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SA’s Youth Day: Time to register is running out

By ErIn cArELsE

Faith, youth, vocations: sharing the mission of the Mini World youth Day in December with cardinal Wilfrid napier, archbishop of Durban, are (left) Precious Mazibuko and Philiswa shongwe. registration for the event has been extended to catholic youth from six countries and is expected to close on August 31. (Photo: val Adamson)

‘Trust Jesus, not horoscopes’

By Junno Arocho EstEvEs

W

HEN passing through the storm of life’s difficult moments, Christians must latch on to Christ and not the false sense of security offered by psychics and fortunetellers, Pope Francis has said.

Speaking to pilgrims in St Peter’s Square before reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis recalled the story of Jesus walking on water. Jesus tells St Peter to come to him, but his lack of faith when walking on the water towards Jesus during a storm leads to him slowly start sinking.

Christians today, Pope Francis said, also can doubt the assurance of Christ’s presence when confronting life’s “turbulent and hostile waters”.

“When we do not cling to the word of the Lord, but consult horoscopes and fortunetellers to have more security, we begin to sink,” the pope said.

Peter’s request that Jesus call him, his moment of doubt and his subsequent cry for Jesus to save him, the pope said, “resembles our desire to feel close to the Lord, but also the fear and anguish that accompanies the most difficult moments of our life and of our communities, marked by internal frailty and external difficulty”.

The Gospel “reminds us that faith in the Lord and in his word doesn’t open a path

where everything is easy and calm; it doesn’t take away life’s storms,” the pope said. “Faith gives us the security of a presence, Jesus’ presence, which pushes us to overcome existential storms, and the assurance of a hand that grabs us to help us face the difficulties, showing us the way even when it is dark.”

The image of the boat in troubled waters, he added, also can represent the Church, which throughout history has faced storms that “threaten to overwhelm her”.

What saves the Church is not “courage or the quality of its members”, the pope said, but rather “faith in Christ and his word”.

“In short, faith is not an escape from life’s problems but sustains it along the journey and gives it meaning,” Pope Francis said.—CNS

M

INI World Youth Day registration is closing soon, with the target date for young people to book their spots being August 31.

The Youth Day, a five-day gathering which will be held in Durban from December 6-10 at the Durban Exhibition Centre and surrounds, will bring together young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years from Southern Africa, to unite and celebrate their faith.

Registration has also been opened up to three additional countries outside the pastoral region of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference—Lesotho, Namibia and Malawi—by request of young people from those countries.

The SACBC region includes South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland.

The SACBC Youth Office has embarked on a special campaign of mobilising young people from all the dioceses in the region to register.

Space is limited and not guaranteed.

When the numbers are complete, registration will be finally closed.

The Youth Office has appealed to the region’s Catholic youth, their parents, parishes and priests to support this initiative.

Fr Paul Tatu, SACBC communication officer, noted that there have been reports from young people that they are not receiving support in some dioceses.

“As young people, they need the support of parents and leaders of the Church and parishes to make sure that they attend the event in great numbers to share this wonderful experience,” Fr Tatu said.

“We also appeal to people to ‘adopt’ a youngster who would like to attend but can’t afford it and help cover their costs.”

Mpilo Khumalo, youth coordinator of the archdiocese of Durban, emphasised that no young person attending will be “just a spectator”.

“They are going to be involved in everything that happens,” Ms Khumalo said. “We are asking young people to be witnesses in terms of their journey, their faith and different vocations.”

Catechetical sessions will be presented by bishops and experts in the various fields under discussion, she said.

On the December 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast day of the archdiocese of Durban, Mini World Youth Day will be opened to the Catholic public to let them see what the 5 000 youth and 29 bishops are doing, and celebrate with them.

Those who would like to join the youth at the Exhibition Centre that day are asked to liaise with their parish priests.

“There will also be a cultural festival where young people will be showcasing and teaching us about their different cultures, which will be a really colourful event,” said Ms Khumalo.

“We want to see young people’s talents, and we want the young people to show us what they’ve got. This is not just an event that is an expression of Catholic faith, but also an empowering occasion.”

Registration begins from R2 000. This includes accommodation, meals, and shuttles to and from the venue, as well as your registration gift pack.

Transport to Durban is excluded from the amount as different parishes and dioceses are organising it for their delegates.

Accommodation for the young people has been confirmed in a number of 3-star hotels. The hotels are based within close proximity of the venue: in the city centre as well as on the Golden Mile, Marine Parade, South Beach and Umhlanga.

The safety and security of the youth are high on the list of priorities. Host “parents” will be apportioned to each hotel for the duration of the stay to assist the youths every day. n All information and registration details are at www.miniworldyouthday.co.za

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2

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

LOCAL the bishops’ Justice & Peace commission has called on the government to urgently convene a jobs summit to take decisive action on rising unemployment.

Dominicans celebrate 100 years

S

OME 400 Dominicans, friends and parishioners came together at the Blackfriars Dominican community in Springs, Gauteng, to celebrate the centenary of the friars’ presence in South Africa.

Also marking the centenary was the launch of Fr Joseph Falkiner’s book The First Dominican Friars in Boksburg, Brakpan and Springs– South Africa (1917-1927) in Johannesburg.

The book describes the founding members and their work in the first ten years of the order in the country.

In 1917, Fr Laurence Shapcote OP (1864–1947) arrived in South Africa to officially investigate the possibility of setting up a mission on behalf of the English Province of the Dominican Order. This marked the foundation of the male Dominican presence in the entire Southern African region.

One hundred years down the

line, Dominican friars remain present and contribute in many ways within and outside the Church.

At the Springs celebration, guests included papal nuncio Archbishop Peter Wells, who presided over the Mass as the main celebrant. The homily was delivered by Fr Bruno Cadoré, the master of the Dominican order worldwide and current chancellor of the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Fr Cadoré applauded the contributions Dominicans have made in the region and described the centenary as a moment of renewal.

The Southern African bishops were represented by Bishops Abel Gabuza of Kimberley and Duncan Tsoke, auxiliary in Johannesburg.

At the reception, Fr Stanislaus Muyebe OP, the local prior of the order, noted that the centenary celebration was a “moment of grace”

for the Dominican family and a time to celebrate the vision, the gifts, the risks as well as the various blessings received.

He recalled how Dominicans started the Kroonstad diocese through the founding of parishes, and their involvement in the promotion of Justice & Peace, of which Fr Muyebe is the current coordinator.

Dominicans have also been involved in intellectual ministries such as publishing and lecturing, ministries to the oppressed and impoverished, Catholic media, the Young Christian Workers, and the foundation of the Theological Education by-Extension College (TEE).

Guest speakers Professor Vincent Maphai and Fr Smangaliso Mkhatshwa applauded the involvement of Dominicans in various spheres, especially their prominent role during the apartheid struggle.

Kids’ home is on a ‘Happy Nappy’ drive

By ErIn cArELsE

H

ALFWAY through a Happy Nappy campaign, a Cape Town home for ill children has declared it a success.

The campaign was launched by St Joseph’s Home in Montana, urging individuals, companies, volunteer groups and businesses to donate disposable nappies or money towards buying a pack, which costs R200.

The campaign will run until the end of September, giving donors and supporters more time to join the drive for dry little bums.

St Joseph’s serves chronically ill children. It is a registered non-profit organisation and one of the few Catholic institutions in South

Africa to support children, families, and communities from poorly resourced areas in free paediatric intermediate health care.

The home uses on average 970 nappies every 24 hours.

“When we launched the Happy Nappy campaign we did not know what to expect,” said resource development manager Alrika Hefers.

By mid-August the campaign had

raised R22 000 and 9 600 nappies— covering the home’s needs for almost 18 days, and providing a saving of R33 876.

Children from poverty-stricken communities with chronic illnesses and rehabilitation are referred to the home by state hospitals such as Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Red Cross for continued care.

The children’s medical conditions are managed by doctors at the state acute hospitals through regular visits and check-ups. A team of health professionals work together with the parents/caregivers to aid the child’s healing processes. n To donate to the Happy Nappy campaign visit www.stjosephshome. org.za and click Donate Now.

‘Urgent need to address jobs crisis’

G

OVERNMENT must take decisive and strategic action to reverse the escalation in the job crisis, the bishops’ Justice & Peace Commission has warned.

Recent research findings on unemployment by the University of South Africa and Momentum, as well as figures by Statistics South Africa, paint a bleak picture All the sectors of South Africa’s economy are shedding jobs and the ranks of the unemployed are expanding at an alarming rate.

In the mining sector alone, more than 70 000 miners have lost their jobs in the past two years.

Bishop Abel Gabuza of Kimberley, chair of Justice & Peace for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said the current retrenchment and unemployment trends demand a decisive and strategic action to reverse the escalation in the job crisis.

“We join the calls for a jobs summit to discuss the ongoing retrenchments and the measures to expand job creation in the tough economic climate,” he said in a statement.

“The summit should be convened as a matter of urgency, and we also demand a moratorium on all retrenchments in all sectors while awaiting the outcomes of the jobs summit,” the bishop said.

“The jobs summit should not shy away from discussing and pursuing job creation through macroeconomic reforms and mitigation of the current political uncertainties. Our country needs a macroeconomic framework that is increasingly labour-absorbing and equitable in its distribution patterns,” he said.

Justice & Peace believes efforts to cushion the effects of unemployment on vulnerable families should be strengthened through expanded access to social protection.

It condemned the delays in the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Amendment Bill which has been sent back to the parliament for corrections.

The new law will ensure that people who lose their jobs receive money for longer periods when they apply for unemployment benefits.

LOCAL

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

This is what MARY spells out

By ErIn cArELsE

Y

OUNG Catholics must “enter into the school of Mary”, especially as the Church prepares for next year’s Synod of Bishops on the Youth and Vocations, a bishop told about 80 young Catholic leaders from Southern Africa’s 29 dioceses.

The youth need to be inspired by Mary and look to her as their model, Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp said at a Mass for youths and members of the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students in Mariannhill, KwaZulu-Natal.

To give more emphasis to the im-

portance of Mary, Bishop Phalana used the letters in the name “Mary” and explained what they represent.

“The letter ‘M’ stands for the meekness of Mary, which does not mean weakness, but instead strength of character,” he said.

“A meek person is teachable, and yields to God’s will. He or she is humble and gentle in relations with others, but strong enough not to be shaken by the challenges of life.

“Those who are meek are able to solve problems, and to forgive others who have wronged them. They do not let anger control them, and are respectful and responsible,” Bishop Phalana explained.

“The ‘A’ in Mary represents her availability to God,” the bishop said, encouraging young people to always be available for the work of God as Mary was.

He thanked the young people present for their sacrifice for the sake of the Church.

“The ‘R’ in Mary represents the reliability of Mary,” Bishop Phalana said, urging young people to always be reliable and take their commitments seriously.

“Don’t wait to be asked to lead but instead take the responsibility,” he encouraged the youth.

