202309

S o u t h e r n C r o s s

PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 Tel: 083 233-1956

www.scross.co.za

L E A D E R S H I P T E A M: Editor: Günther Simmermacher editor@scross co za

Managing Director: Eugene Jackson md@scross co za

Subscriptions Manager: Pamela Davids subscriptions@scross co za

Digital Editor: Claire Allen c allen@scross co za

Features Writer: Daluxolo Moloantoa daluxolo@scross co za

Advisory Editor: Michael Shackleton

ADVERTISING: advertising@scross co za

SUBSCRIPTIONS: subscriptions@scross co za

A n n uA l S u b S c r i p t i o n S: Print & Digital: R480 (SA); Digital only: R300; Print only: R480 (SA) Subscribe at www scross co za/subscribe

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: R Shields (chair), Bishop S Sipuka, Bishop S David OMI (alt), S Duval, E Jackson, B Jordan, C Mathieson, N Mpushe, Fr H O’Connor, R Perrier, D Shikwambana, G Stubbs

become an Associate and help t h E S o u t h E r n c r o S S survive: www.scross.co.za/ associates-campaign/

Advertising ratecard is available from advertising@scross.co.za or download at www.scross.co.za/advertising

The Man in Red

Dear Reader,

When he was a young deacon sent to Lesotho, Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin received the Sesotho nickname Motlalepula, which means “he comes with rain” When he was ordained a priest in Kroonstad diocese in 1983, it duly rained And it rained in Cape Town on July 9 when Brislin, since 2010 the city ’s archbishop, was named a cardinal by Pope Francis Will Cardinal-elect Motlalepula bring rain to Rome on September 30, when he and 20 others will receive their red hats?

In this issue we inter view South Africa’s third cardinal We encounter a gentle man of humility and good humour, an introvert by nature who will be thrust into a public role that ver y few men occupy at any given time.

One of these roles is to elect a new pope, when that sad moment arrives Cardinal-elect Brislin will be among the electors in the Sistine Chapel and therefore also one of the around 120 men eligible to be elected pope As he becomes better known, Brislin’s name may well be traded among the papabili He surely would make a fine pope, if the Holy Spirit were to point to the Free Stater from Welkom but may that chalice pass by this good man, for being a pope is a terrible sacrifice!

Another Free State-born Catholic features in our pages this month

We look at the faith of the great author JRR Tolkien, who died 50 years ago this month, and how his Catholicism found its way into his fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings

We stick with histor y as we recall in this issue that bizarre day 35 years ago when Pope St John Paul II had to step on South African soil, something he had wanted to avoid because of his disgust for apartheid. Who would have guessed that within two years, apartheid would collapse?

Iwonder whether the pilot of that papal flight who had to make an emergency landing in Johannesburg that day in 1988 invoked the patron saint of aviators, St Joseph of Cupertino The Franciscan friar is our Saint of the Month, with the usual pullout poster Every Catholic classroom could do with that poster, since the saint of Cupertino is also the patron of people writing exams With exam season about to begin, let us pray for our learners and students, and invoke the intercession of St Joseph of Cupertino

We also feature six patron saints of sports, a fun feature to keep us company during the rugby and cricket world cups The feature also introduces us to some lesser-known holy people whose witness may ser ve to inspire us, such as Bl Chiara Badano, Bl Pierluigi Frassati or St Luigi Scrosoppi.

Our promotional campaigns are becoming ver y popular Several parishes have seen pics of Southern Cross promo events on social media and asked us to visit them Alas, our human resources are limited for the purpose of personal visits, but we will happily send free past issues and good advice on how to conduct a promo to parishes that request it Please email Eugene Jackson at md@scross co za Below you can see photos from recent promos in Ceres (diocese of Oudtshoorn), Sunnyside (Pretoria) and Lavistown (Cape Town)

Thank you for reading The Southern Cross, and please tell your friends about your favourite monthly Catholic magazine, so that they too may enjoy it God bless

Günther Simmermacher (Editor)

SEP T EMBER 2023

8 Bishop: Mother Teresa and my faith

Bishop John Selemela on his devotion to St Teresa

10 Businesswoman with ethics

12

16

21

22

24

Leading businesswoman Dr Anna Mokgokong

on how the Catholic faith shapes her business ethics

Red hat for the ‘Boy from Welkom’

We interview the Free State-born Cardinal-elect

Stephen Brislin, archbishop of Cape Town

Fighting the mental health stigma

Catholic parishes in Klerksdorp have instituted a Mental Health Ministry

Six patron saints for sports

We introduce six patron saints for sports such as rugby, cricket, football, climbing, tennis and more

The Catholic faith of JRR Tolkien

Did

In our digital edition, all links to websites are live Just click, and the site opens in your browser! Try IT!

On the 50th anniversary of his death, we look at the life and work of the SA-born Lord of the Rings author

Pope John Paul II’s strange day in SA

What happened when Pope John Paul II’s plane had to make an emergency landing in Johannesburg in 1988 26

Unborn child to be beatified

A family that was massacred by Nazis for hiding Jews will be beatified – including an unborn child

EVERY MONTH

5 FROM OUR VAULTS

The Southern Cross 84 years ago

6 YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We answer your questions about Mass readings, why we have Mass on Sunday, and absolving serious sins

17

SAINT OF THE MONTH

St Joseph of Cupertino with pull-out poster

OF REFLECTION

Deacon Walter Middleton on hope

RAYMOND PERRIER

On our national heritage(s)

FR RON ROLHEISER OMI

How to react to Church-bashing

PRAY WITH THE POPE

Fr Chris Chatteris SJ reflects on the pope’s prayer intention for September

Your illustrated prayers, to cut out and collect

TWO PAGES OF PUZZLES

Two Crosswords, Wordsearch, Dropped Letters, Catholic Trivia Quiz, and Anagram Challenge

COOKING WITH SAINTS

Grazia Barletta tries out recipes inspired by saints. This month: Herb Chicken for St Augustine

History in Colour, Inspiring Quotes on Joy, and a Last Laugh

Meet Dr Anna Mokgokong

Cover photo of Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin by Sheldon Reddiar

The Catholic faith of JRR Tolkien

John Paul II’s strange day in SA

Interview with Cardinal-elect Brislin

you know?

FROM OUR VAULTS 84 Years Ago: September 6, 1939

Hitler rejects pope’s peace plea

In spite of Pope Pius XII’s desperate attempts to avert a calamity, Adolf Hitler “has unleashed the dogs of war in Europe” Through diplomatic channels, Pope Pius had called for a truce between Germany and Poland, and a conference to discuss a revision of the Treaty of Versailles, a collective pact of non-aggression, and a new statute of Europe The Southern Cross advises South African Catholics to side in this war with the allied democracies who are fighting a just war “that was wantonly thrust upon them”.

Bishop out of German danger

South African Catholics have been relieved to learn that Bishop Francis Hennemann of Cape Town was no longer “in the danger zone in Germany” but safe in Holland The news came in a letter sent by the bishop from the Netherlands.

New Durban church

Bishop Henri Delalle will dedicate the new church of St Peter on Point Road in Durban. Fr Martindale, who led its building, said it will be the first ecclesiastical building to be seen by travellers arriving from the sea

In his editorial, Mgr John Colgan discusses Pope Pius XII’s pleas for peace, noting that Adolf Hitler’s claim to be guided by Providence is an “ugly and dangerous heresy…which explains the brutal attacks on the Catholic Church” in Nazi Germany

What else made news in September 1939:

• Prime Minister JBM Hertzog resigns on September 5 after his motion for South Africa to remain neutral in the Second World War is defeated Jan Smuts becomes prime minister for the second time The following day, the Union of South Africa declares war on Germany.

• The Soviet Union, having made a pact with Nazi Germany, invades Poland on September 17.

• Winston Churchill rejoins the British government as First Lord of the Admiralty, the same post he held when the First World War broke out

• Following the German invasion of Poland, fascist Italy, the United States, Sweden and Norway declare their neutrality.

• Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud dies in London on September 23 at the age of 83

H o w a r e t h e M a s s r e a d i n g s c h o s e n ?

Q I had never really thought about it before, but recently in church, I began to wonder: H o w a re t h e re a d i n g s a t M a s s c h o s e n ?

THE READINGS USED IN THE

Catholic Mass are chosen according to the liturgical calendar which follows a three-year cycle, known as the “lectionary” It includes readings from both the Old and New Testaments, with the Gospel always the culmination of the liturgy of the Word The current lectionary was first introduced in the 1970s as part of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council

For the first few centuries of the Church, Christians read whatever scriptural texts they had access to in their communities By the 5-6th century, the first lectionaries appeared, though they were really just bibles with annotations, indicating what passage to read on which Sunday

By the 7th century, Mass readings were collected in books of their own, though local churches had discretion in choosing them. The first Roman missal to include all the readings and prayers for Mass was published after the Council of Trent in the 16th century

The present lectionary is the fruit

of a commission that was established in terms of Vatican II’s “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” (1963), which called for a wider selection of scriptural texts to be used at Mass For a before-and-after comparison, consider this: the 1963 Roman missal used 1% of the Old Testament and 17% of the New Testament; the present lectionary cycles cover 14% of the Old Testament and 71% of the New Testament.

T h e t h re e c y c l e s

This is achieved by dividing the lectionary into three cycles, each corresponding to a different year of the liturgical calendar: Years A (concentrating on the Gospel of Matthew), B (Mark), and C (Luke). The Gospel of John is used at Christmas, Lent, and Easter, as well as to fill up Year B, as Mark is too short to cover a year.

The first reading at a Sunday Mass is usually taken from the Old Testament, or during the Easter season from the Acts of the Apostles This is followed by the responsorial psalm which, like the Old Testament reading, is intended to reflect a theme from the Gospel The second reading is taken from one of the New Testament letters, or at Easter the Book of Revelation That reading is not necessarily thematically linked to the Gospel

Weekday Masses usually have two readings: a first reading from either the Old Testament or from the Epistles, Acts or Revelation in the New Testament This is followed by a responsorial psalm, and a Gospel reading according to the current liturgical year

All readings are chosen to correspond with the Gospel reading, liturgical season, or the feast day being celebrated, and to provide a comprehensive presentation of the Bible over the course of the three-year cycle

What sins can only the pope absolve?

Q. I have been told that here are certain sins which only the pope can absolve What could these sins be?

THERE ARE INDEED CERTAIN sins that are also crimes in the Church that are so egregious, they can be pardoned only by the pope Probably the reason you might not know what they are is that (thankfully) these offences rarely, if ever, happen But they are named specifically in Code of Canon Law

The sins that are reserved to the pope for absolution are known as “reserved sins” or “reserved cases”

The most well-known reserved sins are those of apostasy, heresy, and schism Some other examples are: a person who throws away or

otherwise desecrates the consecrated bread or wine of the Eucharist; a priest who breaks the seal of confession by revealing the nature of the sin and the identity of the person who confessed it; someone who uses physical force against the pope; or, a priest who has sex with a penitent and then offers that penitent sacramental absolution for that very sin While these sins are reserved to the pope, he may delegate his authority to other bishops or priests In many cases, bishops have been granted the power to absolve these sins within their own diocese or region However, in some cases, only the pope himself can grant absolution for certain reserved sins, especially in matters related to the governance of the Church.

It should be noted that if a penitent were in danger of death, any priest could absolve that person from any sin, including those listed above. This would apply even if that priest had been deprived of his faculties to hear confessions

Why do some Christans have services on Saturday, others on Sunday?

Q . W h y d o w e g o t o c h u rc h o n S u n d a y s a n d s o m e o t h e r c h u rc h e s g o t o c h u rc h o n S a t u rd a y ?

AS Y O U K N O W , C A T H O L I C S G O t o M a s s o n S u n d a y b e c a u s e t h e C h u r c h h o l d s t h a t S u n d a y i s t h e L o r d ’ s D a y , c o m m e m o r a t i n g t h e d a y t h a t J e s u s r o s e f r o m t h e d e a d S u n d a y i s t h e r e f o r e t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t d a y o f t h e w e e k f o r C a t h o l i c s , a n d a t t e n d i n g M a s s o n t h i s d a y i s a n o b l i g a t i o n i n C a t h o l i c w o r s h i p a n d p r a c t i c e

O t h e r C h r i s t i a n d e n o m i n a t i o n s , s u c h a s S e v e n t h - D a y A d v e n t i s t s a n d s o m e P r o t e s t a n t o r S a b b a t a r i a ng r o u p s , o b s e r v e t h e S a b b a t h o n S a t u r d a y b e c a u s e t h e y b e l i e v e t h a t t h e S a b b a t h i s t h e d a y o n w h i c h G o d r e s t e d a f t e r c r e a t i n g t h e w o r l d I n l i n e w i t h J u d a i s m , t h e y i n t e r p r e t t h i s a s a c o m m a n d m e n t t o k e e p t h e s e v e n t h d a y o f t h e w e e k h o l y , a n d t h e r e f o r e o b s e r v e i t a s a d a y o f r e s t a n d w o r s h i p T h e s h i f t f r o m S a t u r d a y t o S u n d a y a s t h e p r i m a r y d a y o f w o r s h i p i n C h r i s t i a n i t y i s b e l i e v e d t o h a v e o c c u r r e d i n t h e e a r l y C h u r c h , a s C h r i s t i a n i t y b e c a m e m o r e d i s t i n c t f r o m J u d a i s m . S o m e e a r l y C h r i s t i a n c o m m u n i t i e s c o n t i n u e d t o o b s e r v e t h e S a b b a t h o n S a t u r d a y w h i l e

o t h e r s b e g a n t o c e l e b r a t e t h e r e s u r r e c t i o n o f C h r i s t o n S u n d a y O v e r t i m e , S u n d a y b e c a m e t h e e s t a b l i s h e d d a y o f w o r s h i p f o r m o s t C h r i s t i a n s O f c o u r s e , s o m e C a t h o l i c s g o t o M a s s o n S a t u r d a y s . S i n c e 1 9 5 8 , t h e f a i t h f u l m a y f u l f i l t h e i r S u nd a y M a s s o b l i g a t i o n b y a t t e n d i n g M a s s o n S a t u r d a y e v e n i n g , a n d s i n c e t h e S e c o n d V a t i c a n C o u n c i l m o s t p a r i s h e s h a v e b e e n o f f e r i n g t h a t o p t i o n T h e o r d e r o f t h e M a s s a n d r e a d i n g s a r e i d e n t i c a l t o t h o s e i n t h e S u n d a y M a s s , b e c a u s e i t is t h e S u n d a y M a s s . T h i s r e t u r n e d a n e a r l y t r a d i t i o n t o t h e C h u r c h w h i c h h a d b e e n a b a n d o n e d o n l y i n t h e M i d d l e A g e s B e g i n n i n g o f a n e w d a y B u t h o w i s i t p o s s i b l e t o h a v e S u n d a y M a s s o n a S a t u r d a y ? U n t i l a b o u t 4 0 0 y e a r s a g o , t h e d a y e n d e d n o t a t m i d n i g h t b u t a t s u n s e t T h i s w a s a l s o t h e l i t u r g i c a l n o r m f o r m o s t o f t h e C h u r c h ’ s h i s t o r y , i n k e e p i n g w i t h J e w i s h p r a c t i c e ( i n J u d a i s m , t h e S a b b a t h b e g i n s a f t e r s u n s e t o n F r i d a y a n d e n d s w i t h t h e s u n s e t o n S a t u r d a y ) T h e n e w d a y s t a r t e d i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r s u n s e t , s o S u n d a y b e g a n i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e s u n

M I S S E D A N I S S U E ?

h a d s e t o n S a t u r d a y T h u s , a M a s s a f t e r S a t u r d a y ’ s s u n s e t w a s t h e f i r s t M a s s o f S u n d a y B y t h a t t o k e n , t h e S a t u r d a y e v e n i n g M a s s s h o u l d r e a l l y b e c e l e b r a t e d a f t e r t h e f a l l o f d a r k n e s s , b u t f o r m a n y r e a s o n s t h i s i s n o t a l w a y s f e a s i b l e P o p e P i u s X I I r e a l i s e d t h i s w h e n h e m a d e a c h a n g e i n c a n o n l a w i n 1 9 5 8 t o a l l o w C a t h o l i c s t o f u l f i l t h e i r M a s s o b l i g a t i o n S u n d a y M a s s e s , h o l y d a y s o f o b l i g a t i o n , a n d s o o n b y a t t e n d i n g M a s s “ i n t h e e v e n i n g o f t h e p r e c e d i n g d a y ” I n h i s a p o s t o l i c c o n s t i t u t i o n “ C h r i s t u s D o m i n u s ” , h e s e t t h e e a r l i e s t h o u r f o r s u c h a M a s s a t 1 6 : 0 0 P o p e P a u l V I f o r m a l i s e d t h i s r u l e i n 1 9 6 9 (Günther Simmermacher)

N O P R O B L E M !

