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February 15 to February 21, 2017
Eating with ethics: My beef with beef
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Book review: Be God’s friend this Lent
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Abortion and care ‘at odds’ STaFF REPORTER
“It is deeply concerning that the termination of pregnancy is often perceived as the only option available in crisis pregnancies. The services of the Department of Health may aim to be quick, effective and confidential, and the legalisation may intend reducing the number of maternal fatalities from ‘backstreet’ abortions. “However, it has done little to address the reasons which lead girls and women to seek out these services. There is no aftercare plan. The legislation focuses almost solely on the woman and on it being her ‘choice’ to make,” the CPLO paper said. Ms Law said that internationally, researchers have identified the first 1 000 days of a child’s life—that is, from the moment of conception to the age of two—as critical for its future wellbeing and development. The Departments of Health and Social Development, Ms Law noted, have prioritised these first 1 000 days by stressing proper nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and free healthcare at state hospitals. However, Ms Law said, “the contradiction between the abortion law and the policy which emphasises the importance of the first 1 000 days is strikingly anomalous. The former deals with a ‘foetus’ as if it were subhuman. The latter sees the unborn child as worthy of care, and entitled to public resources.” Abortion, she said, “is the last stop for many women in crisis pregnancy and, just as it is our collective responsibility to provide the best possible ‘first 1 000 days’ for all our children, so also is it is our collective responsibility to ensure that expectant mothers do not feel compelled to make this choice”.
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HE Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) marked the 20th anniversary of the abortion act taking effect with a Mass in Cape Town’s St Mary’s cathedral. Congregants prayed for “a change of heart on the part of all who disregard the rights of unborn children”. The CPLO also released a research paper by Lois Law on the effect of the legalisation on abortion two decades ago. It notes that the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996, especially with its 2008 amendment, “is widely regarded as among the most permissive in the world”. The law allows for any woman to procure an abortion, without the consent from any other person, including the father of the child. Girls who are 12 years and older who wish to have an abortion are urged to seek the guidance of their parents or primary caregivers, “but this is not required in order for the procedure to take place”, the CPLO paper explains. “Teenage pregnancy, rape, incest and sexual abuse, which may result in crisis pregnancies, all characterise contemporary South Africa. These are major challenges, but recourse to abortion does not address the long-term causes. Ms Law also pointed out that the Act provides for an abortion should it, according to the law, “significantly affect the social or economic circumstances of the woman concerned”. “While the termination of a pregnancy may be perceived by some to be ‘one less mouth to feed’, it cannot be seen as a povertyalleviation measure,” she warned.
The official launch of the 50th anniversary year of little Eden homes for the intellectually disabled was a Mass of thanksgiving at the society’s Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein, Gauteng. Cardinal Wilfrid Napier is seen blessing a great-grandchild of Danny and Domitilla Hyams, founders of little Eden.
Rome posters attack reforming Pope Francis By Eliza HaRRiS
W People look at a poster expressing criticism of Pope Francis in central Rome. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS)
HILE the Pope has been depicted as a superhero or peace advocate, there was a different tone as Rome woke up to see the walls of the city centre plastered with some 200 anti-Pope Francis posters in early February. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the pope received the news with “serenity and detachment”. Depicting a dour Pope Francis, the posters read: “Ah Francis, you’ve
taken over congregations, removed priests, decapitated the Order of Malta and the Franciscans of the Immaculate, ignored Cardinals… but where’s your mercy?” After a short time, many of the posters were covered with signs reading “abusive posting”. The brief phrase included on the posters was written in “Romanaccio,” or the Roman dialect, and indicates the poster-maker is from more conservative sectors of the Church.
By saying the Pope had “decapitated the Order of Malta,” the author was referring to the pope’s recent request for the Order’s former Grand Master, Matthew Festing, to resign while ousted Grand Chancellor Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager be reinstated. The reference to taking over congregations and removing priests is likely to refer to allegations that Francis had fired three priests from the Congregation of the Doctrine of
the Faith with no notice or reason. On ignoring cardinals, the point was a letter written to Pope Francis in September, asking for clarification on five points—called dubia—in Amoris Laetitia. The reference to the Franciscans of the Immaculate referred to the fact that Francis made some changes to the order early on in his pontificate, restricting their use of the Latin Mass used prior to the Second Vatican Council.-CNA
S outher n C ross Pilgrimage HOLY LAND • ROME •ASSISI • CAIRO 25 Aug - 8 Sept 2017 • Led by Archbishop William Slattery OFM For more information or to book, please contact Gail info@fowlertours.co.za or 076 352-3809
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The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
LOCAL
J&P: Compensate families of Esidimeni dead
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HE Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Justice & Peace Commission has appealed to the premier of Gauteng to compensate the families who lost their loved ones in the Esidimeni tragedy. This occurred when 94 mentallly ill patients died after the Gauteng health department’s decision to have them transferred to various non-governmental organisations or
sent back to their families. “We applaud the premier of Gauteng for taking measures to implement the recommendations of the Health Ombudsman,� a J&P spokesman said in a statement. “We, however, make an appeal to the premier to ensure that the families who lost their loved ones in the Esidimeni tragedy are expeditiously compensated. “We therefore ask the premier
and the Gauteng health department to explore and commit themselves to an alternative dispute-resolution process to expedite the processing of all legitimate legal claims instituted as a consequence of the Esidimeni tragedy� J&P said that speedy resolution of claims was an important step towards the healing of the affected families, and efforts should therefore be made to avoid drawn-out
court cases that would deepen the wounds of affected families. “We are also calling on the health department to suspend the implementation of de-institutionalisation of mental health care until such a time that it has instituted strong policy measures that ensure protection of human rights during the transitioning to communitybased care,� the J&P spokesman added.
“We reiterate our position that any process of de-institutionalising mental health care in South Africa should be grounded on the respect for the human rights of psychiatric patients and their families. “It should also be based on the principle that protecting the lives of psychiatric patients, as one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, is more important than achieving budget efficiency.�
Rosaries and cards for Queen Mary 2 crew
C Guru Gumbi regularly sells The Southern Cross at Emmanuel cathedral in Durban. We love receiving your photos of parishioners selling The Southern Cross— and so do our readers! Please keep them coming. Send photos to pics@ scross.co.za
ATHOLIC crew members working on the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship received rosaries and prayer cards when the vessel berthed at Cape Town. The rosaries and cards were from Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) Cape Town port chaplain Fr Gerardo Garcia, for AoS cruise chaplain Fr David Gamble to give to the crew. Fr Gamble is looking after the pastoral and spiritual needs of the crew on board the Queen Mary 2, currently on its world voyage. “The rosaries will be well used as the crew have asked to pray the rosary every Friday evening after work,� he said. The ship later sailed to Port Elizabeth, where some crew members enjoyed a visit to Kragga Kamma game park and the Boardwalk during their shore leave. The crew also met AoS Port Elizabeth port chaplain Fr Jerry Browne. As part of a Catholic charity with a global network, AoS is able to look after the spiritual and social needs of seafarers both at sea and in port. n For more on the AoS visit apostle shipofthesea.org.za
apostleship of the Sea Port Elizabeth port chaplain Fr Jerry Browne (with hi-viz vest) and aoS cruise ship chaplain Fr David Gamble (holding rucksack) with crew members of the Queen Mary 2 in Port Elizabeth.
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LOCAL
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
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Rome-based journalist to SA for public talks R Fr Jude Fernando TOR blesses the building site of the new community hall at Our lady of Good Help parish in Verulam, north of Durban. Fr Fernando, after 20 years in South africa, is moving to the United States.
Fr Jude heads off to USA
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KWAZULU-NATAL priest and lay brother with a passion for fundraising to build churches and parish centres is leaving for the United States after an energetic 20 years of ministry in South Africa, and 40 years of profession. Fr Jude Fernando, 60, of Our Lady of Good Help in Verulam, north of Durban, came to South Africa from Sri Lanka in the mid-nineties to join the Third Order Regular of St Francis which had been established in 1982 in KwaZulu-Natal. During his time here, he has built two churches and three parish centres. “I thank God for a rich and blessed life, so far. I have also participated in three overseas study programmes, Bat Kol in Jerusalem, Franciscan studies in Canterbury, and Marriage Encounter in Atlanta,” said Fr Jude. Besides visiting Ireland, India, the US, Mexico and Australia, Fr Jude had also taken three pilgrimages to the Holy Land and India. “I never had to pay a cent. The good God has provided everything,” he said. In 1996 a call was made by the minister-general of the Friars to consolidate the new South African province, and Fr Jude responded, leaving his Sri Lanka teaching post. After a crash course in isiZulu at Assisi Convent, he was given charge of Mabheleni mission, in the Marianhill diocese. “I saw the need of a worthy church structure, and motivated my parishioners to start building our own parish church, while I sought sponsorship from religious orders and other sources both in South Africa and
abroad,” Fr Jude said. Because he was educated by the Marist Brothers in Colombo, Sri Lanka, it was not too hard for them, especially during the canonisation of their founder that year, to assist Fr Jude in founding the first church in the world to be named after their new saint, Marcellin Champagnat. At his next posting at St Anne’s in Mpophemeni, outside Howick, it soon became clear that the church needed work. No effort was spared in fundraising, including the sale of golf-shirts, caps and canvas bags designed and produced by Fr Jude. “Building commenced firstly with a beautiful bell tower, a gift from a visiting priest from Goa, India. Architects and engineers provided their services Pro Deo and a noble house of God, accommodating twice the number of churchgoers, was completed.” After the tsunami of Christmas 2005 devastated south-east Asia, Fr Jude rallied his parishioners to build a house in Sri Lanka for a family who had lost theirs. In Verulam in 2015, Fr Jude built a parish centre as part of the new church. “Catechism classes were being held in every nook. The kitty was empty but I began parish expenditure cutbacks, fundraised and again secured the free services of builders and planners. Others donated various building materials. “In the presence of Bishop Barry Wood, visitors and parishioners, the parish centre opened on November 12, 2016,” the tireless builder said. Fr Fernando will be working in a parish in New Orleans in the US.
