Oct 2015 172

Gibraltarians Around the World

Building Bridges | Mostar Receving Blessings | Montichiari Giving Thanks | Gibraltar Being Inspired | Madrid Protecting Life | Vatican City

Dear Friends

that means “play actor.”

A hypocrite is someone pretending to be something that he or she is not in order to receive recognition or gain.

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R ISTI A

Even if we have perfected the ‘art’ of disguising our hypocrisy with a false zeal and an empty appearance of holiness.

‘To your own self be true...’ This is Gods will for us and could very well be our salvation.

God bless †Father Stuart

Opposite to hypocritical?

– sincere, authentic, faithful, straight forward, mean what they say, true, honest, real, unaffected, up front, on the level...

FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Christian Mission Trust provides local Christians with donations for evangelistic SI O N T R initiatives and outreaches.

The Trust is ecumenical and has provided money to many groups, individuals and churches during the last 12 years.

It is run by a Board of Trustees.

MIS

Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi. Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com. 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 handdelivered 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: +350 200 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.

The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi. You’ll find exclusive Christian gifts in the WebShop.

COVER PIC: Old Bridge at Mostar: (See SFO article) Photo Courtesy Wikipedia User:Fer.filol

The more hypocritical we are the less we are like Jesus.

T

comes from a Greek word

H

true gospel, and plan of eternal happiness.

Its a valuable exercise to consider what you would think about this speech if you were a Pharisee and heard it in person.

How might you have felt if you were a person in those days trying to decide whether to continue following the Pharisees or to follow Jesus?

US

The word hypocrite

ypocrisy is a result of pride.

Humble followers of God seek to live according to His laws, because they love God, and other people—not because they will be recognized or honoured for it. When it is pointed out that a humble follower of God is in the wrong, he or she immediately works toward doing what is right.

The hypocrite seeks to cover sins and make excuses for them. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, you read about the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day, and how Jesus taught His believers to live the gospel without hypocrisy.

Matthew 23 contains Jesus’ final testimony and condemnation against those who refused His teachings, testimonies of the

CH

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees. Mt. 23.

One size fits all...

We invite applications for funding from anyone who wishes to launch an evangelistic initiative or who needs support for an existing Christian missionary activity.

Please write to: The Chairman, Christian Mission Trust, 4 South Pavilion Road, Gibraltar.

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National Week Celebrations | Blessing the Sea

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OUTREACHES

HOMEWORK CLUB

INTRODUCING THE CATHOLIC YOUTH SERVICE

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O

n Tuesday 8 September at 7.30pm Monsignor Charles Azzopardi led a boat procession from Coaling Island to the statue of Our Lady of Europe on the South Mole, Gibraltar Harbour. The event was organised by The Self Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG) in liaison with Mgr. Azzopardi and was part of the community celebrations in the days preceding National Day. The location of the blessing was close to the site of three tragic accidents in recent years, in which young people lost their lives while snorkelling. Mgr. Charlie had, for some time, harboured a desire to see a statue of Our Lady placed at the waters edge somewhere in Gibraltar. His dream became a reality when a member of one of the bereaved families donated the funds to cover the cost.

The Royal Gibraltar Police and the Gibraltar Port Authority assisted in the logistics of the event. Boat owners were invited to follow Police launch ‘Sir Adrian Johns’ from near the entrance of Coaling Island, proceed North, out through the North Entrance and to turn 180° and sail parallel to the Detached Mole to a point immediately opposite the Statue of Our Lady of Europe on the South Mole. Once the flotilla of

s part of the upcoming Year of Mercy, the Diocesan Youth Service is to be relaunched with a number of charitable, community and educational programmes.

Our flagship programme, which we hope to launch in October, is an after school club based in the newly refurbished Youth Café at the Catholic Community Centre.

The

programme will run Monday to Friday and be available to year 6 and 7 students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and to year 8 and 9 students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Operating from 4pm to 7pm the club’s main aim is to offer a quiet place for students to work through their homework and seek assistance where necessary. There will also be social and interactive spaces

available to students once their homework is complete.

In order to make this club a success, we are looking for the help of teaching professionals and retired teachers who may be willing to give up an afternoon of their time and join our team of mentors.