Back copies are available at R20 plus p&p. Simply place your order with admin@scross.co.za

Catch up with Saint of the Month posters: St Teresa of Avila; St Martin de Porres; St John Bosco; St Josephine Bakhita; St Charles Lwanga; St John Vianney; St Vincent de Paul; St John XXIII, St Oscar Romero, St Bernadette, St Anthony of Padua, St Maria Goretti, St Anne, St Maximilian Kolbe, St Teresa of Kolkata, St Francis of Assisi, St Elizabeth, St Nicholas, St Joseph, St Catherine of Siena, St Ignatius and more...

Bishop: How Mother Teresa guides me

For Bishop John Masilo Selemela, St Teresa of Kolkata is a constant companion as her example inspires and guides him, he told lucy Moll.

AC O U P L E O F M O N T H S A G O , A Q U I E T B I S H O P v i s i t e d o u r p a r i s h a n d m a d e a b i g i m p r e s s i o n Bishop John Masilo Selemela, the auxiliar y bishop of Pretoria, came to the church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort for baptisms and to bless us, the parishioners But he is a special blesser, not the kind who walks down the centre aisle while sprinkling a few parishioners and nodding to the rest Bishop Selemela circled the entire church, which i s c o n s i d e r a b l y l a r g e , a n d m a d e s u r e t h a t e v e r y p e r s o n a t Mass that day was acknowledged

The 51-year-old bishop’s ministry is marked by this sense of inclusivity, and his ministr y has been profoundly formed by the example of St Teresa of Kolkata, or Mother Teresa, the saint who included ever yone on the margins of society, and whose feast day we mark on September 5.

Mother Teresa used to say the “Fragrance Prayer” by St John Henry Newman every day. It includes the lines: “Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus! Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others” (see sidebar)

I n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6 , t h e n - F r S e l e m e l a t r a v e l l e d t o R o m e f o r t h e c a n o n i s a t i o n o f M o t h e r Te r e s a , h a v i n g p r e v i o u s l y also attended her beatification by Pope John Paul II in 2003 “Not given any privileges,” the bishop stresses He was there a s p a r t o f a S o u t h e r n C r o s s / R a d i o Ve r i t a s p i l g r i m a g e , a l o n gside three other priests The group joined some 350 000 peop l e f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d t o w i t n e s s t h e C h u rc h ’s f o r m a l

declaration of Mother Teresa as a saint “Some of the crowds w e r e l i t e r a l l y s l e e p i n g o n t h e s t r e e t s t o g e t a p l a c e f o r t h e n e x t d a y, ” h e r e c a l l e d

A s p a r t o f t h e p r o g r a m m e , t h e g r o u p v i s i t e d t h e r o o m i n w h i c h t h e s a i n t o f K o l k a t a s t a y e d w h e n i n R o m e “ I t w a s q u i t e o v e r w h e l m i n g : t h e q u i e t n e s s o f h e r r o o m i n c o n t r a s t t o t h e m a s s e s g a t h e r e d i n S t P e t e r ’s S q u a r e . ”

Acts of mercy in celebrations

Pope Francis had ensured that works of service would be the theme for the canonisation ceremony He bussed in 1 500 homeless people from around Italy, arranged their accommodation, and gave them seats of honour at the occasion A local pizzeria was asked to do the catering, so all these guests of honour were fed This was in the spirit of Mother Teresa, the tireless worker of acts of mercy

As many thousands of others did, Bishop Selemela and

The Fragranc e Prayer

Th e “ F r a g r a n c e P r a y e r ” w a s w r i t t e n i n t h e 1 9 t h c e n t u r y b y S t J o h n H e n r y N e w m a n a n d g a i n e d p a r t i c u l a r p o p u l a r i t y a c e n t u r y l a t e r, w h e n

M o t h e r Te r e s a d e c l a r e d i t h e r f a v o u r i t e , s a y i n g s h e p r a y e d i t e v e r y m o r n i n g

J e s u s , h e l p m e t o s p r e a d y o u r f r a g r a n c e w h e r e v e r I a m F i l l m y h e a r t w i t h y o u r S p i r i t a n d y o u r l i f e . P e n e t r a t e m y b e i n g a n d t a k e s u c h h o l d o f m e t h a t m y l i f e b e c o m e s a r a d i a t i o n o f y o u r o w n l i f e G i v e y o u r l i g h t t h r o u g h m e a n d r e m a i n i n m e i n s u c h a w a y t h a t e v e r y s o u l I c o m e i n c o n t a c t w i t h c a n f e e l y o u r p r e s e n c e i n m e M a y p e o p l e n o t s e e m e , b u t s e e y o u i n m e R e m a i n i n m e , s o t h a t I s h i n e w i t h y o u r l i g h t , a n d m a y o t h e r s b e i l l u m i n a t e d b y m y l i g h t

A l l l i g h t w i l l c o m e f r o m y o u , O h J e s u s N o t e v e n t h e s m a l l e s t r a y o f l i g h t w i l l b e m i n e Y o u w i l l i l l u m i n a t e o t h e r s t h r o u g h m e .

P l a c e o n m y l i p s y o u r g r e a t e s t p r a i s e , i l l u m i n a t i n g o t h e r s a r o u n d m e

M a y I p r e a c h y o u w i t h a c t i o n s m o r e t h a n w i t h w o r d s , w i t h t h e e x a m p l e o f m y a c t i o n s , w i t h t h e v i s i b l e l i g h t o f t h e l o v e t h a t c o m e s f r o m y o u t o m y h e a r t

A m e n

his fellow pilgrims walked past the relics of Mother Teresa, encased in a reliquar y He was struck by a realisation about the saint’s great achievement: From nothing to 14 000 workers in 144 countries, all in one lifetime.

A t a n o t h e r t i m e , h e w a s a p a r t o f t h e d o c t o r a l p r ogramme in Rome, and the students were called to a threeday retreat to understand better the life and works of Mother Teresa “I had a profound experience of understanding her purpose There was this presence in her humble, bare room n e a r t h e C o l o s s e u m We v i s i t e d t h i s r o o m a n d s p e n t t i m e there in prayer,” Bishop Selemela recalled

“Nearly ever y day in Rome I used to walk past the place where the Missionar y Sisters of Charity, which were founded by Mother Teresa, housed and fed the homeless. To actually go inside and spend time in prayer and reflection was quite a l i f e - c h a n g i n g e x p e r i e n c e f o r m e , ” t h e b i s h o p r e c o u n t e d

“What impressed me was Mother Teresa’s criteria for ser vice of Christ The Eucharist remaining close to the Eucharist was essential in keeping her going in her type of work In this communion we are given discernment also as to who is best able to endure while being given the sustenance to endure. That was how she would choose new members of her congregation.”

The Eternal City also made an impression on the future bishop “Rome itself has a great sense of the preser vation of a cultural and Christian heritage It communicates a living histor y to and for the future It’s a histor y that I ser ve, and I was changed by the experience ”

Forming our future priests

That experience found application in Pretoria, where the alumnus of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, who was ordained for the diocese of Tzaneen in 1999, was appointed vicerector of St John Vianney Seminary, and then rector of the institution in 2019. He had served the seminary since 2011 as formator. Part of that task was to guide seminarians in discerning their vocation. As formator and as rector, Fr Selemela drew inspiration from Mother Teresa and her example of service

The bishop insists that one cannot join the priesthood if one aims for power and influence This is why his emphasis is so much on Mother Teresa’s discernment of vocations, and the daily sanctifying grace of prayer, adoration and the Eucharist

When Archbishop Dabula Mpako of Pretoria requested an auxiliary bishop, Pope Francis appointed Fr Selemela, giving him the titular see of Nachingwea as he was ordained a bishop on September 3, 2022.

“My life has changed in many ways From being in com-

munity with 14 priests every day, I now live on my own,” Bishop Selemela said The Eucharist still plays an important part in his life “Perhaps more so than before I do treasure the time for meditation and prayer. The Eucharist is very important for one’s spiritual life and essential for making decisions.”

The bishop celebrates Mass daily. “Every day or evening, I offer the Eucharist with parishioners in Waverley and as Mother Teresa wished, I spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament By doing this, I am sustained in my work, however significant or insignificant it may seem ”

ASSOCIATES CAMPAIGN

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR ASSOCIATES CAMPAIGN?

This campaign was started to give our readers a way to partner with us in the Catholic media apostolate and outreach. Our associates form a loyal body who contribute to us annually.

SIGN UP TODAY!

• Receive a free digital or print subscription if you donate R200 or more per month. • As an Associate, Holy Mass for your intention is celebrated twice a year.

• You will receive regular updates on the campaign.

Sign up online and select R1200, R2400, R3000 or R5000 annual contribution or contribute any amount via EFT

The Southern Cross Std Bank Thibault Square, Branch code: 020909, Savings account no: 276 876 016. Use “Associates/Surname” as the reference. Please let us know you have signed up! email associates@scross.co.zaor admin@scross.co.za

Doing business with a Christian ethic

IN MAY THIS YEAR, ST JOHN Vianney Seminary in Waterkloof, Pretoria celebrated Mother’s Day by hosting a special lunch for Dr Anna Mokgokong It was also the celebration of the 66th birthday of the renowned businesswoman who is a great friend of the seminary and one of its benefactors The seminarians made use of the occasion to express their gratitude to Dr Mokgokong for her motherly role in the seminary

Among a wide range of positions, Dr Mokgokong is a company CEO, non-executive director of various companies, and the current chancellor of the North-West University In 2017, she was named South African Businesswoman of the Year.

The mother of two is a medical doctor by profession, and a business entrepreneur who in 1994 set off to start what has become one of South Africa’s biggest business success stories. Her company, Community Investments Holding (CIH), is 100% black-owned, with significant interests in six vital areas of the economy, including healthcare, ICT, power and energy, logistics, mining and infrastructu It l 40 000 people, directly a She co-owns the compan founder Joe Madungand

Dr Mokgokong was in Pimville, Soweto, to a demics With two sister brothers, she is the dau ucators: Sos Mokgokong ics teacher, and Mary, a science teacher, who bo taught at the famous M High School in Soweto

In 1958, when Ann was 18 months old, her parents decided to mov the family to Manzini in Swaziland (now Eswatini) after mass resignations by black teachers from township and missionary schools over the introduction Bantu Education in black schools across South Africa.

In Manzini, Anna attended St Theresa Primary and High Schools, both Catholic girls-only institutions. Her earliest memories of being a Catholic go back to primary school. “Our school was run by Dominican Sisters I remember that our day would start with a morning prayer in the classrooms At noon we would have the Angelus Prayer, and at the end of the day we would finish the day with a prayer too,” she told The Southern Cross

Throughout high school, Anna was involved in many of the school’s Catholic activities “I was more involved at school than at my parish Together with the nuns, we students held services, prayed and sang the same songs as we would sing at Mass on Sundays, but on a daily basis. So we practically led a fully Catholic existence every day,” she recalled.

After high school Anna, who once had harboured dreams of becoming an actress, went to study for a bachelor of science degree at the University of Botswana in Gaborone She attended Mass at St Margaret church in Gaborone, a short

Botswana in 1981, she took up studies at the Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), now renamed Sefako Makgatho Medical Sciences University, near Garankuwa Medicine runs in the family Her uncle, the obstetrician Dr Ephraim Mokgokong, is a former vice-chancellor of Medunsa. Another uncle, Dr Sam Mokgokong, became famous for coleading a team of neurosurgeons who separated Siamese twins Mpho and Mphonyana Mathibela at Soweto’s Baragwanath Hospital in 1986

First business steps

It was while she was a student at Medunsa that Anna became a parishioner of Christ the New Man church, founded by the Stigmatine Fathers in Garankuwa

It was also while studying towards her degree in medicine that she discovered her passion for business. As a student, she sold handbags for extra income and in no time diversified to include African clothing and curios She grew the business into a shop called Anna Belle in Pretoria, which she sold after graduating in 1992

Dr Mokgokong went on to establish the Hebron Medical Centre in the North West province. The centre was a primar y healthcare and baby welfare clinic with over 40 000 patients, ser ving eight villages It was during this time that she realised that there were real opportunities in the healthcare arena and established Malesa Investment Holdings, which later became Community Investment Holdings

CIH operates a corporate social responsibility initiative where investments of different kinds are made in communities across South Africa. One of these beneficiaries of the programme is St John Vianney Seminary

A resident of Waterkloof in Pretoria, Dr Mokgokong is now a parishioner of St Pius X church, but she usually attends Mass at St John Vianney Seminar y, also in Waterkloof. “St John Vianney Seminar y is in my community. As a Catholic and a community elder, it falls within my

Dr Anna Mokgokong is one of South Africa’s foremost businesswomen She told

Daluxolo

Moloantoa about her Catholic faith and ethics, and her love for the national seminary

responsibility to play a role in its wellbeing T h e s e m i n a r y g r o o m s a n d e d u c a t e s o u r f u t u r e p r i e s t s , a n d t o m e t h a t ’s c r i t i c a l W h o e l s e o t h e r t h a n u s C a t h o l i c s i n t h e Wa t e r k l o o f c o m m un i t y m u s t a s s u m e t h i s r o l e ? B e y o n d b e i n g a m o t h e r f i g u r e a n d e n j o y i n g t h e s e r v i c e s a n d t h e m e l o d i o u s m u s i c o f f e r e d b y t h e s e m i n a r i a n s , I c o n s i d e r i t i m p e r a t i v e u p o n m e t o f u l f i l t h i s r o l e a t t h e s e m i n a r y, ” s h e s a i d

A Christian ethic

Among other projects, her company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives also provide assistance to the Mercy Centre, a community development project run by the Sisters of Mercy in Winter veldt, north of Pretoria The company also provides bursaries for medical students at universities across South Africa.

“Our company’s activities in this regard are driven by the fact that we view ourselves as a Christian company I am a Catholic, and other members belong to various Christian denominations. Our foundation is based on Christian values Our focus is on needs which we deem highly important and require an immediate response. This includes the provision of food, youth empowerment and career development through education We believe and promote ethical business practices and fairness guided by our Christian values,” she explained.

As an entrepreneur, Dr Mokgokong is passionate about ensuring that previously disadvantaged South Africans, and especially women, have the opportunity to participate in the broader economy She has received numerous local and international accolades as a community and business leader, including SA Businesswoman of the Year in 1999.

In 1998 she became a member of Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World, an independent association of the world’s powerful and successful businesswomen. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 from Gauteng Premier David Makhura in the Township Entrepreneurship Awards

One of the rewards that she enjoys from her company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives is the result of long-term investments in education

“The beginning of this year was a very pleasurable time for me because the first cohort of women medical students we took to university graduated as medical doctors Half of them passed their degrees cum laude. Another graduate has been recruited by a global

medicine company as a director. This is partly what drives me to succeed, because I know that they will impact society positively through their careers,” Dr Mokgokong said.

As chancellor of the North-West University, her major task is to officiate at university events such as gradua-

necessary within the Church.”

She offered another example: “The Catholic Church is one of the biggest land and assets owners, in South Africa and globally. As the local Church, we should bring in experts and look at how we can optimise these assets and land for the greater benefit of society ”

tions “I largely play a matchmaker role at the university It’s a lot of giving advice and linking up the university with potential helpers for funding and other needs,” she said

Importance of education

She believes that Catholic professionals should offer their expertise to their Church “Churches, like all other public institutions, must have proper governing structures For example, who should head the finance committee of a parish? It’s an accountant and they are there within our parishes. We should not confuse the spiritual and the everyday operations of the Church. Our priests are trained as spiritual leaders; that is their forte within the life of the Church We need to have the expertise of various professionals who also play their part where

Her passion is the empowerment of women In 2018, she told the Catholic Business Forum Women: “We, as Catholic women, cannot be swimming in wealth when just outside our doors we see abject poverty We are called to do something about it ” She also said that it was time that Catholic women take patronage of their financial affairs “Our Catholic rand should be moving from one Catholic woman to the next in support of each other.”

Dr Mokgokong urges young Catholic women to seek a good education. “Education brings about discipline in your working life, in upholding your values and other areas For one to be respected by one’s peers, colleagues and by society, one needs to be educated You must believe in yourself that you’re the best,” she told The Souther n Cross And she believes in time-out Dr Mokgokong does not work on weekends That is then when she can indulge in her favourite pastime “I cook for my family and my extended family who may be visiting I love cooking!”

Catholic professionals should play their part in the Church

SA’s new cardinal in his own words

On September 30, Archbishop Brislin of Cape Town will be elevated to the rank of cardinal-priest by Pope Francis Born on September 24, 1956, Cardinal-elect Brislin attended St Agnes’ Convent School and Christian Brothers’ College in Welkom, and was ordained to the priesthood for the diocese of Kroonstad on November 19, 1983

He was appointed bishop of Kroonstad in 2006 to succeed the late Bishop Johannes Brenninkmeijer, and on December 18, 2009, archbishop of Cape Town in succession of Archbishop Lawrence Henry.

