180627 by The Southern Cross

The

S outher n C ross

June 27 to July 3, 2018

reg No. 1920/002058/06

No 5090

www.scross.co.za

PRICE: r10 (incl VaT rSa)

The theological formation of Pope Francis

Fossil fuels: There’s no time to lose

Where we find water in the Bible

Page 9

Page 7

Page 10

Church backs ‘many voices’ on land issue By eriN carelSe

HE Church is deeply conscious of the extent of land hunger in South Africa, and of the need for a just resolution of the problem, and welcomes the committee tasked with holding public hearings on the land question in parliament and around the country, which will offer “as many people as possible the opportunity to express their views”. This is according to the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO), the body of the bishops’ conference which liaises between the Church and parliament/government, commenting on issues of public policy, and making submissions on legislation. The CPLO, in its submission to the Joint Constitutional Review Committee, states that the Catholic Church recognises that land reform is not just a matter of distributive justice—ensuring that land is fairly and equitably shared to address poverty and inequality—but also one of restitutive justice, in undoing, as far as possible, the wrongful seizure of land by formerly dominant sections of society. The Church believes it is crucial to approach the land question on the basis of firm evidence, rather than assumed facts; and not to make the mistake of thinking there is any simple “silver bullet” to solve the problem quickly and without potentially serious side-effects.

he CPLO also commented on whether or not Section 25 of the Constitution should be, or needs to be, amended to allow for expropriation of land without compensation. “As a religious organisation, we hesitate to express a firm view on whether or not the Constitution needs to be amended. “We are aware that there is a range of expert legal opinion on the question and have noted the view that an amendment is not necessary, and that Section 25 of the Constitution, as it stands, allows for such expropriation. “We are also aware of arguments that factors such as lack of capacity in government departments, poor planning and leadership, and corruption are primarily responsible for the slow pace of land reform,” the submission said. If a constitutional amendment can con-

tribute to real progress in meeting people’s needs where land is concerned and can avoid further lengthy delays, then it may well be the preferable option, the CPLO said. It added that the gravity of the situation requires concerted action from the country’s political leadership, but at the same time, a careful and well-thought-out approach. “Accordingly, we commend this committee on its decision to hold public hearings. This is participatory democracy at its best.” The submission notes that the assertion that expropriation of land without compensation is necessary, seems to imply that the requirement to pay compensation has been a serious obstacle to land reform. Whether this is, in fact, the case is, once again, a matter on which the advice of experts is required. “We are aware of reports that some landowners have selfishly inflated the asking prices of their properties, thereby frustrating government’s attempts to acquire land for purposes of redistribution.” On the other hand, the CPLO notes that it is also argued that nothing in the Constitution or in other legislation obliges the state to pay market-related prices for land it acquires for redistribution; neither is the “willing-buyer, willing-seller” principle required by law—it is merely a policy stance adopted by government, which could very simply be dropped. Even if it is agreed that expropriation without compensation is a correct and justifiable thing to do, its potentially serious negative effects must be taken into consideration. The Church notes that President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated many times that expropriation without compensation will be carried out in a way that does not endanger food security, harm investor confidence, or destabilise the economy. In conclusion, the submission states that the Catholic Church wishes the committee well, and urges it not to be distracted by the loudest voices. The Church adds that it is vitally important that the widest possible range of views is heard, and that those of the poorest and most vulnerable people be particularly attended to.

www.scross.co.za/ associates-campaign

archbishop of Durban cardinal Wilfrid Napier was spotted watching the 2018 comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on a camping chair alongside the route, and is seen sharing his pancakes with young James Turner. (Photo: Megan Donachie)

World Cup’s Catholic founder By Mary rezac

N estimated 3,2 billion people the world over are tuning in to watch the 2018 World Cup, the international football tournament founded by a Catholic man from a small village in France. Jules Rimet was born in 1873 in the small village of Theuley in eastern France to a modest family; his father was a grocer, and when Jules was just 11, they relocated to Paris in search of better work. Rimet’s background, as well as his devout Catholic faith, heavily influenced his view of the world. Even after becoming a successful lawyer, he had a heart for the poor. Rimet was inspired by the Church’s social teachings, particularly Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, and helped found an organisation providing social and medical aid to the poor. He also loved sport and believed it could unite people across race and class. At the age of 24, he founded a sports club called Red Star, open to anyone regardless of class. He insisted that the club include football, even though at the time it was looked down on as being for only Englishmen and the lower class. In 1904, Rimet helped found the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Inter-

S outher n C ross Pilgrimage

5-17 May 2019

HOLY LAND & ROME Led by Fr Russell Pollitt SJ with

Günther Simmermacher, author of The Holy Land Trek For more information or to book, please contact Gail at info@fowlertours.co.za or phone/WhatsApp 076 352-3809

www.fowlertours.co.za/pollitt

national Federation of Association Football, or FIFA), though World War I delayed his plans of hosting an international tournament. In 1921 Rimet became president of FIFA, and remains the longest-serving president to date. Seven years later, he was able to hold the first World Cup, in Uruguay. He carried the now-famous Jules Rimet trophy on board a ship to South America in his bag. Rimet served as FIFA’s president until 1954, and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1956 for founding the World Cup. In the book A History of Football in 100 Objects, his grandson Yves remembered his grandfather as a “humanist and idealist, who believed that sport could unite the world”.—CNA

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

LOCAL

Church condolences after fatal mosque attack By eriN carelSe

RCHBISHOP Stephen Brislin of Cape Town expressed deep shock and abhorrence of the fatal attack at a Malmesbury mosque. The archbishop was speaking on behalf of the Catholic bishops of Southern Africa, and the Church. Two worshippers were killed, and two others injured in the

deadly attack on a mosque in Malmesbury, about 60km north of Cape Town. The knife-wielding attacker was shot and killed after ignoring calls by police to hand himself over and instead trying to attack them. “We offer condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this brutal attack and pray that the Almighty will give them comfort and consolation,” the

statement said. “We also pray that the community of the Malmesbury mosque who have been traumatised by the violation of a sacred space will receive strength and solace.” About a month earlier, a mosque near Verulam north of Durban was attacked, with one man killed and another two injured by knife-wielding men. The Southern African Catholic

Marriage prep with a difference By eriN carelSe

tinue to maintain the mutual respect and acceptance among different faiths in this country,” the bishops said. “We will not allow those with sinister motives to set one faith against another, nor to exacerbate tension within faith groups. “We appeal to all South Africans to express their unconditional respect for human life and their commitment to work for peace.”

SACC call: ‘Stop killing our women and children right now’ By eriN carelSe

ATER Dei Pastoral Centre in Mokopane, in Polokwane diocese, offers a marriage preparation course with a difference, including talks by medical doctors, civil lawyers and priests specialising in canon law. The course run by Mater Dei’s Fr Sunny Vattapparayil SVD is interactive, and presented through scripture, films, meditation, prayer, lectures by experts in their fields, and discussions with long-married couples on achieving an enduring and happy marriage. Participants are encouraged to engage with lecturers and with each other. This makes it a more relaxed and fun environment. During breaks, there is time for quiet prayer at the rosary garden and Adoration chapel. Couple Masedi Sehoka and Becky Kgole from Lynwood said: “The course offers help on the practical aspects of marriage. “The combination of an attorney, a medical doctor and a canon lawyer gives a unique and honest perspective.” The Church requires that all couples wishing to marry attend a marriage preparation course, and the Mater Dei course is based on Christian principles and ethics. It covers topics such as: • Meaning of the sacrament of marriage and the kind of commitment that marriage embodies.

Bishops’ Conference and the Church encouraged police services to continue working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book. Although the circumstances of the Malmesbury attack appear to be different from those of Verulam, there nonetheless needs to be a full investigation as to the motivation behind both attacks, the statement said. “As faith leaders we will con-

C couples attending the Mater Dei marriage preparation course get to discuss issues with medical doctors, civil lawyers, canon law experts, and couples who’ve achieved long and happy unions. • Importance and significance of the vows couples make in the church ceremony, in terms of the public commitment to each other. • Basic understanding of the civil and Church laws regarding marriage. • The art of communication. • Building and sustaining relationships. • Recognising the influence of each other’s family backgrounds. • Improving relationships with parents and in-laws. • Understanding each other’s strengths and differences. • Developing greater sexual intimacy. The course is also ideal for couples who have particular, difficult circumstances, such as those who live in two different cities, or those who

come from different faiths where one is Catholic and one is not. The course takes place over a weekend, starting with supper on Friday, and ending with lunch on Sunday. The centre offers comfortable accommodation and meals. At the Sunday Mass, all participants receive their certificates, signed by Fr Vattapparayil and Bishop Jeremiah Masela. As couples leave, Fr Vattapparayil always reminds them that “the Spirit of God, not the certificate, keeps you together”. The Mater Dei marriage preparation course is offered once a year and is open to single people too. n For more information, contact Fr Vattapparayil on sunnyjohn66 @gmail.com or 078 316 5084.

HURCHES in Limpopo are urging elders to talk openly with younger people about violence against women and children, to tackle the problem together. More than half the women murdered in the province are killed by their partners and relatives, and/or people very close to them; people they trust. The South African Council of Churches (SACC) in Limpopo issued a statement expressing its sadness at the killings and abuse of women and children, and said, “Enough is enough.” It is calling on all people to stand up and speak out against violence against women and children. Men, in particular, need to stand up too and say that it is not acceptable, the church body said. The SACC is seeking a conversation to instil anew the spirit of ubuntu, to build ethical and moral communities. Oxfam, the non-profit, independent organisation that is part of a global movement against poverty and inequality, has also spoken out. Oxfam South Africa’s executive director Sipho Mthathi said it’s time we all joined hands and worked tirelessly together. “We cannot continue to live

lives that are constantly under siege, and where we are not all enjoying the fruits of our constitutional democracy,” he said. The SACC is also pleading with all Christians, particularly men, to support the “Thursday in Black” campaign. This was spearheaded by the Diakonia Council of Churches to encourage people to wear black every Thursday to highlight awareness of gender justice, violence against women, and “corrective” rape. The campaign was launched in Durban in 2008 to tie in with the “16 Days of Activism” project. The SACC also appealed to the government. “Government must also tighten laws on violent crimes, particularly crimes against women and children, and must be seen to be taking a leading role in reforming the laws of the country,” it said. “Perpetrators must not be given bail and must be given longer sentences without parole.” The SACC Limpopo statement added: “We cannot wait for the 16 Days of Activism. The time to confront these barbaric incidences is now, bearing in mind that tomorrow it may be your loved one.” n For more information, contact Selaelo Nkube, SACC Limpopo Province representative, at 062 926 3047 or email Nkub74@gmail.com

New Stigmatine deacons urged to be ‘close to the poor and broken’ By eriN carelSe

T Contact us: Tel 041 373-0039 / Mobile 074 376-5833 / Email retreat@catholic-pe.co.za

HIS year’s celebration of the feast day of the Stigmatines’ founder gave an extra reason for joy: the ordination of three new Stigmatine deacons. Every year on June 12, the Stigmatines in the Most Holy Redeemer Province of Southern Africa, together with local clergy and people in the pastoral region, commemorate the death of founder St Gaspar Bertoni. And this year Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria ordained three men to the diaconate: Africa Mkhwanazi of Ladysmith, Tumelo Poo of Pretoria, and Anthony Otieno Osawo of Kenya. The celebration was held at St John the Baptist parish in Pretoria North, under the shepherding of Fr Clement Senekane CSS, with about 30 priests and 10 deacons attending, from Pretoria archdiocese, Gaborone archdiocese in Botswana, and neighbouring dioceses. During his homily, Archbishop Slattery, the celebrant of the day, said that it was a great joy to see young people who are willing to offer their lives to the service of God and his Church, the people of God. He thanked the three deacons for their choices. Referring to Isaiah 61, the archbishop said that Jesus was sending them to proclaim his

archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria with newly ordained Stigmatine deacons on the feast day of the Stigmatines’ founder St Gaspar Bertoni. name and bring the Good News to the poor and the brokenhearted. “During their mission, Jesus is giving them the greatest rule, ‘to remain in his love,’” he said. Archbishop Slattery said the deacons should imitate Jesus during their diaconate work. “You should learn from Jesus by being gentle and humble in your own hearts. “You should remain in the love of Jesus Christ, know him, and have sympathy for the people of God entrusted to you, know their situations, and bring hope in their suffering.” Referring to the life of Stigmatine founder St Gaspar Bertoni,

who cared for those living on the streets of Verona, he said the deacons should imitate the saint, and take him as their role model, during their service. “Being close to the disadvantaged is the gift of the Stigmatines, modelled on their founder,” the archbishop said. “As deacons, you are also called to love and work with young people.” Archbishop Slattery noted that there were about 160 000 young people coming into the city of Pretoria every year. “Humility and gentleness are very important in carrying out your duties as deacons,” the archbishop reiterated.

