Upon This Rock 121 July 2011

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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 Cover: Camp Bay, Gibraltar early morning, 18th June 2011, Members of local youth groups ‘Run for the Pope’ Photo: A. Sargent.

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Dear Friends

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n the Old Covenant bread and wine were offered in a thanksgiving sacrifice as a sign of grateful acknowledgment to the Creator as the giver and sustainer of life.

Melchizedek, who was both a priest and king (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1-4), offered a sacrifice of bread and wine. His offering prefigured the offering made by Jesus, our high priest and king (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11; 10:12). The remembrance of the manna in the wilderness recalled to the people of Israel that they live not by earthly bread alone but by the bread of the Word of God (Deuteronomy 8:3). At the last supper when Jesus blessed the cup of wine, he gave it to his disciples saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Jesus was pointing to the sacrifice he was about to make on the cross, when he would shed his blood for us – thus pouring himself out and giving himself to us – as an atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world.

His death on the cross fulfilled the sacrifice of the paschal

Jesus offers us the life of God himself, are we prepared to accept this? (passover) lamb whose blood spared the Israelites from death in Egypt. Paul the Apostle tells us that “Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians5:7). Paul echoes the words of John the Baptist who called Jesus the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus made himself an offering and sacrifice, a gift that was truly pleasing to the Father.

He “offered himself without blemish to God” (Hebrews 9:14) and “gave himself as a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

Jesus chose the time of the Jewish Feast of Passover to fulfill what he had announced at Capernaum – giving his disciples his body and his blood as the true bread of heaven.

Jesus’ passing over to his Father by his death and resurrection – the new passover – is anticipated in the Last Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper, which fulfills the Jewish Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the church in the glory of God’s kingdom.

When the Lord Jesus commands his disciples to eat his flesh and

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drink his blood, he invites us to take his life into the very center of our being. That life which he offers is the very life of God himself. Do you hunger for the bread of life?

“Lord Jesus, you nourish and sustain us with your very own presence and life-giving word.

You are the bread of life – the heavenly food that sustains us now and that produces everlasting life within us. May I always hunger for you and be satisfied in you alone.”

God Bless you, Fr Stuart

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faith in action

RU N F O R T H E P O PE!

“It means helping the Youth to get to Madrid”

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aturday the 18th of June was one of those lovely, fresh sunny days we had in June, not too hot and not too humid, in fact, perfect for a run.

‘Run for the Pope’ was the interesting name given to a sponsored run by a vibrant group

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of Catholic youth.

The Emmaus Prayer Group, comprising around 70 young people, is building up to a massive gathering with His Holiness Pope Benedict 16th in Madrid in August on “World Youth Day”. Over a million young Catholics are expected to meet in Madrid to greet the Pope over what is actually a three day encounter. Emmaus has attended the last two World Youth Days, in Cologne and Sydney. Last month most of the group and a number of adult helpers and leaders were raising money the old-fashioned way: - by getting the community to sponsor them to run (or walk) one of three distances.

Some of the participants were asked what it meant to them to ‘Run for the Pope’.

“Its going to be a good experience and we’re going to have fun”, Christopher Davies “It means helping the youth to get to Madrid” James Mifsud.

“Anything to help our Pope”, Diane Fisher.

“I’m supporting my son who is looking forward to going to the Youth Day Rally in Madrid.”

Karen Mifsud.

Christopher Pittaluga, one of the organisers said he was delighted to be there and that, “It’s truly wonderful to see so many youth so early in the morning.”

There was be a ‘Mums and Kids Buggy Challenge’ over a 2km distance, a 5km Teenage Fun Run, and a 10km Round the

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Rock ‘Serious’ Run: all started at the Camp Bay waterfall car park. It is hoped that around 100 of them will be going to Madrid for World Youth Day. The World Youth Day celebration is preceded by a gathering in Gibraltar of “Youth Arise” (see article on next pages), an international meeting of youth groups from various parts of the world. All groups will then go on to Madrid for World Youth Day. Emmaus’ leader, Henry Earle said “We want to involve the community in our fund-raising for World Youth Day and at the same time excite other young people into coming to learn about what we do in Emmaus Prayer group. World Youth Day has been a huge blessing for us in previous years and we are very excited about taking such a large group to Madrid.” Monsignor Charles Azopardi, the group’s spiritual director and the Vicar-General

for Youth in the diocese added: “When young people come before Jesus, they realise that the lifestyle that is on offer is one of joy and real freedom. As a diocese, we are honoured and excited to host Youth Arise and looking forward to doing our bit by organising fund-raising events like Run for the Pope”.