Archbishop Brislin has led four pilgrimages for The Southern Cross, covering nine territories: Italy, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Turkey

The cardinal-elect was in conversation with Southern Cross editor Günther Simmermacher

First off, the question to which everybody else will want to know the answer: How do we address you now, once you’re a cardinal?

I think just as people have normally addressed me. Most people here would say “Archbishop”, so if they now say “Cardinal”, that’s fine I’ve never really been very fussy about how people address me Some people call me Father, and I have no objection to that either I basically leave it up to people to decide what they’re comfortable with as long as it’s polite!

How did you find out about your appointment?

I found out through an SMS from Thailand, saying “Congratulations”, shortly after the Holy Father made the announcement at the Angelus. I had absolutely no inkling; nothing was said to me beforehand

Is that normal?

I know that I’m not the only one in that. I don’t know about this year’s group, but a cardinal who was appointed last year told me recently in Rome that he had been in the supermarket when his sister called him on his cellphone She was angr y with him and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?” And he said, “Tell you what?” She said: “That you’re a cardinal.” And he replied: “Don’t be ridiculous!”

So I think that’s a little bit how the present pope works I think previous popes would have said something beforehand But this was a complete surprise S A ’s t h re e c a rd i n a l s

Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin will become the third South African to receive the red hat

The first local cardinal was Owen McCann, archbishop of Cape Town from 1950-84 Born in 1907 in Cape Town, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI on February 22, 1965

Cardinal McCann had been the editor of The Southern Cross in the 1940s, before he became a bishop In his retirement, he served a second term as editor, from 1986-92, making The Southern Cross the world’s only publication to have been edited by a future and serving cardinal.

Cardinal McCann was the president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), from 1961-74

Wilfrid Napier was the archbishop of Durban when he became South Africa’s second cardinal, receiving the red hat from Pope John Paul II on February 21, 2001

Born in 1941 in Swartberg, he became the bishop of his home diocese of Kokstad in 1980 and archbishop of Durban in 1992 Cardinal Napier served twice as SACBC president, from 1988-94 and 2003-06

South Africa’s third cardinal, Archbishop Brislin, was SACBC president from 2013-19

‘Just a boy from Welkom’

P h o t o s S y d n e y D u v a G ü n t h e r S m m e r m a c h e r

L e f t : A r c h b i s h o p B r i s l i n a t h i s i n s t a l l a t i o n a s h e a d o f C a p e T o w n a r c h d i o c e s e i n F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 w i t h ( f r o m l e f t ) C a r d i n a l W i l f r i d N a p i e r , p a p a l n u n c i o A r c h b i s h o p J a m e s G r e e n , h i s p r e d e c e s s o r A r c h b i s h o p L a w r e n c e H e n r y , a n d a r c h d i o c e s a n m a s t e r o f c e r e m o n i e s D e a c o n R o d n e y W i l l i a m s R i g h t : A r c h b i s h o p B r i s l i n p r e a c h e s a t M a s s i n t h e c a v e o f S t J e r o m e i n B e t h l e h e m d u ri n g a 2 0 1 6 S o u t h e r n C r o s s p i l g r i m a g e . H e s a y s t h e c i t y i n P a l e s t i n e i s h i s f a v o u r i t e p l a c e o f p i l g r i m a g e .

He’s indeed a pope of surprises. How did your family react?

My family was quite shocked, I think, at first. They know me better than anybody else. But they are now extremely happy. I had lovely messages from them My oldest brother sent me a nice message, not only of congratulations but also advice

It’s nice to see an older brother who advises a cardinal Yes He’s done it for the past 60 years It’s lovely

So the family does not treat you any differently, for all your titles and your achievements?

Not at all I’m the youngest in the family They know me better than anyone

What will change for you once you are a cardinal?

In terms of the actual work, I suppose I’ll have to go to Rome more often for meetings. And what would change, of course, I’ll have to go if there’s a conclave [to elect a new pope]. And that would be both very exhilarating but also rather daunting, because it’s such a big responsibility, I think.

What worries me is that people might start treating me differently. You know, it happens when you become bishop. It really happens overnight. Once you become bishop, people start treating you differently. But people must realise, I’m still the same person, that I’m this little boy from Welkom, ultimately, and I never forgot where I come from, and I’ve never failed to be proud of where I come from in the Free State I’m still the same person, and people should treat me like that You mentioned the prospect of a conclave You know that when you go into the conclave, you are automatically going to be a candidate for papacy

Technically speaking But I don’t have the worldwide experience that most of the other cardinals have You mustn’t forget, I’m really small-fry in comparison to some of these real giants, people of great intellect and a lot of experience.

I mean, you take Archbishop [Víctor Manuel] Fernández [the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith], for example: he’s written 300 books or something. You know, he’s really a person who’s got a very broad vision. And it’s people like that, I think, who would be more likely to be candidates for the papacy.

You mentioned that you are Welkom boy It’s quite a journey from the Free State to the College of Cardinals Just in brief, what is your vocation story? What made you become a priest?

When I was in school, I always had the feeling that God was calling me to the priesthood My school friends always thought I was going to be a priest, and they were quite shocked when I decided not to go immediately into the sem-

inar y But when I came to matric, I thought, “I need more time ” So I came to the University of Cape Town and started a BA degree After I entered St John Vianney Seminary, I took a two-year break and came back to Cape Town, and completed the degree

I think really what helped me through my vocation was all the people around me. I come from a very, very close family, a very supportive family My father passed away when I was nine-going-on-ten, but I had a very strong mother, a very caring mother, a very gentle mother. But cross her, and she was a firebrand She was a very courageous person

Holy Land: Led by Fr Chris Townsend • 22 September to 1 October

Lourdes & Paris: Led by Fr Christopher Slater • 8-16 May 2024

Holy Land & Rome: Led by Mgr Simon Donnelly • 20 May to 1 June 2024

Holy Land: Led by Fr Thabiso Ledwaba • 9 to 18 September 2024

Catholic Portugal: Spiritual Director TBA • October 2024

o . z a

i m i n a v i s i t i n J u n e B e h i n d t h e c a r d i n a l - e l e c t i s h i s a u x i l i a r y , B i s h o p S y l v e s t e r D a v i d A t l e f t i s B i s h o p J o s é L u i s P o n c e d e L e ó n o f M a n z i n i , E s w a t i n i . R i g h t : A r c h b i s h o p B r i s l i n ( l e f t ) a f t e r a m e e t i n g w i t h P r e s i d e n t C y r i l R a m a p h o s a . W i t h t h e m a r e B i s h o p S i t h e m b e l e S i p u k a o f M t h a t h a , S r H e r m e n e g i l d M a k o r o C P S , A r c h b i s h o p D a b u l a M p a k o o f P r e t o r i a , C a r d i n a l N a p i e r , a n d A r c h b i s h o p B u t i T l h a g a l e o f J o h a n n e s b u r g

The Dominicans also had an enormous influence on me

The priests in Kroonstad were Dominicans, and they were really good, good priests and good role models for me

And the Dominican Sisters When I was newly ordained, I became what they used to call the “extraordinary confessor” to the Sisters All those people have had a very, very important influence in my life.

Why didn’t you join the Dominicans?

I thought about it a lot I did really consider it and I loved the Dominicans very much But I thought, you know, it’s really the diocese of Kroonstad that needed priests. And I thought, well, if I’m a Dominican, I could be sent to other places, whereas it’s Kroonstad diocese that was short of priests

Don’t forget, when I decided to go to the seminary, I was living in Cape Town So I could have also joined the Cape Town archdiocese, and I considered that too. But I thought because of the need for priests, I’d go back home

And Cape Town got you in the end anyway

God has a sense of humour

You have a Sesotho nickname Motlalepula, which means “he comes with rain”.

Oh yes That happened when Bishop Brenninkmeijer sent me to Lesotho as a deacon to learn Sesotho for a few months. It was in a village high up in the mountains, and I arrived during rain One of the nuns named me Motlalepula the One Who Brings Rain

And I heard that at your ordination, it was raining as well. Yes, it was both a dust storm and spots of rain And the Dominicans in their white habits looked like brown Dalmatians. It was quite funny It was a very weird day: it rained and then it was dust and it rained

Now we’ll have to see what the weather is like in Rome on September 30 If it rains but let’s not go there To

The tasks and ranks of car dinals

The role of a cardinal is historically and primarily that of an advisor to the pope and a member of the College of Cardinals. Here are some key aspects of their role:

• The most important responsibilities of cardinals is to participate in the election of a new pope in a conclave

Only cardinals who are under 80 may vote in a conclave So while Cardinal Brislin will be eligible to vote in a conclave until September 2036, Cardinal Napier, at 82, is above the voting age

• T h e C o l l e g e o f C a r d i n a l s s e r v e s a s a n a d v i s o r y b o d y t o t h e p o p e . T h e p o p e c o n s u l t s t h e c a r d i n a l s o n v a r i o u s m a t t e r s c o n c e r n i n g t h e C h u r c h , i n c l u di n g t h e a p p o i n t m e n t o f b i s h o p s , t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f d i o c e s e s , a n d i m p o rt a n t d e c i s i o n s r e g a r d i n g d o c t r i n e a n d p o l i c y

• Many cardinals hold high-ranking positions within the Vatican’s curia, which is the administrative body of the Holy See. They may serve as heads of dicasteries (departments) that oversee specific areas of the Church’s operation, such as the Dicasteries for the Doctrine of the Faith or for Bishops (whose

newly-appointed heads will receive their red heads on September 30)

• Most cardinals head dioceses or archdioceses As such, they are responsible for the pastoral care of their respective regions This has been the case with all three South African cardinals.

• Cardinals may also play a role in international diplomacy, representing the Holy See on various diplomatic missions, or participate in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues

There are three ranks of cardinal. Archbishop Brislin has been appointed cardinal-priest

Cardinal Bishop: The highest rank among the cardinals This rank is usually given to the six cardinals who hold the title of cardinal bishop of the so-called suburbicarian sees surrounding Rome. These sees traditionally held by cardinals are Ostia, Velletri-Segni, Porto-Santa Rufina, Albano, Frascati, and Palestrina

Cardinal Priest: This is the most common rank among cardinals They are assigned a titular church in the diocese of Rome Cardinal McCann was assigned the Roman basilica of Santa Prassede, Cardinal Napier the church of San Francesco d’Assisi ad Acilia

Cardinal priests are also divided into three orders of precedence, determined by the date of their elevation to the College of Cardinals

This governs things like the order of procession.

Cardinal Deacon: This is the lowest rank among the cardinals Historically, it was the transitional stage before a cardinal would be elevated to the rank of cardinal priest. However, in recent times, some cardinals have chosen to remain in the rank of cardinal deacon

These ranks are primarily honorary and do not imply any jurisdictional or hierarchical power within the Church

A cardinal who heads a diocese has no authority over other bishops, though his position may give his views greater influence

G ü n t h

P h o t o s : M a r c i n M a z u r / B i s h o p s C o n f e r e n c e o f E n g l a n d a n d W a e s ;

A r c h b i s h o p B r i s l i n i n t e r a c t s w i t h a b o y a f t e r c o n c e l e b r a t i n g

A r c h b i s h o p B r i s l i n a t B e n e d i c t i o n a t t h e e n d o f a E u c h a r i s t i c p r o c e s s i o n t h r o u g h C a p e T o w n t o m a r k t h e 2 0 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e C a t h o l i c C h u r c h i n S o u t h A f r i c a i n 2 0 1 8

In talking to the people I serve as a priest, in parishes or on pilgrimages, I think I’ve benefited far more than I’ve ever given to people, I really feel that.

I had always thought with the pilgrimages: “Why go on pilgrimage? I mean, God is ever ywhere ” But going on pilgrimage has changed me in that view I can just see what deeply spiritual experiences they are To be able to pray in the Holy Sepulchre, or at my favourite place of all, Bethlehem, is just remarkable experiences, very special

Behind the scenes, in private, what do you do to relax?

move on… What informs your spirituality?

A massive influence on my spirituality was a retreat given by a Franciscan when I was a young priest. I spoke to him and I said to him: “Look, I am very busy and have quite a lot of responsibility Sometimes I don’t really have a lot of time to pray; you know, the morning prayer and evening prayer ” But I see that when I’m going out and working with people, that is prayer, too And he said: “Don’t be ridiculous You just make excuses Prayer is a discipline, and you’ve got to make time for it. And if you don’t do that, you’re putting yourself in danger.”

He was absolutely excellent and he took no nonsense from me He put me right, and it really changed my life I started to regulate my prayer life, and I’ve kept that up until today So I make sure that I get a good chunk of prayer in the morning I’m deeply grateful to that priest

I’m faithful to daily Mass, and I ensure that I try to say not only the office but also to have a decent time of meditation and reflection ever y day. Quite honestly, without that meditation, I could not face the day properly.

You also enjoy going on pilgrimages, usually as a spiritual director. Is the benefit for you the same as it is for the people whom you are leading?

Even more, I would say. Because not only are you going on pilgrimage with people, but when people come to you for spiritual direction or just to talk to you, it’s not just you giving them something, but they are giving you a lot of stuff as well So in that sense, I think I get even more out of it than other people, because of the interaction with fellow pilgrims

I enjoy reading very much, both novels and light reading as well as more serious books At the moment, I’m reading a book, Catholicism: A global history from the French Revolution to Pope Francis by John T McGreevy, and it is absolutely fascinating. Often I’ll read a novel at the same time as I’m reading a serious book. So at night, I might read a novel when I’m tired.

I cook not very well, but I enjoy cooking, when I have the time During the lockdown, I started gardening as well, but I haven’t really kept that up much

I also love listening to some of the music from my youth, the 1970s and ‘80s it always brings back memories I like to listen to some classical as well My taste is eclectic; I also enjoy reggae, for example.

And movies or TV?

I haven’t watched a movie for a long time I started to watch TV sometimes and I just get pretty bored with quite a lot of things

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I’ve got two dogs They’re both rescue dogs Cointreau is a mixed Ridgeback, which is quite small in size The other, Cinzano, is small but she thinks she’s a Rottweiler

Both named after drinks

Yes, and my previous dogs were Pushkin and Shandy And the reason for that is that when I was a priest in Kroonstad, my doctor and friend bought me this little dog But it came with a name: Chérie I couldn’t imagine myself shouting: “Chérie!” So I changed it to Sherr y Since then, I’ve named my dogs after drinks. I do love dogs. I grew up with dogs.

Finally, you are well-known for wearing a black beret or a grey cap Will we now see you sporting a red hat?

[Laughs] No, the grey cap and beret are going nowhere!

S TOP the Stigma

KLERKSDORP HAS BECOME THE second South African diocese after Johannesburg to embrace the mental health ministry as an integral part of its pastoral activities This was made possible through the support of the Catholic Health Care Association of Southern Africa (Cathca) and the Catholic Mental Health Ministers in the United States.

Initially four parishes St Peter’s, St Monica’s, Our Lady of Fatima and St Michael’s are implementing the ministry Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp and Cathca intend to extend the ministry to other parishes before the end of this year Each of these parishes has a mental health ministry team coordinator

Last year, the ministry was piloted at the Johannesburg parishes of All Saints in Ennerdale and Our Lady of Mercy in Emndeni

“The government’s mental health policy provides a sound legal framework for upholding the right to mental health care, but its effective implementation remains a major challenge, especially in underprivileged areas,” said Cathca’s Dr Melese Shula, coordinator of the mental health ministry in Southern Africa

“While specialised psychiatric care is by and large available at national referral hospitals, there are limited mental health services provided by lower levels of care, such as local clinics and communitydriven projects That has a negative impact on the country’s mental health wellbeing,” Dr Shula said

“We have observed the evidence of a high prevalence of mental health conditions in the communities where the ministry is being implemented The experience of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are common to the emotional life of many people there, and how they try to cope with these experiences is a great challenge. Also, the impact of severe mental illness is felt directly in some people’s lives, or indirectly through the suffering and struggles of a loved one ”

Dr Shula said that mental illness remains poorly understood, even among clergy and others in positions of influence He said that many people with mental health problems do not seek help for their condition due to social stigma In some communities there “is a belief that people with mental health conditions are bewitched, possessed, or sinners”, Dr Shula said

out to people with mental challenges”, Dr Shula explained.

“Furthermore, there is a limited access to support groups and mental health services for managing psychological distress, anxiety, depression, suicidal feelings, substance abuse, and more severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder ”

He noted that the mental health ministry has been neglected “by the pastoral agents due to the lack of understanding of what it constitutes and how to address the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness”

C all to a G ood S am arit an

At the beginning of this year, Cathca empowered the clergy and lay ministers of the four Klerksdorp parishes with “down-to-earth training to reach

“Mental health ministers are members of pastoral councils, affiliates to sodalities, catechetical coordinators, and parishioners with a desire to reach out to fellow members of the community. Their call is to be like the Good Samaritan, to accompany and journey with those who struggle with mental health illness They live among those they ser ve, and they have a valuable role to play in enabling people with mildto-moderate mental challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse to be responsible for their own mental wellbeing, while referring those with more severe mental conditions, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, to specialist ser vices,” he said.

