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dear friends
Cast aside all doubt
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he Risen Jesus revealed the glory of His resurrection to His disciples gradually and over a period of time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus’ appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them He offered proofs of His resurrection by showing them the wounds of His passion, His pierced hands and side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners
and makes one a friend of God. Jesus did something which only love and trust and can do. He commissioned His weak and timid apostles to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to the sending out of Jesus by His Father. Jesus fulfilled His mission through His perfect love and perfect obedience to the will of His Father. He called His disciples, and he calls us to do the same. Just as he gave His first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so He breathes on us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with power, grace, and strength. The last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with Him to Jerusalem at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist. When Jesus proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his illness, Thomas said to the disciples: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the
Lord, he lacked the courage to stand with Jesus in His passion and crucifixion. After Jesus’ death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other apostles. He sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of adversity. He doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and he doubted his own fellow apostles. When Thomas
Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media Ltd, Gibraltar. Editor Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com
finally had the courage to rejoin the other apostles, the Lord Jesus made His presence known to him and reassured him that He had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in Him. The Lord offers each of us new life in His Holy Spirit that we may know Him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of His resurrection. God Bless You Fr. Stuart
Cover: Scenes from the World Youth Day Cross and Icon visit to Gibraltar. Photos: Top H. Earle. Bottom: L. Aguilera Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project.
To advertise: This magazine is hand-delivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: 200 79335 email: angela@europeaxess.com
Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of these parties is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements.
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a life lived well
Angelique’s poems fun
Her poetic legacy, woven through with prayer, has raised a substantial sum for the Missionaries of Charity in Tangier.
Angelique Acolina Galliano
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ne the 29th of March Angelique Acolina Galliano’s daughters, Aimée and Katelyn Galliano, presented a big carboard cheque, representing a donation of £3,043, which had been raised from the sale of their mother’s poetry book, ‘Web of Life’. They are used to that day being special, as it was Angelique’s birthday. And it was in an atmosphere of joy that they and their father and grandfather met together with Sr Madrika and Sr Anne Marielle who had made the journey from Morocco to take part in a Day of Prayer and Recollection for the Co-Workers of Blessed Mother Teresa at the Retreat Centre. A Co-Workers is one who sees the presence of God in every human being and chooses to serve Him in the spirit of Mother Theresa and in the spirit of the
Missionaries of Charity. Mother Theresa desires her Co-Workers to maintain deep family love in their own homes and beyond that to seek out and to serve those in need in their own neighbourhood their town, their country and the world. In Tangier the Missionaries of Charity have many needs, working in difficult circumstances as Christian missionaries in a Muslim state. They are based in a refurbished church, where they run a home for the poorest of the poor. Included in the facility is a creche for the babies of unmarried mothers,
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these women would otherwise be unable to work or provide for their children. Once a week street boys come are invited in for a shower and a set of clean clothes. The sisters also run an infirmary for those who would otherwise die in the street. To date over 700 copies of Angelique’s poetry book have been sold, in just a few weeks, which is a good number for a local author and reflects the quality and depth of the work. This selection is just a small proportion of the very large number of original works,
nd Tangier missionaries
comprising poems, lyrics, meditations and short stories that Angelique produced during her relatively short life. Her writings record different important events in her life and those of her family and friends; apart from dealing with a myriad of other topics affecting her and the world around her. She not only writes in a humorous or romantic vein, but empathises with all matters ecological and spiritual. She devotes considerable time to ponder on the trials of life, especially those affecting the unborn, the disabled, the aged and those with mental disabilities; but above all, she returns again and again, to the subject of death, which
she approaches with a realistic and inevitable acceptance. Angelique was born on 29 March 1973 and, after completing her studies in 1990, joined the Medical Service (now the Gibraltar Health Authority) as a nurse. On 30 September 2000, she married Darrell Acolina and had two daughters, Aimee and Katelyn, in the photo above. The Web of life, published by Manolo Galliano and printed by Charles G Trico (Printers) Ltd, was launched publicly at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned on 26 January 2011, immediately after Angelique’s Second Anniversary Mass. The book, priced at £5, is available from the following
outlets, which have kindly agreed not to charge any commission for their sale: The Imperial Newsagency, The Catholic Bookshop, The Fine Arts Gallery, Charles G Trico
(Printers) Ltd. All the proceeds from the sale will be donated for the benefit of the Tangier home run by the Missionaries of Charity.
