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What Blessed Benedict Daswa would say today

Pope Francis visits Rome synagogue

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Why baptism is like a birthday

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Bishops close Consecrated Life Year BY STUART GRAHAM

HE Church has paid tribute to the “heroic self-sacrifice and commitment” of South Africa’s religious community as the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference closed the Year of Consecrated Life at a Mass celebrated at the cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pretoria. Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria presided, and Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg delivered the homily. The cathedral was packed to capacity with female and male religious from the metropolitan provinces of Johannesburg and Pretoria joining all the bishops of the Southern African region. In many ways the local Church was built on the foundation of the lives of the religious, Bishop Dowling said. “They set up rural clinics, schools, hospitals, farm schools, and other social services years before the state came on the scene in some areas,” he said. “That witness calls us to take from them relevant lessons for today.” The reality of life today challenges the Church with many questions, he said. For some of us, the question is about discerning what God is calling us to as we experience the mystery of having to let go of

institutions and important pastoral and social ministries. The “letting go” may be due to our limitations and also because the state has taken over some of what religious sisters and brothers pioneered. “The mystery of ‘letting go’—whatever way we may be experiencing that now—all of us gathered here today witness in faith that God has done great things through you,” said Bishop Dowling, himself a member of a religious order, the Redemptorists. “We are with all our religious today in gratitude and prayerful support as you—as we— discern together the present and the future.” God is inviting us to imagine and creatively bring to birth new forms of religious life and new forms of religious community, the bishop said. “It is a question of how can we pass on our charisms to others, so that our spirit can continue in different, but nonetheless relevant ways especially through collaborative witness and ministries with our lay faithful as they live their baptismal calling, witness and mission.” The Year of Consecrated Life began on November 29, 2014 and will be officially closed on February 2. The Mass also saw the formal launch of the Catholic Board of Education.

SACBC department heads elected

AVING re-elected Archbishop Stephen Brislin as president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, with Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha as first vice-president and Bishop Valentine Seane of Gaborone as second vice-president in August, the bishops elected the rest of the liaison bishops for the SACBC departments and offices at their January plenary. Catholic formation, liturgy and culture: Bishop Edward Risi Formation life and ministry of clergy: Bishop Dabula Mpako Catholic Social Action: Bishop Abel Gabuza

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/

Formation, life and apostolate of the laity: Bishop Jan De Groef Ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue: Bishop Victor Phalana Finance: Cardinal Wilfrid Napier Aids/CATHCA: Bishop Frank De Gouveia Catholic Board of Education: Bishop Giuseppe Sandri Communications and media: Archbishop William Slattery ICEL: Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo IMBISA: Bishop Pius Dlungwane Consecrated Life: Bishop Barry Wood REAP and RDSP: Bishop Adam Musialek

Bishops on the altar of Pretoria’s Sacred Heart cathedral at a Mass to close the Year of Consecrated Life. (Photo: Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba)

Local Lent book receives international praise

HE Jesuit Institute in Johannesburg has produced a book for Lent 2016 entitled Have Mercy, O Lord! The book was inspired by the Jubilee Year of Mercy which Pope Francis opened in December. “Mercy” is the underlying theme that unites the book which was written by six people, all staff of the Institute: Jesuit Fathers Russell Pollitt and Anthony Egan, Annemarie Paulin-Campbell, Puleng Matsaneng, Grant Tugay SJ and Frances Correia. Each writer brings a unique perspective: some tell stories, others share from their own experience and others draw on their ministerial experiences to make the text relevant and challenging. For every day there is a practical suggestion or exercise for the reader so that they can try and implement it in their lives. Each day’s reflection begins with a quote that captures the theme of the day. The Scripture texts of the day (daily Mass readings) are then listed so that readers who do not have a missal can read the texts in their bible. This is followed by a reflection to help the reader enter into prayer. At the end of the reflection there is a prayer to help the reader bring the daily reflection to conclusion. The Institute decided to expand this year’s book to incorporate Easter week. The last reflection is on the Second Sunday of Easter, Di-

St John Paul II Pilgrimage to Poland Southern Cross

vine Mercy Sunday. The book also contains poems, written by some staff members of the Jesuit Institute, which attempt to give focus at the beginning of each week. “This book prepares us for Easter and helps us enter into the remarkable Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, proclaimed by our Holy Father Pope Francis, so as to be more the people we are meant to be,” said Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban. “I am most happy to recommend this book and commend the work of the Jesuit Institute.” Praise also came internationally. Fr Thomas Rosica CSB, head of the Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation in Canada and English-language attaché for the Holy See Press Office, congratulated the Jesuit Institute for a “very fine, accessible prayer guide”. Fr Rosica went on to say that “the daily Lenten reflections offer concrete ways for Christian living during Lent, rooted in Scripture and the Ignatian spirituality of seeing, Continued on page 3

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, January 27 to February 2, 2016

LOCAL

Visiting expert: How to be ecumenical STAFF RePORTeR

LEADING British theologian visited South Africa this month to speak about Christian unity. Professor Paul Murray, a systematic theologian in the department of theology and religion at Durham University in England was invited to come to South Africa by Bishop Graham Rose of Dundee to speak about “Receptive Ecumenism”, a new and highly promising project in the endeavour of Christian denominations to grow in that unity which Jesus prayed for: “Father, may they all be one” (Jn 17:21). The Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University gives this definition of Receptive Ecumenism: the essential principle behind Receptive Ecumenism is that “the primary ecumenical responsibility is to ask not ‘What do the other traditions first need to learn from us?’ but ‘What do we need to learn from them?’” in order to “both deepen our authentic respective identities and draw us

Professor Paul Murray, visiting theologian, held talks across South Africa in January on Christian unity. into more intimate relationship” with partners in dialogue. Prof Murray addressed a meeting of some 35 interreligious leaders at St Joseph’s in Durban where they explored the possibility of using the principles of Receptive Ecumenism in an interreligious

context. He also delivered a lecture at St Augustine College, the Catholic university in Johannesburg. At the eMseni centre in Benoni he facilitated a one-day seminar for about 40 representatives of the Church Unity Commission.

He also spent a full day with the Catholic bishops during their plenary meeting at St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria. “On all these occasions participants spoke of the need for and value of a form of ecumenical activity that allows those who are in dialogue to really address core issues in a spirit of deep humility precisely because the methodology of the dialogue centres on identifying what it is in the other’s tradition that can be of benefit to one’s own tradition,” Bishop Rose said. “For example, what can Roman Catholics learn from the love of Scripture found in the Lutheran and the Reformed tradition? Or what can the Anglican Communion learn from the relationship between the universal Church and the local Church as it is practised in the Roman Catholic Church?” Bishop Rose explained. The bishop said that initiatives in Receptive Ecumenism can also begin at grassroots level.

Prof Murray related how in his own locality the running of the council of a Catholic parish was greatly improved when members of a nearby Methodist parish council were invited to speak about their procedures for consultation and decision-making. During his talks Prof Murray pointed out how “Life and Works” ecumenism (doing things together) and “Faith and Order” (theological dialogue on structural and sacramental issues) have played a vital role in the history of ecumenism, but added that the “signs of the times”’ are telling us that something more is required. “As such, Receptive Ecumenism represents a way of ecumenical ecclesial conversion and growth that is both remarkably simple in vision and remarkably far-reaching in potential. It is offered as the way that the Spirit is today calling the churches to walk for the sake of their own greater flourishing in and witness to communion in God,” Prof Murray said.

When Irish eyes are smiling BY SR CHRiSTiNe HAYeS

Fr Vincent Brennan and a parishioner cut the cake made for his 80th birthday as part of the tribute and celebrations.

HE parish of St Theresa in Mogwase, North West, celebrated the 80th birthday of its parish priest of 24 years in great style. The parish community honoured Fr Vincent Brennan SMA on his eight decades with a reception, including a birthday cake. A message delivered from the parishioners of St Theresa’s said: “You are a treasure to us all, we are privileged to have you as our priest. Sometimes you can be a hard taskmaster: you challenge us to be better; you call us to use our gifts and talents as you use yours; you call us to care for one another, as you care for us. “You lead us by your total commitment to the Lord and to us, the people you have been given to nurture, and lead to God.” The message highlighted Fr

Open Day Tuesday 16 February

Brennan’s “sense of humour, born of your Irish background which we appreciate and enjoy”. It noted that “when you first came to South Africa, you were responsible for building many churches, in the Modimong pastoral area and then here in the Mogwase parish. Today your emphasis is more and more on building people in their faith, in their knowledge of and love for God”. “Fr Vincent, we commend you to God today, to keep you in his loving care and to bless you with good health and happiness for many years to come, here in your home at St Theresa’s. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your ministry.” Fr Brennan was born into a farming family at Mantua near the town of Elphin, in western Irish county Roscommon, the seventh of 11 children. Since entering the Society of African Missions he spent most

of his long life in Africa, first in Nigeria for 25 years, and for the past 30 in South Africa—but he has remained very close to his family in Ireland, including his many nieces and nephews. Since coming to what is now the diocese of Rustenburg in 1985, he served in Modimong until 1990, when he was transferred to Phokeng. In 1992 he moved to Mogwase with the opening of Mankwe Christian College of Education, where he served as chaplain, chairman of the College Council, and parish priest of Mogwase, taking in the local prison and military base. Regarded as a very competent administrator who is willing to delegate, he has chaired the South African Council of Priests and then the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, first as associate secretary-general and then as secretary-general.

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LOCAL J&P: Pray for the police

N the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Justice & Peace Department encourages all parishes to commemorate Police Day on January 31. Parishes are urged to use the day to pay tribute to the police officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2015—more than 60 who died while on duty. The day should also be used to show appreciation for all those who currently serve on the frontlines of the battle against crime, J&P said. J&P suggests that police officers in each area, especially Catholics, should be invited to attend events at local parishes. “The day should be used to remember the sacrifices that our men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa,” J&P said. “Too often, we focus on the negatives and forget the sacrifice and commitment these brave men and women make on a daily basis in order to protect our families and uphold the peace in our communities.” J&P called on all South Africans “to take a few minutes out of their day to pray for an end to police killings in our country and for a crime free-society”. “Let us pray for a South Africa that is crime-free”, the J&P department said. “Let us work towards building a just and peaceful country we can all be proud of.”