“Through this ministr y, people with mental challenges associated with trauma, mental illness, ageing, socioeconomic adversity, marginalisation, isolation, and other environmental or genetic factors, have been receiving assistance, and those with severe mental health conditions referred to the nearest ser vice providers This comprises youth, adults, and the elderly who live in underprivileged sections of the concerned parishes where unemployment, underemployment, and informal employment are rife ”

Mental health remains poorly understood

T h e s a i n t w h o t o o k t o t h e a i r

At exa m t i m e , st u d e nt s m ay ca l l o n t h e h e l p o f

S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o, a h o l y m a n w h o wa s

t re ate d p o o r l y fo r m o st o f h i s l i fe b u t wa s re ga rd e d by m a ny a s a s a i nt i n h i s ow n l i fet i m e .

HE WAS UNLOVED, BULLIED, abused, and poor, and even h i s l a t e r a d m i r e r s d e s c r i b e d h i m a s “ r e m a r k a b l y u nclever” And yet, St Joseph of Cupertino c a m e t o i n s p i r e p e o p l e a r o u n d t h e world and over centuries

His stor y begins sadly He was born as Giuseppe Desa in a shed on June 17, 1 6 0 3 , i n C u p e r t i n o , a s m a l l t o w n o n the heel of Italy, near Brindisi By then his father, a poor carpenter, had died, h a v i n g l e f t h i s w i f e F r a n c e s c a w i t h a mountain of debt and no home.

F r o m a n e a r l y a g e , J o s e p h f a c e d various physical and intellectual challenges, as well as exhibiting a fier y temp e r, a l l m a k i n g h i m a n o b j e c t o f r i d i c u l e a n d e x c l u s i o n b y h i s p e e r s . Wo r s e , h i s m o t h e r, t h o u g h v e r y r e l ig i o u s , r e g a r d e d h e r s o n a s a n u i s a n c e and treated him poorly

Joseph was know to wander absentm i n d e d l y t h r o u g h C u p e r t i n o , m o u t h hanging open, and was widely known by the mocking nickname Boccaperta, meaning “The Gaper”

T h e b o y f o u n d s o l a c e i n G o d a n d h i s d e e p d e v o t i o n t o t h e Vi r g i n M a r y F r o m a y o u n g a g e , h e e x p e r i e n c e d m y s t i c a l v i s i o n s . T h e s e o f t e n l e f t h i m i n a s t a t e o f e c s t a s y, e v e n t o t h e p o i n t of losing consciousness. But even these e x p e r i e n c e s m a r k e d J o s e p h o u t f o r t h e s c o r n o f o t h e r s

With no academic prospects, he was apprenticed as a shoemaker, but struggled in that trade. After encountering a mendicant Franciscan preaching in Cupertino, Joseph had a desire to enter the religious life, since begging couldn’t be that difficult His mother, keen to get rid of her son, encouraged that vocation.

At 17, he applied to join the Conv e n t u a l F r a n c i s c a n f r i a r s , b u t d e s p i t e having two uncles in that order, he was r e j e c t e d b e c a u s e o f h i s l a c k o f t h e r eq u i r e d e d u c a t i o n a n d h i s u n c o n v e nt i o n a l b e h a v i o u r H e h a d b e t t e r l u c k

St Joseph at a glance

N a m e a t b i r t h : G i u s e p p e D e s a

B o r n : J u n e 1 7 , 1 6 0 3 i n

C u p e r t i n o , K i n g d o m o f

N a p l e s

D i e d : S e p t e m b e r 1 8 , 1 6 6 3

( a g e d 6 0 ) i n O s i m o , M a r c h e ,

P a p a l S t a t e s

B e a t i f i e d : 1 7 5 3

C a n o n i s e d : 1 7 6 7

F e a s t : S e p t e m b e r 1 8

P a t r o n a g e s : E x a m i n a t i o n s ,

s t u d e n t s , a v i a t o r s , a s t r o n a u t

m e n t a l h a n d i c a p s

with the Capuchin friars who accepted him as a lay brother, but soon he was told to leave because his ecstasies interfered with his duties

He returned to his family, and was mocked for his failure So Joseph tried again with the Conventual Franciscans, offering to work in their stables. Over t h e n e x t f e w y e a r s h e p e r f o r m e d h i s menial labour diligently in the stables All the while he impressed the friars so much with his religious devotion, hum i l i t y a n d s i m p l i c i t y t h a t h e w a s a llowed to join the order as a friar with a view to becoming a priest

P a s s i n g h i s e x a m s

T h e r e w a s a h i t c h i n t h a t p l a n : Joseph had little education and was not ver y bright But since he could remember little bits of information at a time, he prayed that the examiner would ask him only questions to which he knew t h e a n s w e r s . H i s p r a y e r s w e r e h e a r d , and Joseph passed For this reason he is popularly invoked as an intercessor by and for students writing exams

Joseph was ordained to the priesthood on March 28, 1628. For the next few years he was based at the convent

of Santa Maria della Grotella, just outside Cupertino.

He embraced a life of poverty, obedience and sacrifice, happily taking on menial tasks within the monastery Having grown up in poverty, Joseph had a special love for the poor His holiness was evident in his daily actions, inspiring some of his fellow friars and the community alike

Although the simple friar was not a n i n t e l l e c t u a l , h e h a d t h e s o r t o f d ivine knowledge that made him capable o f s o l v i n g s o m e o f t h e m o s t c o m p l icated theological questions

T h e ‘ F l y i n g F r i a r ’

Joseph is most famous for his levit a t i o n s ( o r b e i n g e l e v a t e d a b o v e t h e g r o u n d ) Wi t n e s s e s a t t e s t e d t o s e e i n g him levitate during Mass or prayer and r e m a i n s u s p e n d e d i n m i d - a i r f o r e xtended periods. It is said that the mere mention of God would lift him off the

r e

p

r e s e n t a t i o n o f S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o i n t h e c h u r c h d e d i c a t e d t o t h e s a i n t i n O s i m o , w h i c h a l s o h o l d s h i s t o m b , a n d ( r i g h t ) S t J o s e p h l i f t e d i n f l i g h t a t t h e basilica

of Loreto in a 1767 painting by Ludovico Mazzanti, kept in the same church

A Timeline of St JosePh of CuPertino

1 6 0 3

B o r n a s G i u s e p p e D e s a o n J u n e 1 7 i n t o a p o o r fa m i l y i n C u p e r t i n o, K i n g d o m o f N a p l e s .

1 6 2 0

W i d e l y re ga rd e d a s a d u n c e a n d s t r u g g l i n g i n h i s a p p re n t i c e s h i p a s a s h o e m a ke r, h e a p p l i e s t o j o i n t h e C o nv e n t u a l F ra n c i s c a n s b u t i s re j e c t e d T h e C a p u c h i n f r i a rs a c c e p t h i m a s a l ay b ro t h e r, b u t l a t e r d i s m i s s h i m .

1 6 2 5

H av i n g w o r ke d i n t h e s ta b l e s o f t h e C o nv e n t u a l F ra n c i s c a n s fo r s e v e ra l ye a rs , t h e o rd e r i nv i t e s h i m t o b e c o m e a f r i a r.

1 6 2 8

I s o rd a i n e d t o t h e p r i e s t h o o d , h av i n g m i ra c u l o u s l y p a s s e d h i s exa m s . I s p o s t e d t o t h e c o nv e n t o f S a n ta M a r i a d e l l a G ro t e l l a , n e a r C u p e r t i n o, w h e re h e ga i n s a p u b l i c re p u ta t i o n a s a c o n fe s s o r a n d m i ra c l e w o r ke r.

1 6 3 9

I s t ra n s fe r re d t o t h e F ra n c i s c a n c o m m u n i t y i n A s s i s i b y o rd e r o f t h e I n q u i s i t i o n o f N a p l e s , a n d fo rc e d t o w i t h d ra w f ro m p u b l i c a n d c o m m u n a l l i fe .

1 6 5 3

I s o rd e re d b y t h e I n q u i s i t i o n o f Pe r u g i a t o l i v e i n s o l i t u d e i n re m o t e C a p u c h i n m o n a s t e r i e s i n P i e t ra ro s s a a n d Fo s s o m b ro n e .

1 6 5 5

T h e C o nv e n t u a l F ra n c i s c a n s a p p l y u n s u c c e s s f u l l y fo r J o s e p h t o b e re t u r n e d t o t h e i r c o m m u n i t y i n

A s s i s i

1 6 5 7

I s a l l o w e d t o re t u r n t o h i s o rd e r, o n s e v e re c o n d i t i o n s o f s e c l u s i o n , t o b e s ta t i o n e d a t O s i m o

1 6 6 3

D i e s o n S e p t e m b e r 1 8 a t t h e a g e o f 6 0 , a f t e r a n i l l n e s s o f f i v e w e e k s . I s b u r i e d i n t h e c h u rc h o f S t F ra n c i s o f A s s i s i ( l a t e r re n a m e d a f t e r S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o )

1 7 5 3

B e a t i f i e d b y Po p e B e n e d i c t X I V.

1 7 6 7

C a n o n i s e d b y Po p e C l e m e n t X I I I

1 9 6 3

Re m a i n s a re m o v e d i n t o t h e c r y p t o f S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o c h u rc h i n O s i m o a n d d i s p l aye d i n a g l a s s c o f f i n .

L e f t : A s t a t u e o f S t J o s e p h i n t h e s a n c t u a r y d e d i c a t e d t o t h e s a i n t i n h i s b i r t h p l a c e o f C u p e r t i n o .

R i g h t : A p a i n t i n g s h o w s S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o l e v i t a t i n g d u r i n g M a s s .

g r o u n d A f t e r h i s d e a t h b u t w i t h i n l i v i n g memor y of the friar, there were 70 such reported instances at Grotella, all attested to by people of credible character.

I n a d d i t i o n t o h i s l e v i t a t i o n , J o s e p h performed numerous miracles throughout his life He was known for his gift of healing through touch or prayer.

J o s e p h a l s o h a d t h e a b i l i t y t o r e a d hearts, discerning the thoughts and intentions of others This made the friar widely known, and drew people from all walks of life seeking his intercession and blessings

I s o l a t i o n b y t h e I n q u i s i t i o n

That was all too much for his superiors and the Church authorities, with the Inquisition even investigating whether the levitations were the result of witchcraft. That investigation could find no manifestation o f w i t c h c r a f t W h e n h e w a s t a k e n t o s e e Pope Urban VIII, Joseph went into ecstacy, impressing the pontiff

Eventually the Inquisition sent him to t h e F r a n c i s c a n m o n a s t e r y i n A s s i s i . T h e r e J o s e p h w a s n o t a l l o w e d t o a t t e n d a n y m m u n a l f u n c t i o n s e v e n d a i l y meals with his confreres or public m e e t i n g s o f h i s o r d e r o r t h e Church, including Mass.

Wo r s e w a s y e t t o c o m e I n 1653, the Inquisitor of Perugia ord e r e d t h a t J o s e p h , b y n o w d er e s s e d a n d s u f f e r i n g s p i r i t u a l dity, be confined to a cell in solitar y i s o l a t i o n i n t h e r e m o t e C a p u c h i n monaster y of Pietrarossa But pilgrims soon f o u n d h i m t h e r e a n d f l o c k e d t o s e e h i m The same happened after he was moved to the Capuchin monaster y of Fossombrone.

In 1655, the Conventual Franciscans req u e s t e d t h a t J o s e p h b e r e t u r n e d t o t h e i r c a r e i n A s s i s i , b u t P o p e A l e x a n d e r V I I s c o f f e d t h a t “ w e d o n ’t n e e d a n o t h e r S t F r a n c i s o f A s s i s i ” . Tw o y e a r s l a t e r h e r elented and Joseph was finally allowed to ret u r n t o h i s o r d e r b u t n o t i n A s s i s i b u t Osimo, a town near the Adriatic port city of A n c o n a T h e t e r m s o f h i s s e c l u s i o n w e r e not eased

He died there six years later, on September 18, 1663, at the age of 60, after an illness of five weeks

S t J o s e p h o f C u p e r t i n o w e a r i n g h i s F r a n c i s c a n h a b i t , i n a g l a s s c o f f i n i n t h e c h u r c h d e d i c a t e d t o h i m i n O s i m o

Joseph’s tomb in the church of St Francis of Assisi in Osimo soon became a popul a r s i t e o f p i l g r i m a g e , w i t h m a n y p i l g r i m s a t t r i b u t i n g m i r a c l e s t o h i s i n t e rc e s s i o n . O v e r t i m e , J o s e p h ’s b o d y w a s m o v e d t o a more prominent place in the church, which e v e n t u a l l y w a s n a m e d a f t e r h i m S i n c e 1 9 6 3 , h i s r e m a i n s a r e k e p t i n a g l a s s s a rcophagus in the cr ypt of the church.

St Joseph of Cupertino was beatified in 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonised in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII He is the patron saint of aviators, students, and those taking exams. His feast day is September 18.

Next Month: Bl Carlo Acutis

S : S t S e b a s t i a n

Who’s that? St Sebastian was a Roman martyr who was killed around 285 AD at the age of 32

Why rugby and athletics? When the Romans sought to execute St Sebastian for refusing to denounce his faith in Christ, they shot him with arrows and left him to die Sebastian, a fit soldier, sur vived and continued to practise his faith When he heckled Emperor Diocletian for his murderous ways, Sebastian was seized by soldiers and clubbed to death For his endurance and physical strength in sur viving his execution, he became a patron for all athletes Somehow, possibly because of his exhibition of strength, he was adopted particularly by rugby players, and one can buy special St Sebastian medals for eggchasers

C R I C K ET : S t R i t a o f C a s c i a

Who’s that? An Italian widow and Augustinian nun who lived from 1381 to 1457

Why cricket? Actually, St Rita’s portfolio is baseball, but since cricket is also a bat-ball-run game, she will work for petitions on the wicket too Indeed, as she is also the patron saint of impossible causes, we might invoke her in our hope that the Proteas will lift the world cup on November 19 But what does St Rita have to do with baseball? It relates to the supposedly miraculous discover y of oil by workers who had been playing baseball in the shadows of an oil rig (Get the full stor y at saintritashrine org /saint-rita-of-cascia)

C L I M B I N G & P O O L : B l P i e r G i o r g i o F r a s s a t i

Who’s that? Italian social activist and lay Dominican who lived from 1901-25, and was beatified in 1990 Why climbing and pool? Apart from being a patron of Catholic youth, Bl Pier Giorgio is also considered an unofficial patron of mountain climbers and skiers, based on his favourite pastimes He may be invoked for petitions relating to mountain or sport climbing At one point, Pier Giorgio also solved a long-running dispute over the repair of a pool table which he and his friends had been using, so we can also call on his intercession when we need to sink a tricky ball on the green felt

Six PATRON SAINTS for Sports

The football season has started, the rugby world cup is upon us, as is the cricket world cup next month, and school sports competitions are entering the decisive phase of the year So here we are looking at six sports-related saints whom we can call on in our petitions for good performance, health and fairness

G O L F : S t A n d r e w

Who’s that? The first disciple to follow Jesus and brother of St Peter the Apostle

Why golf? Tempting as the idea may be that Andrew, John, Bartholomew and James the Greater took time out from discipleship to hit the greens for a four-ball before repairing to the 18th hole for a glass of fresh water, the background to his patronage of golf is rather more random The relics of the saint were brought to Scotland before the 8th centur y and eventually enshrined in the cathedral at St Andrews which happens to be the reputed birthplace of golf in the early 1400s

Who’s that? Italian teenager who died of cancer in 1990 at the age of 18 She was beatified in 2010

Why tennis? In many ways Chiara was a typical 1980s teenager who failed maths at school, enjoyed having coffee with her friends, listened to pop music and played sports She loved swimming and hiking, but her special sporting passion was to play tennis When she was 17, Chiara felt a pain in her shoulder that was diagnosed as osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer She suffered greatly but also with luminous faith When she died on October 7, 1990 Her last words were: “Goodbye Be happy because I’m happy ”

Who’s that? Italian priest from Udine who lived from 1804-84, and was canonised in 2001

Why football? St Luigi Scrosoppi cared for young people, and modelled to them the virtues of fairness, discipline and patience So the Church and Sport section of the former Pontifical Council for the Laity chose him as a suitable patron saint of football In 2020 it even presented the Italian national team with a statue of the saint, holding an old-fashioned football A year later, the “Azzurri” won the Euros

How the faith shaped a great fantasy world

on the 50th anniversary of the death of Jrr tolkien, Günther Simmermacher looks at the catholic faith of the bloemfontein-born author, and how it shaped his fantasy world

THE HOBBIT AND THE THE LORD o f t h e R i n g s t r i l o g y a r e a h u g e l y p o p u l a r s e r i e s o f b o o k s a n d f i l m s . A n d t h e s t o r y t h e s e r i e s t e l l s i s p r o f o u n d l y C a t h o l i c . T h a t i s i n t h e e s t i m a t i o n o f t h e S o u t h A f r i c a nb o r n a u t h o r h i m s e l f .