A regular mass for the loss of a son or daughter
Readers may not be aware that the evening mass at St Bernard’s church every first Friday of the month is offered for the intention of those who have suffered the loss of a son
or daughter. This has been the practice for some years now and a small group of parents attend regularly but perhaps more would like to go, if they knew about it.
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world communications day 2011
Is there a story?
There is always a story.
O
nce upon a time long, long ago…..echoes of the opening line of childhood stories which transported us to lands of myths, fairytales, legends, giants and the magic of poetry, creating an almost sacred place for us with this weave of words. The sharing of words has been vibrant and alive for thousands of years and most of us will have been raised on stories and acknowledge their power. We remember stories. The ancient Greeks loved stories and we still enjoy their fables, legends and myths today. The ancient Celts memorised long lyric poems to preserve history and laws. Storytelling is the primordial and powerful way of communication which makes us human. Every culture has a strong storytelling tradition shaped by its people, and today we tell our grandchildren
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stories of our own childhood. World Communications Day 2011 will be held on 5th June and the Holy Father’s message for the day is traditionally published on the feast of St. Francis de Sales (Jan 24th), born into the French nobility, (1562-1662), Doctor of the Church and patron saint of journalists/writers. There is an appropriate prayer entitled Prayer for Writers: “May the Lord guide me and all those who write for a living. Through your prayer St. Francis de Sales I ask for your intercession as I attempt to bring the written word to the world. Pray for God to inspire me and allow ideas to flow. In His name let my words reflect my faith for others to read. Amen”. These words impart a heavy responsibility on the writer to create an interactive experience for the reader in order to reach people’s hearts. Not always easy to do these days since our means
of communication are many compared to a few centuries ago when smoke signals were the norm. This urge to communicate is compelling and inherent in all of us. From a new born babes cry for attention to our constant chatting, talking, gossiping, sharing and exchanging by means of expressions in words, we talk to each other, relating through speech and even non-verbal communication, a quizzical raising of an eyebrow speaks volumes. It’s never ending, this talking, to each other face to face, on the telephone, Skype (a software application which connects you by text, voice and video); in online chat rooms and YouTube these days.
‘O Tiger-lily,’ said Alice... ‘I wish you could talk!’ ‘We can talk,’ said the Tigerlily: ‘when there’s anybody worth talking to.”