“The ‘Y’ in Mary,” Bishop Phalana explained, “represents her full

‘Yes’ to God, and this ‘Yes’ changed the course of history.”

Mary did not give a “half-yes” to God but a full “yes”, and young people should give their full “yes” too.

The youth leaders met the bishops to discuss their successes and challenges in society and the Church too, and to assess how the ministry to young people can be improved.

The meeting also served to prepare for Mini World Youth Day in Durban from December 3-10, the Synod of Youth in October 2018, and World Youth Day in Panama in January 2019.

3

Choir fest for bicentennial

T

HE next celebration of the Church’s 200 years in South Africa is a choir festival at the Cape Town City Hall on Sunday, August 27 from 14:00 to 16:00.

This will feature 15 choirs plus an African liturgical dance group.

The finale will be a massed choir conducted by Alison Dunn, with Andrew Bentley and Adolf Thelen. n Tickets at the door: R20 for adults, R10 for pupils. Pensioners, clergy and religious free. Seating is limited so secure a ticket at Catholic Schools Office at 021 761 8050 or admin.cso@ telkomsa.net

Priest preaches at Methodist’s funeral

By ErIn cArELsE

F

Among the events offered at sacred heart college in Johannesburg when parents took over the teaching for four days was a visit to croc city crocodile and reptile Park.

Where parents do the teaching

E

VERY second year, for the last 20 years, the normal curriculum of primary school pupils at Sacred Heart College in Johannesburg is suspended for four days and parents take over the teaching.

They present the Mindworks programme of educational workshops, which they’ve designed and organised themselves.

The theme this year was “Live the dream”, in line with the celebration of 150 years of Marist Brothers

in South Africa, as Sacred Heart is a Marist school, and the bicentennial anniversary of Marist worldwide.

Among the events this year were a visit to Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park, following the footsteps of the history of Sacred Heart College, Dancercise, Zumba Zumba Jive, Mini-Me Yoga, Dream Catchers, Hands-On Science, Space Rocks, Radical Rainbow recycling, and celebrating diversity through friendships.

ATHER Emil Blaser OP, executive director at Catholic radio station Radio Veritas, said he was honoured to preach the homily at a funeral in Johannesburg’s Forest Town Methodist church.

Fr Blaser preached at the funeral of Jean Jones, a loyal listener and supporter of Radio Veritas.

He recalled how five years ago he received a call from Ms Jones who had discovered Radio Veritas by playing around with the dial. “And I haven’t switched it off,” she told Fr Blaser at the time.

“She never tired of reminding me every so often how she had discovered Radio Veritas,” the priest said.

“If she phoned in when she was feeling down, I could hear it in her voice,” Fr Blaser said. “I would then say to my technical assistant Siphiwe, ‘Let’s play her favourite song’, which was ‘Ocean of Mercy’.”

Fr Blaser said Ms Jones had a way of cheering him up, too.

“Radio is a very expensive exercise, so I’m always begging for money,” he said.

“When people see me coming they say, ‘There he is coming for money’, but Jean couldn’t understand why they might say that and would always say to me, ‘Father, don’t worry, trust in the Lord and have faith, the Lord is with you’,”

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radio veritas director Fr Emil Blaser (left) gave the homily in a Methodist church for a loyal listener.

Fr Blaser recalled.

“If I have a memory of Jean it is of her ability to encourage people— and her incredible faith,” he said.

“Jean gave me the confidence, as a Catholic priest, to have faith and not to give up, because there are times when you do ask yourself ‘What is the point of it all?’—and then Jean would pop up and remind me to have trust in the Lord—

and, indeed, that’s what we should do, have faith in the Lord.”

Ms Jones left Radio Veritas with very happy memories, Fr Blaser said.

“I know and believe deeply, that this little old lady, Jean Jones, is where she longed to be: with Jesus praying for us , that we will be faithful to the Lord in everything in our lives.”

4

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29 2017

INTERNATIONAL

‘Bl Romero may be canonised next year’ By cInDy WooDEn

T

HE archbishop officially promoting Bl Oscar Romero’s cause for sainthood said he hopes the process will conclude within a year and Catholics around the world will honour the martyr St Oscar Romero.

“Keeping alive the memory of Romero is a noble task, and my great hope is that Pope Francis will soon canonise him a saint,” Italian Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the postulator of the Salvadoran archbishop’s cause, said in a homily in London.

In an interview with Vatican Radio’s English programme, Archbishop Paglia was more specific: “We could hope that in the next year perhaps it is possible” that the Congregation for Saints’ Causes will have completed its review of an alleged miracle attributed to Bl

Romero’s intervention and present its findings to the pope. Recognition of the miracle would clear the way for his canonisation.

Archbishop Paglia, in addition to promoting Bl Romero’s sainthood cause, is also the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life and chancellor of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

The biggest hurdle in the sainthood cause was obtaining recognition that Bl Romero, who was assassinated while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980, was in fact a martyr, Archbishop Paglia said.

Some Church leaders, including some who worked in the Roman curia, had insisted Bl Romero was assassinated because of his political position.

For years the Romeo cause was blocked for that reason. Pope Fran-

cis, an admirer of the archbishop, unblocked the cause and beatified him as a martyr in 2015.

“The essence of [Bl Romero’s] holiness was his following the Lord by giving himself completely for his people,”Archbishop Paglia said.

He told the congregation in London celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bl Romero’s birth, that Bl Romero was “not a superman”.

“He was afraid of dying, and he confessed that to his friends on a number of occasions. But he loved Jesus and his flock more than he loved life. This is the meaning of martyrdom.”

Archbishop Paglia added: “Love for Jesus and the poor is greater than love for oneself: This is the power of Romero’s message. A simple believer, if overwhelmed by love, becomes strong, unbeatable.”—CNS

A procession in san salvador commemorates Bl oscar romero, the slain archbishop of the El salvadoran capital. the Italian archbishop who promotes the martyr’s cause said he thinks Bl romero may be canonised next year. (Photo: rodigro sura, EPA/cnA)

Pope entrusts victims of conflict to Mary

By Junno Arocho EstEvEs

Priest probed for migrant rescue A By cInDy WooDEn

T

HE debate over migration policy and, particularly, over the rescue of refugees and migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea has escalated.

Italian officials are investigating an Eritrean Catholic priest and a German humanitarian organisation on suspicion of “aiding and abetting illegal migration”.

The Italian government has attempted to forge an agreement with the non-governmental organisations who are rescuing people at sea, providing food, water, medical care and safe transport to an Italian port.

Italy asked the NGOs to sign a “code of conduct” promising, among other things: to refrain from communicating with or signalling to refugee boats in a way that facilitates their departure from Libyan waters; to inform the rescue centre about migrant sightings; to ferry rescued persons directly to a port

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without transferring them to or from other rescue boats; and, when requested, to allow police onboard to investigate possible cases of migrant smuggling or human trafficking.

Some NGOs, like Doctors Without Borders, refused to sign the agreement. The rule against transferring migrants between boats would jeopardise rescue operations.

Jugend Rettet (“Youth Rescues”), a German-based group that raised money from young Europeans to buy a rescue ship, also declined to sign the agreement.

Under investigation for “aiding and abetting illegal immigration” is Fr Mussie Zerai, a Rome-based priest from Eritrea and hero to many refugees and aid agencies that assist them.

Since 2003, when someone wrote his phone number on the wall of a migrant detention centre in Libya, Fr Zerai has responded to distress calls from migrants on sink-

ing boats in the Mediterranean and forwarded the position of the boats to the Italian and Maltese coastguards and to NGO rescue ships.

He told Avvenire, the Italian Catholic newspaper, that he has never contacted any NGO for a rescue without informing either the Italian or the Maltese coastguard.

The charges, he said, are “slanderous”.

For Vatican officials, Catholic aid agencies and even a top official from the Italian foreign ministry, the campaign against humanitarian agencies is a bizarre twist in the debate over the best way to handle the migration crisis.

Mario Giro, vice-minister for foreign affairs and the former Africa expert for the Catholic Sant’Egidio Community, said Jugend Rettet and others may be examples of “humanitarian extremism”, but that is more humane and more Christian than any of the other extreme positions being voiced.—CNS

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T a time in which natural disasters, war and racial conflicts dominated the headlines, Pope Francis prayed that Mary would bring peace to a divided world.

After reciting the Angelus prayer, the pope asked Mary to obtain “for everyone consolation and a future of serenity and harmony”.

“To Mary, Queen of Peace—who we contemplate today in the glory of paradise—I entrust once again the anxieties and sorrows of the people who suffer in many parts of the world due to natural disasters, social tensions or conflicts,” the pope told thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square.

Recalling Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, the pope said that the joy felt by Elizabeth reflects the

Bereaved father forgives terrorist for killing daughter

T

HE father of a woman killed in a act of terrorism by a Nazi sympathiser in Charlottesville, Virginia, has a message opposite to that of the right-wing rally’s hatred: forgiveness and love.

Heather Heyer, 32, was fatally hit after right-wing activist James Alex Fields, 20, drove his SUV into a group of protesters, killing Ms Heyer and injuring 19. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

“I just think about what the Lord said on the cross, ‘Forgive them. They don't know what they’re doing’,” said Mark Heyer, father of the victim, according to USA Today.

“I include myself in that in forgiving the guy who did this,”

he said.

Ms Heyer was among the group of counter-protesters who were standing against a Unite the Right rally which drew white supremacists including neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members.

A paralegal known in her community for standing up for the marginalised in society, “Heather was a strong woman who had passionate opinions about the equality of everyone, and she tried to stand up for that,” Mr Heyer said.

He added: “She had more courage than I did.”

While devastated by the loss of his daughter, Mr Heyer hopes that her death will cause bigger waves of change. “I hope that her life and what has transpired

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interior joy Christians feel in Christ’s presence, the pope said.

“When Mary arrives, joy overflows and bursts from their hearts because the invisible yet real presence of Jesus fills everything with meaning: life, family, the salvation of the people. Everything!”

In response, Mary proclaims the Magnificat, her hymn of praise to God for his great works. Pope Francis said it is the hymn of “humble people, unknown to the world, like Mary, like her husband Joseph as well as the town where they live, Nazareth”.

God accomplishes “great things with humble people”, the pope said, inviting people in St Peter’s Square to reflect on the state of their own humility.

“Humility is like an empty space that leaves room for God,” he said.— CNS

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People sit by a memorial of flowers in charlottesville, where a right-wing terrorist drove a car into a group of anti-racism protesters, killing a 32-year-old woman. (Photo: Justin Ide, reuters/cns) changes people’s hearts.”

Several US bishops, including Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, condemned the “evil of racism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism”.

They prayed for Heather saying: “Let us especially remember those who lost their lives. Let us join their witness and stand against every form of oppression.”

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia said that “racism is a poison of the soul. It’s the ugly, original sin of [the USA], an illness that has never fully healed.

