151230 by The Southern Cross

The

S outher n C ross

December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

Reg No. 1920/002058/06

No 4956

www.scross.co.za

NEXT WEEK: YEAR OF MERCY POSTER

This was Pope Francis’ Year 2015

Pages 8-9

R7,00 (incl VAT RSA)

Testimony: Surviving cancer with God

Page 10

Hard times ahead for SA’s poor BY STUART GRAHAM

ATHOLICS are urged to support the Church in easing the suffering of the poor in the years ahead as South Africa enters a period of deep economic hardship and inevitable social upheaval. All South Africans, but the poor especially, will be hit in their pockets and in their stomachs as the economy starts to unravel after years of poor economic policy, said Mike Pothier, an advocate and senior researcher at the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office. “The people who will suffer in the coming years are the poor—the people who have no reserves and savings, who cannot trim expenditure anymore because they are down to the bare bones already,” Mr Pothier told The Southern Cross. “Heavy food price inflation will cause food insecurity and hunger. There is a possibility that social unrest could lead from that. We have to be careful,” he said. “Our communities are very resilient. They have the ability to withstand tremendous suffering. But we have to be aware that political and social unrest can arise from hunger and growing poverty.” Social protests, such as the Fees Must Fall movement against university fee increases towards the end of 2015 and the rubbish collector strike in Johannesburg will be more prevalent in the years ahead as the economy struggles, said Mr Pothier. “Balance of Payments and Gross Domestic Product is economic jargon that the poor often don’t understand, but it is their problem. The falling rand and slow growth are going to hit them in the pockets and tummy in a big way. Conditions will be very tough in the years ahead. We know that poverty and hunger often translate into political and social upheaval.” South Africa’s economy is riddled with structural problems which cannot be wished

For further info or to book contact Michael or Gail at 076 352 3809 or 021 551 3923 info@fowlertours.co.za www.fowlertours.co.za/ poland-2016/

away and which no leader can solve, said Mr Pothier. One of the country’s largest problems is its reliance on primary industries like mining, which has been the lifeblood of the economy. “Gold and diamonds are running out. Anglo American is not even in top 40 shares of the JSE. You can put anyone you like in charge of our politics, but you can’t just invent more gold,” Mr Pothier said. “We are coming across a lot of negative factors and indicators and challenges. The rand is seriously weakening, and even though it is good for the farmers who sell fruit and wine, in the long term is not good for the economy,” Mr Pothier said. “We still have to import more than we export in the form of electronics, cellphones, laptops—all the serious data infrastructure that a modern economy needs. We import these items from countries with strong currencies.” Food prices are also likely to rocket, with southern Africa hit by the worst drought in decades. The country’s farmers are not growing enough maize and wheat to feed the population and the country will have to import these products, with a weak currency. South Africa’s poor leadership has resulted in ratings agencies downgrading the country’s credit status. It is now one level away from “junk status”; another downgrade would heavily impact its cost of borrowing. “One of the things agencies look at is: does the government have a plan to deal with the economic crisis,” Mr Pothier said. In South Africa’s case, “they see no plan. They see a president who gives zero leadership on economic positions. They are not confident that we know how to manage crisis.” The economic crisis “is going to hit poor people hard”, Mr Pothier warned. “The rich have ways and means of surviving. They see Continued on page 2

Men dressed as the Three Kings ride on horses in an Epiphany parade in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican in January 2015. This year in South Africa, the feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, has been transferred to Sunday, January 3. The Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, and thus the Messiah’s physical manifestation to the Gentiles. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

...and now for some bad news

S it is with everything, even The Southern Cross must increase its price— though in our case, we will do so next week for only the first time in more than TWO years. In those two years the cost of everything involved in producing The Southern Cross has increased, sometimes dramatically, but we have done all we could to keep the cover price stable for as long as possible. This has required us to make many sacrifices. However, the present price is no longer sustainable—especially since the newspaper is

St John Paul II Pilgrimage to Poland Southern Cross

entirely self-financed and therefore depends on sales and advertising—and so The Southern Cross will go for R8 as of next week. This amount is still less than the cost of a can of cool drink, or four cigarettes, or 600ml of petrol which takes you only as far as 7km. In short, we believe that at the new price, The Southern Cross still represents excellent value. We thank our readers for their steadfast loyalty and hope that you will keep up your weekly relationship with South Africa’s only national Catholic weekly.

A journey to the places of St John Paul II’s life and devotions, led by a Bishop who knows Poland intimately.

Led by Bishop Stan Dziuba 13 - 21 May 2016

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

LOCAL

Neocat founder visits SA STAff REPoRTER

HE initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello, made his first visit to Southern Africa to hold a vocational meeting with 2 000 people in Pretoria. The event, held at Heartfelt Arena, attracted participants from other African countries such as Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Madagascar, Seychelles and Mozambique. Archbishops William Slattery of Pretoria and Stephen Brislin of Cape Town attended the meeting, alongside other bishops. “We are honoured to host this event in our archdiocese,” said Archbishop Slattery, adding: “The Neocatechumenal Way has affected the lives of millions of people and brought the Church back to life in many cities and countries.” Mr Argüello is a lay Spanish painter who renounced a promising career as an artist in the 1960s to live in the slums of Madrid, among the poor. There, together with Carmen Hernandez, who also embraced

Neocatechumenal Way initiator Kiko Argüello visited South Africa for the first time at an event at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. life among the poor, he initiated an itinerary of Catholic formation in small communities called the Neocatechumenal Way. Today this itinerary is present across the world. The Neocatechumenal Way has been active in South Africa since 1986. At present the responsibility for leading the Way, as it is known, in South Africa is that of Italian lay missionary Dino Furgione, married to

Roberta, with eight children. “We are overwhelmed with joy for the outcome of this meeting,” Mr Furgione said. “Kiko chose to come to South Africa inspired by God, because he knows this is a favourable time for the Church in Africa.” Archbishop Slattery acknowledged missionaries such as the Furgione family. “Perhaps one of the greatest impacts of the Neocatechumenal

Way has been on our lay people. Whole families, thousands of them, have left their homes to work all over the world in leading people to conversion.” During the meeting, Mr Argüello addressed the crowd announcing the Good News. “The kerygma, the announcing of the Good News, is the announcement of something which is happening now. In this precise moment Christ is showing his wounds to the Father, interceding for us.” Towards the end of the event Mr Argüello asked people who felt a calling to a vocation to come up onstage for a blessing. “We were impressed to see 23 young men who felt a calling for priesthood and 13 girls for the consecrated life come forward,” Mr Furgione said, “but we were even more impressed to witness the miracle of 40 families coming onstage together with all of their children, feeling the call to be missionary families and leave everything to announce the Gospel”. This, he said, “can only be the work of the Holy Spirit”.

Veritas to host women’s Day of Prayer

ADIO Veritas and the Friends of Radio Veritas in association with the Women’s World Day of Prayer Committee of South Africa will for the fourth year run the Women’s World Day of Prayer on March 5. This year’s theme is “Receive, Children, Receive Me”. “Historically, this has been a wonderful day of prayer and celebration. It is a day of testimony to how great our God and his creation are,” said Mahadi Buthelezi of Radio Veritas. The event aims to bring together women from various Christian denominations and cultures, to share inspirations and motivations. “We hope to embrace our differences and build on the similarities of our experiences, thus

building each other up as women, wives, mothers and daughters”, said Ms Buthelezi. “Our women’s day in 2015 attracted around 500 women and we hope to attract even more in 2016,” she said. Fr Karabo Baloyi, administrator of Sacred Heart cathedral in Pretoria, and Fr Emil Blaser OP, breakfast show presenter and director of Radio Veritas, will be joined this year by Fr S’milo Mngadi, communications and information officer at the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and presenter of the popular Radio Veritas show Ho tseba wena Morena, and Fr Teboho Matseke of Holy Family parish in Spruitview. n For more information contact Mahadi Buthelezi at 011 663 Women of various Christian Churches will celebrate Women’s 4700. World Day of Prayer on March 5.

includes VAT at 14% Valid from 1 JANUARY 2016 Previous Tariﬀs Cancelled

ADVERTISING RATES

The Catholic Newspaper and Publishing Co Ltd Reg No:1920/002058/06

TARIFFS Per single column centimetre (black & white) 1-5 Insertions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R24,05 6 - 10 Insertions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R22,15 11 - 26 Insertions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R20,20 52 insertions (or 1270 col.cm or more p.a.) R17,35 Half Page per insertion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R2,406 full Page per insertion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R4,426 front page – space rate plus 50% Back Page – space rate plus 35%

COPY, DEADLINES AND CANCELLATIONS Bookings, cancellations, copy and material should be received 17 days before the publication date. Wednesday is publication day. When proofs are required, copy should be sent 21 days before publication day. (Sold at churches on Sundays)

Classifieds (Smalls) R1,60 per word (4cm colour photo R108,80 plus word count) More than 26 insertions p.a. – 20% discount

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS The width of advertisements is measured per column There are seven columns per page: 1 column = 3,5cm 2 columns = 7,3cm 3 columns = 11,1cm 4 columns = 15cm 5 columns = 18,7cm 6 columns = 22,5cm 7 columns = 26,3cm

Colour Loadings 1 colour – Space rate plus 25% 2 colours – Space rate plus 40% full colour – Space rate plus 60%

Brochure/Leaflet etc – Insertions – Per 1000 R295 plus carrier fee R1577 & extra postage costs where applicable Special Positions Leader page – Space rate plus 25% fixed position – Space rate plus 20%

IMPORTANT Advertisers who submit their own artwork must ensure the width of their advertisement coincides with the advertisement column widths of The Southern Cross given below. Where this is not adhered to, advertisements will be floated and advertisers billed accordingly.

TECHNICAL DATA Minimum size of advertisements: 3cm x 1 column Maximum column depth: 37,5cm Maximum column width: 26,3cm JPEG or PDf- Resolution: 300 dpi

Contact Elizabeth Hutton 021 465 5007 or advertising@scross.co.za

2016: Expect a tough year ahead Continued from page 1 opportunities and have the resources to take advantage of these opportunities.” The municipal elections, which will be held in May, June or July, will give people an opportunity to make their voices heard, said Mr Pothier. “A new election tells you something about political trends or dissatisfaction with the incumbent government,” he said. Recent surveys suggest that the level of unhappiness is growing, with increasing numbers of people opposed to President Jacob Zuma. Many more are questioning Mr Zuma’s fitness for office than those who are questioning the ANC’s fitness for office, Mr Pothier noted. “There is a distinction,” he noted, with ANC supporters questioning Mr Zuma’s presidency. Should the ANC recall Mr Zuma, “a new leader will have to be an experienced politician who understands South Africa’s situation”, Mr Pothier said. “He will have to someone who is willing to take chances and put aside the sacred principle that the ANC operates on—that we have to keep communities and trade unions happy,” he said. Mr Pothier said that South Africans need to get “beyond our petty race-based political rivalries and build a national consensus on where we are going in the country”. “We need leaders who inspire confidence, even if we don’t agree what he or she proposes. There is no genuine attempt at that at the moment.” Another big challenge in 2016 is the end of the Public Protector’s seven-year term of office. “We have seen how the government has increasingly been trying to control the independent institutions like the National Prosecutions Authority and some others,” Mr Pothier said. “Who is going to replace [Public Protector] Thuli Madonsela? She has been a thorn in the side of the present government. She has come under attack in parliament from the ANC. She did not receive an increased budget as she had requested, having made a good case for increased resources,” Mr Pothier noted. “There is a fear an attempt may be made to replace her with someone more malleable.” The Church, said Mr Pothier, needs to be building and strengthening communities in the years ahead. “The Church needs to find ways to encourage people through times of crisis. The wealthy people in the Church and those of us able to cope will need to strengthen the Church’s capacity for those who can’t cope,” Mr Pothier said. Catholics can play a role in that by working with Catholic welfare organisations or “by taking on an activist role through Justice & Peace”, he said. “We will need to be far more conscious of our suffering brothers and sisters in the years ahead,” he said.