If you feel this may be something that interests you or you would like more information

Teache r

Can yo s u Help?

please do not hesitate to contact our Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Tim Azopardi on +350 54012501 or via email: tim@gibraltarcatholicyouth.org As always, we ask you all to support this and all our other upcoming projects with your abundant prayers.

Thank you.

around 30 to 40 boats was assembled at this location, Mgr. Azzopardi gave a short blessing to the anthem ‘Virgincita de Europa’, and flowers were cast into the water in commemoration of all those who had lost their lives at sea. The vessels filed line astern, close under the bow of Police Launch ‘Sir Adrian John’, while Mgr. Azzopardi blessed the boats. It is hoped the event will be a regular National Week event.

COME ON LET’S

C elebrate!!

40TH ANNIVERSARY of the CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC C RENEWAL in Gibraltar.

MICHELLE MORAN With

President ICCRS

Fr. Raul

Fr. Mario Fr. Pepe Marquez, Inmaculada Moreno, and our local clergy. (from Colombia),

Weekend 9-11 October 2015

Fri 20:00 - 23:00, Sat 10:00 - 20:00 and Sun 10:00 - 14:00 Catholic Community Centre

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C elebrate and Sing!

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National Week Celebrations | Thanksgiving Mass

The Shrine of our Lady of Europe

In a departure from tradition, the Thanksgiving Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe was almost an ‘anticipatory Mass’, held on the eve of National Day at 6.30pm on the 9th September this year. The new time clearly suited a good number of people as attendance was excellent, particularly amongst those who have civic duties to attend to on the day itself.

Prayer for Refugees and Victims of War read at the end of the National Day Mass.

Loving and merciful Lord, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care.

Another innovation was the general presentation of flowers to Our Lady at the end of the Mass.

Led by the Mayor and his wife, many of the ladies in the congregation placed single roses before the statue of Our Lady of Europe.

In your kindness watch over refugees and victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home or who have run away from home because of violence and injustice, especially children and all who are vulnerable. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need.

As usual their was a full Music Ministry to lead the songs of praise and the patio where Mass was held was looking beautiful.

Readers may like to know that the paving is an original, ancient Moorish brick and pebble design, predating the current era of Christianity on the Rock, as do parts of the Shrine itself. It is a symbol of our multicultural roots and the inter-religious respect we hold for different Faiths, that we continue to care for these elements in our built environment.

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Oh Mother of Jesus, together with Joseph, you had to flee to Egypt to give protection to your divine Son, Protect those who are forced to flee from their homeland seeking safety for their lives.

AMEN

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CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL I HAVE COME TO BRING

FIRE

TO THE EARTH

I

LUKE 12: 49

gnoring the first ghostly grey streaks of the false dawn, silently beginning to appear on the eastern horizon, and steadfastly determined to answer the captioned incendiary call, we are already preparing to move to congregate at the first rendezvous.

All preparation and planning issues have been completed, the logistics have been resolved and the venue has been identified.

We are facing a ten hour

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journey using various forms of transport, including Shank’s pony, but we are physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenge; despite a prediction of an ambient temperature of 45ºC at the destination. Like a well disciplined body of troops, determined if still bleary eyed, the contingent of Gibraltarian men and women arrive punctually, at nine different, prearranged coach pick up points, scattered throughout Gibraltar. Like

homing pigeons we move to the group rendezvous at the Frontier Coach Park. The first head count, of the many that will follow during the next few days, is conducted to ensure there are no stragglers. We cross into Spain and reach Algeciras where we board the train for Madrid. Our destination is a 3-day Charismatic Renewal Assembly, where we will participate on equal terms, shoulder to shoulder, with over two thousand people of various

nationalities. After arriving at our Madrid hotel, Thursday evening is a time for rest, meditation, prayer and mental preparation for the Assembly itself, which takes place from Friday through to Sunday. “Evening came and morning came: the first day....”

Gn. 1, 5 The thirty-two Gibraltar participants are a motley group of individuals, some linked by family ties others complete strangers to their companions,

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ranging in age from teenager to septuagenarian. Some are veteran attendees of this type of event; for others it is uncharted territory. All have heard glowing reports from participants in previous years and confidently look forward to what they know will be an uplifting and memorable spiritual experience. the group feel an inner fire, a strength of faith and pride of country that feeds the flame of religious fervour.