Blending it with the Nazi salute, the relic of a regime that murdered millions, compounds the obscenity”.—CNA

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

INTERNATIONAL

Bishops oppose law to break confession seal

By ELIsE hArrIs

T

HE bishops of Australia have indicated that they will resist the Royal Commission’s proposal that priests be legally obligated to disclose details of sexual abuse revealed in the confessional, facing criminal charges if they don’t.

“Confession in the Catholic Church is a spiritual encounter with God through the priest,” Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne said in a statement.

Archbishop Hart, who is also the president of the Australian bishops’ conference, said confession “is a fundamental part of the freedom of religion, and it is recognised in the law of Australia and many other countries. It must remain so here in Australia”.

He stressed that “outside of this, all offences against children must be reported to the authorities, and we are absolutely committed to doing so”.

The statement came the same day Australia’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, established in 2013, released a sweeping 85 proposed changes to the country’s criminal justice system.

In addition to suggestions tightening the law on sentencing standards in cases of historical sexual abuse, the use of evidence and grooming, the commission recom-

mended that the failure to report sexual abuse, even in religious confessions, be made “a criminal offence”.

“Clergy should not be able to refuse to report because the information was received during confession,” the report said, adding that if persons in institutions are aware of possible child abuse or suspect it, they ought to report it right away.

The commission cited cases brought before them in which perpetrators who had confessed the sexual abuse of children to a priest then “went on to re-offend and seek forgiveness”.

Therefore, while it recognised the importance of confession to the Catholic Church, “the report recommends there be no exemption, excuse, protection or privilege from the offence granted to clergy for failing to report information disclosed in connection with a religious confession”.

A

ccording to Catholic canon law, “the sacramental seal is inviolable. Therefore, it is absolutely wrong for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent, for any reason whatsoever, whether by word or in any other manner”.

A priest who directly violates the seal of confession incurs a latae senentiae excommunication which can only be lifted by the Pope himself.

The Australian Church’s Truth,

Justice and Healing Council, established in 2013 as a platform for the Church “to speak as one” on matters involving the Royal Commission, voiced opposition to the proposal involving confession, but suggested that if implemented, the final decision on whether to comply would come down to each priest and his conscience.

“The whole concept of confession in the Catholic Church is built on repentance, forgiveness and penance,” said Francis Sullivan, CEO of the council, adding that “if a child sexabuser is genuinely seeking forgiveness through the sacrament of confession they will need to be prepared to do what it takes to demonstrate their repentance”.

Part of this, he said, especially in cases of sexual abuse, “would normally require they turn themselves in to the police. In fact, the [confessor] priest can insist that this is done before dispensing absolution”.

“If ultimately there are new laws that oblige the disclosure of information heard in the confessional, priests, like everybody else, will be expected to obey the law or suffer the consequences,” Mr Sullivan said.

“If they do not, this will be a personal, conscience decision, on the part of the priest that will have to be dealt with by the authorities in accordance with the new law as best they can.”—CNA

5

A statue of st Barbara at the entrance to a construction tunnel for scottish Water on Glasgow’s south side. (Photo: scotish catholic observer)

Tunnellers have a patron saint

W

ORKERS building a 5kmlong tunnel under the streets of Glasgow, Scotland, have a special patron—and a statue of her sits just outside the train that carries them underground each day.

St Barbara is the patron saint of tunnellers. “Every tunneller invokes the protection of St Barbara at the start of a shift and thanks her at the end. That’s why there’s a statue of St Barbara placed at the start of the workings,” a Scottish Water spokesman told the Scottish Catholic Observer.

“No tunnelling project of this scale would be complete without its statue of the patron, and tunnellers demand that St Barbara is present with them underground,” he said.

The tunnel, which is scheduled to be completed next year, will re-

move waste water from the city.

The statue of St Barbara will be moved to a new tunnel project when the current one is finished.

St Barbara was a 3rd-century martyr from Phoenicia, in today’s Middle East. When her father discovered that she had converted to Christianity, he tried to kill her.

However, according to tradition, a series of miracles allowed her to escape.

She was caught and tortured but the saint remained true to the faith.

According to tradition, Christ himself appeared to her and healed her wounds.

After repeatedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith, St Barbara was sentenced to death by beheading. Numerous miracles were reported to have taken place at her tomb.—CNA

Tree kills 12 before ‘Mother Teresa of Pakistan’ Marian procession

accorded state funeral

By Anto AkkArA

T

HE government of Pakistan accorded a state funeral to Sr Ruth Pfau, a German-born member of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary who devoted her life to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan.

Sr Ruth, dubbed the Mother Teresa of Pakistan, died on August 10 in Karachi. She was 87.

“Sr Ruth was a model of total dedication. She inspired and mobilised all sections of society to join the fight against leprosy, irrespective of creed or ethnic identity,” said Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi, president of Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

The funeral for Sr Ruth was held at St Patrick’s cathedral in Karachi.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Sr Ruth would be remembered “for her courage, her loyalty, her service to the eradication of leprosy, and most of all, her patriotism”.

“Sr Pfau might have been born in Germany, her heart was always in Pakistan,” he said.

German-born sister ruth Pfau, who has died at age 87, was given a state funeral in Pakistan.

(Photo: Marie Adelaide Leprosy centre/cns) Born in Leipzig in 1929, she went to France to study medicine and later joined the Daughters of the Heart of Mary.

Archbishop Coutts said she arrived in Karachi in 1960 due to some visa problems en route to India and was touched by what she saw at the leprosy colony in Karachi. She decided to join the work Mexican Sr Bernice Vargasi had begun three year earlier.

In 1962 Sr Ruth founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi, Pakistan’s first hospital dedicated to treating Hansen’s disease, and later set up its branches in all provinces of Pakistan. She spent the rest of her life in the country and was granted Pakistani citizenship.

In 1996, the World Health Organisation declared Pakistan one of the first countries in Asia to be free of Hansen’s disease.

The Dawn daily reported in 2016 that the number of those under treatment for leprosy fell to 531 from more than 19 000 in the 1980s.

The Pakistani bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace called Sr Ruth a “national hero of Pakistan”. It said her services for humanity “were nothing less than a pure manifestation of God’s divine love”.—CNS

Scotland’s rise in anti-Catholic crimes

C

RIMES motivated by antiCatholicism are on the rise in Scotland, and a leading Catholic spokesman has said the government must take more specific action to combat the trend.

“Were any other type of crime to be dominated so completely by a single type of behaviour, we might expect a targeted strategy to emerge, promoted by the authorities as a response to a particular problem,” said Peter Kearney, director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office, writing in The Scotsman.

Mr Kearney compared the need for a targeted strategy to campaigns against cellphone use while driving or drunk driving.

These specific actions are targeted, rather than a generic campaign for “safe driving”.

“The approach is sensible and logical: before a problem can be

tackled, it must first be identified and addressed,” he said. “Surprisingly, this doesn’t happen when it comes to religious intolerance and the criminal behaviour which goes with it.”

There were a total of 719 charges related to religious prejudice in Scotland in 2016-17.

Catholicism was the most frequent target of abuse, making up 57% of these charges, numbering 384, in the latest period—an increase from 299 in 2015-16.

Catholics make up about 17% of Scotland’s population.

Mr Kearney suggested the figures show that Scottish society “remains scarred by past hatreds and tumults”.

Church leaders are expected to meet with Annabelle Ewing, the community safety minister.

Mr Kearney said recent exchanges in parliament indicated

“the government’s unwillingness to adopt a name and shame approach to religious hate crime”.

The figures regarding the crimes come in the Scottish government’s latest report, “Religiously Aggravated Offending in Scotland 2016-2017”.

Charges of religious aggravation were concentrated in Glasgow.

Other religions were also targeted. There were 165 charges motivated by prejudice against Protestantism in 2016-17, a slight increase from the previous period, and 113 charges involving anti-Islam prejudice, a slight decrease from the previous period. Anti-Jewish charges numbered 23.

About half of the charges came under laws targeting sectarianism in football.—CNA

T

WELVE people were killed in Madeira, Portugal, when a tree fell on a group preparing for a Marian procession.

The 200 year-old tree fell on the crowd at Nossa Senhora do Monte parish in Funchal as the people were waiting to take part in Madeira’s largest religious festival, killing 12 and injuring 52, accord

ing to local press reports.

The faithful were preparing to celebrate a procession in honour of Madeira's patronness, Our Lady of Monte. Bishop Antonio José Cavaco Carrilho of Funchal said Mass before the procession, which was cancelled.

Madeira declared three days of mourning after the tragedy.—CNA

6

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor: Günther Simmermacher Guest editorial: Michael Shackleton

Catholics and our knowledge of the Bible

C

ONTRARY to some Protestants’ objections, the Bible has never been neglected by the Catholic Church.

This is because both the Old Testament and the New have only one core, one point of reference, and that is Jesus Christ.

The Catholic Church itself has been blamed for this misrepresentation, especially by antagonistic or ignorant Christians who were taught that Catholics disdained or belittled the Bible, the sacred book venerated by millions as the holy Word of God. It has been said that the Church prefers to find Christ in its sacraments and liturgical ceremonies and not in the pages of Scripture, where he is to be truly found and experienced under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

This is not an accurate reflection of history, but it must be admitted that at a time when the Renaissance and the Reformers were emancipating the people from stiff conformity as well as some abuses in the Catholic Church, the new vernacular biblical translations and the invention of printing affected the Church of Rome adversely.

Thousands of copies of new versions of the Bible in the language of the people, with footnotes that interpreted texts contrary to Catholic teaching, circulated rapidly.

Simultaneously, the Church stuck to its Latin liturgy and the Latin Bible, the Vulgate, which was held to be sacrosanct as the normative book of God’s Word.

It would be a mistake, however, to draw from this that the Reformation—which began 500 years ago this year with the protests of Martin Luther, who translated the Bible into the German vernacular—and the spread of literacy wrested the Scriptures from Catholicism.

The Church has always held that its magisterium provides the authoritative interpretation of the Bible.

It must not be forgotten that the early Fathers of the Church and innumerable writers of the early Church—the people who

developed what we call the tradition of the Church—had an impressive knowledge of the Scriptures, some even before the canonical texts had been universally accepted.

Christian authors, poets, artists and sculptors have given expression to sublime works having biblical themes and overtones.

Many ancient churches and buildings in Europe contain equally evocative frescoes, mosaics and paintings that indicate that neither their creators nor the Christians of the time were ignorant of the contents of the sacred books.

Preaching and the liturgy have never been celebrated without scriptural readings and references to our Christian heritage deriving from Judaism and the man Jesus, who of course was himself a Jew. That said, we have to face it: Catholics know the important events of the Bible but probably few really know their way around the books of the Old and New Testaments.

And this is what the annual celebration of Bible Sunday—always on the last weekend of August—desires to address: to urge and encourage Catholics to read, discuss and pray the Bible freely.

Already, those who are taking this to heart, either in Catholic or ecumenical circles, are finding the spiritual satisfaction of knowing Jesus Christ in a more intimate manner.

The impetus given to the Church in this regard by Vatican II must be further developed.

