!). A most contested aspect of his encyclical will be the question: do we really have to live like this? Time is short. The longer we wait to decisively protect the atmosphere that we all share, the greater the damage down the line, and the longer it will take for the climate to stabilise. Hence the United Nations Climate Change Conference (or COP21) in Paris later this year will be a crucial meeting at which politicians will be called upon, as never before, to show real leadership. The aim of Paris is to get a “binding and universal agreement” among the international community, something which has so far eluded us. Pope Francis, who will have to contend with opposition from climate change “sceptics”, from oil and energy lobbyists, seems quite happy to show that leadership. It is almost certain that when he visits the United States in September, he will address the UN. If his blunt words to the European Parliament are anything to go by, the members of the General Assembly will be treated to some refreshing plain-speaking about their climate-change responsibilities. Francis’ message on climate change will also be relevant to South Africa. Although the hoped-for agreement in Paris will probably give developing countries some leeway on emissions, we cannot expect to get off too lightly. We will almost certainly have to start phasing out our apartheid-era, climate-damaging industries like Sasol. More difficult will be what to do about our brand new coal-fired power stations, like Medupi, which unfortunately was obsolete even before it was built. The issue of climate change will severely test the secular and ecclesiastical leadership, but it will also test everyone’s “followership” and our ability to come up with helpful and realistic personal responses.

AM an altar server at my school, Springfield Convent in Cape Town, and my parish, Ss Simon & Jude, Simon’s Town. I found Cardinal Raymond Burke’s views on female altar servers (January 14) very unfair. Reading the article, I thought about the feelings I have towards altar serving and what it means to me to serve, and I came to the conclusion that it is a great privilege. I have also always understood from the gospels that God made us all equal and he gave us talents

Divorce error

RANK Bompas (January 14) sets a fine backdrop to argue for divorced persons to possibly be rejoined to the Church in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Regrettably the argument falls into error when he suggests that “if people are convinced that a previous marriage was either invalid or could be annulled, nothing should stop them from receiving Communion”. Martin Luther committed the same arrogant error when he tried to “reform” the Catholic Church, which factually led to him finding himself outside the Church. Today we have multiple faith formations, each with their own personal, fallible interpretation of the Bible—a legacy of the “Reformation”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “if the divorced are remarried civilly they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God’s law. Consequently, they cannot receive Eucharistic communion as long as this situation persists” (1650). One gets the impression that today’s Christians demand a God and Gospel that “is made in their own image”, rather than all of us being formed in the image of God. Instead of trying to preempt the magisterium of the Catholic Church with heretical advice, rather let us remain obedience to her teachings and “manifest an attentive solicitude so that they [divorced persons] do not consider themselves separated from the Church” (CCC 1651). Henry Sylvester, Cape Town

Hymn wording

E would like to raise a concern about the famous hymn “Little Mary, Did You Know?” that is often sung at services during the Christmas season. The hymn asks: “Mary, did you know that this child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you?” This sentence is contradictory to

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which we should use. Now, according to Cardinal Burke, I should give up my role as an altar server because some boys may feel threatened and may not follow a vocation to become a priest because they did not become altar servers. Firstly, when you are an altar server, you are there to serve God; you shouldn’t be worrying about anybody else around you. Secondly, what if I developed a vocation to the priesthood? The fact that I could not pursue that is not

the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Mary, being the Immaculate Conception, did not need Christ’s redemption, as we do; such is the teaching of the Catholic Church as we understand it. This hymn was originally composed by Americans gospel singers Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, who are Baptists and do not have a Catholic background or understanding. While it is true that we rarely hear of Catholic gospel singers and find it necessary to incorporate other Christian faith’s hymns into our celebration, it is equally important that we also understand our Catholic teachings so as not to contradict ourselves during Mass. To avoid any confusion in future, we propose that our choirs change the hymn’s wording from “…this child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you” to “…this child that you’ve delivered has already delivered you”, because Mother Mary was already made perfect by God before conception. KD and IMS Ndalamba, Cape Town n Christ is the Redeemer of us all, including Mary. In 1854 Pope Pius IX proclaimed that from the first moment of her conception, she was “by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”—Editor.

Three wise men

ATTHEW’S “three wise men” that Fr Bonaventure Hinwood refers to in his letter (December 31) may have a different connotation altogether. We know that the coming of the Messiah had been predicted by the prophets for centuries. The “east”, where the wise men purportedly came from, was where the Hebrews originated. Therefore, the wise men that Matthew was referring to must have been the prophets of old. Or perhaps even three specific prophets. Fr Hinwood is quite correct

my fault, I did not make that rule. Apart from this, serving on the altar does not have to be linked to a vocation. It is a very special experience which draws you closer to God, and this should be available to anybody willing to serve. Cardinal Burke spends a lot of time, it seems, in analysing male and female roles. In our parish people simply get on with what has to be done, so it is a happy environment where people feel welcome. I would have thought that the Church needs the involvement of as many young people as possible. Catherine Shields, Cape Town

when he says God is worshipped by truth, not sentiment. In Matthew’s imagination the wise prophets of old were spiritually present in the stable, giving credence to his belief that the newborn Jesus was in fact the Messiah. Patrick Dacey, Johannesburg