The Charismatic Assembly, an annual event also attended last year by Gibraltarians, takes place in a large air-conditioned conference hall with tiered seating for over two thousand people. It has all the necessary video and audio communication facilities expected for modern presentations. It is an ideal venue for such an event, and is well attended by people from all over Spain and beyond its borders, who enter as soon as the doors open at 8.30am and jealously guard their seats until the day’s events finish.

Each day we leave the hotel by coach shortly after 8am so that we can try to be well placed to enter the Parque de Atracciones, where the Asamblea venue is located, as soon as the Park Gates open. We do this so as to be able to sit together as a group and so to better share our experiences with our fellow Gibraltarians. The Asamblea runs throughout two full days and the working sessions each day last for some ten hours. The final day lasts five hours and ends at 2pm. If the length of the working day seems daunting, have no fear! Inspired by the Holy Spirit, time becomes meaningless to us and simply flies as we get caught up in the fervour of the events throughout the day and we would gladly have stayed much longer if this had been an option.

On the first day the Asamblea proceedings start on a high note; both musically and spiritually.

The Ministerio Nacional de Alabanza of the Renovacion Carismatica Española leads a

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long and intensive session of prayer and praise. For many of the two thousand participants this is their first experience of the joy and spiritual uplifting derived from prayer and praise in a large crowd. The sheer enthusiasm shown, the volume of the praising, and the spectacle of so many standing with upraised hands, loudly praising God and invoking the Holy Spirit, is difficult to describe, so it is left to the imagination of the reader. Enough to say that it is a spiritually exhilarating experience. But there is even better to come.

“He is coming…” is the loud whisper echoing around the Hall and indeed He is…

We crane our necks and try to see Him over the heads of others surrounding us but cannot do so until upraised hands start to point to the upper reaches of a distant corner of the Hall; and there He is! At first all we can see is a large diameter white disc picked out by the spotlights.

It appears to float unsupported and to be moving under its own volition; but the important thing is that we know He has arrived! The Blessed Sacrament, displayed in a silver monstrance, carried in procession with arms outstretched and held high by the Spanish National Spiritual Director, is about to be brought

within touching distance of thousands of people. Not a centimetre of walkway is missed as the procession winds to and fro along all the hall passages and up and down the steps to be brought near the praising, praying and singing participants.

The procession must of taken a long time to wind its way around the vast hall, but we are blissfully unaware of the passage of time. We feel grateful admiration for the example set by the priest, untiringly carrying the relatively heavy monstrance, held high above his head. The distances between us and Jesus vary, from great to none at all, but we share the feelings of Zacchaeus straining to see Christ over the heads of the multitude and climbing a sycamore tree to be able to do so. (Lu. 19.4.)

Judging from the comments at the end of the event, for many of us, this is the most spiritual and impressive moment of the whole weekend, one which we will never forget.

The Procession ends on the upraised stage, the Blessed Sacrament is placed, illuminated by flickering candlelight, centrally on the Altar continuously hailed by the nonstop Adoration, Prayer and Praise, which fills the Hall.

A Gibraltarian participant said, “This weekend we felt the Presence of the Lord among us...

Continued on page 15

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Women’s Health

D R . M O N I Q U E R I S S O S H A R E S : A M AT E R C A R E C O N F E R E N C E

“I was given three choices; do the abortions, change my specialty, or leave the country...”

Dr. Robert Walley

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his summer I attended a Women’s Health Conference in Rome at the Istituto Maria SS Bambina on Maternal Health Care and the Catholic Conscience. r. Robert Walley, the Executive Director of MaterCare International (MCI) introduced the Conference as follows: “The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Maternal Health and the Catholic Conscience’ and we will focus on discrimination befalling practicing Catholic Obstetricians, Gynaecologists and Midwives as well as the training of medical students and future specialists.

Among the featured speakers will be Professor Bogdan Chazan, one of the most senior specialists in Warsaw who

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recently was dismissed from his position as the CEO of the Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw, on the grounds of his refusal to abort a baby with lethal congenital anomalies.

The Prime Minster of Poland at the time, responded in a public statement, saying “law comes before faith”.

Other speakers include two senior midwives who lost their case before the Supreme Court, of the UK, to uphold their right to conscientious objection in the supervision of abortion procedures.

In my own case, back in the late 1970s, applying for a senior appointment as an obstetrician in the National Health Service in the UK, I was given three choices; do the abortions, change my

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specialty, or leave the country.