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

Church must be ready for SA’s turmoil in 2016 BY STUART GRAHAM

HE Church must take a leading role as South Africa heads into what is likely to be a year of turmoil, the president of the Southern African Catholics Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has said. Ugly incidents of racism, load shedding, disruptions in parliament, student unrest and corruption in the public and private domain have led to a climate of insecurity, Archbishop Stephen Brislin said in a speech at the SACBC bishops’ plenary in Pretoria. “2016 will probably be a year of even more turmoil leading up to the local elections,” he said. “Many, including some in the government, are calling on the Church to be more vocal and involved.” The Church needs to continue the dialogue around racism by ensuring that it is aware of what is happening and creating awareness in parishes, he said, adding that the reflections requested by Justice & Peace and the Jesuit Institute are of prime importance. “We should be taking a lead in challenging racism in all its forms and by contributing to the debate,” said Archbishop Brislin. The Church has to develop ways of engaging with government, especially on policy issues as there “appears to be a vacuum”. Archbishop Brislin cited as one policy challenge the widely acclaimed National Development Plan, noting that little or no progress has been made in its imple-

Archbishop Stephen Brislin, president of the SACBC, speaks at the closing Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life in Pretoria’s Sacred Heart cathedral. Addressing the bishops of Southern Africa at their plenary, the archbishop said the Church must be ready for a tumultuous year in South Africa. (Photo: Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba) mentation. The plan is also contested within government. The government, the archbishop said, must scrupulously avoid becoming part of the patronage system, ensuring that any assistance given in areas like social development and health, is achieved through the proper channels and with transparency. The Church needs to be “vigilant

against any form of co-option” or using the Church for propaganda purposes, he said. “During the course of this year we will have local elections. It comes at a time when doubts have been raised regarding some appointments, including that of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson, rightly or wrongly.” Vuma Mashinini was appointed IEC chair by President Jacob Zuma. Critics charge he is a “crony” of the president. The archbishop said he hoped the Church would muster a strong ecumenical monitoring team for the elections. “If accusations and doubts are raised about the fairness of the elections, it will have serious consequences for the country,” he said. Archbishop Brislin called on the Church to act side by side with the poor and neglected to ensure they are not forgotten and that their lives can change to attain full human dignity. It is crucial to develop an ecumenical and inter-faith voice in dealing with issues affecting citizens, the archbishop said. A South African Council of Churches’ day of prayer for reconciliation on December 16 gave hope that the interfaith organisation could be a forum for a united Christian voice, he said. “We need to play our part in this because a unified voice is desperately needed,” Archbishop Brislin said.

Jesuits set up for Lent Continued from page 1 judging and acting” adding that he recommended it highly “for all, especially for busy people”. The Jesuit Institute will also host a Day of Recollection on Ash Wednesday, February 10, in Johannesburg and Cape Town from 9:00 to 16:00. There will be input, time for personal reflection arising out of the talks, and an opportunity to receive the ashes at the Eucharist. The Johannesburg day will be held at the Jesuit Institute in Auckland Park, led by Jesuit regional superior Fr David Rowan. The Cape Town event will be held at St Michael’s, Rondebosch, led by Fr Russell Pollitt, director of the Jesuit Institute. The cost is R200 (a discount rate of R150 applies to students and pensioners). Bookings are essential and can be made by e-mailing retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za n Have Mercy, O Lord! is available from the Jesuit Institute for R100. To order contact Margaret Backwell at m.backwell@jesuitinstitute.org.za or 011 482-4237.

Klerksdorp Mass for Year of Mercy

YEAR of Mercy Mass, celebrated by Bishop Victor Phalana, will take place on February 7 at 10:00 at St Peter’s church, Christiana-Utlwanang, in the Klerksdorp diocese.

Mercy pilgrimage for KZN the priesthood means, while Fr Njiyela will speak on vocation promotions by religious and priests, bless all the religious, and discuss the spirituality and life of Abbott Francis Pfanner, the founder of Mariannhill. On Sunday, February 14, at 12:30, Fr Siyabonga Magcaba and the catechists’ diocesan team will present the catechumens’ election rite and commissioning of catechists. There will be a collection for the education of seminarians, led by Fr Francis Mbhele, followed by Mass at 15:00, presided over by Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba with other priests. There will be papal blessings with indulgences for the Jubilee of Mercy. The weekend will close with a rosary procession at 17:00 and prayers to Our Lady of Lourdes by religious Sisters and the Sodality of Mary. n For more information, phone 039 433 1421 or e-mail office@umzimkulu.org

JOURNALISt is inviting applications for the position

in its Cape Town office or in Gauteng.

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e-mail applications with a covering letter, brief CV, the names of two appropriate referees and a couple of samples of published writings to: editor@scross.co.za Applications close on Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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OURDES Mission in Umzimkulu diocese in KwaZulu-Natal will be holding a World Day of the Sick pilgrimage over the February 13 and 14 weekend. All are invited. Events will start on February 13 at 17:00 with a penitential service and individual confessions, plus exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the cathedral. Those attending will pass through the Door of Mercy to receive the mercy of God and the indulgences of the jubilee. Fr Thamsanqa Njiyela CMM will lead the services, with other priests. At 20:00 there will be a healing service with the blessing and anointing of the sick by Fr Patrick Duma CMM. There will also be a chance for health workers to be blessed and to renew their pledges, led by Fr Mandla Mchunu CMM. Fr Michael Wojciechowski will give a talk reflecting on what the vocation to the consecrated life and to

1918

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

Church condemns more attacks at Christian sites O BY JUDiTH SUDiLOVSkY

A clown of Rony Roller Circus stands next to spectators during a show offered by Pope Francis to needy people in Rome. Poor residents, the homeless, refugees and some prisoners were offered a special treat by the Vatican for the free show. (Photo: Tony Gentile, Reuters/CNS)

Pope’s Mercy Friday with elderly, infirm BY CiNDY WOODeN

S part of his personal observance of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis made an unannounced “private” visit to a retirement home and to a group home for people in a persistent vegetative state, the Vatican said. The visits to the 33 residents of the Bruno Buozzi Retirement Home and the six residents of Casa Iride were announced with the hashtag #MercyFriday by the pontifical commission organising the Year of Mercy. The Vatican previously announced that on one Friday each month during the Holy Year, Pope Francis would personally and privately perform a work of mercy. For the January visit, journalists were not invited or even informed. Even the residents of the two facilities were not told in advance, said a statement issued by the Vatican press office once the pope had returned to the Vatican. Pope Francis was accompanied

by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who is in charge of the jubilee organising committee; the archbishop’s office tweeted several photos of the pope’s visit. The Vatican described the atmosphere at the retirement home as one of “great surprise and joy” as the pope greeted each resident and stopped to speak to them, one by one. Both the retirement home and the Casa Iride are located in one of the poorer neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Rome. The Vatican said Casa Iride is not a hospital or clinic, but is a family-style structure where residents can be cared for by their own family members with the support of the staff. In choosing the two homes, the Vatican said, “Pope Francis wanted to highlight—in opposition to the ‘throwaway culture’—the great importance and preciousness of the elderly and grandparents as well as the value and dignity of life in every situation.”—CNS

NE week after a Christian cemetery was desecrated outside Jerusalem, two more Christian sites were vandalised in the city. Several anti-Christian slogans in Hebrew were discovered scrawled along the walls of the Benedictine Dormition Abbey monastery and the neighbouring Greek Orthodox seminary, both located on Mount Zion next to the walls of the Old City. The Latin patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced the acts, and repeated its belief in the importance of education towards tolerance while urging a “follow-up” against those who incite intolerance against Christians. “It is regrettable that such episodes of hatred come 50 years after Nostra Aetate which initiated the interreligious dialogue of the Catholic Church with other religions, and turned a new page between the Catholic Church and Judaism,” the patriarchate said. “We hope that the perpetrators will be arrested before proposed threats are carried out.” For the Dormition Abbey, which

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is believed to have been built on the spot where Mary died, it was the fifth time the building was vandalised in recent years. A fire that broke out at the monastery in February was determined to be arson, and another arson incident took place just after Pope Francis’ visit to the monastery in May 2015. In 2012 and 2013, anti-

Vatican is not a 'den of thieves’ BY CAROL GLATz

HE Vatican is not “a den of thieves” and such insinuations are an injustice to employees who are proud to serve the pope and the Church, said Archbishop Angelo Becciu, a top official in the Vatican Secretariat of State. “I must reiterate firmly that we are not a bunch of corrupt and incompetent people,”he told the Italian weekly Panorama in an interview. A large portion of the Q&A interview focused on accusations of financial mismanagement illustrated in recent books by Italian journalists Gianluigi Nuzzi, author of Merchants in the Temple, and Emiliano Fittipaldi, author of Avarice. The two authors are on trial at the Vatican for “soliciting and exercising pressure” on their alleged sources in order to obtain confidential documents and news. T ATHERINE S IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE Also standing trial on accusations of forming an THE MATRIC RESULTS FOR “organized criminal association” with the aim of Out of the 31 students who wrote exams, we had an “committing several illegal outstanding 100% pass rate, with 77% of these students acts of divulging news and documents” are Spanish achieving degree passes and 23% diploma passes. Mgr Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, Francesca Chaouqui

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Anti-Christian graffiti found on the walls of Jerusalem’s Dormition Abbey reads ‘Death to the heathen Christians, the enemies of israel’. (Photo: The Dormition Abbey)

Christian graffiti also appeared on abbey walls. Photographs depicting the graffiti showed statements such as “Christians go to hell”, “Death to the heathen Christians, the enemies of Israel” and “Let his [Jesus’] name and memory be obliterated”. The patriarcate noted that there had been a loud and aggressive gathering with music and chanting by “Jewish right-wing radicals” in their neighbourhood near the contested Tomb of David site. He said such disruptive gatherings have taken place nearly every Saturday for three years. “We as monks of Dormition Abbey will not cease to pray for reconciliation, justice and peace—and also for the perpetrators of tonight, that hatred may disappear from their hearts,” Benedictine Father Nikodemus Schnabel, spokeman for the Dormition Abbey, said. As they have done since 2011 after other incidents, Tag Meir, a faith-based organisation working to end racism in Israel, sent a delegation of members in support of the monastery and seminary to denounce the attack. Two Israeli teens has been arrested in connection with the incident.—CNS

and Nicola Maio, who had served as personal assistant to Mgr Vallejo. Archbishop Becciu said “stealing those documents was a crime, a deplorable act that does not help”. “The right of journalists to publish news they come to have is not in question. The misgivings concern the way in which this news was obtained. There is a trial underway that will find out,” he said. Regarding Mgr Vallejo and Ms Chaouqui, the archbishop said their “betrayal was a slap in the face to the Holy Father. They had sworn on the Gospel to not reveal to anyone what they saw, heard and read in carrying out their assignment” as members of the commission to reform Vatican financial practices. When asked why money donated by the faithful for Peter’s Pence is being used primarily to fund the Roman curia—only about two euro out of ten donated goes to charity— the archbishop said if the Vatican were to earmark, for example, 60% of the funds to charity “we would have to immediately fire 400 people” out of the current 4 000 Vatican employees. “We prefer not to load the Italian government with this further burden” of unemployment and to abide by the pope’s request to reform without layoffs, he said.