Men-only priests

N calling for dialogue regarding women priests, Luky Whittle (January 6) confronts Our Lord’s teaching on this issue. Why? Because it is not open for discussion. The teaching of a male priesthood has been settled permanently. It is binding on earth as it is in heaven. It is disobedience which is rending the Church asunder and not the teaching itself, as she asserts. If you practise your faith on your conditions and not on Christ’s conditions (the teaching of the Catholic Church), as the Protestants do, at what point do you cease being a Catholic? Our Lord has told us that “he who is not with me, is against me”. And elsewhere “not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom but he who does the will of my Father”. Our Lord has given all people a road-map to salvation, namely the teachings of the Catholic Church. To be numbered among the comparatively few who are saved, we must not challenge these teachings but accept them and practise our faith accordingly. It is as critical as that. Franko Sokolic, Cape Tow 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. Letters can be sent to PO Box 2372, Cape Town 8000 or editor@scross.co.za or faxed to 021 465-3850

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PERSPECTIVES Emmanuel Ngara

God’s tests of faith I N the previous column we discussed how the sense of self-actualisation can contradict God’s purpose for us. In this article we examine how some figures in the history of salvation either upheld or violated God’s purpose for them, beginning with Adam and Eve. Created in the image of God, Adam and Eve were to rule over all creation. That meant human beings were to look after all that God had created on earth: They were to “rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (Gen 1:27). Humanity was to multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. God gave humanity the responsibility of looking after Planet Earth and all that lives on the planet. What a responsibility, what a blessing and what a privilege! But there was a condition to the blessing: Adam and Eve were not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. All was well until the devil, in the form of the serpent, advised them that if they ate of the tree of knowledge, they would be like God, knowing good and evil. In their ambition to be equal to their Creator, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sinned against him and violated his purpose for them. By commanding them not to eat of the tree of knowledge, God was testing Adam and Eve, and they failed the test. The next figure in the history of salvation who was given a major test was Abraham, whom God had chosen to build the Jewish nation through which nation humanity would be saved from the sin of Adam. Abraham’s test was heavier than that of Adam and Eve. Our first parents were commanded not to eat of the tree of knowl-

edge, but Abraham was commanded: “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Gen 22:2). When Abraham obeyed God’s command, the Lord gave him this message: “I swear by myself ... that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore ... and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me” (Gen 2:15-18).

he next servant of God we shall consider is King David. The Lord had chosen David to be king of Israel; he had saved David against King Saul who wanted to kill him and had made him victorious over all his enemies; but David sinned against God by committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for her husband Uriah to be killed in war.

Detail of a painting of Adam and Eve by Austrian artist Peter Wenzel (1745-1829) that is displayed in the Pinacoteca at the Vatican Museums. (Photo: Nancy Wiechec/CNS)

Christian Leadership

God was angry with David for these heinous acts—so much so that he made sure that the child born of the adulterous act did not live (2 Sam 11-12). To satisfy his own desire David had disobeyed one of God’s Ten Commandments: “You shall not commit adultery!” In an attempt to protect his own ego, David had gone on to violate yet another commandment: “You shall not murder!” But God forgave David because he genuinely repented, as is shown in Psalm 51. After David we come to Jesus who was tested and subjected to temptation as Adam and Eve had been (Mt 4: 1-10). What is more, the Father wanted Jesus to be a sacrificial lamb like Isaac; and while God saved Isaac, he did not save Jesus from death on the cross. When he was tempted, Jesus remained steadfastly loyal to God (Mt 4); and when God wanted him to die for humanity, he submitted himself to the will of the Father: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will , but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). There is no space in this article to elaborate on how the figures we have referred to dealt with self-actualisation. What is clear, however, is that we fulfil God’s purpose for us when we submit ourselves to him, when our decisions and actions in the worst of circumstances do not violate God’s will for us, as is shown in the examples of Abraham and Jesus. From the life of David we learn that there is no sin that God does not forgive. If we commit the worst of sins, but genuinely and humbly repent, the Lord will assist us in our effort to fulfil his purpose for us.

The grace of a jar of peanut butter Sarah-Leah Pimentel

HE “Mustard Seeds” column is entering its second year of life. A year ago, I laid out my dream for this column: a place to share stories of hope and experiences of practical faith. I also asked the readers of The Southern Cross to share their mustard seed stories, so that we can all be enriched. It’s my pleasure, this month, to make way to a wonderful storyteller, Karin Human from Queenswood parish in Pretoria, who shares with us how a jar of peanut butter can become a seed of hope, a moment of lift in the darkness of despair. It’s also a reminder how the Holy Spirit can call us to service in the most insignificant of moments, like standing in a queue at the supermarket! Thanks Karin, for being the first guest contributor to this column. May you be the first of many!