In its Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, or Dei Verbum, the council reminded us that the Scriptures, together with sacred tradition, impart the Word of God himself and make us hear the voice of the Holy Spirit through the words of the prophets and apostles (21).

Vatican II urged that easy access to the Scriptures must be given to the People of God. May this be brought about as quickly and as practically as possible, for the good of the Church and its relations with other Christians.

Catholic grads need to organise A S part of your admirable attempt through editorials to revitalise and professionalise South African Catholic involvement in the wider society (YCW in the working world, a media strategy, and so on), I offer my proposal for a Catholic graduate body.

I have mentioned this idea to a few people who have welcomed it.

I propose that such a Catholic graduate society would be guided by certain principles.

First, there should be fundamental elements: • Role of Catholic professionals in SA and other African societies • Role of Catholics in their particular professional bodies • Role of laypeople in the Church organisationally and theologically

Madam Minister: no one is a ‘thing’

S

PEAKING in parliament, Lindiwe Zulu, minister of Small Business Development, stood hand on heart to reveal not the sunshine of her mind but the shallowest of thoughts by referring to Economic Freedom Front members as “things”.

If her language is not seen as discrimination and hate, then we have a long way to go in combating the manifestations of discrimination in our society. When other people are vilified as objects, we foster an “acceptance” of the same attitude and bigotry that underlies racial discrimination.

As a nation of rich diversity, it is important for us to understand that there is no hierarchy in our human reality. We surely do not want to pass down attitudes of hate over dissimilarity, nor should we remain silent when derogatory speech damages human dignity.

To reduce other people to the status of objects, as done by the minister, is as reprehensible as a racist remark. Not only is it rude, it is also without regard to a person’s dignity.

Then we wonder why we have too many people acting differently towards women (women abuse and trafficking), homosexual people (corrective rape) and foreigners (xenophobia). Once we allow ourselves to see others as objects, we begin to treat them as such.

Gift Tawanda, Durban

Is religious debate really nasty?

PRICE CHECK

R

EFERRING to Sarah-Leah Pimentel’s column “Why does Church debate get nasty?” (August 2), religion and politics will always result in vigorous, indeed vehe-

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Bishops hear about media

A

T their mid-year plenary in Mariannhill, KwaZulu-Natal, the Catholic bishops of Southern Africa set aside a session to discuss their relationship with the media.

Journalist Ranjeni Munusamy, associate editor at Tiso Blackstar (formerly Times Media) and a Catholic, and Jesuit Father Russell Pollitt addressed the bishops on the need to get the Church’s message into the secular media.

They advised the bishops on the benefits of doing so, but also pointed out pitfalls and how to avoid them.

The Catholic media was represented by Southern Cross editor Günther Simmermacher and Radio Veritas’ associate director, Fr Brian Mhlanga OP. Mr Simmermacher told the bishops that the local Catholic media, especially The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas, must be strongly promoted because they are among the very few “meeting places” for all Catholics in a Church that is still racially divided.

Noting the reality that often white Catholics do not attend Church events which they perceive as “black, and vice versa, he

I

said that the Catholic media is “one of the few places we have where South Africa’s Catholics can see one another”.

“We can see how we bridge the racial divide in The Southern Cross in things like the “Community Pics” page, to which Catholics send in their photos, and in the news pages, as well as in the diversity of the bookings that are received for our pilgrimages and in our followers on Facebook,” Mr Simmermacher said.

“It is not true any longer, and hasn’t been for some time, that The Southern Cross is a predominantly ‘white newspaper’. Some of the greatest enthusiasm for our Catholic newspaper is in township parishes.”

On Radio Veritas this inclusive spirit is evident in the call-ins, he said.

“So it should be the mission of every diocese to strongly encourage parishes to promote The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas, as a resource for an inclusive Catholic Church and as part of the bishops’ media strategy,” Mr Simmermacher said.

The session was arranged by Fr Paul Tatu, communications officer of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

HE Catholic bishops of Southern Africa spent two days in their mid-year plenary meeting in Mariannhill to discuss racism.

“Now is the kairos moment for genuine healing in the area of our national racism,” Archbishop William Slattery, spokesman of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), told The Southern Cross.

The bishops discussed the incidence and continual presence of racism in our society.

This included a session in which they spoke openly about their personal experience of racism in society and the Church.

The bishops noted that a response to racism in South Africa, which is still evident more than 25 years since the fall of apartheid, must have three dimensions: acknowledgment, apology, and atonement.

Acknowledgment involves listening to the victims of racism and seriously hearing their pain. This cannot be brushed under the carpet; it is present and must be acknowledged.

Apologising means acknowledging the victim as a “real person”. Under apartheid, people had their dignity constantly eroded.

One manner of apology is to give them attention by listening to their experiences.

Atonement raises the question about compensation and land restitution—and, the bishops found, this problem must be resolved to the satisfaction of the victim and not the beneficiaries of apartheid and the colonialism that preceded it.

If the economy is not fixed, then the resulting problems will destroy all, the bishops warned.

Bishop João Rodrigues of Tzaneen set the scene for the discussions in a homily during the second day of the plenary. In it he emphasised that “racism is not only a problem but a sin”.

But, he counselled, it is also the aggressor who needs healing.

reading the Catholic newspaper has changed their lives.

One even reported back to us that he had decided to convert to Catholi‐ cism after being inspired to change his life by reading The Southern Cross.

This outreach programme, one of several conducted by The Southern Cross, is made possible by our Associ‐ ates Campaign.

Other programmes include the free distribution of the newspaper to sem‐ inaries, hospitals and army bases.

The Associates Campaign is also a

way by which readers can help safe‐ guard the future of The Southern Cross

ment, debate. This is only to be expected, as these are subjects about which people feel strongly.

As a relatively recent convert to Catholicism, I have listened with interest to debates on married priests, women priests, the Eucharist for divorced and remarried people, homosexuals, and those living together outside marriage.

We do indeed have liberal and conservative voices in the Church.

Both have the right to freedom of speech. Sure, the debate will be heated because the Church is not stagnant and people feel strongly.

Just as Ms Pimentel feels the right to chat, post on Facebook or tweet, so do others feel the right to respond.

Perhaps, just as she feels hurt, maybe her statements are hurtful to others.

Certainly I found her remarks on Islam—that we can learn from its visible show of faith and taking time out from working life to pray—hurtful and without substance, since minority religions in Islamic countries are treated with contempt.

We should try to extend to others the tolerance we demand for ourselves.

Margaret von Solms, Sedgefield

Getting parishes back in the black

T

HE discussions in The Southern Cross on parish finances have been timely and appropriate, especially since the economic situation in our country is bleak.

It is true that many parishes struggle to meet the rising costs of utilities, levies, salaries and so on.

Parishes are also at times asked to raise additional funding for archdiocesan priorities, so “second” collections are taken up.

While there are some parishioners who have big hearts and give generously, many people, and the

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“Those who are racists are sick and are injured people who need healing, as much as those who were affected by racism. South Africa should be healed from the memories of the past, and this does not mean forgetting the past events—instead they should approach the events of the past experience with a new spirit,” Bishop Rodriguez said.

“Life should not be seen in terms of race distinction. We are all equal in dignity before God. There is no distinction of race,” he said.

Bishop Rodrigues said that in order to tackle the problem of racism there needs to be fraternal sharing and confrontation about the past experience.

The Church, he said, is the first agent to address the problem because it understands better the dignity of a human being, who is made in the image of God, and the meaning of the Kingdom of God. He took the example of the 1993 ethnic genocide in Rwanda. It began with one group undermining the dignity of another group. At root was the sickness of perceiving another person as not equal in dignity to the other.

Bishop Rodriguez said that South Africans should treasure the idea of the “Rainbow Nation”, which was proposed by Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Archbishop Slattery also took an optimistic view. “We’re now at a wonderful and hopeful time in society to face and acknowledge the reality of racism.”

He reiterated the view that churches are the ideal places for healing to take place.

“The churches are in every corner of our country; they offer a platform for people to share their stories, and they place us before a God who is forgiveness, mercy and love,” the archbishop of Pretoria said.

“In the gospel of Luke, the leper says to Jesus, ‘You can cure me if you want to’ (5:1216). That challenge of the leper is addressed to the churches today; we can cure South Africa if we want to, by the Power of God,” he said.

How we offer a key towards a better life

N the gospel of St Matthew, Jesus says: “I was in prison and you came to see me” (25:36) At The Southern Cross we have taken to heart the Lord’s message and deliver the nation’s Catholic newspa‐ per weekly to all prison chaplains who request it for distribution among in‐ mates.

That way we not only visit those in jail, but also help inspire them towards living a better life.

Many former prisoners can testify to how being visited by Catholics and

• Participation in training and formation in SA seminaries • Critique of poverty, inequality and unemployment •Combating racism and other prejudices Next, we’d engage in activities: • Promotion of discussion and dialogue within the Church and, later, ecumenically • Support for St Augustine College and Catholic student bodies • Scholarships for Catholic students at secular universities • Promotion of research in relevant spheres and, later perhaps, a loose association of Catholic academics • Participation in national highereducation structure debates and discussions • Development of policy on engage-

The power of praying the Rosary

Bishops: Church can help in SA’s racism debate Journalist Ranjeni Munusamy, a Catholic, addresses the bishops of Southern Africa on how to improve their media during their plenary session in Mariannhill. Seen with her are (far left) Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria, who serves as the SACBC liaison bishop for social communications, and next to him Jesuit Father Russell Pollitt, director of the Jesuit Institute.

Also part of the media panel were Southern Cross editor Günther Simmermacher and Radio Veritas associate director Fr Brian Mhlanga.

The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive preference. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special circumstances and at the Editor’s discretion.

Name and address of the writer must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered.

by building up reserve and cover the newspaper in times of crisis.

And it is a way for Catholics to be part of the Church’s response to visit, as commanded by Christ, those who are locked up, and thereby offering them a key to turning their lives around.

To do so is easy: choose one of the categories of Associates you would like to join—Cardinal McCann Associate (R1 500 and above), St Maximilian Kolbe Associate (R500‐1 499), St Francis de Sales Associate (R100‐499), or Dorothy Day (any amount by debit order or once‐

off payment).

Make your contribution into the ac‐ count: The Southern Cross, Standard Bank, Thibault Square Branch (Code 020909), Acc No: 276876016.

Please e‐mail or fax payment de‐ tails and your name and contact de‐ tails to admin@scross.co.za or 021 465‐3850.

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ment as a body in SA society and its issues Then, there’s the question of membership: • Catholic university graduates: full membership • Retired Catholic graduates: nonvoting membership • Other tertiary institutions?

• Priests? Deacons? Religious?

• Individual honorary membership Possible models could be the Newman Association (UK) and bodies affiliated with Pax Romana, the international federation of Catholic intellectuals (university students and graduates), one of the oldest international lay Catholic movements with membership from other African countries.

Is there a group of younger graduates who would like to run with the idea?