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Lewis Carroll (1832 - 1898). Quite! In a nutshell, the history of communication is mankind’s search for ways to improve on shouting! Long ago images of the town crier come to mind, at best they could hope for a shout to be carried about 100ft. Communication requires a sender, a message and an intended recipient whether this be via pigeon post, posthaste, Persian couriers, by mail, snail or otherwise, telegrams, telephone, fax, text messages, radio, newspapers, television, and emails across the World Wide Web by the Internet. All of these methods provide a way to share thoughts, information and intelligence. In 1970, Arthur C. Clarke, author and science fiction writer ‘predicted’ that satellites “would one day bring the accumulated knowledge of the world to our fingertips”. This followed the launch of the first communications satellite into orbit in the sixties, and how true
that ‘prediction’ has become as the means to tap out messages is literally at our fingertips. Since 1989 the World Wide Web has become the global information medium which users can read and write via computers connected to the Internet. The storytelling role of the ancient wandering poet, once custodian of history and customs is becoming extinct. Or is it? There is danger in this wondrous digital age and Pope Benedict’s theme for the 5th June is; “Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of life in the digital age”. Folkelore, traditional beliefs and tales embraced by a community have a certain ring of truth to them and are accepted, any attempt to falsify or depart from that truth is met with suspicion and scorn. Too many people know a truth they accept. The Pope is warning of the limits and dangers of digital communication, including risks of constructing a false on-line image and of replacing direct human contact with virtual relationships. The Pope, who I understand writes with a pen, (so do I, thinking and typing are beyond me!) and as far as I can find out does not surf the net, has grasped the fact that the Internet has fundamentally changed the way we communicate today and his concerns are valid. In this age of the instant information superhighway, our culture, language and even the way we think have undergone startling changes. Facebook, a leading social network source since 2004 helps you connect and share with friends, people who work, study and live all around the world. There are an estimated 600 million active users creating personal
profiles with photographs, personal details and interests all available to share. The Pope’s concern for the “tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world”, in other words the creation of an artificial online image “can be a form of self-indulgence”. Holy Father, I would use the words “self-delusion”, because when it comes down to it, that’s what this misrepresentation means to me in this virtual (almost) world. The wandering poet would never have compromised his integrity so; he stood to lose too much. Surely we do too. We need to be authentic, on or off the web as “new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture”. The Pope tells us there is a “Christian way”, of being online, and seems to understand the need for web morality. This is a way of describing how people use morals (person’s standard of behaviour) to guide choices whilst surfing the web through being “honest and open, responsible and respectful of others”. He has said that the Internet has opened new “spiritual horizons”. Through the wonders of cyberspace, this online world actually exists as a communications medium connected via the Internet, “this means of spreading information…….is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking…..with opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship”. An opportunity is presented by Facebook, where communities of like-minded individuals can share in the relative safety of groups of friends, the Good News. We are becoming the most connected people ever to roam this planet and are creating a ‘global community village’ where physical distance is no hindrance, and people can connect to share interests and concerns. There is always a story, and
anne mesilio
sharing the Good News is just storytelling, and presenting it online as the Pope counsels in a way “to stimulate the heart and move the conscience” is no more than a fundamental transmission of faith; one that reaps results. On the road to Emmaus, Luke (24; 15) tells us about the apostles; “As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came and walked with them”. Let Him walk with us on this new journey through
cyberspace where everyone gets the opportunity to learn the Gospel, telling anew the old, old story.
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a gibraltarian saint?
angela sargent
Strong lin Unexpected blessings on the road from Medina Sidonia.
Photos sent in by: Angela Sargent
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SPONSORS OF UPON THIS ROCK
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t was by no means certain that we would be able to fill a second coach although the numbers of people interested in visiting the Augustinian Recollects in Medina Sidonia had exceeded the capacity of the first one on the 25th of April. But with prayer and skilful use of facebook, Br. François found himself leading another 50 pilgrims to see the Sisters exactly one week later. As there were many in the group who were going for the first time, Joanna Ressa related the story of the young Jewish girl who left her home in Gibraltar over a hundred and twenty five years ago, converted to Christianity and entered into the hilltop convent in Medina Sidonia. There had been no contact with Gibraltar at that time and until Sister Maria Delores del Amor de Dios’ centenary celebrations, Marie Hook pours home-made lemonade when Henry Earle stumbled provided by the sisters for the visitors and upon the convent after reading they sample the sweet treats that have been about a Gibraltarian Sister, and set out for them. invitations were issued to Bishop Devlin, clergy and people from here to attend the celebrations of this remarkable woman from Gibraltar, renowned throughout all Spain. After this local people, led by Fr. Grima, made regular excursions to visit the Sisters in Medina, to talk with them and to Father Binoy said a beautiful Mass with a ask for their intercession with all special individual laying on of hands for sorts of petitions, and of course to those who wished to receive it. Gifts for buy the delicious sweet biscuits the Sisters were brought to the Altar at the offertory. that are baked by the nuns.