ENOWNED Rome-based Vatican correspondent Robert Mickens will visit South Africa for a series of public talks in March, presented by the Jesuit Institute and Radio Veritas. Mr Mickens is currently editor of La Croix International, an online English version of the French Catholic daily La Croix. In Johannesburg, he will address public meetings on Sunday, March 5 at 11:00 at Holy Trinity in Braamfontein, and on March 6 at 19:30 at Immaculate Conception in Rosebank. On March 7 he will speak at 19:00 at Christ the King church in Queenswood, Pretoria. In Cape Town he will give a public talk on March 9 at 19:00 at St Michael’s in Rondebosch. In addition to the public talks, there will be a roundtable for Catholics in the media—to dialogue with him and have a conversation—on March 7 at 10:00 at the Paulines’ multimedia centre in Kensington, Johannesburg. There will also be a roundtable
Robert Mickens for Catholics in the media—all journalists are welcome—at St Michael’s in Rondebosch on March 10 at 10:00. Mr Mickens was founding editor
of Global Pulse magazine, launched in 2014 by the Union of Catholic Asian News in collaboration with La Croix and Commonweal magazine He writes the popular “Letter from Rome” each week, which he produced for over a decade as Rome correspondent for the British Catholic journal The Tablet. He also worked for 11 years (1989-2000) at Vatican Radio as a journalist, producer and on-air presenter. He has long been a Vatican-affairs analyst for the BBC in Britain, ABC in Australia and National Public Radio in the United States, as well as an occasional columnist for National Catholic Reporter. Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1964, he has lived in Rome since 1986. He studied philosophy at the Benedictine-run St Meinrad College in Indiana and theology at the Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. n To RSVP to these events, please contact the Jesuit Institute at media@ jesuitinstitute.org.za or call 011 482 4237.
Women gear up for world prayer day STaFF REPORTER
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AUTENG women from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Krugersdorp and neighbouring areas will fill the air with sounds of praise and worship in support of the global International Women’s World Day of Prayer next month. This year’s global focus will be on the plight of the Philippines, with the theme “Am I Being Unfair to You?” In South Africa, the world day of prayer will be observed under the banner of Radio Veritas and its Friends on March 4 at 09:00 at St Anne’s Catholic church in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The service will be led by led by Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria and Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp.
“Women from all denominations will be sharing, networking but, more importantly, putting other women before themselves in prayer,” said event spokeswoman Mahadi Buthelezi. “Women are the same in nature: they cry, smile, love passionately, yet continue to worship and praise God through it all.” Celebrated in SA for the past 86 years, the day becomes increasingly special as more women get exposed to praying for others and reaching out, Mrs Buthelezi said. “For Radio Veritas South Africa and its Friends, this initiative began three years ago purely as part of ecumenism that is taught in the Church, including the fact that Radio Veritas is listened to by Catholics and non-Catholics alike,
she said. “There has been a phenomenal increase in the number of women who attend the event and promise to be there the following year,” said Mrs Buthelezi, who is the marketing, events and sales co-ordinator at Radio Veritas. This year’s theme “is exposing yourself to the Lord and sharing the plight of other women. The theme is really going to hit home for many of us. Are you really being fair in your daily life? In what you say, and do?” The event was successfully held in Johannesburg last year. Women from all walks of life, creeds and religions are welcome to join this year’s event. n For more information contact Mahadi Buthelezi on 011 663 4700.
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The Southern Cross, February 15 to Febraury 21, 2017
INTERNATIONAL
Vatican’s updated guidelines for bioethical questions By CaROl GlaTz
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O offer clearly and accurately the Catholic Church’s positions on abortion, contraception, genetic engineering, fertility treatments, vaccines, frozen embryos and other life issues, the Vatican released an expanded and updated guide of the Church’s bioethical teachings. The “New Charter for Health Care Workers” is meant to provide a thorough summary of the Church’s position on affirming the primary, absolute value of life in the health field and address questions arising from the many medical and scientific advancements made since the first charter was published in 1994, said Mgr Jean-Marie Mupendawatu. The monsignor, who is the secretary delegate for health care in the dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said the charter “is a valid compendium of doctrine and praxis” not only for those directly involved in providing medical care, but also for researchers, pharmacists, administrators and policymakers in the field of health care. One issue partially dealt with in the new charter is vaccines produced with “biological material of illicit origin”, that is, made from cells from
aborted foetuses. Citing the 2008 instruction Dignitas Personae from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a 2005 paper from the Pontifical Academy for Life, the charter said everyone has a duty to voice their disapproval of this kind of “biological material” being in use and to ask that alternatives be made available. Many of the issues added to the updated charter were dealt with in the doctrinal congregation’s 2008 instruction on “certain bioethical questions,” such as the immorality of human cloning; artificial reproduction and contraception; freezing of human embryos or of human eggs; use of human embryos and embryonic stem cells for research or medical use; pre-implantation diagnosis leading to the destruction of embryos suspected of defects; and therapy that makes genetic modifications aimed at transmitting the effects to the subject’s offspring because it may potentially harm the offspring. Other guidelines mentioned in the new charter include: • Ovarian tissue banking for cancer patients with the aim of restoring fertility with the woman’s own tissue
“does not seem to pose moral problems” and is, “in principle, acceptable”. • Ectopic pregnancy can lead to “serious danger” to the life of the woman and the embryo usually does not survive. “Directly suppressive measures” against the embryo are prohibited while procedures exclusively aimed at saving the life and health of the woman are justified. • Organ transplantation must be at the service of life and involve free consent by the living donors or their legitimate representatives. Ascertaining the death of the donor must be diagnosed with certainty, especially when dealing with a child’s death. • Research in transplanting animal tissues into humans is licit as long as it does not affect “the identity and integrity” of the person, it does not carry “excessive risks” to the person, the animals involved are not subjected to unnecessary suffering and no damage is done to biodiversity. • Not all human organs can be transplanted, such as the human brain, testicles and ovaries, which are organs inseparably tied to a person’s unique and procreative identity.— CNS
Pope: Keep searching for unity By CiNDy WOODEN
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HRIST’S call for his disciples to be one requires that even as they try to resolve their differences on doctrinal and moral questions, they must get used to working and praying together, Pope Francis said. “Increasingly we are learning to ask ourselves: This initiative, can we share it with our brothers and sisters in Christ?” the pope said in a speech to leaders of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, a body representing Lutherans, Reformed and United communities. “The differences in questions of faith and morals, which still exist, remain challenges on the path toward the visible unity for which our faithful yearn,” the pope said. “The pain is noticed particularly by couples who belong to different confessions.”
Lutheran Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, chair of the evangelical church council, told the pope: “It is sometimes a painful reality in families: couples who share children, grandchildren and friends are divided at the Lord’s table.” He told reporters later that the group had discussed the question of eucharistic hospitality—sharing Communion in certain circumstances—with Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. In general, the position of the Catholic Church has been that regular eucharistic sharing is not possible until full unity has been restored. Making a change in practice for interconfessional couples, Bishop Bedford-Strohm said, will require serious theological reflection and dialogue, but “for me, everything looks quite optimistic”.
Cardinal Reinhard Marx, president of the German Catholic bishops’ conference, told reporters, “there is momentum now for our unity”. The commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, launched in Germany by Martin Luther, is energising ecumenical dialogue and activity in the country, the cardinal said. “We cannot do everything in one year, we cannot solve all the theological questions, but we can start.” The Rev Annette Kurschus, deputy head of the evangelical council, said it is important to note that the push for greater opportunities for sharing Communion is not coming from Church leadership, but from the grass roots, from active CatholicProtestant couples who suffer when they cannot share such an important part of their lives.—CNS
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Singer and actor Harry Connick Jr performs prior to a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden in New york City. (Photo: andrew Burton, pool via EPa/CNS)
Catholic entertainer: You always get so much more By MaRk PaTTiSON
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ATHOLIC entertainer Harry Connick Jr doesn’t see his new daytime television show Harry as a talk show. The New Orleans-born-and-bred pianist, singer and actor often refers to the daily hour-long show as “a party”. “It was an idea that I wanted to do for a few years, and these things take time to get off the ground,” Connick told Catholic News Service. “I said I wanna go to the party in the middle of the day, and they said yeah.” Harry is nothing if not breezy and full of blue sky. For the Veterans Day show, the studio audience was full of service members in uniform and their families, and all the guests had some connection to the military. For an early February installment, children made up the studio audience while their parents were in the party room—that word again—backstage. Mr Connick, still a trim 49 years old, got his professional start as a
piano prodigy while still a child, was raised in an interfaith household in New Orleans. “My mom was Jewish although she didn’t practise when I knew her [she died when he was 13], and my dad [a 30-year district attorney for New Orleans parish] is Catholic. But my mother was very knowledgeable about Christianity and the Bible and the Catholic faith, so it never felt like there were two things going on,” he said. “I knew she didn’t go to church and she wasn’t Christian, but the values were exactly the same. They were in sync. It just wasn’t spelled out in the same way. I got to see things from different perspectives.” What, Mr Connick said, he likes most about the Mass is “the familiarity of the Mass being consistent no matter where you go. St Patrick’s cathedral the other day in New York, was the same format when you go in Madrid. I like that. You always sort of know. Those bones are always going to be the same. You always get so much more.”—CNS
‘Only a slave to God’s love has true freedom’ By JUNNO aROCHO ESTEVES
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HE freedom that comes from receiving the gift of a joyful Christian life can only come to those who are held captive by God’s love, Pope Francis said. People who are afraid of God’s gift of love, however, seek only the rigid adherence to the law and can only pray a “closed, sad prayer”, the pope said during Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. “When you become a slave to love, you are free! That is a beautiful slavery,” the pope said. The day’s responsorial psalm, Psalm 104, he noted, is a song of praise to God who loved his creatures even before the creation of the universe. God also showed his love in the act of “re-creation”, sending Jesus Christ into the world to “turn ugliness into beauty, error into truth
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and evil into good”, the pope said. This gift of God’s love, he added, was difficult for the scribes and Pharisees to understand as they “did not know how to receive the things from God as a gift” and were concerned only with “seeking refuge in the rigidity of the commandments”. Christians, he continued, must become like children who find their security in God’s love and tenderness rather than “hiding behind the closed rigidity of the commandments”. “May the Lord help us understand this great thing and help us understand what God did before creating the world: he loved! May the Lord help us understand his love for us and may we say—as we said today—‘You are great O Lord! Thank you, Thank you!’” Pope Francis said.—CNS