Paul Goller, Johannesburg opinions expressed in The Southern Cross, especially in Letters to the Editor, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or staff of the newspaper, or of the catholic hierarchy. the letters page in particular is a forum in which readers may exchange opinions on matters of debate.

Letters must not be understood to necessarily reflect the teachings, disciplines or policies of the church accurately.

Letters can be sent to PO Box 2372, Cape Town 8000 or editor@scross.co.za or faxed to 021 465-3850

percentage can be quite high, do not give a cent towards the upkeep of their parishes. They are the ones with short arms and deep pockets.

Parishes need to become more innovative and creative in becoming self-sufficient and sustainable.

We could start with giving R50 a month as a general minimum, and for people who struggle financially, R25. There will be others, I am sure, who can give much more than R50 a month.

I would like to suggest that parish priests not shy away from making a pitch every Sunday, maybe before their homilies or after the Mass, for all parishioner earning an income to get the parish’s bank details and start making payments by debit order.

Fundraising events could also be organised as they are an opportunity to get the community together in fellowship, but as long as donations/contributions for the events are voluntary.

Walter Middleton, Johannesburg

Borgias and Zuma

W

ELL, regarding state capture: we have seen it all before.

In the 15th century the Spanish Borgia family—our Zumas today— set their sights on gaining the papacy. They gained it under Pope Alexander VI, aided and abetted by the Medici family—the Guptas.

Fr Stephen Giles MHM, Kroonstad

PERSPECTIVES

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

7

How some priests mistreat women Sue Rakoczy IHM A S I am writing this, it’s National Women’s Day, a time when we turn a special attention to the many kinds of gender-based violence against women which must be forthrightly condemned.

The spiritual and psychological abuse that women experience in the Church is often hidden and the woman suffers alone.

This is a very sad and scandalous story of clerical abuse against a vulnerable woman.

Picture this true scenario: A young unmarried Catholic woman realises that she is pregnant. She is shocked, fearful and confused. Being a single mother is not how she planned her future.

She carries the baby to term and her child is born. She is a devoted lifelong Catholic and active in her parish.

Enter the parish priest who learns she is pregnant. He excommunicates her—forbids her to receive the Eucharist—and bars her from all parish groups, sodalities and liturgical ministries.

Excommunication is a severe penalty which in canon law is imposed for actions such as a priest who breaks the seal of the sacrament of reconciliation or for active participation in an abortion.

I consulted the text of canon law and there is no link between pregnancy and excommunication. The priest in this case acted out of clericalism which allows priests to do as they wish, imposing severe psychological and spiritual abuse.

The woman is devastated and since the Church—in the person of this priest—has left her, she leaves the Catholic Church and is welcomed into another Christian church.

All this happened during the Year of Mercy. No mercy, no compassion from this priest!

M

y colleagues at St Joseph’s Theological Institute in Cedara, KwaZulu-Natal, told me that this priest’s action of excommunication is not unusual. This is not what young men are taught during their theological studies but once ordained, some do as they please.

And it goes without saying that the fathers of these children are never excommunicated.

This example of clerical abuse is one of

What is being done to stop incidents of clerical abuse in the treatment of women in the church? asks sr sue rackozcy IhM.

Point of church

many types. My students at St Joseph’s have told me of others: • The priest who demands that at the end of the Sunday liturgy the people must come and kiss his feet!

• The priests in some parishes who make the unmarried pregnant daughter and her er mother stand outside the church asking for prayers and are barred from receiving the Eucharist.

• Widows who cannot receive the Eucharist for one year after their husbands die in penance for causing their husbands’ deaths—no matter how he died.

Do the bishops know what their priests are doing? If so, what do they do? Has the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference discussed this?

These actions are scandalous and totally against the Gospel. Pope Francis has said that the Eucharist “is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak”.

Exactly when this woman needed the Eucharist and the support of the Christian community, she was cast out.

Cry, the beloved Church!

Let our churches be works of art O UR parish church has reached the age of 50. It’s the point some women—and some men—consider a little botox and filler to recapture a youth that isn’t so visible anymore.

In the same way, our church is having a bit of a botox treat—a lift and filler.

She’s also having a bit of bypass surgery to the sewerage, but that’s not the focus…

At any rate, renovations are underway.

I’ve been thinking about how we in South Africa—like many other places—are struggling with what our churches mean and should look like. I’ve been thrown into this struggle in the last few years when I’ve become responsible for renovation and restoration projects that preserve and enhance our Catholic legacy.

As our hospitals are all gone and our schools are very seldom parochial anymore, we are left with a built legacy of churches.

One of the ideas that prompted me to think about this was art. I grew up in a parish church that had magnificent woodwork by the South African artist Cecil Skotnes. His woodcut Stations of the Cross in Our Lady of Lourdes church in Rivonia, Johannesburg, are sublime.

The church of St Theresa in Rosebank and the other churches designed by the architect A J C Voorvelt throughout South Africa are incredibly beautiful.

The seminary chapel of the Old St Peter’s in Hammanskraal was a master stroke of design, and there are hidden gems of architectural beauty all over South Africa, such as the amazing Christ the King cathedral in Queenstown or St Saviour’s in Oudtshoorn.

Even some modern churches, such as that of our parish of Christ the King in Queenswood, Pretoria, show a great concern for how aesthetics raises our hearts to harmony and beauty—and the Ultimate.

S

adly, too, there are many churches in South Africa where no such care was taken, no thought given to the language of buildings and how these can change our minds and open our hearts.

St Anthony’s in Coronationville and other churches by the same group of architects in Johannesburg are a case in point— changed for utility that lost their language.

Sometimes, the triumph of utility kills the residue of beauty and thought.

Fr Chris Townsend

Pastor’s notebook

sion becomes less about the ultimate ideal and the beauty we leave as legacy of pure utility—meeting halls that house the church but don’t really inspire the community or represent it.

M

Fr townsend outside the church of christ the king in Queenswood, Pretoria.

Yes, sometimes architects are too clever, but we need to be in dialogue with their thought embodied in a design.

In travelling around South Africa and recognising that we are still very much mission territory, I do wish we would take more concern for the art that so many of our parishes both have and need. We are too quick to settle for the mass-produced and, in a sense, the cheap and kitsch. I do understand, though, the financial constraints that dictate this.

Recently, I was in one of our newer churches and it’s a huge testament to the efforts of a small community for their Domus Ecclesiae—their home of the Church. Their sanctuary was made up of salvaged tiles and leftovers. It’s more beautiful than marble.

I wonder how we engage South African artists—the many who would love to work for the Church and whose work would happily represent the spiritual traditions and ideals we wish to represent. Yet, I don’t see much of this being done. No challenge and commissions for the betterment of Catholic art in Southern Africa.

There are so many incredible artists and artisans who could be called upon to represent our ideals in beauty. The Church has always been a patron of the arts.

Maybe it’s the cost that scares us. But true art can’t be bought over a counter. It requires a community in dialogue with itself and the artist. It requires investment, time and a vision.

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uch of the great art was designed as memorial for the dead. I wonder if we couldn’t move some of the unbelievable, almost extortionist amounts of money being spent on tombstones for graves into lasting legacies for communities.

But that’s an argument that would need a few committed laypersons to leave behind clear instructions not to build a city of the dead but a city for the beauty of the living.

I have also heard the complaint that there are no longer artisans such as marble masons, sculptors, founders and carpenters who can create works that inspire. I beg to differ.

I have met them, so they do exist in South Africa. They are just not receiving the commissions from churches that make the work worthwhile both from a creative and economic standpoint.

I finish with a thought for those who use the Africanist argument: that we’re a poor church, we don’t need European art, we just need buildings. Do yourselves the favour of visiting the beautiful church of St Martin de Porres in Orlando West in the archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Incredibly designed and executed originally by African artists, it was stripped and gutted by a missionary who claimed that black people don’t appreciate art! The Stations and other parts were sent off to the Old St Peter’s in Hammanskraal, whereby they were preserved, luckily.

By a long journey over many years, when the community of Orlando West rebuilt and expanded their church, the collection was returned home to its rightful and beautiful place.

Let’s not think small: our vision will guide our execution!

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Going to where the people are: Fr herman Giraldo, Durban port chaplain for the Apostleship of the sea, with some crew members from the container ship seroja Lima.

Chris Chatteris SJ

Pray with the Pope

Faith and the parish General Intention: That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be places where faith is communicated and charity is seen.

OST Catholics don’t preach the Gospel on commuter trains or on street corners.

Maybe we should, but the fact is that historically the great engines of evangelisation have been our institutions: our hospitals and clinics, our schools and universities, and our parishes.

In our mission territories, institutions promoting health and education have been part and parcel of our missionary strategy. These were run by religious and were dependent on a generous supply of religious vocations—though today we are slowly learning how to keep them functioning under lay leadership.

Where religious vocations are in decline, the most obvious Catholic institution still standing is the parish. This makes this month’s papal intention doubly important: that parishes be animated by a missionary spirit, not just a spirit of maintenance.

They must be places where insiders and outsiders experience faith in action. They must witness in concrete ways to the love of God—caritas.

This places a heavy responsibility on the parish priest—to give the kind of leadership which empowers people to play their full part in communicating the faith and showing forth the love of God. The catechetical team who are at the forefront of the evangelisation effort has a particular need for the parish priest’s encouragement. A question that priests might ask themselves is how often they turn up to support their catechists or their RCIA animators, their evangelical frontline.

A more fundamental question here is: Does the parish priest in fact see himself as a missionary, regardless of whether he is a diocesan priest or a religious? Moreover, is he willing to go out and preach the Gospel where it is needed?

M

L

ocation is clearly a vital consideration and it requires creative planning at the parish and diocesan level. You cannot preach the Gospel where the population has disappeared. Decisive leadership is needed to position the Church in new neighbourhoods.

Or perhaps the traditional population has been replaced by immigrants. Outreach then obviously means welcoming the newcomers and finding out about them and their culture.

In parts of the US, the clergy need to be fluent in both Spanish and English. If we do not reach out like this, Catholic immigrants will drift to those churches with such wonderfully charismatic names as Rivers of Fire Ministries. Our parishes may not have very incandescent-sounding names but that won’t matter if they do have the fire of Gospel zeal.

But do they? Do we?

Some have suggested that some of our churches should be in or near shopping malls, visible and close to where people are to be found in their daily, working lives.

Similar initiatives have been taken in busy airports, with chaplains being at the service of travellers and workers.

I knew a chaplain at London’s Heathrow who used to meet his “parishioners” at lunchtime in the terminal cafeteria. Such a ministry of weekday availability can also require teamwork, as is the case in some city centre parishes in which a priest or other pastoral worker is always available, or “on the bell”.

This approach to ministry presupposes apostles who are energetic, imaginative and flexible. Food for thought for seminary formators!

To accompany people and proclaim the Gospel to them where they are—not where they are not— is hard work and can drag us kicking and screaming out of our comfort zones. But then, the Master himself was not one to get stuck in one place. “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns so I can preach there as well, for that is why I have come,” he says to his disciples (Mk 1:38).

