INSIDE
2013 Lent Calendar to pull out and keep JOY TO ALL MEN AND PEACE TO MANKIND
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Dear
Friends... What did they recognise in Jesus?
T
he gospel records that when Jesus disembarked from the boat the people immediately recognized him.
What did they recognize in Jesus? A prophet, a healer, the Messiah, the Son of God? For sure they recognized that Jesus had power from God to heal and to make whole bodies, limbs, minds, and hearts that were beset with disease, affliction, and sin. What happened when they pressed upon him and touched the fringe of his garment? They were made well. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to meet our needs as well. Do you approach him with expectant faith? Faith is an entirely free gift which God makes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believing and trusting in God to act in our lives is only possible by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit who moves the heart and converts it to God. The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the mind and helps us to understand, accept, and believe God’s word. How do we grow in faith? By listening to God’s word with trust and submission. Faith also grows through testing and perseverance. The Lord wants to teach us how to pray in faith for his will for our lives
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and for the things he wishes to give us to enable us to follow him faithfully and serve him generously. Jesus gave his disciples the perfect prayer which acknowledges God as our Father who provides generously for his children. The Lord’s prayer teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and to pray that God’s will be accomplished in our lives. The Lord in turn, gives us what we need to live each day for his glory. The Lord is never too distant nor too busy to meet us and to give his blessing. Do you pray to the Father with confidence that he will show you his will and give you what you need to follow him? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and gratitude for his merciful love and provision for your life. “Lord Jesus, let my heart sing for joy in your presence. Give me eyes of faith to recognize your presence and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in your way of love and peace.” God Bless you Fr Stuart
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The woman approached Jesus with expectant faith The Jewish people have a religious symbol called a talith (tallit), or a prayer shawl, to wear when they pray. Today, this shawl is worn at all of the major feasts and festivals, but in Biblical times, it was worn constantly by the men while
outside of their home. Israel’s flag was inspired by this shawl, adding only David’s shield to create their national flag. The hem of the garment often had the genealogy of ancestors written upon it, the fringes (tzitzit) on the four corners served as a
visual reminder to follow the commandments and seek righteousness (Numbers 15:39). The miracle of healing occurred when the inflicted woman touched the hem or tassel of the Saviour’s garment
as he walked among them. (Luke 8:43–44, Matthew 9:20). In the illustration above the sick woman is shown in black and white, while her hand is already taking on a healthier tone, thus the artist symbolises her instant return to good health.
MOTORCYCLE RAFFLE
Iwould like to take this
opportunity of thanking Mr. George Bassadone of Bassadone Motors for donating the Motorbike which was raffled after Mass on 31st December 2012. We congratulate DYLAN PAGE with ticket no: 0286 in being the winner of the Raffle. I take this opportunity of thanking everyone who participated and all who continue to support us in the fund raising towards World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. God Bless Fr. Charlie Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europe-
axess.com Cover Photo: Nativity” French artist Cover: Cover “The design adaptedbyfrom poster Noel Coypel,Sacred Features an Adoration the celebrating Heart’s 100 YearsofdevoChrist tion to Child. Our Lady of Lourdes. 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. For Advertisers: This magazine is hand-delivered to homes,
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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 Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration.
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Pastoral Letter for the
Baptism of
the Lord
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
Each year, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings to a close the Christmas season during which we are invited to reflect on the Father’s gift to the world of a child, his only son, Jesus. Every child is, of course, God’s gift. No child is ever a mere “right” of anyone. Nonetheless, for couples struggling to start a family the desire to have a child can be overwhelming. Every month that passes is experienced as another missed opportunity. The result is often a heartache and sadness that is difficult to bear. This is why I welcome the good intentions of the government to help couples struggling to begin a family. However, I feel it my responsibility to clarify the moral implications of the technique proposed and its consequences. I hope that this clarification will be of help to all, but especially those couples who are struggling to start a family and are faced with what can be a difficult and delicate decision. In his Letter, Evangelium Vitae, Blessed John Paul II points out that we are all human persons of equal unalienable rights and dignity from the moment of conception to our natural end. Speaking specifically about the initial phase of human life he has this to say:
“Human life is sacred and inviolable at every moment of existence, including the initial phase which precedes birth. All human beings, from their mother’s womb, belong to God who searches them and knows them, who forms them and knits them together with his own hands, who gazes on them while they are tiny shapeless embryos and already sees in them the adults of tomorrow whose days are numbered and whose vocation is even now written in the “book of life” (cf. Ps 139:1, 13-16). As many of the passages of the Bible witness, they are the personal objects of God’s loving and fatherly providence.”(Evangelium Vitae, 67)
Video: Conception to Birth -- visualized, using a micromagnetic resonating machine, can be seen at www.ted.com/talks search for Alexander Tsiaras
Feast of the
Year of Faith: 12 Holy Hours
February 27th: Christian Education
T
he next Holy Hour will be led by St. Paul’s Parish. The subject of the meditation will be Gravissimum Educationis: the Decree on Christian Education. The Sacred Ecumenical Council considered with care how extremely important education is in the life of man and how its
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influence ever grows in the social progress of this age. The fourth Holy Hour in the series will be at the Cathedral on Wednesday 27th February, at 7.00pm.