If anyone wishes to make a donation, however large or small, please email: eearle@ sapphirenet.gi or call 20077138.

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Photos, left to right: Families lead the group followed by the 5km walkers. Christopher Davies and James Mifsud. The Group prepares for the off. Steward team Aidrian and son. Bishop Ralph greets Fr. Charlie. Official Youth Photographer Michelle Hook on duty. Photos this page: A. Sargent

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Youth Ministry

Youth Arise! - prequel to An international festival for youth from around the globe who will visit Gibraltar for the ‘days in the Diocese’ prior to World Youth Day.

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adrid, lovely cosmopolitan capital city of Spain has an exciting buzz all its own but it will surely vibrate even more busily next month when it becomes host to the World Youth Day events held over six days from 16th-21st of August.

This is a youth orientated Catholic Church event open to all, regardless of religious views, and it is the second time Spain will host the event, the first country to do so. It was initiated

by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1985 drawing of millions of young people together from all around the globe. It was to become one of the signature initiatives of his pontificate.

The theme for this year is taken from Colossians 2:7 “Rooted and built up in Christ, solid in Faith”.

WYD is not just another big event according to Pope Benedict XV1 but rather a “privileged occasion” for youth to encounter the love of Christ. “If you are rooted in Christ, you will fully become the person you are meant to be”. Interestingly, the patron saint of WYD is Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “small of stature, rocklike in faith, she was entrusted with the mission of

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proclaiming God’s thirsting love for humanity”.

Gibraltar’s Youth Ministry has been participating in the preparations for the event in Madrid for some time. It all begins on 11th August with the opening of the Youth Arise Festival when the Diocesan Youth Ministry of Gibraltar will play host to 1,000 youth from India, Canada, USA, Italy and Asia.

Fr. Charlie Azzopardi gave me an overview of these events.

“The days will be filled with music, Masses, guest speakers, workshops for youth leaders, and a chance to participate in Gibraltar life. In each of our churches participants will be invited to meditate on the different Sacraments, during the afternoons, for example; Our Lady of Sorrows in Catalan Bay beside the sea will have a place set aside to reflect on Baptism, in St. Teresa’s, Reconciliation, in the Cathedral, Marriage.

As well as ‘Mary our Mother’, at the Shrine of Our lady of Europe. All of these activities will be interspersed with activities at the Tercentenary Hall, water sports, and in the evenings, time for praise and worship”. Then it’s off to Madrid a day before the delegation from Gibraltar

Anne Mesilio

o World Youth Day travels on We d n e s d a y 17th August to be there for when the Holy Father arrives on the 20th.

The highlight of these days is expected to be the all night vigil which will take place at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome where the Pope will begin the Eucharistic Adoration.

A famous Spanish Monstrance, the Arfe Monstrance which is almost 500 years old, covered with gold and silver and standing nine feet tall will be the focus of this night of Adoration. It is normally kept The Enrique Arfe Monstrance.

in Toledo and regarded as the “the best example of Spanish silversmith craft of all time”.

The Youth Day organisers expressed the hope that this time of Eucharistic Adoration in Cuatro Vientos will “allow multitudes of young people to contemplate and admire a unique work of art in the world, used according to the purpose of its creators, and thus to rediscover the value of art in the liturgy”.

What does participating in these global events do for Gibraltar?

Fr. Charlie; “It is very important, we are enriched by going and participating, it puts us on the map by taking away our sense of isolation and makes us aware of how blessed and fortunate we are. We always receive more than we give even though the fruits of these days are always made known at a later date. It is always a blessing for the youth and very encouraging for our young people”.

“Well, I survived!” said Fr. Charlie after participating in the 10km sponsored marathon to raise funds for the Youth to visit World Youth Day in Madrid next month. (see previous pages)

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Good News

An Instruction Man Whilst searching for a speaker on Google simultaneously with Sarah Cumming, we came across a website about the Third International Theology of the Body Symposium.

By the end of our telephone conversation we were booked to spend the first weekend of June in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Twickenham.