CONSOLATA MISSIONARIES SOUTH AFRICA “Console, console my people” Is 40:1 We are a Religious International Congregation of Priests, Brothers, Sisters and Lay missionaries who are consecrated for the Mission, to see to it that all have a chance to hear the word of God and encounter Jesus Christ, God’s True Consolation.

God may be calling you to witness His Consolation with the Consolata Missionaries. Don’t say no, or it is not yet time! Make it happen! Come and see! Our Contacts: Vocation Director Consolata Missionaries P. O BOX 31072 0135 Pretoria South Africa Email: vocatio@consolata.net Website: www.consolata.org

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

LOCAL

Artist to share his vision with public STAff REPoRTER

R Artist Thabo Motseki at work on his portraits. The parishioner at Bl Issidore Bakanja church in Soweto is holding an exhibition at Museum Africa.

ADIO Veritas is collaborating with Soweto’s Bl Issidore Bakanja church on an art exhibition with Museum Africa and artist Thabo Motseki, a parishioner of Bl Isidore. The idea, presented by the parish council of Protea Glen, Soweto, is to “support and encourage this young and very talented artist”, said Radio Veritas’ Mahadi Buthelezi. “Artists like Thabo Motseki continue to make a creative contribution which inspires South African communities. “There was a collective thought shared by the PPC members that art tends to be overlooked and un-

recognised in local communities and that through Thabo’s work, he will be able to link artistic expression with personal, historical and community-based stories,” she said. The organisers hope especially to expose people who live in townships “to this form of art”, Ms Buthelezi said. “It will help guests develop an appreciation for the contribution that art can make in our lives.” Besides raising funds for the Bl Isidore Bakanja parish and for Radio Veritas, the partnership strives to promote the heritage and riches of Soweto’s home-grown talent. The exhibition will be launched at Museum Africa on Saturday, February 27. Sales for the pieces will take place throughout March.

“Some of Thabo Motseki’s work at this exhibition will be linked to the Catholic Church and has received the full backing and approval of Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg,” Ms Buthelezi said. “Once it is up and running, scholars and the general public will be afforded the opportunity of a walkabout to inform them of the exhibited work,” she said. Mr Motseki, 35, is an award-winning artist from Masilo in the Free State. At age 13, he was involved in a tragic accident which saw him hospitalised and confined to bed for three years, with no movement. A great curiosity stemmed from

the dreams and visions he says he had while in a coma for three weeks, and this was the beginning of his drive to share his mind with the world through his art. “My body of work explores a visual and emotional account in an attempt to record the rhythmic patterns for certain periods in my life and it has matured to also explore the mysterious origin and journey of human existence,” he said. His work has been exhibited in China alongside Diane Victor in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, he opened his own studio which has so far been graced by David Phoshoko, Rhona Ghovi and others. n For more information contact Mahadi Buthelezi on 011 663 4700.

Country Mass and wine picnic STAff REPoRTER

INELOVERS in the Western Cape will have two opportunities to celebrate their passion within a Catholic context in January. January 16 will see the 16th Annual St Vincent’s Day Blessing of the Vines at Nagenoeg farm near Stellenbosch, preceded by Mass in the farm’s chapel. After the blessing, guests are invited to have a picnic in the farm’s forest. And the 22nd Annual Winemakers and Distillers Mass will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 11:00 at St Nicholas Catholic church in Stellenbosch, followed by lunch. All are welcome to the Blessing of the Vines, said Nagenoeg’s Catholic owner, Schalk Visser. “Even if you are a stranger, you are most welcome. All we ask is please introduce yourselves. We would love to meet you.” A Mass will be celebrated in the farm’s St Anthony’s chapel at 11:00 followed by a ride through the vineyards for the actual blessing. “This Mass is the important part

of the event. We pray for a good harvest and for a blessing on all involved in the harvest and those who work on the farm,” said Mr Visser. “The Mass will be followed by a ride through the vineyards with a procession of tractors with trailers, trucks, bakkies and even ordinary cars. “We will drive through the vineyards at a slow speed and stop at regular intervals for photo opportunities and to admire the views,” Mr Visser explained. “Thereafter, we will proceed to the oak forest for a picnic under the trees. The forest was planted in 1994 with love and we would like you to enjoy your picnic under them,” he said. A collection will be held during the picnic for the St Anthony’s Chapel Fund. “Proceeds will be used for the upkeep of the chapel and also for sponsoring school clothes and fees for the farm children “and other necessary expenses such as educational tours and extra courses”, Mr Visser said. Guests are asked to bring their

own picnic baskets, blankets, chairs and wine. “As this is a wine farm, please bring wine and not beer. The wine industry is suffering, so we would like you to enjoy the fruits of the grape instead of beer,” Mr Visser said. All are also welcome to the Winemakers and Distillers Mass in Stellenbosch on January 28. The collection at the Mass will go to Stellenbosch Hospice. After Mass congregants will proceed to La Pineta restaurant on the R44. Guests may bring their own wine; no corkage will be charged on the day. Organiser Dave Hughes is asking that those who plan to lunch at La Pineta let him know, “so that I can give La Pineta some idea as to numbers to cater for”. Meals and any drinks purchased will be for guests’ own account. n For more information on the Blessing of the Vines contact Schalk Visser on beesting@mweb.co.za or 021 855 5767 or 082 414 8333. For more information on the Annual Winemakers and Distillers Mass, contact Dave Hughes on hughesd@iafrica.com or 021 865 2175.

Bloemfontein nuns celebrated

ARISHIONERS from St Rose church in Bochabela organised a thanksgiving celebration for all the religious sisters in the archdiocese of Bloemfontein, saying they were aware of how the sisters go out of their way helping the people of God, and are seldom recognised. The occasion was organised by Kedibone Moeti, Naledi Makubetsa, Nino Hlwati and Seipati Dlamini, all of whom were taken care of by the religious sisters as they grew up, espe-

cially at school. Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo was present, accompanied by several priests in the archdiocese, especially those working closely with the sisters. After Holy Mass, there were speeches, each congregation saying something about their group and how they came to work in the archdiocese. This was followed by lunch, and presents for the sisters.

The Capuchin Sisters ended 2015’s Year of Consecrated Life on a high note with neighbouring communities. Mass was celebrated by fr K Mngadi, with fr Bernard CMM, their chaplain.

SACRAL ARTWORK

(various size paintings, icons, stations of the cross, paintings and frame renovations) by Zenon Rozycki cell: 083 798 7550 e-mail: zenonwr@gmail.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER to work full-time in its office in Cape Town

The Southern Cross wishes to employ a motivated and organised person to manage and administer its advertising department. The successful candidate will have good knowledge of MS Office, be able to deal with the public, be service-oriented, have initiative, and work well in a small team under the direction of the business manager. While a Catholic background is not a requirement for the position, knowledge of the Church and affinity for its mission will be an advantage.

The renumeration package includes a fair salary with medical aid, pension, 18 days annual leave, free parking. Ideally, the successful candidate will start on March 1 or earlier. e-mail applications with a covering letter and CV to: admin@scross.co.za

Deadline: February 2, 2016

The Southern Cross reserves the right not to fill this vacancy.

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Fr. Joseph Wilson October 2016 only R24,500.00 [t&c]

Book now to secure your seat

examples of works available by e-mail

has a vacancy for

HOLY SITES TRAVEL SEE THE HOLY LAND

576AM IN JO’BURg & BEYOND DStv Audio 870

streaming live worldwide on www.radioveritas.co.za PO Box 4599, Edenvale, 1610 (t) 011 663-4700 eblaser@radioveritas.co.za

Contact Elna, Tel: 082 975 0034 E-mail: elna@holysites.co.za

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

PRIESTS OF THE SACRED HEART “Here I am Lord” Cell: +27 72 769 7396, +27 83 471 6081 E-mail: vocation.office@ dehonafrica.net

Founder: Fr. Leo John Dehon (1843-1925)

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

Year of Mercy adds to pope’s busy year BY CARoL GLATz

W An online course about science and religion is now available in English from the Theological faculty of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain. The course, “Science and faith in Dialogue”, will be available starting on february 9.

Science and faith: online course bridges gap BY JUNNo ARoCHo ESTEVES

REATIONISM vs evolution, scientific method vs ethics, science vs faith, the Church’s censure and rehabilitation of Galileo Galilei. For centuries, there has been countless confusion and arguments pitting science against faith as if they were two opposing forces. In the hopes of dispelling lingering myths and misunderstandings, one ecclesiastical institute has launched a unique online course explaining the compatible roles religion and science play in seeking meaning and knowledge in today’s world. Sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture, the “Science and Faith in Dialogue” programme is now in English and run by the Theological Faculty of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain, and it seeks to bridge the gap between science and faith through education. Each class begins an introductory video on the day’s lesson, narrated by Fr Emili Marles Romeu, director of the “Science and Faith in Dialogue” programme. In a style much like the US science documentary series “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”, the priest explains complex historical and scientific discoveries with relative ease. The lesson plans also include texts, summaries, tests and assignments. Students can also opt to be assigned specialised tutors who assist them throughout the course. Fr Marles told Catholic News

Service that a low price and grants allow for the course “to be accessible to everyone regardless of location or financial situation”. South Africa falls into zone 4 with an 85% discount in fees. The lesson plans cover an array of scientific studies, including the debate between creationism and evolution and stem cell research. While the course is offered to everyone, Fr Marles said that it is directed especially to those with an educational role in the Church. Fr Armand Puig i Tàrrech, dean of the Theological Faculty of Catalonia, said the course is a service that helps students and those who work in the field of Catholic education and catechism address the misconception that “the Bible and human reason are opposed to each other”. The course shows that countless scientific achievements have been achieved by Catholics dedicated to their faith like Galileo, the father of observational astronomy and modern physics, and Mgr Georges Lemaître, the Belgian priest and astronomer who proposed the Big Bang theory. Although faith needs reason in order to be more grounded in the world, Fr Puig said that science must also recognise its limits. “This course helps to bridge the world of science with human and divine realities,” he said. People can access a trial course, further information and registration details at www.scienceand faithbcn.com/en.