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nks
what’s on
Gabriele Sedda returns to Gib to talk at A a Life in the Spirit Seminar
rrangements are underway for this year’s Life in the Spirit Seminar organized by Christ The King prayer group. The Seminar is to be held at the Europa Retreat Centre on the 20th, 21st & 22nd May. All are welcome. The main speaker will be Mr Gabrielle Sedda from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in London. Gabriele enthralled last year’s participants with his powerful testimony and inspired everyone with his prayerful witness. If would like to hear more, please call: MARGARET 54012881, PAMELA 56222000 or GERARD 54024064, 20073348 e-mail: christ_the_king@ hotmail.co.uk
DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE
Accompanied by Fr. Stuart
Some members of the party went for a walk to a terrace near the old church which gave beautiful views across the Alcornocales Nature Reserve towards Gibraltar.
9th April – 16th April 2012
€1500 per person
Full Board in 5 Star hotels, a full pilgrimage itinerary is available from Richard Martinez in the St Paul’s Church Sacristy. Already 74 people have expressed an interest. Please give your names in to the Sacristy if you wish to receive more information. A deposit of €100 will confirm your seat. Limited seats available!!
On the way back we noticed a procession wending its way through the countryside some distance from the main road. With huge excitement we realised it was the Cross and Icon procession. People from Alcala de los Gazules were taking it to the Sanctuary de todo los Santos.
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diocesan youth ministry
“It was a really beautiful expe O
n the 4th of April Bishop Ralph Heskett, accompanied by the Gibraltar Diocesan Youth Ministry and members of the Press travelled by tug to Ceuta to receive the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. Many people had been praying for weeks that the weather would be suitable, and on the day there was a narrow window between strong easterly winds that made the safe crossing by tug feasible. The arrival of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon in at the Port in Gibraltar heralded four days of events celebrating their visit
to the Rock. The young people of the Diocesan Youth Ministry shared with us their feelings about that experience: Sean – I would have loved to be on the Tug, which collected the Cross & Icon. But I know God knows best and it was great to see the Tug coming into port with all my friends. It turned out to be the best week in my life. It proved to me that when one leaves all and follows Jesus’ plan, He always gives you so much in return. God has given me 100 times more, than I gave. I have seen how God spread His
A flotilla of boats, private and from the port and marine authorities, sailed out to escort ‘M.V. Anna’ as she brought the Cross and Icon from Ceuta.
While ‘M.V. Anna’ made her way to Gibraltar a great reception was being prepared. The crowd would follow the Cross and Icon in procession to St. Theresa’s
love everywhere in Gib. I know that World Youth Day will be on the same lines and I am longing for the time to come. Michelle – I was in the Tug, I thought it was just a simple old wooden Cross, but as we arrived in Ceuta and saw the youth crying and holding to the cross I realised it was more than just a piece of wood. I have learnt about the cost of our salvation and the love of our God. Although it was a very stressful week, where we gave lots of talks, times of prayer and lots carrying the cross, it was a great blessing and the highlight for me was going into the prison and sharing there with the inmates. Jeremy – Arriving in Ceuta was the best for me. Seeing the youth there so touched by the Cross & icon, made me appreciate what an important thing we were doing. I had an image in my mind, of Christ’s Passion when they lifted Him up on the Cross. I am extremely thankful for all
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erience”
s
the Lord has done for me, for all of us during these days. Vanessa – I loved carrying the Cross & Icon – I cried lots but enjoyed every minute of it. It was a very good experience and did not want the Cross to leave. I am
very thankful for the hard work of all the leaders, Thank you all very much. Ronnie – I waited for a long time on the quay-side – but was very happy to be part of the youth of the world that has carried and
been blessed by the Cross & Icon. Corianne – The whole experience was great. In Ceuta there were many youth crying and I wanted to feel what they had felt, to make them reach this point that departing from the Cross was so hard. When we first had it in the tug and were able to touch it made us all feel special and privileged. In Gib as we arrived, it was incredible feeling. I also enjoyed being in St Martins School, in particular as the young kids went to touch the Cross with so much enthusiasm, it made me see things in a different light. Jesus had once carried a cross like this one, and He only did it for our Salvation. Paul – I went on the Tug and was very much looking forward to the ride. It touched me to see the devotion the youth in Ceuta had, and the time we had praying for Gibraltar from the top of the