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F
rom the moment of conception, therefore,
we believe that we are biologically unique with an unrepeatable identity and uniquely loved by the One who created us. Our birth does not add a greater dignity but simply brings into play the network of support, rights and duties which enable us to enter fully and become active members of the society into which we are born. I believe that Blessed John Paul’s statement on the nature of human life provides us Catholics with the context in which we should consider carefully the nature of I.V.F. and its consequences. In Vitro Fertilisation (I.V.F.) is the technique, carried out in an impersonal laboratory, whereby several eggs are artificially inseminated outside the natural context of a full conjugal act willed by the Creator. The manner of procuring the sperm is itself impersonal and outside the mutual self-giving of husband and wife in an act of love which is open to life. Of these several fertilized eggs – that is, new biologically independent human beings with every potential to become adult persons one day by virtue that they have begun to exist – only two or three are implanted in the womb of the woman destined
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to carry those persons. Some of the eggs may be frozen and kept in a bank “in limbo” until a decision is made about future use. Others are used in scientific experimentation. The rest are discarded and destroyed by flushing them away or incineration. Although it is hard thing to say, it is difficult to disguise the fact that, however laudable the intention of I.V.F., our core belief about human life suggests that it involves the direct and intentional killing of human life. The argument given for this is that the choice of one human being over another is essential to ensure that the success rate of the technique is maximised. Such an argument goes against the Common Good which aims to protect the life of all human beings. In highlighting some of the difficulties around I.V.F. treatment it is not my intention to add to the heartache of childless couples or to leave them without hope. On the contrary. As well as bringing to your attention some of the issues of I.V.F. for us Catholics, I want to remind them and indeed the whole diocesan family that there are ethical alternatives available using the natural processes. Independent medical studies tells us that these natural treatments often have a greater success rate and are more cost effective than the better known I.V.F. NaProTechnolgy, (natural-procreative technology), for example, as the name suggests, is a programme of treatment that applies diagnostic and medical technologies towards achieving pregnancy “the natural way”, helps to maintain a pregnancy to full term and assists the care for long term fertility. It is treatment that is already available here in Gibraltar but not, as yet, offered as a public service on a par with I.V.F. Details of this treatment can be found in all our churches, and elsewhere in this magazine. I pray that 2013 will be a year when all our attitudes to life, the family and marriage will be strengthened for the common good of all, including the most vulnerable. Yours sincerely in Christ, the Redeemer, +Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R Bishop of Gibraltar
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Jesus of Nazareth - The Infancy Narratives
The long awaited final volume in the Jesus of Nazareth trilogy by Pope Benedict presents the clear writing of a scholar in full command of his material. Unlike some academics, whose prolixity conceals unclear thoughts, Benedict writes with unsullied clarity. This can only come to a writer who has put in a great deal of thought and reflection over a sustained period of time. The book would not be the ideal university textbook, as it does not enter into academic arguments and investigations of the issues, but this is not the work’s purpose. It is intended to present to the reader the results of scholarly study. However, unlike many academic volumes, which are agnostic or even sceptical about Jesus and Christianity’s claims for him, Benedict makes it clear that he is writing from a faith perspective. For Benedict the Bible is primarily the revealed word of God rather than merely an ancient text to be studied as part of literary/historical investigations. Thus the book is intended to nourish the readers’ faith; and the author’s own deeply Catholic commitment shines through the pages. Benedict is a conservative Christian who believes in the literal truth of the gospel story. Not every one agrees with him wholeheartedly, but there is merit in one who is prepared to stand against the academic fads and fashions of the age. Indeed, this is what is needed in a Pope. Yet despite his obvious conservatism, which might deter some readers, Benedict is aware that the message of the gospel story is central, so he does not refrain from drawing out religious implications of stories. The language is simple and clear, so it is readable by those without theological training. Indeed, the lack of the kind of heavy theological language that makes some Christian texts seem strange and off putting
Jeremy Duo and Ronnie Alecio are heading
up ‘The Cornerstone’ a new Christian Bookshop which was opened in December last year, next to Jury’s café on Main Street. The smartly fitted out premises offers devotional books, the lives of the saints, church documents and other Christian literature, as well as Catholic Life Posters, CDs, and DVDs. In partnership with CTS, Redemptorist Publications, Gracewings, Ignatious Press and others The Cornerstone will be able to offer UK and USA books. Upon This Rock is delighted to present here what we hope will be the first of many book reviews during this very special Year of Faith.