HEN Pope Francis established the Year of Mercy, a full slate of Jubilee events were slotted into his already packed calendar for 2016. A typical “business as usual” year for a pope is already full with meetings, liturgies and foreign trips. But then add the extraordinary Jubilee Year, which will run until November 20, and the pope will now preside over at least one major public ceremony or event each month. He will carry out a personal “work of mercy” in Rome one Friday a month and lead an extra general audience one Saturday a month in addition to his weekly Wednesday gatherings. And being the impromptu pope who likes to do things that aren’t marked in press office bulletins, 2016 looks like it will keep this 79year-old pontiff busier than usual. In addition the pope plans pastoral journeys across the globe. A six-day, six-city trip to Mexico in February has been finalised with almost daily flights out of Mexico City to the peripheries to meet with indigenous communities, young people, prisoners and the poor. This will be his fourth visit to Latin America and his 12th trip abroad in his three years as pope. Pope Francis will take a short flight to Poland for World Youth Day in Krakow in July. So far the unofficial, tentative schedule has the pope attending the last four days of events during the week-long gathering, including a Way of the Cross, a prayer vigil, and the closing Mass where, traditionally, he will announce the next World Youth Day host country. The Vatican never makes an official announcement of future papal trips until a few months closer to the departure date but, looking at past practice, he took five trips abroad each year, trying to hit more marginalised nations and countries with a Catholic minority—especially places where Christians had suffered persecution. For 2016, one possible stop might be Armenia. He celebrated a special Mass at the Vatican in April 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915-18 genocide of up to 1,5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman-Turkish empire. The pope told journalists in November he had already promised the

A Christmas Gift to Remember Did you forget someone on your Christmas gift list? Catch up now by taking out a GIfT SUBSCRIPTIoN

A Gift that will nourish the Spirit

Digital Edition: R385 a year Read the paper online PC, tablet, phone

Print Edition: R450 (Surface mail)

Normal mail: post to The Southern Cross, PO Box 2372, Cape Town 8000 Please send the Southern Cross Newspaper for 12 months  Digital version  Print version to: Title:....................... Name:.......................................................................... Address:...................................................................................................... ..................................................................................Code:......................... My Name:.................................. My Address:............................................ .............Code.........Tel............................E-mail........................................... for which I enclose R............... Signature.................................................

SADC countries & rest of the world on application

Call us! 021 465 5007, fax 021 465 3850 Email us! subscriptions@scross.co.za Visit our website www.scross.co.za www.facebook/thescross

The original tilma of St Juan Diego bearing the miraculous image of Mary is seen in the basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Pope francis will visit Mexico in february. (Photo: David Maung/CNS) Armenian Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs he would visit their country. “I don’t know if this can be done, but the promise has been made,” he said. When asked about other trips planned, especially for Latin America, he said: “You know, travelling at my age isn’t good for you. You can do it, but it takes its toll.” However, he will invite the world to Rome for a dozen major “jubilees” planned for the Year of Mercy, dedicated to: catechists, deacons, priests, religious, the Roman curia and those administering offices connected with the Vatican.

e will start the new year with opening the last of the four Holy Doors in Rome—the basilica of St Mary Major—on the feast of Mary, Mother of God. He will send out more than 800 missionaries of mercy on Ash Wednesday to go to different parts of the world to be “preachers and confessors of mercy”. That event will coincide with the relics of St Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who bore the stigmata of Jesus, being shown in Rome for the first time. Pope Francis will canonise Bl Teresa of Kolkata in September as the Church celebrates the jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy. Beyond the jubilee, the pope will preside over major traditional liturgical events throughout the year, meet with ambassadors, papal nuncios, Vatican officials and groups from all over the world. He gave more than 200 speeches in 2015, and it’s quite likely a similar

stream of encounters will continue with scripted or off-the-cuff talks to children, teachers, religious men and women, Catholic associations and experts attending Vatican-sponsored conferences. It is in these addresses that the pope often outlines what needs to be done in the world—as a disciple of Christ or a man or woman of good will. Observers expect him to issue his second apostolic exhortation in 2016, following the conclusion of two gatherings of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in 2014 and 2015. As far as major meetings go, he will probably convene the world’s cardinals in February as he did the last two years. Such consistories offer the pope a chance to hold working meetings on some of his most urgent priorities and tap into the College of Cardinals as an advisory body as well as vote on upcoming saints’ causes. The pope’s smaller consultative body, the Council of Cardinals or the C9, will come together in February, too, beginning their cycle of five scheduled gatherings for the year dealing with internal issues of reforming the Vatican’s structures and processes. As far as time off? Pope Francis does staycations. Almost all audiences and meetings will be suspended for a few weeks in the summer. But he’ll be busy nonetheless, as he uses the short lull to play catch-up on paperwork, upcoming documents and personally responding to letters, especially from friends and acquaintances—a habit he had as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and tries to stay true to as pope.—CNS

Contoversial cardinal may become saint despite protest BY JoNATHAN LUxMooRE

CROATIAN archbishop said the pope plans to declare his Church’s controversial wartime leader, Bl Alojzije Stepinac, a saint, adding that a Croat-Serb commission studying Bl Stepinac’s life will not be allowed to delay his canonisation. “The pope wants experts from the Catholic and Orthodox Churches to work together on questions needing clarification—but the canonisation itself isn’t in question,” said Archbishop Zelimir Puljic, president of the Croatian bishops’ conference. However, Serbian newspapers reported that a letter from Orthodox leaders, protesting against the canonisation process, had been handed to the Vatican’s secretary for Relations with States, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. Archbishop Puljic said that many Serbs believed Bl Stepinac had collaborated with Croatia’s Nazi-allied government and had done nothing to prevent its “fascist crimes” against Serb civilians. Bl Stepinac, who at age 36 became the world’s youngest bishop in 1934,

B Alojzije Stepinac at his trial in 1946. (Photo: CNS file) took over the archdiocese of Zagreb and headed the Catholic Church when independent Croatia’s Ustasa Party was in power under Ante Pavelic. He was accused of collaboration in war crimes by Yugoslovia’s post-war communist regime, headed by Josip Broz Tito, and sentenced to 16 years’ hard labour after an October 1946 trial. Released into house arrest five years later because of ill health, he was made a cardinal in 1953 by Pope Pius XII, leading Tito to break relations with the Vatican in protest. Bl Stepinac died in February 1960, and was declared blessed by St John Paul II in October 1998.—CNS

INTERNATIONAL

Papal visit brought peace to the CAR BY JoNATHAN LUxMooRE

Muslim women wait for Pope francis’ arrival for a meeting with the Muslim community at the Koudoukou mosque in Bangui, Central African Republic, in November. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) particularly violence perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God”. After the pope’s visit, Archbishop Nzapalainga told the Jeune Afrique weekly he “walked in this neighbourhood as a pilgrim of peace, inviting people to rebuild this country on the reconciliation and mercy Pope Francis offered us”. “The pope has profoundly affected the Muslim community, and the Muslim youth of PK5 have laid down their weapons to speak with their Christian brothers,” he said. “If each side tried to make an effort, life could resume its course like before, when there was no reason to distinguish between Christians and Muslims.”—CNS

The identity, mission of all religious brothers BY CARoL GLATz

O help appreciate and better promote the vocation of religious brothers, the Vatican has released a 50-page reflection on the importance of their life and mission of evangelisation, fraternity and sacrifice. The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life released “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church” in five languages as a guide for the whole Church. The document comes at a time when the Church has seen a steep decline in the number of religious brothers. While the numbers of religious in every category have dropped in the past 50 years, the number of religious brothers decreased most drastically. For example, the Christian Brothers had 16 000 members in 1965 and have fewer than 5 000 today. Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, secretary of the congregation, said it was hoped the reflection would help all members of the Church become more aware and better appreciate the service and gifts of religious brothers. So many people are experiencing a “thirst for spirituality”, it said, and religious brothers, especially those living in monastic or contemplative

Mideast crisis dampens Bethlehem Christmas T BY JUDITH SUDILoVSKY

CATHOLIC leader in the Central African Republic said Christian-Muslim ties were affected positively by Pope Francis’ visit and his simple message of living peacefully. “No guns or grenades sounded during the visit—and while some unfortunate incidents occurred afterwards, there was no resort to open violence,” said Mgr Cyriaque Gbate Doumalo, secretary-general of the bishops’ conference. “The pope came with a simple message that Christians and Muslims can fraternally live together in peace and harmony, despite what’s happened here. I think this has touched the Muslim community and given us a real chance." He said the bishops’ conference president, Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui, had been well received when he and three priests walked through the mostly Muslim neighbourhood known as PK5 to “check the situation” and encourage Christian-Muslim ties. “Access to PK5 has long been blocked, but since the Holy Father’s departure, people have been coming and going freely again,” Mgr Doumalo said. Pope Francis visited Bangui’s central Koudoukou mosque, protected by armed UN peacekeepers, and urged Christians and Muslims to act like “brothers and sisters” and “say no to hatred, revenge and violence,

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

HE Christmas spirit this year in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ in the occupied West Bank, was dampened by the political situation and the lack of pilgrims. Few pilgrims were visiting the holy sites—or the souvenir shops that line Manger Square—and there was none of the customary festive carolling at the square in the evenings leading up to Christmas Eve. Hawkers who came from Hebron to sell Santa Claus hats and Christmas-themed headbands sat dejectedly on stone pillars, half-heartedly trying to sell their wares to locals who continued walking past them. It took them more money for the taxi ride to Bethlehem than what they made during the day, said Jasan Zided, 38, who has six children to support. One souvenir seller noted that while some pilgrim groups were still visiting Bethlehem, the big spenders, like the Russian groups, were no longer coming. The Russian pilgrims stayed away mainly because of their country’s involvement in Syria and the November attack on the Russian aeroplane in Egypt. Among the few pilgrims was Monica Reina, 47, from Madrid, who was on a group pilgrimage. “We have come on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We are not afraid, we always feel protected by God,” she said. “But there are very few people here, which is sad. If we as Christians stop coming here, then the Holy Land will cease to exist as the Holy Land.” “It is very sad,” said Veronica Alhihi, 22, a Catholic teacher at the Ephpheta Paul VI Pontifical Institute for the deaf, who was on an outing to see the Christmas tree with the school’s first and second graders. “It is hard to be happy when there is death. Even though we Christians all around the world feel the joy of Jesus’ birth, there is a deep sadness inside of us.” Palestinians have been frustrated by an increase in the number of Is-

franciscan Brother Juan Turios of Action Network prays with immigration reform advocates in Washington. (Photo: Jim West/CNS) communities, should offer themselves as guides for those seeking deeper meaning, inviting people to prayer, reading Scripture and bridging faith and culture. The text urged religious brothers, whether they engage in manual labour, defend human rights, teach, work in health care or serve in other ways, to accept God’s invitation to go to the world’s peripheries and lead people to salvation. The document called for priests and the Church hierarchy to promote and better appreciate the vocation of lay brothers and sisters, ensuring they can “participate actively in the organs of consultation, decision-making and implementation within the local Church”.—CNS

www.catholic-pe.co.za/stpius

Our bedrooms accommodate up to 58 - Plus 20 for dormitories, Small, medium & large conference facilities Dining rooms with full kitchen facilities - Full catering or self catering - Very competitive rates - Situated in the suburb of Cambridge - Multidenomenational Chapel.