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INTERNATIONAL
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
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Vatican seeks scientific data before making judgments T By CiNDy WOODEN
People walk in Tokyo, Japan. an economic and business model in line with the Gospel requires business leaders and workers to share their time and their talent, Pope Francis said during a meeting with the Focolare Movement. (Photo: kiyoshi Ota, EPa/CNS)
Pope warns of ‘an economy that kills’ By CiNDy WOODEN
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TRULY Christian approach to running a business would be modelled after the father in the Gospel story of the prodigal son by giving jobs and a second chance to those who have made mistakes, Pope Francis said. A business plan inspired by “communion”, he said, “is not blocked by the meritocracy invoked by the older son and by many who, in the name of merit, reject mercy”. Meeting with hundreds of people involved in the “economy of communion” project of the Focolare Movement, Pope Francis said their business model of promoting co-responsibility, sharing profits and creating jobs can be the leaven needed to promote an economic model where “the rich know how to share their riches and the poor are called blessed”. Even before requiring a sharing of money, an economic and business model more in line with the Gospel requires business leaders and workers to share their time and their talent, the pope said. “Capitalism knows philanthropy, not communion. It simply means giving a part of your profits, but without embracing and touching the people who are receiving those ‘crumbs’.” “In the logic of the Gospel,” he said, “if one does not give everything, one does not give enough.” One cannot be a Christian if one worships idols, Pope Francis said,
and “one of the most powerful idols is money”. “Money is important, especially when there is none and it is needed for food, schooling and the future of one’s children,” he said. “But it becomes an idol when it is the aim.” “When capitalism makes the search for profits its only goal, it risks becoming an idolatrous structure, a form of worship,” he said. Pope Francis told the business leaders and workers that “the best and most concrete way to ensure money does not become an idol is to share it with others, especially with the poor” and use it to help young people study and find jobs. Capitalism clearly promotes an “economy that kills” when anything or anyone that does not increase profits is not just tossed aside, but actively hidden from sight, the pope said. “Airplanes pollute the atmosphere, but with a little bit of the money from the ticket, they will plant trees to compensate for part of the damage created,” he said. “Gambling companies finance campaigns to rehabilitate the pathological gamblers they create. “And the day that weapons manufacturers finance hospitals to care for the children mutilated by their bombs, the system with have reached its culmination,” he said. “This is hypocrisy!”—CNS
Philippine cardinal: Death penalty doesn’t deter crime
A
PHILIPPINE cardinal has urged the faithful of his country to tell their lawmakers that the death penalty does not deter violent crime, could potentially legitimise violence and that life is a gift from God. In a letter addressed to Catholics of the Manila archdiocese as the Philippine Congress was discussing revival of the death penalty, Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle referred to what research worldwide has shown. “The death penalty has not reduced crime because it does not solve criminality from its roots,” he said. “To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family.” The cardinal said the roots of crime include the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality and poverty among numerous other factors. Throughout its history, the Philippines has imposed and suspended the death penalty, and the Church has consistently opposed it. Since President Rodrigo Duterte took office at the end of June last year, his allies in Congress have been pushing for reinstating the death penalty. Mr Duterte has said on several occasions he is not interested in having the death penalty as a deterrent, but it should be a way to make criminals pay for what they have done. Cardinal Tagle warned that this kind of thinking could legitimise the use of violence against wrongdoing and possibly place an innocent person at risk.— CNS
HE Vatican believes scientific facts exist and it wants to hear about them from worldrenowned scientists before it offers guidance on or criticism of related political, social or economic policies. The facts and the practical responses to them are separate issues, but some Catholics do not understand that or object to it—and there is no lack of evidence for that in Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo’s inbox. The bishop is chancellor of both the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The two academies are holding a workshop from February 27-March 1 on preserving biodiversity. In January, the bishop began receiving messages objecting to the invitation the academies extended to Paul Ehrlich, president of the Centre for Conservation Biology at Stanford University. The letters of protest highlight Ehrlich’s controversial book, The Population Bomb, published in 1968, and his advocacy of strong population-control measures, including through abortion. Mr Ehrlich, a biologist, is not a member of either pontifical academy but has been invited to speak at the workshop because of his studies in the field of conservation biology. “Naturally, someone can say, ‘Oh, look who they have invited to the Vatican,’ but the positive side is that he can help us find the truth in the theme we are discussing,” Bishop Sanchez said. Mr Ehrlich is one of
Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical academy of Sciences and the Pontifical academy of Social Sciences. Bishop Sanchez said the Church needs to listen to world-renowned scientists, even if some of their views conflict with Catholic teaching. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) two people asked to speak about how “consumption preferences, population numbers, technology and ecosystem productivity” impact biodiversity. The Vatican has long acknowledged the fact of global population growth, has shared concern about increased poverty rates in the fastestgrowing regions of the world and accepts the scientific evidence that the growing population has had a negative effect on the environment. However, in evaluating policies to respond to the scientific fact of pop-
ulation growth and environmental destruction, the Vatican insists on recognition of the sacredness of every human life, respect for human dignity and trust in the human capacity to change and to innovate. Where some scientists would favour population-control policies, modern popes consistently have argued that the problem is less about the number of people living on the planet and more about human selfishness, the unfair distribution of resources and a lack of will to find creative solutions. Before making moral evaluations of policy, the pope and bishops need to know the scientific facts. The Vatican gets those from scholars with scientific expertise, regardless of their religious beliefs or their opinions on the policy implications of the scientific facts. The object of the upcoming workshop and Mr Ehrlich’s speech is not population control, Bishop Sanchez said. It is how to respond to the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ to protect the diversity of plants and animals God created. [Of the council members] Bishop Sanchez said: “I am interested only in their scientific achievements. Many of them are Nobel laureates. We look for excellence, for scientists from a variety of disciplines and, third, for those with a global reputation.” “Their private opinions are their opinions,” he said. “What counts is the conclusions that we will draw,” but to imagine that the conclusions will contradict Church teaching on the gift and sacredness of human life “is crazy”.—CNS
Australian abuse commission begins ‘Catholic wrapup’
A
USTRALIA’S Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse kicked off a three-week “Catholic wrapup”, expected to discuss the Church’s theology and doctrine, structure and governance, including the role of the Vatican and canon law, and issues like celibacy, confession and more. At the opening session, senior counsel assisting the Royal Commission reported on summary data which showed that between January 1980 and February 2015, 4 444 people made allegations of child sexual abuse that related to more than 1 000 institutions. The statistics did not dif-
ferentiate between allegations and proven cases. The Catholic Weekly, newspaper of the archdiocese of Sydney, reported that of the 1 880 alleged perpetrators identified, 592 were religious brothers, 572 were priests, 543 were laypeople and 96 were religious sisters. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, who is expected to appear before the commission at some stage of the proceedings, called revelations from the first day of hearings “harrowing” and said he “personally felt shaken and humiliated by this information”. “The Church is sorry and I am sorry for past failures that left so
many so damaged,” the archbishop said in a statement. “I know that many of our priests, religious and lay faithful feel the same: As Catholics, we hang our heads in shame.” The archbishop noted the Royal Commission would focus on two main issues: “What factors caused or contributed to historical child sex abuse cases in the Church and failures to respond adequately; and what the Church has done or plans to do to address this by way of changes to structures, policies and culture, the discernment of priestly and religious vocations, formation and supervision of those engaged in ministry.”—CNS
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LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Editor: Günther Simmermacher Guest editorial: Michael Shackleton
Journalistic truth in a spin today
I
T is instructive that the upcoming presidential elections in France have pushed some internet giants to prepare for them by providing new factchecking tools. Facebook, Google and others already have these tools in place in the United States and Germany. They know from experiencing dubious information flowing freely during the American presidential rallies, that potential false reports must be swiftly identified. Their originators must also be traced. News in the present era is spread by professional journalists but also by an array of elusive authors whose content is anything but the whole truth, and it is factual news that steadies the ship of state. Information that is not trustworthy renders the public uncertain and confused. Fact-checking has become a necessity. Spin doctors have become well known today. Governments, organisations and individuals make use of spokespersons who interpret negative or depressing news in a way that gives it the positive and glossy shine of apparent credibility. Like skilful sportsmen and sportswomen, they take a fact, treat it like a golf ball or cricket ball, and spin it in motion so that it deviates from a direct trajectory and deceives the recipient. Techniques used to put a positive spin on bad tidings include outright denial, changing the subject, misquoting statistics, distortions, mudslinging and selecting some good features while burying the bad ones in circumlocution or silence. We reported recently how the Vatican had to reject as “invented” quotes attributed to Pope Francis, such as that miraculous things could be achieved in the world by merging our different religious faiths, and the time for doing so was now. Media experts advised users of social media to double-check content before sharing it on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter to avoid circulating ma-
terial containing falsehood or distorted information. Keeping the public informed and therefore able to size up the events of the day, is the work of the media. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that those in charge of communications should maintain a fair balance between the requirements of the common good and respect for individual rights (2492). The Church recognises that the media, if properly used, can be of major service to humanity. It greatly contributes to our entertainment and instruction as well as to spread and support the Kingdom of God. The Church is also aware that the media can be employed contrary to the plan of the Creator. In his 1963 decree Inter mirifica, Pope Paul VI pointed out the necessity of applying the norms of morality in the communications business. This is largely because the spreading of any kind of news can have huge effects on people, especially if they are unprepared for it. People have a right to get information about matters concerning individuals and the community. The pope insisted that both in the search for news and in reporting it, there must be full respect for the laws of morality and for the legitimate rights and dignity of individuals. Morality, of course, is interpreted in a variety of ways today, and the idea of objective norms for moral conduct is disputed. Nonetheless, the Church teaches that truth and truthfulness are a reflection in the human person of the truth of God himself. We are created in the divine image and we are obliged as Christians to follow the lead of him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Cynics tend to dismiss objective truth and morality as a mostly interpersonal affair. When using Facebook or Twitter, we must avoid taking such a stance, and stand always for what is true, good and beautiful before God.