We were amazed that we would be able to hear so many excellent speakers in the same weekend. (Christopher West, Janet E Smith, Matthew Pinto who we had heard on EWTN, Dr Michael Waldstein who translated Pope John Paul II’s original text and many more).

It was certainly an opportunity not to be missed.

So what is the Theology of the Body?

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rom 1979 to 1984, Blessed Pope John Paul II gave 129 Wednesday audience addresses based on his study of the human person—body, soul and spirit.

In his teachings we discover love and what it really is, we begin to uncover the real purpose of life, the reason why we were created male and female, the purpose for each one of us whether we are called to married life, single life or the religious

life and most importantly God’s amazing plan for our lives.

This definition is only the tip of the iceberg of this treasure we have inherited.

There is so much to learn from Blessed Pope John Paul II’s teachings, that we will be unfolding them for centuries to come.

“Brace yourself! If we take in what the Holy Father is saying in his Theology of the Body, we will never view ourselves, view others, view the Church, the Sacraments, grace, God, heaven, marriage, the celibate vocation... we will never view the world the same way again.”

Christopher West

The Conference...

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or anyone who has attempted to read the Theology of the Body and failed (as I have) it is reassuring to learn that Dr Waldstein (who translated the original text into English) shared with us that his first reaction to reading the texts was the feeling of being lost in

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the Ocean without a compass.

However, do not let this fact put you off, thankfully there are many gifted people who have read and understood the message and have written the teachings in a simpler and easier to understand language.

We learnt about the beauty of love, were given a spoken guide

of how to approach reading the original text and how Love and Responsibility (also written by Blessed JPII) was in many ways a sequel to Humanae Vitae and a preparation for the Theology of the Body.

There was an opportunity to meet the groups working with the youth and how they share this

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message with them. Brett Salkeld talked about dating relationships and their programme “How far can we go?”, where teenagers learn about the wonder of being male and female, the beauty of marriage and how to make choices that will lead them to lifelong, happy and God filled marriages.

nual for Life has a genuine gift of translating complicated theology into a language that is understood by all. He taught us that the goal of any Christian is to reach heaven (mystical marriage) and that sacramental marriage is the closest we can come to this on earth (apart from receiving Our Lord in the Eucharist). For this reason there is an ongoing spiritual battle against marriage and the family.

The morality of all the modern means of achieving pregnancy artificially and the search science has to cure diseases through the use of human embryos and the aim to clone humans was described. By understanding how God has loved each one of

us from conception and at this very first moment given each one of us a soul, it is easy to see that, by trying to create of our own accord, instead of spouses being co-creators with God, we would be acting contrary to His plan.

The role of NaProTechnology in allowing infertile couples to be co-creators with God and its role in helping so many couples achieve pregnancy was presented as a revolutionary way forward in this field.

This article is only a brief summary that cannot really begin to explain the wonder of this teaching, I encourage everyone to look up the speakers on EWTN or Youtube and listen to

their words or read their books.

These websites are also worth visiting: www.ascensionpress.com/ www.janetsmith.excerptsofinri. com/ www.theologyofthebody.net/ http://www.christopherwest. com/ For more information about Theology of the Body or NaProTechnology please contact: DR MONIQUE RISSO MB ChB MRCGP Email:mrissofertilityspice@ hotmail.co.uk Contact me also if you are interested in joining a Theology of the Body Study Group.

Photo: Angela Sargent

Matthew Nichols who is a Theology of the Body speaker in the UK gave us a flavour of how to bring this great teaching into our 21st Century world.

Engaged couples were also considered in a talk about Pre-marriage Preparation and its important role in setting the foundations for the families that will build our Church.

Christopher West lived up to our high expectations and was amazing to hear and see. He

Monique Risso

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A Caring Community

‘That is to

My headline is the last of four, writes Anne, the three preceding go like this;

“To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do; In spite of all we go through, That is to be a nurse”. (Anon)

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t all began in the veritable mists of time, in India in 250BCE when the first nursing school was founded.

This is centuries removed from Florence Nightingale’s celebrated care of the injured in 1853 during the Crimean war, transforming the vermin infested barracks into a hygienic infirmary, and her subsequent pioneering work of laying the foundation stone of professional nursing.