POPPED into the supermarket recently and sped through the express tills with my two items. While waiting for my turn, I watched other people in the queues. Along came a 20-something guy, neatly dressed but in worn clothing. He had two loaves of bread, one tin of fish and a small bottle of peanut butter. He looked like he really needed it. When time came to pay I saw him hunt through his pockets; obviously he was a little short in the money he held in his hand. He looked very dismayed. You could see his studious deliberation of the items bought and the peanut butter was handed back, and voided. That jar of peanut butter lay there, to one side. I looked at it and suddenly it represented to me so many things: injustice, unfairness, someone who could not even afford four items at that moment in time. I closed the distance between me and

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The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

Chris Chatteris SJ

Pray with the Pope

Pray for prisoners General Intention: That prisoners, especially the young, may be able to rebuild lives of dignity. NE of the most moving images of Pope Francis is that of the pope washing the feet of youthful prisoners in a prison in Rome for young offenders on Holy Thursday. The Vatican explained that Francis’ aim was to “embrace those… on the fringes of society”. This is well put. Prisoners, of whatever age, are certainly on or even beyond the fringes of our society. We are vaguely aware of prisoners, but they really only impinge on our consciousness if there is a jailbreak or a disaster in a prison, such as a fire. Anyone who has worked in prisons knows that most inmates crave the ordinary dignity of normal human contact with family, friends and acquaintances. But this is precisely what is denied or severely restricted, and this part of their punishment is usually the most painful. Solitary confinement is the most terrible of punishments because the prisoner is completely cut off from human society. However, one of the original ideas of modern justice reflected the best of intentions. As well as being a punishment, a spell in prison was to give criminals a time and space for reflection, repentance and rehabilitation. Unfortunately that lofty ideal has long been overwhelmed by high rates of incarceration in facilities which are overcrowded. Hence hardened criminals can set the moral tone and prisoners can emerge from prison more inclined to commit crime than when they were sentenced. To sustain a rehabilitative vision of imprisonment obviously requires vastly more resources than a system which aims only at punishment through isolation. Such approaches, like that of “restorative justice” programme of the Prison Care and Support Network, are effective but require a great deal of work by volunteers and always need our support. At the very least we can pray for all pastoral workers in their efforts to restore the dignity of prisoners of whatever age and for the Department of Correctional Services, whose staff often work extremely hard for the welfare and ultimate rehabilitation of prisoners.

The Mustard Seeds

In a guest contribution to the “Mustard Seeds column”, Karin Human (inset) recalls a recent peanut butter incident the cashier, to enquire how “short” his money had actually been. Seventy cents. A paltry 70c stood between him and a nutritious spread for his bread. I grabbed R20 out of my pocket, shoved it in her hand and told her I would be back for the change. Grabbing the jar I dashed after him. In an attempt to help, the cashier shouted to security at the door to catch him. Perhaps not the best assistance. Picture this: A young guy carrying a couple of items and a woman running after him waving a peanut butter jar, with two security guards in tow. When we caught up to him I quickly planted the jar in his hands and said: “Here, I saw you were short, I have paid it for you.” Unfortunately, his English was

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minimal, so he didn’t understand what I was saying—and was probably scared to death as I had the security with me. He just kept shaking his head and handing it back. By now the security guards were translating the peanut butter story into two languages, and I was wishing I had paid more attention to my Sotho classes in school. Suddenly the light dawned on the man. “Thank you,” he said. And again. And once again. In his eyes I saw immense gratitude. I also saw despair and weariness. We all have problems and challenges. Some people’s are much larger than those of others, but as I always tell my kids: There is always someone behind you in the food chain, and we have a responsibility to help. Someone in your office who perhaps needs a sandwich, a friend at school you can take a juice for, a school uniform that can be passed on, a cold drink for the car guard standing in the midday heat. So I urge you: Do it…pay it forward. Because maybe one day that person at the till returning an item could be you. Life can change in an instant. “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 Jn 3:17) n Karin Human’s blog, titled C’est la Vie, is at www.kikidee690.blogspot.com. In it she shares her stories of faith in everyday situations and family life.

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Wounded families Missionary Intention: That married people who are separated may find welcome and support in the Christian community. HE “mid-term report” of last year’s Synod on the Family, when considering the care of “wounded families” (the separated, the divorced who have not remarried, the divorced who have remarried) noted “the necessity for courageous pastoral choices”, reporting “the urgent need for new pastoral paths that begin with the effective reality of familial fragilities, recognising that they, more often than not, are more ‘endured’ than freely chosen…” While holding on to the great ideal of Christian marriage and its lifelong commitment of adult equals, its character as a sacrament of the love of Christ for his Church, the synod seeks to confront the reality of the pastoral fact of “familial fragilities”. Love is not all you need, to rewrite the Beatles’ famous song and sentiment. We also need maturity, outside support and enough money. It is hard enough, with our human frailties, to make permanent human commitments—whether in family or religious community—but the lack of societal or familial or monetary support makes them doubly difficult. Without some sense of security, and the possibility of a future which such security brings, who can plan; who can commit? A recent editorial in the British Catholic journal The Tablet made the excellent point that most ordinary Catholics these days have family members who are separated and/or divorced and remarried, cohabiting, or in committed same-sex relationships. Most of us do not cut them off; we welcome them into our family gatherings because they are our kin and because it is the right and loving thing to do. The Tablet article suggests that as ordinary Catholics do, so the Church in her pastoral practice should do likewise and always strive to welcome those whose marriage situations fall short of our hight ideals. Pope Francis’ intention suggests that the Holy Father agrees.

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

PAPAL VISIT

OPE Francis’ second trip to Asia included a two-day visit to Sri Lanka and a four-day visit to the Philippines. The pope’s closing Mass in the Philippines made history with the largest papal Mass being held in Rizal Park in Manila, attracting an estimated 7 million people. The pope’s homily at the Mass reprised themes which he covered during the visit, those of protection of the family, environmental problems, poverty and corruption.

Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila console the father of Kristel Padasas, 27, in Manila. Ms Padasas, a Catholic Relief Services employee, died after the papal Mass in Tacloban, when strong winds caused scaffolding in an area near the altar to fall. (Photo: L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters/CNS)

A boy holds a Pope Francis doll during a welcoming ceremony for the pope at the presidential palace in Manila. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

HOLY LAND: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River and much more... ROME: Papal Audience, Mass in St Peter’s Basilica,Catacombs, Major Basilicas, Ancient and Baroque Rome... FLORENCE: Dumo cathedral, Church of the Holy Cross with the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, Renaissance Florence... TURIN: Reserved viewing of the Shroud of Turin in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, plus sites of Don Bosco: Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians...

Pope Francis reverences a crucifix during a meeting with young people at the University of St Thomas in Manila. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

Bishops arrive in procession for Pope Francis' celebration of the canonisation Mass of St Joseph Vaz at Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

People appear in religious-themed garb as Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Manila. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

Pilgrims walk down Roxas Boulevard in Manila prior to the closing Mass in Rizal Park. (Photo: Tyler Orsburn/ CNS)

Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, say “I love you” in sign language during a meeting with families in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (Photo: L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters/CNS)

Pilgrimage Highlights

Rain falls as Pope Francis walks past a statue of Mary and the Christ child as he celebrates Mass adjacent to the airport in Tacloban, Philippines. (Photo: Malacanang photo bureau handout via EPA/CNS)

PAPAL TRIP

Philippines trip taught us about Pope Francis In the Philippines, Pope Francis attracted a record 6-7 million to Mass.It was a trip that highlighted the pope’s tenacity and attention to detail, as CINDY WOODEN explains.

EW situations are opportunities to learn new things, even about the 78year-old Pope Francis. After two days of watching the pope tenaciously keep his appointments in the Philippines despite pouring rain, one lesson is that the papal wardrobe needs to be expanded to include rain gear. A white umbrella—the usual Vatican response to a drizzle—is not adequate. And cancelling or moving an event indoors—the PONCHIFEX: Pope Francis wears a yellow poncho while greeting the crowd as he arrives to celebrate Mass in Rizal Park in Manila, which atusual Vatican response to a heavy tracted a record-breaking 6-7 million people. (Photos: Paul Haring/CNS) rain—is not acceptable to Pope Francis if his appointment is with thousands or even millions scheduled 17:00, he left Manila 30 000 youths present reflect on an hour early to get there. “He the role of tears in response to of predominantly poor people. Then again, the clear yellow abbreviated everything, but he her suffering and the suffering of plastic poncho he donned over did all the events,” the bishop so many innocents. “Certain realities in life can be his chasuble for Mass in Tacloban said. “The pope is a pope of sur- seen only through eyes cleansed and again for his ride in a converted jeepney popemobile in prises, but God also surprised by tears,” the pope told them. Manila made him “one of the him,” the bishop said. The rain And the only worthy response to people”, which they liked. On so- did not dampen the spirits of the questions about why God allows cial media, he was dubbed people, and the pope did not let suffering is tears of compassion, he said. “ponchifex”, a play on the for- them down. Another thing people learned The Philippines trip also mal Twitter title, “pontifex”. showed the energy the about Pope Francis—something Pope Francis, the pope draws from crowds Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of grandson of Italian ‘Certain at mega events, while si- Manila said tipped him off—was immigrants, takes a multaneously being able that if the pope insists on havtypically Italian approach to weather: it realities can to zoom in on micro de- ing nearby Mgr Mark Miles, a requires protection. be seen only tails and bring the crowd native of Gibraltar who works in the Secretariat of State, that with him. On sunny days in St Some 30 000 exuber- means he will set aside his prePeter’s Square, he through ant youths congregated pared text and speak from the urges—sometimes eyes in the rain at the Univer- heart, in Spanish. Mgr Miles with an almost sity of Santo Tomas. The translates the pope’s words into scolding look—parcleansed pope gathered them and English. ents to put hats on A smaller detail that the pope drew them into prayers their children. On by tears.’ for Kristel Padasas, the attended to is connected to his cold days, he wears a 27-year-old Catholic Re- respect for popular piety, a relong white overcoat and asks parents of the under- lief Services worker who died the spect born and nurtured in his dressed where their children’s day before after an accident at native Argentina. He shares the common people’s tangible Marcoats are. When a guard passes a the Tacloban Mass site. ian devotion, which leads him to baby to him on a cold day, he wo other elements at the tenderly touch or kiss images of often adjusts the child’s coat or youth gathering did not es- her, but also reflects a sense that scarf to ensure proper bundling. Much more importantly, cape the pope’s eye for detail: Mary is “mama”, as he said at Bishop Mylo Vergara of Pasig, first, the fact that of the four Santo Tomas, and one can grab head of the media committee for youths chosen to address him, on to her skirt when the going Pope Francis’ visit, said the wet only one was female—a situation gets rough. He blessed the statues of the and stormy weather—which in- he said should be rectified the Holy Child Jesus people carried cluded the approach of a cate- next time a pope visits. And, second: tears. People get with them to Mass in Manila on gory-two tropical storm in Tacloban—taught people how se- emotional when a pope is the Holy Child feast day in the riously Pope Francis takes his around. Many are overcome with Philippines. The pope was given promises to the poor and suffer- tears after even the most fleeting a copy of the statue, which moment with the pope. ended up being his backseat ing. But the tears shed by 12-year- driver as he toured the crowds in Because the pilots flying him to Tacloban, the area devastated old Glyzelle Palomar were differ- the popemobile after Mass. But he took care with an even by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, in- ent. The pope honoured the tears sisted he leave the area before of the girl rescued from the smaller detail. After Commun13:00, instead of the originally streets and then helped the ion, large tapers and tiny tea lights—whatever people brought with them—were lit as Pope Francis told the crowd: “Keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts. Walk always as children of the light. This is the mission of every Christian: lumina pandere— to spread the light and to tell the world of God’s love.” After a song, altar servers took the pope’s taper from him, and he was handed his crozier for the final blessing. But the pope saw all the people still holding their candles, so he asked his master of ceremonies to give back his candle. “With his crozier in one hand, he used the candle [in the other hand] to bless the community, symbolising the fire, the light of God,” Cardinal Tagle said. “The Holy Father is attentive to little details. He notices a A young woman holds her statue Glyzelle Palomar, 12, and Jun child, he notices something like of Santo Nino, the Holy Child Chura, 14, two former street chilthis; he sees the significance of a dren, walk to their seats after greet- Jesus, as she waits to see Pope candle having been lit and he ining Pope Francis during a meeting Francis along the parade route corporates it into the whole ritwith young people at the University after the pope’s record-breaking ual, which is a gift.”—CNS Mass in Rizal Park in Manila. of Santo Tomas in Manila.