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

LOCAL

US and local choirs set to celebrate Madiba en masse By eriN carelSe

T Fr anthony rebello SVD speaks to young people from Gaborone diocese after a 12km rosary walk and climb, telling them not to be afraid, to know that each of them is called by name, like Mary, and that God’s favour too is upon each person.

Gaborone youth take to the hill for Our Lady By Sr PhaTSiMo raMokGWeBaNa Sc

LMOST 1 000 young people in Gaborone diocese took on the challenge of a 12km rosary walk ending with an ascent of Kgale Hill outside the city. The walk celebrated both the Day of the African Child, which commemorates the 1976 student uprising in South Africa, and World Youth Day 2018, part of preparations for the international rally to be held on 2019 World Youth Day in Panamá. Walkers, both youth and priests, started from Holy Cross parish in Mogoditshane at 06:30 and ended with a climb up the hill and a Eucharistic celebration. On their way, they recited the prayer of the Holy Rosary and sung Marian hymns. This year, the Chiro Youth Movement was the host of the rosary walk and participants were encouraged to go for confession in their parishes beforehand. In an interview, diocesan youth chaplain Fr Phemelo M Magibisela described the walk and climbing of the hill as a “challenge” the youth

had set for themselves, significantly walking the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary. At the Eucharistic service atop the hill, Fr Anthony Rebello SVD gave the sermon. The theme of 2018 World Youth Day was “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God” and Fr Rebello emphasised the need for young people not to be afraid, knowing that each one is called by name, just like Mary. Similarly, favour is upon each one of them. He also said the rosary is deeply based on scriptural prayer, a meditation on the life of Christ. The Hail Mary, which contains the words spoken to her by the angel Gabriel and by her cousin Elizabeth, announces who Jesus, the centre of the prayer, will be, and also Mary’s role. Fr Rebello, former chaplain of the Chiro Movement of Gaborone diocese, is well known among young people as a priest who always carries a rosary. He has encouraged them to pray the rosary daily, to receive the protection and graces of Our Lady, and lead them to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus through Mary.

HIS year, the Ihlombe! South African choral festival celebrates an important milestone: ten years of song. Moreover, the 2018 festival, entitled “Mandela at 100: Voices of Hope, Freedom & Unity”, honours the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Both South African and American choirs will take to the stage from July 1-20. The US ensembles come from five American cities: • Atlanta Young Singers (Paige F Mathis) • Singing Sensations Youth Choir (Dr Hollie Hood-Mincey) from Baltimore • Mt San Antonio College Choir (Bruce Rogers) from Los Angeles • Seattle Children’s Chorus (Kris Mason) • Children’s Chorus of Washington (Margaret Nomura Clark) They will perform 12 collaborative concerts with more than 19 South African youth, church and community choirs. There will also be shared workshops, side-by-side rehearsals, and outreach projects across the country. Established in 2009 with a special focus on collaboration and service, Classical Movements’ Ihlombe! festival has featured nearly 90

choirs from some 10 countries over its ten years of existence. The dates and venues for the 2018 festival are as follows: • Sunday, July 1: 15:00. Church of the Resurrection, 24 David Profit St, Bonteheuwel, Cape Town. Cost: Free. • Monday, July 2: 19:00. Kenmere Primary School Hall, 10th Ave, Kensington, Cape Town. Cost: R50. • Saturday, July 7: 13:00. Salvation Peart Memorial Corps, 883B Ndala Street, White City, Jabavu, Soweto. Cost: R50. • Sunday, July 8: 12:30. St Charles Lwanga Catholic church, 1916 Block F, Soshanguve, Gauteng. Cost: R20. • Friday, July 13: 19:00. Regina Mundi Catholic church, 1149 Mkhize St, Moroka, Soweto. Cost: R30. • Saturday, July 14: 18:00. Hillbrow Theatre, 30 Edith Cavell St, Johannesburg. Cost: R40. • Tuesday, July 17: 18:30.

armando and Maria José dos Santos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Mass at our lady of Fatima parish in Brentwood Park, Benoni. archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg is pictured with the couple as they exchanged eternity rings, newly blessed by the archbishop, as a sign of their continued commitment to each other. (Photo: Melanie Walsh)

Engage with us online Tweet us twitter.com/ScrossZA

instagram.com/southerncrossmedia

facebook.com/thescross

www.scross.co.za

Special Religious Development “Where faith and friendship meets”

St augustine’s catholic Primary School in Durban held a workshop on human trafficking led by angela Pienaar and caryn Burton with the school’s staff. The two women shared information they had learned at a workshop they attended with Sr Melanie o’ connor hF at Mariannhill Monastery. Staff members were put into groups and asked to give a definition of human trafficking. caryn Burton then read out an account of a survivor’s experience of being trafficked. The school will be holding follow-up workshops. (Photo and text: kurt holmes)

SPRED, is one on one catechesis for children, teenagers and adults with special needs. SPRED, supports the religious, spiritual, social and emotional development of people with an intellectual disability. What SPRED stands for is, accepting the challenge and the privilege of aiding persons with an intellectual disability to participate fully in the liturgical life of the church. It’s an experience of love, joy and hope. It’s through faith sharing; interacting and living out the beatitudes, giving new hope to individuals less fortunate than ourselves. Pioneered by Sister TM, coordinators were elected in the Western Cape to support parishes, SPRED is a must in every parish, where there is a need!!

Patsy

Church of the Resurrection, 24 David Profit St, Bonteheuwel, Cape Town. Cost: Free. • Tuesday, July 17: 18:30. Bongweni Church Hall, Old Apostolic Church, Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Cost: Free. • Wednesday, July 18, 19:00. St George’s Anglican Cathedral, city centre, Cape Town. Cost: R60. The grand finale will feature individual performances by all participating choirs, as well as two world premieres commissioned by Classical Movements’ Eric Daniel Helms for the 2018 Ihlombe! mass choir, conducted by Sidumo Nyamazele of the University of Johannesburg. The first commissioned piece is by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Professor Phelelani Mnomiya, on Madiba’s famous “It’s In Your Hands Now” speech, delivered on his 90th birthday at an Aids concert in London’s Hyde Park. The second is by the University of the Western Cape’s award-winning Professor Sibusiso Njeza. His Uthando Nomculo (“Love and Music”) piece urges us all, in his words, “to love more, to see beyond the colour of one’s skin, religion, and sexuality”. n For a full line-up of which ensembles are playing where, visit www. classicalmovements.com

Elize

Rene

Candice

For more info or training please contact: Archdiocese of Cape Town Tel: 021 462 2417

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

INTERNATIONAL

Lutheran leader praises pope for ecumenism By ziTa FleTcher

TOP Lutheran bishop praised the Catholic leader for his dedication to ecumenism. Bishop Gerhard Ulrich, leading bishop of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany, discussed the current state of CatholicProtestant relations in Germany, the interfaith-marriage Communion controversy and his recent visit with Pope Francis. The bishop said the relationship between Protestants and Catholics worldwide has reached an unprecedentedly positive level since Pope Francis jointly led a commemoration ceremony with the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation for the Reformation Anniversary in Lund, Sweden, in 2016. Bishop Ulrich said the service, a result of 50 years of trusting cooperation between the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation, was “a historic milestone for LutheranCatholic ecumenism”. “Never before were the Reformation and its consequences, from the global level to local communities, commemorated in sisterly cooperation by our Churches,” he said. The bishop said cooperation between the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation on diaconal initiatives has increased as a result of the service. “The previous years have taught that the Churches on either side owe each other detailed theological debates,” he said. “But first they owe the world the service of love for the poor and oppressed—and this, wherever possible, together.”

Pope Francis welcomes Bishop Gerhard Ulrich, leading bishop of the United evangelical lutheran church of Germany, to the Vatican. (Photo: Vatican Media/cNS) Bishop Ulrich, who met Pope Francis at the Vatican as part of the German National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation, said discussions focused on LutheranCatholic relations on a global scale. The delegation discussed topics that still remain controversial, including ministry, the Eucharist, and the Church. During the talks, Pope Francis said advances must be made “together with patience”, which Bishop Ulrich viewed as self-evident for continuing theological dialogue and as special words of encouragement. “The words of Pope Francis were an important reinforcement and affirmation,” said Bishop Ulrich. “He underlined the goal of completely overcoming differences and the demand to ‘achieve an ever-more concrete and visible unity among each another’.” “What Pope Francis told us was certainly no stop signal, but an encouragement of ecumenism and talks between the Lutheran World

Federation and the Vatican.” Bishop Ulrich said Communion for interfaith couples remains relevant for believers and should be addressed, despite remaining the differences between Protestant and Catholic denominations. “We have not yet been able to solve all theological questions regarding the Church and the understanding of administration. Therefore, a full sharing of community according to Catholic understanding is still not possible,” said the Lutheran leader. “However, it pains married couples of different confessions that they share their entire lives together but cannot experience together God’s saving presence in the Eucharistic meal.” He said the issue, raised during the commemoration ceremony in Lund, tends to be addressed in individual cases and is not regulated by canon law. “The attempts of German Catholics—totally supported by the Protestant side—to achieve a unified regulation on this question in all German dioceses has failed,” he said. “This is something that we Lutherans, with grief but also with cool heads, must realise. But we continue to hope for concrete pastoral solutions, insofar as we have not yet completely solved the dogmatic questions.” The bishop said he did not believe the increasingly harmonious relationship between Protestants and Catholics in Germany would be damaged by the debate over sharing Communion.—CNS

Pope: All dictatorships begin the same way By carol GlaTz

ll dictatorships begin the same way: media outlets are put in the hands of “unscrupulous” people who spread lies and weaken democracy, Pope Francis said. Typical standards, norms and laws in regard to communications are first eliminated, the pope said in his homily during morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae. Then an entire media or communication outlet is handed over “to a firm, a business that slanders, tells lies, weakens democracy, and then the judges come to judge these weakened institutions, these destroyed, condemned people and a dictatorship makes progress this way”, he said. “All dictatorships, all of them,

began like this,” he added. The pope’s homily focused on the day’s first reading in which Jezebel succeeds in her plot to help her husband, King Ahab, take possession of their neighbour’s land. Jezebel arranged for two men to accuse the neighbour Naboth of cursing God and the king, for which Naboth was stoned to death. Pope Francis said it is similar to what happened to Jesus, St Stephen and all martyrs who were condemned as a result of lies and falsehoods. Today, many people, “many heads of state or government”, forge the same scenario: start with a lie and “after you destroy both a person and a situation with that falsehood”, there is a judgment and a conviction, he said.

GABRIELLE PHILLIP SOUTH AFRICA

makers of

LITURGICAL VESTMENTS Superior quality at affordable prices

clerical shirts, cassocks, Server robes, choir robes, habits, albs, Surplices, cottas, etc.

(2-3 weeks’ delivery time) Phone Maggie Pillay 083 945 3631 Postal address: 9 Granadilla crescent, Newholmes, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 gabphill@telkomsa.net

But individuals, too, are also tempted to destroy others by talking behind their backs, telling lies or spreading scandalous news, the pope said. Talking about scandals is enormously seductive, he said, and “one is seduced by scandals. Good news isn’t a seductress.” There have been “so many people, so many countries destroyed by evil and calumnious dictatorships”, he said, including the ones that persecuted the Jews with “calumnious communication” so they ended up in Auschwitz. “Oh, it was a horror, but it’s a horror that happens today—in small communities, to people, in many countries. The first step is to seize communications, and later destroy, judgment and death,” he said.—CNS

The LARGEST Catholic online shop in South Africa!