Church needs holistic financial review
T
HE slight frustration and disappointment expressed by Sheldon Vandrey in his article “Getting our parishes into the black” (January 18) is no doubt felt in many parishes. Mr Vandrey must be commended for addressing a widely-felt concern in the Church, reflected by his use of terms such as “not enough support”, “annoyed at weekly collections”, “common complaint” and “financially unsustainable”. The proposal of a “sustainability account” is an excellent solution, properly administered and audited, but why this apparent resistance of the faithful to contribute more when they can obviously afford to? The issue of inadequate finances cannot, however, be reduced to an accounting exercise. There are the most important social dimension to any fundraising initiatives. Mr Vandrey himself points to the fact that parishioners enjoy events such as bazaars and social functions, while seemingly opposed to being nudged or, worse, compelled into making financial contri-
Sustainability of our churches
S
HELDON Vandrey’s suggestion regarding the sustainability of our parishes (January 18) is excellent. I certainly know that in our parish, the priest is reluctant to talk about money and we never hear from anybody from the parish pastoral council about contributing weekly. At this stage, I do not know how sustainable our parish is. It is possible, of course, that we might be in a sustainable position and that is why there is no mention of it, but we do have a number of fundraisers each year which might contribute. With regard to the article where it is mentioned that each earner should contribute at least 3% of their salary per month, this is the first time that I have heard this figure quantified. I know that at one stage the priest in our previous parish said that 1% was the suggested figure, but that was many years ago and times have changed. Mr Vandrey’s suggestion that each earner should contribute R50 per month equates to a salary of R5 000 per month. In many communities parishioners earn much more than that. Graham Pearson, Johannesburg
Thinking outside the box on money
PRICE CHECK
I
HEREBY wish to applaud Sheldon Vandrey (January 18) for thinking outside the box and trying to assist
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n this issue please find our first illustrated wall calendar with the year’s feast days of saints and litur‐ gical seasons, to guide you through the year with faith. We are hoping that Catholic schools and catechism classes will make use of the calendar (which is why we use the Monday to Sunday system), using the illustrations of the saints and feast days of the Church as a way of discussing the life of faith. Some famous saints are missing, such as St Teresa of Avila, St Thérèse of Lisieux and St John Paul II. This is, of course, because their feast days falls on Sunday, when our focus is directed on the Lord alone. Please give us your feedback: it will determine how or whether we will produce another saints calendar next year. January 1: New Years Day January 2: Public March 21: Human Holiday Rights Day April 14: Good Friday
St Casimir
St John of God
7th Sunday of the Year
Saturday Mass of Our Lady
St John Bosco
St Apollinaris
St John of Kanty
St Thomas Becket
4th Sunday of Advent
or
BY MANDLA ZIBI
N 2017, the Church in Southern Africa will be faced with the implications of interpreting and implementing Amoris Laeti-
“The appointment of new local bishops— Bishop Duncan Tsoke as auxiliary in Johannesburg and Bishop Mandla Jwara in Ingwavuma—is an important step in the local Church becoming self-sufficient and taking responsibility for its own faith vitality,” He also acknowledged the role the Church has played in public life. He referred to the Dominicans who in March asked the Public Protector to investigate state capture. “The release of the resulting report played a significant role in the National Prosecuting Authority dropping exaggerated charges against finance minister Pravin Gordhan,” Fr Pollitt noted. Another important instance of the Church’s role as a social actor was in “the tensions at Wits University in the midst of #FeesMustFall”, he recalled. “Holy Trinity Church [in Braamfontein, Johannesburg] was an important and significant symbol, despite the difficulties, of meeting, engagement and seeking alternative solutions to a national crisis,” he said. “Both this and the Public Protector’s report remind us that the Church has a very important mission to play in South Africa today—maybe one we are not always conscious of—in seeking to live a faith that does justice,” said the priest.
Fr Pollitt also mentioned as a highlight the appointment of the new “excellent” apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells, who assumed duties in May. According to the priest, Archbishop Wells “has already begun to make a significant contribution to the local Church”. Politically and economically, the coming year will continue to be one of “struggle” in South Africa as “things will be difficult as we continue to face a leadership deficit in the country and on the international front. The Church needs to make sure that she uses her voice discerningly in responding to the needs of God’s people, especially the poor,” Fr Pollitt said. “Our response to the tertiary education challenges will be important in 2017.”
M
ike Pothier of the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO) said that a number of important pressing political decisions will depend on the outcome of the African National Congress’ elective conference, which will be held in December. ANC politicians will likely spend most of the year “manoeuvring to put themselves in the best positions,” the political analyst said. “The big question is the one of political succession. Who will take over from Jacob
for Southern Africa, published
NE feels compelled to respond to the suggestion made by Sheldon Vandrey (January 18). There are myriad ways to get a parish more financially viable. The one Mr Vandrey suggests is not a bad one but it is not necessarily sustainable. What happens on a rainy day? Never mind that not all families attend Mass, will they then still contribute? We don’t ask why they are not attending. But that discussion 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. Letters can be sent to PO Box 2372, Cape Town 8000 or editor@scross.co.za or faxed to 021 465-3850
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Zuma as president of the ANC in 2017, and therefore as presumptive president of the country in 2019?” Mr Pothier told The Southern Cross. “Another question is whether Pravin Gordhan will be allowed to do his job as finance minister,” he added. The political fate of Mr Gordhan is important in the light of a possible downgrading of South Africa’s sovereign debt by international rating agencies in June. The finance minister’s efforts were seen as instrumental in South Africa’s success in staving off junk status so far, Mr Pothier noted. He warned that South Africans will need to watch the proposed nuclear power programme. “The cost ramifications are enormous, possibly up to a trillion rand. We cannot afford it. There is, of course, also the worry that corruption will accompany it,” he said. Mr Pothier raised concerns regarding social security payments, or welfare grants. “There seems to be some worry that the system is not working well and that the new one, to begin in April next year, is not on track.” He said that it will be “interesting” to see how the local government cooperation deal Continued on page 2
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What we can expect in 2017 tia, Pope Francis’ much-discussed document on the family, according to a Catholic commentator. Fr Russell Pollitt SJ, director of the Jesuit Institute of South Africa, previewed what he thinks will be major issues for the Church in the coming year. “In the local Church, we need to find better ways of thinking through and creatively implementing Amoris Laetitia. The Church has to do better at ministry to families—in all dimensions,” Fr Pollitt told The Southern Cross. “In 2017 we need to continue to implement the vision of the Church that Pope Francis is offering us—a Church which is a “field hospital” in the midst of the challenges of life. This may mean we need to be more critical of what we are doing and the way we are doing things. We may need to be more daring and creative in thinking and rethinking the way we minister,” he said. Looking back at 2016, Fr Pollitt hailed a number of positive developments in the local Church and the Southern African region as a whole.
Myriad ways to keep parish viable
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us in becoming a more sustainable Church. I fully agree with him that we as parishioners should start to think of the bigger picture and the future of our Church and our children. Therefore I agree with him that R50 a month from each person who works is really not a lot to ask for, and in the long run this will assist us in becoming sustainable. I also think, from working with youth in the diocese, that if we implement this thinking to our youth, that they bring a silver donation a week to youth group meetings, that could also be a start to sustain our parish youth groups. Nervita Seldon, Port Elizabeth
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A statue on the roof of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris is seen during a supermoon this month. (Photo: Christian Hartmann, Reuters/CNS)
butions along “biblical tithe” lines. This calls for a holistic look at the situation, with finances just one aspect of the question. An article in Time magazine showed the importance of the social dimension of spreading the Word: millions of Hispanic immigrants in the US found social refuge away from home in Church organisations that warmly welcomed them, even laying on transport. Having enough funds will certainly take the worry out of the situation, but the overall wellbeing of the Church will still have to be looked at to motivate members to give gladly and joyfully. This, in my view, would need a development plan as against a business plan. In this regard, it is encouraging that the Church is reaching out to her laity. With so much talent, skills and experience, the laity is in a position to contribute a great deal. It might be instructive to look at the minutes of a recent ward meeting. Members came up with some very practical suggestions.
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Among others, the following were suggested: 1. A debutantes’ ball where each debutante generates a set amount of money to level class-income differentials. 2. Retaining skills and institutional memory. 3. Parishioners kept informed through a quarterly news sheet. 4. Parish unofficial documents and other materials archived as a reference source. 5. A library with donated books, magazines and newspapers. 6. Contacts and exchanges with neighbouring parishes. 7. Workshops and talks by invited speakers and volunteers on various topics of a practical nature. 8. Learning from the best practices of other faith organisations. As for myself, I would not wish to see the parish reach a state of full financial self-sufficiency as Mr Vandrey hopes, “to provide services to parishioners free of charge”. Simply so that the necessary balance can be maintained between complete economic self-sufficiency and the true mission of the Church. Don de la Harpe, Cape Town for another day. Sustainability, as developmental literature would indicate, has to do with principles of accountability, participation and yes, fighting corruption, that is, the use of public resources for private gain. Too often priests are literally kings in their parishes. The law permits a priest to approve anything up to a certain amount on his own with no consultation, a higher amount in consultation with his finance committee; “his” because he appoints them. Whether he allows himself to be examined as to how parish finances are spent is another thing. Too few people see something wrong with the parish priest using the parish car and parish petrol to go on holiday or use on his day off. Neither the car nor the petrol are his. This is corruption. He is using resources for public use for personal gain. Yes, this does open the discussion of whether he should then earn a taxable income. Personally, I do not support the Advent or Lenten appeals because we have no say in where the money goes. Participation in decision-making is a cornerstone of good governance. Many people support charities because they know where the money is going and often charities who spend on things the money was not intended for lose credibility. Sustainability of parish finances is more than just raising more money. It is about changing our perception of how we view our role as Church. Wesley Seale, Grahamstown
PERSPECTIVES
My beef with beef E VERY day I am becoming more and more conflicted about some of my lifestyle choices. My parents raised me on the principles of experiences over possessions and service to others—and on meals of meat and two veg. To this day, my lifestyle remains fairly similar—indeed, these choices weren’t really made, I’ve simply continued to do what I’ve always done. But can I continue to do so? I still believe in experiences over possessions and certainly still believe in service, or charity. But what about meat? I’m increasingly aware that the daily carnivorous ritual is having dire consequences for the planet. In fact, if I consumed less, I’d be doing a far greater service than whatever else I do. South Africa is plagued by drought, but this is unlikely to be a temporary thing. The grey water systems we’re adopting, our pool covers, showering with buckets, and brown lawns will henceforth be commonalities in South Africa. Water is a luxury— one we don’t have in abundance. And the science suggests it’s going to continue. Parts of southern Africa will become increasingly dry. And when the rain arrives, it’s likely to be more extreme. We’re in a precarious situation. The good news—despite recent international political appointments with lessthan-climate-friendly intentions—is that scientists, government, NGOs and even the Church are hard at work in helping South Africans adapt. And there is most certainly a role for each of us to play. I’ve been encouraged by people calling in to local radio stations and sharing their water-wise tips; I’ve seen joy on social media of people who have reduced their water consumption dramatically—a selfless and vital thing to be doing. Even I have caught myself smiling smugly as our patch of vegetables is growing strong purely through the use of grey water. Social education is at play all around
me. The message is clear: water is not finite; use it sparingly. And many are taking heed. As the dams’ levels continue to drop and our population continues to rise, I pray that more will join this sensible revolution. This is not a short-term, once-off problem, and the more water-wise we get, the better. I had a moment of reckoning while attending COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco, in November. This is the international gathering on everything climate change, where the world comes to negotiate on an agreement on how we’re going to save ourselves…from ourselves. I came face to face with one simple statistic. One that I had seen before, and one that hadn’t sunk in. To produce just 1kg of beef, between 15-20 000 litres of water is needed. This is the amount of water required to grow the feed to raise the cattle. This alone, despite the various other impacts hordes of cattle have on the environment, is a scary fact for someone staring out the window on an area that once had lush lawn.
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e currently have a bucket in the shower to catch any stray litres, which we can then use in the garden. A shower, however, only uses around 65l of water. It seems to me that my feeble at-
This steak took at least 5 000 litres of water to produce.