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

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a position reporting to the Head of School and the Board of Governors. The Senior Vice-Principal will be responsible for the management of St Peter Claver Primary School, and has to ensure that learners are adequately prepared to complete their education in St Peter Claver High School.

Applications are invited from experienced educationalists with the appropriate qualiﬁcations to manage the Primary school as from April 2015.

The successful candidate will be: • Committed to maintain and develop the Catholic Ethos of the school • A motivator for and deliverer of quality education • A team worker with excellent communication skills • Registered with SACE • Cognisant of current educational trends and developments • A good administrator and creative thinker • Equipped with conﬂict resolution skills • Committed to engaging the parent community

Closing date for applications: 16 February 2015

Interested and qualiﬁed candidates to submit letter of application, CV and details of THREE recent referees to: The Interview Committee, P.O. Box 62 KROONSTAD, 9500 OR e-mailed to zdr@oldconvent.co.za

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

INTERVIEW

Bishop: Daswa will inspire many people February 2 marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of Benedict Daswa, the Venda man who is likely to be the first South African to be beatified. Bishop Hugh Slattery, the former bishop of Tzaneen, initiated the cause to beatify Daswa in 2000. In a two-part interview STUART GRAHAM spoke to the bishop about the Daswa cause. SG: If Pope Francis approves the beatification of Benedict Daswa, as he is expected to do soon, people will be able to pray to a South African martyr for the first time. What will be the impact of Daswa’s beatification for South Africa? HS: Initially I expect it won’t be significant, but it will quickly gain momentum. People will see Benedict as one of their own and will find him an attractive and compelling witness to the faith. They will be very proud of him as a young man who lived his faith at a deep level and joyfully and willingly shared it with others. Do you feel Benedict’s example as a father, a husband and Christian will influence and inspire people as his story becomes more widely known? We all need and desire role models

who we can admire and try to imitate. For us Catholics, trying to live out our faith in daily life, our great role models are saints. People will discover in Benedict a holy and humble man, a truly outstanding role model in several areas of life—a devoted and loving husband and father, a very active Church member, a man of prayer, a courageous witness to the faith in public life, a lover of the poor and those in need, an ideal mentor for young people, a competent and committed teacher, a good gardener and a person deeply involved in serving and uplifting his community. You were the bishop of Tzaneen when Benedict Daswa was killed by a mob on February 2, 1990. Do you remember when you first heard about Benedict Daswa and what impact did his story have on you when you first heard it? I heard about Benedict as soon as he was killed. Many people met violent deaths around that time in this country. It was a very sad event, but it made no [unusual] impact on me at the time. However, on the tenth anniversary if his death in 2000, I heard how the local Catholics remembered Benedict by gathering together for a special Mass. They then went to the place where he was ambushed, and his widow placed flowers in the middle of the road. Then Benedict’s death began to have a real impact on me and it crossed my mind that he might have been a martyr for the faith. Some inquiries among those who knew him well indicated that Benedict was somebody very spe-

Bread that will Last

Benedict Daswa has been approved a martyr for the faith by the Vatican’s advisors. He was killed by a mob 25 years ago on February 2. Bishop Hugh Slattery (inset) says that the impact of the beatification of Dawa on South Africa will be significant. cial and that we should do something about it. What did you decide to do? We began to talk about him with some of the local people and among the priests. We hadn’t a clue about what to do or what procedures to follow or where to find the money, et cetera, to investigate his life and death. To get Benedict beatified as a martyr looked like an impossible, or at least a very long-

term, project. It seemed more like a dream than a project. Very few dared to believe that a poor remote diocese like Tzaneen was going to produce the first local African saint. We thought we wouldn’t be around to see all this happen. Trusting in God we decided to go ahead, to find out what had to be done and get on with the task of investigating his life and death.