Cable Car Station, with all my friends was very special. James - At the Frontier when we gave the cross back and through Sean’s talk I realised that with God there are no borders. Alex - It was a blessed time and the mime really helped me see the whole point of the cross. It was very touching seeing so many people young and old touched by the Cross & Icon & seeing all the Churches so full and the processions so well attended. Louise – Really cool having the Cross & Icon in Gib. I was a bit reluctant at first, but as we arrived in Gib, it made me realise how important this cross was. I became very attached to the cross and realised that I am never so happy as when I am with God. Jose – Did not know much about the cross. I thought it was something normal. I loved the way it was received in the port of Gibraltar. It was really a beautiful experience, it brought me closer to God, it was also a privilege to touch it, and be one of the millions around the world that have touched it. I love the praying with the Cross & Icon outside the hospital and in prison and around the schools. In a similar cross someone that loves us died for us. Matthew – Loved the visit to the prison, with the love that it was received. And the visit to St Martin’s was also very special. Gina – I saw the cross from the town area, when it was at the top of the rock, it hit me hard. I had lost my faith and this week I have got it back, seeing so many young people kiss and touch the
Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group AGM on Thursday 19th May 2011
T
he Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group will be holding its AGM on Thursday, 19th May in the John Mackintosh Hall at 1800hrs The Agenda includes the election of the Committee members, presentation of the Chairperson’s annual report and the treasure’s report. The GDSG would like to remind the public that, although it seems that the Support Group is very active we still need more volunteers each year. So, whoever you are or whatever skills you have, please come and get involved – all are welcome We are looking forward to a great AGM and seeing new faces, come and join us. Gibraltar DYSLEXIA Support Group Free phone: 8099 Tel: (350) 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 Email: info@dyslexia.gi Website: www.dyslexia.gi
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diocesan youth ministry
“I had lost my faith, and this week I got it back”
Cross was amazing. Jesus was really with us all the time. Nicky – seeing the welcome into the port with the escort of boats and Ministers applauding was a great moment for me. It made me feel part of a great Church and an important event. Name Missing - It put us all in the shoes of Christ, we walked
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His walk as we carried the cross, we carried the Cross in groups for short intervals of time, Jesus carried it for us, alone all the way. I have done so much wrong and I have nothing to pay for what He did for me/us. Thank you Jesus. Henry – It was a blessed time. I know we have all left our mark on the cross that our fingerprints
are all on the Cross & Icon. And that when we see it in other parts of the world we will be able to say ‘I have been with it, I have touched it’ – but what I feel is more important is that Jesus has left His mark in our hearts and He can say ‘I have been with them, they carry my mark, they belong to me’.
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Henry Earle tells how the Cross and Icon came to Gibraltar How long have you been trying to bring the Cross and Icon to Gibraltar? We have been trying to bring the Cross and icon to Gibraltar for about 9 years. Two years ago we were able to secure April 2011, as our date for the Cross & Icon. How long has it been travelling round Spain? It started travelling around Spain from late 2009. During the first four months it went to every Parish in Madrid, and then it begun its pilgrimage through the rest of Spain. From the 25th March it has been travelling through the province of Cadiz, its last call was Ceuta on the 4th of April we collected it from there. There was a bit of a delay leaving Ceuta, why was that? We had a lovely ceremony in the Port of Ceuta, with the Archbishop of Tangier, our
Bishop and the youth and faithful of the parish. The youth of Ceuta had grown very attached to the
During the Via Matris the Cross and Icon were carried from St. Bernard’s to the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe.