A nun visits the Christmas tree in Manger Square outside the Church of Nativity with Palestinian children from the Ephpheta Paul VI Pontifical Institute for the deaf in Bethlehem, West Bank. (Photo: Debbie Hill/CNS) raeli settlements on their territory and continued restrictions on movement, which Israel says are necessary for security. In solidarity with the difficult situation, the Advent and Christmas celebrations were modest, said Bethlehem mayor Vera Baboun, a Roman Catholic. Rather than shooting off fireworks after the lighting of the Christmas tree, for example, Bethlehem officials asked churches to ring their bells, she said. “Bethlehem is all about peace. It is a city of peace, but it is a walled city,” said Ms Baboun. “The situation here is very contradictory. Every year is becoming worse. We lit the Christmas tree, but with sadness. A word like sadness should not even be expressed in Bethlehem. We have the right to celebrate the blessing of Our Lord, and our children deserve to live that joy despite the sadness.” Bethlehem has a 27% unemployment rate and a 22% poverty rate and not enough budget to help all the needy, the mayor said. Many Christian organisations try to fill in some of the gaps, she said. Bethlehem depends on the tourism industry, which has been

hard hit for the past two months. Hotels are reporting dismal occupancy rates and no new reservations for the coming months, noted Manhal Assaf, director of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism Information Office in Bethlehem. Big dance parties and public celebrations, which local young people and Israeli Christian Arabs liked to attend, were not held this year, though smaller indoor private events took place, said Mr Assaf. Adnan Tarrabin, 45, said on a good day he would get some 200-300 customers at his coffee shop. Now, by midday, he had only had 15 customers. “Here in Bethlehem, it is quiet,” Mr Tarrabin said of the political situation. “The problem is in the whole Middle East, and tourists are afraid to come here because of Syria, but here it is safe. The Israeli people are our cousins, we are all human beings and we want peace. This circle of violence is not good for anyone, not for young people, not for anybody. The two sides need to sit down together and make peace. When we have a good economy we don’t have any problems.”—CNS

Pregnant? Need Help? WE CARE

081 418 5414, 079 663 2634 DBN 079 742 8861 JHB

We welcome prayers, volunteers and donations.

www.birthright.co.za

Pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Lourdes and Paris Led by Fr. Robert Mphiwe 10 – 20 May 2016 R 29 995.00 Incl. Airport taxes

Jubilee of Mercy Pilgrimage for Priests and Deacons 27 May – 06 June 2016 R 25 995.00 incl. Airport taxes Limited Space Available Walk the Camino de Santiago 10 – 21 September 2016 R 29 995.00 incl. Airport taxes

Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi Medjugorje Led by Fr. Joseph Matsau 18 September – 29 September 2016 R 26 995.00 incl. Airport taxes Pilgrimage to the Holy Land And Medjugorje Led by Fr. Stanislaw Jogodzinski 21 September – 07 October 2016 R 36 995.00 incl. Airport taxes

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

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Open your heart to saviour Christ

Editor: Günther Simmermacher

Rising against corruption

E should be encouraged when authorities and the media expose cases of corruption in the South African government and civil service. It is an indicator that our democratic institutions are still at work, even if imperfectly so when those in power close ranks to protect the corrupt. On the other hand, of course, we must be alarmed at dishonesty among officials who administer funds from the public purse and coercion of citizens by some civil servants, including the police. Corruption is commonly defined as the abuse of public office for private gain. Moral and legal codes have been developed over millennia to proscribe corruption. It seems an intrinsic trait of the human condition to respond to the temptation of behaving dishonestly in order to get financial and other gain; it is part of our innate capacity for sin. Social scientists indicate this when they observe that crime and corruption are based on human weakness which spans cultures, geography and generations. Even in the Old Testament, we find Moses admonishing the judges: “You must not pervert the law; you must be impartial; you will take no bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and ruins the cause of the upright” (Deuteronomy 16:19). Most South Africans are rightly disgusted by the ethical deficiencies of our politicians and public servants, starting with a severely compromised president who cheerfully accumulates allegations of corrupt practices without providing adequate answers to them. The government, under President Jacob Zuma and already under Thabo Mbeki, has done much to undermine the fight against corruption by closing down or otherwise clipping the wings of anti-corruption units. It is evident that many of Mr Zuma’s choices of appointment to strategic positions have been designed to protect himself and his allies from proper investigation into unethical practices. South Africa’s problem with corruption on the legislative level is not unique, of course. Even the corridors of power in the self-proclaimed “greatest democracy in the world”, the United States, is a kleptocratic cesspool, even if the processes of corruption there are

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.

more sophisticated than the blatantly executed plunder of South Africa’s public purse. But in South Africa corruption infiltrates all levels of public service. Laws and rules are often bent and evaded by some government employees who will readily solicit and accept bribes. That should not be tolerated: not by those who administer these civil services, nor by the colleagues of corrupt officials, nor by the public that is being shaken down. From the ethical point of view, it is the individual’s personal integrity that protects organisations from corrupt practices. But temptation and opportunism can be overwhelming, especially in an atmosphere where dishonesty is tolerated and credible role models are not much in evidence. It is within this culture of “getting away with it”, which is virtually a national sport in South Africa, that Christians find it a challenging prospect to teach and encourage the virtues of truthfulness, honesty, personal integrity and respect for the rights of others. The Catholic Church’s many schools and institutions are contributing towards inculcating a strong sense of morals. We all need to make ever greater efforts to promote an ethical vision as we find corruption in politics, public service, sport, business and even in some parishes continues. This involves also a refusal to offer bribes. In this, Christians may take inspiration from the imprisoned St Paul who refused to buy his freedom from the procurator Antonius Felix, who solicited bribes from the apostle (Acts 24:26). In our schools, learners are told that respect for human life is an important Christian virtue, and respecting others and their rights is the practical way to exercise it. However, they must also be told that respect for their own person is of equal importance. To respect oneself is to be and act as a unique individual who is answerable for his own moral behaviour. Answerability to one’s self is the same as responsibility to oneself. Cecil John Rhodes once said cynically that every man has his price, and this idea certainly did not die with him. That is why we must work fervently to prove him wrong in the notion that corruption is inevitable.

E have just begun the Year of Mercy by opening the jubilee doors. God has sent his mercy to us through Jesus Christ, who is full of mercy. St Luke empathises that God’s marvellous deeds do not happen in a vacuum but in the concrete reality of history. Jesus came to this world for me and for others, for our own salvation. We live in a world of uncertainties, brokenness, hatred and jeal-

Meditation not New Age fad

HE letter from Fr Finbarr Flanagan OFM (November 25) requires a response in order to dispel some misperceptions about the way of meditation presented recently by Dr Cathy Day and Ernie Christie from Townsville, Australia. The early mention of “teaching half-lotus…meditation in our schools” suggests that the writer is misinformed about what was being presented and has received his information about the seminars second-hand and out of context. As far as posture for Christian meditation goes, there are no rules except for the recommendation of a straight back, feet firmly on the floor, eyes lightly closed and hands comfortably placed—all of which helps keep focus. When groups of young children meditate together they might quite naturally sit crosslegged as they do for other circle activities in the classroom. The comment that the website www.mediomedia.com “shows that this form of meditation has nothing in common with traditional Catholic meditation” is again an indication of a misunderstanding about the tradition of prayer being presented here. In the words of Cardinal George Pell, the former archbishop of Sydney, whom many regard as being conservative: “Fr John Main recovered the ancient prayer tradition of meditation for our times in a frantic world searching for meaning and purpose. I warmly endorse this prayer which opens your heart to the Holy Spirit connecting us with the sacred within. It is this gift of holiness and wholeness that we must give to all our students and our teachers.” Encouragement for the same comes from the very document referred to in Fr Flanagan’s letter which expresses, quite rightly, a concern about the effect of New Age techniques on the undiscerning. In “Points to Note” in the document Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life, the following advice is given.

MONASTERY RETREAT HOUSE PO Box 11095, Mariannhill 3624

Individual directed or private retreats can be arranged for periods of 2-8 days throughout the year. Diocesan, Parish and Church meetings and workshops should be booked well in advance Reception: 031 700 2155 Fr Urs Fischer 031 700 2890 Fax 031 700 2738 Email: monretreat@saol.com

For Bookings:

ousy. Crime and violence has made us prisoners in our own homes. We are surrounded by poverty. In this situation, who is Jesus to me? I remember before we built a bell tower for the new church of St Anne’s in Mpophomeni, KwaZuluNatal, with two bells which we installed with the help of late Fr Julian Carassco. It seemed an impossible task, but words became flesh. The bell tower was built.

“Perhaps the simplest, the most obvious and the most urgent measure to be taken, which might also be the most effective, would be to make the most of the riches of the Christian spiritual heritage. The great religious orders have strong traditions of meditation and spirituality, which could be made more available through courses or periods in which their houses might welcome genuine seekers. “This is already being done, but more is needed. Helping people in their spiritual search by offering them proven techniques and experiences of real prayer could open a dialogue with them which would reveal the riches of Christian tradition, and perhaps clarify a great deal about New Age in the process.” Fr Laurence Freeman, current leader of the World Community for Christian Meditation, constantly reminds his audiences that meditation in the Christian tradition is not a new technique. It goes back to the Desert Fathers, among whom St John Cassian (c.360-435AD) describes this way of prayer in his Conferences. However, the Western Church in particular lost this contemplative dimension, and it is the recovery and awakening of this dimension today that is restoring us to balance and integrity in our prayer life. Paul Faller, Catholic Institute of Education

Deacon secrecy

WAS part of the group of aspirant deacons that are now receiving their minor orders and being ordained next year. Having spent six years preparing for the permanent diaconate, all seemed to be fine. But then, early last year, I learnt by pure chance, when enquiring about a lecture, that my name had been withdrawn and that I was not welcome at the lecture because of a letter that had been received from the chairman of the pastoral council of my parish. There was obviously no intention on his part or those so called interested parties to advise me officially.

Whatever the situation we may be in, whatever the challenge we may be facing, whatever disappointment: remember that Jesus the Messiah is among us. In the Year of Mercy let us open our own doors of life. Let us prepare for Jesus Emmanuel to enter our lives. Let him bring mercy to our lives and make us fully alive. Let us pray to Jesus, to walk with us in the Year of Mercy, to have an eye of Mercy, to see the needs of others and to act accordingly. Fr Jude Fernando TOR, Verulam

The gentleman had just been appointed to the PPC and he did not know me from a bar of soap, yet he had the audacity to send a letter to the Deacon Board recommending the withdrawal of my name. To the best of my knowledge, his predecessor had recommended me on two occasions. Despite numerous attempts to talk to him or our parish priest, I did not receive the courtesy of a response. I have also received no response to my communications to the diocesan leadership. Is this how the Catholic Church operates: clandestinely? I thought this went out years ago. Needless to say, I now question my membership of a Church whose leadership is unable to speak to their parishioners with dignity and interest, and conducts its activities secretly. Name withheld

Synod and Africa

HE Synod on the Family came and the synod went—and all those who pushed the gay agenda must be seriously upset! For the entire length of the synod we debated the same gay issue on Catholic websites. Never before have we been exposed to clergy so openly defying God’s law! In the end, as always, it was the Africans who stood tall and firm in their God. Thank you God for those holy bishops who did not throw us under the bus. Thank you God for those who lead your Church with dignity and godly respect. Thank you for those around the world who stood in solidarity with the Africans. Leonie Arries, George 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

PRICE CHECK For the price of one issue of The Southern Cross you get less than one can of cola. T he The

So u he r n C rro ou ern os s uttth uthe er ss

December 23 to December 29, 2015

Reg No. 1920/002058/06

What W hat you you can can in the the Year Year do do in of Mercy Mercy of

P Page age 9

N o 4 9 56

w www.scross.co.za ww.scross.co.za

R7,00 (incl VAT RSA)

N New ew Year’s Year’s query: query: How How was was God God w ith you you in in 2015? 2015? with

A jjourney ourney to to tthe he lland and of of Jesus Jesus

Page P age 7

P Page age 10

Bishops: Year of Mercy can help us in ‘difffficult’ 2016 BY STUART GRAHAM

D A butterfly is seen in a light show on the facade and dome of St Peter ’s basilica at the Vatican this month. The show was sponsored by a coalition of production companies and charitable foundations with the intent to raise awareness about climate change. The COP21 summit in Paris this month reached a deal which will see the phasing out of fossil fuels. Pope Francis has welcomed the agreement and urged its rapid implementation. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