My wife and I chose the latter and relocated to Newfoundland.

Added to this history of ongoing and institutionalized discrimination, is the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, to allow for Physician Assisted Suicide in certain cases, and the change in by-laws drafted by the Colleges of Physicians in Ontario and Saskatchewan, that will require a doctor to refer to another compliant doctor for procedures that they find morally objectionable. This raises the ethical concern of complicity and cooperation, which many doctors with moral integrity will find unacceptable.

All of this has profound significance for the future of health care and the ministry of the Church, especially as lay health professionals take the place of religious. The covenant relationship that used to exist between doctor and patient, second only to that of the priest, is being corrupted to such an extent, that doctors are now becoming simply technicians who will be required by state law to end life both at the beginning and the end – perhaps even without consent from whom they are caring for. This will no doubt continue to encompass more lives as the cost of care, for severely premature babies, the elderly, and those with terminal illnesses, rises. Few young doctors are entering the specialty of obstetrics and others sadly compromise their moral integrity in order to sustain their careers. For mothers in the developing world, relying on foreign aid, the situation raises the question of where they will receive care from doctors who respect their dignity, faith beliefs and decisions about their

MATERCARE DOCTORS ARE WORRIED babies and families?

Obstetricians and midwives share the most privileged of all medical or nursing specialities, as they care for the co-creators of human life. The Blessed Mother had the most intimate of relationships that any human being has had with God, when she nourished and nurtured His Son in her womb. All mothers share in this intimacy of creation in a very distinctive way and they also understand in a particular way the suffering of the blessed Mother at the foot of the cross when they too loose their babies.

Such truths invite consideration of a “Theology of Motherhood”. A theology, that enables us to see mothers as they are, unique in their manner of knowing and participating in God’s life, that would help

invigorate people to protect and care for Mothers worldwide.

Not least because of this role in emphasizing a theology of motherhood, this conference will be central, not only for the future of MCI, but more importantly for the future of

the Church’s health care ministry to mothers. We are delighted that so many guilds of Catholic Doctors, from different countries, are participating in the event.

-Dr. Robert Walley, Executive Director, MaterCare

If you are concerned about your healthcare and ethical issues, Dr. Monique Risso is a member MaterCare International and may be able to help.

Dr. Risso MB ChB MRCGP General Practitioner. The Creighton Model Fertility Care System Practitioner, and NaPro Technology Physician.

The Specialist Medical Clinic, Unit 7, First Floor, ICC Building, Casemates Square, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 49999. www.ladyofeuropefertilitycare.com International

MASS

at Sacred Heart Church organised

HOPE

BY

FOR

Expectant Mothers Family and Friends are invited to attend.

tel +350 20071717 916 Friends

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Friday 16 October 2015 at 7pm

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THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME A VISIT TO THE ROSA MYSTICA

Adriana Bear had prayed for years...

“Please don’t let me die without seeing the Rosa Mystica!” earlier visions of the foundress of the congregation of the Handmaids of Charity, Sister Mary Crucified of the Rose.

The visions began when she was recovering from meningitis in the winter of 1944, she had lain for 12 days comatose and had been administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, but beginning in the middle of December, she began to receive visions of the Order’s foundress and recovered full health.

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he story is one of true devotion, perseverance and faith. In fact, there is no doubt that this small group, from St. Paul’s Parish, were blessed with all the gifts of the spirit at one moment or another in their pan-European journey, where they visit two sites of particular Marian importance.

It is a UK and Gibraltar story of five friends, Adriana Bear, Eileen Borastero, Lillian Risso, Susan Olivero and, an old friend from England, Sister Valerie O’Donnel. Adriana and the ladies have often worked on various charitable campaigns with Sr. Val, and it was nothing short of a miracle that she was able to join them on their journey. The Faithful Five took to the air, with the Gib based ground support of Richard Martinez, who organised their itinerary and kept in touch with them on a daily basis during the trip.

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But with six flights in their ambitious travel plan, anyone who is a frequent flyer knows, there are going to be hiccups.

Sure enough, there was a last minute change to their departure airport in Rome, and they found themselves heading off in a completely different direction.