Since then, the Lord has been very good to us, opening doors and meeting needs as the occasion requires. A strong streak of stubbornness also helped. Witchhunts, opposition to which got Benedict killed, still take place in rural South Africa. People in Daswa’s home village say the situation hasn’t improved since his murder. Has his death made any difference at all to the way people think about witchcraft and the dark arts? Witchcraft is something deep in African culture and it is very unlikely that the belief in it is going to change any time soon. It was surely through some special grace from God that Benedict Daswa was able to put the dark areas of his culture outside of himself, as it were, and see it as antilight and therefore opposed to his new-found Christian faith. He saw that in his life as a Christian there was no place for things like witchcraft, sorcery, muti, ritual murder, and so on. He realised he couldn’t stop people believing in witchcraft, but that he could try and challenge witchcraft accusations where no proof is required before a person is found guilty. And so he publicly opposed the smelling out of so-called witches in order to protect innocent lives. In time, Benedict’s courageous witness will surely inspire many other people to follow his example and intervene at a level of witchcraft accusations by demanding proof of guilt before someone can be banished or killed. n Part 2 of the interview follows next week.

by Brother Mike Chalmers CFC

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CLASSIFIEDS

Community Calendar Abortion Mass on Feb 2 To place your event, call Mary Leveson at 021 465 5007 or e-mail m.leveson@scross.co.za (publication subject to space)

DurBAn: Holy Mass and novena to St Anthony at St Anthony’s parish every Tuesday at 9am. Holy Mass and Divine Mercy Devotion at 17:30pm on first Friday of every month. Sunday Mass at 9am. 031 309 3496 Overport rosary group. At Emakhosini Hotel, 73 East Street every Wednesday at 6.30 pm. Contact Keith at 083 372 9018 or 031 209 2536 nELSPruiT: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St Peter’s parish every Tuesday from 8:00 to 16:45, followed by rosary, Divine Mercy prayers, then a

Mass/Communion service at 17:30pm. CAPE TOWn: Helpers of god’s Precious infants. Mass on last Saturday of every month at 9:30 at Sacred Heart church in Somerset Road, Cape Town. Followed by vigil at Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Bree Street. Contact Colette Thomas on 083 412 4836 or 021 593 9875 or Br Daniel SCP on 078 739 2988. Padre Pio: Holy Hour 15:30 every 3rd Sunday of the month at Holy Redeemer parish in Bergvliet.

Eucharistic Perpetual Adoration at Good Shepherd parish, Bothasig, in the chapel. All hours.

nEW FOr 2015 3 TO 12 OCT

ST AnTHOnY’S PAriSH PiLgriMAgE TO iSrAEL, THE HOLY LAnD Visiting the biblical Christian sites including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Cana, galilee; where Jesus walked and preached; where he was betrayed, crucified, the tomb from where He rose again and place of transfiguration.

Spiritual Director rev Fr Christopher Slaters Cost from R28500 Tel: (031) 266 7702 Fax: (031) 266 8982 Email: judyeichhorst@telkomsa.net

CONGREGATION OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD “ONE PERSON IS OF MORE VALUE THAN A WHOLE WORLD” ARE YOU CALLED TO SHARE IN OUR MISSION OF RECONCILIATION?

AS A RELIGIOUS SISTER? A MISSION PARTNER? A PRAYER PARTNER? A BENEFACTOR?

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SR. ZELNA @ 082 968 8493/ 072 265 0735, www.buonpastoreint.org

N February 1, 1997, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act became law in South Africa, legalising abortion. Since then, many thousands of unborn children have been killed, their dignity and humanity counting for nothing. To mark this anniversary, and to pray for a change of heart on the part of all who disregard the rights of unborn children, a Holy Mass will be celebrated under the auspices of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office on February 2 at 13:10 in the archdiocese of Cape Town’s chapel at 12 Bouquet Street, Cape Town, behind St Mary’s cathedral. All are welcome.

Our bishops’ anniversaries This week we congratulate: January 31: Bishop Joe Sandri of Witbank on the 5th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Liturgical Calendar Year B Weekdays Cycle Year 1 Sunday, February 1, Fourth Sunday Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Mark 1:21-28 Monday, February 2, Presentation of the Lord Malachi 3:1-4, Psalms 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40 Tuesday, February 3, St Blaise Hebrews 12:1-4, Psalms 22:26-28, 30-32, Mark 5:21-43 Wednesday, February 4, St Joseph of Leonessa Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15, Psalms 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18, Mark 6:1-6 Thursday, February 5, St Agatha Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24, Psalms 48:2-4, 9-11, Mark 6:7-13 Friday, February 6, Ss Peter Baptist OFM, Paul Miki and Companions Hebrews 13:1-8, Psalms 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9, Mark 6:14-29 Saturday, February 7, St Colette of Corbie Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21, Psalms 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34 Sunday, February 8, Fifth Sunday Job 7:1-4, 6-7, Psalms 147:1-6, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23, Mark 1:29-39