The archbishop was asked to comment on the fact cardinals living in Rome reside in very large apartments while Pope Francis has chosen to live in a small set of rooms in a Vatican guesthouse. The archbishop said the apartments date back to the 1930s “when the cardinals were in effect considered princes of the Church and were treated as such”. He said Mr Nuzzi’s suggestion of moving the cardinals into the more modest Vatican guesthouse would be “populist bordering on the ridiculous”. There would be the problem of where to then house the priests who are living at the guesthouse, he said. “We would have to build another building to house them,” which would be a “huge waste” of resources, and all the large cardinal residences would be left empty. When asked why the property would be left unoccupied, the archbishop said only Vatican citizens and employees are allowed to live in Vatican-owned properties. “Imagine the pandemonium that would be let loose if by accident they ended up being rented to tax evaders or in any case individuals wanted by the law who could benefit from immunity” by living in Vatican City State instead of Italy, he said.—CNS

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The Southern Cross wishes to employ a motivated and organised person to manage and administer its advertising department.

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INTERNATIONAL

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

Pope gets standing ovation at synagogue BY CiNDY WOODeN

HILE the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognises that God is faithful and has not revoked his covenant with the Jewish people, Pope Francis said. Interrupted repeatedly with applause at Rome’s main synagogue the pope said the Church “recognises the irrevocability of the Old Covenant and the constant and faithful love of God for Israel”. While frigid winter temperatures finally arrived in Rome, Pope Francis received the warmest of welcomes at the synagogue. The visit featured an exchange of standing ovations. Members of the Jewish community greeted the pope on their feet applauding and bade him farewell the same way; he stood and applauded with the congregation when honour was paid to the handful of survivors of the Nazi Holocaust who were present for the event. “Their sufferings, anguish and tears must never be forgotten,” the pope said. “And the past must be a lesson to us for the present and the future. The Shoah teaches us that maximum vigilance is always needed in order to intervene quickly in defence of human dignity and peace.” Pope Francis was the third pope to visit the Rome synagogue and Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, said that in Jewish

Pope Francis and Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome, hold the pope’s gift of a 14th century codex containing five pages of Jewish biblical commentary during the pope’s visit to the main synagogue in Rome. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) tradition “an act repeated three times becomes chazaqa, a fixed tradition”. Continued violence in the Middle East and the spectre of terrorism also were on the hearts and minds of all the speakers. Catholics and Jews must pray intensely that God would help bring peace, reconciliation, forgiveness and life to the Holy Land, the Middle East and all places where conflict and terrorism are sowing death and destruction. Interreligious dialogue, he said, must be based on a recognition that all people are children of the same God, who calls them to praise him

and to work together for the good of all. However, he said, the relationship between Christians and Jews is unique because of Christianity’s Jewish roots. “Therefore, Christians and Jews must see themselves as brothers and sisters united by the same God and by a rich, common spiritual heritage.” In his speech, Rabbi Di Segni said the Rome Jewish community was welcoming the pope “to reaffirm that religious differences, which should be maintained and respected, must not however be a justification for hatred and violence”.—CNS

Capuchin priests ordained in the UAE BY ANTONiO ANUP GONSALVeS

OLLOWING their ordination in Abu Dhabi, two Capuchin Franciscan priests have begun their priestly ministry in the United Arab Emirates. Frs Darick Paul D’Souza and Arun Raj Manuel were ordained at a Mass in St Joseph’s cathedral in the UAE capital by Bishop Paul Hinder, vicar-apostolic of Southern Arabia which serves the more than 2 million Catholics who live in the UAE, Oman, and Yemen Around 76% of the population of the UAE is Muslim, while Christians constitute around 9%. Many

of the Catholics there are guest workers from India, Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines, though some are local Arabs. The new priests are examples of this trend. Both were born in India but both grew up in the UAE after their parents migrated. Fr D’Souza in Dubai, and Fr Manuel—who was studying medicine when he entered the seminary—in Abu Dhabi. Bishop Hinder was instrumental in helping the two discern their priestly vocations. During his homily at the ordination Mass, he told the priests that they are not mere “func-

Vatican: We’ll help homeless mother BY JUNNO AROCHO eSTeVeS

tionaries of an ecclesiastical institutions, but witnesses and servants sent to administer the mysteries of Christ to our brothers and sisters”. He also cautioned them to remember to, “especially as Capuchin priests, never be after money. Beware of the generosity of the people, which always can be a temptation; but rather be on the side of the poor and the needy, and show them solidarity whenever you can. Keep Jesus in mind, who was not ashamed to stay with the sinners, to heal the sick, and to give relief to the downtrodden.—CNA

Do you feel called to the Franciscan way of life?

HOMELESS woman was offered a place to stay at a Vatican women’s shelter after she gave birth to a baby girl near the colonnade surrounding St Peter’s Square, the Vatican spokesman said. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the Romanian woman, who is one of many homeless in the city, gave birth to the baby in the early morning hours in Piazza Pio XII, just outside of Bernini’s colonnade. Local police, who helped with the delivery, transported the mother and child to the nearby Santo Spirito Hospital. Fr Lombardi told journalists that Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, was notified of the birth and immediately went to visit the woman at the hospital. The Vatican spokesman said Archbishop Krajewski offered the mother and child a place to stay at a Vatican-owned shelter for women, which the Missionaries of Charity run in Rome. Although the woman has used various relief services offered by the Vatican, Fr Lombardi said it was unknown if the woman accepted Archbishop Krajewski’s offer. When asked by journalists whether the offer of shelter came directly from Pope Francis, Fr Lombardi said: “Everything that is done for the homeless and all of Archbishop Krajewski’s activities are done in the pope’s name.”—CNS

Contact: Brother Evenie Turner O.F.M. 082 599 7718, 012 345 3732, PO Box 914-1192, Wingate Park, 0153,

Email: evenieturner63@gmail.com

Princess Charlene exchanges gifts with Pope Francis during a private audience with her husband, Prince Albert ii of Monaco, at the Vatican. The South African-born princess, who has converted to Catholicism, is among the few women allowed to wear white when meeting the pope—an honour reserved for Catholic queens and princesses. (Photo: Filippo Monteforte, Reuters/CNS)

Vatican to Arabs: ‘Expose extremism’ BY CiNDY WOODeN

ELIGIOUS leaders must identify and publicly distance themselves from extremists preaching animosity towards others, a Vatican official told religious and government leaders from across the Arab world. “Extremism, with its violent tendencies, is incompatible with true religious ethics,” said Comboni Father Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. Fr Ayuso spoke at the first Arab Thinkers’ Forum, a gathering sponsored by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. Religious leaders, academics and government officials from across the Arab world gathered in Abu Dhabi to discuss ways to combat terrorism and extremism. “Extremist tendencies, irrespective of their origin, are actually among the most dangerous threats to world peace and security,” said Fr Ayuso. “Uncompromising and violent

policies,” hostility towards those who are different and a refusal to enter into dialogue with others are characteristics of extremism, he said. “In all religions, there is a treasury of values that can contribute toward building a world of justice, peace, fraternity and prosperity,” he said, which is one reason why a solid religious education is so important. At the same time, religious education is the best defence against a member falling prey to false teachers who jump into the void with extreme ideas, Fr Ayuso said. Combating extremism “needs genuine effort by religious leaders and opinion makers to identify those persons who portray false beliefs and behaviours as part of their religious ideology”, he said. And political leaders must support religious leaders in that effort. Because peace is “a personal and social duty” as well as a gift from God, he said, believers must refute all teaching and preaching of hatred as “unworthy of God or humanity”.— CNS

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pray to God for urgent rain A

Editor: Günther Simmermacher

Stop the scheming

VERY now and then Pope Francis reminds priests that they must not see their clerical ministry as a career path but as a service to God and to his people. Using the colloquial metaphors that often drive home his point forcefully, he has advised priests to avoid contracting “spiritual Alzheimer’s”, meaning that they must not forget the roots of the vocation. He has also called clerical careerism “leprosy”. This doesn’t mean that the pope does not want priests to have a decent level of ambition, one which finds expression in the aspiration to do a good job. He certainly does not want shoddy priests who don’t care. Healthy ambition must be motivated by the genuine desire to serve God and his people well, but not by lust for power and privilege. Most priests seek to live out their calling faithfully, following the advice of the pope: “Yours is a life of service: God chose you to serve.” Many succeed admirably in this and by their example bring people closer to God. Every priest, however, is also human and subject to temptations. These can be immediately discernible, such as that of breaking one’s promise of chastity, or they can be almost imperceptible, poisoning good intentions with damaging behaviour. Few priests are immune, for example, from the very human impulse to jockey for position: to assert greater authority in the parish, or to motivate for a transfer to a “better” parish, or to suggest himself for a powerful appointment. Even the holiest priests will know the struggles with the temptation to place self before God. And this is where Pope Francis, perhaps speaking from a position of self-awareness, is offering his counsel. Just as the Holy Father rose up the ranks—indeed, to the Church’s highest position—so will other priests be appointed to prestigious parishes or powerful positions. That’s how it must be. However, these advancements must be the product of meritorious and principled service, not the result of ambitious strategies or clandestine manoeuvring. As it is in every human organisation, the Catholic Church is not immune to internal conflict and division, to cliques, to

scheming and backstabbing. But while in the secular world, especially in business, this is taken for granted, it should be anathema in the Church. This applies to the clergy and religious in their congregations, and also to lay people who work for the Church, as employees or as volunteers, from the flower-arranging group in the parish to the boards of big welfare organisations. Business is governed by mammon, and all the sin that involves, but the Church is governed by God. Pride, envy, greed, egotism and duplicity run counter to the Lord’s commandments, especially those which call us to unity and love for the other. While manipulative strategising and backstabbing might win contracts in business, in the Church they constitute offences to Christ. This is nothing new, of course. Jesus himself had to address unseemly exhibitions of ambition among his apostles, such as when James and John (or, in Matthew’s gospel, Mrs Zebedee acting on behalf of her sons) vied for privileged seating arrangements in the afterlife (Mk 10:37, Mt 20:21). St Paul expressed his exasperation at the division of the Christians in Corinth with their competing Christian parties and all the politics and double-crossing that involved. Invariably there will be disagreement on points of theology or doctrine in the Church, and about vision and policy in Church organisations, including parishes. These debates must be conducted forthrightly but always in a spirit of respect for those on the opposite side. This is important, for when we harm those with whom we engage, we offend against love. As Christians, all we do must be directed to Christ. That isn’t easy; even the most virtuous will fail at times to exercise humility and to extend charity towards others—but we may never give up trying to meet Christ’s supreme commandment. Crucially, we must avoid the scandal of committing devious acts towards others and manipulating situations in order to gain advantages or to satisfy our ambitions, for what we do to those whom we scheme against, we do to Christ.

ST ANTHONYS CHILD and YOUTH CARE CENTRE Keeping Children safe within families

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.