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diocesan youth ministry
Cross and did not want it to leave. How did the crossing over the Strait go? We were fortunate, as we had the best weather that there had been for the last two weeks prior. We had loads of people praying for good weather and as always God delivered. The crossing was also a time of sharing with each other and praying for God’s blessing for the task ahead. Were there people on the boat who had never done that before? For most of the youth and the Bishop, it was the first time ever on a tug and crossing over to Ceuta was truly an adventure, it was made into a very special moment, by the fact that the Cross & Icon were onboard, but also because encounters with groups of dolphins we met along the way. Did they stay out on deck with the Cross and Icon all the way. Most of us were on deck most of the time, but some also went into the cabin and in the Bridge asking all sort of question to the Tug Master and Crew!
Gibraltar Horticultural Society
Flower Show
At the John Mackintosh Hall Main Street Wednesday 11th May 2011 4.00pm 8.00pm and Thursday 12th May 2011 10.00am 6.00pm Prize giving at 6.00pm Admission Free
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Were you surprised to see a huge crowd at St. Theresa’s that evening? Well I am not sure what I expected, but it was nice and exciting to see so many people, in deed the Church was packed. This made the moment even more exceptional. Were there many people from La Linea? There were at least three priests and some youth in the Church, but to tell you the truth I had very little chance of looking around, we were all concerned with the smooth running of the service. How do you think sharing the Cross and Icon has affected relations between the two communities? We had a few meetings prior to the visit of the Cross & Icon with the clergy of La Linea and we have both worked very well together, the same as for past events. For me personally it has helped to get to know them better. We have also met a few times in Madrid with all the youth delegates from Spain, as part of the organisers of this event. Why do you think it is important to witness to our faith with processions like the outdoor Stations of the Cross? In a world were there is so much negative attitude about Jesus, the Church and Christian symbols, where there is so much misunderstanding about our faith, I think it is of vital importance. It shows the rest of the community, that young and old still believe and still stand with Christ at the foot of His Cross. It demonstrates that Christianity is about following Jesus. Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
This time it was different we were praying with brothers and sisters with the same concerns as us. Making Jesus known to all. The Icon is a very beautiful work of art, how did it affect those who came close to it? The Icon, like all icons is full of biblical messages. The star on her head, a sign that she gave birth to the light of the world, the red tunic, colour worn by virgins in those times and so on. It help us all see the message of Christ salvation. The Cross is huge, 3.8m tall, it is heavy and awkward to handle, has it connected those who carried it with what happened to Jesus? Well carrying the cross from here to there, although it was always a short trip, made us realize the how uncomfortable it was to do so. We thought of Jesus carry His own cross for us after all the pain he had already suffered, must have been no easy task. You have been heavily involved with the logistics and organisation of these events, what was the most significant
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and there a delegation of youth from Spain will pass it to the next country and so the Cross & Icon will continue on its way. On the 21st August 2011, after the Pope’s final Mass in Madrid, we will hear where the next World Youth Day event will be held. Photos this page, clockwise: Emotional scenes as the Youth said goodbye to the Cross. Patients came down from the Hospital to touch and be touched by the Cross. Procession to the frontier, a group of mixed nationality: “ I realised that with God there are no borders.”
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Cross and Icon photsos from Henry Earle, Louisa Aguilera and Angela Sargent.