Pope hails COP21 deal, but now want ti P OPE Francis has commended world leaders for reaching an agreement in the COP21 Paris climate talks, urging the international community to promptly put it into action. Implementing the plan, which the pope said was “defined by many as historic”, will require “a concerted and generous commitment on the part of each one”. He expressed his hope that the agreement will give special

IFFICULT times lie ahead for South Africa and the world but by celebrating the coming year with faith and devotion, God will lift up our hearts and restore hope and joy, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) said in a message for the new year. The drought, rising food prices, crime, violence and the lure of materialism are testing the faith of many South Africans, said Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria, the spokesman of the SACBC. “These are difficult times in the world and in South Africa. Many have become weak in their faith and its practice, others have simply drifted away, and even the fervent find that their faith is tested by materialism, poverty, violence and suffering,” Archbishop Slattery said. The Year of Mercy, which was launched by Pope Francis on December 8, is a call to return to the heart of the message of Jesus, Arch-

Archbishop William Sllattery (left) and Bishop Jan De Groef of Bethlehem de Groef said. “We have to look at the source of true and everlasting mercy—God, the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As Pope Francis writes in his letter of proclamation of the extraordinary jubilee of mercy: ‘Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.’ It is this mercy which has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit ” Bishop de Groef

ow 30 me ord com

tio pa com

PIL GRIMAGE OF THE PEACE MAKERS Join THE SOUTHERN CROSS and ARCHBISHOP STEPHEN BRISLIN on a unique Pilgrimage to

HOLY LAND & EGYPT

Cellphones: 083 963 3848 083 544 1504 082 730 7180

13-26 FEBRUARY 2016 www.fowlertours.co.za/peacemakers

Fr Urs Fischer Bro Crispin Mrs N Qupa

For further info or to book

contact Gail at 076 352 3 809 or 0 21 5 51 39 23 info@fowlertours.co.za

Feed your soul every week with The

S outher n C ross

IT’S WORTH IT!

PERSPECTIVES

This is our purpose in life I N our attempt to understand the principles upon which the Christian life and Christian leadership are built, we should begin by asking one of the most fundamental questions of human life. The question is why, in the first place, did God create human beings? What is the purpose of human life? Why did God create you and me? The answer to this question will help those in positions of leadership to understand their own purpose on earth and the purpose of the lives of the people they lead, because the answer to the question constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the Christian life. Knowledge of the purpose of human life helps those who are given responsibility over others to lead their followers in the right direction—in line with the purpose for which they were created. Now, what is that purpose? The ultimate purpose of our lives is for us to be with God, to see him face to face, and to live with him forever. In order for us to reach the ultimate goal of human life, there is a journey that we must walk here on earth. With the fall of Adam and Eve, we were separated from God; we wandered away from our home like children lost in a forest who cannot find their way back home. What God has been doing throughout human history since the Fall is to draw all human beings to himself; to help them to seek him and get to know him and to find the way to our heavenly home. This is why God ultimately sent his only Son to Planet Earth. Jesus was here to lead us back to the Father; to help us see and follow the way to our lost home. This is why he said: “I am the way, the

truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). If the ultimate goal of human life is heaven, the purpose of human life on earth is to know and seek God so as to find the way to heaven. Talking about how God draws human beings to himself throughout history, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says in its prologue: “He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength.”

he call to seek, know and love God is not only preserved for us who have been blessed with faith and knowledge of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. God calls all people to seek him, know him and love him. But we know that at present only a

A Scripture passage on the Mount of Beatitudes, Galilee. It says: “Let anyone who thirst come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as Scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water flow within him’.' (Jn 7:37-38)

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

Emmanuel Ngara

Christian Leadership

fraction of the population of the world— about a third—has found Christ, the way to the Father. What this means is that it is not enough for the followers of Christ to shout with joy: “I am saved!” All baptised Christians have a job to do in order for the whole world to know Jesus. As he himself said: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Lk 10:2). Bishop, priest, pastor, religious sister and brother, and lay Christian—all should be busy fishing for lost souls and seeking to bring everybody to the knowledge and love of God. The lay Christian may ask: How can I seek to bring people to God when I am not called to serve in the Church? The answer is that we preach the Gospel, not necessarily by preaching sermons in church. Each one of us has been called to preach the Gospel according to the profession and role that God has given us— as a teacher, a nurse, a mechanic, a cook, a parent, a singer—whatever profession, role and talent we have been given is meant to be converted into a sermon for the glorification of God. In Chapter 2 of his First Letter, Peter says to us: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” As such, he goes on to say: “Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” So, follower of Christ, examine your life and see how God has called you to help others to seek him, know him and love him.

Practising mercy? Start with yourself Sarah-Leah I Pimentel T was a sunny morning in late spring. The air was still and the morning rush was easing. It was a peaceful sort of morning, the weekend just around the corner. It took one incident to change all that. A taxi stopped suddenly—as taxis do— under a bridge to allow some passengers to alight. As far as misdemeanours go, this wasn’t the worst. Traffic was crawling and everyone was waiting for the robot to turn green, so the taxi driver and his passengers hadn’t really obstructed traffic. Unfortunately, the car behind the taxi didn’t see things in the same way. He came screeching to a halt. He hooted: once, twice and then put his hand down on the horn. The man in the car was visibly agitated. He gesticulated angrily and kept hooting. The robot changed and slowly the cars inched forward. A few metres ahead the road became two lanes. The taxi took the right lane, clearly intending to turn right at the light, while the angry man took the left. As he did so, he continued to hoot and gesticulate at the taxi driver, who now was alongside him in the next lane. Still unhappy with the injury done to Instead of being angry, we should be merhim, the man swung open his door, and ciful and forgive those who we feel have flew out of the car with a sjambok in his wronged us—and begin to do so with ourhand. He ran over to the taxi and began selves. whipping the body of the vehicle. injury deliberately committed against The taxi driver didn’t seem to be in the him, thereby justifying his anger and lack mood for a fight, so he tried to skip across of forgiveness. the line of traffic by moving into the opHowever, a victim stops being a victim posite lane. In no time, three lanes filled once he is able to forgive and let go. with obstructions. Oncoming cars could not pass. Traffic in the right turning lane any of us may remember the story had stopped because of the man standing of Alison Botha, which became a in the middle of the road, and the left best-selling book a few years ago. She was lane was obstructed by his abandoned a twenty-something woman grey bakkie. who was gang raped, stabbed Still enraged, the man admultiple times and left for vanced towards the driver’s The man dead in 1994. She later shared side of the taxi, his sjambok raised and yelling obscenities swung open her story of how she was able to emerge from being a victim into the air. As the light turned green for me to go, he was at- his door and to being a victor. This journey required her to stop blaming tempting to yank the taxi flew out of the herself for not being more vigdriver from his vehicle. ilant as she drove home that I have no idea how this incicar with night, and to learn to forgive dent played out. I hope it rapists. ended without violence. But it a sjambok herForgiveness is another word gave me food for thought as I for mercy. The angry man in drove to work. in his hand. the traffic incident was unable The man’s anger was so disto be merciful towards the taxi proportionate to the minor traffic infraction that triggered it. I imag- driver. So what is it that allows one perine, however, that in his version of son to forgive a far greater injury and anevents, he saw himself as the victim of an other person to lash out in anger over a

The Mustard Seeds

minor incident? We are able to forgive only if we have received forgiveness. We require forgiveness from our families where our flawed human weaknesses seep out far more readily than in any other social setting. But more often than not, the hardest person to forgive is not the stranger, the neighbour or the family member. The hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We are all too aware of our failings and weaknesses. We berate ourselves for the things we cannot do well, we store up deep regrets from past mistakes, we believe the lies we tell ourselves about our own unworthiness, we refuse to accept God’s forgiveness, even when we have asked for it in prayer, at Mass and in confession. The weaknesses we see in ourselves are often the characteristics we most detest in others. For example, I detest it when my colleagues waste valuable work time on mindless chatter, but this may be because of the times I also have been guilty of not putting in a hard day’s work. Looking deeper, the man with the sjambok wasn’t really angry at the taxi driver. It is more likely that the taxi driver was simply a ready target for far deeper anger—perhaps his disappointment over unfulfilled dreams, the people who have let him down when it really mattered, and above all, the anger at himself for failing to overcome all the blows of life. It might be worthwhile for us to ask ourselves as we begin this Jubilee Year of Mercy and step into the New Year: which areas of my own life require God’s mercy and forgiveness? What do I need to forgive myself for? Where can I be more merciful towards myself? What flaws in myself do I recognise in others? How about this New Year’s resolution, if you are in the habit of making them: Be merciful to yourself. Then extend that same mercy to someone else. Show restraint in your interactions with others that they do not become the targets of your own mercilessness. Let us collect mustard seeds of mercy this year. Happy New Year!

Michael Shackleton

open Door

Is it OK to go to Lefebvrist Mass? Is it incongruent, sinful or sacrilegious for post-Vatican II Catholics to attend and receive Holy Communion at the Tridentine Latin Mass celebrated by the Society of St Pius X (SSPX), which is not in communion with Rome? Would participation in this qualify as fulfilling Sunday observance? What restriction did Pope Francis waive, only for this year, regarding the sacrament of penance in the SSPX order? Patrick Wood

OPE Francis, like his predecessor Benedict XVI, earnestly desires to recover full communion with the priests and superiors of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX), which is colloquially known as Lefebvrist, after their founder. In 2009 Pope Benedict declared that the SSPX had no canonical status within the Church. As a conciliatory gesture, he lifted the automatic excommunication that had been incurred by its bishops. Before that, in 2003 the Ecclesia Dei commission had already declared that Catholics could fulfil their Sunday obligation and would not sin when attending Mass celebrated by a priest of the SSPX. However, it cautioned that it did not recommend attendance at such Masses. Some confusion was inevitable, so that Catholics were often uncertain whether they could fulfil their obligation at an SSPX Mass or not. It seemed illogical to approve of the obligation Mass for Catholics when the celebrants had no canonical status in the Church. Rome does not look on the Society of St Pius X as entirely separated from the Catholic Church. Its priests are validly ordained in the Roman Rite. The stumbling block to reunion is the rejection of certain decisions made by Vatican II, such as the Declaration On The Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions. Because their bishops are not in communion with Rome, they do not share in the authority of Catholic bishops to absolve from sin. The Society’s priests, although they argue otherwise, do not validly and lawfully hear confessions. In September this year Pope Francis announced that the Jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one, and he was moved to respond to those who in good faith attend SSPX churches. He announced that during this Holy Year the faithful will validly and lawfully be absolved by priests of the Society. In doing this he waived the impediment preventing these priests from validly and lawfully absolving from sin. In his inimitable way, he seems to be applying his authority as the Church’s supreme pastor and governor to make this concession in favour of the faithful. There is speculation that this could be stretched beyond the close of the Year of Mercy. In a nutshell, the correct place for Catholics to fulfil their Sunday obligation is their parish church where they come together as a local community under their pastor and bishop and in union with the bishop of Rome. Attendance at the Society’s Masses does not match this meaningful source of grace but it does fulfil the obligation.

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.