J R R To l k i e n , a d e v o u t C a t h o l i c t h r o u g h o u t h i s l i f e , o n c e s a i d t h a t T h e Lord of the Rings is a “fundamentally rel i g i o u s a n d C a t h o l i c w o r k ; u n c o ns c i o u s l y s o a t f i r s t , b u t c o n s c i o u s l y i n t h e r e v i s i o n ” .

To l k i e n d i e d 5 0 y e a r s a g o t h i s m o n t h , o n S e p t e m b e r 2 , 1 9 7 3 T h e w r i t e r w a s b o r n i n B l o e m f o n t e i n o n J a n u a r y 3 , 1 8 9 2 T h e To l k i e n f a m i l y h a d i t s p a t e r n a l r o o t s i n G e r m a n E a s t P r u s s i a , u n t i l J R R ’s g r e a t - g r a n d f a t h e r m o v e d t o L o n d o n

J o h n R o n a l d R e u e l To l k i e n w a s b o r n i n t h e F r e e S t a t e b e c a u s e h i s f at h e r h a d b e e n p o s t e d t o B l o e m f o n t e i n t o h e a d t h e b r a n c h o f t h e B r i t i s h B a n k of Africa (located on the corner of West B u r g e r a n d C h a r l o t t e M a x e k e S t r e e t s ) H i s p a r e n t s h a d m a r r i e d i n 1 8 9 1 i n

C a p e To w n ’s o l d A n g l i c a n S t G e o r g e ’s c a t h e d r a l .

J R R , k n o w n a s R o n a l d , l e f t S o u t h

A f r i c a w i t h h i s m o t h e r a n d y o u n g e r brother at the age of three, settling in a village near Birmingham, England, after h i s f a t h e r ’s s u d d e n d e a t h i n S o u t h Africa. In 1900 his mother, Mabel, converted to Catholicism, even at the price o f l o s i n g t h e f i n a n c i a l s u p p o r t o f h e r

Baptist family Mabel died of diabetes in

1 9 0 4 , a g e d o n l y 3 4 . B e f o r e h e r d e a t h , s h e h a d a s s i g n e d t h e g

raised as good Catholics

The Spanish-born Fr Morgan, who once had been an associate of St John Henr y Newman, was a kind and conscie n t i o u s g u a r d i a n H e t a u g h t t h e b o y s Catholic virtues of charity and forgiveness, and gave them a good education, partly financed by his share of his family’s sherr y business in Spain.

The priest was also strict. When JRR was 16 he fell in love with Edith Bratt, a young Protestant woman three years his senior Fr Morgan forbade any contact with Edith until the boy turned 21 JRR obeyed After almost five years, JRR found his old flame and proposed marriage. A few weeks after his 21th birthd a y, t h e y m a r r i e d T h e y w e n t o n t o h a v e f o u r c h i l d r e n a n d r e m a i n e d t ogether until her death at 82 in 1971

Success as an author

A f t e r J R R f o u g h t i n t h e F i r s t Wo r l d Wa r, h e p r o g r e s s e d i n t o a c a d e m i a , e v e n t u a l l y b e c o m i n g a d i s t i n g u i s h e d

E n g l i s h p r o f e s s o r I n 1 9 3 7 h e p u b -

l i s h e d t h e f a n t a s y n o v e l T h e H o b b i t ,

w h i c h w a s a h i t . H e i m m e d i a t e l y s e t t o w o r k o n a s e q u e l , a m a m m o t h u n d e r -

t a k i n g t h a t w o u l d b e c o m e t h e L o rd o f

T h e R i n g s t r i l o g y T h e F e l l o w s h i p o f

t h e R i n g , T h e Tw o To w e r s , a n d T h e R et u r n o f t h e K i n g T h e b o o k s w e r e p u b -

J R R T o l k i e n , w h o w a s a d e v o u t C a t h o l i c p a r t l y r a i s e d b y a C a t h o l i c p r i e s t

l i s h e d b e t w e e n J u l y 1 9 5 4 a n d O c t o b e r 1 9 5 5 , a n d a s o n e v o l u m e ( a s To l k i e n h a d i n t e n d e d ) i n 1 9 6 8

To l k i e n d i d n o t q u i t e a c k n o w l e d g e i t a t t h e t i m e , b u t h i s f a i t h h a d a s i gn i f i c a n t i n f l u e n c e o n h i s w r i t i n g I t s h a p e d b o t h t h e t h e m e s a n d t h e m o r a l f r a m e w o r k o f h i s f a n t a s y n o v e l s . To l k i e n ’s C a t h o l i c w o r l d v i e w e mb r a c e d t h e c o n c e p t o f c r e a t i o n a s a d iv i n e a c t . A s a n a u t h o r w h o i n v e n t e d a detailed alternative, fictional world, he s a w h i m s e l f a s a “ s u b c r e a t o r ” , r e f l e c ti n g G o d ’s c r e a t i v e p o w e r w i t h i n t h e c o n f i n e s o f h i s o w n i m a g i n a t i o n Catholicism’s emphasis on a moral o r d e r a n d f r e e w i l l i s r e f l e c t e d i n To l k i e n ’s n a r r a t i v e s C h a r a c t e r s o f t e n f a c e m o r a l c h o i c e s a n d t h e i r c o n s eq u e n c e s . T h e s t r u g g l e b e t w e e n g o o d a n d e v i l i s a c e n t r a l t h e m e , a n d c h a ra c t e r s s u c h a s F r o d o B a g g i n s e x e m p l i f y

SUCCESS AS AU T HOR

t h e p o w e r o f i n d i v i d u a l c h o i c e s i n t h e f a c e o f g r e a t t e m p t a t i o n .

To l k i e n h a d a s a c r a m e n t a l v i s i o n o f r e a l i t y, s e e i n g t h e m a t e r i a l w o r l d a s a m e a n s t h r o u g h w h i c h t h e d i v i n e could be encountered This perspective i s r e f l e c t e d i n t h e w a y h e d e s c r i b e s t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d , e m p h a s i s i n g t h e b e a u t y a n d s i g n i f i c a n c e o f e v e n t h e s m a l l e s t e l e ments of creation.

Tolkien’s Catholic faith influenced his portrayal of redemption and sacrifice in his stories. Characters like Gandalf and Aragorn exhibit selflessness and are willing to lay down their lives for the greater good. These sacrificial acts echo Christ’s redemptive sacrifice Frodo carries the titular Ring, which represents sin, and must destroy it, much as Jesus defeated sin And “lembas”, the bread that sustains the protagonists, greatly resembles the Eucharist.

T h e C a t h o l i c e m p h a s i s o n h o p e a n d r e s u r r e c t i o n a l s o f i n d s e c h o e s i n Tolkien’s works. Despite the trials and darkness his characters face, there is always an underlying sense of hope and t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f r e n e w a l . T h i s i s e v ident Spoiler Aler t! in the eventual t r i u m p h o f g o o d o v e r e v i l a n d t h e restoration of peace and harmony

Faith and fantasy

W h i l e To l k i e n ’s f a i t h s t r o n g l y i nf l u e n c e d h i s w r i t i n g , h e w a s a l s o c a r ef u l t o d i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n h i s w r i t i n g s a s w o r k s o f f i c t i o n a n d h i s r e l i g i o u s b e l i e f s H e s t a t e d t h a t T h e L o rd o f t h e R i n g s w a s n o t i n t e n d e d a s a n a l l e g o r y o f C h r i s t i a n i t y Tolkien once said that he loathed all e g o r i e s b u t r a t h e r a s a m y t h t h a t e c h o e s C h r i s t i a n t h e m e s a n d v a l u e s

T h e q u o t e i n t h e s e c o n d p a r ag r a p h o f t h i s a r t i c l e , f r o m a l e t t e r t o a J e s u i t f r i e n d , c o n t i n u e s : “ T h a t i s w h y I h a v e n o t p u t i n , o r h a v e c u t o u t , p r a c t i c a l l y a l l r e f e r e n c e s t o a n y t h i n g l i k e ‘ r e l i g i o n ’ , t o c u l t s o r p r a c t i c e s , i n t h e i m a g i n a r y w o r l d F o r t h e r e l i g i o u s e l e m e n t i s a b s o r b e d i n t o t h e s t o r y a n d t h e s y m b o l i s m ”

H o w e v e r, t h e r e a r e a f e w d e l i c a t e b u t u n a m b i g u o u s n o d s t o C a t h o l i c t h e o l o g y i n t h e t r i l o g y F o r e x a m p l e , Tolkien provides a date for the destruct i o n o f t h e O n e R i n g t h e c e n t r a l o bj e c t o f p o w e r a n d t e m p t a t i o n T h e u l t i m a t e t r i u m p h o f g o o d o v e r e v i l i s d a t e d M a rc h 2 5 , t h e f e a s t o f t h e A nn u n c i a t i o n a n d t h e i n i t i a t i o n o f t h e I n c a r n a t i o n , a n d t h e d a t e o n w h i c h medieval Catholics believed Christ was c r u c i f i e d

S o m e c r i t i c s h a v e c l a i m e d t o h a v e i d e n t i f i e d r a c i s t t h e m e s i n t h e t r i l o g y, charging that the portrayal of different r a c e s a n d c u l t u r e s i n M i d d l e - e a r t h , s u c h a s t h e d e p i c t i o n o f O rc s a n d t h e E a s t e r l i n g s , m a y c o n t a i n r a c i a l o r e t hn i c s t e r e o t y p e s D e f e n d e r s o f To l k i e n ’s

o u t s p o k e n o p p o n e n t o f a p a r t h e i d i n t h e l a n d o f h i s b i r t h , w a s a p p a l l e d b y t h e i d e a o f a p p l y i n g c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s t o h i s f i c t i o n a l r a c e s

A C a t h o l i c l i f e

I t i s i n t e r e s t i n g t o n o t e t h a t a f e ll o w w r i t e r o f b e l o v e d f a n t a s y f i c t i o n , C S L e w i s , a t t r i b u t e d h i s c o n v e r s i o n f r o m a t h e i s m t o C h r i s t i a n i t y t o To l k i e n ’s C a t h o l i c e x a m p l e To l k i e n , h o w e v e r, w a s d i s m a y e d t h a t L e w i s c h o s e t o j o i n t h e C h u rc h o f E n g l a n d i n s t e a d o f t h e C a t h o l i c C h u rc h .

w o r k a r g u e t h a t t h e s e d e p i c t i o n s a r e n o t b a s e d o n r e a l - w o r l d r a c e g r o u p s o r e t h n i c i t i e s b u t r a t h e r r e p r e s e n t f i ct i o n a l c r e a t u r e s o r c u l t u r e s w i t h i n t h e a u t h o r ’s i n v e n t e d w o r l d .

M o r e o v e r, t h e u n d e r l y i n g t h e m e s o f u n i t y, c o o p e r a t i o n , a n d t h e r e j e ct i o n o f p o w e r a n d d o m i n a t i o n i n To l k i e n ’s w o r k s , c o u n t e r a c t a n y p o t e nt i a l r a c i s t i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s To l k i e n , a n

To l k i e n w r o t e a b o u t h i s f a i t h i n m a n y o f h i s l e t t e r s , a c o l l e c t i o n o f w h i c h w a s p u b l i s h e d i n 1 9 8 1 . H e w r o t e a b o u t h i s d e v o t i o n t o t h e B l e s s e d S a c r a m e n t ( “ T h e r e y o u w i l l f i n d r o m a n c e , g l o r y, h o n o u r, f id e l i t y, a n d t h e t r u e w a y o f a l l y o u r l o v e s o n e a r t h ” ) , t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f p r a y e r, a n d h o w h i s f a i t h r e l a t e d t o his fiction. He had a profound devot i o n t o O u r L a d y a n d t o S t J o h n t h e E v a n g e l i s t

Towards the end of his life, Tolkien s t r u g g l e d w i t h t h e l i t u r g i c a l c h a n g e s t h a t f o l l o w e d t h e S e c o n d Va t i c a n C o u n c i l , m u c h a s h i s f e l l o w C a t h o l i c s c r i b e s G r a h a m G r e e n e a n d E v e l y n Wa u g h A t M a s s i n t h e v e r n a c u l a r, t h e m u l t i l i n g u a l a u t h o r a n d i n v e n t o r o f f i c t i o n a l l a n g u a g e s w o u l d d e f i a n t l y s h o u t o u t t h e r e s p o n s e s i n L a t i n

F r o m l e f t : T h e T o l k i e n f a m i l y ’ s C h r i s t m a s c a r d i n

1 8 9 2

f r o m B l o e m f o n t e i n , w i t h s t a f f a n d b a b y J R R i n h i s n a n n y ’ s a r m s • F r F r a n c i s X a v i e r M o r g a n , t h e p r i e s t w h o p a r t l y r a i s e d T o l k i e n • E d i t h B r a t t , T o l k i e n ’ s f u t u r e w i f e , a g e d 1 7 i n 1 9 0 6 • T o l k i e n i n h i s t h i r t i e s , a r o u n d

1 9 2 5 T o p : M o v i e p o s t e r s f o r P e t e r J a c k s o n ’ s c l a s s i c L o r d o f t h e R i n g s t r i l o g y , r e l e a s e d f r o m

2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 3

Tolkien was dismayed that CS Lewis didn’t become a Catholic

FA I T H A n d FA n TA S y

A C AT H O LI C LI F E

A hostage drama, a precarious flight, and an unexpected stop in Johannesburg turned September 14, 1988, into one of the strangest days of Pope John Paul II’s long papacy.

Günther Simmermacher looks back at all the drama 35 years ago this month

Pope John Paul II’s strange day in SA

POPE John Paul II visited 129 countries in his 104 international journeys, but surely no day was as bizarre as the one when he was forced to land in Johannesburg en route to Maseru, Lesotho, 35 years ago this month

The pope’s visit to Southern Africa from September 10-19, 1988, was controversial long before it began. It included Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique but not South Africa

For many South Africans the reason for that omission was obvious: the countr y was subject to international boycotts in the struggle against apartheid, and a papal visit might have been seen as legitimising the regime and encouraging the boycottbusters Other South Africans took the opposite view: the pope should come on a pastoral visit to his flock in South Africa, and, if he wanted to, take the opportunity to speak out against apartheid

The debate was fierce, and in the months preceding the papal trip, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) sought to calm tempers by ascribing the exclusion of South Africa from the papal itinerar y to issues of scheduling

The pope’s purpose in coming to Southern Africa was at the invitation of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (Imbisa), to address the region’s bishops at their plenar y in Harare, Zimbabwe

The wheels were already in motion for that when in June 1987 John Paul cleared the way for the beatification of Fr Joseph Gérard, the Oblate apostle of Lesotho’s Catholic Church

Not invited to SA

W h a t t h e b i s h o p s w e r e n o t s a y i n g t o o l o u d l y, p r o b a b l y t o k e e p t h e c o n t r o v e r s y a t b a y, w a s t h a t t h e y, i n f a c t , h a d n o t e v e n e x t e n d e d a n i n v i t a t i o n t o t h e p o p e F e e l e r s a b o u t a p o s s i b l e p a p a l v i s i t h a d b e e n p u t o u t a s e a r l y a s 1 9 8 2 A s t a l k s w e n t o n , t h e S o u t h A f r i c a n g o v e r nm e n t w a s a s k e d w h e t h e r i t w o u l d w e l c o m e t h e p o p e ( i t w o u l d ) , b u t n o t h i n g f u r t h e r c a m e o f i t B i s h o p Wi l f r i d N a p i e r o f K o ks t a d , l a t e r t h e c a r d i n a l a rc h b i s h o p o f D u r b a n , h a d a c t u a l l y e x p l a i n e d t h e b i s h o p s ’ p o s i t i o n a y e a r b e f o r e t h e p a p a l v i s i t i n I n t e r N o s , t h e b i s h o p s ’ n e w s l e t t e r H e n o t e d t h a t i t w o u l d b e “ i n c o n g r u o u s a n d u n a c c e p t a b l e i n t h e p r e s e n t s i t u a t i o n ” t o h a v e t h e p o p e b e i n g p r o t e c t e d b y t h e s a m e s e c u r i t y f o rc e s t h a t v i s i t e d “ t e r r i b l e r e p r e s s i o n ” u p o n t h e p e o p l e B i s h o p N a p i e r s a w p o l i t i c a l c a p i t a l i n a p a p a l b o y c o t t : “ T h e r e f u s a l o f t h e p o p e t o c o m e t o S o u t h A f r i c a … i s a m u c h m o r e d e v a s t a t i n g b l o w t o P W B o t h a t h a n i f t h e p o p e h a d c o m e t o S o u t h A f r i c a a n d d e n o u n c e d a p a r t h e i d ”

The bishops doubtless wanted to spare John Paul embarrassment when they told him in 1987 that a visit would be inadvisable Reportedly a Vatican official had told Vatican Radio that Pope John Paul was “horrified at the prospect of being escorted and protected by [State President PW] Botha’s brutal police”. The Polish pope made no secret of his disgust for apartheid.