T this time of severe drought in our country and dire predictions of shortage of food—maize and wheat in particular—and cattle dying for want of water and fodder, a campaign of prayer to God is needed. Our country, severely in debt already, will need to import millions

Mother Teresa’s funding failures

ITH reference to your editorial (January 6), I felt irritated to read that it took an atheist biographer to reveal that Mother Teresa was not squeamish about the sources of money donated to her charity. Since cover-ups are out and transparency is in, why do outsiders still have to be the first to tell us Catholics when we go wrong? There is no disgrace in human error, provided the confusion is rectified when we realise the truth. I recall reading that when asked how she financed her vast charities, Mother Teresa replied that she was unaware that Our Lord had gone bankrupt. In the light of the unwelcome revelations, this seems an ironic—if not downright cynical—comment. In Holland after World War II, money, presumably sent by penitent war profiteers, arrived anonymously at churches. Later on, a number of churches had to close down. Was it because the money was tainted? To me it seems self-evident that Mother Teresa, saintly woman though I believe her to be, ought not to have accepted donations without insisting that prior restitution be made to the victims who were robbed—inter alia of their pensions. That her failure to do so should have an affect on her official canonisation, I would find myself hesitant to dispute. Lukey Whittle, Kroonstad

Whither Requiem Masses for aged?

FEW years ago I was deeply saddened participating in a Protestant memorial service in a Catholic chapel, instead of a Requiem Mass. George, an active parishioner well into his 70s had passed on after a short illness. He was a born and bred, practising Catholic, sitting in the same seat Sunday after Sunday in the Catholic chapel of the retirement complex. Because his children, who are no longer practising the faith, did not want his body in the church, which is a requirement in the archdiocese of Durban, George had a Protestant

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of tonnes of maize and wheat, compounding increased debt. It is necessary that in all churches, prayer groups and families, earnest prayer and supplication be made that God will bless us with much-needed rain. Jesus tells us: “Ask and you will

receive” (Luke 11: 9-10) and St Paul encourages the Philippians: “In everything resort to prayer, with thanksgiving, and bring your requests before God” (4:6). We have the assurance of the Word of God that prayer will be answered. Sr Monica Shanley IBVM, Strand, Western Cape

service in the Catholic chapel. Like other “chapel congregants” who have passed away before him and others who have passed on since, a Requiem Mass is no longer the norm, because the children, like George’s children, are no longer believers or have joined other churches/fellowships or do not want the body in the church. One Sunday, Mrs B asked me to ask Fr X to visit her as she wished him to celebrate her Requiem Mass. Fr X did so, all was arranged, and Mrs B was happy. Come her death, her daughter held a simple service in the chapel, conducted by one of the Protestant residents. Two weeks ago Mrs P, a founder member of our parish, passed away. Once again, despite her active participation in the Church in all spheres, a simple service in the chapel conducted by a Protestant minister was held almost immediately after her passing. Fellow parishioners were not aware of her death, never mind the memorial service. I find it quite disturbing that elderly Catholics are being deprived of a Requiem Mass. A Requiem Mass is also an opportunity for parishioners, not just family, to bid farewell to a member of the Body of Christ in a parish. Marion Jordaan, Pennington, KZN

and Nazi crimes. He even lambasted Germans for their persecution of Jews and Gypsies in front of their officials and generals. After the war he condemned communists for carrying out a massacre of over 100 000 people in peacetime. He himself had to burry some 600 priests and nuns whom communists had killed. At his sham trial in 1946, the communists would not allow any of his 50 witnesses to lead evidence, and ignored a mountain of documentation that proved his innocence against the unsubstantiated “war crime” allegations. During his incarceration, the communist systematically poisoned him. It was then that Pope Pius XII made him a cardinal, but Tito would still not free him despite worldwide protests. In 1991 when Croatia became independent, in one of its first acts, parliament annulled the state case against Cardinal Stepinac and proclaimed him innocent and free of all charges. Bl Stepinac left a legacy of moral strength in his brave stand against all forms of inhuman ideologies. No wonder the Vatican has stated that no protest coming from the Serbian side will derail the canonisation process. Peter Basic, Cape Town

lieve it seems feasible that if a Lutheran would approach a priest for Holy Communion, the priest would contact his bishop and obey that ruling to the letter. The Eucharist is central to our faith; the other sacraments are dependent on it. Without the Eucharist, as explained through Scripture and tradition, through councils such as Trent, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholicism would be meaningless—we all could believe as our fallible consciences dictate. If one action in receiving the Eucharist had relevance, that is unity in belief of what has been revealed by Jesus, the apostles are to be believed. Then the second question would be, as a Lutheran, do you believe that the pope is infallible when he rules definitively on faith and morals? If the response is positive, then why are you Lutheran? If negative, then come back when your conscience is properly formed. Pope Francis’ response to the Lutheran woman referred to in Fr Reynolds’ letter also included this: “I wouldn’t allow it; it is not in my competency” (to change the Church’s law in inter-Communion). That makes sense if it has already been decided. Being Catholic is obedience to the lawful authority of the apostolic lineage and teaching of the Church; it has never been one of grovelling. Malcolm Bagley, Cape Town

Eucharist central

REPLY to Fr Kevin Reynolds’ letter Stepinac deserves I“At last a pope who truly respects us” (December 9). canonisation As an ordinary Catholic, I be-

URTHER to your report on the possible canonisation for Bl Aloysius Stepinac (December 30), it is important to note that the archbishop of Zagreb led the Church through three dictatorships, all of which he opposed. The first was the dictatorship of King Alexander of Yugoslavia, a Serb who in January 1929 dismissed the Royal Yugoslav parliament, banned all parties and ruled by decree. The second was that of Dr Pavelich and his Ustase (Insurgents) during World War II, from 1941-45; and the third was under dictatorfor-life Marshall Tito of communist Yugoslavia. Bl Stepinac was an irreconcilable opponent of every totalitarian ideology and doctrine—fascism, Nazism and Marxist communism. He was a strong and morally consistent man who stoically would not yield to the three regimes in the interests of his faith. He rose against Serb terror, Ustase and the NDH (the Independent State of Croatia), as well as against massacres by Tito and his henchmen after the war. All three regimes considered him an enemy. He was no “war criminal”. During the war, Bl Stepinac saved the lives of many. First those of children, most of them orphans and in particular Serbian. Secondly the families, most of them Jewish, whom he assisted to escape from the German occupational zone (northern Croatia) to the Italian occupational zone (the southern part of Croatia), where Jews could live and travel unhindered and where Italian police left them in peace. Numerous documentation speaks volumes about his protests against killings, bombings, torture and persecution of thousands of victims of various nationalities and faiths. During World War II he was one of the few Church prelates in Europe to react publicly against fascist

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

PERSPECTIVES Emmanuel Ngara

Happy Baptism to you L AST month’s column discussed the purpose of human life as a starting point in understanding the basic principles of Christian leadership. The next few articles in the series will focus on the need to understand the significance of sacraments in the life of a Christian. We begin by reflecting on the significance of baptism. Every year we all celebrate our birthdays and those of us who are married further celebrate their wedding anniversaries, while the religious observe the anniversaries of their ordination or profession in their respective congregations. This is all very good and should be done, but I believe there is one more celebration that we all tend to ignore—the commemoration of our baptism. In his theological discussion with Nicodemus Jesus says: “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (Jn 3:5-6). Jesus is here talking about two kinds of birth that are of equal importance. We all derive our human or fleshly lives from our parents (“flesh gives birth to flesh”), but we get our spiritual life, the life that gives us eternal life, from water and the Spirit. When we are born we become children of our parents. Through baptism we are born anew to a life in the Spirit; we are cleansed of our original sin and become children of God, sharing in the life of the

Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are truly born again and become what Paul calls “a new creation” (2 Cor.5:17). The day of baptism is such a momentous event that if we really understand what it means to all of us Christians, we should commemorate it every year. To understand the significance of baptism we should recall what it did to Jesus. Although he was born without sin, the day he was baptised by John became a major landmark in his life.

irst, the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:2122). For the first time we see God the Fa-

When we are born we become children of our parents. Through baptism we are born anew to a life in the Spirit, emmanuel Ngara writes.

The language of mercy A FEW nights ago, I was watching Prince Caspian, a film in the Narnia series based on C S Lewis’ books. In one scene, shortly after Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy have been summoned back to save Narnia, little Lucy approaches a bear, fully expecting it to amble up and talk to her. She remembered a time when all of nature was in harmony: a time when trees could talk and all the strange and magical creatures of Narnia lived without fear of the neighbouring kingdoms. Now, however, she receives a huge shock as the bear charges towards her and she is saved only by Trumpkin’s fast arrow. Edmund voices what the others are thinking, stating quizzically: “He was wild; I don’t think he could talk at all.” Trumpkin answers darkly: “If you are treated like a dumb animal long enough, that is what you become.” Lewis, a Christian writer who used fantasy to depict the realities of World War II in Europe, reminds us with this scene of the power of words. The words we speak and the way in which we depict others often says more about our worldview than it reveals the nature of the other. This story can also be an allegory for what happened in the opening days of 2016 when a handful of Facebook comments depicted black beachgoers as less than human. Predictably, these comments ignited angry comments in return. In a matter of days, South Africans found themselves pitted in two opposing camps: suddenly all whites were perceived as racist and black people as the perpetual victims of an ideological apartheid. Of course there is some truth to these broad generalisations. There are white people who in two decades have not found ways to overcome deep-seated perceptions that black people are not equal to their white counterparts. Similarly, historical disadvantage has hindered access to education and dignified employment, leaving the majority of black people living in abject conditions of squalor. But instead of discussing construc-

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tive ways to overcome inequality, we cannot get past finger pointing and accusing each other of racism. The danger is that when we place labels on the other, we see only ourselves. We don’t really see the other. And the label is fear. When we make fear the basis of all our cross-racial interactions, then—as Trumpkin points out—we risk becoming what the other fears most. So where does this leave us as Catholics in the Year of Mercy? Pope Francis has called for missionaries of mercy—mostly a reference to priests as confessors—but added that “everyone, in fact, without exception, is called to embrace the call to mercy”.

hat does mercy have to do with the racism that we, as South Africans, have never really found a way of dealing with? Perhaps this Jubilee of Mercy is a call for each of us to reflect on the conscious (and unconscious) labels we place on those around us. Do I see the other as God sees them: his beloved children irrespective of race, creed, or class? Do I have the courage to challenge my own worldview and identify my fears? Perhaps my journey into mercy this year is to ask the Holy Spirit to help me overcome my prejudices… We are also called to relationships of mercy and healing. This might include reaching out to someone who is not part

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ther and God the Holy Spirit converging upon Jesus, who is God the Son. And it seems to me that it is on this occasion that Jesus has a clearer idea of who he is and what his mission is. He is immediately led by the Spirit to the desert where he is tested by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. On his return from the desert after overcoming the devil, he begins to teach in the synagogues of Galilee. He goes to a synagogue in Nazareth and reads that passage from Isaiah which begins “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor…” After reading the passage he says: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:1-21). Jesus is now fully aware of who he is, and his public mission begins. From this we can conclude that we should not only be aware of baptism as our spiritual birth, but also that as Christians we have a duty to spread the Good News of the Gospel in obedience to Jesus’ command “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”(Mt 28:19). The Christian life is both a privilege and an obligation. We are privileged to be called children of God, but we also have a duty to ensure that other people become children of God.