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E-mail: wisco@gibtelecom.net
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to readers is a virtue of this book. Yet despite its essential simplicity, the book can still reward those of us who have theological training and expertise. There are moments of insight which reward the reader. For example, he treats the Magi as historical realities, while many scholars do not. He does inform us that some scholars have been recently reappraising the historical basis of the story, which is interesting, though this case is far from proven. However, the lucid insight in his account is that when the Magi set off to Bethlehem, none of the Jewish Bible scholars to whom they spoke followed to see if the messiah had actually arrived. The insight is that their behaviour was characteristic of a religious scholarship that is uninterested in religious truth but merely wrapped up in textual study, a
R
ome sweet Home
The well-known and very popular Catholic couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, have been constantly travelling and speaking all over North America for the last few years about their conversion to the Catholic Church. Now these two outstanding Catholic apologists tell in their own words about the incredible spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism. Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister, the top student in his seminary class, a brilliant Scripture scholar, and militantly antiCatholic... until he reluctantly began to discover that his ‘enemy’ had all the right answers. Kimberly, also a top-notch theology student in the seminary, is the daughter of a well-known Protestant minister, and went through a tremendous ‘dark night of the soul’ after Scott converted to Catholicism. Their conversion story and love for the Church has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of lukewarm Catholics and brought them back into an active participation in the Church. They have also influenced countless conversions to Catholicism
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Reviews theology which is an academic exercise rather than a tool in a religious quest for God. No one can accuse Benedict of this kind of defect. For the theologically inclined reader the merit of this book is not primarily in its ability to reveal many new exegetical and theological details, as much of the material is already familiar to those with theological training. The merit is the spirit of the book. Benedict’s profound faith and love for Christ illuminate the book throughout its pages. Benedict brings theology home, out of academia into the lives of Christian worshippers. It is well worth buying and reading. - Francis Beswick. This book can be found in the ‘Christology’ section at The Cornerstone
among their friends and others who have heard their powerful testimony. Written with simplicity, charity, grace and wit, the Hahns’ deep love and knowledge of Christ and of Scripture is evident and contagious throughout their story. Their love of truth and of neighbour is equally evident, and their theological focus on the great importance of the family, both biological and spiritual, will be a source of inspiration for all readers. “I opened the book one night and didn’t put it down till I finished, I couldn’t! Very easy reading, extremely enjoyable and I even learnt a few things about my faith along the way. I recommend this book to all Catholics and non-Catholics alike and especially to anyone on the fence. 10 out of 10 from me!” -Jeremy Duo This book can be found in the ‘Biographies’ section at The Cornerstone. More on page 19
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100 Years Devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes at the Sacred Heart Church
towards Our Lady, as the church was full to capacity, with people in the sacristy and some even had to remain outside. The first novena was held from 3rd to 11th February 1914, and the following year, over the same dates, the novena with its first procession was held within the confinements of the church. The Missionaries left Gibraltar when the Gibraltarians were evacuated at the outbreak of the Second World War after thirtysix years of regular and hardworking service. From 1941 to 1948, no novenas were held as the Military
Diocesan Mass on Saturday 2 February at 12 nd
How it all began
T
he Sacred Heart Church was opened for public worship on 15th July 1888, by His Lordship the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Mgr. Gonzalo Canilla. In 1889, Bishop Canilla’s brother, Sebastian, was diagnosed with an acute cerebral illness. His Lordship accompanied his brother and sister-in-law to Lourdes and whilst there, Sebastian bathed in the waters at the Grotto, which had an effect of curing him. In appreciation Bishop Canilla brought over to Gibraltar five statues of Our Lady of Lourdes, These are situated at the following sites: the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, St. Joseph’s Church, Sacred Heart
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Church, Our Lady of Sorrows (Catalan Bay Village) and Villa Lourdes (South Barrack Road). In 1904, the Sacred Heart Church was entrusted by the Bishop of Gibraltar, the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Remigio Barbieri, to the Spanish Claretian Order, Misioneros Hijos del Inmaculado Corazón de María, known locally as Los Padres Misioneros del Corazón de María. Permission was granted by the Crown Land Office on December 11th 1911, to construct in the open passage on the east side of the church a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, which was completed on 11th January 1913 and for its inauguration, a Triduum was held from 9th to
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noon at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned to celebrate the start of centennial devotions to Our Lady of Lourdes. From the 3rd to 11th February the
Novena
at the Sacred Heart Church will commence each evening at 6:30. On the 11th after prayers and Holy Mass there will be the traditional
Torch-Light Procession to Moorish Castle Estate Grotto 11th February coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Missionaries were pleasantly surprised when they witnessed the great devotion the people had
of Our Lady returning to the church for Solemn Benediction. His Lordship the Bishop will be in attendance as well as the Provincial Superior of the Claritian Order of Andalucía, the Order which commenced the devotions at the Sacred Heart Church.