This well educated lady of a wealthy and privileged family really shook the foundations of her upbringing when she decided to become a nurse.

This opposition can well be understood in the context of the 17th century when nursing was viewed as a very low job of no prestige when a woman’s place was to provide a gracious and elegant home for her family.

Nursing was acceptable within religious orders where care for the sick was regarded as Christian duty. The provision of care in hospitals fell to women of ill repute with a

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reputation for drunkenness though this seems to have been a view bandied about by the doctors at the time in order to enhance their own positions!

Florence Nightingale was born one hundred and one years ago on 12th May (1820-1910) and International nurses day is celebrated on her birthday. The foyer of St. Bernard’s hospital was home to an exhibition which was open to all and showcased work undertaken by nurses to improve patient care. I went along and Eddie Holmes, Deputy Director of Nursing/Practise Development generously shared his time with me. Of course I wanted to know what the day was all about. “It is a way of celebrating what’s been achieved through nursing, the exhibition marks the accomplishments of nursing, it’s a chance to enjoy the photos”, he gestured around, “as you can see there is an historic timeline, archive pictures of past nurses, also it’s a way of highlighting

Anne Mesilio

be a nurse’ issues”, and here he directed my attention to a DVD which was playing. It was entitled “What do you see” by Amanda Waring. She has enjoyed a successful career and has starred in the acclaimed West End production of Gigi, as well as singing for the Queen at a Royal Variety Show.

During the past five years she has become a passionate campaigner for older people’s rights. Her short film, starring Virginia McKenna highlights caring, dignity and person-centered care. It has become part of the Practice Development which I was eager to learn about. By now we had made our way to Eddie’s office where he explained.

“This is an acute hospital and we have long stay elderly patients. This is often referred to as ‘bed blocking’ which is not unique to Gibraltar”.

I stopped him here to muse on these two words which

can incite furore when used, often as a political ploy. This is a journalistic term for the delayed transfer of a patient, who has received treatment and can now be discharged from hospital back home, or to some other care. “It’s historic and with an increasing population of elderly people it’s unlikely to go away and has become a significant problem for health and social services managers”, Eddie finished. So Practice Development aims to address this sensitive issue, how?

“Practice Development is a multi disciplinary approach to care by patient-focused team work. We need to address individual patient’s needs by developing skills of selfawareness in attitudes and values towards older people.

We need to understand the Eddie Holmes, Deputy Director of Nursing/Practise Development

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A Caring Community

- Anne Mesilio

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effects of ageism in society as well as care-settings, e.g. hospital. Out-of-date attitudes have to be challenged, we have to inspire and motivate staff and have begun training for all on dignity”. I was listening with a degree of excitement remembering my own training days when the emphasis was on the ‘patient’, individuality was not a word I was familiar with then. Nursing life was a busy round of ‘doing’, with Sister ever vigilant as we administered enemas, bed baths, changing positions etc, and all equally important today but I suppose you could say the Nursing profession has come under the microscope as looking back I see how clinical it all was. “It is the little things that matter”, Eddie was explaining, cutting into my reverie of days past, “finding the time to listen, it’s not just a patient in the bed but a real person with a past, a present and a future, and we need to address the actual issues experienced by patients and their families”. How do you go about this? “I have begun the initiative of meeting with families to discuss their experiences in the Health Services both for themselves and family member. This is not a complaints service”, he was quick to point out, “I listen to concerns and then try to address these issues in training sessions where we role-play with staff members to create a strong message of understanding and all agree actions to incorporate into daily practice”.

Hygiene is a Greek word meaning health. Up to a quarter of all women giving

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birth in European and American hospitals in the 17th through 19th centuries died of puerperal fever, an infection spread by unhygienic nurses and doctors.

Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns. Urea, a key chemical in urine, is known to kill fungi and bacteria. It was a Hungarian doctor in 1847 that first recognized the importance of hand hygiene (washing) in the transmission of infection. Today, according to the World Health Organization; “Hand washing is the single most important means for preventing the spread of infection”.

What is being done to promote this? Looking around the exhibition there was a visual impact on this important subject. Graphic posters illustrated the on going training for all healthcare workers in infection prevention and control.

Nursing is a high stress job which, despite all the innovative technological advances remains an exhausting one. The word is derived from the Latin ‘nutrire’ to nourish and nurses dispense comfort,

The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

a Rosary Relay at the Shrine 1st July

Prayer for Priests

LORD JESUS CHRIST, eternal High Priest, you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the Cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice.