We specialise and source an extensive variety of products, some of which include: *Personalised Rosaries *Priest Chasubles *Altar Linen *Church Items *Bells *Chalices *Thuribles *Personalised Candles, etc. Tel: 012 460-5011 | Cell: 079 762-4691 | Fax: 0123498592 Email: info@catholicshop.co.za 2øæ¸Ø "ı̇øßº̋ø̋¸"¬Æß̶" "

“Here I am Lord” Cell: +27 72 769 7396, or +27 83 471 6081 E-mail: vocation.office@dehonafrica.net www.scj.org.za

authentic letter penned by christopher columbus to Spanish king Ferdinand and Queen isabella in 1493. The letter was stolen from the Vatican and the theft discovered in 2011. (Photo: US embassy)

Stolen 1493 Columbus text returns to the Vatican By eliSe harriS

fter spending more than a decade in a private collection in Atlanta, a copy of a 1493 letter written by Christopher Columbus about his experience in America has been returned to its rightful place in the Vatican library. Columbus penned the letter to Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1493 after returning from his voyage to America, describing what he saw during his travels. The “Columbus Letter”, unofficially titled “Letter about the Recently Discovered Islands”, was then translated and manually printed into Latin, and several copies were distributed throughout Europe. Around 80 authentic copies still exist today. One of the oldest copies of the 8page letter, written in small, fine print, was given to the Vatican in 1921 as part of the “De Rossi Collection”, which consisted of rare books and manuscripts given to the Vatican at the request of bibliophile Giovanni Francesco Rossi upon his death in 1854. At some point, though it is not known exactly when, the letter was stolen. It was not until 2011 that a rare book and manuscript expert became aware that the copy in the Vatican Library collection was a forgery after closely examining details in the stitching, chain lines and page size.

Vatican officials were informed, and the forged letter was examined by more experts, including specialists from Princeton University, who confirmed that the letter was a fake. The original copy of the Vatican’s letter was eventually traced back to David Parsons, an actuary from Atlanta, who had purchased it for $875 000 from a rare book dealer in New York City in 2004, unaware that it had been stolen from the Vatican. It was confirmed in 2016 that the “Columbus Letter” Mr Parsons owned had been sold to the New York book dealer he bought it from by notorious Italian book thief Marino Massimo De Caro, who is currently serving a 7-year sentence in Italy for the theft of roughly 4 000 ancient books and manuscripts throughout Italy. After further comparative analysis was done on both the original letter and the forgery, it was confirmed in April 2017 that Mr Parsons’ letter had in fact been stolen from the Vatican Library, and that the theft had to have taken place sometime before 2004. In August of that year, investigators contacted Mr Parsons’ widow, Mary Parsons, and presented her with evidence of the theft and forgery. She agreed to part with the letter, renouncing all rights, title and interest, so that it could be returned to its original home in the Vatican Library.—CNA

Aussie priests would ‘rather go to jail’

S Australian states and territories pass and consider laws requiring priests to break the seal of confession to report cases of child sex-abuse, Catholic priests are saying they would go to jail rather than violate the seal. “The state will be requiring us as Catholic priests to commit what we regard as the most serious crime and I’m not willing to do that,” said Fr Michael Whelan, a parish priest at St Patrick’s church in Sydney. Fr Whelan added that he, along with other priests, would be “willing to go to jail” rather than break the seal of confession. When asked if the Church was above the law, Whelan said “absolutely not” and remarked he would only be protecting religious freedom. “When the state tries to intervene in our religious freedom, undermine the essence of what it means to be a Catholic, we will resist,” he said. The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly in Canberra passed a law which says religious organisations must adhere to the requirements of the Reporting Conduct Scheme, which requires religious groups to report any allegations, offences or convictions of

child abuse within 30 days. This legislation extends to the seal of confession, making it illegal for priests to fail to report the confession of a child sex-abuse crime. Fr Whelan noted additional concerns with the law, saying the only way to ensure the law was being followed would be to “try and entrap priests”. Instead, Fr Whelan believes other precautions against child sex-abuse should be taken, such as encouraging the perpetrator to confess to the police. Clergy are not the only critics of the new legislation. Andrew Wall, a member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, said forcing priests to break the seal of confession oversteps an individual’s “freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of religious rights”. The Code of Canon Law states that “the sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason”. A priest who intentionally violates the seal incurs an automatic excommunication.—CNA

INTERNATIONAL

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

Synod: Youth need a Church that listens By JUNNo arocho eSTeVeS

OUNG Catholics are looking for a Church that listens to their concerns, accompanies them in discerning their vocations and helps them confront the challenges they face, said a working document for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on young people. The synod’s instrumentum laboris (working document), published by the Vatican, stated that young people “want to see a Church that shares their situations of life in the light of Gospel rather than by preaching”. Quoting a pre-synod gathering of young people who met at the Vatican, the working document said young Catholics “want an authentic Church. With this, we would like to express, particularly to the Church hierarchy, our request for a transparent, welcoming, honest, attractive, communicative, accessible, joyful and interactive community”. The working document is based mainly on comments solicited in a questionnaire last June from national bishops’ conferences around the world as well as the final document of the pre-synod gathering. “Young people are great seekers of meaning, and everything that is in harmony with their search to give value to their lives arouses their attention and motivates their commitment,” it said. Presenting the instrumentum laboris Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary-general of the synod, said the

Pope Francis meets with young people at a pre-synod gathering of youth in rome. The Vatican has released the working document for the october Synod of Bishops. (Photo: Paul haring/cNS) synod’s goal is that young Catholics may find “the beauty of life, beginning from the happy relationship with the God of the covenant and of love” in a world that often robs them of their “affections, bonds and perception of life”. The working document also states that while the Church highlights the importance of the body, affection and sexuality, many young Catholic men and women “do not follow the directions of the sexual morality of the Church”. Young people attending the presynod meeting said issues such as contraception, abortion, homosexuality, cohabitation and marriage are often debated both by young Catholics and non-Catholics. The working document also highlighted the need to reaffirm Church

teaching on the body and sexuality at a time when biomedical advancements have pushed a more “technocratic approach to the body”, citing examples such as egg donation and surrogacy. Church leaders, it said, must “speak in practical terms about controversial subjects such as homosexuality and gender issues, which young people are already freely discussing without taboo.” Some bishops’ conferences are asking what they can recommend to young people who enter into a homosexual relationship, but want to be closer to the Church, the document said. The working document also said young Catholics would like more initiatives that allow further dialogue with non-believers and the secular world to help them integrate their faith in their dealings with others. Young men and women from primarily secularised areas “ask nothing from the Church” and “expressly asked to be left in peace, because they feel its presence as annoying and even irritating”. These feelings, the document stated, do not come from contempt but rather due to “serious and respectable reasons”. Among the reasons are the Church’s sexual and economic scandals, priests who do not know how to engage with young people, and the way the Church justifies its doctrinal and ethical positions to modern society.—CNS

‘Dustbin relic’ of pope given to London cathedral By SiMoN calDWell

iraqi refugee Mothana Butres in zahle, lebanon, with a scroll around his neck. he intends to write out the entire Bible in Syriac on a long scroll of leather. inset: an icon of our lady of aradin created by Mr Butres. (Photo: Mothana Butres and Gregory Shemitz/cNS)

Iraqi iconographer honours his Syriac roots

HEN ISIS overran Qaraqosh, Iraq, in 2014, Mothana Butres was able to grab only a single volume from his father’s collection of thousands of Syriac books and manuscripts. The handwritten, 600-year-old book of Syriac hymns now inspires much of Mr Butres’ work as an iconographer. Mr Butres is the creator of the Our Lady of Aradin icon, a centrepiece of the first Catholic shrine dedicated to persecuted Christians. The shrine is housed in St Michael’s church in New York. The Syriac book Mr Butres treasures from his father’s library collection also awakened him to the lost practice of writing books by hand, especially in the Syriac language,

S outher n C ross Pilgrimage to

RELIC of bones of an early pope was given to the Catholic Church after it was stolen from a car and recovered by a waste disposal company. Three fragments of a bone said to belong to St Clement I, a first-century martyr who was ordained a bishop by St Peter the Apostle, were presented to London’s Westminster cathedral by James Rubin, owner of Enviro Waste. Mr Rubin said he discovered the relic in his warehouse during an office cleanup earlier this year. The relic sits on red silk damask within a small oval metal reliquary above the words “Ex Oss S. Clementis PM”. He discovered through Google that “Ex Oss” meant ex ossibus, Latin for “from the bones of”, Mr Rubin said, noting that he then knew he had made an interesting discovery and made it public, in the hope that he might obtain more information. Almost 200 people, including Catholic Church representatives, contacted him asking to be given the relic, and he chose to present it to the cathedral, he said. The relic’s original owner, who has decided to remain anonymous, told Mr Rubin it was among items stolen from a car and agreed that it should be

The

Bone fragments of St clement i are seen at Westminster cathedral in england. (Photo:Marcin Mazur, catholic communications Network) given to the Church. Archbishop George Stack of Cardiff, Wales, who accepted the relic on behalf of the cathedral, said that St Clement, the third successor of St Peter and an “apostolic father”, was a “very important figure in the life of the early Church” and the author of a letter to the Church in Corinth that still exists. The saint was a persuasive preacher who was exiled by Roman Emperor Trajan to Crimea, where he was martyred by being tied to an anchor and drowned. Since then, he has been venerated as the patron of mariners, the archbishop said.—CNS

www.catholic-pe.co.za/stpius

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

FRANCE & ITALY 11 to 21 October 2017

Lourdes Paris • Rome led by

Bishop Joe Sandri

For info or to book, contact Gail:

076 353-3809 or info@fowlertours.co.za

www.fowlertours.co.za/sandri

which is spoken by Christians in certain areas of Syria and Iraq. The language is related to Aramaic, the language of Jesus. “I’m trying to revive the value of the handwritten texts. Books used to be handwritten,” Mr Butres said. As part of an ongoing personal project, Mr Butres intends to write out the entire Bible in Syriac on a long scroll of leather just over a foot wide. In three months of work, the tiny, intricate text he has etched extends 5m in length and comprises the first five chapters of the Old Testament. “I believe that in writing out the Bible, we can discover it in a new, deeper perspective, more than just reading it,” he said.—CNS

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

LEADER PAGE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Acclaim for Afrikaans liturgy

Editor: Günther Simmermacher Guest editorial: Michael Shackleton

Church, State and moral values

HURCH and State in a democratic society share the same members but each has its own independent agenda and purpose. The State has a role to play on the natural level to pursue the temporal common good of its citizens and to defend their wellbeing. The Church’s mission, as a self-governing body, is the pursuit of the supernatural wellbeing of its members and ultimately life everlasting in Christ. In the past, there were frequent clashes when monarchs and civil authorities sought to control Church governance and even the beliefs of the faithful. The Church in retaliation tended to get on its high horse and proclaim triumphantly that its supernatural end is superior to the natural end of the State. In modern times Church and State respect each other’s domains and the personal freedoms of their members. In fact, the State often is indifferent to Churches and religions, so that clashes and arguments are now somewhat pointless. Lately, however, we have witnessed the friction that occurred when President Donald Trump’s administration, in its determination to stop illegal immigrants from entering the United States from Central America, separated children from their parents and families. The children were kept in detention, reportedly in cagelike quarters, purposefully to cause the parents to think again for the sake of their offspring, and so go back with them to where they came from. This was an emotional issue. The plight of children without parents will always tug at one’s heartstrings. It is no wonder there was such global outrage that President Trump signed an executive order to countermand the messy situation. The US attorney general, Jeff Sessions, representing the State, simply commented: “If people don’t want to be separated from their children, they should not

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.

bring them with them.” He is reported to have quoted the Bible in support of this. The quote from St Paul’s letter to the Romans 13 has been advanced many times by secular powers attempting to put the Church in its place: “Since all government comes from God, the civil authorities were appointed by God, and so anyone who resists authority is rebelling against God’s decision, and such an act is bound to be punished.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, representing the Church, responded that St Paul himself did not obey Roman law when it ordered him to worship the emperor. He said that taking a child from its mom is unjust and not what God would intend. There could be no biblical passage to justify it. The framework of the Church’s mission in the world is found in the eight Beatitudes (Mt 5), in which we realise that it is not the powerful social forces of politicians that will satisfy our hunger for justice and peace; it is the poor in spirit, those who weep now, and the pure of heart who will see the Kingdom of God. The Church has to proclaim this to the human race even as it takes seriously the problems faced by the Trump administration. At the same time the Church must fulfil its purpose of prophetic condemnation of any policy or ideology that jeopardises the development of a just and peaceful dispensation for all who share membership of both Church and State. The Church has to remain constant in its divine purpose: the proclamation of the Gospel under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It must awaken the consciences of all, and this in no way detracts from the contribution the State makes to its citizens’ rights. All are subject to God’s law, individually and as a community. The State’s idea of moral principles can be subjective, resting on changing values of the times. The Church’s conviction is that moral principles are unchanging objective truths.