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LENT 2013 Let us be
concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and
good works (Heb 10:24.)
L
ent is the season for soul searching and repentance. It is a time for reflection and taking stock of our lives. Traditionally it has been a time of restriction and sacrifice and giving up things we like to do, or going without a favourite food in order to embrace other things. When this is done freely rather than out of a sense of obligation the practice becomes all the more meaningful. The observance of Lent helps us to practise humility, to become more aware of suffering in humanity. Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God and make way for the Holy Spirit to enter our souls. Lent is not mentioned in the
Scriptures but it has a long tradition as a preparation for Easter as the days are gradually lengthening as Spring advances. In the fourth and fifth centuries agricultural societies, (from which we are all descended) were bound to the seasons and winter crops were often scarce. It is possible then, in an historical context, to understand how a period of fasting would ensue whilst awaiting the maturing of the Spring crops. It would seem then that Lent has existed in some form and at the end of the fourth century it became a regular Roman Catholic practice. Over time, some of the stricter practices associated with this time have become more lax and evolved
into a ‘doing’ time coupled with fasting, alms giving, good works and self-denial. What do you want your fast to achieve? Today’s Christians who undertake the forty days fast of Lent do so in a spirit of prayer and penance in preparation for Easter. It is a good time to have a spiritual ‘spring clean’ to consider what might be coming between us and God and it can help us experience our own part in His suffering. But.... Some of us take life too seriously, or we take ourselves too seriously. Jesus wants you to enjoy yourself, and learn to have some fun. God made you for His pleasure! Your intent is also an important
part of spiritual spring-cleaning. When we decide to make a change within ourselves, perhaps through meditation or positive visualisation, it is with the intent to make an improvement and make things better. There’s something immensely satisfying about clearing out the dirt and clutter in our homes and in our spiritual lives, there’s something about spring that invites us to do both. So, fasting is not an end in itself, it is not for ‘show’, it is a means of being spiritually nourished with a real desire for a change of heart, and at best it is a personal act of devotion to God.
Authorities wanted to convert the Sacred Heart Church into a storehouse. The Bishop of Gibraltar, the Rt. Rev. Richard Joseph Fitzgerald, was not happy with the planned conversion and on the suggestion of Fr. Hector Carter, proposed to the Governor, General the Viscount Gort that it should become a Military Chaplaincy. This was accepted by His Excellency and the church was saved from secular use by the Military Chaplains taking over and they
kept the church fully operational during and after the war. In 1948 the Military authorities handed back the Sacred Heart Church to the Bishop of Gibraltar, who very appropriately placed Fr. Hector Carter in charge of the church. He together with the Guild of the Sacred Heart, reintroduced the novena in 1949. Fr. Carter commenced bringing preachers from Spain until 1966 and in 1967, because of the on-going problems with the land frontier, his new assistant
Fr. Caruana became the first Gibraltarian to preach at the novena, till 1975. A grotto was constructed at Moorish Castle Estate by the residents and on 8th December 1982, this was inaugurated by Fr. Xaviour Zammutt, the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church. On 8th January 2001, His Lordship the Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Mgr. Charles Caruana entrusted the Sacred Heart Church as the Diocesan Sanctuary to Our
Lady of Lourdes. In January 2003, under the directions of Fr. Ghio, volunteers commenced works at the courtyard of the church in the construction of a grotto, dedicated to Our Lady, completed by the 10th February. The statue of Our Lady was donated by Mgr. Paul Bear. 2013 is an auspicious year for the Sacred Heart Church as it celebrates one hundred years of devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes.