Pray for beloved Africa T HE disciples were very curious about what Jesus did when he went off by himself into the hills or pushed a boat out into the centre of Lake Galilee. After he explained to them that he was praying to his Father in heaven, they urged him: Lord, teach us how to pray. Sometimes when we approach God in prayer, we feel like we don’t know how we should pray, or even what we should pray for. As we begin our pilgrimage of prayer towards the centenary celebrations of Fatima, we unite ourselves to our Blessed Mother and Holy Father to pray for the needs of the world. This month, let us pray for our beloved continent which is assailed by so many conflicts that are quickly forgotten by the media. In January, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) told the African Union that 17 million people in the Horn of Africa face severe food shortages. A prolonged drought that shows no signs of ending is affecting people in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. The FAO warned that unless individual governments and the Horn of Africa region come together to formulate an immediate response, the humanitarian crisis could be catastrophic. In addition to the threat of famine, many countries in the Horn of Africa are embroiled in violent political conflicts that have left thousands of people dead, many more thousands displaced and the victims of human rights violations. In Ethiopia, the Tigrinyan minority maintains an iron grip on power. In its zealous efforts to expand the economy and attract foreign investment, the government has removed land from the Oromo ethnic group and turned this over to large corporations, without any recompense. Angered by this, the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, the Oromos and Amharas, launched a series of mass protests in 2016. The government responded by jailing thousands of people and banning Oromo and Amhara media sources. There are reports that in the last year the authorities have also killed scores of people, but lack of access to these isolated regions makes it hard to estimate the num-
Children play football at a camp for displaced people in Minkamman, South Sudan. (Photo: Jim lopez, EPa/CNS) ber of deaths. Even Ethiopian Olympian Feyisa Lilesa, who made an anti-government gesture during his race at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is unable to return home and his family has been threatened. Just over the border in Eritrea, we find one of the most oppressive regimes in Africa. Freedom of speech is non-existent. Seventeen journalists have been arrested since 2015—the most in sub-Saharan Africa. Private media is non-existent and only 1% of its five million citizens have access to the Internet and 7% have cellphones, but these services are frequently cut by the authorities.
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outh Sudan was Africa’s golden child, as the continent’s youngest nation in 2011. Two years later, the country was plunged into civil war following a power struggle between President SalvaKiir and his then vice-president, Riek Machar. Massacres, rapes and ethnic killings between the two sides have continued, with a full-scale conflict starting up again in 2016. Mr Machar fled and is currently hiding out in South Africa and there is no end in sight to the conflict, which has seen 760 000 people flee to Uganda, Sudan or internally displaced. More than 1,1 million people have fled their homes since 2013. Next door, Sudan isn’t much better. We will remember that there is an international warrant for its president, Omar alBashir, for crimes against humanity. Sudan has essentially been at war for
Claire Mathieson
Point of Debate
tempt at catching drops of shower water for my plants is a bit of a waste of time when a burger dinner for four that my husband and I recently hosted was the equivalent of 338 showers. It seems a bit hypocritical to worry about the bucket in the shower. But of course, it’s not a waste. Quite literally, in times of drought, every drop counts. And I applaud every small action that has reduced our water consumption. We need to celebrate every small win. But perhaps we also need to be mindful of some of our life choices—those that we didn’t consciously make, but those that we’ve simply always done. In my view, vegetarians are no longer strange. Perhaps they are wise. The single decision of choosing any meat other than beef will make a huge impact on the planet. Swapping that beef burger for a chicken burger alone is a positive choice, and going meat-free more often should be celebrated and encouraged. I’m now a conscientious meat consumer and increasingly struggling to justify why I should have that steak instead of something else. Is it worth my year’s worth of showers? Is it as good as opening the tap when thirsty? Is it worth it? I still eat meat on special occasions and I appreciate it far more. But when looking at images of our dried-up city dams, my appetite for that beef burger starts to fade. And perhaps it’s not just a lifestyle choice; it’s a service to my neighbours, a service that we should all be considering even if only in part. n Claire Mathieson is a former news editor of The Southern Cross and member of the Editorial Advisory Board. She now works in the climate and development space in Africa. She hasn’t had a steak or cooked meat at home in five months, but did have a celebratory burger over New Year.
Sarah-Leah Pimentel
The Mustard Seeds
the last 25 years. The government cracks down violently on opposition groups and has been accused of using chemical weapons against its own people. In the Darfur region, opposition groups took up arms against the government, but it is the people who have suffered. Humanitarian organisations estimate that at least 300 000 people have been killed in Darfur since 2008 and that there are currently 2,5 million internally displaced people in Sudan. Finally, let’s visit Somalia. There is some good news here. Somalia is concluding a prolonged electoral process to choose a new government. It’s a complicated process embroiled in bribery and influence, where each clan selects its candidate. There is no such thing as a popular vote in Somalia. But given that Somalia was without a government of any sort between 1991 and 2004, it has come a long way. The biggest problem Somalia faces today is al-Shabaab, an extremist group that terrorises towns and villages throughout the country. The government has partnered with the regional and international community to fight al-Shabaab, but with mixed success. Every day we read of fresh attacks on rural villages, suicide bombings in the capital Mogadishu, raids on army camps around the country. Each day the death toll ticks upwards. There are 340 000 Somali refugees just over the border in Kenya at the Dadaab refugee camp. Kenya is shutting down this camp. Right now it’s uncertain where Somalia’s displaced people will go. We feel helpless every time we read about these conflicts. However, the individual people stuck in these hopeless situations need our prayers: for protection, for the strength to face another day. We can pray for the protagonists of these conflicts, that their hearts will be changed and that they can see the effects of their political agendas on their own people. We can transform our prayers into action by donating to organisations such as Doctors Without Borders, who go into these warzones and provide some relief to this human suffering. Continued on page 11
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
7
Emmanuel Ngara
Christian leadership
How God speaks in the Bible
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OD’S call of the three servants of God— Abraham, Joseph and Moses—gives us an insight into how God called people in the Old Testament. A common method God used in the Old Testament was some kind of physical presence, often accompanied by a real voice. In calling Abraham the Lord used an audible voice. He said to Abram: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you” (Gen 12:1). In addition to using his voice, the Lord seems to have appeared in a physical form to Abram when he was 99 years old, and changed his name to Abraham. We are told that Abram fell facedown and God said to him: “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made a father of many nations” (Gen 17:1-5). To Moses, God appeared in a burning bush and then called, “Moses! Moses!” (Ex 3:1-5). God’s call to Moses by name reminds us of the call of Samuel who was a boy serving in the house of the Lord under the priest Eli. One night Samuel heard his name being called: “Samuel! Samuel!” The boy thought it was the old priest Eli who was calling him. When this happened several times and each time Eli told the boy he had not called him, Eli advised Samuel, if you hear the voice again say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:1-21). In the case of Joseph, the Lord used dreams. Joseph was sold by his brothers because he had dreamt dreams and the brothers were jealous of him. In Egypt Joseph became well-known as an interpreter of dreams, and it was this gift that saved Egypt and eventually Jacob’s own family from the seven years of drought when Joseph was made manager of all Egypt. God used dreams right down to New Testament times. It was through a dream that God told Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, not to be afraid of taking Mary as his wife. To Mary, the mother of Jesus, God sent an angel, the Archangel Gabriel, as we all know. And when Jesus began his ministry, he personally called his disciples—Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John etc—and said: “Come follow me.” The Apostle Paul had his Damascus experience when he fell from a horse and then heard a voice saying to him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” From that moment Saul became a very different person. The question that arises is: Does God still call people the way he called his servants in Old Testament and New Testament times? How does God call leaders today? How do you know that God is calling you? And does everyone know that God is calling him or her? We will address these questions in the next column on Christian leadership.
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The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
BOOK REVIEWS
To be friends with God this Lent DEEPENING FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD: Daily Reflections for Lent, by Anthony Egan SJ, Trevor Hudson & Russell Pollitt SJ. Jesuit Institute SA, Johannesburg (2017). 129pp Reviewed by Günther Simmermacher HE clue to the tone of this book of Lenten reflections is in the title: to deepen our friendship with God. This notion of God as a friend rather than as a judge offers a counterweight to the idea of Lent as a bleak penitentiary season in which we atone for the legion ways in which we invariably offend God. Emphasising God’s love and mercy relieves what can be too much of a focus on our failures. Of course, we also must not lose sight of our sins and work on that necessary interior clean-up. But even our sometimes defectively observed Lenten penance for these failures carries the risk of widening our separation from God, whose embrace we might feel unworthy of. This inspiring book of reflections is providing guidance in identifying
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our sins and shortcomings, and, implicitly, how Scripture is a how-to guide in dealing with these, and healing ourselves. And the tool that we have in addressing our weaknesses is prayerful reflection of the kind this book guides its reader in. The authors ask us to surrender to God, being assured that in our own messiness, he will welcome us. “There is no need to set things straight before we can answer… Jesus wants us to follow him as we are right now,” the authors write. Our transformation is effected through our relationship with Jesus, not in some sort of qualification process for it. This is an empowering message, especially for those who feel their inventory of sins is an obstacle to acceptance by God. It is also an important message for today’s equivalents of the older brother of the Prodigal Son (whom all of us probably resemble at some point or other). A collaborative effort between two Jesuit priests, Frs Anthony Egan and Russell Pollitt, and Methodist
Rev Trevor Hudson, Deepening Friendship With God is intended to be what the authors call a “trampoline” into prayer that leads to the transformation in Christ which the Lenten season calls us to. The daily reflections—which cover the period from Ash Wednesday to the Second Sunday of Easter—are based on that day’s Scripture readings, so it is useful to have your daily missal or Bible at hand.