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compassion and caring….without a prescription! It goes far beyond mastering the art of the ‘many tailed bandage’ and it is seldom acknowledged that of the 12,000 nurses known to have served in WWII, 235 were killed in action.

Eddie has been in nursing for over thirty years. “I came into nursing to do those things that do not cost money, holding a dying patient’s hand, always trying to help and listen, that is so important. As a society we do not always deal with dying very well and a lot of support is required”. As it was nurses day I gave him the last word.

“I’m happier since we started the Practice Development; it is definitely about making a difference, a spiral of learning that needs to continue”. That is to be a nurse.

he Shrine of Our Lady of Europe has been invited to participate in the Global Rosary Relay for Priests, to be held on Friday 1st July 2011, feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The aim is that 48 Rosaries will be prayed in 48 Shrines across the world in 24 hours (at half-hourly intervals) for all priests.

The Rosary Relay idea is a simple one: that in each of the 48 shrines a particular mystery of the Rosary at a particular hour in the day will be prayed in thanksgiving to God for our priests and to implore the protection and loving care of Our Lady, Mother of all priests, for all her priestly sons. With the coming of midnight on the 1st July 2011, the entire world, by then, will have been encircled in prayer for our

priests on this THE GLOBAL ROSARY RELAY DAY. Our Shrine’s part of the relay is at 2.30pm and we have been allocated the Sorrowful Mysteries with the following intentions: That every priest may: • Be steadfast in prayer • Bear suffering patiently for Christ • Be faithful to priestly promises • Experience the power of the Cross We will also pray for our own Bishop and Priests The event, endorsed by His Holiness the Pope (who has composed a special prayer), is open to everyone. We hope that all who are able to, will come to the Shrine to participate in this world-wide prayer campaign for priests everywhere.

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Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests.

Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the divine Master. May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.

Let them be shepherds according to your own Heart, single- minded in service to you and to the Church and shining examples of a holy, simple and joyful life.

Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

AMEN BENEDICTUS PP. XVI His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s Prayer for Priests (specially composed for World Priest Day)

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News from the Vatican

A Tribute to Pope John Paul II In the heart of the Vatican, the exhibition: “John Paul II. A tribute from Pope Benedict XVI” was officially opened just in time for the beatification last month.

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rranged in 15 sections, it’s a journey through the life of John Paul II.This initiative was organized by the Governor of the Vatican City State along with the Polish Embassy to the Holy See and the Polish Culture and Heritage Ministry.

The Vatican’s special exhibit

hall wasn’t big enough to honour the life and ministry of Pope John Paul II, so the exhibit begins in St. Peter’s Square, said Barbara Jatta, curator of what is described as Pope Benedict XVI’s special tribute to his predecessor.

“The exhibit begins in the square, which for the first time ever for a beatification, is decorated with one large photograph of the pope with his pastoral staff as well as with photographs from each year of his pontificate,” Jatta told reporters April 28.

In addition, she said, “the exhibit leads directly to the basilica where people can venerate the tomb of Pope John Paul II.” Visitors can enter the main exhibit, housed in the Carlo Magno Hall off of St. Peter’s Square, until July 24th for free.

The exhibit is a collaborative effort of the Vatican governor’s office and the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

The entrance to the Carlo Magno Hall is under a supersized replica of the Book of the Gospels; a hidden motor flips the pages, evoking a memory of how the wind turned the pages of the Gospel placed on Pope John Paul’s coffin during his funeral in 2005.

The exhibit includes artifacts

from the museum set up in his family home in Wadowice, Poland, like family photographs, a report card and the uniform he wore when he worked at the Solvay quarry and factory.

Skis, boots and poles he used in the 1960s and a canoe from about the same time are also on display, along with prayer books and his black priest’s cassock.

The exhibit contains a letter from Pope Pius XII naming him auxiliary bishop of Krakow in 1958 and one from Pope Paul VI naming him a cardinal in 1967.

The section dealing with his 1978-2005 papacy includes the official medals from each year of his pontificate, a pair of his red shoes (which actually are more burgundy) and the mobile platform used to move him in processions after he could no longer walk.