F o r t h e r e g i m e ’s f o r e i g n m i n i s t e r, P i k B o t h a , o n l y t h e b i s h o p s w e r e t o b l a m e f o r t h e p o p e ’s e x c l u s i o n o f S o u t h A f r i c a H i s s t a t e m e n t o n t h e

v i s i t b e t r a y e d h u r t f e e l i n g s b u t h i s s p i r i t s w e r e s o o n t o b e l i f t e d

Bad weather for the pope

Having visited Zimbabwe and Botswana, Pope John Paul, his aides and the pool of journalists covering the visit were departing Gaborone for Maseru in Lesotho on an Air Zimbabwe Boeing 707. Just after takeoff, the weather turned bad, and later storms in Maseru knocked out the airport’s navigation beacons and radio signals. The pilot had already opened the aircraft’s flaps in preparation for descent in Maseru when he decided against landing. The aircraft now had too little fuel to return to Botswana, so the flight was rerouted to Johannesburg and with that, Pik Botha got to meet the pope on South African soil after all.

T h e f o r e i g n m i n i s t e r a n d a b i g e n t o u r a g e w e r e a l r e a d y w a i t i n g a t w h a t w a s t h e n J a n S m u t s A i r p o r t w h e n t h e 7 0 7 l a n d e d . A b e a m i n g B o t h a w e l c o m e d a v i s i b l y u n c o m f o r ta b l e p o p e , w h o b r o k e w i t h c u s t o m b y r e f r a i n i n g f r o m k i s s i n g t h e t a r m a c S t i l l , t h e S o u t h A f r i c a n g o v e r n m e n t w a s g o i n g t o g r a b t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d e m o n s t r a t e i t s o r g a n i s a t i o n a l m e t t l e i n t h e s p o t l i g h t o f t h e w o r l d ’s m e d i a

Things swiftly moved into gear to get the pope and his fellow travellers safely to Maseru A motorcade of 25 cars, led by the pope in a bulletproof silver BMW, took off from Kempton Park towards Lesotho, escorted by ambulances, helicopters and the security whose notional protection had previously horrified the Holy Father

At the border, the pope and his

party were placed into the care of Lesotho’s ruler, Major-General Justin Lekhanya, a friend of Pretoria

The caravan rolled safely into Maseru, having missed a major drama one related to the pope’s visit by just minutes

H o s t a g e c r i s i s i n L e s o t h o

The previous day, members of the anti-Lekhanya Lesotho Liberation Army had hijacked a bus packed with pilgrims on their way from Qacha’s Nek to Maseru for the papal Mass, holding the 71 passengers hostage. Their demand was to meet the pope, in the mistaken expectation that he would help topple Lekhanya The pope was, in fact, not even told about the hostage drama

After a 26-hour stand-off, a gun battle erupted on the pavement outside the British High Commission in Maseru between the rebels and a South African commando, called in by Lesotho’s militar y council Eyewitness accounts differed on who shot first When fire ceased, three hijackers and two hostages, one a girl of 16, were dead. Eleven men and

nine women, including two nuns, were hurt and hospitalised Mahanoe Makhetha, the 29-year-old organiser of the pilgrimage, lost both legs. The papal motorcade had passed

the scene only half an hour earlier When Pope John Paul heard of the tragedy he was dismayed He asked to be taken to the Elizabeth II hospital, where the survivors were being treated. At the Mass the next day, the pope expressed his distress at the tragedy

“I have come to Southern Africa as a pilgrim of peace, carr ying a message of reconciliation,” he said “I am saddened to learn that others on their way to join me in this pilgrimage have been the victims of a hijack that caused such anguish and ended in bloodshed ”

Pope John Paul eventually made it to South Africa, on a one-day trip in 1995. He never returned for a full visit.

And while in 1988 Pik Botha was a gracious host who at virtually no notice organised safe passage for the Holy Father, the regime didn’t like the Catholic Church any better. Almost a month to the day after the pope set foot on South African soil, on October 12, security agents of the apartheid government bombed Khanya House, the SACBC’s Pretoria headquarters.

Pope John Paul II on the frontlines

POPE St John Paul’s visit to the frontline states in September 1988 was dominated by the one country he didn’t want to visit: South Africa Inevitably, politics cast its ugly shadow over the whole visit and the pope was acutely aware of the trip’s political nature.

On the flight to Zimbabwe, his first stop, the pope told reporters that he could understand why South Africa’s oppressed might favour violence, though he couldn’t justify it Addressing the bishops of South Africa in Harare, he encouraged the Church t o p u r s u e a n e g o t i a t e d s e t t l e m e n t “ t h r o u g h a d i a l o g u e s u stained by prayer” as the only peaceful solution In Gaborone, J o h n P a u l o f f e r e d f i r m s u p p o r t f o r a p a r t h e i d r e f u g e e s i n Botswana, a country he described as a “ray of hope” for Africa

He had similar words for Zimbabwe, eight years into independence Praising the country’s reconciliation efforts, he said it should serve as a model for the rest of the continent In time he’d change his mind Fifteen years later he gave vent to his disillusionment with President Robert Mugabe’s rule in a scathing public dressing-down of Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the Vatican

P o l i t i c s a l s o d o m i n a t e d t h e r u n - u p t o t h e p o p e ’ s v i s i t t o Mozambique, where relations between the ruling Frelimo and the Catholic Church were chilly because the Church insisted that the 13-year-old civil war with the South Africa-backed Renamo should be ended by negotiations John Paul adopted a conciliatory tone in public, but urged the country’s bishops to work for a negotiated peace That peace would come in 1992, thanks to a s e t t l e m e n t b r o k

In Swaziland (now Eswatini), 20-year-old King Mswati III did all he could to steal the show He arrived 15 minutes late for the papal Mass apparently a “sign of respect” with two of his f o u r w i v e s A f t e r t h e v e n a l k i n g h a d h i m s e l f s a t i s f a c t o r i l y a d o r e d b y t h e c r o w d o f 1 0 0 0 0 i n M a n z i n i , i t w a s t h e p o p e ’ s turn He pointedly told the crowd that polygamy was wrong and called for the protection of civil rights for women

Pope John Paul celebrated eight Masses on his trip, deliveri n g 3 4 t a l k s a n d h o m i l i e s , i n c l u d i n g o n e t o y o u n g p e o p l e i n

e a c h c e n t r e h e v i s i t e d A r e c u r r i n g t h e m e w a s t h e r i g h t s a n d values of the family as the basis of social order

H e a l s o m a d e a p o i n t o f m a k i n g e c u m e n i c a l g e s t u r e s i n a r e g i o n w e r e C a t h o l i c i s m i s a m i n o r i t y I n B u l a w a y o h e l e d a n ecumenical prayer service in the city’s Anglican cathedral

The Lesotho leg of the trip was overshadowed by a hostage c r i s i s a n d b y t h e t e r r i b l e w e a t h e r F e w e r t h a n 1 0 0 0 0 p e o p l e t u r n e d u p f o r t h e p a p a l M a s s a t w h i c h t h e p o p e b e a t i f i e d F r J o s e p h G é r a r d , t h e O b l a t e m i s s i o n a r y t o w h o m m o s t o f t h e country’s Catholics, 44% of the population, owe their faith

The pope attracted the biggest crowd in Gaborone, near the South African border. Some 50 000 attended the papal Mass in Botswana, including an estimated 10 000 from South Africa

B o t s w a n a a l s o s a w a d e l i c a t e s i t u a t i o n w h e n s e c u r i t y c o llapsed at the airport as spectators, dancers, journalists and an exuberant group of flag-waving Poles surged around the pope.

Mostly, the crowd numbers were disappointing Explaining the small crowds, organisers said that the local Africans could ill afford to take time off work to see the pope, and had to contend with inefficient, unsafe and unaffordable transport

Unborn child to be beatified

B y C o u r t n e y M a re s

IN A F I R S T F O R T H E C AT H O L I C C h u rc h , a n u n b o r n c h i l d w i l l b e b e a t i f i e d t h i s m o n t h O n M a rc h

2 4 , 1 9 4 4 , a l l n i n e m e m b e r s o f t h e U l m a f a m i l y w e r e k i l l e d b y t h e N a z i s i n c l u d i n g a c h i l d s t i l l i n t h e w o m b f o r h i d i n g a J e w i s h f a m i l y i n t h e i r h o m e i n P o l a n d N o w t h e f a m i l y w i l l b e b e a t i f i e d o n S e p t e m b e r 1 0 E a r l y o n t h a t F r i d a y i n 1 9 4 4 , a N a z i p a t r o l s u r r o u n d e d t h e h o m e o f J ó z e f a n d Wi k t o r i a U l m a o n t h e o u t s k i r t s o f t h e v i l l a g e o f M a r k o w a i n s o u t h e a s t P o l a n d . T h e y d i s c o v e r e d a n d e x e c u t e d e i g h t J e w i s h p e o p l e w h o h a d f o u n d r e f u g e o n t h e U l m a f a r m s i n c e 1 9 4 2 .

T h e N a z i p o l i c e t h e n k i l l e d Wi k t o r i a , w h o w a s s e v e n m o n t h s p r e g n a n t , a n d J ó z e f A s t h e c h i l d r e n b e g a n t o s c r e a m a t t h e s i g h t o f t h e i r m u r d e r e d p a r e n t s , t h e N a z i s s h o t t h e m , t o o : S t a n i s ł a w a , a g e 8 ; B a r b a r a , 7 ; W ł a d y s ł a w, 6 ; F r a n c i s z e k , 4 ; A n t o n i , 3 ; a n d M a r i a , 2 .

T h e a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e d e a t h s o f t h e U l m a f a m i l y h a s b e e n r e c o g n i s e d s i n c e 2 0 1 8 a s t h e N a t i o n a l D a y o f R e m e m b r a n c e o f P o l e s W h o S a v e d J e w s u n d e r G e r m a n O c c u p a t i o n

Pope Francis recognised the martyrdom of the Ulmas and all of their children in a decree signed in December 2022. The Ulma family will be beatified in a ceremony in Markowa. The Polish bishops’ conference has announced that the relics of the Ulma family will travel from diocese to diocese in Poland following their beatification

‘ S h a ke s o u r c o n s c i e n c e s’

“ Wi t h t h i s c o n c e p t o f p r o c l a i m i n g

t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y ‘ b l e s s e d ’ , t h e p a r e n t s w i t h s e v e n c h i l d r e n a m o n g w h i c h a l s o o n e i n t h e m a t e r n a l w o m b t h e C h u rc h w i s h e s t o m o s t o f a l l c o n f i r m , i t w i s h e s t o e m p h a s i s e t h e b e a u t y a n d i m p o r t a n c e o f m a t r i m o n y a n d f a m i l y l i f e , ” s a i d F r Wi t o l d B u r d a , t h e p o s t u l at o r f o r t h e s a i n t h o o d c a u s e o f t h e U l m a f a m i l y.

Fr Burda added that the Church’s

A b o v e : M e m b e r s o f t h e U l m a f a m i l y a t t h e i r h o m e a n d f a r m O n M a r c h 2 4 ,

1 9 4 4 , a l l n i n e m e m b e r s o f t h e U l m a f a m i l y w e r e k i l l e d b y t h e N a z i s f o r h i d i n g J e w s R i g h t : W i k t o r i a U l m a w i t h o n e o f h e r c h i l d r e n

decision to beatify an unborn child “shakes our consciences” He called it “a reminder for us of the sanctity of ever y human life that begins at the moment of conception until natural death It is a great reaffirmation, a great hymn of the sanctity and dignity of ever y human life,” he told broadcaster EWTN T h e m a s s a c r e o f t h e U l m a s w a s m e a n t t o d e t e r t h e i r f e l l o w v i l l a g e r s f r o m s h e l t e r i n g J e w s f r o m t h e H o l oc a u s t A m a z i n g l y, t h e i r n e i g h b o u r s c o n t i n u e d t o h i d e J e w s u n t i l t h e e n d o f Wo r l d Wa r I I i n E u r o p e i n M a y 1 9 4 5 , s a v i n g a t l e a s t 2 1 P o l i s h J e w s

A c t i v e C a t h o l i c s

J ó z e f U l m a , b o r n i n 1 9 0 0 , w a s a l i b r a r i a n a n d a p h o t o g r a p h e r, w h o h a d b e e n a c t i v e i n t h e l o c a l C a t h o l i c Yo u t h A s s o c i a t i o n H i s w i f e Wi k t o r i a , b o r n i n 1 9 1 2 , w a s a h o m e m a k e r T h e f a m i l y w a s d e n o u n c e d b y W ł o d z i m i e r z L e s , a l o c a l c o l l a b o r a t o r w i t h t h e N a z i s , w h o h a d t a k e n

possession of the farm owned by one of the Jewish families hidden by the Ulmas His motivation was to have its rightful owners eliminated After the massacre, during which Wiktoria seemed to have gone into labour, the Nazis looted the Ulma’s home and cattle

L e s w a s e x e c u t e d b y s h o o t i n g a f t e r P o l a n d w a s l i b e r a t e d O n l y o n e o f t h e p o l i c e m e n i n v o l v e d w a s e v e r b r o u g h t t o j u s t i c e , s e r v i n g a l i f e s e n t e n c e

In 1995, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were given the titles of Righteous Among the Nations by the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. CNA

Deacon Walter Middleton: Point of Reflection

HOPe: A leper showed the way

THERE IS A NEW KIND OF leprosy spreading; a disease that is difficult to diagnose because it affects the mind rather than the body This disease is hopelessness

Like a parasite, hopelessness feeds on the host and thrives while the host suffers a slow death. It numbs the mind of the person by spreading its tentacles in the form of an inferiority complex, depression, lack of confidence, and lethargy

In my interaction with adults and youths, I am becoming more and more convinced that there is a deep sense of hopelessness and frustration setting in amongst people of all ages.

Amid all the global wars, corruption at all levels, high crime rates, genderbased violence, child abuse, economic crises, loadshedding, water shortages and so on, it seems that there is just doom, gloom, and despair Adults wonder whether there is any future for their children.

Children, when they hear their parents’ complaints about the innumerable challenges and problems of life, are starting to wonder whether there is any hope for them. In the process many children become disillusioned and insecure. Added to the many other challenges young people face, this hopelessness can lead to inferiority complex and a lack of confidence

Like leprosy, which slowly eats the b o d y o f t h e p e r s o n , h o p e l e s s n e s s e a t s the will of the person Just like leprosy, w h i c h r e d u c e s t h e s i z e o f t h e l i m b s , t h e s e p s y c h o l o g i c a l l e p r o s i e s r e d u c e the size of the will. Much like the leprous parts that lose their sensation, the h o p e l e s s p e r s o n t o o l o s e s a n e n t h u s iasm for life

Light in a hopeless cave

M a t t h e w 8 i n t r o d u c e s a n u n u s u a l l e p e r A c c o r d i n g t o t h e J e w i s h c u s t o m s o f t h e t i m e s , l e p e r s w e r e f o rc e d t o l i v e

cApE toWn holiDAY AccoMMoDAtion

Looking for reasonably priced accommodation over the December/January holiday period?

Come to Kolbe House, set in a beautiful spacious gardens in Rondebosch, nestled just under Devil’s Peak Self-catering, clean and peaceful, with spacious gardens Safe parking Close to all shops and public transport contact pat 021 685 7370 or 073 2632105 or e-mail pat@kolbehouse co za www.kolbehouse.org.za

f a r a w a y f r o m c i v i l i s a t i o n , t o p r e v e n t t h e s u p p o s e d t r a n s m i s s i o n o f t h e s i c kness to others (today we know that you cannot contract leprosy through casual contact with a person who has what is n o w c a l l e d H a n s e n ’s d i s e a s e ) T h e y l i v e d i n h o p e l e s s d a r k c a v e s T h e i r

For those of us who are battling with hopelessness, this man teaches a priceless lesson: that we too can remain blessed, no matter how cursed or problematic or challenging our life is He reminds us that we can run short of ever ything, but we must be watchful that we never run short of hope Like many others, he could have looked at his deformed body and said, “I am ugly”, but instead he placed his hope in the Lord and said, “I will be better ” He looked at the future, rather than dwell on past or present problems

Saved in hope

h o p e o f r e c o v e r y d i m i n i s h e d a s t h e i r l i m b s g r e w s h o r t e r S o m e c u r s e d G o d a n d p r a y e d f o r d e a t h

But the leper in Matthew was of a different breed He lived in a dark cave b u t a d m i r e d t h e l i g h t o u t s i d e H e w a t c h e d h i s l i m b s b e c o m i n g s h o r t e r d a y b y d a y, b u t h e w a s a l s o w a t c h f u l t h a t h i s h o p e w o u l d n o t d i m i n i s h Though his condition was cursed, he remained blessed and positive He praised God for the blessings he had received in the past and prayed for healing

One fine day his prayers were answered. He met his deliverer face to face. He prayed for healing. Instead of shouting, “I am unclean,” he exclaimed: “Make me clean!” Jesus heard the plea of this extraordinar y man and healed him in a dramatic way by touching him, the supposedly “untouchable”

The title of Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 encyclical Spe Salvi counsels us that “in hope we are saved”, an echo of St Paul in his Letter to the Romans (8:24) As Christians we know that salvation is not simply a given Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, a trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present. Through this hope, the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted, because it leads towards a goal Hope is a key word in the Bible, so much so that in several passages the words “faith” and “hope” seem interchangeable Why does our faith fail when the storm rages and our prayers seem to go unanswered?