Then they were given the wrong instructions on arrival at the airport and, with a bit of discernment and intuition, they ignored these and made it to the right gate just in time to catch their next flight! Next there were the lost suitcases, which they saw as a lesson–that we don’t really need so many clothes.

They went for four days on the minimum with new friends helping out with toiletries and other essentials.

So all in all, the Faithful Five found that with the guidance of Our Lady, all the flights were like ‘chocolate’ very smooth, very enjoyable, and passing quickly!

Who is the Rosa Mystica?

Pierina Gilli (shown above) was born in 1911 and died in 1991, she was an Italian visionary born in Montichiari which is located in the Lombardy region in northern Italy.

She was the mystic seer to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed herself as Rosa Mystica, the madonna focussed on her maternal role, caring for the consecrated souls of priests and of all religious.

As a girl Pierina lived with The Handmaids of Charity, an order of religious sisters who ran an orphanage in Motichiari. In 1944, aged 32, she entered the order’s Brescia house to take up a consecrated life.

Pierina maintained detailed diaries of her many mystical experiences, in particular her spiritual visions and the heavenly messages that were conveyed to her. From these documentary pages one can read of her encounters with Mary the Mystical Rose, and Pierina’s

Sister Mary Crucified of the Rose was canonized on June 12, 1954 by Pope Pius XII when her Saint’s day was set as 15 December

Three years later the apparitions of the Madonna as Mary the Mystical Rose began, Pierina was once again very ill, and the first vision was in the Civil Hospital of Montichiari. The visions continued, and on July 13 she recorded in her diary, “The Blessed Virgin Mary was accompanied by the Blessed Sister Mary Crucified of the Rose; and Our Lady appeared in a splendidly different manner: in a white dress and with a white cape around her head that reached to the floor; the three swords were on the floor, and on the chest of the Virgin were three roses: one white, one red, and one gold. She explained to Pierina “I am the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of all of you. Our Lord sends me to bring a new Marian devotion for all male and female institutes, religious orders, and secular

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priests. I promise those religious institutes, orders and secular priests who venerate me in this special way my special protection, an increase of spiritual vocations, few betrayed vocations, and great sanctity among the servants of God. I wish the 13th day of each month to be celebrated as the day of Mary. On the 12 preceding days, special prayers of preparation should be said.”

Adriana Bear, her friends and all those who meet for the Rosa Mystica devotions have been continuing their prayers for priests and religious every month, year in and year out for decades, they have never missed a month. They meet at the Hospital Chapel on the first Tuesday of each month at 8pm and everyone is welcome to come along.

Pierina’s visions continued regularly for two years, but faded as she worked as a nurse in the hospital of the religious order. In 1966 they returned with increased intensity, to the now middle aged mystic, and during that year Our Lady gave three messages: 1.“My Divine Son Jesus is all love. He has invited me to render miraculous this spring.

As a sign of penance and of purification, give a kiss to the (top) step, then go down a few steps, stop, then give another kiss and go down further. For a third time, give again a kiss to the (bottom) step, and here can be placed the Crucifix. Before taking and drinking the water, the sick and all my children, should ask pardon from my

Divine Son. Now here is your mission, in the midst of the sick and the needy.”

2. “I have chosen this place of Montichiari, because in its children that work the soil, there is still humility, as in a poor Bethlehem.”

3. “Montichiari can be a second Lourdes.”

From Italy, our five ladies then travelled to Medjugore in Croatia, but more about that next month!

N E W

S T U D Y

Photos left to right: Adriana Bear in the chapel of the Rosa Mystica; the visionary, Pierina Gilli; a detail of the Rosa Mystica showing her beautiful eyes; the five friends plus the two ladies who helped them so much at their accommodation after they had lost their luggage; the Bishop who was at Montichiari who gave the group a special blessing.

C O U R S E

Women

S T A R T I N G

S O O N

Find your purpose FEED YOUR SOUL

A

t last, a powerful Catholic study for the woman seeking holiness in an imperfect world!

In the Women of Grace Foundational Study you will embark upon a journey of discovery and transformation as you explore the great call and gift of your femininity.

Along the way you will learn about great women saints, receive wisdom from Holy Mother Church, unpack the life-changing wisdom of the Holy Scripture, and discover the Blessed Virgin Mary is the exemplar of discipleship and the pathway to Jesus her Son.