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DAYS OF LENT 2013
March
February
L
ent is the season of penance and prayer before Easter. It is observed in preparation for this, the greatest of Christian feasts. During these days (Sundays are always days of celebration) Christians try to emulate Christ’s forty days in the desert by practising the self-discipline that allows God into their lives. Consider the things that come between you and God, distractions of the media, for instance, over-indulgence in food or pride. Lent helps us to practise humility, and we can experience our part in the suffering of Christ. Monday 18th February
Tuesday 19th February
Tuesday 12th February
Wednesday 13th February
Wednesday 20th February
Thursday 21st February
Fun puts you in a good place
Almsgiving
Tuesday 26th February
Wednesday 27th February
Thursday 28th February
Friday 1st March
Wednesday 6th March
Thursday 7th March
Friday 8th March
Saturday 9th March
Thursday 14th March
Friday 15th March
Saturday 16th March
Sunday 17th March
Sunday 24th February
Monday 25th March
Friday 22nd March
The little donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem, into Egypt with her Babe, and home again. Carried Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday amid cries of Hosannah!
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to pull out and keep Thursday 14th February
compiled by Anne Mesilio
Friday 15th February
Saturday 16th February
Sunday 17th February
Friday Fast Friday 22nd February
Do so unto them.
Saturday 23rd February
Monday 25th February
Keep your children safe online
Saturday 2nd March
Sunday 3rd March
Monday 4th March
Feb
As you wish that others would do unto you...
Tuesday 5th March
Lent, the light in the darkness Monday 11th March
Wednesday 13th March
No Smoking Day
Monday 18th March
Tuesday 19th March
Tuesday 26th March
Wednesday 27th March
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Tuesday 12th March
Wednesday 20th March
Thursday 21st March
Thursday 28th March
Friday 29th March
Saturday 30th March
Sunday 31st March
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March
Sunday 10th March My Mother. The most beautiful woman I have ever known. Cherish yours.
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The Evangelists
St John
the beloved disciple “Do not make my Father’s house a market place”
T
John 2:16
he word of God “shows its power in a most excellent way”
in the writings of the New Testament, and, among all sacred Scriptures the Gospels “have a special preeminence.” Through these, God, “out of the abundance of His love,” chose to reveal the hidden purpose of His Will; that Man might, through Jesus and in the Holy Spirit, “have access to the Father” and “share in the divine nature.” The Church “firmly and with absolute constancy” holds that the fourfold Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John “faithfully hand on” what Jesus “really did and taught.” The Gospel according to St. John, the Fourth Gospel, is of an altogether different and distinctive character to the Synoptics. Parables, for example, are not to be found in John. It is not simply history but the product of a higher Christology, of a “developed theological reflection” that provided the “raw materials” out of which “the great Christian doctrines were forged.” Only in John does Jesus talk at length about himself and his divine nature.
The Gospel is organized to serve the Evangelist’s theological purposes. It is a progressive revelation of the glory of God’s only Son, who comes to reveal the Father. It presents the God of Israel as Father and Jesus as Son “in an all-determining relationship.” John’s Gospel is “highly treasured” for its depth of doctrine. John calls Jesus’ deeds “signs” and develops the theological significance of these in seven discourses, ending the Gospel with His Passion, death, and Resurrection. “These are recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” The Fourth Gospel, in its present shape appeared late in the 1st Century. It came later than the Synoptics and did not directly depend on them though many stories are held in common e.g. the cleansing of the Temple. They however reflect development over a longer period and at a slightly later stage in the history of the early church. Though rooted in the Jewish origins of Christianity, some words and ideas suggest a world “markedly different from the one that received the Synoptic Gospels”. Ephesus, the traditional site for the
John, the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned on His breast, himself also published a Gospel while he was at Ephesus in Asia. Left: Statue of apostle John in Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Vladislav in Vilnius. Above: Purification of the Temple. Jacopo Bassano, 1585 Prado. Madrid.