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he reflections are pastoral in tone. They are erudite but written with admirable clarity and brevity. Happily, the writers have evaded the hazard of creating texts that are too dense, too theological, or too preachy. Each day’s reflection concludes with a few questions designed to animate prayer, so this book is also very useful for Bible study and prayer groups. Some reflections take unexpected turns. The Holy Thursday entry shines a light on leadership and the hierarchical structures of
business, politics and, yes, religious bodies. That is a strength of this book: to make us think of Scriptures we know well in new ways. The eagle-eyed reader will have spotted that there is one day when there cannot be reflections based on that day’s readings—because there are no readings on Holy Saturday. Here the authors become particularly innovative by putting words into the mouths of people at the centre of the Passion narrative— plus a character named “Biblical Scholar”. A good book of Lenten reflections should transcend the season for which it is intended and have currency at any time of the year. Lent provides us with a particular momentum to pursue a programme for renewal, but our transformation should be not just an event but an ongoing process. Deepening Friendship With God is a good way of keeping up that momentum throughout the year because the reflections have universal application. Indeed, I suspect that with every repeated use of the re-
flections, new layers of insight and understanding will be revealed. The focus of the book is on the personal, with the objective being: How do I get closer to God? And having come, hopefully, closer to God, the final reflection calls on the reader, as Jesus would, to take the fruits of their transformation to others. n The book is available from the Jesuit Institute at R100 plus p&p. Contact lent@jesuitinstitute.org.za
The life of a bishop ‘born again’ into Vatican II A STILL AND QUIET CONSCIENCE: The Archbishop who challenged a Pope, a President and a Church: A Life of Raymond G Hunthausen, by John McCoy, Orbis Books (2015). 288pp Reviewed by Paddy Kearney HE name Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen was often mentioned in the Catholic press in the 1980s. The US bishop was most famous as the leader of the Seattle archdiocese who decided to withhold part of his federal taxes and invited other Americans to do the same, because of his opposition to the nuclear-armed Trident submarines based at Seattle. Archbishop Hunthausen also became increasingly well-known as someone who was disciplined by the Vatican in a succession of what
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the author John McCoy sees as “ill-considered and unprocedural interventions” throughout the ‘80s. All the successive steps taken against him were extremely humiliating for the archbishop and opposed by a large majority of his nearly 400 priests. Eventually Archbishop Hunthausen was worn down by these signs of Vatican disapproval, and resigned in 1991, six years before reaching the obligatory retirement age of 75. But Hunthausen—who is now 95 years old—should also be famous as what McCoy calls “a quintessential Vatican II bishop”, “born again” as a result of his experience of the Council which began just
weeks after his episcopal ordination. McCoy had earlier wanted to write a biography of Hunthausen, whom he had served as communications officer, but it was the election of Pope Francis, and the new note he struck right from the commencement of his papacy, that changed his mind about the value of writing a life of Hunthausen. “[Francis] reminds me in many ways of Hunthausen. He’s humble, kind, compassionate, plain spoken and unpretentious. He has a Vatican II vision of a Church that is inclusive, loving, and transformative, of a Church with a heart for the poor and the oppressed,” McCoy writes.
The Council had transformed Hunthausen. He embraced the new concept of the Church as the People of God, a new idea of his role as a bishop as “servant leader who convenes, collaborates and inspires, rather than dictates, reprimands and proscribes”. As a bishop, Hunthausen’s approach was to present a vision without giving clear directions. He treated his staff and priests as colleagues, giving them autonomy and letting them determine how they would put the vision into practice. This was a style that McCoy describes as one of Hunthausen’s greatest assets and at the same time one of his greatest liabilities. It would lead to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s criticism that a “permissive climate” characterised the archdiocese. Cardinal Ratzinger insisted that
the archdiocese withdraw support from any homosexual group that did not clearly support Church teaching and scolded Hunthausen for his “ill-advised welcome of a homosexual group to his cathedral”. And he added a rather vague reference to “a number of basic doctrinal problems that affect the day-to-day life of the church in Seattle”. But Cardinal Ratzinger also praised Hunthausen for “implementing the renewal envisioned by the Council, including lay participation, the creation of consultative bodies, and applying the Gospel to world issues”. This is an important book for all who are interested in the “unfinished business of Vatican II”. One will inevitably speculate whether Hunthausen would have had a different fate in the papacy of Francis.
Pope answers kids’ questions DEAR POPE FRANCIS, by Pope Francis. Loyola Press (2016). 76 pp Reviewed by Michelle Francl-Donnay HE car was always the place for the hard conversations when my sons were young. The questions would come from the back seat when I least expected it. I can still remember the rainy night I was driving when my oldest son, then 12, asked me why God let evil things happen. That remains the toughest question my children have ever put to me, bar none. In his book Dear Pope Francis, the pope takes on the tough and direct questions that kids will ask. There is 9-year-old Michael from Nigeria wondering, “How can you settle conflicts in the world?” and Thierry, who wants to know why so many people are poor and hungry: Can’t God feed them? The book lists the authors as Pope Francis and the children of the world, and it’s clear from the start that this was a collaborative work between the leader of the Church and its members. More than 250 children from 26 countries sent letters and drawings to Pope Francis. Fr Antonio Spadaro SJ met with the pope and recorded his answers to the questions posed in the letters. He then transcribed and edited the responses. The children’s drawings are reproduced alongside the pope’s answers, which truly bring the young writers alive. Fr Spadaro writes in the afterword that he found transcribing the conversation an extended meditation, and I
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found reading the book to be a similar experience. I ended up reading it in a few sessions, stopping when I wanted to spend time with an answer—or a question. I don’t have young ones at home any longer, so I couldn’t try it out on its intended audience. But I do know that my sons would have appreciated the pope’s directness and humour, and I would have treasured his wisdom when faced with tough questions from my passengers. Some of the questions are poignant. One young boy wonders if his mother in heaven has grown angel wings. No, Pope Francis tells him. She is still your mom, but she is beautiful and full of light and love for you. Others wonder about who gets into heaven and whether bad people still have guardian angels. We learn a lot about Pope Francis and
his job as we go. He can pray in a dentist’s chair. He loved to play football, but hasn’t a nimble foot, so he was not very good at it. We learn he is happiest in his job when he is with other people, and why he needs such a tall hat. But in each answer, the pope takes the children, and us, a bit deeper. Would that we could all learn to pray wherever we were, and to more fully express our joy in God. I sense Pope Francis’ awareness of the parents and other adults who are listening in the background to these exchanges, nudging them to think again about the tough questions, the questions that as adults we fear have no answers, that we might long ago have given up even asking. I found myself returning again and again to the pope’s answer to young Thierry about poverty and hunger. “The real problem is that some of those who have plenty do not want to share it with others.” What do I have more than enough of? Where am I unwilling to share? Reading this book I was struck by Pope Francis’ tenderness. He is never saccharine, he never speaks down to the children, he is direct and firm. Above all his joy in the Gospel and his deep love of God comes through in every response. When 11-year-old Clara, from Ireland, asks him if he thinks that he is really a father to us all, he tells her that he does feel like a spiritual father to us all, and that he likes being a dad. This is a book by a holy father, indeed, who clearly loves all his children, young and old.—CNS
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
LIFE
9
What you need to be a good leader What is needed for good leadership? SR JOaN ROCCaSalVO CSJ outlines the attributes of a good leader.
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VERYONE has a theory about leadership, but all of us want strong, effective, and moral leaders. They’re in great demand but hard to find. Families and schools, sports teams, businesses, and faith traditions rise or fall on leadership. Governments, armies, and nations rise or fall on leadership. According to historian and political scientist James MacGregor Burns, leadership is “the process by which groups, organisations, and societies attempt to achieve common goals”. Political leadership is a matter of personality, and it concerns the relation of authority and power with the people. Yet, within this definition lies a mysterious and mercurial quality known as temperament—the most difficult characteristic to gauge in a leader, the most challenging to pin down. Different leadership styles and different temperaments produce varying degrees of success or failure, a topic requiring lengthy discussions. In this article, we will consider three aspects of leadership: personal and professional qualities of leaders, vision, and decision-making.
Character Leaders should reflect on a key question: Who must I be, and what must I do to bring about and advance the vision I have for the common good? Having learned the art of selfdiscipline, strong leaders are master listeners, master communicators, and masters of their emotions. Honesty lives at the core of their moral compass; it undergirds and supports the public trust. Strong, effective, and moral leaders speak the truth to themselves and to others without shaving it. On the eve of Britain’s entrance into World War II, Winston Churchill delivered the stark and sobering truth to a nation in distress: “I have nothing to offer you but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”
Teachers of leadership: (from left) Winston Churchill, St ignatius of loyola, abrahamn lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Franklin D Roosevelt, aung San Suu kyi, George Bernard Shaw, Rev Martin luther king Jr, John F kennedy. George Washington was acclaimed for his integrity, wisdom, and astounding courage on the battlefield, and Nelson Mandela, as a “colossus of unimpeachable character”. Rose Kennedy was not a public figure but the matriarch of a family of political leaders. She inspired thousands of men and women through her courage in the face of so many family tragedies. The Burmese-Myanmar politician and author Aung San Suu Kyi has inspired women throughout the world for her courage to withstand 15 years of house arrest by the authorities who considered her an enemy of the state. She writes in her collection of essays, Freedom from Fear: “It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it, and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.”
Communication Skills Effective leaders have the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. Franklin D Roosevelt, US president from 1933-45, was a charismatic patrician. With his clear sense of noblesse oblige—the idea that nobility extends beyond mere entitlements and requires the person who holds such status to fulfil social responsibilities, particularly in leadership roles—he led the US through the Great Depression. From his struggle with polio, he learned to empathise with others. Roosevelt’s radio “fireside chats” gave him a direct, personal, and immediate contact with his nation. He simplified his grand-scale programmes capped by the motto “The New Deal”, which gave jobs to the millions of unemployed roaming the streets in despair. As a sickly child and young adult, President John F Kennedy spent many solitary hours with
books. The breadth of his reading history and politics, literature, science, travel, and biography served as one source of his eloquence, whether in prepared speeches or presented spontaneously. His press conferences became the stuff of conversation pieces in Washington. The press corps was riveted as much on Kennedy’s oratory as on his responses to questions. Here was a master communicator thoroughly enjoying his own press conferences. Churchill’s strongest quality as a leader was his ability to inspire others, despite the ominous circumstances Britain was facing during his first tenure as prime minister during World War II. The source of this ability lay in his own character—and of course in his ability to find the right words to fit the country’s mood. Churchill declared before parliament: “We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” Labour MP Josiah Wedgwood promptly responded: “That was worth 1 000 guns, and the speeches of 1 000 years.” In April 1963, when President Kennedy made Churchill an “honorary citizen of the United States”—Churchill’s mother was an American—the president offered this word of praise: “He mobilised the English language and sent it into battle.”
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Sense of Humour Strong leaders have a developed sense of humour that may enhance their office. “I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris, and I have enjoyed it,” declared JFK in the spring of 1961 on their visit to France. Acerbic wit was never far from President Abraham Lincoln’s lips. Regarding his pro-slavery opponents, Lincoln declared: “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”
Vision Leaders have vision, a quality that conceives of an idea or sees a picture into the future before others can visualise it. St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, chose and trained leaders who would be affable, attractive, and persuasive messengers of his vision and not those who were rich or powerful. In Back to Methuselah, the Irish author George Bernard Shaw wrote: “You dream dreams and say ‘Why?’ But I dream dreams that never were and say ‘Why not?’” His words were paraphrased by Robert F Kennedy in his 1968 campaign for the presidential nomination. Transformative leaders can rouse a nation to action when their goals are persuasive. They articulate a shared raison d’être in words such as the Rev Martin Luther King Jr orated in his “I have a dream” speech. He asked men and women to dream today and tomorrow of a better America. In his inaugural address, Kennedy put his vision this way:
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” He simplified this vision in the motto, “The New Frontier”. This phrase encompassed pursuits in science and the arts, foreign affairs, race and inequality. He invited his nation to become pioneers on this noble quest. Soon the Peace Corps appealed to the generosity and self-sacrifice of American youth to serve all over the world. It is no small thing for leaders to touch our hearts and minds by appealing to “the better angels of our nature”, a phrase of Charles Dickens which Lincoln quoted in his first inaugural address.