Sarah-Leah Pimentel

The Mustard Seeds

of our customary social circle and genuinely getting to know their reality. This way, the other is no longer a label. The other becomes a living person with hopes, fears, joy and suffering. These relationships help us to find common ground and realise that the differences are fewer than we imagined. The differences stop being a potential for conflict, becoming rather a rich immersion into the gift of our diversity. Mercy also places upon us a great responsibility. It’s not enough to just talk about mercy but our actions also need to speak mercy. Mercy is helping deliver much-needed water to isolated communities in droughtstricken areas. Mercy is organising food drives for those who will face starvation this year. Mercy is assisting in the much needed transformation of our society—at grassroots level to empower the most marginalised in our society or in the higher echelons of government and corporations to enable a more equitable society. And if all of this seems far too difficult, perhaps mercy simply means restraining from adding to the hatred being spewed on social media platforms. In this way, we make Pope Francis’ words our own: “This is the opportune moment to change our lives! This is the time to allow our hearts to be touched! When faced with evil deeds, even in the face of serious crimes, it is the time to listen to the cry of innocent people who are deprived of their property, their dignity, their feelings, and even their very lives. “To stick to the way of evil will leave one only deluded and sad. True life is something entirely different. “God never tires of reaching out to us. He is always ready to listen…All one needs to do is to accept the invitation to conversion and submit oneself to justice during this special time of mercy offered by the Church” (Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy).

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The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

Chris Chatteris SJ

Pray with the Pope

Chameleon karma General Intention: That we may take good care of creation—a gift freely given—cultivating and protecting it for future generations.

HEN did you last see a chameleon? As a child I saw them all the time but they seem very scarce these days apparently because of habitat loss, pesticides and predators (mostly domestic cats). My last sighting was, unexpectedly, in the garden of the Little Sisters of Jesus’ house in Manenberg, Cape Town. To see one of these striking and slightly intimidating dwarf-dragons, wearing its gorgeous, greenbanded camouflage and blending into an indigenous buchu bush, was enchanting. And to see one in a small township garden was a hopeful sign pointing to the resilience of the natural world as well as the thought and care of people who persist in tending a little corner of Paradise. Of course, if you want chameleons you have to have a chameleon habitat and you have to protect it. You can’t have chameleons and a cat. Or if one’s front garden has been turned into a carport, no chameleons will survive there. It’s about choices: fewer cars and cats means more chameleons, and more cars and cats means fewer or no chameleons. We cannot have it both ways. These are choices on the local level. On the larger levels we have to make huge decisions about our industries and how to transform them into climate-friendly contributors to genuine human needs. The recent COP21 climate conference focused on the question of how quickly to phase out coal, oil and gas, and replace them with renewable energy. The choice is not if but when, for the scientists tell us that if we keep burning fossil fuels at present rates we will eventually experience droughts and floods that will make the present ones seem mild by comparison. This is a political task—campaigning for change and making sure our elected representatives listen to us, the electorate, and actually carry out what we want rather than what their financial backers and their wealthy special interest groups want. It is also about work. Gardens don’t just happen and nor do new energy systems. Gardens, like the natural world, require human labour, cultivation and protection. Nature used to be able to look after itself, but since we human beings have become so numerous and so destructive it is now necessary for us to work at preserving our biosphere. We are responsible for our planet whether we like it or not. We have some serious co-creation to do. A chameleon in a township garden can remind us of that and give us hope.

Remember Asia Missionary Intention: That opportunities may increase for dialogue and encounter between the Christian faith and the peoples of Asia.

T one time almost the whole of the Asian landmass was dominated by the nomadic Mongols. It was the largest land empire in history and at one time it stretched from China to Russia and reached as far south as the Persian Gulf. Genghis Khan and his successors swept out of the steppes in the 13th century and their terrifying war machine faltered only when they over-extended themselves in Hungary in the west, Japan in the east and Egypt in the south. They were driven by the simple belief that Heaven had given them the whole world and all they had to do was to go out there and take it. But unlike other conquerors driven by a theological idea, they did not think that they had to convert people to their shamanistic faith. They allowed their subject peoples to continue practising their different religions. Their tolerance even went so far as intermarriage. The Khans kept the peace among the faiths of their empire by embracing them all although Genghis himself remained a shamanist. All religious leaders were exempt from taxation and places of worship were allowed. However, because of the crude caricature we have of Genghis Khan, this medieval religious toleration comes as quite a surprise. Indeed, some of the Khans even organised interreligious debates to which crowds of people would be drawn. Eventually the Mongols adopted the religions of the societies they conquered. Since the early 1990s a certain amount of missionary work has been started and there is a small but growing Mongolian Christian community, including a number of Catholics, for whom we should remember to pray.

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

COMMUNITY

Send us your photos to pics@ scross.co.za

Twenty-six babies were baptised at Our Lady of Good Help parish in Verulam, archdiocese of Durban, by Fr Jude Fernando TOR.

Please be patient there is a queue of photos awaiting publication

The altar servers of immaculate Conception parish in east London are pictured with Bishop Vincent zungu of Port elizabeth diocese.

Youth at St Ninian’s parish in kuils River, Cape Town, were confirmed by retired Bishop edward Adams of Oudtshoorn (centre back). They are pictured with parish priest Fr Thaddeus Oranusi (right) and catechist Gerty Wippenaar (left).

The diocese of Bethlehem celebrated the opening of the Year of Mercy at Our Lady of Bethlehem shrine in Tsheseng, with Bishop Jan de Groef and pilgrims. (Photo: Fr khahliso Bonaventure Mofokeng)

Fr Stan Botha of Milnerton/Brooklyn parish in Cape Town celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination with a Mass and reception, attended not only by parishioners and local friends but also guests who had come from afar. Among them were Srs Rose Mbatha and Bernardette Mkhabela, both Daughters of the immaculate Heart of Mary, who worked with Fr Botha when as a young priest he worked in the missions of Lebowa in Witbank diocese. Also joining in the celebrations were Fr Solly Mokoena of evander, Dundee diocese, whom Fr Botha taught at Lukau Minor Seminary, and Comboni Father Benno Singer.

St Dominic’s Priory School in east London’s Grade 1 pupils are pictured praying on the first day of school.

Robyn Hock of Holy Rosary High School in edenvale, Johannesburg, represented the South African team in the Senior Level 8 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics where she took 1st place.

De La Salle Holy Cross College in Victory Park, Johannesburg, celebrated a 100% matric pass rate. Caitlyn Mahony (8 distinctions), Grace Boroughs (9 distinctions) and Candice elliott (7 distinctions) are the top three learners.

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

CHURCH

‘Use your voice as Daswa did’ On February 1 the oca Church w mark the f rst feast day of B Bened ct Daswa. One b shop beeves B Daswa shou d nsp re us to act v sm, as STUART GRAHAM reports.

and was caus ng ood nsecur ty as t s today B shop S attery sa d t was a so a per od o po t ca uncerta nty Ne son Mande a was yet to be re eased and aparthe d was draw ng to a c ose The economy was n a d cu t state Masses o peop e were unemp oyed Po t ca v o ence was w despread “But Bened ct Daswa was act ve n try ng to do what he cou d to re so ve the prob ems n any way he cou d ” B shop S attery sa d

LESSED Bened ct Daswa whose rst east day the oca Church w observe on Febru ary 1 wou d have been a voc erous opponent o corrupt on and wou d not have to erated the cr s s n South A r ca s educat on system he were a ve today accord ng to the b shop who n t ated the Daswa sa nthood cause B shop Hugh S attery ret red o Tzaneen to d The Sou he n C oss that B Daswa was a great be ever n the power o educat on and he were to have seen students r s ng up aga nst the government because they cou dn t a ord to pay the r ees t wou d have touched h m deep y “Bened ct Daswa s very mpor tant as a ro e mode or educators at a t me when we have a cr s s n ed ucat on ” the b shop sa d “He wanted young peop e to ace e and to be prepared or t He wanted them to have va ues and work hard These were va ues that were very c ose to h s heart He wou d not

I The a h u a he bea ca on o B ened c Daswa nse n Sep embe Songs o p a se and oy cou d be hea d om m es away have sat qu et y as the youth protested aga nst not rece v ng the educat on they deserve ” One o the actors prevent ng many peop e rom speak ng out aga nst corrupt on s ear sa d B shop S attery “ n Daswa s t me he spoke out aga nst the w tchcra t menta ty where peop e are a ra d and ea ous ” B shop S attery sa d adv s ng South A r cans “Don t be a ra d to step out o ne Break ranks as Daswa d d and use your vo ce ke Daswa ”

The b shop added “ cou dn t mag ne h m be ng s ent when teacher obs were g ven out because o br bery and corrupt on He wou d go pub c He wou dn t stand or t ” B Daswa s east day on February 1 s a cruc a day or South A r ca as the country enters a tumu tuous pe r od B shop S attery sa d The per od be ore B Daswa s v o ent death on February 2 1990 was very s m ar to what the coun try s current y exper enc ng A drought was sweep ng the reg on

n the Venda area where B Daswa ved hunger was spread ng through commun t es He became nvo ved n the ohannesburg or gan sat on Operat on Hunger wh ch d str buted ood parce s to v ages that were exper enc ng am ne He a so grew h s own ood and gave t to poor am es “Th s east day s a very mpor tant rst ce ebrat on t s not on y about ce ebrat ng the e o South A r ca s rst martyr ” B shop S attery sa d “ t s a so about earn ng rom h s examp e as our country enters a per od o ood shortages and eco nom c and po t ca uncerta nty ” S nce B Daswa s beat cat on n September the b shop has encoun tered var ous peop e who are pray ng to Daswa to ntercede or them and to take the r prayers to the Lord “Wh e was v s t ng ohannes burg a woman to d me that she had been strugg ng to attract cus

tomers to her con erence centre The uture o her bus ness was un certa n and so she prayed to Bene d ct Daswa to he p her ” he reca ed “Days passed and sudden y she had a stream o app cat ons rom peop e want ng to use her prem ses The ady attr butes that to Bene d ct s ntercess on ” he sa d “Peop e have a so to d me that they are pray ng or h m to he p them nd obs and to br ng peace to the r am es ” But peop e shou d not on y pray They shou d ke B Daswa take ac t on to he p the r commun t es “Bened ct was a man o prayer but he knew he had to act he wanted to get th ngs done Peop e must not on y pray but a so be pragmat c Take act on ” B shop S attery sa d “Bened ct had pro ects n h s gar den He gave out ood parce s We can earn rom h m that way ” The memory o B Daswa re ma ns strong n Venda where hun dreds o peop e are expected to descend on h s home v age Nwe to ce ebrate h s rst east day H s beat cat on n September had a “ antast c” mpact on the area sa d B shop S attery “For many t was the r rst ntro duct on to the Catho c Church The mpact o that day has stayed w th and w stay w th a ot o peo p e ” he sa d add ng “Peop e are ta k ng about h m H s examp e s v ng on ”

The first South African Christian martyr Long before B Bened ct Daswa, South Afr ca had a notab e martyr, perhaps the country s f rst. FR HeNRY RATeRiNG CMM exp a ns.