NEW FOR 2016 21 Aug to 4 Sep

IN THE HEART OF THE YEAR OF MERCY PILgRIMAgE

visiting Fatima, Lourdes and Medjugorje. For those wishing to travel with a small group. Organised by Valeria Lebaka Cost from R31 680 Tel: (031) 266 7702 Fax: (031) 266 8982 Email: judyeichhorst@telkomsa.net Office closed from 18 Dec to 11 Jan 2016 incl

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

YEAR-REVIEW

MARCH: Pope francis kisses a reliquary containing what is believed to be the blood of St Januarius in Naples cathedral. The dried blood of the saint, who died in 305AD, is said to liquefy several times a year. After the pope handled the relic, the blood apparently liquefied.

JANUARY: 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, Philippines. (Photo: L’osservatore Romano/Reuters/CNS)

Pope Francis’ 2015 in pics

OCTOBER: Pope francis celebrates the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the family in St Peter’s basilica.

Photos by Paul Haring/CNS, unless otherwise credited FEBRUARY: Pope francis greets Pope emeritus Benedict xVI at the start of a consistory at which Pope francis created 20 new cardinals.

APRIL: Pope francis kisses the foot of a female inmate at Rome’s Rebibbia prison during a foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday. (Photo: Reuters via L’osservatore Romano)

NOVEMBER: Pope francis arrives for a meeting with the Muslim community at the Koudoukou mosque in Bangui, Central African Republic. It was only the fourth time a SEPTEMBER: Pope francis addresses the General Assembly of pope visited the United Nations in New York during his trip to the United States a mosque. and Cuba. (Photo: Mike Segar, Reuters/CNS)

Günther Simmermacher

THE HOLY LAND TREK:

Let Günther Simmermacher guide you with insight and humour through the great sites of the Holy Land and Jordan on a virtual itinerary, examining the great sites of the region and their history. Only R150 (plus p&p)

See also www.holylandtrek.com Chris Moerdyk

MOERDYK FILES

A collection of the best Southern Cross columns by one of SA’s most popular writers. Read about the day Nelson Mandela was sentenced, what the great thurible swinger did at Mass, why a 400km detour was made to save the parents’ blushes, and much more... Only R150 (plus p&p)

JUNE: Pope francis touches the case holding the Shroud of Turin in the cathedral of St John the Baptist where it was on display from April to June.

JULY: The wind blows off Pope francis’ zucchetto during a visit to Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The pope also visited Paraguay and Ecuador. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)

JANUARY: Pope francis greets a baby during a general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican.

Owen Williams

ANY GIVEN SUNDAY

An anthology of the best columns written by the late Owen Williams, The Southern Cross’ long-time contributor. First published in 2004, Any Given Sunday is a wonderful way to spend time with a ﬁrst-class raconteur and man of deep faith. Only R80 (plus p&p)

Order from books@scross.co.za or www.books.scross.co.za

Southern Cross BOOKS

or call 021 465-5007 or buy at 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town

OCTOBER: Pope francis listens as Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, offers an explanation during the pope's visit to a new homeless shelter for men in a Jesuit-owned building in Rome. (Photo: L’osservatore Romano)

NOVEMBER: Pope francis arrives for a meeting with young people in Kampala, Uganda.

YEAR-REVIEW

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

This was Pope Francis’ 2015 Pope Francis made the biggest headlines with his document on the ecology, but his leading theme of the past year was dialogue and mercy. CINDY WooDEN looks back at Pope Francis’ 2015.

T the Vatican and on five continents in 2015, Pope Francis continued to encourage and demonstrate a style of evangelisation that emphasises walking with people, listening to them and showing them God’s mercy. From the heart of the universal Church to the heart of Africa, the pope showed how Christians with a joyful, living faith take calculated risks, engage in discernment and even debate, and resist the natural temptation to stay safe and cozy at home, letting everything move along like it always has. On the 1 000th day of his pontificate, which began on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St Peter’s basilica and inaugurated the Year of Mercy to help Catholics “rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father, who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them”, as he said at Mass on December 8. With his gestures, homilies and speeches, the first 33 months of his pontificate led towards that door in a way very much like the early years of St John Paul II’s energetic

papacy prepared him to lead the Church into the new millennium, calling Catholics to throw open the doors of their hearts to Christ. Pope Francis’ call, building on St John Paul’s, is for those who have experienced Christ’s love to throw open the doors of their churches and their hearts to others, welcoming them in with gestures of tenderness. He showed a willingness to take risks to spread the message when he decided to anticipate the Holy Year far from the Vatican. Ten days before the jubilee began at St Peter’s, he opened the Holy Door at the cathedral in violence-torn Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic. Despite security concerns, the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano reported, he told the pilot flying him to Africa that if a landing in Bangui was not possible, “give me a parachute”. Mercy, the family and the environment topped the list of topics repeatedly and insistently discussed by Pope Francis and Catholic leaders across the globe in 2015. None of the topics was treated just on the level of theory. Discussing concrete situations, though, set off a seemingly endless series of debates, including: Are there situations where justice and truth prevent some expressions of mercy and forgiveness? How far can the Church go in acknowledging and welcoming families who do not fully live up to the Church’s ideal? Is climate change as real and as dangerous as most scientists say? Pope Francis kept saying he welcomed the discussion and debate,

Pope francis opens the Holy Door of St Peter’s basilica at the Vatican to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8. The extraordinary Holy Year will run until late November. (Photo: L’osservatore Romano/CNS)

that it was important and a sign that the Church is alive. However, there also were times, particularly at the Synod of Bishops on the Family in October, when he indicated that some of the rhetoric had crossed the line. He cautioned synod members against reading their differences of opinion in a “hermeneutic of conspiracy” and against using Church teaching as “stones to hurl at others”.

he pope and synod affirmed repeatedly that God’s ideal for the family is based on the marriage of one man and one woman, united for life and open to having children. Without acting as if every form of modern family life was equally valid, but also without “demonising others,” the pope said at the end of the gathering, the synod wanted “to embrace fully and courageously the goodness and mercy of God, who surpasses our human calculations and wants nothing other than that ‘all would be saved’”. Pope Francis, who celebrated his 79th birthday on December 17, said from the beginning of his pontificate that he would not be a globetrotter and did not particularly like to travel. In 2015, like previous years, his summer break was a “staycation” inside the Vatican and not the change of scenery in Castel Gandolfo his predecessors enjoyed. Other than enjoying a restful August, though, he added more than 80 000km—that amounts to twice around Earth—to his frequent-flyer account. He visited Sri Lanka and the Philippines in January; BosniaHerzegovina in June; Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay in July; Cuba and the United States in September; and Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic in late November. Each trip featured visits to prisons, hospitals and soup kitchens or other places where Christian charity and mercy take their most concrete forms. He spoke in the halls of power, including at the United Nations and at the US Congress, where he was the first pope to address a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives. Whether soaked repeatedly by rain as he was in the Philippines or baked by the sun as in Cuba, he called on governments to put the needs and rights of their people first, and he called on Catholics to bend down with love and care to help society’s most needy and defenceless members. In the document department, the highlight of the year was the release in June of his much-anticipated encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. Although forcefully insisting on

Pope francis waters a tree he planted during a visit to the United Nations office in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 26. Apart from various dimensions of mercy, the pope’s year was dominated by ecology and travel on five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) a need to mitigate climate change and clean up polluted land, air and water, Pope Francis’ encyclical took a broader view of ecology and called people to treat all of creation—including poor people— with respect and concern because a lack of respect for creation is a lack of respect for God who created all that exists. “The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” the pope wrote in the document. At the United Nations in New York, at UN offices in Nairobi and in speeches at the Vatican, Pope Francis urged world leaders meeting at the Paris Climate Conference in December to put the needs of the earth and its inhabitants—both present and future—before desires for political or financial gain. The world is facing a clear choice, he said: “either to improve or to destroy the environment”.

ope Francis also drew attention to internal Church matters, though he always said the priority was on a lean, limber and listening Church busy ministering to the world rather than preoccupied with shoring up its own structures. With his international Council of Cardinals, work continued towards reorganising the Roman curia and revamping spending and budgeting procedures to ensure responsibility and transparency. But the process hit a major bump in the road with the leak of confidential documents on Vatican

576AM

in Johannesburg & beyond DStv Audio 870

www.radioveritas.co.za streaming live

SMS 41809 MASS followed by Mass Intention 41809 VERI followed by comments

Retirement Home, Rivonia, Johannesburg Tel:011 803 1451 www.lourdeshouse.org

Frail/assisted care in shared or single rooms. Independent care in single/double rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Rates include meals, laundry and 24-hour nursing. Day Care and short stay facilities also available.

PO Box 4599, Edenvale, 1610 (t) 011 663-4700 eblaser@radioveritas.co.za

OR FOR D

CONSTRUCTION

ESTABLISHED 1982

Professional Supervision

Project Management

finances; the Vatican court ordered the arrest and trial of five people in the case, including the two Italian journalists who wrote books based on the leaked documents. And if mercy must be at the heart of the Church’s message, “synodality”—walking together— must mark its internal relationships, he said. The themes of synodality and collegiality have been present since the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate and featured in his exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, published in November 2013. But he developed the notions further this year, particularly when marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops. “The journey of synodality is the journey that God wants from his Church in the third millennium,” the pope said on October 17. “A synodal Church is a listening Church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which each one has something to learn.” In a synodal Church, he insisted, leadership is not about power, but about service. “We must never forget: for the disciples of Jesus—yesterday, today and forever—the only authority is the authority of service; the only power is the power of the cross,” he said. And the cross, he said opening the Year of Mercy, is the clearest sign of God’s mercy, love and willingness to forgive sinners.—CNS n Cindy Wooden is Catholic News Service’s Rome bureau chief.

THE JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME!

MEDJUGORJE Rome • Assisi Loreto • Paris 1 - 12 MAY 2016 Led by Fr John Selemela fowlertours.co.za/medjugorje

Specialists in:

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

• Property Management and Care for Advice call Julian Orford B.Sc. (Civ.Eng) Tel: (021) 788 9321 fax: (021) 788 4401 Cell: 082 493 0563 E-mail: julian@orfordconstruction.co.za www.orfordconstruction.co.za

Contact gail at 076 352 3809 or 021 551 3923 info@fowlertours.co.za

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

FAITH

Surrendering to Christ through cancer When Heather King realised she had cancer, she instinctively turned to God. Now she has written a book about how the diagnosis put her on a path to peace. She spoke to MARY REzAC.

immediately made her way down to the chapel in the Catholic hospital after her appointment. A devout convert after years of drinking and promiscuity, Ms King attempted to piece together a prayer amid her anxiety. “I’m pretty sure I really heard [God] that afternoon, because after a while, there in that sterile chapel, I experienced a moment of peace such as I never had known before and never have quite known since,” Mrs King recalls in her new memoir, Stripped: At the Intersection of Cancer, Culture, and Christ. At that moment, she had a deep sense that whatever happened to her, even if it was death, Christ would be with her. That moment of peace and surrender to Christ was what she clung to in the subsequent moments of fear and panic—the actual diagnosis, deciding what further treatment she would accept, a struggling marriage that further crumbled under the stress. Throughout her immersion in the world of the oncology ward, Ms King was struck by what she saw as a very militant response to cancer from the medical world and the culture at large. “What I object to is the implication that when you get a cancer diagnosis, right away you’re supposed to put on your fatigues and pick up your gun and do battle with it,” she said. “And that’s the word we use, a ‘battle’ with cancer, and it’s always in obituaries—it’s odd.” Despite her tumour’s small size—and her cancer’s stage one, grade one diagnosis—a mastec-