Opening the exhibit April 28, Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, head of the Vatican governor’s office, said the exhibit could give people only a small idea of who Pope John Paul II was.

“In particular, it isn’t possible to show the source from which he drew the strength and richness of his spirit,” although that was hinted at by the Book of the Gospels at the entrance and by the small replica of his private chapel at the other end of the Carlo Magno Hall, he said.

Barbara Jatta said “We wanted to show the multifaceted personality of Karol Wojtyla before he was elected pope, and then as John Paul II.” She continued, “In the audio clips, we kept the original language in which the

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International Fundraising

pope spoke. In the period of Krakow, for example, we have him speaking Polish, so that visitors can feel the spirit of Karol Wojtyla just as he was.”

“Throughout the tour we hear his greetings in all languages to show the worldly pope in all his travels.”

The long thin exhibition space within the Carlo Magno Hall is used to represent the life of the pope as a river. The visitor is channelled through a dark narrowing passage, where the events of May 13, 1981 are depicted in shocking sound and close up video. The visitor becomes a virtual, close-up witness to the assassination attempt in Saint Peter’s Square.

Roberto Pulitani the Exhibition Architect explains, “The river suddenly stops with the attempt on his life. We represent only a few scenes, that aren’t exaggerated. But still it leaves you breathless.”

People have left the exhibition clearly upset, and many others with tears in their eyes. Roberto Pulitani continues, “After his recovery, the river grows bigger and stronger.”

Among the belongings on display are the clothes he wore when he worked at the chemical factory in Solvay and Poland. We also see the canoe he used in his excursions, his bicycle, his ring and his cardinal’s cassock.

The tribute from Pope Benedict XVI to his dear friend and predecessor will remain open to all visitors of the Eternal City until July 24th, and any pilgrim to the Vatican must be sure to take time to join in paying tribute to this great man.

Gib’s Yellow Day goes global Two days of fundraising activities with pledges from cities around the world.

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wo days of events to raise funds for local Mental Health Support Charities were held on the 17th and 18th of last month.

There was a Yellow Walk starting at the Convent, a Fun Day at Ocean Village, and a Paella Party at Savannahs. This year the ‘Wear Yellow Campaign’ which originated in Gibraltar, received unprecedented international support thanks to ‘EleMental International Centre for Recovery and Thriving’.

Events were held this year in different cities around the world to coincide with Gibraltar’s campaign.

Pledges were received from Nairobi, Denver, Perth as well as Birmingham and Manchester. Funds raised will

be split between the three Gibraltar mental health support charities The events were organized by: Psychological Support Group, The Gibraltar Clubhouse Project , and the Mental Welfare Society, who would like to send messages of gratitude to their Sponsors & Supporters: OXY Ltd, KOALA Construction, F A S T A F O O D , GIBTELECOM and to all our volunteers: For Further information contact Emily 54015662, Martin 54001923, Melanie 54002262, Maricela 5401 5872, Yolanda 54015553 Picture: Jesse and Louis Sampere who usually help in these events.

Photo: A. Sargent

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somewhere new - amy bonich

The Studio Cafe A young, professional

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hen we think about the John Mackintosh Hall we think of plays, dance competitions, pantomimes and exhibitions. However two months ago a young couple decided they were going to fulfil their dream of opening a cafe, and the John Mackintosh Hall was the chosen venue.

Chantal and Colin Hosken are a young, enthusiastic couple who came to Gibraltar to make their dreams come true. Chantal has been brought up in the catering industry and she says that ‘catering is in my blood’. Her parents have run nine successful restaurants in Gibraltar and have recently retired, although they

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Photos: Pete Boucher

couple take on the cafe in the John Mac Hall with refreshing results

are helping behind the scenes at ‘The Studio Cafe’, using their experience to guide their daughter and her husband. Chantal studied catering in Sussex for three years, whilst her husband studied Graphic Design and is therefore very suited to design both the menus and the café’s layout.

The young Hoskens were inspired by the cafés they frequented while studying in the UK. They enjoyed a variety of teas, coffees and frappés, as well as smoothies and shakes.