HEN Pope Pau V canon sed the Martyrs o Uganda n 1964 he sa d n h s hom y a ter ment on ng Char es Lwanga and h s compan ons “we shou d not orget those others o the Ang can Commun on who d ed or the sake o Chr st” n the same sp r t o generous recogn t on o the v rtues n others pay tr bute to one o those “oth ers” who d ed a hero c death or the sake o Chr st here n South A r ca Maqhamuse a Khany e a cate chumen o the Lutheran Church was born n 1850 and d ed n 1877 ust as we adm re B Bened ct Daswa or h s courage to oppose rom h s Chr st an conv ct on the pract ce o w tchcra t so we ought

to adm re Kany e s courage n h s des re to be bapt sed to oppose the k ng s w qu te someth ng or a Zu u warr or Khany e ved n Zu u and at the t me o K ng Cetshwayo Cetshwayo s predecessor K ng Shaka dev sed the bu hu system as the centra p ar o the Zu u state Young men were requ red to serve as so d ers unt they were about 30 years o d a ter wh ch they were a owed to marry From puberty t the r 30s men worked or the k ng Peop e were a owed to ve study and work at m ss on stat ons but convers on to Chr st an ty and the na step o bapt sm was not accepted by the Zu u k ngs and ch e s Khany e s home was near the Lutheran m ss on o the Norweg an M ss on Soc ety NMS at Eshowe The Zu us ca ed the m ss on uMonde a ter Ommund O tebro the super ntendant o the NMS On the day be ore Khany e s death O tebro n ormed h m that he had had an aud ence w th K ng

Daswa feast programme

HE d ocese o Tzaneen has announced ts pro gramme or the rst east o B Bened ct Daswa to be observed on February 1

January 30 P gr ms w take tours o s tes re at ng to the e o B Bened ct nc ud ng h s home par sh church and p ace o ston ng January 31 Sunday Mass w be ce ebrated at 10 00 n the church B Bened ct he ped to bu d and wh ch now ho ds h s rema ns the church o Our Lady o As sumpt on n Nwe Th s w be o owed by the Rosary at 13 00 and a serv ce o reconc at on w th nd v dua con es s ons at 14 00 February 1 On the east o B Bened ct Daswa on February 1 there w be Venerat on o the Re cs at 7 00 n the morn ng then the east day Mass at 9 00 B Bened ct was beat ed n September as a mar tyr hav ng been murdered by a mob on February 2 1990 or re us ng to take part n a w tchcra t r tua January 23 31 A par shes are requested to do a novena o B Bene d ct Daswa rom anuary 23 31 n Any ass s ance ece ved s o be e e ed o S C aude e H osan FDNSC PO Box 80 Mooke s 0825 L mpopo o 076 570 8843 bendaswa@mweb co za

Cetshwayo n order to obta n the k ng s perm ss on to bapt se Khany e but Cethshwayo re used to g ve h s perm ss on Khany e now knew that h s e was n danger and he sa d to O te bro “ he now has me k ed w re o ce n t am not a ra d s t not good to d e or Chr st s name? D d he not d e or me? He w g ve me a tt e p ace n h s k ngdom up there ”

n March 9 1877 Khany e e t h s home at Eshowe w th a premon t on o h s death A party o warr ors approached Khany e and to d h m that he was to be k ed “Why?” he asked “Because you are a earner and wou d be bap t sed ” they rep ed “ t s we ” sa d Khany e “but et me rst say my prayer ” He knee ed down and prayed Then r s ng to h s eet he sa d “Now am ready s ay me then hurry home because a thunder storm s com ng ”

The JoUrNeYS oF A LIFeTIMe!

MEDJUGORJE Rome • Assisi Loreto • Paris

As the spears p eced h m the thunderstorm broke out Many Zu u peop e took th s as a s gn o God s anger w th Cetshwayo and the resu t o Khany e s martyrdom was that the r a th grew n sp te o urther oppos t on Maqhamuse a Khany e not on y rebe ed aga nst Zu u trad t on he a so de ed the m ss onar es who wanted to denounce h s trad t on by wear ng trousers nstead o beshu He dec ded st to wear h s head gear as a s gn that he was a Zu u man and wore a sh rt w th beshu n 1939 a concrete cross was erected on Mpondwen H where the execut on had taken p ace The nscr pt on reads “At th s p ace Maqhamuse a Khany e d ed be ore h s t me be ev ng n Chr st” The Ang can Church o South ern A r ca commemorates Khany e n ts ca endar o sa nts on March 9 w th the o ow ng prayer “God our strength and our Re deemer your servant Maqhamuse a o Zu u and chose to su er nsu ts

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CIE: Too many matrics for struggling unis BY STUART GRAHAM

M Collecting their matric results in Johannesburg were Holy Rosary High School’s 2015 matriculants Caitlyn Callanan, Theané Dietrich and Taylor Rattray, who indicate the six distinctions each obtained. Most independent Catholic schools, including Holy Rosary, recorded 100% pass rates.

3,2 million people saw Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2015 BY JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES

ORE than 3,2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican has said. The statistics were compiled by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, which coordinates papal events and distributes free tickets t o p a p a l a u d i e n c e s a n d l i tu r g i e s . T h e p r e f e c ture said more than 3,2 million people attended a papal even The total was a s 5,9 million visitors r 2014. It was also sli 6,6 million pilgrim during the first nine pontificate in 2013. During 2015, at tended the pope’s ences; more than 4 group audience; at l ticipated in papal lit or St Peter’s Square; a tt d d th ’

ATRICULANTS need to realise that attending university is not the “beginning and end” for finding a job or being successful in life, the Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) said after the release of matric results. A s e x p e c t e d , w e l l - r e s o u rc e d C a t h o l i c schools with learners who wrote matric assessed by the private Independent Examinations Board (IEB) achieved a far higher pass rate than schools writing the NSC state exams, said CIE deputy director Anne Baker. Some 799 306 pupils wrote the matric exam in 2015, the highest number of candidates ever in South Africa. Although the matric pass rate went down nationally from 75,9% to 70,7% in 2015, an increased number of learners made it through matric, with more than 117 000 learners writing exams. Despite the drop in the pass rate—which has been attributed to thousands of “progressed” pupils, poor maths skills, over worked teachers and three poorly performing provinces—far more learners qualified to attend university. The problem is that universities are struggling financially and may find it difficult to cope with the number of students applying to attend. “There were 15 500 more bachelor degree passes in 2015” than the previous year, Ms Baker noted. “Given the problems at universities, what does that mean? Are we guiding young peo-

had to progress 41 Grade 11 learners recorded a pass rate of 64,6%. Without those 41 learners, the school would have attained an 80% pass rate, Ms Baker said. Far too much emphasis is placed on matric results while not enough attention is placed on the entire schooling system, she said. Ms Baker said that if schools perform poorly in the regions which the CIE ser ves directly, the organisation will try to support principals in analysing what can be done to improve results. “There have been a lot of changes for teachers in the past year and we find that you don’t always have the best teachers in key subjects. The challenge is a [shortage] of good teachers,” Ms Baker said. “Our energy must go into the foundation phase: Grades R, 1, 2 and 3. We shouldn’t have all the hype around matric. We should be building and building from the foundation phase. We shouldn’t be measuring the [entire] system based on matric results.” The Equal Education movement has suggested that the “true matric pass rate” is 42%, saying that a large number of students drop out before they reach Grade 12 to write the matric exams. “For broader perspective and context on the overall matric pass, one should use a cohort matric pass rate,” the movement said in a statement. Equal Education defines the cohort matric pass rate as the percentage of learners in Grade 2 who pass matric 11 years later.

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The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

MEDIA

Popes talk to anarchists, atheists and apostles For centuries popes didn’t give press interviews. And even between the first to do so and the next, six decades passed. Now Pope Francis speaks more frequently to journalists than any of his predecessors did, as CAROL GLATz reports.

EFORE he was elected pontiff, Pope Francis had a reputation for not liking to do interviews. “Really, I don’t give interviews. But I don’t know why. I can’t, that’s just how it is. I find it a bit tiresome, but I’m grateful for your company,” he told the more than 70 journalists from all over the world accompanying him aboard his first papal flight to Brazil for World Youth Day in July 2013. The pope, who was unafraid of breaking long-held practices, looked like he was ready to end a decadeslong tradition of taking questions from reporters on papal flights. One veteran journalist from Mexico sought to reassure the new pope that even though he might feel he’d been thrown into the lions’ den by coming to the back of the plane to meet the press, “the truth is that we aren’t that ferocious”. Something eventually happened to change his mind because, six days later, on the return trip back to Rome, Pope Francis opened the floor to journalists, answering every question posed in an 80-minute session. And ever since then, the pastor who never liked interviews has become the most-interviewed pope in history. The nearly 600 responses he’s given to reporters’ questions in less than three years are now compiled in a 368-page book, in Italian only, titled Pope Francis Replies: Every Inter-

view and Press Conference. While Pope Francis is the most prolific with the press, his lateblooming bravery turns out to be a common trait of modern-day popes, according to the book’s introduction, written by Giovanni Maria Vian, a Church historian and editorin-chief of the Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano newspaper. Mr Vian traces in great detail the history of papal interviews, and how these universal pastors became increasingly confident and open to the world’s media. The first pope in modern history to enter the so-called lions’ den was—aptly—Pope Leo XIII when he sat down in July 1892 with Caroline Rémy, an anarchist, feminist, lapsed Catholic and one of the best-known reporters of the time in France. The twice-divorced 37-year-old, whose pen name was “Séverine”, had written to the Vatican secretary of state, presenting herself as “a woman who had been Christian” but remembers the importance of “loving the least and defending the weak”, and as “a socialist who, even if not in a state of grace, has kept intact in her wounded heart a deep respect for the faith” and esteem for the ageing pontiff. The first papal interview in modern history was quickly arranged and lasted 70 minutes, Mr Vian wrote. Ms Rémy, who took no notes during the encounter, spent that afternoon writing the story and submitted a draft the next day to the secretary of state, who made only a few rewrites before it appeared on the front page of the French daily Le Figaro. Just a few months before, Pope Leo had sat down with Ernest Judet, the French editor of what would soon become the world’s largest newspaper, Le Petit Journal. The private audience, Ms Vian said, does not count as an actual interview since the pope met the editor, not to