Join us at the Little Bookshop, Ground Floor, Catholic Community Centre on Wednesday 7 October 2015, at 8pm for an Information Session.

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CALL YOU HAVE RECEIVED L I V E I N A M A N N E R WO R T H Y TO T H E

Part one of a report from the Second European Secular Franciscan Order and YouFra Congress held in Moster, Bosnia and Herzegovina

E

arly on August 15th of this year, a team representing Gibraltar set off by train from Estacion San Roque. From there we travelled to Madrid, where we stayed overnight, catching up with some members of the OFS Madrid. We had a lovely evening with them, sharing the Eucharist and then a meal.

The next day we flew to Dubrovnik. Here we were met by Andrea Odak, the International Coordinator of YouFra and Member of National Fraternity of OFS Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having taken four hours to get to the airport, thanks to a delay at the frontier, she drove for nearly four hours more to take us to Mostar.

We were so grateful for such generosity from our young sister!! During this part of the journey we chatted animatedly and shared about our fraternities, ideas, YouFra, and our hopes of launching YouFra both in Great Britain and Gibraltar.

The Congress started on Monday 17th of August with the celebration of the Eucharist in Mostar Cathedral of Mary Mother of the Church. This was celebrated by Mgr. Dr. Ratko Peri, Bishop of Mostar.

The theme of the Congress was “Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received” (Ep.

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4,1), and so Family Life; InterReligious Dialogue and Care for all of Creation, were topics given priority. One hundred participants, along with their Spiritual Assistants, from twenty European countries, listened to lectures and shared in groups.

Pondering throughout the week about the themed topics; their identity as Secular Franciscans; about prayer; and above all about placing the Eucharist at the centre of our calling.

The Minister General OFS Tibor Kauser, General Vice Minister, Chelito Nunez, General Spiritual Assistant Fr. Amando Trujillo Cano, Attilio Galimberti, Presidency Councillor for Europa Area Two and Andrea Odak, International Coordinator of YouFra and Member of National Fraternity of OFS Bosnia and Herzegovina were present at the congress.

During his introduction, our Minister General greeted us saying we had come from different european countries, with different languages, cultures and backgrounds, to discover how to build bridges.

Bridges between people and nations, to be peacemakers, to strengthen fraternal bonds, to deepen our vocation and to learn from each other, so that we could return and strengthen our Fraternities. Because our world

needs our Franciscan vocation.

Next Andrea told us that when Pope Francis visited BosniaHerzegovina he asked them to build bridges with the world.

This beautiful bridge in Mostar joins two nations, two religions.

What is my call? Do I have the courage to listen, to follow?

It is our hope to find some answers.

Here are some comments we have received from members of the Gibraltar team on different aspects of the Congress theme: Joanna on YouFra: This experience has been an eye opener to the amazing results we can achieve if we work hard and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us! It has also proved it is possible for YouFra to become a family just like the OFS. We now have contacts in many

countries and I have already emailed them requesting examples of their events and formation for inspiration.

First of all we have to continue our prayer for YouFra in Gibraltar and Great Britain.

In Gibraltar, the youngsters we initially attracted where preYouFra and it has been good to start learning with them. Now YouFra for ages 16-30 needs to be started.

I will be proposing to the YouFra team that the base of our gatherings be formation and service. We had already discussed the need to start YouFra formation working with the OFS minister Liz. In conclusion we have a great mission ahead, which needs a lot of hard work, dedication and prayer!

Joanna Torres OFS

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CHRISTINE FRENDOofs REPORTS Karenza on Palliative Care “Palliative Care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients, and their families, who are facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness. Care through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual”.

Amongst other things it also “Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process; integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care; offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death; and offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and in their own bereavement” (World Health Organisation).

What does terminal care mean to us at the OFS? Every sick person should have a significant death. The End of Life stage of a person is very often the time for a Spiritual birth. Access to good spiritual care will mean better quality of life for patients and their families and can give meaning to their suffering. By giving patients support in their last days we are giving them a sense of selfworth. This was illustrated by Mother Theresa when she took in a dying man from the streets and he proclaimed that ‘All his life he had lived like an animal but now he was going to die like an angel’ because he was being loved. A word of comfort to patients and their families is where we can dedicate ourselves.

Our faith calls us through the Holy Scriptures, to help others.