With this in mind they felt that Gibraltar was in need of an innovative café that served these tasty drinks. The menu has a varied choice of teas such as the organic and fairtrade Cosy Tea, a charming independent brand with a cute knitting-based theme; Rooibos Tea which contains no caffeine and no additives thus helping to limit the decline of the immune system, a Spiced Chai Iced Tea or our old-time favourite PG Tips. The Espressos are equally exciting with many flavours from Caffé Latté to Caramel Mocchiato. All the smoothies are refreshingly tasty such as “Wild Berry” or Mango, and for those who have a sweet tooth, there is the Sticky Toffee Frappé or White Chocolate

Colin and Chantal, (centre)

Milkshake. All the teas and coffees are organic and fair-trade, and the smoothies are made with real fruit and a splash of green tea.

‘The Studio Café’ also offers a wide and tantalizing choice of foods, all of which are homemade and very reasonably priced.

It’s hard to choose between a tasty Mediterranean Vegetable Baguette, a homemade Cornish Pasty or a Roast Beef and Caramelised Red Onion Panini to name but a few. The desserts are equally appealing, highlights are the Caramel Shortcake, their Cheesecake of the Day and Flapjacks.

The Studio Café not only offers great food and drink but it also helps different charities.

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Each month Chantal and Colin will create a special drink to symbolise the charity they are supporting that month and all proceeds made from the sale of the drink will go to that cause.

They will also sell tickets to try and raise money for these charities.

The Studio Café are offering their wall space to artists so they can exhibit their work. This is free of charge as their main aim is to encourage young artists to promote themselves and their art.

To check opening times, book outside catering, or order a takeaway, call Chantal or Colin on Tel: 20065222, or see their facebook page: The Studio Cafe, Gibraltar.

Spotlight on a local charity - anne mesilio

Providing appropriate adults to help children in trouble Five busy years have passed since Childline was set up in Gibraltar to deal with serious social issues.

“We are here to stop all forms of child abuse”.

Perhaps this raised an eyebrow or two and caused some muttering as the Rock is a family orientated community,

but we live in a changing world and there is a need to be prepared to deal with modern society in which, unhappily, children are abused for whatever reason. This is Childline Mission statement; “Our vision is a society in which all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their

potential. In other words, a society that will not tolerate child abuse, whether sexual, physical, emotional or neglect”.

Childline Gibraltar offers a totally confidential service to its callers, except in those cases where children are, or are suspected of being in danger of immediate harm.

The Freephone Helpline is top of the list of the services they provide, but work with schools and youth groups is on-going. During their recent Blue Day, presentations were made in twelve local schools on general teenage issues, Connie Attwood, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and volunteer was telling me; “We would like to be more proactive in schools and develope a very strong link with Childline in UK in the SW area. We visit for training,

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Spotlight on a local charity - anne mesilio

trends and maybe head them off here”. She continued, “Volunteers are the back bone of the organisation, and without their selfless commitment we could not run Childline Gibraltar”. I was reminded of Margaret Mead, (19011978), an American cultural anthropologist who believed “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.

Connie introduced me to Annie Green, whose brief is fundraising, and Jennifer Sheehy, Duty Manager. Our chat was friendly and their enthusiasm for this important work was evident as they talked.

It was over a year since I had last visited and was eager to learn about the Appropriate

Adult Scheme which is now being provided. Annie, “We are particularly pleased that this has been developed and the police often tell us how grateful they are for this”. What is it exactly?

Annie enlightened me “When a juvenile is detained by the Royal Gibraltar police, and does not have an adult who is willing or able to be there, a volunteer from Childline will respond at the request of the police. Childline is the only service in Gibraltar able to provide volunteers to undertake the role of Appropriate Adult”. I noticed you said volunteers, but are you trained for this? “Oh yes, our role has become more formalised and local Law firm Triay and Triay, kindly sponsored the Training Package, we follow the UK model. Patrick Canessa, a lawyer with Triay & Triay is providing training for our volunteers as well as an advisory service that can be accessed when volunteers are on duty. He provides his services on a voluntary basis”.

Connie came in here; “We are working to the spirit of the PACE legislation (Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984) which has not been implemented

locally as yet, though I have no doubt it will be in the near future”. There was no hesitation in her voice. She continued “we assume a parental role when any vulnerable young adult needs to be interviewed by the police.