ROWING up in the Catholic Church during apartheid, I remember clearly the “hatred” shown by the Nationalist government towards the Church. It was a twofold dislike by the government, in that they disliked the Catholic opposition to the apartheid ideology and also the use of English in Catholic missions and schools. The Dutch Reformed Church, the NGK, vehemently opposed Catholics because they did not want Catholicism to be the dominant religion among black South Africans. The Church schools were also very active among black people.

Follow true Christ

OW! What a breath of fresh air on a thorny subject from Tony Meehan’s letter (June 6). Our revered pope indeed gives good advice when he says, “Follow the Christ of the Gospels.” It is high time we got off our high “holier than thou” horses and followed the Holy Father’s advice. Who are we to judge indeed? Merlynn Marion, Pietermaritzburg

Southern Cross simply cannot fail

VER the past months, The Southern Cross has appealed for financial help to sustain the newspaper into the future. A couple of years ago, a suggestion was made to have at least one of the Sunday second collections dedicated to building up a reserve fund to cushion the paper against the vagaries of printed media costs, which threaten newspapers worldwide. Unfortunately the SACBC didn’t see its way clear to give approval for such a collection. We must understand that The Southern Cross is not your “normal” newspaper. We need to see it as the most important evangelising project of the Southern African Catholic Church. Editor Günther Simmermacher and his team do a fantastic job of producing a premium quality paper, week after week. Apart from this, the Southern Cross team is working hard to improve its presence on social media, and increase traffic to its website, so as to gain new readers, particularly younger ones. The paper is committed to reaching young Catholics, the future of our Church, who have such an important contribution to make. As has been pointed out, in a deeply divided local Church, The Southern Cross is one of the very few ways—perhaps the only one—by

Catholic news that COUNTS Print or Digital

which Catholics of different backgrounds across the country come together, as we can see most clearly on the Community pics page and the local news pages. In this way, The Southern Cross is a critical vehicle for unity among our region’s Catholics. What’s to be done? All of us must remain loyal to buying the paper weekly. We must promote it in our dioceses, deaneries and parishes, and among our Catholic friends. Then there is the question of advertising. No newspaper can exist without selling advertising space. The Southern Cross is no exception. Is there anyone with advertising experience who would be prepared to urge companies, of whatever sort, to advertise in The Southern Cross? Businesses could also place adverts in lieu of donations. Finally, perhaps we should initiate crowdfunding via the Internet? Monthly reports could be published, giving amounts donated, even perhaps introducing a competitive spirit whereby each donor tries to beat his own previous donation. This appeal to financially support The Southern Cross, and ensure it continues, needs energetic, committed leaders who have the vision and sense of purpose to show their followers how to achieve that goal. Above all, the whole of the SACBC needs to unreservedly give its full support to the venture. We just cannot afford to fail. Antonio Tonin, East London

Never lose power of Pentecost

AM so afraid that the magnificent Spirit of Pentecost—which renewed the face of the earth—will continue to become just a passing event and, in many cases, meaningless to our confirmation classes. We are talking of an unspeakable invitation from the Father and his Son, to share in the divine life of the Blessed Trinity; and to live our

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

SUBSCRIBE Digital: R420 • Print R500 • Call Michelle 021 465 5007 or email subscriptions@scross.co.za • www.scross.co.za/subscribe

I remember an NGK monthly newsletter in the early 1970s in which a photograph of the Ku Klux Klan was published under the heading: “The type of religion that the Catholics want us to return to.” They were trying to create the impression that the photo was of a Catholic service. English was a hated language, and Catholics were referred to as the “Roomse gevaar” (or Roman threat). Today we have in Bloemfontein a priest, Fr John Newton Johnson, who is doing great work in introducing Afrikaans-speaking people to our Church, translating books and Catholic liturgy into Afrikaans. There

are also Afrikaans services held. Fr Newton Johnson has been involved in this venture for many years and naturally has a very good knowledge of Afrikaans. This Afrikaans apostolate is a venture that needs to be lauded by the Church. It should become a campaign to draw more Afrikaans members through their language, in the same way that black African ethnic groups are being accommodated. Fr Newton Johnson is to receive an award from the Academy of Arts and Science for his contribution in this field later this year. We are privileged to have such a priest, a much-loved person, in our congregation. Brian Gouveia, Bloemfontein

whole life in the Spirit, in the very power of God himself. Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, a passionate charismatic preacher, speaks of “a sober intoxication of the Spirit”. This is what we should hope to see in our young adults preparing for confirmation. Having been in this game for over 30 years, I know that directors and catechists work tirelessly to achieve miracles. They give so much time and effort; bless them, Lord! However, I fear we are lacking the right approach for young adults. I would love them to feel, to experience, the power of that Pentecost. Why aren’t they? Where are we failing? Why do so many forget that great, special anointing, the renewal of their baptismal vows, and then dare to enter a selfish, godless world without the power of the Spirit offered them? Surely, it is because these young people were not conversant with the actual happenings on Pentecost? How thrilling if each candidate for confirmation was able to tell that story in detail from the scriptures in their own words, with faith and deep conviction. What happened to those disciples was the manifestation of an awesome power without whom they were terribly fragile, fearful, and just an empty shell! Preparing for confirmation, candidates should so want that Spirit ignited in them that they yearn for the day which they pray will be their Pentecost…and make them ready to witness to God’s love in the world. Fr Ralph de Hahn, Cape Town 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

VIVA SAFARIS KRUGER PARK with

Send your overseas friends and family on an unforgettable safari with VIVA SAFARIS

www.vivasafaris.com

admin@stanthonyshome.org www.stanthonyshome.org

Bookings: vivasaf@icon.co.za or 071 842 5547

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Pope to oil execs: There is no time Tony Magliano C HALLENGING world oil executives to recognise the urgent environmental need to quickly transition from fossil fuel extraction and burning, to clean energy production, Pope Francis called them to take to heart that “civilisation requires energy, but energy must not destroy civilisation”. Gathering the heads of some of the world’s largest oil and gas corporations— including ExxonMobil, BP, and Royal Dutch Shell—to the recent “Energy Transition and Care for our Common Home” Vatican conference, the pope told the CEOs that meeting the energy needs of everyone, especially the more than 1 billion people without electricity, must urgently be undertaken. This must be done in ways “that avoid creating environmental imbalances resulting in deterioration and pollution gravely harmful to our human family, both now and in the future”.

years on record—since 1880. “Our common home,” as Pope Francis likes to call our planet, is indisputably warming up, causing more frequent, more intense hurricanes, wildfires, floods, droughts and heat waves. The Holy Father reminded corporate oil executives that the 2015 Paris climate agreement signed by 196 nations to make the necessary changes to limit global warming was not on track, and that there is real concern that carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases still remain dangerously high. Here it is important to note that President Trump pulled the US out of the Paris climate agreement, despite the fact that

A moral interconnectedness The pontiff appealed to the energy executives to see the necessary moral interconnectedness of the elimination of poverty and hunger—including providing “energy for all”—with “sustainable development of renewable forms of energy” to replace dirty fossil fuels that are greatly contributing to a dangerous rise in global temperatures, thus leading to harsher environments, and, not surprisingly, increased poverty. “Temperatures over the planet as a whole continue the rapid warming trend we’ve seen over the last 40 years,” said NASA scientist Gavin Schmidt. According to NASA, during the past century the Earth’s average surface temperature has risen about 1,50 Celsius— largely due to increased human-made global-warming emissions like carbon dioxide.

Hottest since 1880 And the past four years are the hottest

Point of Justice

historically the US has put more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than any country. The US is currently the world’s secondlargest emitter of heat-trapping gases.

Poor countries will suffer most The world’s poor nations, which have generated the least amount of global warming gases, are the countries that suffer the most. Here Pope Francis laments: “It is the poor who suffer most from the ravages of global warming, with increasing disruption in the agricultural sector, water insecurity, and exposure to severe weather events. “The transition to accessible and clean energy is a duty that we owe towards millions of our brothers and sisters around the world, poorer countries and generations yet to come. “There can be no renewal with our relationship with nature without a renewal of humanity itself.”

Appeal to oil and gas leaders

The holy Father reminded corporate oil executives that the 2015 Paris climate agreement signed by 196 nations to make the necessary changes to limit global warming was not on track.

In a heartfelt appeal to oil and gas corporate leaders, the Holy Father asked them to put their skills and privileged positions to “the service of two great needs in today’s world: the care of the poor and the environment”. And with urgent warning to all of us, Pope Francis concluded: “There is no time to lose: We received the earth as a gardenhome from the Creator; let us not pass it on to future generations as a wilderness.” n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist. Tony can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net

Family: What more can be done? Toni Rowland P ARTICIPATING in a conference of the Department of Social Development was enlightening and for me also affirming. I know that those in the DSD Family Directorate and the family services forum understand and base their work on the priorities of the white paper on families with its focus on family preservation, strengthening and awareness-raising. Readers of this column over the years will know that those are my priorities too, developed and presented mainly through Marfam’s various resources. Since 1994 we have produced a magazine with a deliberately broad family focus on evangelisation by and for families. Marfam as a marriage and family renewal ministry was promoting the family focus as the foundation for Church and society, taking it from the African Synod image of Church As Family. It was never intended for Marfam to concentrate on addressing directly the problem areas in family life, eg substance abuse, domestic violence, hurting marriages. The year planner calendars that have been around for decades, with the more recent daily reflection booklets, raise awareness, promote family spirituality and provide information, but leave dealing with the social ills to other more specialised resources. Marfam still wasn’t all about publications. Radio Veritas, this Southern Cross column, many parish and diocesan visits to speak or run workshops have been carried out.

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

Family Friendly

Toni rowland says families are as important than ever, but support for them seems to be dwindling. Since retiring from the SACBC Family Life Desk in 2015 my work has continued, with time mainly spent on Marfam matters. That part of my life is likely to change and diminish too. Support for the print media has diminished and more energy is likely to go into the digital domain where Marfam already has a website, e-newsletter, Facebook and Twitter presence. There are other possibilities too as family does matter, as much if not more than ever. Courses and workshops can be developed and run. Training in caring for parish families is still a need. But new blood is needed too to make it possible for the concern with family matters to continue. I intend to cut back and hand over to a new co-ordinator and a new board and so Marfam is recruiting new people with passion and vision, with energy and direction. Unfortunately we’re in a Catch 22 situa-

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

tion. Without a comprehensive plan for a way forward it is difficult to raise the funds to implement it and without people a plan cannot be developed. There is no doubt that family does matter, but how the necessary support can be given to families remains to be seen. Sporadic attempts are made to focus on family life, as in the Synods on the Family in 2014 and 2015, Pope Francis’ publication of Amoris Laetitia and the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Ireland in August. But again in promoting a truly familyfriendly view it is necessary to accept that family is family every day. Marriage, parenting and care for the elderly are the stuff of life 24/7, in season or out so season. Don’t forget July will be the month for grandparents around the feast of St Joachim and St Anne on July 26 when parishes can honour, pray for and thank all grandparents. How can you help to maintain Marfam as a resource for family strengthening? Do you have the passion and commitment to dream the dream of healthy families, living and practising their unique spirituality? Being family-friendly of course! Contact us, and to help, donations are desperately needed too. n Visit www.marfam.org.za for details.