Have you experience of people, not previously religious, being affected by this? During our different visits around Gibraltar we had all kinds of positive reaction from Christians and non-Christian alike. Some who have shown a lot of interest in the faith and others who have offered us their support and help., What message does the visiting Cross and Icon give to people in our schools, hospitals and prison? A simple, but much needed message of Hope and Peace. It’s something we all need but are too busy in our daily lives to look for. Once confronted with the Cross of Jesus there is a sense of everything will be OK, there is still hope for me. Someone cares for me. Why did you feel it was important to take the Cross and Icon to the top of the Rock? It was the first thought we had when we had a confirmation that the Cross and Icon would come to Gib. We just felt that it would be good to pray for Gibraltar as many of us do many times, but to centre it on the redemptive Cross of Jesus and the intercessory arms of our Mother, was an exciting thought. I have gone many times to the top of the Rock to pray for Gibraltar, this time it was different. Seeing the Cross and Icon and Gibraltar, just helped us all pray. When you crossed the border with everyone together to hand over the Cross and Icon to La Linea, what was that like? In my mind, it was like passing on the faith; it was about sharing and build in what we both have in common, it felt great to pray even with some ‘Guardia Civiles’ who we normally, just see as people delaying us in the queue.
moment for you? The most significant thing was the support and help everybody gave us. From James Molinary giving us the use of the MT Anna, the crew giving of their time for free, A. Mateo & Son’s for smoothing our entry and exit in Ceuta, MH Bland providing the use of the Cable Car, Joe Holliday and his wonderful Ministry & team, Port officers, Custom, Police, the great welcome into the Port by so many vessels and port users. It was all impressive and moving, the only thing that surpassed this were the youth themselves, it was inspiring seeing their devotion and love for Jesus, every little time off they had you could see them in prayer beside the Cross or Icon. Going round all schools and seeing how spiritually aware our youth are was an inspiration to all of us. After WYD in Madrid, how does it get to the next country that will be holding a World Youth Day, do we know where that will be? After August it will go to Rome,
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dr. monique risso
The ‘Change of Life’ Dr. Monique Risso explains the Peri-menopause and how NaProTechnology treatment can help manage the symptoms.
T
he “Change of Life” is a good term for the transition from having menstrual cycles to the last menstrual period, this time is technically called the peri-menopause, or time before the menopause. The definition of menopause is the last menstrual period in a woman’s life and it cannot be confirmed till a year after it has happened. This natural process of a woman’s life happens when the ovaries stop working. Although it is not an illness, women often need treatment for the symptoms suffered during this time. This peri-menopausal time can last a number of years in some women. The symptoms that accompany this transition can be frustrating and annoying to women and often, also to those around them. By definition the premenopausal period begins at the age of 40 (women who stop having periods before this age are diagnosed as having premature menopause). Peri-menopausal symptoms are numerous, the list can
mood, weight gain, bloating, carbohydrate craving, headaches, fatigue and insomnia. Other problems that result from this change are the eventual development of osteoporosis (thinning of bone density) and various types of heart disease. Natural oestrogen and progesterone supplements which are bio identical to a woman’s hormones are used in NaProTechnology to help these symptoms. These supplements are given in cooperation with the woman’s cycle. She will chart her cycles with the Creighton
symptoms ● Hot flushes ● Irregularity in the menstrual cycle ● Vaginal dryness ● Discomfort with intercourse (dyspareunia) ● Irritability ● Bloating ● Weight gain ● Carbohydrate craving ● Depression ● Headaches ● Fatigue and insomnia
Even the most beautiful orchids will change naturally. Photo A. Sargent
women’s health
Model System so that the replacement hormone is taken at the appropriate time. Charting can also be very helpful during the period of irregular cycles as the woman will have a clearer idea of when she has ovulated and when to expect her next period. Treatment for the PMS symptoms is also available with NaProTechnology. Our aim is to help manage the symptoms during this time of natural change and to help the woman manage this new chapter of her life.
be endless. The list above summarizes the main symptoms that affect a woman’s every day life: All these happen as a result of the fluctuation of the hormones which stimulate ovulation, as a result the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are also more common during this time. These symptoms include, breast tenderness, irritability, tearfulness, low
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spotlight on a local association
Manolo Ruiz far left, and with Avelno Olivero in the insert, the rest of the committee of the GSCA, only John Norton is not shown.
Taking care of our seniors
Sonia Golt talks to Manolo Ruiz about some of the achievements of the Gibraltar Senior Citizens Association.