Decision-Making Leaders make decisions throughout the course of a day or over a longer period of time. Some decisions are so consequential they can change the public image of an organisation. In times of crisis how do leaders make decisions? Some leaders make decisions without consultation, while others call for collegiality. Collegial leaders point the way forward to advance the purpose of the organisation. Still, the personality of the leader plays an important role in this model. Whereas strong leaders get the best and brightest to execute their vision by delegating responsibility, weak leaders fear initiative and creativity from their workers. They lack trust in the abilities of others. To sum up this complex topic, St Paul exhorts leaders of the community “to lead their lives worthy of their calling” (Eph 4:1).—CNA
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10
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
FAITH
The joys and blessings in hardships Many fathers and sons enjoy sharing a hobby together, but one dad had to overcome a serious obstacle to do so, as BiaNCa RUiz reports.
M
OST fathers like to share their hobbies with their sons. But for José Manuel Roas Treviño of Madrid this proved a challenge—given that his fourth child Pablo suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy. Despite this, Mr Roas had idea. “I don’t remember when we began to run together. I know that the first time was in the summer. I was getting ready to go out for a run, but neither my wife nor children could stay to take care of Pablo. So I decided I could take him with me,” Mr Roas recalled Mr Roas said he initially did not know if Pablo would like the experience or not. It quickly became clear that he did. “He sat up straight in the chair and when he does that it means ‘okay’, because it takes a huge amount of effort to keep sitting up straight,” Mr Roas said. “We were running down a nearby bicycle lane and he was totally into it. He was laughing, shrieking, lifting up his arms. I was singing to him and he was laughing more and more. And I realised that what we were experiencing was very special.” Pablo is 18 years old and is affected by acute cerebral palsy, which makes him completely dependent on his parents, Mr Roas and his wife Maite. Pablo cannot speak or walk, nor will he be able to in the future. But for his parents, far from being a bur-
José Manuel Roas Treviño runs a marathon with his son Pablo, who has acute cerebral palsy. So far, the Spanish father and son have participated in marathons in Madrid, Seville and New york. “God has given us a complex life story to live, but he also helps us to go forward with it and to do it with hope, with a sense of humour,” Mr Roas says. den, he is a gift. “I thank God every day for Pablo and for this life story that God is having us experience. Because when he was born, a wall certainly was raised up with all the limitations that appeared, because you were presented with a terrible life,” Mr Roas said. “But for me, I live it every day in the first person; this still is surpris-
ing. God has given us a complex life story to live, but he also helps us to go forward with it and to do it with hope, with a sense of humour,” he said. “I too have looked the other way from those who had children in their wheelchairs like Pablo, and my heart just recoiled.” Mr Roas recalled the time he was preparing to become a special edu-
cation teacher. “One morning in November of 1988 I sat down to study and the subject was cerebral palsy. At that instant I was frightened and I remember I literally said, ‘My God, what am I doing? You’re not preparing me to have a child like that, are you?’ “And I was so scared that the same day I quit preparing for those exams, and I started another major.”
Mr Roas does not deny that the sufferings are “enormous, more than I had ever imagined”, but he stressed that “it is suffering that you get much more out of than what you lose. God is near the weak, and Pablo is certainly the weakest there is”. “We find in him things you don’t find anywhere else, such as love and forgiveness of the purest sort.” This father acknowledged that “there are very hard days, like I never in my life imagined, but it’s true that afterwards you discover who you are and also who God is, which is what makes these impossibilities possible.” That is why he insists that despite the difficulties he is experiencing, his faith in God is stronger, thanks to Pablo. “Yes, it’s precisely because of Pablo that we believe in God, because we are living the impossible,” he said. “We’re a normal family that gets into fights every day, and we’ve got our things...but where Pablo is concerned, our differences end. This is what unites us the most, and so for us Pablo is a blessing—he’s what draws us together.” For the Roas family, having Pablo is “a true privilege, I say it with all my heart”. Mr Roas emphasised how encouraging it is to see during races and marathons when everybody wants to high five Pablo, how the people applaud him during the race course and he lifts up his hands and laughs. “It’s a miracle that we’re living and much more so to be able to share it with him.” So far they have run six marathons: three in Seville, two in Madrid and one in New York, and he insists that there are more races left to share for him and Pablo.— CNA
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Pope names Malta spokesman By JUNNO aROCHO ESTEVES
P
OPE Francis has named Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Vatican substitute secretary of state, as his special delegate and sole spokesman to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. “Until the end of your mandate, that is until the conclusion of the extraordinary chapter, which will elect the grand master, you will be my exclusive spokesperson in all matters relating to relations between the Apostolic See and the order,” the pope wrote in a letter to Archbishop Becciu. The special delegate, the pope said, will also work closely with Fra Ludwig Hoffmann von Rumerstein, the chivalric order’s temporary head, to carry out “the appropriate renewal of the order’s constitution”. The pope’s letter to Archbishop Becciu came after several tense weeks which led to the resignation of Fra Matthew Festing as grand master of the order. Pope Francis’ letter made no mention of how Archbishop Becciu’s responsibilities would
archbishop Giovanni angelo Becciu has been appointed as the pope’s sole spokesman to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) overlap with those of Cardinal Raymond Burke, the current cardinal patron of the order. The mandate of the pope’s special delegate to the order has similar responsibilities to that of the cardinal patron, who offi-
Pray for beloved Africa
cially has “the task of promoting the spiritual interests of the order and its members and relations between the Holy See and the order”, according to the order’s constitution. “I delegate to you, therefore, all the necessary powers to decide any issues that may arise concerning the implementation of the mandate entrusted to you,” the pope told Archbishop Becciu. Echoing his letter to members of the order, the pope said that as his special delegate, Archbishop Becciu “will take care of all matters relating to the spiritual and moral renewal of the order”, particularly its professed members. Pope Francis added that the Italian archbishop will work closely with Von Rumerstein “for the greater good of the order and reconciliation between all its members, religious and lay”. The Order of Malta is made up of more than 13 500 knights and dames; about 50 of them are professed religious who have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Your prayer to cut out and collect
Continued from page 7 We can show compassion to the immigrants who live in our midst. Most people don’t choose to leave their homes and families without reason. They are here because conditions in their countries make it impossible for them to give their children a future, or perhaps their meagre income feeds many mouths back home. Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary. Amen.
Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO 746. ACROSS: 1 Unto, 3 Abounded, 9 Enthral, 10 Aisle, 11 Denomination, 13 Nudist, 15 Wander, 17 Headmistress, 20 Vesta, 21 Environ, 22 Rapidity, 23 Thee. DOWN: 1 Unending, 2 Titan, 4 Belong, 5 Unattractive, 6 Discord, 7 Deep, 8 Promised Land, 12 Presence, 14 Dress up, 16 Divest, 18 Earth, 19 Over.
Liturgical Calendar Year A – Weekdays Cycle Year 1 Sunday February 19, 7th Sunday of the Year Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18, Psalms 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 Monday February 20 Sirach 1:1-10, Psalms 93:1-2, 5, Mark 9:14-29 Tuesday February 21, St Peter Damian Sirach 2:1-11, Psalms 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 3940, Mark 9:30-37 Wednesday February 22, Chair of St Peter 1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalms 23, Matthew 16:13-19 Thursday February 23, St Polycarp Sirach 5:1-8, Psalms 1:1-4, 6, Mark 9:41-50 Friday February 24 Sirach 6:5-17, Psalms 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35, Mark 10:1-12 Saturday February 25, Saturday Mass of Our Lady Sirach 17:1-13 (1-15), Psalms 103:13-18, Mark 10:13-16 Sunday February 26, 8th Sunday of the Year Isaiah 49:14-15, Psalms 62:2-3, 6-9, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34
MY PAST life, O God, to Your mercy, my present life to Your love my future life to Your providence.
Community Calendar To place your event, call Mary Leveson at 021 465 5007 or e-mail m.leveson@scross.co.za (publication subject to space)
CAPE TOWN: Retreat day/quiet prayer last Saturday of each month except December, at Springfield Convent in Wynberg, Cape Town. Hosted by ClC, 10.00-3.30. Contact Jill 083 on 021 282 6763 or Jane on 082 783 0331. Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Good Shepherd parish, Bothasig, welcomes all visitors. Open 24 hours a day. The parish is at 1 Goede Hoop St, Bothasig. Phone 021 558 1412.
Helpers of God’s Precious Infants. Mass on last Saturday of every month at 9:30 at Sacred Heart church in Somerset Road, Cape Town. Followed by vigil at Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Bree Street. Contact Colette Thomas on 083 412 4836 or 021 593 9875 or Br Daniel SCP on 078 739 2988. DURBAN: Holy Mass and Novena to St Anthony at St anthony’s parish every Tuesday at 9:00. Holy
Mass and Divine Mercy Devotion at 17:30 on first Friday of every month. Sunday Mass at 9:00. Phone 031 309 3496 or 031 209 2536. Overport rosary group. at Emakhosini Hotel, 73 East Street every Wednesday at 18.30. NELSPRUIT: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St Peter’s parish every Tuesday from 8:00 to 16:45, followed by Rosary, Divine Mercy prayers, then a Mass/Communion service at 17:30. JOHANNESBURG Little Eden fête. Saturday March 4 at the Edenvale home. 09:00 to 13:00. Entance fee R5. Contact zama on 011 609 246. Lenten Divine Mercy seminar. Our lady of lebanon parish in Mulbarton. Friday March 3: What is Divine Mercy? Speaker: Deacon Michael Sadie. Contact Joe on 082 411 9352.
The Southern Cross, February 15 to February 21, 2017
CLASSIFIEDS
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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 (R1,70 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.