CLASSiFiEDS

PrAYErS

PrAYEr FOr COnSECrATED LiFE. Loving Creator, we thank you for the gift that religious life has been within our Church and society. Help us to nurture this gift so that the Congregations may continue to be a healing presence in our world. May we all respond to the realities of our present times, in ways that promote your reign now and in the future. May your kingdom come, may your will be done. Amen. LOrD, teach me to be generous; to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek to rest; to labour and not to ask for no reward save that of knowing I do your will. Amen. St Ignatius. HOLY ST JuDE, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. In return I promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. Riccarda. ALMigHTY eternal God, source of all compassion, the promise of your mercy

and saving help fills our hearts with hope. Hear the cries of the people of Syria; bring healing to those suffering from the violence, and

comfort to those mourning the dead. Empower and encourage Syria’s neighbours in their care and welcome for refugees. Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms, and strengthen the resolve of those committed to peace. O God of hope and Father of mercy, your Holy Spirit inspires us to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies. Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria, and fill us with hope for a future of peace built on justice for all. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace and Light of the World, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Prayer courtesy of the USCCB. THAnkS be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, For all the benefits thou hast won for me, For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, May I know thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, And follow thee more nearly, For ever and ever. ST MiCHAEL the Archangel, defend us in

battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

THAnkS

grATEFuL thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Mother Mary and Ss Rita, Joseph, Anthony, Jude and Martin de Porres for prayers answered. Riccarda.

Our giFT TO YOu!

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PErSOnAL

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HOLiDAY ACCOMMODATiOn

LOnDOn. Protea House: Single ₤30, twin ₤45 per/night. Self-catering, busses and underground nearby. Phone Peter 021 851 5200. 0044 208 7484834. AngELWOOD B&B: Linksfield, Johannesburg, 081 590 5144. knYSnA: Self-catering accommodation for two in Old Belvidere, with DSTV and wonderful lagoon views. 044 387 1052. 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. Malcolm Salida 082 784 5675, mjsalida@ gmail.com SEDgEFiELD: Beautiful self-catering garden holiday flat, sleeps four, two bedrooms, open-plan lounge, kitchen, fully equipped. 5min walk to lagoon. Out of season specials. Contact Les or Bernadette 044 343 3242, 082 900 6282.

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Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO 639. ACROSS: 4 Scourge, 8 Sinful, 9 Enabled, 10 Eclair, 11 Eunice, 12 Inspects, 18 Thaddeus, 20 Pariah, 21 Accede, 22 Tunicle, 23 Medium, 24 Replica. DOWN: 1 Ascetic, 2 English, 3 Futile, 5 Contessa, 6 Urbane, 7 Greece, 13 Catholic, 14 Benefit, 15 Esteems, 16 Nature, 17 Filial, 19 Docked.

The Southern Cross, January 28 to February 3, 2015

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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: Stuart Graham (s.graham@scross.co.za), Editorial: Claire Allen (c.allen@scross.co.za), Mary Leveson (m.leveson@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), Archbishop S Brislin, P Davids*, S Duval, E Jackson, B Jordan, Sr H Makoro CPS, R Riedlinger, G Simmermacher*, R Shields, Z Tom, John O’Leary

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5th Sunday: February 5 Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7, Psalm 147:1-6, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23, Mark 1:29-39

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NE of the miseries that sometimes afflicts human beings is the wretched sense that there is no point at all in life, and that there is no answer to all our suffering. The readings for next Sunday allow us at least to speak these questions. For we start in the first reading with that model of debate with God, the unstoppable Job. He articulates what you (if you are honest) have found yourself thinking from time to time. “A man’s life on earth—is it not a drudgery? It is like a slave longing for the shade, a hired labourer yearning for his wages.” In his despairing weariness, Job uses an image from state-of-the-art technology: “My days go faster than a weaver’s shuttle, they come to the end of the thread [or: to the end of hope].” Then, in an image that must often have occurred to you: “Remember that my life is just a breath; never again shall my eyes see happiness.” One of the great things about this is that he can say all this without ever doubting that there is a God, who can hear his complaints. The psalm for next Sunday has a very dif-

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What is the meaning of this life? Fr Nicholas King SJ

Sunday Reflections

ferent tone: “Praise the Lord,” it starts, with characteristic cheerfulness; but that is precisely what gives it its tone: “for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting”. The poet can gaze with a clear eye on the worst that can happen, and proclaim, against all the odds, that the Lord “builds up Jerusalem, the Lord gathers the outcasts of Israel”, and in a wonderful image: “He counts the numbers of the stars, and he will call all of them by name.” In a life that can sometimes seem utterly without meaning, the singer sees hope: “Great is our God, and mighty in power.” We need to say this to ourselves from time to time.

For Paul, in our second reading, the point of life is to preach the Gospel. “If I preach the Gospel, there is nothing to boast of about that; for it is something I have to do.” And his “salary”, as he describes it, is that “in preaching the Gospel I offer the Gospel without charge”, and he will do anything to bring it about: “Although I am free in every respect, I made myself a slave to everybody, to win everyone over…to everybody I became everything…everything that I do is because of the Gospel, that I may get a share in it.” Could preaching the gospel be what will give meaning to your life, this week? Certainly that is what gives meaning to Jesus’ life, as we continue Mark’s narrative. We are coming to the end of his busy first Sabbath day of ministry; he comes out of the synagogue, and straight into another problem. “They came to the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John.” But there is no rest, for “Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down, burning [with fever]. And immediately they tell him about her.” The expectation, you see, is that Jesus can