They have to have an adult of their own choosing, e.g. parent, and if and when for whatever reason this is not possible, that’s when Childline is called”. What do you actually do? Annie “First thing, make sure the person has had something to eat, this can get overlooked. For instance, I was called out to be present with a sixteen year old male who had been arrested in the early afternoon and by now it was late evening and all he’d had was a drink. The role of the adult is to make sure the juvenile is being looked after during interrogation.

The Appropriate Adult has the right to terminate the questioning and seek legal advice if necessary”.

This work is being developed and affiliation has been established with the National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN) in UK, and it is hoped, funds permitting, that selected personnel will attend the next NAAN

evangelisation continued from page 11

conference in the near future. I feel at this stage it is important to understand that monies raised through donations or fundraising are to help the organisation provide the services that have proved to be needed.

All three ladies spoke warmly of the local support they have received over the years, vital funding which has helped provide the established services, training of personnel, and they are very appreciative of the Gibraltarian altruistic society for their incredible encouragement.

Recently they experienced a heart warming moment when Jimmy White, the legendry ‘whirlwind’ snooker player offered to stage a charity tournament in Gibraltar, all the proceeds going to Childline.

The work goes on.

8008

FREE Helpline Want to speak to someone personally?

Would you like to ask us a question or discuss an administrative issue?

Then phone us on: 20043503 Postal Address: Suite 522 Icom House, P.O. Box 561, 1/5 Irish Town, Gibraltar

On the road to Emaus: Paddy Kelly et al

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women’s health

dr. monique risso

ENDOMETRIOSIS

Dr. Monique Risso clears up the mystery and explains how NaProTechnology treatment can help manage the symptoms.

W

hen endometrial tissue is found in locations other than the lining of the uterus, the resulting condition is called endometriosis.

These locations can occur typically in the pelvic area, on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder and the lining of the pelvis, all outside the uterus.

The implants can also occur in a variety of other locations too, including the lung, renal system, the diaphragm, the skin and the liver.

It affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide.

The symptoms associated with endometriosis are: dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps), pelvic pain, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), infertility, heavy or irregular bleeding, nausea at the time of menses, diarrhoea and/or painful bowel movements, dizziness, headaches with menses, fatigue, low-grade fever and low resistance to infection.

The following account is taken from the blog of a lady who suffered infertility due to endometriosis: “Four months later I am better.

In fact, I almost feel like I am 15 again. I remember being a teen and always so nervous about when your period was going to come. I literally feel no cramping leading up to the start of my menstruation.

I have gone from blinding pain where I thought I would pass out....to nothing! Since I chart my cycle every month I know my period follows 13 days after I pinpoint my peak (ovulation)... so I am prepared.

Why did it take so much to

endometriosis symptoms ● Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps) ● Pelvic pain ● Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) ● Infertility ● Heavy or irregular bleeding ● Nausea at the time of menses ● Diarrhoea and/or painful bowel movements ● Dizziness ● Headaches with menses ● Fatigue ● Low-grade fever and low resistance to infection

The inflammatory toxins released by the endometrial lesions affect fertility. In order to improve fertility the endometriosis must be removed. Laparoscopy is the “gold standard” for diagnosis of the condition. At the time of the laparoscopy, histological assessment confirms the diagnosis.

Diagnostic laparoscopy requires a “nearcontact” technique which is explained in detail in “The Medical & Surgical Practice of NaProTECHNOLOGY” text book written by Dr Thomas Hilgers. naprotechnology. com/naprotext.htm The surgeon performing the laparoscopy should have a thorough understanding of endometriosis and the appropriate skills to perform the procedure successfully.

For further information please contact: DR MONIQUE RISSO MBChB MRCGP VALMAR MEDICAL CLINIC 11A Main Street. Gibraltar TEL: 00350 200 78202 E-mail: mrissofertilityspice@ hotmail.co.uk

finally find help? Why is it that my husband knows more about this condition than his buddy that went to medical school? My story is a common one, and it’s not right.

I have more stories to tell concerning my cycle - low progesterone and PMS, thyroid issues and additional topics. Stay tuned for more follow-ups to how I took control of my own health.”

Her blog can be followed on: http://survivingendometriosis. blogspot.com/ The information obtained from a clinical history, physical examination and other non-surgical attempts to diagnose endometriosis fail to achieve a correct diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a surgical disease. Medical treatment may offer temporary relief of pain and symptoms, however there is no medical regime that can be used successfully in the treatment of endometriosis-associated fertility.

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