What was good enough for him is probably good enough for us. We pray for our parishes and those who work in them and out of them.

8

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

COMMUNITY

scalabrini priest Fr sergio Durigon, who is moving to Italy, on his last rosary evening with the knights of Da Gama at La rochelle parish in Johannesburg. seated (from left) are past Grand knight Jorge Ferreira, Fr Durigon, and present Grand knight Garry Williams.

the catholic Women’s League’s 28th national conference was held in Pretoria. (From left) past national presidents Andy Piper (1992-95), Pat McEwan (2005-08) and Gabi van der Merwe (2008-11). the newly elected national president is Berenice cocci. (submitted by Anna Accolla)

holy rosary school in Edenvale, Johannesburg, held a Blood Drive, and collected 29 pints. seen (from left) are yarissa thambiran, Brittney Moore and holy rosary blood donor representative natasha dos santos.

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A group of pilgrims from Good shepherd parish in Walvis Bay, namibia, are seen on a boat on the sea of Galilee during their pilgrimage to the holy Land and cairo. they were led by Fr Erastus kapena shimbome oMI, assisted by Frs rufus nekondo and Benyamin sheelongo. their guide in the holy Land was rimon Makhlouf, a roman catholic.

st James’ parish in schauderville, Port Elizabeth, held a Praise and Worship Marathon Week to raise funds for a cancer charity, the Igazi Foundation. the week began with a walk for support of those with cancer, with participants pictured above, and continued with treats for children and elders. A Mass in memory of all cancer patients who have survived or passed on concluded the week.

Send your photos to

pics@scross.co.za

the catholic Women’s League of st therese’s parish in Edenvale, Johannesburg, hosted a christmas In July tea.

At his welcome Mass to the parish of st Peter claver-st Albert in Maokeng, kroonstad diocese, new parish priest Fr Michael rasello (centre) was aided by Deacon simon Lesenyeho (left) and Br Lucky Mvula. Fr rasello previously worked at our Lady of holy rosary parish in thabong. (Photo: Br thabo karedi)

STAMPS/COINS FOR SALE

A deceased priest left a large collection of foreign stamps and coins to be sold to help the poor.

Any offers?

Phone Fr Ralph in Cape Town on 021 461 9009.

the u14 girls’ soccer team at De La salle holy cross college in victory Park, Johannesburg, won their division in the Discovery Primary schools knock-out cup. they played saxonwold Primary school in the final and beat them 8-0.

LIFE

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

9

Homes fight abortion by helping women Twenty years ago a Durban priest took the initiative to provide women in pregnancy crisis with an alternative to abortion. Since then, the Mater homes have become a safe haven for many pregnant women and victims of domestic abuse, as ILsE vAn BuErEn explains.

T

HIS year marks 20 years since The Right to Live Campaign started to fight abortion by actively helping women in pregnancy crisis.

Initially, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference created The Right to Live Campaign as a form of protest against the legalisation of abortion. Archbishop Wilfrid Napier (later, of course, Cardinal) appointed Fr Massimo Biancalani to coordinate the campaign in the archdiocese of Durban.

Catholics throughout South Africa participated in prayer meetings and active protests to stop the law.

All these protests failed: under the guardianship of then-health minister Dr Nkosazana DlaminiZuma the law was passed by parliament in November 1996 and took effect as of February 1, 1997.

When this failed and the Right to Live disbanded, Fr Biancalani approached Archbishop Napier to continue the campaign in the archdiocese of Durban. The future cardinal enthusiastically agreed.

The Catholic Church is fundamentally opposed to abortion, but Fr Biancalani emphasised: “Being against abortion is not enough; assistance must be offered to those who choose to have their babies and who are in need.”

To respond to this need, Fr Biancalani founded the Mater Homes, placing them and the women they serve under the patronage of Our Lady.

The campaign gives Catholics the opportunity to face the evils of abortion and abuse, and assist—as far as possible—those who are threatened by them.

In addition to abortion and domestic violence, the pandemic of Aids and the ongoing scourge of tuberculosis and other forms of disease caused by poverty

emerged, to ravage the people of our land, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.

The campaign has a threefold mission: education for everyone; protest against the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act; and shelter and care for those women in pregnancy crisis, and/or for those who are abused, and those infected with and affected by Aids.

A place of safety In the Mater Homes, those in pregnancy crisis—not only Catholics but anyone in need—are offered a place to have their babies in safety and with trained and dedicated caregivers in attendance. They are also counselled and helped to set themselves up with their babies.

Women who are the victims of domestic violence can also find a haven, with counselling and protection provided.

The Right to Live Campaign is also in the process of re-establishing the skills development centre at Inchanga, near Durban. This helps women to avoid having to go back into an abusive situation by empowering themselves to be able to support themselves and their children.

Three of the Mater homes are situated in the Inchanga area.

These Mater homes stand on the crest of a hill overlooking the beautiful Valley of a 1000 Hills.

This view must be one of great comfort to the residents, meditating on the beauty of creation made possible by a loving and generous Creator whose Son said: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10).

Here, in beautiful and quiet surroundings, terminally ill victims of Aids are nursed and live out their days in dignity and the love and care of qualified nursing staff. No one working there stands in judgment of the patients; all are deserving of the love of God made manifest by the carers.

Feedback from the women who have lived in the homes, and from their families and friends, shows that the welcoming care the women receive while at a Mater

home greatly influences them and changes their outlook on life, helping them to make the only real choice, which is “For Life”.

One of the many babies born in the Mater homes wrote: “Because others cared, I was born and raised fortunate. Thank you.” (See sidebar) A nursing matron of an innercity hospital recently visited the hospice and agreed that the patient care was very loving and of great medical value.

24-hour helpline A variety of needs are addressed by the campaign. Should there be a crisis which is beyond the capabilities of the organisation, individuals are channelled to other crisis organisations that can help.

The campaign has developed PowerPoint presentations on the “Gift of Life” for Grade 1-12 learners which are also appropriate for adults. They have been presented to schools and parishes.

The Right to Live Campaign, with its Mater Homes, is miraculous in a land so in need of miracles. It has grown from a small seed into an enormous organism, with its concept spreading all over South Africa, giving comfort and love to all those who seek its shade.

Times are becoming very difficult and our economy is in crisis.

Our earnest prayer for the Right to Live Campaign should be that the Holy Spirit—who put it into being—sustains it and allows it to

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bear fruit in great abundance, as the Spirit has done since its humble beginnings.

The main challenges of the campaign are finance, and the supply of committed volunteers and resources. A sense of “donor fatigue” has become apparent, with so many worthy causes crying out for support. The public, especially in these economically stressed times, is stretched thin trying to do its duty to all the needy.

The archdiocese of Durban is very supportive of the campaign and the annual collection is vital.

There is a need to improve the awareness of what The Right To Live Campaign stands for, and for parishes to become more involved. This could be done by having a local campaign group in each parish.

How can you help?

One can help by fundraising, collections for supplies needed by the homes, and supplementing funds. This would be of great benefit to the homes without it being a load on the individual parishes and their parishioners.

Homes have been situated where buildings have been donated. However, there is a need for homes throughout KwaZuluNatal—and, indeed, throughout South Africa—and the campaign is looking to expand to other areas.

The Right To Live Campaign works closely with the Social Welfare and Health departments—but their resources are very limited.

Social welfare actually refers its patients to the Mater homes.

Patients sometimes have to travel long distances to be able to get to the nearest home. This demonstrates the need for homes in more remote areas.

The homes are constantly at maximum capacity, with very short periods of time that they are not.

The Right To Live Campaign and Mater Homes express their sincere gratitude to all those who assist with donations, bequests and fundraising, and ask that those who have not yet become involved do so now as a concrete witness to our Catholic pro-life teachings.

ndamso ndlovu was born on september 11, 2000 in a Mater home—a fact that fills her with pride.

‘Thank you for my life’

A

TEENAGER has thanked the Right To Live Campaign for her life. In a message, Ndamso Ndlovu, 16, said she is proud of that fact.

“Never be ashamed of who you are or where you came from, because your roots are what define you and make you who you are,” Ndamso wrote.

Noting that she is now a proud matric pupil, she wrote: “I was born at Mater Vitae home in the year 2000 on the 11th of September, and I am proud to have been born into that family.

“It has shaped me into this beautiful woman I am today.

“Because others cared, I was born and raised fortunate. Thank you,” Ndamso said.

n For general enquires contact Fr Massimo Biancalani on 031 903 3328. For financial matters call Phil Donachie 031 2014728. For placements or assistance call Sibongile Shezi at 078 141-0528.

10

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

PRAYER

How to pray the Our Father well The prayer Jesus taught the disciples provides us with a blueprint for all our prayers, as cLAIrE ALLEn explains.

L

ET’S talk about prayer. For most us, being on fire for the Lord and “praying without ceasing” is not happening.

Sometimes even ordinary prayer feels futile and hard to do. Why is that? It’s part of our fallen nature— a nature we must confront every day.

Prayer is one of the pillars of the Christian life—we can’t do without it. But our prayer lives often stagnate and run dry, and this can have a knock-on effect on the rest of our Christian life.

Problems with an ebb in prayer are very often caused by unresolved anger, fear, doubt and ongoing sinful habits. Bitterness and disappointment are big ones too. If these things are standing in the way of communicating with God, you need to do everything in your power to get rid of them. The cost of keeping them around is just too high.

How Jesus prayed Jesus prayed many times, as we witness in the gospels. If it was necessary for him, it’s necessary for us.

He always prayed in the Father’s

will—something we might not do but should always strive to. We don’t pray for our will to be done but God’s—he always knows what’s best. If we look back at situations in our own lives, we may sometimes be glad that God didn’t give us what we were asking for. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.

ent on him and pressed into him, weeping in bleak times and singing his joy, happiness and utter gratitude to God in good times.

To my mind, this is what “praying without ceasing” really means; it’s not only casual chatting or haphazard Thank-you Lords, though these have their place, too.

Don’t pray on repeat

Jesus said: ‘Pray like this’

Do you find yourself praying about the same old things? That’s OK. In fact, it’s normal. Life doesn’t change dramatically all that often.

But don’t say the same old things about the same old things.

This is where the Bible comes to our rescue. The people in the Bible went through the same things we do.

You’ll find plenty to pray about and myriad ways to pray through Scripture.

David is a beautiful example. In his psalms he’s either yelling out in joyful thanksgiving or whispering out of the depths of despair—either way, he’s never wishy-washy.

He loudly proclaims God coming to his rescue—his rock and salvation—and he describes times of barren silence and depression when he asks where God is and begs him to return. He cries out in guilt when he has sinned, begging for forgiveness and reconciliation and in times of crisis asks for deliverance from his enemies.

For David, God was his moon and stars. Nothing happened without God; David was utterly depend-

The Lord’s Prayer can be prayed sentence by sentence, expanding each sentence into a prayer. It’s important to do this for two reasons: Firstly, we say this prayer every Sunday at Mass, and after a time it can become automatic, something that loses its meaning.