T
here are many things in life that we take for granted because we get accustomed to them. In a way this is what has happened to the Gibraltar Senior Citizens Association. It all boils down to the amount of things they do for the elderly, locally, who sometimes do not even know how these perks have come
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about. I think it is time to give credit where it’s due and it falls on the committee of an association that has never really kept a record of its activities or of the number of suggestions to Government which were taken on board. The media has and still does play an important role in communicating to others what is on offer for our
senior citizens and what many local associations do to help make things happen quicker. If we go back to June 2000, senior citizens were given their own identity card, being over the age of 60 and so considered senior citizens – a card that has since those days managed to open many doors free of charge and also a series of discounts in
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hairdressing salons, theatre, and some shops in town. The cards also help when applying for Panic Buttons, reduced bus fares and entry into the over 60’s swimming pool open all year round. I would love to see a special cinema price for senior citizens too – this could be an incentive for them to go to the cinema and also to take their grandchildren. Talking to the President Manuel Ruiz, who has indeed done a lot for this association together with his team, it is paramount that the booklet/pamphlet or newsletter, depending on how you wish to call it, is now available to explain what the association offers and has helped many seniors to benefit from things they did not know about. There are seniors who live alone, does the association help with this? “Yes, we attended a presentation by RGP on aspects of policing and we requested, and RGP agreed, that police officers visit seniors living alone during their Roving Unit activities. This has worked very well.” You even seem to get involved in housing, how? “A few years ago we requested that senior citizens who live in the upper town should be re-housed in the lower. We are happy to say that even though Government has not adopted this as policy, we know via our mini survey that most elderly persons have been re-housed or are in the process of being re-housed soon. We were also very successful at Waterport Terraces where showers were installed instead of baths for seniors who requested these.”
The association does many important things, or at least instigates them, such as the Smoke Alarm Programme brought about after the death of 2 seniors. They have also ensured that our elderly residents are doing exercises via the number of other volunteers who have helped the programme with Tai Chi, table tennis, soft tennis, yoga, badminton, aqua aerobics etc. and this has been so successful that now GHA refers patients to some of these classes. The list continues as now the Government has also waived passport renewal and new passport fees to senior citizens. Computer studies, how did this come about? “We work very closely with the CAB and Pili Rodriguez on providing special computer fun days for seniors so they can look at the Internet and learn to send emails to their families abroad etc. – they have proved very popular.” How is grandparents’ day faring since you started two years ago? “Very well indeed, it has been organised both times at Kings Bastion and has proved to be popular with both the young
and the old – a very special day of thanks to our elderly by their families.” How easy is it to get a mobility bike? “In 2009, we met with the Minister for Transport to propose that there should be regulation and control on the use of mobility scooters. These can now be used by whoever buys one irrespective of age or state of health, nor is a certificate of roadworthiness necessary. The Minister immediately agreed and thanked us for bringing this to his notice. The Deptartment has drawn up rules and regulations already.” What response have you had with the Prostate Cancer Support Group? I think it is a great idea. “In October last year we announced that we had established the Prostate Cancer Support Group and were overwhelmed
sonia golt
by the response from various quarters. A committee has been formed and all is heading in the right direction.” Manny you seem very proud of your association and the amount of things you have done as a committee so what has been the most important thing for you? “We consider the most important issue worth mentioning is the recognition that the elderly deserve a special place in society. We better illustrate this by asking the question “10 years ago what were senior citizens entitled to, what benefits did they enjoy and when did they ever have a voice
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of their own and representation in any organisation? Now all this has changed for the better, still we have always said the part we have played in all these “achievements” has been the easiest of all, we have only asked and requested, the “difficult” part has been the giving, which is without doubt the most important and for which we are most grateful.” There is a saying in English that “If you don’t ask you don’t get!” so we are all indebted to the Gibraltar Senior Citizens Association for asking for so much and ensuring a greater quality of life for all of us when we reach 60.
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