As members of the OFS we are to care for others like St. Francis did.1 Let us start as advised by St. Francis; by first doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and we will find ourselves doing the impossible.

As an example, Croatian OFS have responded to a local problem of no systematic care for Palliative care patients in their region. They started in 2009 with a group of 70 volunteers mostly OFS members. They offer a bridge between the patient and the family, and provide support to all whilst preparing people for a peaceful death. They liaise with

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professionals and offer families practical advice as well as support in the process of mourning.

Volunteers provide a minimum of 2 hours a week at home to support patients until death. Medical supplies are available for renting and a telephone line is manned by a Social Worker employed by the charity. Funding is provided by individuals and enterprises; local Government and EU Funding.

Volunteers receive basic and continued training and spiritual renewal is provided by the OFS Spiritual Assistant. “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”. (Sherry Anderson) Karenza Morillo OFS

Nicole on Ecology: As Franciscans, striving to live the Gospel as our way of life, Ecology has to play a big part.

‘Eco’ means house and ‘ology’ means the study of.

By simplifying our lifestyle, we contribute to looking after our planet. What we need is to respect our planet Earth.

We need to seek guidelines so that we learn how to care for Gods creation.

“Think Global – Act Local” God really needs our hands and heart so he can turn all this into actions that will benefit our homeland.

Starting at home, by educating our families about the importance of caring for nature, would make a great impact and improve Ecology.

To live according to the Word means to care for the universe, if we are ignorant of what is happening to our planet Earth, then we are not caring about the danger that sooner or later will affect us all.

By simply loving nature and admiring God’s creation, we become conscious of the need to realise, that every seed planted in our lives will grow and set an example to others, so that they see the beautiful gift that God has given us in Creation. Start with the necessary, then do what is possible, then you will do the impossible (St. Francis).

Here are some points that were raised in the congress: • Pray for discernment.

• The biggest threat to the land currently is broken technology.

• Say no to buying more than what you need.

• Be in the change you want to

The Gibraltar Group with Andrea Odak, International Coordinator of YouFra

see in the world. Think global, act local.

• Care of the use of water is essential, do not to waste.

• Cleaning products are causing damage to our earth, it is important to buy ecological products.

• Be sensitive to the problem of poverty in the world, make more responsible use of the goods we need.

St. Francis really saw Brother Sun and Sister Moon as part of Man’s extended family. Every creature is a child of God, Children of the same Creator, every creature has its value. We need a clean heart,

able to see God’s presences in all creatures and creation. This approach opposes the views of our society, technology verses nature. St. Francis was able to admire and contemplate the work of God even when he was loosing his sight, without any bitterness he continued to grow in understanding of God’s works.

We entrust this message, all of us present, to Our Lady Queen of Peace. Pope Francis calls us in ‘Laudato Si’ to care for creation.

Nicole Lopez OFS More from the Congress next month...

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The Rule of St. Francis: 6, 13

TRIDUUM ST. FRANCIS 2-4 October

Cathedral St. Mary the Crowned starting at

6.15pm Mass Fri 2 Oct

A message from Richard Martinez

In the early hours of September 15 Upon This Rock received a message from Richard announcing “Today I embark on a new phase of my life; I leave for Cadiz this afternoon to start my studies for the Priesthood, at the Seminario Conciliar San Bartolomé… (only a couple of hours away!) As

some of you already know, this has been progressively becoming more of a reality, over the last eight years or so, since I first contemplated ever reaching this day…

There are far too many people to thank; suffice to say that from the bottom of my heart I have always felt that warm support from all my family, friends, and so, so many others, especially parishioners of St. Paul’s, Movimiento de Cursillo and the Charismatic Renewal among others, not forgetting those priests who have supported, guided me, and encouraged me, to have the patience and perseverance to see that God will write straight through crooked lines…

Please pray for me, and may God Bless you all…”

St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures: Wind

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by The Cursillo Team Leaders

De Colores! - Live your life in colour!

CURSILLO? HOW DID THE

The first ever Cursillo took place in Cala Figuera, Majorca in 1946.

BEGIN

The Cursillo Movement: active for almost 40 years in Gibraltar

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he first ever ‘Official’ Cursillo took place in Majorca in 1949 following approval by the Bishop of the Diocese Mons Hervas. The coordinator was Eduardo Bonin, one of the leading founders of the Movement.