DEATHS
BRISLIN, irene Vere (née izatt). Born November 12, 1918. archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town’s mother died on January 29, at the age of 98. May her soul rest in peace. From The Southern Cross staff
PRAYERS
LORD GOD, this candle that i light here today reminds me of the light that you enkindled in me at my Baptism. Renew the flame of your love in me. let it burn away all my egotism, my jealousy, my pride and my failure to love. let me have a warm and generous heart. lord, i am not able to remain here in this church very much longer: i have to go. So, please accept this candle in my place. let it be like a part of me that i give to you. Here, before the image of Blessed Mary, Mother of God, and imploring her powerful intercession, i ask you, as i offer you this humble candle, to allow my prayer to penetrate every activity and every facet of my life, so that everything will be shaped and formed by the burning flame of your love. i ask this for Jesus’ sake. amen. THANkS be to thee, my lord Jesus Christ, For all the benefits thou hast won for me, For all the pains
and insults thou hast borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, May i know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, For ever and ever. O VIRGIN Mother, in the depths of your heart you pondered the life of the Son you brought into the world. Give us your vision of Jesus and ask the Father to open our hearts, that we may always see His presence in our lives, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, bring us into the joy and peace of the kingdom, where Jesus is lord forever and ever. amen
save their souls and their unborn infants. See www.epm.org/static/up loads/downloads/bcpill.pdf
CONGRATULATIONS
kHOARAI, Sebastian koto OMi. Cardinal, diocese of Mohale’s Hoek. We congratulate you on your elevation as Cardinal. May the good lord give you the grace and strength and good health of mind and body. May you continue to be a shining example and a good spiritual leader to all bishops, priests, religious and all God’s holy people in the life of the Church in lesotho. We will always remember you in our daily prayers and Holy Mass. Praised be Jesus and Mary immaculate and Mother of the Holy Church, from Brothers Daniel ambrose Manuel and Victor Pather, SCP, Cape Town.
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GORDON’S BAY: Harbour Park. Sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. Fully furnished. R2 100 per week. Phone alison on 084 577 1356 or Delton on 083 414 6534. MARIANELLA Guest House, Simon’s Town: “Come experience the peace and beauty of God with us.” Fully equipped with amazing sea views. Secure parking, ideal for rest and relaxation. Special rates for pensioners and clergy. Malcolm Salida 082 784 5675, mjsalida@ gmail.com
IS BLESSED MOTHER calling you? MiR travel and tours. Pilgrimage to Medjugorje youth festival for all. July 26 to august 9 via Croatia. Contact Michele at 082 417 2725 or at Michele.michael41630 @gmail.com ABORTION WARNING: The truth will convict a silent Church. See www.valuelifeabortion isevil.co.za ABORTION WARNING: The Pill can abort. all Catholic users (married or cohabiting) must be told, to
Our bishops’ anniversaries
Traditional Latin Mass Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel 36 Central Avenue, Pinelands, Cape Town Call 0712914501 for details. Email:sspx.capetown@gmail.com
This week we congratulate: February 19: Archbishop William Slattery OFM of Pretoria on the 23rd anniversary of his episcopal ordination February 20: Bishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCI of Kokstad on his 60th birthday February 21: Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM, Archbishop of Durban, on the 16th anniversary of being appointed a cardinal February 24: Bishop Michael Wüstenberg of Aliwal on the 9th anniversary of his episcopal ordination
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the
8th Sunday: February 26 Readings: Isaiah 49:14-15, Psalm 62:2-3, 69, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34
S outher n C ross
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OU can absolutely rely on God. That is the message of the readings for next Sunday. In the first reading, the prophet is addressing, on behalf of God, the disillusioned Jewish exiles in Babylon, who are complaining: “God has forgotten us.” In reply, God simply asks: “Can a woman forget her infant, or lack tenderness for the son of her womb? Even if she forgets” [which, as Isaiah’s hearers are well aware, could not possibly happen], “I am not going to forget.” We who too often find ourselves doubting whether God really knows how to run the universe, or whether God takes any notice at all of our urgent needs, might usefully reflect on these readings over the coming week. Our psalm for next Sunday is a wonderful expression of trust: “My soul rests only in God, from him comes my rescue”, it begins; and it goes on to describe God as “My Rock and My Rescue”. The idea of a “rock” speaks loudly to those who have experienced the harsh land that is the Judean desert, where one’s eyes often look for a rock on which to take shelter, from
which all enemies can be repelled. Then the singer tries to give himself encouragement: “In the Lord, my soul, you must find your rest, because from him is my hope”, before twice repeating the idea of “Rock and Rescue”, and then goes into a final exhortation: “Trust in God, all the time, my people, pour out your heart in God’s presence; God is our refuge!” This is a beautiful prayer, and we might make it our own this week. This sense of relying on God is there also in the second reading, where Paul is trying to persuade his quarrelsome Corinthians to stop fighting, and to give up the cult of personality (“I’m for Paul”, “I’m for Apollos”), and instead concentrate on Christ and on God: “People ought to regard us as [no more than] servants of Christ, and stewards of God’s mysteries.” In that case, of course, the only thing that matters is “that a person should be found faithful”. So Paul makes the other side of the coin quite evident: “I have absolutely no interest in whether I am under investigation from you
people or from any human judgment day…It is the Lord who investigates me.” That is the one on whom we are to rely. Next Sunday’s Gospel continues the reading from the Sermon on the Mount, and continues the theme of reliance on God: “No one is able to serve two Lords.” That is a simple fact, as Jesus proceeds to clarify: “They will either hate the one and love the other, or put up with one and despise the other.” Then it goes deeper, and results in a summarising maxim: “You are unable to serve both God and Mammon.” Now “mammon” is an Aramaic word meaning “that in which you put your trust, on which you rely”. Characteristically it is used to mean “money”, on which you and I are so absurdly tempted to rely; and it does not work. So it is no good saying “There’s nothing in the kitchen” or “I haven’t a thing to wear”, for God is in charge. Then, with his Galilean peasant’s eye, Jesus draws our attention to “the birds of heaven”,
Embittered moralising O
very foundations shake otherwise our ungrieved wounds will forever leave us prone to bitterness, anger, and cold judgments. At the end of the day there is only one remaining spiritual imperative: We are not meant to die in anger and bitterness. And so, as we age, we can progressively slim our spiritual vocabulary down to one word: Forgive, forgive, forgive. Only forgiveness can save us from bitterness and anger.
I
ndeed, there are few Gospel texts as sobering as the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son. As good commentaries on this text are quick to point out, the central character of this story is not the prodigal son, but the father, and the central message of the text is his over-generous mercy. He is a father who is trying to get his two sons into his house (his house being an image for heaven). But the younger son is, for a long time, out of the house through weakness, while the older son is just as effectively outside the house through a bitterness and an anger that have soured his fidelity. Unlike the father who is grateful and joyous because his wayward son has come home, the older brother is angry and bitter
Conrad
NE of the dangers inherent in trying to live out a life of Christian fidelity is that we are prone to become embittered moralisers, older brothers of the prodigal son, angry and jealous at God’s over-generous mercy, bitter because persons who wander and stray can so easily access the heavenly banquet table. But this isn’t unique to faithful churchgoers. It’s part of the universal struggle to age without bitterness and anger. We spend the first-half of our lives wrestling with the sixth commandment and spend the last-half of our lives wrestling with the fifth commandment: Thou shalt not kill! Long before anyone is shot by a gun, he is shot by a word, and before he is shot by a word, he is shot by a thought. We all think murderous thoughts: Who does he think he is? And it becomes harder and harder not to think them as we age. Ageing without bitterness and anger is in fact our final struggle, psychologically and spiritually. The great Swiss psychologist, Alice Miller, suggests that the primary task of the second-half of life is that of mourning, mourning our wounds so as not to become bitter and angry. We have to mourn, she says, until our
Nicholas King SJ
Rely absolutely on God
576AM
Sunday Reflections
and makes a little joke: “They do not sow seed, or harvest; nor do they gather into barns—and yet your Father, the heavenly one, feeds them.” Then another joke: “Can any of you add a foot to your height by worrying?” The point is that God is the one to rely on. Of anything that we think we need, it is always possible to say: “Your Father, the Heavenly One, knows you need these things.” Then comes the only thing that matters: “First you are to seek the Kingdom of God, and its righteousness; then all these things will be added to you.” So we are to rely on God and (but we find this so difficult) “you are not to worry about tomorrow—for tomorrow is going to worry about itself”. The fact is that we have quite enough to worry about today, and so Jesus concludes: “The evil for this particular day is quite enough for today.” And, above all, we must rely on God.
Southern Crossword #746
Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI
Final Reflection
that the father has not withheld his mercy and that his errant brother was not first punished and made to meet certain conditions before he was welcomed back home. Now there’s an older brother of this sort in all of us. We see it, for instance, in the fierce resistance many, wonderfully faithful, churchgoing, Christians express apposite certain people receiving communion at the Eucharist. Granted, there are legitimate ecclesial issues here, to do with public forum and scandal, which need to be sorted out, as the recent synod on family life tried to do. But that synod also highlighted the resistance that many feel towards persons that they deem unworthy to receive communion at the Eucharist. Independent of the ecclesial issues colouring this, those of us who struggle with certain others going to communion should still ask ourselves: Why is this bothering me? Why am I angry about someone else going to communion? What’s really the basis for my resistance? What might this be saying about me? Is my heart wide and mellow enough right now to go to heaven, to sit down at the banquet table with everyone? Do I have the courage and humility to ask myself this question: Am I not akin to the older brother standing outside the house, bitter that someone who seems undeserving is receiving the Father’s love and blessing? But we need to ask ourselves that with sympathy. We aren’t bad persons; it’s just that a certain bitter moralising is an occupational hazard for us. Still we need to ask ourselves these hard questions, for our own sake, lest, blind to ourselves, we become the older brother of the prodigal son. Paradoxical, ironic, strange, but we can be faithful, upright-morally, duty-bound, churchgoing Christians, preaching the Gospel to others and, at the same time, carry inside ourselves an anger, a bitterness, and an unconscious envy of the amoral. This has us standing outside the house of celebration, blocked from entry because we are angry at how wide and indiscriminating is our own God’s embrace.
aCroSS
1. The angel of the Lord declared ... Mary (Angelus) (4) 3. Daubed on in large numbers (8) 9. Len Hart can hold your attention (7) 10. Supermarket has passage for the bride (5) 11. Worth of a coin in a branch of the church? (12) 13. Kind of colony where Adam and Eve were first members? (6) 15. Andrew will deviate from here (6) 17. Hides masters from her at school (12) 20. Roman goddess found in five stalls (5) 21. Surround Ron Vine (7) 22. Tidy pair show speed (8) 23. Second person in old English Bible (4)
doWN
1. Interminable (8) 2. Giant god (5) 4. Be the property of (6) 5. Like one who has no magnetic charm (12) 6. There’s no harmony with this (7) 7. How the snow lay for King Wenceslas (4) 8. Territory God pledged to Abraham (8,4) 12. It is real in the holy sacrament (8) 14. Put on smart clothes for the occasion (5,2) 16. Take off the smart clothes (6) 18. Planet having change of heart (5) 19. In excess and above (4)
Solutions on page 11
CHURCH CHUCKLE
A
N elderly man bursts into a priest’s study and says: “I’ve got to tell you this. I’m 90 years old and for the 70 years I’ve been married, I never cheated on my wife. Then this sweet thing moved in next door and since then—Wow!” “How long has it been since your last confession?” asks the priest. “I’ve never been to confession. I’m Jewish.” “Then why are you telling me this?” “I’m telling everyone!”
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