Secondly, Jesus gave us this prayer as a method of praying.

“Pray like this,” he said.

So the Our Father can be a “blueprint” of every other prayer we say.

Every part of the Lord’s Prayer can expand, reaching into every corner of your life and up, bridging the divide between you and God. The Lord’s Prayer is split into two sections: (1) All about God; (2) Our interaction with God and others.

And it’s deliberately in that order.

Let’s break it down.

Archbishop stephen Brislin of cape town takes a photo of the Lord’s Prayer in Zulu in Paternoster church on the Mount of olives in Jerusalem.

All about God Our Father: God. Our supreme creator. In him we live, move and have our being. He is Love. Without him, we wouldn’t know love or any good thing. He is our highest treasure and our greatest good and we long to be united with him.

Hallowed be thy name: Make your name sanctified, set apart your name in the minds and hearts of people as beautiful and sacred.

God is the reason for our lives— we were created to give him glory and to become conformed to the image of Jesus, the firstborn among many brothers. In other words, a new humanity. Let your people know and love you.

Thy kingdom come: Jesus spent a great deal of time teaching about the Kingdom of God—most of his parables are about it. So it’s pretty much an integral part of who we are and what we do.

And who are we? Children of God, adopted to sonship through the blood of Christ. What do we do? Kingdom-living—not the kingdom of this world, but the kingdom of heaven. It’s all about being conformed to this image of God’s son.

Thy will be done: This one is

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Pilgrim Martin seeta reads the Lord’s Prayer in sotho at Paternoster church on the Mount of olives, Jerusalem, at the site where Jesus is believed to have taught the prayer which is represented there in hundreds of languages and dialects, including isiZulu (left), sindebele, siswati, Afrikaans and English.

(All photos: Günther simmermacher)

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simple and we’ve heard it before— it’s thy will, not my will be done. I don’t always know what’s good for me; in fact, I may want the very things that could destroy me.

So we always want to pray that God’s will is done in all situations— above all trust that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

Don’t miss the “for those who love God” bit—a reflex of the newborn heart. Pray for knowledge of God’s will in our lives.

On earth as it is in heaven: Our eternal destination. Ask God to keep you on this path. We know Jesus reigns with all authority but there is still so much brokenness in the world. Ask that Jesus brings more of his kingdom to the world, starting with your own heart and family.

God and us Give us this day our daily bread: Here’s where your personal dimension comes in. Pray for the things you need, thank God for the things he has given, and pray for the needs of others.

Forgive us our trespasses: We are in need of forgiveness every single day. Don’t let lingering and unforgiven sin become a barrier between you and God. As we forgive those who trespass against us: This is equally critical. We dare not withhold forgiveness from others when we believe God has forgiven our sins.

We forgive others because God has forgiven us.

Also, bearing grudges and holding bitterness blocks our Christian walk in the Kingdom of God. Ask God to fill you with his strength so

that you are able to lay aside all past hurts.

Lead us not into temptation, Deliver us from all evil: Here’s where you ask for protection, where you ask God to keep you on the path of faith, where you ask that “your enemies be turned as to stone as you pass by”.

Here’s where you ask that you will not fall into sin or stop wanting the Lord or be distracted by useless worldly pursuits that entertain you for a short while but leave you wanting.

Extending the blueprint Pope Francis said about the Lord’s Prayer: “It’s important to start every prayer with addressing God as ‘father’.” That is because it reminds people they are children of God. “Without feeling that we are children, without feeling oneself a son or daughter, without saying ‘father’ our prayer is pagan,” he said— it is an empty prayer built only on words. The “cornerstone of prayer” is the father. All prayers must begin with God, the father, also because he knows his children and what they need even “before we ask him”.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer can be a ring-fence around your prayer life to stop you becoming distracted or repeating the same things. It also deepens your love for this “blueprint” which Jesus gave us. This “blueprint” can be extended to many other parts of the Bible, all the while deepening our knowledge of God’s word.

You just can’t lose.

n Claire Allen is the digital editor of The Southern Cross.

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the Lord’s Prayer is rendered in (left) Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, and in hebrew, the theological language of Judaism at the time, at Paternoster church in Jerusalem.

the southern cross, August 23 to August 29, 2017

CLASSIFIEDS

Why Elvis sang the Hail Mary

By GÜnthEr sIMMErMAchEr

A

MONG all those famous songs sung by Elvis Presley—who died at 42 on August 17, 1977—there was one about the Rosary.

Elvis was not a Catholic—he came from a Pentecostal background—but he was a devout Christian. Indeed, he was greatly influenced by gospel music, no less so than when he took inspiration from rhythm & blues and country music.

Throughout his career, Presley put on record many gospel songs, including the church hymn “How Great Thou Art”.

The most unusual of the lot must be “Miracle Of The Rosary”, recorded for his 1972 album Elvis Now!, which also featured covers of hits of The Beatles and Kris Kristofferson.

The lyrics couldn’t be any more devout: “Oh Blessed Mother we pray to Thee, thanks for the miracle of Your Rosary”, the song begins, and then includes the Hail Mary.

It’s a powerful Catholic statement by a man who knew little about Catholicism, growing up in a region where the Church of Rome is in a tiny minority.

And yet, here Elvis is, singing about the Rosary—and not on some obscure gospel LP but on a gold-selling pop album.

And it wasn’t the record company that suggested the song: it was Presley himself—possibly as a favour for an old friend who had written it many years earlier.

The writer was Lee Denson, one of Elvis’ first friends after the Presley family moved from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, when Elvis

CLASSIFIEDS

Births • First communion • confirmation • Engagement/Marriage • Wedding anniversary • ordination jubilee • congratulations • Deaths • In memoriam • thanks • Prayers • Accommodation • holiday Accommodation • Personal • services • Employment • Property • others Please include payment (R1,70 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

DEATHS

Elvis Presley (left) recorded a song written by his childhood friend Lee Denson (right) titled “Miracle of the rosary” on his gold-selling Elvis Now! 1972 album. was 13. It was Lee, two years older, who taught Elvis his first guitar chords. Denson went on to have a career as a rockabilly singer, with some success.

In 1961 Denson had a rare get-together with his old friend, during which he played Elvis his song “Miracle Of The Rosary”, which he had recorded the previous year. They never met again.

I

t took Presley ten years before he recorded the song.

Now, in 1971, Elvis associate Red West (who died in July this year) phoned Denson to announce that “Miracle Of The Rosary” would be on Presley’s LP. Denson received royalties from the song for the rest of his life.

Denson was the son of a minister at the Pentecostal church which the Presley family attended. In fact, while he was always a believer, he was not a particularly good Christian—until

Your prayer to cut out and collect, this week especially for Bible Sunday on August 27

Prayer before reading Scripture

L

ord, inspire me to read your Scriptures and to meditate upon them day and night. I beg you to give me real understanding of what I need, that I in turn may put its precepts into practice.

Yet, I know that understanding and good intentions are worthless, unless rooted in your graceful love.

So I ask that the words of Scripture may also be not just signs on a page, but channels of grace into my heart.

Amen.

Origen, (AD 184-253)

Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO 773. ACROSS: 5 Omri, 7 Persecuted, 8 Nebo, 10 Almoners, 11 Hiatus, 12 Speech, 14 Asides, 16 Strain, 17 Discover, 19 Pins, 21 Legislator, 22 Stem. DOWN: 1 Open, 2 Escorted, 3 Scraps, 4 Stamps, 5 Odin, 6 Retraction, 9 Evil spirit, 13 European, 15 Savage, 16 Stress, 18 Calm, 20 Sirs.

one day in the late 1950s, Denson felt what he later described as “a powerful inner force” surging through his body. He and his wife Mary were unnerved by the experiences and somehow decided to pray the Rosary.

The following day they went to Mass, and in short order converted to Catholicism. “Miracle Of The Rosary” is a testament of that conversion.

Denson died on November 6, 2007 at the age of 75. His funeral Mass was celebrated in Memphis’ Catholic church of St Teresa. His remains were interred at the city’s Calvary Cemetery—on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

On his gravestone is engraved: “Thanks once again for the Miracle of the Rosary.” n For an extended version of this story and videos of Presley’s and Denson’s versions of “Miracle of the Rosary”, go to www.scross.co.za/ 2017/08/elvis-presley-rosary/

Liturgical Calendar Year A – Weekdays Cycle Year 1 Sunday August 27, 21st Sunday of the Year Isaiah 22:19-23, Psalms 138:1-3, 6, 8, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20 Monday August 28, St Augustine 1 Thessalonians 1:15, 8-10, Psalms 149:1-6, 9, Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday August 29, Passion of St John the Baptist Jeremiah 1:17-19, Psalms 71:1-6, 15, st Augustine 17, Mark 6:17-29 Wednesday August 30 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalms 139:7-12, Matthew 23:27-32 Thursday August 31 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Psalms 90:3-4, 12-14, 17, Matthew 24:42-51 Friday September 1, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Psalms 97:1-2, 5-6, 10st John the Baptist 12, Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday September 2, Saturday Mass of Our Lady 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11, Psalms 98:1, 7-9, Matthew 25:14-30 Sunday September 3, 22nd Sunday of the Year Jeremiah 20:7-9, Psalms 63:2-6, 8-9, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27

11

WhItE—trevor James. our brother, formerly of st.

Mary’s Pietermaritzburg passed away peacefully on July 26, 2017. “trev, look at your heart, it tells the story of why you were made.

It is not perfect in shape and contour like a valentine’s heart. there seems to be something missing out of the side of every human heart...

I think that when God made your human heart, trev he found it so good and so loveable that he kept a small sample of it in heaven. he sent the rest of it into this world to enjoy his gifts and to use them as stepping stones back to him But to be ever-mindful, trev, that you can never love anything in this world with your whole heart Because you have not a whole heart with which to love.

In order to love anyone with your whole heart In order to be really peaceful In order to really wholehearted you, trev, must go back again to God to recover the piece he has been keeping for you from all eternity.”

Fulton Sheen Late Joy, Joanmariae, Leslie, Michael, Amanda and Anthony.

IN MEMORIAM

HERHOLDT—Berty.

Passed away on 22/8/2005. sadly missed by his wife Lorna and all the family rIP. HOUGHTON—William (Bill). husband of the late Agnes and dad of the late Mary, passed away on August 29, 1990. Lovingly remembered by his daughters Margaret, Bridget and Barbara, sonsin-law Walter and Derick, grandchildren stephen, Jeannine, ryan, Lauren, catherine, Elizabeth and susan, their spouses and great-grandchildren. May his Dear soul, rest In Peace.

HOUGHTON—Bill. Always fondly remembered by The Southern Cross team.

holy trinity through the healing power of Jesus in the Blessed sacrament. view God’s marvellous work of healing and deliverance in various African countries since 2007. More than 20 video clips have been uploaded onto youtube (simply go to google and type Pious kintu youtube). Also you will read about African stigmatic sr Josephine sul of Dr congo and Padre Pio, among others. share it with all your friends. contacts: e-mail avemaria832 @gmail.com or avemaria 832@yahoo.com or phone cellphone (roaming within Africa) +243 99 0358275 +243 81 6090071.