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Julio Alcantara’s scholarly notes writing of this Gospel, “remains one of the best locations” for the mixture of traditions underlying the Gospel. The earliest written portion we have of any Gospel is in fact from a copy of St. John’s Gospel, dated sometime in the 130s A.D. The constant and unbroken voice of Tradition states that John, the son of Zebedee - the beloved disciple of Christ - wrote the Fourth Gospel. Whenever it is quoted, it is quoted as the Gospel according to St. John. A decisive testimony in regard to the Johannine authorship of the Fourth Gospel comes to us from St. Irenaeus, a disciple of St. Polycarp who in turn was a disciple of St. John himself. St Irenaeus writes: “The John, the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned on His breast, himself also published a Gospel while he was at Ephesus in Asia.” The Holy Father states that this Gospel rests on “extraordinarily precise knowledge” of times and places, and could only have been written by someone who had “excellent firsthand knowledge” of the Palestine of the day. Whether the author was the Apostle directly or Presbyter John, his disciple and “mouthpiece,” the Holy Father concurs with Peter Stuhlmacher, New Testament scholar,
that the contents of the Gospel go back to the “disciple whom Jesus loved”. Clement of Alexandria wrote: “John, perceiving that the other Evangelists had set forth the human side of the Person of Jesus, at the instance of his disciples composed a spiritual Gospel;” to establish on a firm basis the Divinity of Christ. Though the Synoptics are the more historically accurate, it hints at the author having considerably more interest in Jerusalem than Galilee; giving credence to the suggestion that the ‘son of Zebedee’ was son of a priest, with strong connections to Jerusalem and the priestly caste, and therefore the more spiritually aware. 1. Dei Verbum, 2. 17 DV13, 3. DV2, 4. DV2, 5. DV 18, 6. DV19, 7. Jesus of Nazareth p219, 8. New American Bible p1135, 9. Sacra Pagina 3 p20, 10. Windia, 11. NAB p1135, 12 SP3 p21, 13 Catholic Truth Society p27, 14. NAB p1135, 15. John 20:30, 16. SP3 p2-3, 17. John 2:13-22, 18 SP3 p3, 19 SP3 p4, 20. sp£p5, 21 “Father and Son” - study by Sean a Taylor 1998, 22. New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia., 23, JofN p221. 24. JofN p226, 25. Cited by Eusebius, Eccl. History, VI:14. NACE., 26. Collegeville Bible Commentary p 985. 27. JofN p224.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
L
et me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
On Saturday 19th January, His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Anthony Lima hosted a farewell reception for the Special Olympics Gibraltar athletes and coaches on their prior to their departure to compete in the World Winter Games in South Korea.
Rhnk LZm^eebm^ <Z[e^ MO Ikhob]^k Ngbm *+; PZm^k`Zk]^gl !$,.)" +)).*.21 `b[lZm9`b[kZemZk'`b
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13
Q&A Y
NaPro TECHNOLOGY
ou have probably heard the term Na-ProTechnology but we are pleased to present a two part question and answer article to help you make informed decisions. What is Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro, NPT)? NaPro TECHNOLOGY is a new women’s health science, developed at the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction in Omaha, Nebraska. 30 years of research has culminated in the development of this system of evaluation and treatment that cooperates with a woman’s reproductive system. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System is the method of observing and charting biomarkers of the fertility cycle. This information is the basis of evaluation and treatment in NaPro TECHNOLOGY. It can be used to evaluate many women’s health conditions including the treatment of conditions such as infertility, miscarriage and irregular bleeding.
How does it work? Every cycle is different; each
one involves a new egg. Not every cycle follows the same pattern. All these factors make
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bleeding following a period, reduced or absent cervical mucus production, abnormal bleeding patterns, unusually short or long cycle phases, all can have an effect on potential fertility. Charting allows for accurate timing of blood tests, in this way, previously undetected, subtle abnormalities in hormone levels can be uncovered.
fertility complex. We evaluate each cycle individually, before and during treatment, for its effectiveness. Medication is used to support and improve effectiveness of each cycle and is accurately timed for the best results. Most women are aware that women’s cycles are different. Cycles may vary from 21 days to 90 days or longer. Most fertility and gynaecological treatment works with the assumption of an average twenty-eight day cycle and ovulation around the fourteenth day. Even in a regular twenty-eight day cycle ovulation does not always occur around the 14th day. Charting unlocks your individual and unique pattern! Depending on the individual assessment and the identification of areas needing assistance, relevant medications are used. The medication used has generally been used in fertility support for many years. Our unique approach times the medical support to the charted events of cycles.
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How can something so simple help?
How do you learn to chart cycles?
FertilityCare and NaPro emphasize natural conception through intercourse, even if medical support is required. Standard medical practice for infertility has increasingly put the emphasis on technical approaches to conception. Fertility, as previously mentioned, is complex. Medicine has incomplete knowledge of all the aspects of fertility. Sometimes, in overlooking the straightforward information obtained through charting, valuable information is lost. It is only when this information is obtained and recognised, that it can be used as part of the treatment plan. NaPro obtains essential information from charting and acts on that information where appropriate. Charting alone with well-timed intercourse may be sufficient to lead to conception. Charting also has the benefit, that it can uncover abnormalities in the cycle. For example: Brown
FertilityCare Practitioners, thoroughly trained in this system, teach and support couples through the learning process. The Follow-Ups follow a standard routine. As with any new experience, a little time and effort at first, helps the couple learn the method quickly. Experience shows us that confidence builds rapidly. Couples often comment how much they learn about their fertility through the charting process. Men appreciate being included in the chart recording, another unique feature which encourages the couple to be jointly involved in the process. This learning process can be a good opportunity to strengthen relationships, as well as pursue the opportunity to conceive. Couples who remain in the programme up to 24 effective cycles give themselves the best opportunity for success. For a variety of reasons, couples may choose to remain in the programme for a
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NaPro TECHNOLOGY?