Why we must care about morality W E can never be challenged too strongly with regard to being committed to social justice. A key, non-negotiable summons that comes from Jesus himself is precisely the challenge to reach out to the poor, to the excluded, to those whom society deems expendable. Therefore the huge, global issues of justice should preoccupy us. Can we be good Christians or even decent human beings without letting the daily news baptise us? The majority of the world still lives in hunger, thousands are dying of Ebola and other such illnesses, countless lives are torn apart by war and violence, and we are still, as a world, a long ways from dealing realistically with racism, sexism, abortion, and the integrity of physical creation. These are major moral issues and we may not escape into our own private world and simply ignore them. However, precisely because they are so mammoth and important, we can get the impression that the other moral issues we have to deal with, issues of private morality, are not as important. It’s all too easy to conclude that, given the mega-problems in our world, it doesn’t matter much how we live in the deeper recesses of our private worlds. Our private, little moral concerns can look pretty petty when weighed against the problems of the world as a whole. Do we really believe that God cares much whether or not we say our morning

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Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final Reflection

prayers, gossip about a colleague, nurse a grudge or two, or are less than fully honest in our sexual lives? Does God really care about these things?

es. God cares because we care. Large, global issues notwithstanding, issues of personal integrity are generally what make or break our happiness, not to mention our character and our intimate relationships. In the end, they aren’t petty concerns at all. They shape the big things. Social morality is simply a reflection of private morality. What we see in the global picture is simply a magnification of the human heart. When ego, greed, lust, and selfishness are not dealt with inside the private recesses of the heart, it’s naive to think that they will be dealt with at a global level. How are we to build a just, loving world, if we cannot, first of all, tame selfishness inside us? There will be no transparency at a global level as long as we continue to think it’s okay to not be transparent in our private lives. The global simply reflects the private.

The failure to recognise this is, to my mind, the elephant in the room in terms of our inability to bring justice to the earth. Social action that does not have private morality as its base is not spirituality, but simple political action, power dealing with power, important in itself, not to be confused with real transformation. The kingdom of God doesn’t work that way. It works by conversion and real conversion is an eminently personal act. Carlos Castañeda, the native American mystic, writes: “I come from Latin America where intellectuals are always talking about political and social revolution and where a lot of bombs are being thrown. But nothing has changed much. It takes little daring to bomb a building, but in order to stop being jealous or to come to internal silence, you have to remake yourself. This is where real reform begins.” The Trappist mystic Thomas Merton makes the same point. During the 1960s, when so many intellectuals were involved in various social struggles, Merton was tucked away in a monastery, far (it would seem) from the real battlefronts. He admitted that to most outsiders it “must seem like small potatoes” to be engaged mainly in a war against one’s private demons. However, he still believed that he was fighting the real battle: that of changing hearts. When you change a heart, he says, you have helped bring about some permanent structural, moral change on this planet. Private morality and all that comes with it—private prayer and the attempt to be honest and transparent in even the smallest and most secret of things—is the core from which all morality takes its root. The Dominican Jan Walgrave, on the social importance of mysticism, suggests: “You can generate more energy by splitting a single atom than you can by harnessing all the forces of water and wind on earth. That is precisely what Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed did. They split the inner atom of love. Great energy flowed out.” St John of the Cross, in teaching about the vital importance of honesty in small things, says: “It makes no difference whether a bird is tied down by a heavy rope or by the slenderest of cords, it can’t fly in either case.” Private morality is not an unimportant, unaffordable luxury, a soft virtue, something that stands in the way of commitment to social justice. It’s the deep place where the moral atom needs to be split.

cope; and so he does. He does not hesitate to go into the women’s quarters, nor does he show any anxiety about ritual purity. Instead “he advanced and raised her up, taking her by the hand. And the fever abandoned her. And she started to serve them”. Then when the sun sets, and the Sabbath is over, so that they can carry sick people to him, there is another crowd of sick people to see to “and the whole city was gathered at the door”. We are in no way surprised that he “cured many…and cast out many demons”, although we may puzzle over the fact that “he did not allow the demons to speak—because they knew him!” Most important, however, is the fact that he does not take a good night’s sleep. Instead, and to Peter’s bafflement: “Early in the morning, deep in the night, he got up, went off to a desert place, and started to pray”. That is where Jesus finds the meaning of his life, in talking to his Father. And what, this week, will make sense of your mission?

Southern Crossword #639

ACROSS 4. Lash that struck Jesus (7) 8. I am a ... man (Lk 5) (6) 9. Given power (7) 10. A relic that may have chocolate on it (6) 11. Timothy’s mother (2 Tim 1) (6) 12. Examines sect’s PIN (8) 18. Name of an apostle (Mt 10) (8) 20. Social outcast (6) 21. Consent to (6) 22. Uncle, it is a sacred vestment (7) 23. At the sitting she’s not extreme (6) 24. It’s not the real thing (7)

DOWN 1. This one practises selfdiscipline (7) 2. Recently revised liturgical translation (7) 3. Not worth the effort and fruitless (6) 5. Italian noblewoman (8) 6. Like a courteous man from city area east (6) 7. Lubricant, we are told, from Athens (6) 13. Church embracing a wide variety (8) 14. Gain advantage (7) 15. Respects and admires (7) 16. Your inborn characteristics make it up (6) 17. Relationship of the Son to the Father (6) 19. Berthed the ship and got cut short (6)

Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

ne beautiful Sunday morning, a priest announced the following to his congregation. “My good people, I have here in my hands three sermons...a R1 000 sermon that lasts five minutes, a R500 sermon that lasts fifteen minutes, and a R100 sermon that lasts a full hour. "Now, we’ll take the collection and see which one I’ll deliver.” Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000.