EATHER King never cared much for doctors. It’s an attitude she partly inherited from her mother, “who classified ginger ale as a medicine, considered Novocaine a snobbish extravagance” and somehow managed to avoid a visit to the doctor’s office for almost 30 years. After years of relatively good health, despite a 25-year stint as a functioning alcoholic, Ms King had always taken her physical health somewhat for granted. She viewed her body as a “dependable tractor” that simply required exercise and a balanced diet to function, and considered nutritionists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and their ilk “to be a bunch of overpaid quacks”. So when she dutifully showed up at a Catholic hospital for her annual mammogram, squeezing the appointment in on a Friday after several other errands, she shook with fear when the technician came back from the lab asking for a second picture of her left breast. “Immediately, right then, I just thought ‘Cancer! Cancer! Cancer!’” Ms King recalled. Although she’d have to wait two weeks for the final word, Ms King

Heather King, a convert to Catholicism, explains her unique take on a diagnosis of cancer. (Right) Ms King’s book Stripped, which she wrote about her experience. tomy, chemotherapy, and radiation were all recommended to her as courses of treatment, as well as five subsequent years of a heavyhitting anti-oestrogen medicine.

ut after doing a lot of research and soul-searching, Ms King opted to forgo most of the traditional treatments. She had the tumour removed and spent not even one night in the hospital, returning to her normal life the next day. It’s not because she had a death wish, Ms King insists. It’s not because she was expecting some radical, miraculous healing from God. It’s not because she distrusts doctors and the medical field. “It’s not really a book about cancer as much as it’s a book about

7-21 MAY 2015

ST JOHN PAUL II PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND 13 to 21 May 2016

Wadowice basilica

what master do I really want to serve?” she said of her memoir. “My point is, I want to surrender in a way, and that doesn’t mean lying over and playing dead, it doesn’t mean being a doormat, it doesn’t mean having a sublimated death wish,” she said. “It means fighting the battle that St Paul fought when he says, ‘I have stayed the course, I have run the race.’” That race, she said, is being able to love life without clinging to it through extreme medical measures out of fear. It means coming to some sort of peace with the ultimate mystery of life, with the paradox that good people suffer and die, with “the deepest questions of human existence”. It means not being afraid to die out of the fear that you haven’t fully lived. For Ms King, it meant resting in the peace that she had “ordered her life to true North”. Earlier in life, Ms King was looking for answers and thought they could be found in the world of law. As a functioning alcoholic, she made it through law school, passed the bar, and went on to a high-paying but ultimately unfulfilling job

as a lawyer. She’d recently kicked her salary and benefits to the curb in order to pursue the life she felt God was truly calling her to—a quiet life centred around the sacraments, silence, and plenty of time devoted to the vocation of writing. In a way, she’d already surrendered much of her worldly security to God. The fact that she had the presence of mind to call upon faith during the diagnosis, and the tumultuous aftermath, came as somewhat of a surprise to Ms King herself. “I always thought if this happened, I’d be so scared that I wouldn’t bring my faith to it,” Ms King said. “But there’s always an element of surprise, like the woman at the well who runs back to the town yelling, ‘People, people! I think I’ve met him! I’ve met the Messiah!’.” It has been 15 years since Ms King’s original diagnosis, and she’s still doing well. “I had a mammogram for the first time in a long time; it came back normal, so everything’s been fine,” she said. Ms King said her advice to anyone facing a new cancer diagnosis is to not be afraid to listen to their own bodies, hearts and souls when it comes to making the big decisions, despite outside pressure from family, friends or even doctors. Having faith in something bigger than yourself, even if it’s simply in the power of love, is also invaluable when facing something so drastic, she said. “The word ‘accompany’ and the word ‘companion’ come from the Latin com panis, or ‘with bread’” Ms King said. “And if you’re already a follower of Christ, this bread, he accompanies you, he walks with you. You’re not alone.”—CNA n For more information on Stripped: At the Intersection of Cancer, Culture, and Christ, visit www.loyola press.com/stripped.htm

Prayer for cancer healing

AINT Peregrine Laziosi is the patron saint of cancer patients. Born in 1265 in Italy, he was a priest in the Servite order. He was known for his fervent preaching and was called “Angel of Good Counsel” by the people. He was cured of cancer after praying before an image of Christ crucified. He was canonised in 1726.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Krakow

Led by Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba Pilgrimage Highlights

• Explore Krakow, the city of St John Paul’s student and priestly life, just two months before World Youth Day. • Wadowice, St John Paul’s birthplace, on his birthday! • Czechostowa with Black Madonna • Divine Mercy Sanctuary with the tomb of St Faustina and the original painting of the Divine Mercy image • Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, with the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Calvary • Niepokalanow, the Franciscan monastery of St Maximilian Kolbe • Mass in a chapel carved out of rock in the Wieliczka Salt Mine • Zakopane, with wooden chapel of Our Lady of Fatima

Prayer to St Peregrine O God, in St Peregrine you gave us an outstanding example of faith and patience. We humbly ask You that by imitating him and by the help of his prayers we may believe more fully in your healing help, bear the suffering of this life without wavering, and come with joy to the peace of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

St Peregrine

Black Madonna

St Faustina’s tomb

For more information or to book, please contact Gail info@fowlertours.co.za or 076 352-3809

www.fowlertours.co.za

The Southern Cross, December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

Jesus proclaims a year of God’s favour

OD is always merciful, but the Year of Mercy is a year to contemplate God’s mercy anew. We rejoice in God’s faithful love and open ourselves more readily to become active agents of God’s mercy in the world, in our communities, and in our homes. On Mount Sinai God reveals himself to Moses as “the Lord, the Lord, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity” (Exodus 34:6). In Luke, Jesus’ ministry begins on the same note, with a declaration of God’s mercy. Luke’s first detailed account of Jesus’ ministry describes Jesus reading from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue of his childhood home in Nazareth. Just prior to this, Jesus was baptised by John in the Jordan River, pronounced by God “as my beloved son” and then led into the desert for 40 days of fasting before triumphantly resisting the temptations of the devil (Luke 3:21-22; 4:1-12). Fresh from this victory, Jesus sets out on his mission that will culminate in his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Jesus begins his mission with a very brief but powerful inaugural address. “He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the atten-

Clifford Yeary

Year of Mercy

dant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’ ” (Luke 4:17-21). The stirring passage from Isaiah 61:1-2 was originally a promise made to God’s beleaguered people in ancient Judah. They had recently returned to their homeland after decades of exile in Babylon. In fact, most of them would have been born in exile and returned to a homeland they had only heard about from their elders, parents and grandparents.

aving heard of a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8), of Solomon’s glorious temple, of the magnificence of the king’s palace, what could have prepared them for a dry, parched land, the charred ruins of a temple, or the strewn rubble of the king’s palace? The words of the prophet were meant to instill hope in them. God would pour out his spirit on a chosen one and the people would receive God’s mercy. Good news for those suffering in poverty: people in bondage were to be unshackled! The blind would see again and wherever there was oppression there would be glorious freedom instead! The people were being urged

to have hope and to undertake the difficult task of rebuilding the temple when many among them were scavenging for food and shelter for themselves. And they did rebuild the temple, but those few who had seen the glory of the former temple wept to see what had been built in its place (Haggai 2:3; Ezra 3:1213). The year of favour Isaiah proclaimed must have seemed very far away. And yet the people did not doubt the words of the prophet; they kept them in their hearts and pondered them for generations. If they were not to be fulfilled when they were first heard, they were still the word of the Lord, spoken through a prophet, and the day would come when God’s mercy would be fully revealed. In telling his fellow Nazarenes that “today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”, Jesus was announcing that he was there to fulfill the prophetic promise, that he was the one anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor, to free the captives, to give sight to the blind. The time of mercy had arrived! As it was for them, the challenge for us is to believe in the messenger in such a way that we also become agents of God’s mercy, announcing the good news of God’s kingdom, bringing God’s mercy to the poor, the blind and those held captive to the materialism of the world. n This is the first column in a 13part series. This article was originally published in Arkansas Catholic.

Southern CrossWord solutions

Our bishops’ anniversaries

SOLUTIONS TO 687. ACROSS: 4 Sceptic, 8 Uganda, 9 Publius, 10 Aliens, 11 Anthem, 12 Spirited, 18 Birettas, 20 Averse, 21 Impair, 22 Galatia, 23 Tucked, 24 Meanest. DOWN: 1 Judaism, 2 Pacific, 3 Adonai, 5 Crusader, 6 Pilate, 7 Inured, 13 Tiberias, 14 Attacks, 15 Astride, 16 Aviate, 17 Ordain, 19 Emmaus.

This week we congratulate: January 6: Bishop Edward Risi of Keimoes-Upington on his 66th birthday. January 7: Bishop Jan de Groef of Bethlehem on his 67th birthday.

Liturgical Calendar Year C – Weekdays Cycle Year 1 Sunday January 3, Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12 Monday January 4 1 John 3:22--4:6, Psalms 2:7-8, 10-12, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday January 5 1 John 4:7-10, Psalms 72:1-4, 7-8, Mark 6:34-44 Wednesday January 6 1 John 4:11-18, Psalms 72:1-2, 10-13, Mark 6:4552 Thursday January 7, St Raymond of Penyafort 1 John 4:19--5:4, Psalms 72:1-2, 14-15, 17, Luke 4:14-22 Friday January 8 1 John 5:5-13, Psalms 147:12-15, 19-20, Luke 5:12-16 Saturday January 9, St Adrian of Canterbury, Saturday Mass of Our Lady 1 John 5:14-21, Psalms 149:1-6, 9, John 3:22-30 Sunday January 10, Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 60, 1-6, Psalms 2, 1-4, 24-25, 27-30, Titus 2, 11-14, 3, 4-7, Luke 3, 1516, 21-22

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

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. 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. 9018 or 031 209 2536. Overport rosary group. At Emakhosini Hotel, 73 East Street every Wednesday at 6.30 pm. Contact Keith at 083 372 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.

CLASSIFIEDS

Births • first Communion • Confirmation • Engagement/Marriage • Wedding anniversary • ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • In memoriam • Thanks • Prayers • Accommodation • Holiday Accommodation • Personal • Services • Employment • Property • others Please include payment (R1,50 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

IN MEMORIAM

HARKER—Reynold. January 4, 2009. Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day. Prayerfully remembered by your loving sister Sharlene and Dominic, nieces Lauren and Megan (Australia) and Aunty Suzanne, relatives and friends. Rest in peace. SACCO—Louise francoise. In loving memory of my beloved daughter Louise called to eternity, November 20, 2011. Always in our prayers and thoughts. We recall your encouraging words; there is love in death and there is newness of life in death. What could be more perfect? So I must prepare for perfection. Always remembered by her family. ROMAN, David, and VON BÜCHENRODER, Charles—Beautiful memories cherished of a loving and devout husband, father and grandfather, now at peace in their heavenly home. Your legacies live on. Lovingly remembered by Valarie, children and grandchildren. M.T.D.S.R.I.P.

PRAYERS

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.

FATHER in heaven, everliving source of all that is good, keep me faithful in serving you. Help me to drink of Christ's truth, and fill my heart with his love so that I may serve you in faith and love and reach eternal life. In the sacrament of the Eucharist you give me the joy of sharing your life. Keep me in your presence. Let me never be separated from you and help me to do your will.

O VIRgIN Mother, In the depths of your heart you pondered the life of the Son you brought into the world. Give us your vision of Jesus and ask the father to open our hearts, that we may always see His presence in our lives, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, bring us into the joy and peace of the kingdom, where Jesus is Lord forever and ever. Amen. 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.