SHRINES OF FRA ANCE Led by Fr P 8 - 18 September 2019

LOURDES • PA ARIS Paray-le-Monial • Av vignon Marseilles • Orleans • Bourges Nevers ... and more

Contact Gail: 076 353-3809 or info@fowlertours.co.za

www.fowlertours.co.za/lourdes

Kelvin Banda OP

Point of reflection

The redemption of painful memories

E always want to reflect on our past and be able to feel good about it; to be able to say, “I lived and did everything well.” Some people, however, look at their past with frustration and even rage. They hold memories of anger and keep wondering why bad things happened or why those they expected to stand up for them didn’t. Some end up finding comfort in drugs and alcohol, or become promiscuous. Some remain helpless, believing the world hates them. There are many reasons why some people don’t have their painful memories healed. They might expect that those who’ve harmed them will apologise or that their oppressors will defer to them; neither is probable to happen. But the flip-side to that is a failure to forgive. Here’s what forgiveness is not: it isn’t about forgetting what was done to you; it isn’t about wiping away the memories of the offence; it isn’t about having to trust the person who injured you. The latter would not even be logical. Trust is earned, and they must earn trust again. When one forgives a serious offence, one shouldn’t pretend that nothing ever happened. The offence is a reality. Acting like nothing happened only builds resentment and anger. Granting forgiveness also does not give a person power over the one who is being forgiven. That would violate the entire principle and purpose of forgiveness.

here’s no button one can push to erase all the painful memories or heal the festering wounds that others have caused. Redeeming the past begins with a willingness to forgive, even if forgiveness seems difficult or too much to ask. Redeeming a painful past, being liberated from the bondage of pain, is about letting go of bitterness, anger and rage. There is always the possibility of grace to forgive—God wants everyone to be free from the pain of the past. We need to be challenged not only to forgive, but also to ask for forgiveness for our own trespasses. Some people are good at saying, “I forgive you,” but cannot ask: “Forgive me.” That is not healthy. The oppressors and those who have been oppressed are usually the people who cause hurt and pain to others. This happens both in religious communities as well as in secular society. So some people cannot find happiness in themselves and in others at all because of the unprocessed anger from the past. Redeeming painful memories is recognising that pain was either self-inflicted or caused by someone else. But healing one’s pain is not about impressing the oppressor. It is about freeing oneself from the entanglement of pain. The British author Charles Dickens noted that to be healthy, one must remember not only the pleasant aspects of the past, but also those painful memories of one’s own failings. In short, one must remember the past to seek forgiveness for it. Addressing painful memories is a means of transforming the chaos of the past.

NOAH and the staff of The Trestle Table would like to thank all the donors of second hand goods for supporting our initiative over the past year. We are truly grateful for your support.

021447 6334 ian@noah.org.za

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

Loreto Convent School celebrates 140th anniversary on a high

(From left) MMC of Health Mr S. Du Plooy with Mrs N. Stoman. Guests at Gala Dinner 2018. Mrs Truter, the Executive Principal of Loreto Convent School. Mr MacGabhann the Ambassador of Ireland. Prof. Kourie is the Chairman of the Board. Mr MacGabhann the Ambassador of Ireland with Mrs. N. Stoman. Sr. Marian also a Board member. Mr Wolmarans is a Dramatic Arts Teacher at Loreto Convent School.

Opened by nuns with 25 pupils, it is a happy home for 730 today

tants, engineers, medical doctors and well-known professionals in the legal and judicial fraternity as well as personnel in the dramatic arts,â&#x20AC;? reflects Principal Mrs Suzette Truter, while drawing attention to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding record of a 100 percent matric pass rate for the past 24 consecutive years, one of only three schools in Gauteng to have such a proud record, notes Mrs Truter. Meantime, the bachelor pass rate has increased to 97 percent and among other numerous achievements, the school was the best performing school in the district for the 2013 matric examination. The strong artistic pedigree manifests partly in the esteemed choir which has made it to the World Choir Games being held at the City Hall in Pretoria from July 10-14. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-pupils have also done extremely well in the dramatic arts. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admirable achievement record is partly explained by a low learner:teacher ratio of 17:1, one that ensures adequate instructor attention for every pupil. Classes are kept to not more than 30 learners per class. Mrs Truter also points out to the many support learner mechanisms that enable learners to realise their full potential, including a full-time psychologist and a full-time social worker. The school staff complement of 45 teachers, 16 support staff, among them grounds staff, cleaning staff and general maintenance staff, forms part of the Loreto Convent School community famous for its ability to reach for the stars. That the school encourages learners to excel in every way possible is reflected in a statement pinned to a wall in one section, an incisive quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their

dreams.â&#x20AC;? Aftercare learning is part of the educational culture. Learners are accommodated in a study room where they can read while waiting for their parents to fetch them. Part of what makes the school go from strength to strength has to do with the dedicated teachers who are always ready to go the extra mile and who have been with the school for many years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once you come to Loreto you become part of the Loreto family. We do care for each other,â&#x20AC;? notes Mrs Truter. Although some of the buildings are old and require constant maintenance the pleasure of being surrounded by such heritage is priceless. The adjoining cathedral is an architectural wonder and the on-site chapel with its beautiful rose-tinted glass and magnificent pews a rarity to be discovered.

Historical Background The history of Loreto Convent School is closely intertwined with the history of the Catholic Church in Pretoria. Prior to the British annexation of the Transvaal by Sir Theophilus Shepstone in April 1877, only the Dutch Reformed Church was the allowed religion in the region. In August of that year Bishop C. Jolivet of Natal commended the Loreto Sisters, saying they â&#x20AC;&#x153;wisely purchased the ten remaining erven so that the Church and the Convent owned the whole blockâ&#x20AC;?. To this day, the block hemmed in between Nana Sita, Sophie de Bruin, Bosman and Visagie streets is still property of the Sisters, who have since moved to Nazareth House in Florence Ribeiro Drive. The school opened on June 7 1878, with 20 pupils enrolled in the high school and six in what was

then referred to as the parochial school. In 1879, the government of the time commended the school for the high level of education offered to the learners. During the siege of Pretoria in 1880, the school was used to house British soldiers but classes were suspended for a short peri-

od with life returning to normal in 1881. Numbers continued to grow with the highest recorded enrolment in 1953 when the school had 853 learners. The school was once again closed during the Anglo-Boer War and used as a hospital for wounded soldiers but President Paul Kru-

gerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message to the nuns at that time was very reassuring: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let the ladies at the Convent have no fear; if anything happens, they shall be the first to be protected.â&#x20AC;? In 1922, the school building was enlarged to include the present day offices and Gr 7 block.

FROM HUMBLING BEGINNINGS: SMALL TOWN TO GIANT IN EDUCATION Recent Milestones 1978 The school celebrated its centenary and had a week of festivities. A pageant of the history of Loreto in South Africa, held on the hockey field, was a spectacular event. It combined all of the Loreto schools in the country in a colourful display. Early 1980s The Loreto sisters became more involved in servicing the underprivileged and education was handed over to lay teachers. 1983 The boarding school was also closed down to make room for the ever growing number of learners at the school and the dwindling staff complement to run it. The boarding quarters were used to improve school facilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the dining hall became a media centre and the dormitories upstairs were converted to classrooms. 1986 The school received its first Government subsidy since the days of Paul Kruger. 1988 The first Board of Governors to administrate the functioning of the school was established .

as Sister Marian put its, turned out to be the right one. 1996 Mrs RenĂŠe dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oliviera succeeded Mrs Addis as school principal. The Representative Council of Learners was established the same year, to serve as a link between staff and learners, and every class in the High School is represented on this council. 1998 A new school hall was opened to accommodate the entire school community in one venue. A House system with the names of the three archangels, namely, St Gabriel, St Michael and St Raphael, was reintroduced to motivate learners and create school spirit. 2001 A Code of Conduct was accepted as school policy which requires both learners and parents to sign and abide by the code of discipline upheld by the school. 2006 Mr Stuart Shillinglaw was appointed principal. During this time, the school grew in numbers to almost 800 learners at times and a third class per grade was introduced in the High School to cater for the demand.

Present Era 1989 Mrs HĂŠlene Addis was chosen to become the first lay Principal of the school (replacing Sister Joan, the last Sister Principal) and many improvements were made to the school during her time as principal. The decision to engage â&#x20AC;&#x153;our lay collaboratorsâ&#x20AC;?,

Despite the declining numbers of Catholic learners and staff, the school maintains its Christian ethos based on Catholic tradition. School day starts with a morning prayer and notices for the day, and later in the day learners gather for a second prayer in the quad. Religious Education

classes and Masses are also held at school while at weekly assemblies a religious and moral message is presented to learners. Last year, Mrs Suzette Truter was appointed as the executive and current Principal, following the retirement of Mr Shillinglaw.

Values, Mission and Vision High educational and moral standards are a continued focus of the school as a way of developing learners into well educated, mature, self-disciplined citizens who will serve their own community and their country. This has included taking difficult decisions such as the banning of smartphones this year in order to protect pupils from the attendant dangers of Social Media such as bullying, sexting and unsuitable content. Not only is that seen as harmful for their well-rounded development; the measure was taken with a view to promoting personal communication and peer-to-peer interaction, which augur well for personal development. From humble beginnings in a small town of only 12 000 residents has grown a giant in education, one that preserves its rich religious and cultural heritage. The Loreto Convent School community is excited for the next 140 years. In the spirit and belief of Mary Ward, that every child has the right to an education, regardless of colour, race or religion, Loreto Convent School stands proud to be counted as an entity that gives every learner coming through their door the chance to achieve greatness.

WE ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS FOR 2019

LORETO CONVENT SCHOOL Providing quality Catholic Education Since 1878 100% Matric Pass Rate For 24 Years

* ' www.loreto.co.za

ACM/10926411

JOHN MAKONI ORETO Convent School in Nana Sita Street (formerly Skinner Street), celebrates a special occasion today, its 140th birthday. The school is very proud of its rich and diverse cultural heritage as well as excellent standard of education. It is also proud that it survived some of the toughest challenges throughout its history by living up to its founding values and ethos. The important anniversary will be no ordinary occasion for various reasons as the Pretoria News found out on a reception and tour of the school this week. As befits such a grand event, a gala dinner was held at Sorex Estate in Centurion. In attendance was the Ambassador of Ireland, staff members, alumni, parents and other VIP and invited guests. The event was held to mark exactly 140 years to the day in 1878 that Loreto Convent School opened on the same premises in Nana Sita Street in the then Transvaal, a history that makes it the first Loreto school not only in South Africa but in Africa and probably the oldest school in Pretoria. It is also without a doubt one of the oldest continuously operating institutions of learning in the country. In a nod to the landmark anniversary, the Loreto crest, Maria Regina Angelorum, Cruci Dum Spiro Fido, meaning â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mary Queen of Angels, While I live, I Believe in the Crossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, has been appropriately encircled with the wording â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Celebrating 140 Years of Catholic Teaching Excellenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This excellence spans the academic and artistic as well as the professional spheres, given the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many top alumni achievers in our society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very much academically-orientated. Many of our girls are in high-powered jobs. The school has produced chartered accoun-

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

CHURCH

How Pope Francis was formed Pope Francis never was a theologian, but his grasp of theology is firm and it influences his particular style of leading the Church, as two of his biographers told eliSe harriS.