“It’s the new
Woman’s Health
science.”
Dr. Monique Risso different length. Ultimately the couple decide with appropriate medical advice.
What is the success rate of NaProTECHNOLOGY treatment for infertility? Considering all patient ages and diagnoses, the overall probability of having a successful pregnancy with NaProTECHNOLOGY is approximately 50%. The success rate can be up to 80% depending on multiple factors including the precise diagnosis, severity of the underlying cause, history of previous fertility treatment and female age. NaProTECHNOLOGY is not an option in cases of established menopause, zero sperm count or persistent bilateral blocked fallopian tubes (despite attempted
surgical reconstruction). Nearly every category of infertility has succeeded with this approach including Unexplained Infertility, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Pelvic Adhesions, Low Progesterone, Hostile Mucus, Male or Female antibodies, Low sperm count, Oligo-ovulation and Anovulation. Even couples who have previously failed In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) have a reasonable chance of a live birth with NPT. Although there is real hope with NaProTECHNOLOGY , not all couples will conceive. All couples undergoing NPT evaluation obtain a greater understanding of what is happening with their bodies and how they can maximize their chances of healthy pregnancy.
for further information on NaProTechnology or to book an introductory session:
Dr Monique Risso MB ChB MRCGP mrissofertilityspice@hotmail. co.uk General Practitioner and NaPro Technology Physician Specialist Medical Clinic, Unit 7, 1st Floor, ICC Building, Casemates Square, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 49999 www.ladyofeuropefertilitycare.com
Pregnant? Difficult Circumstances? Problems?
Contact Clare on: clare@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk or Call +44 20 7723 1740
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15
A FLEDGLING RELATIONSHIP
Spring
is in the air; there is a sparkle and quiver about nature as she awakes from Winter’s sleep. The grass has become more vividly green, fattening leafy buds appear on shrubs and trees, there is lively sound and bustle as returning birds begin courting and building nests, other animals become enlivened by this awakening season and if the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson is to be believed -
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“in the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love”. Saint Valentine’s Day approaches and ‘spring fever’ is about and beware, it can be catching! It is not only the birds who are forming relationships at this
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time of year, but they do so free from emotional turmoil and expectations and follow ageless instincts. This saint’s day is all about emotionally laden gestures; flowers, chocolates, cards, cuddly toys, romantic dinners, getaways, it becomes a barometer for gauging a couples love relationship whether of long duration or just fledgling. It is the latter which can be overwhelmed by expectations of romance which is not love, just a feeling of excitement with some mystery stirred in to add a little fizz. This day is full of romantic fantasy; red roses, chocolate hearts, aphrodisiac oysters, champagne, and cupid’s commercial arrow strikes too, oh, it is difficult to get away from it all.
Those in tried and tested relationships will survive the St. Valentines Day effect whilst fledgling relationships and for those whom a relationship may be tottering could buckle under the weight of undue expectations. Take it easy in new relationships, do not get too physical too fast, love needs learning and sex, the ultimate expression of love, on a first date has a hollow ring to it next day, because after all,
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Anne Mesilio this was just a ‘one night stand’ of superficial pleasure, not a foundation for building a lasting relationship. Also, in this age of technology where chat and online dating is widely available, there are unwholesome temptations in many forms and the danger of being lured into physical risk is ever present. The ease with which we can communicate today, often with text messages which can be short and snappy and reading the ‘slang’ often leaves the message open to interpretation. In a new relationship it is probably more prudent to make telephone calls as text messaging may be inappropriate and you could lose the chance to pursue a meaningful relationship.