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Pope Francis answers questions from journalists during his first press conference aboard his flight from Rio de Janeiro to Rome in 2013. Only six popes have given interviews to the press: Leo Xiii, St John XXiii, Bl Paul Vi, St John Paul ii, Benedict XVi and Pope Francis. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) take questions, but to give him a “declaration”—essentially the gist of his upcoming encyclical On the Church and State in France.

he next time a pope sat down with a reporter was on Palm Sunday in 1959 after St John XXIII’s secretary, now-Cardinal Loris Capovilla, contacted Indro Montanelli, who was working for the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The journalist said, years later, the pope had wanted an interview with a writer who wasn’t a part of “the Catholic world” and therefore skipped over his co-worker Silvio Negro, a Catholic and veteran Vatican reporter. Mr Montanelli said the papal invitation scandalised his editor, who “did not like the pope giving an interview at all”, and especially not to a secular outlet: “In his mind, the pope should be speaking in Latin.” Despite the historic and commer-

cial coup of clinching a papal interview, the piece ended up on the paper’s third page, Mr Montanelli said, because the editor was afraid a big splash would hurt Mr Negro’s feelings. The real turning point in the papal approach to the press came with Pope Paul VI towards the end of the Second Vatican Council. One evening in 1965, the pope sat down with another reporter from Corriere della Sera, Alberto Cavallari, who said the pope “explicitly rejected the classic monologue of the popes”. Mr Cavallari wrote that the pope told him times had changed and today “millions of people no longer have any religious faith. Hence the need for the Church to open itself up. We need to address those who no longer believe and those who no longer believe in us.” Bl Paul saw sitting down with the secular press as the next necessary

form of papal communication— “This is dialogue,” Mr Cavallari reported the pope as saying. “Talking, explaining oneself, wanting that the speaker not feel isolated, knowing how to listen, always looking to demolish the walls created between a person and the pope” seemed to be a key part of Bl Paul’s personality, Mr Cavallari wrote. The conversation was frank, relaxed, unscripted and reflected the pope was aware “he had to face the risk of communicating in a way that was direct, agile and genuinely human”, the journalist wrote. That approach, especially in seeking out and responding to the secular world, has continued in the past half-century, as Pope Paul’s successors have sat down for interviews with atheists, philosophers, converts and cradle Catholics. Paul VI was the first pope to invite the press onto the papal plane to travel with him during his trips abroad, Mr Vian wrote. While Bl Paul would simply greet those flying with him, St John Paul II started speaking directly to journalists during the flights and began the aboard-the-papal-plane news conferences, which continued under Pope Benedict XVI and, despite his initial fears, Pope Francis. On that flight back from Brazil, Pope Francis told reporters how happy and spiritually renewed he was to have been cast among the throngs of young people. He said foregoing heavy security meant “I could be with the people, hug them, greet them, without armour-proof cars. It’s the security of trusting in the people” and God. “I prefer the craziness of being out and running the risk,” he said, which may be what led him to take that other risk of being cast to the den at the back of the plane where, he admitted, “I’ve seen the lions weren’t so ferocious.”—CNS

Vatican restructures its media BY ANDReA GAGLiARDUCCi

MID the lengthy process of reforming Vatican communications, the Secretariat of State has stated that the Holy See press office’s administrative and human resources branches are to be handed over to the new Secretariat for Communications. The announcement came in a letter signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. The letter also noted that the press office’s Bollettino, or Bulletin, used to deliver official information, will remain under the control of the state secretariat, in accordance with Pastor bonus, the 1988 apostolic constitution of St John Paul II which regulates the functions and tasks of the Roman curia’s dicasteries and departments. The Holy See press office’s other activities, however, will be coordinated with the communications secretariat so as to “secure the unification of all the communications processes, which are within the competence of the Secretariat for Communications”. Cardinal Parolin’s letter recalls that the pope entrusted the Secretariat for Communication with a “comprehensive restructuring” of all Holy See communications efforts. The drafting of the statutes of the Secretariat for Communication is still underway, but the letter clarifies that the Holy See press office will be part of the new secretariat. The project for the restructuring of Vatican media is proceeding on a four-year plan. According to a source within the Secretariat for Communications, “the secretariat will take over control of the delivery of official information at the end of that term, and the passage of competences from the Secretariat of State to the communications secretariat will be gradually assessed in the course of these four years”. The Holy See press office has appointed Greg Burke as its deputy director, and Stefano D’Agostini as director of the Vatican Television Centre. Mr Burke has served as the Secretariat of State’s senior advisor for communication for three years; he will replace the current deputy director, Fr Ciro Benedettini, who will retire in February. Mr Burke

Greg Burke, senior communications advisor to the Vatican Secretariat of State, speaks at a press conference at the Vatican. Pope Francis has appointed Mr Burke as the vice-director of the Holy See press office. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) is likely to serve as a liaison between the state and communications secretariats. Mr D’Agostini has spent all of his career within the Vatican Television Centre. He replaces Mgr Dario Edoardo Viganò, who is now prefect of the Secretariat for Communications. The Pontifical Council for Social Communications will likely be absorbed by the Secretariat for Communications, which is expected to move its headquarters to the building which currently hosts the pontifical council. Archbishop Celli, currently president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, will turn 75 in July, reaching retirement age. He is not expected to be replaced. Archbishop Celli’s deputy, Mgr Paul Tighe, was transferred on December 19 to the Pontifical Council for Culture. He is to be its adjunct secretary, and will be consecrated a bishop. At the conclusion of the four-year plan for the reform of Vatican media, it is likely that all offices involved in Vatican communications will be under the control of the Secretariat for Communications. Moreover, a unified newsroom to manage news content is being studied.—CNA

The Southern Cross, January 27 to February 2, 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

Fr Carlos Domingos IMC

ONSOLATA Father Carlos Domingos, formerly of Dundee diocese, died on January 2 in a freak accident at a waterfall close to the mission of Gambo, Ethiopia. He was 53. Fr Domingos was born in 1962 in Vale do Pereiro, Portugal, and entered the Consolata congregation in 1982. He made his novitiate in Italy and studied in Rome and Nairobi. After arriving in South Africa in 1993 he ministered in the diocese of Dundee from 1994 to 2008, at Damesfontein, Madadeni and Blaauwbosch. Following some years in Portugal he was appointed to Ethiopia in 2014. On the afternoon of his death, Fr Domingos and some Italian

friends travelled to a waterfall in the mountains close to the mission. Approaching the water to take photos, he slipped on the slimy stones and fell off a cliff of

about 20 metres, knocking violently against the rocks and disappearing into the deep pool of water, and did not re-emerge. Because of the inaccessibility of the place, his body was recovered only two days later, trapped in the depths of the pool, by army divers. Fr O Clavijo IMC, regional superior of the Consolata congregation of Ethiopia, described Fr Domingos as honest, humble, hard-working, generous, and totally dedicated to the Consolata mission. “He was a gift from God and God has taken him back.” Fr Domingos was buried on January 5 at Gambo at a Mass presided over by Bishop Abraham Desta of Meki.

Br Bonaventure Schmedes SCJ

ACRED Heart Brother Heinrich Bonaventura Schmedes died on January 7 at the age of 89. Born in Repke, Germany, on September 20, 1926, he grew up in Büren, near Oldenburg in northern Germany. The last time he visited his home town was in 2010. Br Bona was an excellent carpenter and cabinet-maker by profession. He was a real artist, especially with wood. He joined the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in 1953. On completion of the novitiate, he made his first profession on August 10, 1954. Still before making his final vows, in 1956, Br Bona received special permission to come to South Africa, and a year later made his solemn profession at St Teresa mission, in the Herschel district of the Aliwal North diocese, which was headed by his uncle, Bishop Johannes Lueck, also a Sacred Heart priest. Br Bona was a teacher/instructor at St Joseph’s Trade School for young men. His pupils were from

all over South Africa and Namibia, mainly from disadvantaged cultural groups. He “formed” more than a generation of South African carpenters and cabinet-makers. By helping the underprivileged and marginalised, he contributed to society and lived out the charism of his order’s founder’s, Fr Leo Dehon, in a practical manner. Later, the trade school was leased to the government and renamed Aliwal North Technical

Liturgical Calendar Year C – Weekdays Cycle Year 2 Sunday January 31 Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19, Psalms 71:1-6, 1517, 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13, Luke 4:21-30 Monday February 1, Bl Benedict Daswa 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13, Psalms 3:2-7, Mark 5:1-20 Tuesday February 2, Presentationof the Lord Malachi 3:1-4, Psalms 24:7-10, Luke 2:2240 Wednesday February 3, Ss Blaise and Ansgar 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Psalms 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 6:1-6 Thursday February 4 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:1012, Mark 6:7-13 Friday February 5, St Agatha Sirach 47:2-11, Psalms 18:31, 47, 50-51, Mark 6:14-29 Saturday February 6, St Paul Miki & companions 1 Kings 3:4-13, Psalms 119:9-14, Mark 6:30-34 Sunday February 7 Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalms 138:1-5, 7-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11

Orientation School. In January 1991, the order left the school. This leaving was very difficult for Br Bona whose “heart” was still there. After his retirement, Br Bona did not stop working, doing repairs and maintenance work for the Sacred Heart monastery, the diocese and the Holy Cross Sisters. He greatly contributed to constructing churches in the Aliwal diocese. On weekends, he was helping in the hospital in Umlamli where one of his huge achievements was discovering a water spring in the mountains and connecting the water flow to the hospital. One of his last works, in December, was to build a Holy Door for the Aliwal cathedral for the Year of Mercy. Br Bona’s life was marked by the motto Ora et Labora (pray and work). Besides all his work, he had never forgotten that he was a religious and never abandoned his prayer life—daily attending Holy Mass and Adoration of the Eucharist or praying the Rosary.

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 (R1,60 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

IN MEMORIAM

tOWELL—Muriel. Died 1 February, 2013. Mummy you felt so very lonely ever since Daddy died 4 June, 2009. But you can walk together now, forever side by side. Love and miss you lots. Desiree, Neil, Darren and Nathan. MAtSEBA—Papa Jack. in loving memory of my dearest husband, our father and grandfather who passed away on 27 January 2013. Are gone but not forgotten. Always in our prayers and thoughts. We miss you dearly. Rest in peace. From Mama Shee, kay, zani, Malo and Oagile.

PRAYERS

HOLY St JUDE, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you i have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. in return i promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. DMJ. HOLY St JUDE, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you, special patron in time of need. To you i have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my petitions. in return i promise to make your name known and publish this prayer. Amen. Thank you for prayers an-

swered. Sylvia Naidu. 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 MOSt beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, blessed Mother of the Son of God, immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother, O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth, i humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in my necessity. There are none who can withstand your power, O show me that you are my mother. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

tHANKS

GRAtEFUL tHANKS to St Martha for prayers answered CR. GRAtEFUL tHANKS to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Mother Mary, Holy Spirit, Holy infant Jesus king of Prague and St Jude for prayers answered. DMJ.