OPE Emeritus Benedict XVI recently spoke out about what he called “the foolish prejudice in which Pope Francis is [seen as] just a practical man without particular theological or philosophical formation”. This does raise an important question: what exactly is Pope Francis’ theological formation? Those who know Jorge Mario Bergoglio well are quick to point out that he is not a “systematic theologian”, and that he cannot be called a theological expert in the academic sense of the word. However, despite a lack of formal academic experience, biographers note that Pope Francis has a sharp mind and an extensive knowledge of influential Catholic thinkers, especially in the Latin American context. English papal biographer Austen Ivereigh said that the first Latin American pope cannot be identified exclusively with any particular theological movement or approach. “People knew where John Paul II’s philosophy school was; they could situate him because of his thesis, and because of his scholarly life, and the same with Benedict; Benedict could easily be located as part of a particular school,” Mr Ivereigh said. But Bergoglio “is not a systematic theologian, so you can’t really identify him with any particular school”. However, the author of the authoritative English-language papal biography, The Great Reformer, noted that as a seminarian, studying at the Jesuit-run Colegio Maximo in Argentina, Bergoglio was the only student to ever get full marks in his classes. “He was brilliant. Everybody recognised that he was intellectually brilliant from the beginning,” Mr Ivereigh said. When Fr Bergoglio was named seminary rector, years later, many of his students also commented that “he was incredibly widely read in literature of the world, European and Latin American, poetry, classics, the novels. He was very, very cultured in that broader sense of the word,” Mr Ivereigh said. Alejandro Bermudez, executive director of Catholic News Agency and editor of the papal biography Pope Francis: Our Brother, Our Friend, said Fr Bergoglio was “a Jesuit of the old-school”, and as such “he definitely had that very rounded formation, with several interests”, including poetry, classical literature, and writings from the influential thinkers of the day.

Studies interrupted However, after being placed into administrative and leadership roles at a young age, the future pope “spent a lot of time doing practical things, and in a practical position” which took him away from academic endeavours. “The truth is, he did not have enough time to get into a deep theological formation,” Mr Bermudez said. “I’m not saying he’s a lightweight,” he said, adding that Francis “has a well-rounded theological formation for sure”. Fr Bergoglio was tapped as the Argentine Jesuit provincial in 1973 at the age of 36, during a tumultuous period in which the nation was led by a violent military dictatorship. In 1980 he was named rector of the philosophical and theological faculty at San Miguel Seminary in Buenos Aires, where he taught theology and oversaw Jesuit novices until 1986.

emphasis on community and solidarity, which Mr Bermudez said stems from the belief that popular devotion “was a richness that allowed the people of Latin America to preserve and persevere in their faith”. Another manifestation of this formation is the hope Francis has for Latin America’s role in the Church, since it covers such large swaths of territory. “You can hardly find any other place in the planet when you can go through such a large territory and be celebrating the same faith and speaking the same language,” Mr Bermudez said Mr Ivereigh said this influence The young Fr Jorge Bergoglio in can be seen even from Fr Bergoglio’s argentina. time as rector of the San Miguel seminary in Buenos Aires, where he words and actions. For Mr Ivereigh, Francis’ entire Pope Francis’ concerns for social justice and the poor, his popular devokept a strict spiritual and academic tions and his need to be close to the people—and bring the church close regime for the Jesuit novices, while pontificate has so far been “one big to them—have their roots in his formation by the theologies of the church also encouraging them to pray the lesson in what they call in Latin and in latin america. (Photo: Paul haring/cNS) Rosary together and sending them Italian pastoralita—it’s one big lesout to minister in parishes on the son in how to be pastoral...putting people first, spending time with He was removed from that role “That’s where the pope’s prefer- weekends. when his emphasis on traditional ence for the importance of Marian “His vision of the Church, I them, showing that everybody is theology and spirituality clashed shrines, and processions and events think, derives from his reading of valuable, showing that God cares with the Jesuits’ then-Superior Gen- of massive faith comes from,” Mr the Spanish missionary experience about everybody”. This is seen in Francis’ homilies Bermudez said. eral, Fr Peter Hans Kolvenbach. in the colonial era of Latin America. Because of the way in which peo- He makes frequent references, par- and travels, but also in his interacHe was sent to the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and ple gathered to celebrate their faith ticularly in Latin America, to that tion with media and his general approachability, Mr Ivereigh said, Theology in Frankfurt, Germany, to in this “popular” way, the approach era,” Mr Ivereigh said. Fr Bergoglio wanted the seminar- explaining that in his view, the pope begin doctoral studies, which were later became known as the teologia ians to “get out of their heads and is constantly trying to remove “unbased on the writings of German- del pueblo. Mr Bermudez stressed have contact with the necessary blockages” getting in the Italian theologian Romano Guarthat these ideas were difpeople; so study was im- way of reaching the people. dini. However, after just a few “Some of those blockages are the months he was sent back to Ar- ferent from liberation Francis’ papacy portant, but on weekends theology, which sprung they were out there with result of social and cultural change, gentina as a confessor in Cordoba. By the time he was named auxil- up in Latin America in is a big lesson the people ministering in which lead people, for example, to parishes”, which was be suspicious of institutions or to iary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, the 1970s, and often emin how to be the unusual for Jesuits at the see institutions as distant. But some he still had not finished his doctoral phasised a Marxist interpretation of the Gospel, time, who typically of those blockages are also part of thesis. pastoral… viewing faith through placed a heavy emphasis the Church’s culture,” he said. Bishop Bergoglio continued to “So the proclamation has to be on academics. ascend the ranks of Church hierar- the lens of class struggle, showing that After the Second Vati- simpler, humbler and more kerygchy, taking on increasingly admin- rather than giving priGod cares can Council, Fr Bergoglio matic. That’s been his big message istrative roles that plunged him macy to spiritual freedom. was “very sceptical of of these last five years.” further into political and practical about In his view, Mr Bermudez said, He explained that libprogressive attempts to affairs, and further away from his the influence of Latin American theeverybody depart from core doctorate, which remains unfin- eration theology largely ology, in particular, can be seen rejected popular piety, Catholic traditions, such clearly in the pope’s continuous enished to this day. However, according to Mr Iver- believing it to be “some as, in his view, down- couragement of priests to take on eigh, simply because Francis can’t be kind of backwards approach to reli- grading the importance of popular the “smell of the sheep”, as well as attached to a particular theological gion that would keep people away piety”, Mr Ivereigh said. “He was his ideas about how the priesthood school, “that doesn’t mean that he’s from social change and structural very strong on maintaining that.” and episcopate should be based on difficult to pin down, because actu- change”. Mr Ivereigh said that Bergoglio’s the “conviction that the faith of the Liberation theology was not releally his intellectual trajectory is very approach was consistently about people is very powerful”. vant in Argentina at the time of “going back to the original charism clear”. Since the beginning, Francis has Bergoglio’s formation, Mr Bermudez of the 16th century Jesuits”, which preached the importance of popular Intellectual Influences noted. placed a strong emphasis on mis- devotions, the need for greater hope When Bergoglio was being sionary outreach. The pope’s intellectual influences and solidarity, the importance of include several prominent 20th cen- formed, Mr Bermudez said, “there “He certainly didn’t want to go truth, a sense of good and evil, and tury thinkers, such as Swiss Father was a lot of hope in a Latin Ameri- back to the former time before the an emphasis on divine intervention, Hans Urs von Balthasar, French Je- can future in which Latin America Council, but he didn’t want a mod- Mr Bermudez said. suit Fathers Henri de Lubac and Gas- would play a huge role in the ernisation that would dilute the “All that has been influenced by ton Fessard, German-Polish Jesuit world”. In the years since, “crisis Catholic tradition, and he wanted a this experience of the common peoFather Erich Przywara, and Guar- and corruption and political squab- deeper reform that returned the Je- ple, your day-by-day Catholic who dini, an Italian-born German priest bles pretty much put an end to any suits to their deeper traditions.” lives from Church feast to Church whose theology formed the basis for hope that Latin America would rise feast and experiences their faith [in the future pope’s unfinished doc- up as one single nation”. Formation of a pope this way],” he said. toral thesis. However, the influence of the This approach has “completely Both biographers noted that, Bergoglio’s biographers say he teologia latinoamericana can clearly while the pope has limited formal impregnated his preaching and his was influenced especially by several be seen in Francis’ words, actions theological training, his formation vision of how to live our faith”.— prominent Latin American theolo- and personal style—above all in his and intellect can be seen in his daily CNA gians who were influential in teologia latinoamericana, or Latin American theology, an approach that emphasised the Church’s closeness to ordinary people and their expressions of popular devotion. According to Mr Bermudez, those who had the biggest impact on Francis’ thought were Fr Juan Carlos Scannone SJ—who is still alive and was a professor of the young Fr Bergoglio—as well as Argentinian Fr Lucio Gera and Uruguayan Alberto Methol Ferré, who Mr Bermudez said was “super-influential on a whole generation of Latin Americans”. Mr Bermudez explained that the teologia latinoamericana intellectuals had a clear vision of the need to develop a theology “that would line up with the idea that Latin America, as a large continent with one language and one religion [and close to half of the world’s Catholics], had some kind of a ‘manifest destiny’”. For Bookings: Their approach emphasised the preferential option for the poor, and Cellphones: Reception: 031 700 2155 that popular piety and devotion 083 963 3848 Fr Urs Fischer Fr Urs Fischer 031 700 2890 would play a major role in unifying 083 544 1504 Bro Crispin Fax 031 700 2738 Latin America, and in preserving 082 730 7180 Mrs N Qupa Email: monretreat@saol.com and transmitting the faith across the continent.

‘Get out of your heads’

MONASTERY RETREAT HOUSE PO Box 11095, Mariannhill 3624

Individual, directed or private retreats can be arranged for periods of 2-8 days throughout the year. Diocesan, Parish and Church meetings and workshops should be booked well in advance

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

BIBLE

Where we find water in the Bible Water runs through the Bible. Fr ralPh De hahN looks at some examples, especially from the gospel of St John.

“I must carry out the work of the One who sent me..I am the light of the world.” Having said this, Jesus spat on the ground, made a paste from the spittle, placed this on the man’s eyes and instructed him: “Go and wash in the pool of Siloam” (a name that means “sent”). The blind man, now seeing the Light, confessed his faith in Jesus (Jn 9:6-8).

From Cana to Calvary

S many regions on earth face water crises, it is interesting— and also spiritually stimulating—to reflect on the beautiful image of water as presented in the gospel of John. The synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke—present their experience and knowledge of the man Jesus; they relate his birth, life, miracles and death, but very much with the same purpose. The evangelist John is different. He is the “other disciple” who was the intimate companion of the Lord. And it is in his gospel that the divinity of Jesus is unveiled and the “I am” is proclaimed (8:58). His is a gospel of the Holy Spirit leading us into all truth. He brings the Master from Galilee into the heart of Jerusalem, and very cleverly associates his teachings with the great Jewish festivals—such as Sukkot (Tabernacles), Shavu’ot (or Pentecost; the feast of weeks), Hannukkah (day of atonement), Passover and others. John is ever-conscious of the Thanksgiving festivals associated with the beauty of creation and all that it produces for the good of God’s people—water, grain, vine, fruits, oil, animals and bread. The Christian faith also draws from nature to the ultimate worship of the Creator; and these positive signs of his presence we present as “sacraments”. Let us look only at water, that very precious gift essential to all humanity and to the process of growth.

Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. he asks her for water from the well, and in exchange promises her the living Water of eternal life. drank the same spiritual drink... from the spiritual rock that went with them…But the rock was Christ” (1 Cor 10). We also have the vision of Ezekiel: “...and behold, water was issuing from the threshold towards the east” (47:1). In Zechariah, we read: “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” (13:1). He further gives new meaning to the water, saying: “On that day Living Waters shall flow out from Jerusalem.”(14:8). It is in the final chapters of Revelation that we learn the greatness of this promise: “Then he showed me the river of the waters of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (22:1). Now, as we return to John’s

From Moses to Paul Already from the ancient prophets we hear the prefiguring of these life-giving waters. Moses had given the wandering Jews bread from heaven and water from the rock (Numbers 20). Later Paul will write that “all

gospel, we find Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem, crying out: “If any man is thirsty, let him come to me! Let the man come and drink, he who believes in me.” Then quoting from the scriptures normally read on the feast of Tabernacles, he echoed the line in Zechariah: “From his breast shall flow fountains of living water” (Jn 7:37).