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First love; it is strange and beautiful, nay, even innocent; it is music to the heart and poetry to the soul when ‘soul meets soul on lovers’ lips’. So how does it all go wrong? When does love become the sin of lust which is considered by Catholicism to be a disordered desire for sexual pleasure which is sought for itself, isolated from its procreative purposes. Whilst sexual desire is good in itself and considered part of God’s plan for humanity, when it becomes self seeking, this is seen as lust. Lust is an emotion or feeling of intense desire in the body, it is a powerful psychological force producing intense wanting for an object. A lust object is basically any item, idea, or generally
person (they tend to be persons) that invokes a great rush of hormonal want in a subject. This can take many forms, lust for life, for knowledge, for power, and the sin occurs in the excess of, or the inappropriate satisfying of, that desire. Lust is often one of the foundational sins for crimes of adultery, incest, criminal assault, abduction and rape. Paradoxically, rape is not about sex, it is about power in which the sexual act is grossly abused with force and often violence to exert control over another human being. It is a heinous crime. Real love is all about putting the person you love first, before yourself. . “Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it... It really is worth fighting for, risking everything for, and the trouble is, if you don’t risk everything, you risk even more.” - Erica Jong. Then there is Paul. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not
delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres”. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is a choice, one that leads to growth and new joys in deep friendships, becoming close to another human being in loving and important lasting ways. The difference between love and lust then is the attitude you hold in your heart. If it is love the other person is your focus and if it is lust, on you, yourself, is the focus. Every relationship needs patience, understanding, and yes, hard work, that’s a reality. Trust and the willingness to commit cannot be rushed. Go at a pace that feels right for you. For newbie lovers in a fledgling relationship at this time of year, well, quite honestly, St. Valentines Day does not have to be that much different from any other date night. The whole point is about spending time together and if this means staying home with a favourite take away meal, then smile and enjoy, it is the little things done well that keep you connected. Love has to be experienced and it is one of life’s greatest blessings.
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Bishop Caruana
A
man born to be a priest, who died a Bishop Emeritus. The legacy of the Late Bishop Caruana’s service to the Community, after his many years as a priest, is all around us, he touched so many lives, built up so much in our community both with bricks and mortar and living stones. In the Catholic Community Centre (CCC) we see a monument to his tenacity, working closely with Monseigneur Rapallo, and Bishop Healey, he was largely responsible for raising the funds to build the Centre through the Gibraltar Song Festival, and intricately involved in the detail, regaling those interested in such things of stories about the cannon which sits in the foundations, because it was too heavy to move. It is fitting that a portrait of the Late Bishop
Caruana should hang there, in the St. Bernards Catholic Social Club. At the instigation of his brother Joe, a French artist, François Artois, was commissioned and a portrait produced through the generosity of Maurice Stagnetto. This was unveiled almost a year ago by the Minister Steven Linares in the presence of both Joe and his sister Conchi and other friends of Bishop Caruana, as well as committee members, and members of the club. The oil painting was and blessed by Msg. Paul Bear during the unveiling ceremony. The President of St. Bernard’s Club, Joseph Scaniglia-Jones has asked for it to be made known that anyone who would like to view the painting, should contact Manolo the club steward on 20078818 to arrange a time to go there.
1932 - 2010
FREE HELP for you!
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rand Home Care are donating 10 hours of free support for the first 10 readers to claim since 1st Jan.
ICC, Unit S3F, 2nd Floor, Tel: 200 655 77 www.ghc.gi, email: info@ghc.gi
Freephone 8099
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Gib Mission Africa Charity Calendar
C
Reviews
atholic Christianity
For the first time in 400 years the Catholic Church has authorized an official universal catechism which instantly became an international best-seller, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this official Catechism, the highly-regarded author and professor Peter Kreeft presents a complete compendium of all the major beliefs of Catholicism written in his readable and concise style. Since the Catechism of the Catholic Church was written for the express purpose of grounding and fostering catechisms based on it for local needs and ordinary readers, Kreeft does just that, offering a thorough summary of Catholic doctrine, morality, and worship in a popular format with less technical language. He presents a systematic, organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental Catholic teachings in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church’s Tradition. This book is the most thorough, complete and popular
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T
he Gib Mission Africa 2013 calendar is being sold to raise funds for building Fr. Grima’s planned complex for sick and handicapped children in Ethiopia. The A4 calendar which opens to a full A3 size is in full colour throughout and has been produced entirely free of charge by Charles Trico Printers and is on sale at their shop in Devil’s Tower Road for £6.00, every penny of which goes directly to Fr. Grima. Trico Printers are also offering to deliver the calendar free of charge on a ‘cash on delivery’ basis. Call Trico’s on 20075056
catechetical summary of Catholic belief in print that is based on the universal Catechism. “I highly recommend Peter Kreeft’s ‘Catholic Christianity’. It is simple, concise and has a great sense of humour. The book is an abbreviation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I recommend this book to anyone looking to grow in their spiritual and formative journey.” - Jaydan Freyone
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