Our hangups thrive on our dark past, while hopelessness feeds on it, on the way to a dark future If we, like the leper, pray to Jesus the Light of the World to heal our past and our challenges, our future will be bright

Through prayer and faith, and hope and trust in the Lord, we can overcome any storm in our lives. I am hopeful that all of us will do our bit to chase hopelessness away from this world.

Rev Walter Middleton is a deacon in the archdiocese of Johannesburg. Parts of this article were inspired by Fr Francis Gamaliyel’s “Be a Beacon of Hope”

He looked at the future rather than dwell on past or present problems

Raymond Perrier on Faith & Society

Heritage can be old and new

AS SOUTH AFRICA ENTERS

September, we find ourselves in Heritage Month This is a great opportunity to engage with cultural elements of the past which can inform our present but we should also be aware of the dangers of how we present and celebrate heritage.

The month itself has an interesting heritage. It carries this name because of the public holiday on September 24 which is now called Heritage Day. But older readers may recall that this used to be commemorated (in some parts of the country) as King Shaka Day, marking the date of his death in 1828

When the Inkatha Freedom Party, as one of the junior members in the first government of national unity post-1994, failed to have Shaka’s Day converted into a new national holiday, the compromise was to keep the date but rename it “Heritage Day” So the Zulus could celebrate the heritage of King Shaka, and this date could also now provide a platform for other parts of the new nation to celebrate their various heritages.

All ver y well intentioned, but how has this now evolved? Sitting in Durban with its ver y strong and diverse cultural roots Zulu, Indian and British I am conscious that these celebrations of heritage tend not to be occasions that unify In fact, inadvertently, they end up reinforcing divisions So the Zulu celebrations of Zulu heritage are attended only by Zulus; the Indian celebrations of Indian heritage are attended only by Indians, and so on Actually, all these events are being attended by South Africans, but in this context it is not “South Africans” that we see, but “Zulus” and “Indians”

It is good that we have these opportunities to help people understand their ancestral heritage and better appreciate the music and costumes and customs of the past However, they are rarely designed in a way to make them accessible or even appealing to people from outside that community.

Yet that is what we should be aiming for, so that we can draw on our different pasts to prepare for a new future together. Can the different threads of heritage in this countr y become more intertwined to create a uniquely South African heritage?

The wearing of cultural clothing on Heritage Day could provide a way of literally developing this idea On Heritage Day, we often see people in traditional clothing South Africans in knee socks

have now was not always in place The Scottish kilt tradition, for example, was invented only in the 19th centur y I enjoy participating in heritage events that push the boundaries

So I was pleased to be part of a concert of patriotic British music held in Durban after the coronation of King Charles III after all Durban used to claim to be “the last outpost of Empire” It was well attended, though I could not help noticing that almost ever yone in the audience was white (and I imagine of British heritage), even though the music of Elgar and the Beatles and Lloyd Webber has a much wider appeal.

By being there and dressing up as a Beefeater I was making the point to all these (white) South Africans of British heritage that I was proud to be a (brown) Briton who now lives in South Africa. Britain might have been quite monochromatic when their ancestors left in 1820 but it isn’t now

Can we create a uniquely South African heritage?

or saris or skins, or foreign nationals in kikoi or kente or kilts. Sadly, people are now anxious about wearing “someone else’s uniform” for fear of being accused of cultural appropriation And this approach also leaves behind groups without a distinctive costume (unless I wear my bowler hat!)

Draw traditions together

However, couldn’t we be developing costumes that draw together different traditions? It would be good to have something visual which says “universally South African” with more style than a Springbok jersey

This is initially hard because we assume that heritage is fixed. But, of course, it is always evolving and what we

In fact, one of the pleasures for me was to see the British king crowned in a ceremony where the director of music, the prime minister, and the first minister of Scotland were all brown-skinned the Empire Strikes Back!

Fatima for all

Within the Catholic Church, we also have an opportunity to celebrate heritage in a way that is inclusive and not exclusionary, which is evolving and not static It is wonderful, for example, that Catholics of Portuguese origin organise processions in honour of Our Lady of Fatima; but even more wonderful when those events are attended by Catholics with no link to Portugal and they then begin to include new elements After all, the apparitions at Fatima were the gift of Mary to the whole Church

I was recently in Oudtshoorn and was fascinated as Bishop Noel Rucastle told me with great pride about the story of the Polish orphans who were brought there during the Second World War They are commemorated in the crypt of the magnificent cathedral of St Saviour and another image of Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa adorns the chapel

Again, a great opportunity for Catholics in the Karoo ver y few of whom I imagine are of Polish origin, including their Capetonian bishop to learn about and appreciate a fascinating part of Catholic heritage that is for the universal Church, and not just for Poles

And Czestochowa is a Catholic heritage which in KwaZulu-Natal has evolved into the name of the mission Centocow

Furthermore, we can share our heritage in a way that reaches out to others Later in September, a public monument is being unveiled in Oudtshoorn to celebrate those Polish orphans. And though there will be descendants present who are of (partly) Polish origin, there will also be the full mix of local residents of a variety of colours and religious traditions. And this in a town which, a few years ago, would not have embraced the Catholics as part of their common local heritage

I imagine at that event there will be a good buffet of bobotie and koeksisters and kielbasa Food is one of the ways in which we can most easily share our own heritage and enjoy the heritage of other traditions Perhaps that is why we take the safe way of marking Heritage Day as National Braai Day: one thing that (almost) all South Africans share is their devotion to grilled meat!

But even these events sometimes go awr y. I know a Catholic parish that hosts a Heritage Sunday lunch at which parishioners are encouraged to bring and share food from their various cuisines Not only is there a variety of South African foods but also, given the diversity of the community, dishes from all across the African continent A wonderful and inclusive celebration! Except that a few years ago when by invitation local homeless people joined the queue to taste the delicacies, some parishioners told them that they were not welcome because “this food is just for us”

So do plan your events for Heritage Month! Deepen your understanding of your own cultural inheritance. But also find out about and learn to appreciate other cultures and traditions. And develop ways to share what you enjoy and cherish in ways that others can understand and enjoy them too

Heritage is not for guarding and preserving but for sharing and nourishing us all, as it evolves for future generations

M A R I A N E L L A

Guest House, Simon’s Town

Experience the peace and beauty of God and nature with us Fully equipped, with amazing sea views Secure parking, ideal for rest and relaxation Special rates for families, pensioners and clergy Malcolm or Wilma Salida + 27 82 784 5676 or mjsalida@gmail com

Fr Ron Rolheiser OMI

Reacting to Church-bashing

IN MUCH OF THE SECULARISED WORLD, we live in a climate that is somewhat anti-ecclesial and anti-clerical It’s quite fashionable today to bash the churches, be they Catholic, Protestant, or Evangelical

This is often done in the name of being open-minded and enlightened, and it’s the one bias that’s intellectually sanctioned Say something derogatory about any other group in society, and you will be brought to account; say something disparaging about the Church and there are no such consequences

What’s the proper response? While it’s easy to take offence at this, we must be careful not to overreact because, as a Church, we should not be fundamentally threatened by this Why?

First of all, because a certain amount of this criticism is good and helpful Truth be told, we have some very real faults All atheism is a parasite feeding off bad religion. Our critics feed off our faults, and we can be grateful that our faults are being pointed out to us even if sometimes over-generously Criticism of the Church is healthily humbling us and pushing us towards a more courageous internal purification

Besides, for too long we have enjoyed a situation of privilege, never a good thing for the Church We generally live healthier as Christians in a time of disprivilege than in a time of privilege, even if it isn’t as pleasant Moreover, there are some important things at stake here

We must be careful not to overreact to the present anti-ecclesial climate because this can lead to an over-defensiveness and put us in an unhealthy adversarial position vis-à-vis the culture and that’s not where the Gospel asks us to be. Rather, our task is to absorb this criticism, painful though it is, gently point to its unfairness, and resist the temptation to be defensive Why?

Why not aggressively defend ourselves? Because we are strong enough not to, and that’s reason enough

We can withstand this without having to become hard and defensive Current criticism notwithstanding, the Church is not about to go under or away any time soon We are 2,5 billion Christians in the world, stand within a 2 000year-old tradition, have among ourselves a universally accepted scripture, have 2 000 years of doctrinal entrenchment and refinement, have massive centuriesold institutions, are embedded in the very roots of Western culture and

technology, constitute perhaps the biggest multinational group globally, and are growing in numbers worldwide

We are hardly a reed shaking in the wind, reeling vulnerably, a ship about to go under. We are strong, stable, blessed by God, an Elder in the culture and because of this we owe it to the culture to model maturity and understanding

Beyond that, even more important, is the fact that we have Christ’s promise to be with us, and the reality of the resurrection to sustain us Given all this, I think it’s fair to say that we can absorb a reasonable amount of criticism without fear of losing our identity Moreover, we must not let this criticism make us lose sight of why we exist in the first place The Church exists not for its own sake or to ensure its own survival, but for the sake of the world We can easily forget this and lose sight of what the Gospel asks of us.

C h u r c h e x i s t s f o r t h e w o r l d

For example, compare these two responses: At a press conference, the late English Cardinal Basil Hume (1923-99) was once asked what he considered the foremost task facing the Church today He replied simply: “To need to try to save this planet ” Compare that response with that of another cardinal who, in a recent radio interview, was asked the same question and replied, “To defend the faith ”

Everything about Jesus suggests that Cardinal Hume’s view is closer to the Gospel than the other. When Jesus says, “My flesh is food for the life of the world”, he is affirming clearly that the primary task of the Church is not to defend itself, or ensure its continuity, or protect itself from being crushed by the world The Church exists for the sake of the world, not for its own sake

That’s why there is such a rich symbolism in the fact that immediately after Jesus was born, he was laid in a trough in a stable, a place where animals come to eat; and it’s why he gives himself up on a table in the Eucharist, to be eaten Being eaten up by the world is largely what Jesus is about, namely, risking vulnerability over safety and trust over defensiveness At the very heart of the Gospel lies a call to risk beyond defensiveness and to absorb unjust criticism without fighting back: “Forgive them, they know not what they do!”

The Church is meant to give itself over as food for the world Like all living bodies it sometimes needs to protect itself but never at the cost of losing its very reason for being here

Every month Fr chris chatteris SJ reflects on Pope Francis’ prayer intention

For the people on the margins

Intention: We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.

PE O P L E O N T H E M A R G I N S O F

South African society are visible e v e r y w h e r e , i f w e b u t o p e n o u r eyes. They are to be seen at the traffic lights holding out cardboard c u p s O t h e r s a r e t h e “ m e n a t t h e side of the road” waiting for a tog job that might never come

These represent only the visible tip of the iceberg which lurks threateningly beneath the surface of our society To see the extent of the marginalisation, one only has to fly over one of our cities and notice the vast areas of “informal settlements” clustering around the industrial areas The riots and looting of July 2021 gave us an inkling of the size and danger of that iceberg

o f h o w t h e p r i v i l e g e d o f o u r s o c i e t y (university students) can be encouraged t o g i v e b a c k a n d t o b e c h a l l e n g e d n o t t o o v e r l o o k t h o s e o n t h e m a r g i n s o r, i n t h e p o p e ’s w o r d s , “ c o n s i d e r t h e m a s o f l e s s e r i m p o r t a n c e ” .

Pope Francis rightly proposes a new kind of economy

T h e i n s t i t u t i o n s w h i c h a t t e m p t t o b r i n g t h e m a r g i n a l i s e d o f o u r s o c i e t y i n t o t h e m a i n s t r e a m m u s t b e s a l u t e d Anyone who has worked in a night shelt e r f o r t h e h o m e l e s s k n o w s h o w h a r d the task is With limited resources and a

s e e m i n g l y u n l i m i t e d n u m b e r o f n e e d y people, such work can be extremely dem a n d i n g , a n d f e w c a n d o i t f o r m o r e than a limited time. Many people who live on the streets require medical, psyc h o l o g i c a l o r p s y c h i a t r i c t r e a t m e n t which is expensive and normally requiring state subsidies

Church-state cooperation

T h e c o o p e r a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e m e dical faculty of Wits University and Holy Tr i n i t y c h u rc h i n B r a a m f o n t e i n , w h e r e medical students work in a clinic superv i s e d b y a d o c t o r f o r p e o p l e l i v i n g o n t h e s t r e e t s , i s a n e x a m p l e o f a f r u i t f u l p a r t n e r s h i p b e t w e e n t h e i n s t i t u t i o n s o f C h u rc h a n d s t a t e . I t i s a l s o a n e x a m p l e

To be unemployed is to be margina l i s e d T h e l a c k o f i n c o m e i s t h e m o s t pressing aspect of being out of work, but a sense of being a spare part that might n e v e r b e o f s e r v i c e t o s o c i e t y c a n o n l y compound the mental pressure. R i g h t l y h a s P o p e F r a n c i s u r g e d e m p l o y e r s t o d o t h e i r u t m o s t t o e m p l o y p e o p l e . R i g h t l y d o e s h e p r o p o s e a n e w k i n d o f e c o n o m y s o m e t i m e s r e f e r r e d t o a s t h e “ e c o n o m y o f F r a n c i s c o ” w h i c h p u t s p e o p l e r a t h e r t h a n p r o f i t s a s i t s c e n t r a l a i m a n d f o c u s

Economy for the people

H e r e , i t s e e m s t o m e , i s t h e n u b o f o u r c o n t e m p o r a r y p r o b l e m t h a t w e h a v e n o r m a l i s e d t h e i d e a t h a t p e o p l e a r e f o r t h e e c o n o m y r a t h e r t h a n t h e e c o n o m y b e i n g f o r p e o p l e T h i s h a s r esulted in vast inequalities of wealth dist r i b u t i o n , r e s u l t i n g i n t h e c a s t i n g o f f o f p e o p l e o n t o t h e s t r e e t s a n d i n t o s q u a tt e r s e t t l e m e n t s I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o r e m i n d o u r s e l v e s t h a t t h i s i s n o t i n e v i t a b l e ; i t i s n o t a n i n e l u c t a b l e l a w o f n a t u r e t h a t s o m e i nd i v i d u a l s s h o u l d o w n t h e r e s o u rc e s e q u i v a l e n t t o t h o s e o f e n t i r e c o u n t r i e s . We s h o u l d r e c a l l t h a t i t h a s n o t a l w a y s b e e n t h u s I n f a c t , t h i s s i t u a t i o n o f i ne q u a l i t y a n d m a s s m a r g i n a l i s a t i o n t h a t w e f a c e t o d a y i s u n p r e c e d e n t e d i n h u m a n h i s t o r y.

A n d w e s h o u l d l o o k t o c o u n t r i e s w h e r e s u c h o b s c e n e i n e q u a l i t y h a s b e e n c u r b e d b y a p p r o p r i a t e g o v e r nm e n t i n t e r v e n t i o n t o r e d i s t r i b u t e w e a l t h a n d a c c e s s t o i t m o r e f a i r l y

F u r t h e r f a s c i n a t i n g r e a d i n g o n t h i s s u b j e c t i s U t o p i a f o r R e a l i s t s b y D u t c h w r i t e R u t g e r B r e g m a n . H e a r g u e s , i n line with Catholic social teachings, that p e o p l e s h o u l d h a v e e n o u g h f o o d a n d a p l a c e t o l i v e , a n d b e a b l e t o l i v e t h e i r l i v e s w i t h d i g n i t y.

ST AnSELM Prayer Corner

My God, where are you? I know You are the God of all creation and I am only an insignificant creature I do realise I must plunge into the inner chambers of my soul and shut the door in seeking you. But if, my God, you are not there, then where are you? Where shall I find you? And if you are here, why do I not see you?

P raying with PRAY

Your prayers to cut out and collect

I am tormented by my love and desire to know You and see You because You are my God. I was created to see You, but look, I have not yet accomplished what I was made for I beg You come to me, for in your brilliant light I cannot see You.

So, my God, reveal yourself to me and teach me how to seek you. Let me seek You in desiring You; let me desire You in seeking You. Let me find You in loving You. Let me love You more in finding You O Loving God come break into my deepest soul, my very heart, that I may possess and see You in humble prayer And so lose myself in your silent presence, my Lord, my God, my All.