Water in John’s gospel Water symbolism pervades the gospel from beginning to end. In chapter 3, Jesus enlightens Nicodemus: “Unless a man is born again of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Man needs a rebirth for “what is born of the flesh is only flesh”. There is a supernatural life. In chapter 4 we have this fascinating encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. It is noon and Jesus asks for a

drink; in exchange he offers her Living water. “The water I shall give will turn into a spring inside, welling up to eternal life...and you will never be thirsty again.” Jesus is the new Moses who offers us living water from the rock, and the rock is Christ. Chapter five of John’s gospel tells of a man afflicted for 38 years who is unable to plunge into the pool of Bethesda, which had healing power after the angel had touched the waters. The sick man had faith in this divine power: “Do you want to be well again?” asked Jesus. The man had faith in Jesus’ offer, and was totally healed. “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk,” Jesus told this man who moments before couldn’t even reach the pool, and he did. In chapter nine we find Jesus leading a blind man into the light.

One is tempted to go back to John chapter two: It was the wedding feast of Cana; there was not enough wine for all the guests, so at the Lord’s command, many vessels were filled with water from the spring. The water was then changed into wine—the best wine ever tasted. Before his death, Jesus would change wine into his own blood. The evangelist now takes us to Calvary for a drama of major importance. One of the soldiers pierced the side of the crucified Christ and there flowed blood and water (19:34). This is rightly interpreted as the two vital sacraments of the Church: baptism and the Eucharist. In his first letter, John writes: “This is he who came by water and blood; not with water only, but with water and blood…there are three witnesses—the Spirit, water and the blood, and these three are one” (1 Jn 5:6-8). John, in his gospel, often emphasises the role of the Spirit (15:26; 16:13). Man’s deepest thirst is the thirst for “life in abundance” (10:10). And faith in Jesus is the only way we drink of the Living Water. Referring once more to the prophetic teaching of Ezekiel, the living water flows from the temple, and at the feast of the Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Jesus declares himself as the real temple. He—the crucified, pierced and resurrected—is the true fountain of life, the source of life for all ages. And from this spring of love, the believer becomes one with Jesus and participates in the New Life he alone offers. NEXT WEEK: Günther Simmermacher locates Jesus in, on and at the water in the Holy Land.

Become an Associate - Your contribution makes a difference The Associates Campaign is an integral support to The Southern Cross ensuring that it continues its apostolic outreach, developing the means of transmitting our Catholic values in the new forms of media and safeguarding its future in these uncertain economic times.

By BECOMING OR REMAINING AN ASSOCIATE yOU WILL:

□

□ □ □ □



SELECT

M PA I G

• Safeguard the future of The Southern Cross. The Associates Campaign is a bedrock in which the existence of The Southern Cross is rooted. • Enable us to develop our presence on the constantly evolving technological platforms to meet young Catholics where they are. This is a substantial but absolutely essential undertaking which our income from sales and advertising simply cannot cover. • Support our apostolate to prisoners to help them convert to a life with Christ. As St Paul admonishes us: “Keep in mind those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them… since you too are in the one body” (Heb 13:3). Our outreach currently serves 24 prisons as well as six army bases; it is funded entirely by the Associates Campaign. • Ensure that all our seminarians may have access to The Southern Cross so that they remain in touch with the events and thinking of the local and worldwide Church. • Help us give young journalists a foundation in religious reporting at a time when the secular press covers our Church only in relation to bad news.

Cardinal Owen McCann Associate - annual contribution is R1500 or more. Cardinal Owen McCann Associates will receive a free postal or digital subscription to The Southern Cross St Maximilian Kolbe Associate - annual contribution of between R500 and R1499. St Francis de Sales Associate - annual contribution of R100 or more. Dorothy Day Associate - any amount, by monthly debit order Once-oﬀ payment

Title............... Name.....................................................................

Address........................................................................................ .................................................................................Code ........... Tel/Cell.......................................................................................... E-mail..........................................................................................

Banking details: Standard Bank, Thibault Square Branch (Code 020909), The Southern Cross, Acc No: 276876016 (please fax or e-mail deposit slip or conﬁrmation) l Fax Number: 021 465-3850, Email: admin@scross.co.za

CLASSIFIEDS

Yvonne Rehman

VONNE Rehman, a founder member of the Catholic Women’s League in Christ the King parish in Wentworth, Durban, has died. She worked tirelessly in the parish, serving God and her neighbour with a passion and love for God that has left a special legacy for us all to live by. Mrs Rehman raised a family with love and a good knowledge of the Catholic faith. She was part of the parish fundraising committee, and even after leaving fundraising she still served by assisting with

whatever she could. Mrs Rehman was also a reader and part of the team which arranged flowers for the church. She was well loved in the parish by all who encountered her for her quick wit, engaging smile and, at times when required, her sharp tongue. She never shied away from the truth, and was always positive with everyone she met. Mrs Rehman is survived by seven children, and nursed her husband until his passing a short while ago. By Quinton Manto

Footballers of faith tell fans of their belief on and off the pitch By GüNTher SiMMerMacher

URING this year’s World Cup, we will see many footballers cross themselves as they take to the field or after scoring, or exhibit their Christian faith in other ways. The three greatest current players—Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, and Brazil’s Neymar—all profess their faith in Christ. Messi tends to cross himself and point to the sky after scoring a goal. The Catholic player has said that, unlike many other players, he has no superstitions. “I have a deep faith, and that’s enough,” he said. Among Messi’s tattoos are an image of Christ and another of the Sagrada Familia, the famous cathedral of Barcelona. He has reportedly said he will go on pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of San Nicolás in Argentina if his country wins the World Cup. Teammate Sergio Agüero has said he’ll join him. Brazil’s Neymar, a member of a Pentecostal church, also sports Christian tattoos. Among them are an image of Jesus, and quotes from Ephesians and Corinthians. Neymar even has a teammate named Jesus! Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus wears the number 33, for the supposed year of Christ’s crucifixion. Ronaldo has declared his talent “a gift from God”. Unlike other stars, Ronaldo has no tattoos—as a regular blood donor, he is not allowed to have them. But he collects chains with crucifixes or crosses. His Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, is deeply religious . After leading his side to the European Championships two years ago, he made a pilgrimage of thanksgiving to Fatima. The top striker of the last World Cup, Colombia’s James Rodriguez, has declared his faith in the Lord, who is “greater than the universe”, on Twitter. The Bayern Munich player has religious tattoos and has said that he loves the silence of churches. Fellow Colombia striker

CLASSIFIEDS

a nun displays the No 10 jersey of catholic argentinian football star lionel Messi prior to Pope Francis leading the angelus in St Peter's Square. (Photo: Bob roller/cNS) Radamel Falcao often displays a T-shirt saying, “With Jesus you’ll never be alone.” Another top striker who makes no secret of his Catholicism is Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. He has said that he is anything but ashamed of Jesus and believes that God is watching him. Lewandowski regularly goes to church before games and has met the pope on several occasions. France’s Antoine Griezmann, one of football’s hottest transfer targets, is another player to regularly go to church to pray. The Atletico Madrid star, who comes from a German family, is a Catholic who also wears his faith on his skin: his tattoos include images of Jesus, the Rosary, the Blessed Virgin, and Rio’s statue of the Redeemer. In his autobiography, he wrote that he had “bathed in religion since childhood”.

Defenders also need Christ Not only strikers draw strength from Christ. Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas kneels in his goal before every game to pray, and places small statues of angels behind both posts. The Real Madrid star is

Our bishops’ anniversaries This week we congratulate: July 2: Bishop Xolelo Thaddeus Kumalo of Eshowe on his 64th birthday

known as “The Man of Faith”, as the title of a documentary on him has it. He doesn’t mind if people laugh at him for his faith. “If I sought to be liked, I’d not be a servant of Christ,” he has said. Germany’s Jerome Boateng comes from a very devout home and has many religious tattoos, including an image of the Blessed Virgin and a cross. His teammate Joshua Kimmich, another Bayern player, wears an armband featuring a cross. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a Catholic, financially supports a youth group run by a group of friars. Their coach, Joachim “Jogi” Löw, is a Catholic who in his youth served on the altar. In interviews, he treats his Catholicism as natural to him. And Croatia’s defender Vedran Corluka puts his money where his faith is. The Bosnian-born Catholic, who wears the image of several saints on an armband, has helped finance the reconstruction of churches that were destroyed in the civil war of the early 1990s. We’ll see in this World Cup who has their faith on display on and off the pitch.

Southern CrossWord solutions SOLUTIONS TO 817. ACROSS: 3 Abominate, 8 Room, 9 Sackcloth, 10 Errant, 11 Prior, 14 Tudor, 15 Nero, 16 Lauds, 18 Numb, 20 Uriah, 21 Erred, 24 Fatima, 25 Sylvester, 26 Acne, 27 Senseless. DOWN: 1 Argentina, 2 Notre Dame, 4 Brat, 5 Maker, 6 Nelson, 7 Tote, 9 Snarl, 11 Pound, 12 Reminisce, 13 Hotheaded, 17 Sugar, 19 Breves, 22 Easel, 23 Pyre, 24 Fees.

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 (R1,80 a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication.

PERSONAL

ABORTION WARNING: The truth will convict a silent church. See www.valuelife abortionisevil.co.za ABORTION ON DEMAND: This is legalised daily murder in our nation. our silence on this issue is the reason why it continues. avoid pro-abortion politicians.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

MARIANELLA guest house, Simon’s Town: “come experience the peace and beauty of God with us.” Fully equipped with amazing sea views. Secure parking, ideal for rest and relaxation. Special rates for pensioners and clergy. Malcolm Salida 082 784 5675, mjsalida@ gmail.com

PRAYERS

Tattoos and pilgrimages

The Southern cross, June 27 to July 3, 2018

MAY ALL I DO today begin with you, o lord. Plant dreams and hopes within my soul, revive my tired spirit: be with me today. May all i do today continue with your help, o lord. Be at my side and walk with me: be my support today. May all i do today reach far and wide, o lord. My thoughts, my work, my life: make them blessings for your kingdom; let them go beyond today. o God, today is new unlike any other day, for God makes each day different. Today God's everyday grace falls on my soul like abundant seed, though i may hardly see it. Today is one of those

days Jesus promised to be with me, a companion on my journey, and my life today, if i trust him, has consequences unseen. My life has a purpose. i have a mission. i am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. God has not created me for naught. Therefore i will trust him. Whatever, wherever i am, i can never be thrown away. God does nothing in vain. he knows what he is about. John Henry Newman LORD, inspire those men and women who bear the titles “husband” and “wife”. help them to look to you, to themselves, to one another to rediscover the fullness and mystery they once felt in their union. let them be honest enough to ask: “Where have we been together and where are we going?” let them be brave enough to question: “how have we failed?” let each be foolhardy enough to say: “For me, we come first.” help them, together, to reexamine their commitment in the light of your love, willingly, openly, compassionately. HEAR ME, LORD, on behalf of all those who are dear to me, all whom i have in mind at this moment. Be near them in all their anxieties and worries, give them the help of your saving grace. i commend them all with trustful confidence to your merciful love. remember, lord, all who are mindful of me: all those who have asked me to pray for them, all who have been kind to me, all who have wronged me, or whom i have wronged by ill-will or misunderstanding. Give all of us to bear each other’s faults, and to share each other’s burdens. have mercy on the souls of our loved ones who have gone before us. Grant them peace and happiness. amen.

O VIRGIN Mother, in the depths of your heart you pondered the life of the Son you brought into the world. Give us your vision of Jesus and ask the Father to open our hearts, that we may always see his presence in our lives, and in the power of the holy Spirit, bring us into the joy and peace of the kingdom, where Jesus is lord forever and ever. amen

THANkS be to thee, my lord Jesus christ, For all the benefits thou hast won for me, For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me. o most merciful redeemer, Friend, and Brother, May i know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, For ever and ever.