PERSONAL

ABORtION WARNING: The truth will convict a silent Church. See www.val uelifeabortionisevil.co.za

Jesus never crashes, buffers or fails

OST of us would agree that communication and technology in our modern world has become a “must”— something we would now find very difficult to live without. Long gone are the days of having to listen to a teacher or lecturer drone on endlessly with nothing to visually focus our attention upon. Instead, we are regularly treated to PowerPoint and Prezi presentations; DVDs, YouTube excerpts, podcasts and Chromecasts, among many others. However, there is a “but” and it’s quite a big one. Wonderful though technology is, it can and does go wrong—regularly. How many times have you been to a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation and found that either the projector has packed up or the Internet has failed? How many times have you been psyched up and ready to watch a DVD and found that you

could either hardly hear the sound or it did not work at all? Instead you had to watch the people on the screen silently opening and shutting their mouths like goldfish! And even more likely, how many times has that annoying Internet buffering completely ruined what you were trying to watch on YouTube or a stream? In short, presentations can and do go wrong, often with disastrous yet amusing results. Although completely different in nature, Jesus too, was part of a presentation. He was presented at the temple in Jerusalem in accordance with the Law of Moses, which said that every male must be consecrated to God. In a similar way to the confusion that we feel when current technology fails, Mary and Joseph were confounded by all they heard that day, about Jesus. Yet through their confusion shone a beacon of love and hope,

Our bishops’ anniversaries This week we congratulate: January 31: Bishop Joe Sandri of Witbank on the 6th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Julia Beacroft

Point of Faith

as they were told by both Simeon and Anna that their child would be the redeemer of all nations. Technology may fail, our plans may miscarry and inevitably we may feel confused. Yet through the fog of confusion can shine inspiration, light and hope. Jesus is all of these for each and every one of us. Better still, we need see no presentation, use no IT and never have to “log on” to be in touch with him! n Julia Beacroft is a catechist and pastoral volunteer who lives in Torquay, England. Her first book, Sanctifying the Spirit, will be published and available to buy this year. The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is on February 2.

Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO 691. ACROSS: 2 Permitting, 8 Easter parade, 10 Bride, 11 Enticed, 12 Taints, 13 Quorum, 16 Reasons, 18 Canon, 19 Life of virtue, 20 Wanderlust. DOWN: 1 Presbytery, 3 Elements, 4 Mapper, 5 Tarot, 6 Indoctrinate, 7 Assimilation, 9 Adam and Eve, 14 Unclips 15 Useful, 17 Obese.

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/up loads/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. WIDOWED LADY in search of a mature dedicated and financially secured gentleman. interests: walking, movies and swimming. ricky2643@ hotmail.com

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5th Sunday: February 7 Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138: 1-5, 7, 8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11

S outher n C ross

God’s holy intervention

OD does intervene in human lives, powerfully and decisively. Not everyone, it is true, experiences this decisive intervention, and not all those who experience it respond; but for those who are open to it (God always respects our freedom) it has a decisive impact, and often leaves the person with a profound sense of the holiness of God, and their own unworthiness. Look at the first reading for next Sunday. It is Isaiah’s account of his own vocation. He gives it a date (about 740BC); and it is an awesome vision: “I saw my Lord sitting on a high and lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.” Then he sees the seraphim, singing of God’s holiness, in words that we still use, whenever we attend Mass: “Holy, holy, holy is YHWH Sabaoth—all the earth is full of his glory.” Notice the effect on the prophet of this encounter with the Holy: “Woe is me—for I am doomed; I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips—and my eyes have seen the King, YHWH Sabaoth.”

God does not leave us in our plight, however, “and one of the seraphim flew to me, in his hand a live coal”; and a ritual of purification takes place: “Behold—this has touched your lips; your wickedness shall depart, and your sin is removed.” Then Isaiah is courageous again, and in response to God’s question, “Whom shall I send?”, he is leaping up and down and saying: “Here I am—send me!” This gives dramatic expression to what we should be doing for the Year of Mercy. The psalm is a lovely song of gratitude for God’s leading: “I shall thank you with all my heart; in the presence of the gods I shall make music to you; I shall bow down to your holy Temple and I shall praise your name.” God’s fidelity is the only possible basis on which we can respond to his calling of us, and that fidelity is precisely what the psalmist is praising: “On the day I called, you answered me.” God’s mercy can be trusted: “You send out your hand, and your right arm will rescue me, YHWH: your love is for ever.”

Paul knows this same reliability of God. The context of next Sunday’s second reading is that the Corinthians have evidently been denying the Resurrection; but the encounter with the risen Jesus was what had changed his life, and therefore that had been at the heart of the Gospel he preached. If they were denying this, then they did not “stand”, they were not “saved”, Christ’s death “for our sins according to the Scriptures” was irrelevant, and their faith was “pointless”. Paul had known the touch of God in his life, and it had made a dramatic difference. Now see what happens in the Gospel for next Sunday. It starts with Jesus preaching to a fairly substantial crowd, which drives him to go on board Simon’s boat (apparently without asking permission), and order him to stand off the shore a bit, to provide a floating pulpit. The sermon finally comes to an end, and the carpenter instructs the professional fishermen to “pull out into the deep, and let

Bowing and raising our heads A

T the end of every Catholic liturgy, there is an invitation given to the people to receive a blessing. That invitation is worded this way: “Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.” The idea behind that, obviously, is that a blessing can only truly be received in reverence, in humility, with head bowed, with pride and arrogance subjugated and silent. A bowed head is a sign of humility and is understood, almost universally, as our proper spiritual posture. Spiritual writers have rarely questioned or felt the need to nuance the notion that spiritual health means a head bowed in humility. But is it really that simple? Admittedly there is a lot of wisdom in that. A head bowed in reverence is a sign of humility. Moreover, pride heads the list of deadly sins. Human pride is congenital, deep and impossible to uproot. It can be redeemed and it can be crushed, but it always remains in us, necessarily so. There is no health without pride, but pride can also derail health. There is something inside human nature, inherent in our very individuality and freedom, which does not like to bend the knee before what is higher and superior. We guard our pride fiercely and it is no accident that the archetypal image of resistance to God is expressed in Lucifer’s inflexible, pride-anchored statement: “I will not serve!” Moreover, we do not like to admit weakness, finitude, dependence and interdependence. Thus all of us have to grow

Classic Conrad

and mature to a place where we are no longer naive and arrogant enough to believe that we do not need God’s blessing. All spirituality is predicated on humility. Maturity, human and spiritual, is most evident in someone whom you see on his or her knees praying. But while pride can be bad, sometimes pride and arrogance are not the problem. Rather our struggle is with a wounded and broken spirit that no longer knows how to stand upright. It is one thing to be young, healthy, strong, arrogant and unaware of how fragile and finite we are (and that illusion can survive and stay with us into old age); but it is quite another thing to have one’s heart broken, one’s spirit crushed, and one’s pride taken away. When that happens—and it happens to all of us if we are half-sensitive and live long enough—wounded pride does some very negative things in us: it cripples us so that we can no longer truly get off our knees, stand upright, raise our heads, and receive love and blessing.

remember as a child, growing up on a farm, watching something that was then called “breaking a horse”. The men would catch a young colt which had until then run completely free and they would, through a rather brutal process, force the young colt to submit to halter, saddle and human commands. When the process was finished, the colt was now compliant to human commands. But the process of breaking the

Nicholas King SJ

Sunday Reflections

down your nets for a catch”. The expert explains the facts of life to this rank amateur (“we have toiled the whole night through and caught nothing”) but reluctantly does what he is told. The inevitable happens, and so many fish are caught that the nets start to break and the ships to sink. Suddenly as with Isaiah in the first reading, the mood changes, and Simon (now also called Peter) realises that he is having an encounter with the Holy: “Get away from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” Like Isaiah, though, Peter has got it wrong, and instead of being destroyed by the Holy, he is commissioned by its Mercy, which we celebrate this year: “Do not be afraid—from now on, you will be catching human beings.” Then we see that nothing is worth clinging onto in the face of this powerful invitation: “They beached their boats on shore, abandoned everything, and followed him.”

Southern Crossword #691

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final Reflection

horse’s freedom and spirit was far from gentle, and thus yielded a mixed result. The horse was now compliant, but part of its spirit was broken. That’s an apt image for the journey, both human and spiritual. Life, in ways that are far from gentle, eventually breaks our spirit, for good and for bad, and we end up humble—but we also end up somewhat wounded and unable to (metaphorically) stand upright. Conscripted humility has a double effect: On the one hand, we find that we more naturally genuflect before what is higher; but, on the other hand, because of the pain of our brokenness, as is so often the case with pain, we focus more upon ourselves than on others and we end up handicapped. Bruised and fragile, we are unable to properly give and receive, and are stuttering and reticent in sharing the goodness and depth of our own persons. Spirituality and religion have, for the most part, been too one-sided on this. They have perennially been vigilant about pride and arrogance (and, admittedly, these are real and are forever the deadly sins). But spirituality and religion have been too slow to lift up the fallen. We all know the dictum that the task of spirituality is to afflict the comforted and comfort the afflicted. Historically, religion and spirituality, while not always being very successful with the former, have been too negligent of the latter. Pride and arrogance are the deadliest of all vices. However, wounded pride and a broken spirit can equally derail us. So, perhaps when the Church blesses its congregation at the end of a liturgy, it might, instead of saying, “Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing”, say: “Those of you who think you are not in need of this blessing: Please bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing. “Meanwhile those of you who feel beaten, broken and unworthy of this blessing: Raise your heads to receive a love and gift that you have long despaired of ever again receiving.”

ACroSS

2. Letting the weather make possible (10) 8. Reads a repeat version of paschal event (6,6) 10. New spouse (5) 11. Ice dent that attracted you (7) 12. Blemishes made by statins (6) 13. Minimum number of those present (6) 16. Thinks logically of the motives (7) 18. Church law from African on safari (5) 19. It is led by a saint (4,2,6) 20. Dawn Rustle yearns to go to foreign missions (10)

DoWN

1. Place reserved for the priest (10) 3. The first principle of learning? (7) 4. This one is an atlas worker (6) 5. Fortune-telling card (5) 6. Fill the mind with Church teaching? (12) 7. So, a Latinism I use to show my complete acceptance of it (12) 9. They lack ancestry (4,3,3) 14. Undoes the fastener (7) 15. Advantageous (6) 17. Fat man in robes extended (5)

Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

FTER Mass the new priest was greeting parishioners. As he shook little Johnny’s hand he felt something pressing in his palm. “What is that, Johnny?” the priest asked. “Money,” said Johnny. “That’s very nice, but I can’t take your money,” the priest said. “But you must,” said little Johnny, “because my dad says you’re the poorest priest we’ve ever had and I want to help you.”

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