Amen

of Pietrelcina,

for us

September 23 marks the 55th anniversary of Saint Pio's death

THANK YOU LORD

Just this once Lord I want to come to you without problems, without asking for anything, without telling you how to r un my day – just simply to say THAnK yOU!

For Your forgiveness when I fall

For the sheer joy of sleep when I ’ m ter ribly tired

For the silent st rength of humility when pride overtakes me

For the justice of Your laws when men are cruel.

For the remedies for sickness when I am ill.

For the simplicity of orderliness when I face confusion

For the assurance that You have made a place especially for me.

When I feel inadequate among my peers

For the joy of helping others when I see people in need.

For the earthly evidences of Your will

W hen I ’ m t r ying to find out what life is all about

For the reality of Your world when I stray too far into fantasy

For the rightness of reason when I panic too quickly

For the fun that ref reshes when ever ything gets too serious

For the renewal in moments of silence when I ’ m dizzy from being busy in a hectic world

ank you Lord for all these things, but most of all, thank you for your abiding presence that makes ever y day I live a day of thanks.

I T HANK YOU LORD, AMEN

Saint Pio

Pray

Hope and don’t worry.

Worry is useless. God is merciful and will listen to your prayers.

Anagram Challenge

Unscramble the clues below to work out which JESUITS (global and local) hide in these words

Find the names of these terms relating to the Mass in the puzzle above

DrOPPeD LeTTerS: Place the missing letters to get names from the Acts of the Apostles

AcroSS

4. (and 16 down) Pet divan uncle restored for the saint (7,2,4)

8 A saintly possession (6)

9 Sounds as if you required something to make dough (7)

10. Done to an Apostle to pay Paul (6)

11 Repeated tale of resounding church bell (6)

12 Diet for Olympians (8)

18 Cast a spell on the way into chapel (8)

20. Could be a stormy place at the party (6)

21 He was once a layman (6)

22 Evangelist (7)

23 Eight notes for eight days (6)

24. Red complexion and a state (7)

DoWn

1. The owner of the vineyard refused to do so for late workers (7)

2 This one readily sheds tears (7)

3 Worn from Ox Duet (6)

5. I grant no variation for being uninformed (8)

6 We hear one who’s celibate was pursued (6)

7 Require the French for sewing (6)

13. Jesus the Good (8)

14. Beseech (7)

15 Judges may sit on them in church (7)

16 See 4 across

17 Curate could be sharper (6)

19. They sur vive holy persons (6)

For all solutions turn to page 34

Quick Cr osswor d

AcroSS

2. Forbidden representations (6,6)

3 12th word of Apostles’ Creed (5)

5 Brazilian Marian shrine (9)

7 Catholic radio station (7)

9 Response to prayer (4)

12 Subject of 2023/24 Synod (10)

14. Group of singers in church (5)

15 Catholic actor (5,4,5)

17 Founder of Mariannhill (7)

18 English archdiocese (11)

19 Place of flying St Joseph (9)

21 Mother Teresa’s city (7)

23. Afrikaans for Mass (5)

DoWn

1 Constantine’s saintly mother (6)

3 Bishop’s headress (5)

4. Catholic movement (6,2,4)

5 Series of petitions (6)

6 Ngome visionary nun (8,3)

The Catholic Trivia Quiz

1 Where was Archbishop Buti Tlhagale the ordinar y before his transfer to Johannesburg in 2003?

a) Bloemfontein b) Klerksdorp c) Witbank

2 In the Mass, what comes first?

a) Gloria b) Kyrie c) Penitential rite

3. According to tradition, where was the Virgin Mar y bor n?

a) Bethlehem b) Jerusalem c) Nazareth

4. What was the name of the cardinal who beatified Bl Benedict Daswa in 2015?

a) Amato b) Paglia c) Ravasi

5. Which order did Mother Teresa initially belong to?

a) Assumption Sisters b) Loreto Sisters

c) Sisters of Mercy

6. Which saint was the subject of a 1983 opera by Olivier Messiaen?

a) Francis of Assisi b) Mar y Magdalene

c) Thérèse of Lisieux

7 Who is the patron saint of dogs?

a) Bernard b) Cuthbert c) Hubert

8. Which countr y did Pope John Paul II not visit during his 1988 trip to Souther n Africa?

a) Botswana b) Mozambique

c) Namibia

9. Which star of these film stars is a practising Catholic?

8 Bishop of Kimberley (6,5)

10 Pope Bergoglio’s first name (5)

11. Container for host (3)

13 Gifts at Mass (9)

14 Sainted 20th-cent pontiff (2,4,4,1)

15 Study of God (8)

16 Home of Mary, Martha & Lazarus (7)

18 Bless with oil (6)

20. Land of ... and honey (4)

21 ‘ To Thee, My God’ (6)

22 US spiritual writer Scott (4)

a) Bradley Cooper b) Robert Downey Jr

c) Chris Pratt

10. When did The Souther n Cross become a monthly magazine?

a) 2019 b) 2020 c) 2021

Clue19across

Clue15across

Clue17across

C o o k i n g w i t h

Sa i n t s

E v e r y m o n t h i n h e r C a p e T o w n k i t c h e n , G R A Z I A B A R L E T T A p r e p a r e s a r e c i p e i n s p i r e d b y t h e s a i n t s , a n d s h a r e s i t w i t h o u r r e a d e r s i n t e x t a n d p h o t o s t a k e n e x c l u s i v e l y f o r T h e S o u t h e r n C r o s s b y t h e c h e f h e r s e l f

S T T I M O T H Y ’ S T I R A M I S U

YO U ’ L L K N O W S T T I M O T H Y A S t h e re c i p i e n t o f t w o l e tte rs f ro m S t Pa u l i n t h e N e w Te stam e n t , o r p e r h a p s a s t h e f i rst b i s h o p o f E p h e s u s , i n m o d e r n - d ay Tu r ke y B o r n i n Lyst ra a s t h e s o n o f a G re e k fa t h e r a n d a J e w i s h m o t h e r, T i m o t hy wa s a t i m i d , a ffe c t i o n a te yo u n g m a n . H i s m o t h e r ra i s e d h i m a s a C h r i st i a n , a n d T i m o t hy p ro b a b l y e m b ra c e d t h e fa i t h d u r i n g S t Pa u l ’s f i rst v i s i t to Lyst ra O n a re t u r n t r i p i n 5 0 A D, Pa u l fo u n d T i m o t hy s o e ste e m e d b y t h e l o c a l C h r i st i a n s t h a t h e a s ke d T i m o t hy, b y n o w i n h i s t h i r t i e s , to j o i n h i m i n s p re a d i n g t h e G o s p e l o n h i s m i s s i o n a r y j o u r n e ys

T i m o t hy b e c a m e S t Pa u l ’s p ro té g é , a n d l a te r h i s c o n sta n t c o m p a n i o n a n d c ow o r ke r i n p re a c h i n g I n t h e ye a r 5 2 , Pa u l a n d S i l a s to o k T i m o t hy w i t h t h e m o n t h e i r j o u r n e y to M a c e d o n i a T i m o t hy l e f t h i s c o u n t r y, h i s h o u s e a n d h i s p a re n t s , to fo ll o w t h e a p o st l e , a n d to s h a re i n h i s p o ve r t y a n d s u ffe r i n g s j u st a s C h r i st h a d c o mm a n d e d T i m o t hy m i g h t h ave s u ffe re d i l l h e a l t h o r “ f re q u e n t a i l m e n t s ” , a n d Pa u l e nc o u ra g e d h i m to “ u s e a l i tt l e w i n e fo r yo u r sto m a c h ’s s a ke ” T i m o t hy wa s w i t h Pa u l i n C o r i n t h , i n m o d e r n G re e c e , d u r i n g t h e w i n te r o f 5 7 – 5 8 w h e n Pa u l d i s p a tc h e d h i s L e tte r to t h e Rom a n s H i s re l a t i o n s h i p w i t h Pa u l wa s c l o s e T i m o t hy ’s n a m e a p p e a rs a s t h e c o - a u t h o r o f 2 C o r i n t h i a n s , P h i l i p p i a n s , C o l o s s i a n s , 1 T h e s s a l o n i a n s , 2 T h e s s a l o n i a n s , a n d

P h i l e m o n Pa u l w ro te to t h e P h i l i p p i a n s a b o u t T i m o t hy, s ay i n g : “ I h ave n o o n e l i ke h i m ” W h e n Pa u l wa s i n p r i s o n a n d a wa i ti n g m a r t y rd o m i n Ro m e , h e s u m m o n e d h i s fa i t h f u l f r i e n d T i m o t hy fo r a l a st fa re w e l l T i m o t hy wa s j a i l e d a t l e a st o n c e , a s t h e w r i te r o f H e b re w s ( n o w w i d e l y t h o u g h t n o t to h ave b e e n S t Pa u l ) m e n t i o n s T i m o t hy ’s re l e a s e to wa rd s t h e e n d o f t h e e p i st l e T i m o t hy d i e d a m a r t y r i n 9 7 A D a t t h e a g e o f 8 0 W h e n h e t r i e d to h a l t a p a ga n p ro c e s s i o n b y p re a c h i n g t h e G o s p e l , h e wa s b e a te n to d e a t h H i s fe a st d ay i s J a n u a r y 2 6 B e c a u s e o f

In g r e d i e n t s

5 t b s p s u ga r • 2 l a rge e g g s • 2 p a c ket s o f f i n ge r b i s c u i t s • 1 t u b m a s ca r p o n e c h e e s e • 3 0 m l co ffe e l i q u e u r o r w h i s k y • 5 0 0 m l e s p re s s o co ffe e • co co a fo r d u st i n g

h i s f ra i l h e a l t h , h e i s t h e p a t ro n o f p e o p l e w i t h sto m a c h d i s o rd e rs T i m o t hy wa s a m i l d - m a n n e re d m a n w i t h a k i n d c h a ra c te r, b u t s o m e t i m e s h a d to l e ave n h i s s w e e t n e s s w i t h a to u c h o f ta r t n e s s S o w h a t b e tte r way t h a n to c e l e b ra te t h i s e a r l y m i s s i o n a r y w i t h t i ra m i s u , w i t h i t s d e l i c i o u s c o n t ra st s i n s w e e tn e s s , a c i d i t y a n d t h e c h o c o l a te b i tte r n e s s o f c o c o a ?

T h i s p o p u l a r I ta l i a n d e s e r t i s s o e a sy to m a ke a n d i t s n a m e l i te ra l l y a n s “ p i c k /c h e e r m e u p ” . M a d e w i t h m a s c a r p o n e c h e e s e , i t i s l i g h t a n d i s s u re to m a ke yo u fe e l b e tte r f ro m a ny a i l m e n t s T h e s e c re t i s to p re p a re i t a d ay o r t w o b e fo re s e r v i n g ; a s t h e t i ra m i s u s e t s , t h e ta ste d e ve l o p s p re p a rat i o n : 3 5 m i n ( p l u s o ve r n i g ht i n t h e f r i d ge ) • S e r v i n g s : 8

P r e pa r a t i o n :

1 . W h i s k t h e s u ga r a n d e g g s t i l l p a l e a n d c re a my T h e n a d d i n t h e m a s ca r p o n e a n d b e at t i l l t h i c k

2 Dip the biscuits in a coffee liqueur mix Then arrange a layer in a dish of choice and pour half of the cheese mix over Then arrange another biscuit layer and cover with the rest of the cheese mix

3 D u st co co a p o wd e r o ve r t h e to p a n d p l a c e i n t h e f r i d ge I d e a l l y l et re st fo r t wo d ays b efo re s e r v i n g

4 . E n j oy w i t h a p raye r to S t T i m o t hy !

n d fo o d p h o to g ra p h e r & st y l i st S h e ca n b e co nta c te d at g ra z i a b a r l e tta 1 @ g m a i l c o m Fo l l o w h e r b l o g at w w w m o m e nt s w i t h g ra z i a c o m a n d co n n e c t w i t h G ra z i a o n Fa c e b o o k / I n sta g ra m : m o m e nt s w i t h g ra z i a

Solutions

Southe cent, 8 Virtue, 9 Kneaded, 10 Robbed, 11 Retold, 12 Ambrosia, 18 Entrance, 20 Teacup, 21 Cleric, 22 Matthew, 23 Octave, 24 Florida DOWN:

1 Overpay, 2 Crybaby, 3 Tuxedo, 5 Ignorant, 6 Chaste, 7 Needle, 13 Shepherd, 14 Entreat, 15 Benches, 16 De Paul, 17 Acuter, 19 Relics

Anagram Challenge:

1 Ignatius of Loyola, 2 Pope Francis, 3 Peter Claver, 4 Russell Pollitt, 5 Francis Xavier, 6 Robert Bellarmine

Dropped Letters: Stephen, Ananias of Damascus, Priscilla, Matthias, Barnabas, Lydia of Thyatira, James, Cornelius the Centurion, Mark

Quick Crossword: ACROSS: 2 Craven Images, 3 Earth, 5 Aparecida, 7 Veritas, 9 Amen, 12 Synodality, 14 Choir, 15 James Earl Jones, 17 Pfanner, 18 Westminster, 19 Cupertino, 21 Kolkata, 23 Massa DOWN: 1 Helena, 3 Mitre,

4 Legion of Mary, 5 Litany, 6 Reinolda May,

8 Duncan Tsoke, 10 Jorge, 11 Pyx, 13 Offertory, 14 Pope Pius X, 15 Theology, 16 Bethany, 18 Anoint, 20 Milk, 21 Nearer, 22 Hahn Catholic Trivia Quiz: 1 a) Bloemfontein, 2 c) Penitential rite, 3 b) Jerusalem, 4 a) Amato, 5 b) Loreto Sisters, 6 a) St Francis of Assisi, 7 c) Hubert, 8 c) Namibia, 9 a) Bradley Cooper, 10 b) 2020 (with the October issue)

Next month in The Souther n Cross

A preview of some of our top stories in the September issue. Digital issue out on August 22 • Subscribe at digital scross co za/subscribe Life

A P ilg r image to ROME & T H E HOLy LAnd

Spiritual Director Mgr Simon Donnelly of Johannesburg, formerly based in the Vatican

Guided in the Holy Land by Gabriel Makhlouf Expert guide and Catholic Knight of the Holy Sepulchre

Accompanied by Günther Simmermacher Southern Cross editor and author of The Holy Land Trek

20 May to 1 June 2024

a i l o n t h e S e a o f G a l i l e e , r e n e w w e d d i n g v o w s a t C a n a a n d b a p t i s m a l v o w s a t t h e R i v e r J o rd a n , f l o a t i n t h e D e a d S e a a n d m u c h m o r e . . .

T h e P i l g r i m a g e i n c l u d

• All flights ex-Johannesburg

• Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels

• Daily breakfast and dinner

• Daily lunch in selected restaurants in the Holy Land

• Daily Mass in sacred shrines and churches

• Travel in air-conditioned luxury buses

• Expertly guided tours throughout

• All entrance fees as per itinerary

• Preparation material

• Visa assistance (where required)

For more information or to reserve your place, contact Gail at info@fowlertours.co.za or 076 352-3809 www.fowlertours.co.za/rome-hl2024

Final Words

Great Quotes on J O Y

‘God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us ’

– GK Chesterton (1874-1936)

‘Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence.’

– Fr Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ (1881-1955)

‘The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing.’

St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

‘You ask me whether I am in good spirits. How could I not be so?

As long as faith gives me strength, I will always be joyful.’

Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

‘Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.’

– Fr Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)

‘Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter ’

St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897)

‘When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other’s flame.’

St Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

‘People are made for happiness. Rightly you thirst for happiness. Christ has the answer to this desire. But he asks you to trust him.’

– St John Paul II (1920-2005)

‘Joy proceeds from the inner realisation of union with God, which descends upon us at ever deeper levels as we walk our faith journey ’

Fr Richard Rohr OFM (b 1943)

‘One filled with joy preaches without preaching ’

St Teresa of Kolkata (1910-1997)

History in Colour

A snapshot from the past, colourised exclusively for The Southern Cross

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

o y e a r s a f t e r h e w a s n o m in a t e d f o r p l a y i n g a p r i e s t i n t h e e a r t h q u

Tracy returned to the role of Fr Flanagan for the 1941 sequel Men of Boys Town He is seen here with actors Mickey Rooney (1920-2014) at right and Gene Reynolds (1923-2020) Rooney was already a star; Reynolds would go on to produce the TV series M*A*S*H.

The last laugh

Aa n a rgu m ent a b o u t ru gby

To settle the argument, the devil proposed a Test series to be played on neutral ground between a select team from the heavenly host and his own

Buy the

Peter, “ b u t d o yo u rea lis e t h at we h ave a ll t h e b est p layers a n d t h e m o st a c co m p lis h ed co a c h es in h eaven ? ”

“I know, and that ’s no problem,” the devil laughed “ We’ve got all the referees ”

Church Chuckles book of Catholic jokes!

email books@scross co za or go to www digital scross co za/church-chuckles