The

Liturgical Calendar Year B – Weekdays Cycle Year 2 Sunday July 1, 13th Sunday of the Year Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15, Mark 5:21-43 Monday July 2 Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Psalm 50:16-23, Matthew 8:18-22 Tuesday July 3, St Thomas Ephesians 2:19-22, Psalm 117:1-2, John 20:24-29 Wednesday July 4, St Elizabeth of Portugal Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, Psalm 50:7-13, 16-17, Matthew 8:28-34 Thursday July 5, St Anthony Zaccaria Amos 7:10-17, Psalm 19:8-11, Matthew 9:1-8 Friday July 6, St Maria Goretti Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131, Matthew 9:9-13 Saturday July 7, Saturday Mass of Our Lady Amos 9:11-15, Psalm 85:9, 11-14, Matthew 9:14-17 Sunday July 8, 14th Sunday of the Year Ezekiel 2:2-5, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Mark 6:1-6

Southern Cross

Published independently by the catholic Newspaper and Publishing co since 1920

editor: Günther Simmermacher Business Manager: Pamela Davids Box 2372, cape Town, 8000

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

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

Subscriptions:

Digital: r420 p.a. (anywhere in the world) Print by mail: r500 p.a. (Sa. international rates on enquiry)

The Southern Cross is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations of South Africa. Printed by Paarl Coldset (Pty) Ltd, 10 Freedom Way, Milnerton. Published by the proprietors, The Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Co Ltd, at the company’s registered office, 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town, 8001.

The Southern Cross is published independently by the Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Company Ltd. address: Po Box 2372, cape Town, 8000. Tel: (021) 465 5007 Fax: (021) 465 3850 www.scross.co.za

Editor: Günther Simmermacher (editor@scross.co.za), Business Manager: Pamela Davids (admin@scross.co.za), Advisory Editor: Michael Shackleton, Local News: erin carelse (e.carelse@scross.co.za) Editorial: claire allen (c.allen@scross.co.za), Mary leveson (m.leveson@scross.co.za), Advertising: yolanda Timm (advertising@scross.co.za), Subscriptions: Michelle Perry (subscriptions@scross.co.za), Accounts: Desirée chanquin (accounts@scross.co.za) Directors: r Shields (chair), archbishop S Brislin, S Duval, e Jackson, B Jordan, Sr h Makoro cPS, J Mathurine, r riedlinger, G Stubbs, z Tom Editorial Advisory Board: Fr chris chatteris SJ, kelsay correa, Dr Nontando hadebe, Prof Derrick kourie, claire Mathieson, Fr lawrence Mduduzi Ndlovu, Palesa Ngwenya, Sr Dr connie o’Brien i.Sch, John o’leary, kevin roussel, Fr Paul Tatu cSS

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

the

14th Sunday: July 8 Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5, Psalm 123:1-4, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Mark 6:1-6

S outher n C ross

Wake up and listen to God

HE only thing that really matters is that we should be ready to listen to what God is saying to us; sadly, though, most of the time we are somewhat inclined to suppose that we can manage the universe rather better than God. That seems to be the message of the readings for next Sunday. In the first reading, we are privileged witnesses to Ezekiel’s vocation story: “The Spirit entered me”, he tells us, “and made me stand on my feet.” Then he is told what his mission is going to be like: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation; they have rebelled against me, they and their ancestors, down to this very day.” The Spirit then describes them as “hard of face and obstinate of heart”, but at least (and is Ezekiel meant to be consoled by this? Are we?), they shall know that “a prophet has been among them”. This is not going to be an easy task. The psalm is one of the great “songs of ascent” that the Israelites may have sung on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Here the poet is very much interested in listening out for God: “To you I lift up my

eyes, you who dwell in the heavens, like the eyes of servants on the hand of their masters…so our eyes are on the Lord our God.” Fortified by this excellent attitude, the singer now feels safe to ask, “Show favour to us, Lord, show favour”, while letting the Almighty know how awful things have become for them. In the second reading, Paul has found himself sharing some of his mystical experiences; it is worth noticing here that he only does autobiography when he has lost his temper, which he often did with the Corinthians. Here the autobiography includes the story of the “thorn in the flesh” (which is variously interpreted as sexual temptation, bad eyesight, epilepsy, or even Mrs Paul); but for our purposes what is interesting is that we are permitted to eavesdrop on a conversation between Paul and God. It seems that he asked the Lord “three times that it might be removed from me”. God’s response is that “my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made strong in weakness” (that is the profound and paradoxical Christian truth that we find so hard to under-

the same for all of us. First, there’s the need to accept and acknowledge both our loss and the pain with which we’re left. Denial of either, loss or pain, is never a friend. The frustration and helplessness within which we find ourselves must be accepted, and accepted with the knowledge too that there’s no place to put the pain except, as Rilke says, to give it back to earth itself, to the heaviness of the oceans from which ultimately comes the saltwater which makes up our tears. Our tears connect us still to the oceans that spawned us. Next, mourning is a process that takes time, sometimes a lot of time, rather than something we can achieve quickly by a simple decision.We cannot simply will our emotions back to health. They need to heal and healing is an organic process. What’s involved?

Conrad

n many instances there’s the need to give ourselves permission to be angry, to rage for a time, to allow ourselves to feel the disappointment, loss, unfairness, and anger. Loss can be bitter and that bitterness needs to be accepted with honesty, but also with the courage and discipline to not to let it have us lash out at others. And for that to happen, for us not to lay blame and lash out at others, we need help. All pain can be borne if it can be shared and so we need people to listen to us and share our pain without trying to fix

576 AM in Johannesburg & beyond

DStv Audio 870

www.radioveritas.co.za streaming live

Catch our interviews with Southern Cross editor Günther Simmermacher every Friday on 8:30am 41809 MaSS followed by Mass intention • 41809 Veri followed by comments

011 663-4700 eblaser@radioveritas.co.za

Sunday reflections

stand), and so, “I would most gladly boast in my weakness, so that Christ’s power may pitch its tent upon me.” Then he draws a conclusion with which most of us will find ourselves thoroughly uncomfortable: “Therefore I am pleased with weakness, with insults, with calamities, with persecution and with tight corners, for Christ’s sake—you see, when I am weak, then I am powerful.” We hardly understand; but we applaud. In the Gospel for next Sunday, we have the tale of Jesus returning home with his disciples to Nazareth; and we wait with some interest to see what is going to happen; but, sadly, they cannot listen to this “local boy made good”. As always, Jesus “on the Sabbath day began to teach in the synagogue”; but the reception is frankly hostile: “Where did this fellow get this from? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? And what about these great acts of power that are happening through his agency?” Then they get down to what they know about him: “Isn’t this fellow the carpenter,

No shortcuts in mourning UR culture doesn’t give us easy permission to mourn. Its underlying ethos is that we move on quickly from loss and hurt, keep our griefs quiet, remain strong always, and get on with life. But mourning is something that’s vital to our health, something we owe to ourselves. Without mourning, our only choice is to grow hard and bitter in the face of disappointment, rejection, and loss. And these will always make themselves felt. We have many things to mourn in life: We are forever losing people and things. Loved ones die, relationships die, friends move away, a marriage falls apart, a love we want but can’t have obsesses us, a dream ends in disappointment, our children grow away from us, jobs are lost, and so too one day our youth and our health. Beyond these many losses that ask for our grief there’s the need to grieve the simple inadequacy of our lives, the perfect symphony and consummation that we could never have. Like Jephthah’s daughter, all of us have to mourn our inconsummation. How? How do we mourn so that our mourning is not an unhealthy self-indulgence but a process that restores us to health and buoyancy? There’s no simple formula and the formula is different for everyone. Grieving, like loving, has to respect our unique reticence, what we’re comfortable with and not comfortable with. But some things are

Nicholas King SJ

Mary’s son, and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So it is clear that they have no intention of taking him seriously. Jesus makes a retort at least as devastating as Ezekiel, or, for that matter as any of the Old Testament prophets: “He started to say to them, ‘A prophet is only dishonoured in his own country and among his kinsfolk, and in his own household.’” Then we learn that this refusal to listen has a profound effect: “And he was unable there to perform any act of power, except that he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them.” We should find ourselves shifting uneasily in our seats as we watch this, and hear Jesus’ reaction: “He was astonished because of their lack of faith.” However, the mission is not ended: “He was going around the villages round about, teaching.” We can refuse to listen to God or to Jesus; but our deafness will not thwart God’s project.

Southern Crossword #817

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Final reflection

it. Pride is our enemy here. We need the humility to entrust others to see our wound. Finally, not least, we need patience, perseverance. Mourning can’t be rushed. The healing of soul, like the healing of body, is an organic process with its own non-negotiable timetable for unfolding. But this can be a major test of our patience and hope. We can go through long periods of darkness and grief where nothing seems to be changing, the heaviness and the paralysis remain, and we’re left with the feeling that things will never get better, that we will never find lightness of heart again. But grief and mourning call for patience, patience to stay the course with the heaviness and the helplessness. The Book of Lamentations tells us that sometimes all we can do is put our mouths to the dust and wait. The healing is in the waiting. Henri Nouwen was a man very familiar with mourning and loss. An over-sensitive soul, he sometimes suffered depressions and obsessions that left him emotionally paralysed and seeking professional help. On one such occasion, while working through a major depression, he wrote his deeply insightful book The Inner Voice of Love. There he gives us this advice: “The great challenge is living your wounds through instead of thinking them through. It is better to cry than to worry, better to feel your wounds deeply than to understand them, better to let them enter into your silence than to talk about them. “The choice you face constantly is whether you are taking your hurts to your head or to your heart. In your head you can analyse them, find their causes and consequences, and coin words to speak and write about them. “But no final healing is likely to come from that source. You need to let your wounds go down into your heart. Then you can live them through and discover that they will not destroy you. Your heart is greater than your wounds.” We are greater than our wounds. Life is greater than death. God’s goodness is greater than all loss. But mourning our losses is the path to appropriating those truths.

Tony Wyllie & Co. Catholic Funeral Home Personal and Digniﬁed 24-hour service

469 Voortrekker Rd, Maitland, Tel: 021 593 8820

48 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Tel: 021 788 3728 carol@wylliefunerals.co.za andrew@wylliefunerals.co.za Member of the NFDA

ACROSS

3. Amoeba tin you will detest (9) 8. They went to the upper... where they were staying (Ac1) (4) 9. Penitential fabric (9) 10. Kind of knight who strayed? (6) 11. Earlier religious superior (5) 14. Henry VIII’s house (5) 15. One Roman in here was a persecutor (4) 16. Praises morning prayer (5) 18. Sensationless (4) 20. Bathsheba was his wife (2 Sm 11) (5) 21. Wandered from the truth (5) 24. Place of the Marian shrine (6) 25. Fourth century saintly pope (9) 26. Skin condition from the cane (4) 27. Stupid word for 18 ac? (9)

DOWN

1. Pope’s land of birth (9) 2. Paris cathedral (5,4) 4. Badly behaved child (4) 5. Cause of existence (5) 6. Mandela the admiral? (6) 7. A betting system to carry (4) 9. Entangle with a growl (5) 11. Bash a unit of weight (5) 12. Nice miser to call to mind (9) 13. Quick-tempered (9) 17. Sweet from the beet (5) 19. Musical notes in sombre vestments (6) 22. Artist’s support (5) 23. Heap for body-burning (4) 24. Pay them for services (4)

Solutions on page 11

CHURCH CHUCKLE

EFORE performing the baptism, the priest approached the young father and said solemnly: “Baptism is a serious step. Are you prepared for it?” “I think so,” the man replied breezily. “My wife has made a big pot of curry and we have a caterer coming to provide platters for all our guests.” “No, I don’t mean that,” the priest responded. “I mean, are you prepared spiritually?” “Of course, Father,” came the reply. “I’ve got three cases of beer and five bottles of the finest Scotch.”

For all your Sand and Stone requirements in Piet Retief, Southern Mpumalanga

Tel: 017 826 0054/5 Cell: 082 904 7840 Email: sales@eskaycrushers.co.za