CATHOLICS AWAKE!

Friends Of The Cardinal Pilgrimage To Fatima 7-15 May 2016 Spiritual Advisor: Cardinal Napier OFM A Peaceful And Prayful Pilgrimage With Daily Mass Cost From Durban: R19 500 Contact Dawn For Further Info 083 564 2929 dmhaynes@webmail.co.za

Prison Care and Support Network

Word of the Week

Eastern-rite (Oriental) Church: Term used to describe the Catholic Churches which developed in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. They have their own distinctive liturgical and organisational systems. Each is considered equal to the Latin rite within the Church.

PERSONAL

ABORTION WARNINg: The truth will convict a silent Church. See www. valuelifeabortionisevil. co.za ABORTION WARNINg: The Pill can abort (chemical abortion). Catholics must be told, for their eternal welfare and the survival of their unborn infants. See www.epm.org/static/ uploads/downloads/ bcpill.pdf VISIT PIOUS KINTU’S official website http://ave maria832.simplesite.com This website has been set up to give glory to the Most Holy Trinity through the healing power of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. View amazing pictures of Pious Kintu’s work in Congo and various African countries since 2007. Also read about African Stigmatist Reverend Sister Josephine Sul and Padre Pio among others.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

LONDON: Protea House. Single ₤30(R540), twin ₤45(R810) per/night. Selfcatering, busses and underground nearby. Phone Peter 0044 208 7484834. KNYSNA: Self-catering accommodation for 2 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

The

Southern Cross

Published independently by the Catholic Newspaper and Publishing Co since 1920

Editor: Günther Simmermacher Business Manager: Pamela Davids Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000

10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town, 8001 Tel: (021) 465 5007 Fax: (021) 465 3850

Editorial: editor@scross.co.za News editor: news@scross.co.za Business manager: admin@scross.co.za Advertising: advertising@scross.co.za Subs/Orders: subscriptions@scross.co.za Website: www.scross.co.za Digital edition: www.digital.scross.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/thescross

Subscriptions:

Digital: R385 p.a. (anywhere in the world) Print by mail: R450 p.a. (SA. International rates on enquiry)

021 531 0550 086 628 4499

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: 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: Michelle Perry (subscriptions@scross.co.za), Accounts: Desirée Chanquin (accounts@scross.co.za) Directors: R Shields (Chair), J o’Leary (Vice-chair), Archbishop S Brislin, S Duval, E Jackson, B Jordan, Sr H Makoro CPS, C Moerdyk, R Riedlinger, z Tom

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

the

The Baptism of the Lord: January 10 Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, Psalm 104: 14, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30, Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7, Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

EXT Sunday, the Christmas season comes to an end with the celebration of Jesus’ baptism, and with it a sense that creation is once more put to rights. The first reading is the spectacular opening of the set of poems that we call “Second Isaiah”, written at a time when Israel’s exiles were being asked to contemplate making that long journey back across the desert homewards to Jerusalem. The nation has been punished (and deserved it) but God is still there for her (note the intimacy of “speak to the heart of Jerusalem”), and the desert is no longer a major obstacle: “In the desert prepare a way for the Lord…every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill brought low.” Also, “Zion”, who has been punished for her sins, has now been given a job to do: “Go up to a high mountain, Zion, proclaimer of the good news!”, and above all she has to “say to the cities of Judah, ‘Look! Your God!’ ” The passage ends with a beautiful pastoral metaphor: “Like a shepherd he shepherds his

S outher n C ross

Jesus’ baptism brings joy flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs.” There is a sense here of everything coming right, despite what human beings have done. The psalm for next Sunday is a selection of verses from the spectacularly beautiful Psalm 104, a great hymn of praise for the creation, and for God’s attentive care towards all his creatures. It begins with a great burst of praise: “Bless the Lord, my soul”, followed by a series of metaphors about what God wears, or where he lives, or how he travels (knowing perfectly well that God does none of these things). The great thing is that God is in charge of all creation: “How many are your works, Lord, you have worked them all with wisdom…the sea, great and wide.” Then we are reminded how all creation depends on God: “They all look to you, to give them food at the right time…you take their breath and they perish.” Then the poet imagines the reverse: “You send your spirit, and they shall be created, and you renew the face of the soil.” The second reading is thought by some to come from an early baptismal liturgy, which

certainly makes it appropriate for the feast; but it is better to concentrate on its joyful proclamation: “God’s grace has appeared, bringing salvation to all humanity”, it begins, and then it imagines us “waiting for the happy hope and appearance of great God’s glory, and the glory of our Saviour Jesus Christ”. Then comes the all-important reminder of what Jesus, whose baptism we celebrate today, has done for us: “He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness, and to purify a chosen people for himself, dedicated to doing good works.” Then the baptismal theme is heard again: “in accordance with his mercy through a washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, which he poured out generously upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour”. We are to be elated by all this new creation. The Gospel is, inevitably, Luke’s account of the baptism of Jesus. As always, notice how the evangelist sets the scene: “when the people was expectant, and arguing about John in their hearts: ‘He’s not the Messiah is he?’ ”

Sex and our culture today N

Conrad

O generation in history, I suspect, has ever experienced as much change as we have experienced in the past 60 years. That change is not just in the areas of science, technology, medicine, travel and communications; it is especially in the area of our communal ethos. And perhaps nowhere is this change more radical than in how we understand sex. In the past 70 years we have witnessed three major, tectonic shifts in how we understand the place of sex in our lives. First, we moved away from the concept that sex is morally connected to procreation. With few exceptions, prior to 1950—at least in terms of our moral and religious notions around sex—sex was understood as constitutively connected to procreation. This connection wasn’t always respected of course, but it was part of our communal ethos. That connection, while still upheld in some of our Churches, effectively broke down in our culture about 60 years ago. The second severing was more radical. Up to the 1960s, our culture tied sex to marriage. The norm was that the only moral place for sex was inside of a marriage. Again, of course, this wasn’t always respected and there was plenty of sex taking place outside of marriage—but it wasn’t morally or religiously accepted or blessed. People had sex outside of marriage, but nobody claimed this was right. The sexual revolution of the 1960s effectively severed that link. Sex, in our cultural

understanding, has become an extension of dating and one of the fruits of this is that more and more people now live together outside of marriage and before marriage, without any sense of moral implication. This has become so prevalent today that sex outside marriage is more the norm than the exception. More and more young people today will not even have a moral discussion on this with either their parents or their Churches. Their glib answer: “We don’t think like you!” They don’t. But the shift in our sexual ethos didn’t stop there. Today we are increasingly witnessing, not least on our university campuses, the phenomenon of “hook-up” sex, where sex is deliberately and consciously cut off from love, emotion, and commitment. This constitutes the most radical shift of all. Sex is now cut off from love.

s Donna Freitas, author of The End of Sex, among others, has documented, more and more young people are making a conscious decision to delay looking for a marriage partner while they prepare for a career or launch that career. While in that hiatus, which might last ten to twenty years, they plan to be sexually active—but with that sexual activity consciously cut off from love, emotion, and commitment (all of which are feared as time-demanding, messy, and as standing in the way of study, work, fun and freedom). The idea is to eventually tie sex to love and commitment, but first to split it off for some years. Sadly this ethos is taking root

Nicholas King SJ

Sunday Reflections

John points firmly, as we all must, in the direction of Jesus: “I am baptising you people with water; but the Stronger One than me is coming. I am not fit to undo the thong of his sandals. He is going to baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Then we come to the baptism itself, when Luke separates Jesus from all those others who had come to repent: “It happened, when all the people had been baptised—and when Jesus had been baptised—the heaven opened.” So God is here, and we should pay attention, as the narrator continues, “and the Holy Spirit came down in bodily form, like a dove upon him”. Then comes the sound of authority: “A voice came from Heaven: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved—I am well pleased in you.’ ” Now that we have seen him baptised, we shall follow Luke’s version of the Jesus story throughout the year, as he restores creation to what it was meant to be.

Southern Crossword #687

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

final Reflection

among many young people today. Of course, again, as with the other shifts in our understanding of sex, this too has always been around, to which the phenomenon of prostitution and singles’ bars attest. But, until now, no one has claimed that this is healthy. What’s particularly disturbing is not that there is sex taking place outside its prescribed Christian ground—marriage. Human beings have struggled with sex since the beginning of time. What’s more worrisome is that increasingly this is not only being held up as the norm. It is also, among many of our own children, being hailed as moral progress, a liberation from darkness, with the concomitant understanding—often voiced with some moral smugness—that anyone still holding the traditional view of sex is in need of moral and psychological enlightenment. Who’s judging whom here? This may not make me popular, but I want to state here unequivocally that our culture’s severing of the non-negotiable tie between sex and marriage is just plain wrong. It’s also naïve. I once attended a conference on sexuality where the keynote speaker, a renowned theologian, suggested the Churches have always been far too uptight about sex. She’s right about that. We’re still a long way from healthily integrating sexuality and spirituality. However, she went on to ask: “Why all this anxiety about sex? Who’s ever been hurt by it anyway?” A more-sober insight might suggest: “Who hasn’t been hurt by it?” History is strewn with broken hearts, broken families, broken lives, terminal bitterness, murders, and suicides within which sex is the canker. Our Churches have, admittedly, never produced a fully healthy, robust theology and spirituality of sex—though nobody else, secular or religious, has either. However, what it has produced, its traditional morality, does give a fair and important warning to our culture: Don’t be naïve about sexual energy. It isn’t always as friendly and inconsequential as you think!

ACROSS

4. He’s doubtful about the faith (7) 8. Land of the African martyrs (6) 9. He made Paul welcome to Malta (Ac 2) (7) 10. Strangers from somewhere else (6) 11. Patriotic song in the hymnal (6) 12. Animated after receiving Confirmation? (8) 18. Tribes at show of clerical hats (8) 20. Reluctant to hear biblical passage (6) 21. Damage (6) 22. Paul travelled through here (Ac 16) (7) 23. Folded under some stuck edges (6) 24. Ant seems the most insignificant (7)

DOWN

1. The faith of the Hebrews (7) 2. As calm as the ocean (7) 3. Another name for Jehovah arranged about Diana O (6) 5. One who marched as a Christian liberator (8) 6. Pleat I smooth out for Roman governor (6) 7. Became habituated (6) 13. Boats came from this place (Jn 6) (8) 14. Goes to war for what sounds like a levy (7) 15. Rid seat of the way you sit (7) 16. Navigate with some loss, then go by air (6) 17. Lay hands on ritually (6) 19. Village towards which the disciples were headed (Lk 24) (6) Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

HE golfer was struggling with his game during a competition. “I’d give anything to sink the next putt,” he said. Suddenly a shadowy figure appeared, with hooves and horns, and said: “You’ll sink the putt if you give up half of your sex-life forever.” The golfer agreed. A few holes later, the golfer desperately needed a birdy. The devil appeared again: “You’ll hit a birdy if you give up the other half of your sex-life forever.” The golfer agreed. And that’s how Fr Kelly’s name came to be on the trophy.

PILGRIMAGE OF THE PEACEMAKERS Join THE SOUTHERN CROSS and ARCHBISHOP STEPHEN BRISLIN on a unique Pilgrimage to

HOLY LAND & EGYPT 13-26 FEBRUARY 2016

See the holy sites of the Holy Land, the great monasteries of Egypt and meet the Christians of these lands

www.fowlertours.co.za/peacemakers

For further info or to book

contact Gail at 076 352 3809 or 021 551 3923 info@fowlertours.co.za