PRAYERS

O MOST beautiful flower of Mount carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of heaven, blessed Mother of the son of God, Immaculate virgin, assist me in my necessity. o star of the sea, help me and show me where you are, Mother of God. Queen of heaven and earth I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. there is none who can withstand your power, o Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands. Leon and karen.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

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EVENTS

ST AUGUSTINE’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, church street, Parow, class reunion. Did you complete standard 8Jc (Grade 10) at the above school in 1968? If yes, please contact christian Dryden on 021 931 7573 or 083 290 9930 or e-mail chris@drydendoors. co.za

PERSONAL

ABORTION WARNING: the truth will convict a silent church. see www.valuelife abortionisevil.co.za ABORTION WARNING: the Pill can abort. All catholic users (married or cohabiting) must be told, to save their souls and their unborn infants. see www. epm.org/static/uploads/ downloads/bcpill.pdf FELLOW CATHOLICS: visit Pious Ponsiano kintu's official website, www.ave maria832.simplesite.com this website has been set up to give Glory to the Most

Traditional Latin Mass

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Our bishops’ anniversaries This week we congratulate: August 25: Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo of Bloemfontein on the 15th anniversary of his episcopal ordination August 26: Bishop Joe Sandri of Witbank on his 71st birthday August 26: Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Reg Cawcutt of Cape Town on the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination August 30: Bishop Graham Rose of Dundee on the 9th anniversary of his episcopal ordination

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the

22nd Sunday: September 3 Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9, Psalm 63:2-6, 89, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27

I

T can be very uncomfortable, being visited by the firm voice of God. In next Sunday’s first reading, Jeremiah is very cross indeed: “You seduced me, Lord, and I let myself be seduced”, he bellows, “and all day long they mock me…for the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach.”

Not surprisingly, he tries not talking: “I shall not mention him; and I won’t speak in his name any more.” But it did not work: “In my heart it was like a fire…I can’t do it.”

Very occasionally it is given us to experience the power of God, and sometimes it is so powerful that we simply cannot resist; and that is seriously uncomfortable.

A different form of discomfort, and perhaps one that is more frequent in our experience, is audible in Sunday’s psalm, our desperate longing for God. “God, my God—it is you I long for”, cries the poet…“like a parched land with no water.” Then he meditates on his experience in the Temple: “So in the sanctuary I contemplated you, to see your power and your glory—for your steadfast love is better than life”; but he is absolutely captivated by this God: “So I shall bless you through life—in

S outher n C ross

your name I shall lift up my hands…you are indeed my help; in the shadow of your wings I shall rejoice. My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me.”

This sense of the firm reality of our God is something that our world today longs for.

There is not quite the same sense of discomfort in the second reading, though the situation is far from comfortable.

There is acute tension in the Roman church, between the Christians of Jewish origin and those from a gentile background, and Paul has just completed a very tricky argument about what God’s plans are for the salvation of his Jewish brothers and sisters.

The argument here runs on with a great big “therefore”: “Therefore I am begging you, brothers and sisters, through God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a holy and living sacrifice, pleasing to God, your spiritual [or ‘rational’] act of worship.”

Paul’s Jewish hearers would have immediately understood all this language, so it is them to whom it is directed (and that might have been a bit uncomfortable for them). The great thing, however, for them and for us, is:

“Don’t be shaped to this world, but be transformed to a freshness of understanding, so that you may test out what is the Will of God, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

It is not easy, and certainly promises to be uncomfortable.

The Gospel, of course, is packed with uncomfortable resonances. As it starts, the Gospel of Matthew is headed definitively for Jerusalem, and Jesus now tells his disciples what is going to happen there: “He must suffer many things from the Elders and High Priests and scribes, and be killed—and on the third day be raised.”

Peter, who has just got things spectacularly right, by saying who Jesus is: “The Messiah, the Son of the Living God”, now gets them spectacularly wrong by resisting the uncomfortable implications of what Jesus has said, and telling Jesus off: “Steady on, Lord: no way is this going to happen to you.”

Then he gets more than he bargained for, and is sharply told: “Satan—get behind me.

You are a stumbling-stone for me, because you are not thinking God-thoughts but human thoughts.”

God needs better press T

leaders…the civil rights movement was supported by many brave white Christians who marched side by side with blacks.

“When the KKK attacked, they often delivered even worse beatings to the whites, whom they considered to be race traitors.

“I didn’t condemn the religion, but I definitely felt removed from it.”

His story is only one story and by his own admission has another side to it, but it’s highly illustrative.

It’s easy to connect God to the wrong things.

C

hristianity, of course, isn’t the only culprit. Today, for instance, we see perhaps the worst examples of tying God to evil in the violence of ISIS and other such terrorist groups who are killing, randomly and brutally, in the name of God. You can be sure that the last words uttered, just as a suicide bomber randomly kills innocent people, is “God is great!”

What a horrible thing to say as one is committing an act of murder! Doing the ungodly in the name of God! And yet we so often do the same thing in subtler forms: we justify the ungodly (violence, injustice, inequality, poverty, intolerance, bigotry, racism, sexism, the abuse of power, and rich privilege) by appealing to our religion.

Silently, unconsciously, blind to ourselves, grounded in a sense of right and wrong that’s coloured by self-interest, we give ourselves divine permission to live and act in ways that are antithetical to almost everything Jesus taught.

Conrad

HE word “Protestant” is generally misunderstood. Martin Luther’s protest that led to the Protestant Reformation was not, in fact, a protest against the Catholic Church; properly understood, it was a protest for God. God, in Luther’s view, was being manipulated to serve human and ecclesial self-interest. His protest was a plea to respect God’s transcendence.

We need a new protest today, a new plea—a strong one—to not connect God and our churches to intolerance, injustice, bigotry, violence, terrorism, racism, sexism, rigidity, dogmatism, anti-eroticism, homophobia, self-serving power, institutional selfprotection, security for the rich, ideology of all kinds, and just plain stupidity. God is getting a lot of bad press!

A simple example can be illustrative here.

In a recent book that documents an extraordinary 50-year friendship with his former coach, US basketball legend Kareem AbdulJabbar shares why he became a Muslim.

Raised a Catholic, and a graduate of Catholic schools, he eventually left Christianity to become a Muslim. Why? In his own words: “The white people who were bombing churches and killing little girls, who were shooting unarmed black boys, who were beating black protesters with clubs, loudly declared themselves to be proud Christians. The Ku Klux Klan were proud Christians. I felt no allegiance to a religion with so many evil followers.

“Yes, I was also aware that the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr was also a proud Christian, as were many of the civil rights

“cyrus, turn down your hearing aid! sr Madge is at it again.”

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sunday reflections

Then Jesus spells out the uncomfortable implications for us who are disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, they have to deny themselves, and take up their cross and to follow me.”

And the reason for this uncomfortable teaching? It is the apparently paradoxical lesson that “anyone who wants to hang on to their life is going to lose it; and anyone who wants to lose their life for my sake is going to discover it”.

Then the teaching is bolted home with an unanswerable question: “How will it help someone if they win the entire world and get penalised of their life? What can a person give as an exchange for their life?”

After that we are reminded how serious it all is: “The Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels—and then he will give each one in accordance with what they have been up to.”

The discomfort is all part of this wonderfully comforting gospel message of ours.

Southern Crossword #773

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final reflection

We can protest, saying that we’re sincere, but sincerity by itself is not a moral or religious criterion. Sincerity can, and often does, tie God to the ungodly and justifies what’s evil in the name of God. The people conducting the Inquisition were sincere; the slave traders were sincere; those who protected paedophile priests were sincere; racists are sincere; sexists are sincere; bigots are sincere; the rich defending their privilege are sincere; Church offices making hurtful, Gospel-defying pastoral decisions that deprive people of ecclesial access are very sincere and Gospel-motivated.

And all of us, as we make the kinds of judgments of others that Jesus told us time and again not to make, are sincere. But we think that we’re doing this all for the good, for God. However, in so many of our actions we are connecting God and Church to narrowness, intolerance, rigidity, racism, sexism, favouritism, legalism, dogmatism, and stupidity. And we wonder why so many of our own children no longer go to church and struggle with religion!

The God whom Jesus reveals is the antithesis of much of religion, sad but true.

The God whom Jesus reveals is a prodigal God, a God who isn’t stingy; a God who wills the salvation of everyone, who loves all races and all peoples equally; a God with a preferential love for the poor; a God who creates both genders equally; a God who strongly opposes worldly power and privilege.

The God of Jesus Christ is a God of compassion, empathy, and forgiveness; a God who demands that spirit take precedence over law, love over dogma, and forgiveness over juridical justice.

And very importantly, the God whom Jesus incarnates isn’t stupid, but is a God whose intelligence isn’t threatened by science, and a God who doesn’t condemn and send people to hell according to our limited human judgments.

Sadly, too often that’s not the God of religion, of our churches, of our spirituality, or of our private consciences.

God isn’t narrow, stupid, legalistic, bigoted, racist, violent, or vengeful—and it’s time we stopped connecting God to those things.

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ACROSS

5. He reigned for 12 years (1 Kg 16) (4) 7. Tormented early Christians (10) 8. Mount from which Moses viewed Canaan (Dt 32) (4) 10. Ron’s meal given out for givers of charity (8) 11. I shut a gap (6) 12. Address with grammatical parts (6) 14. Incidental remarks not heard by the players (6) 16. Snatch from a hymn that is forced? (6) 17. Find gramophone record above your head (8) 18. They are stuck in cushions (4) 21. Lets liar go to canon lawmaker (10) 22. Stop the flow supporting the flower (4)

DOWN

1. Kind of day for school visitors (4) 2. Accompanied (8) 3. Quarrels about uneaten food (6) 4. Puts your foot down at Vatican post office (6) 5. Some good information of this god (4) 6. Statement you’ve withdrawn (10) 9. I list viper as a wicked influence (4,6) 13. A Roman out on a rupee (8) 15. Barbaric to save silver inside (6) 16. Accentuate the tension (6) 18. Pacify (4) 20. These are knights (4)

Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

A

DRUNK sat down on a bus next to a priest. His tie was stained, his face plastered with red lipstick, and a half-empty bottle of gin stuck out of his coat pocket. He opened his newspaper to read.

After a few minutes, the man turned to the priest and asked: “Father, what causes arthritis?”

The priest saw a chance for a lesson in moral living and replied: “My son, arthritis is caused by loose women, too much alcohol, and lack of personal hygiene.”

The drunk muttered in response: “Well, I’ll be damned”, and returned to his paper.

The priest then nudged the man and apologised: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come on so strong.

How long have you had arthritis?”

The drunk answered: “I don’t have it, Father, but I was just reading here that the pope does…”

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