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A few men from Gibraltar attended Cursillos in Malaga and Tetuan, Morocco during the early sixties. They returned filled with great enthusiasm and with the intention of starting the Cursillo in Gibraltar. They met regularly in a spirit of prayer and after they had waited patiently for several years, Bishop Edward Rapallo gave his approval of the Movement in l976 and appointed Fr. (later Bishop) Charles Caruana as Spiritual Director.

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wo questions immediately arose; 1. Who would lead the retreats?

2. Where would the Cursillos be held?

The first question was solved as contact had been made with experienced leaders from Tangier. They immediately accepted and a group came over and, after Mass in Churches and other venues, explained what the Cursillo was about. Finding a suitable venue at a reasonable cost proved more difficult. The only location available was the crypt at St. Joseph’s Church.

Approval was required from the Parish priest Fr. Buckley.

This was immediately and enthusiastically given, Fr. Buckley had done the Cursillo himself in New York previously.

The biggest challenge was to convert the crypt at St. Joseph’s Church into some sort of suitable retreat centre. The only cheap way was to erect small cubicles separated with

plaster board with no immediate ceiling. The kitchen, dining room and bathroom areas were situated across the courtyard, this meant that people had to cross over, even during the night, regardless of the inclemency of the weather. The team of leaders slept in bunk beds, in a small room behind the lecture room, which was partitioned off to provide a small chapel. Over 120 Cursillos were held in these simple and basic conditions and as far as is known, nobody ever complained!

The first Cursillo took place on 24 March 1977 with another four on this first year. They were directed with teams from Tangiers, including Fr. Caruana. Local leaders were introduced after the first few Cursillos and eventually replaced those from abroad.

The Cursillos are now held at the Lathbury Retreat Centre. This provides very comfortable and suitable conditions, although the “older” generation still hold wonderful and very fulfilling memories of the humble Cursillo house at St. Joseph’s.

To date 160 Cursillos have been held, attended by some 3000 men and women. The fruits of the Cursillo are there to be seen with many becoming involved in other groups and associations, some of which were started by people who had also done the

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Cursillo.

The Gibraltar Cursillo Movement has been a member of the European group of Cursillos since 1982. Leaders have attended Encounters all over Europe and one such meeting was held in Gibraltar in l998. Gibraltar was elected for the rotating presidency from 2005 to 2009 and four Gibraltarians, together with three Irish leaders, launched the first ever Cursillo in Durban, South Africa. Now Cursillos have been introduced in other African Dioceses. When we think back and consider all that has been achieved over years, we can only thank God for His endless blessings, and for the unconditional power of the Holy Spirit, without which, nothing would have been possible.

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ver the years, the lives of many people have been touched through the Cursillo Movement, here are two testimonies:

Anne, 41 years old.

“I did my Cursillo about six years ago, and it was not only one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, but it definitely became the moment between the before and after of my life, as a Christian who now enjoys God’s love and influence all day in everything I do, think and say.

Following the three days of the Cursillo, I left with so many good memories and so many friends that it would be both impossible and unfair to say which moment I enjoyed the

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best. The songs, the prayers, the stories, the new friends and above all I met Jesus. I look back and it seems unbelievable that I am saying this but thanks to the Cursillo once again I felt I had a purpose in life, my days are now more meaningful and enjoyable and the hard times in life are just moments I can share with Jesus, and make them opportunities to grow and learn and above all to help and love all those around me.

The Cursillo helped me to bring God into my life and into my home and now all the family have full faith and trust in him and his great plan for us. He is always there for us and we feel his presence and his love all around us at home. I therefore would recommend everyone to go and experience the Cursillo, it changed my life for the better and I’m sure it will also change yours.”

Alfred, 35 years old.

“There is a general perception that you need to have a problem in order to experience a Cursillo.

Well I didn’t have any problems, I had a great family, good job,

good health and a great group of friends. But despite being happy and enjoying life, I could not help feeling that there was something missing. After having experienced the Cursillo I realised what was missing. I had heard people say that there is a space in your heart that is reserved for the Lord, that no one else can occupy, and I found out that that is absolutely true.

Having opened up my soul to the Lord I started experiencing a kind of happiness that I had never ever experienced before, it simply made a good life even better.” hy not join us at our next Cursillo weekends at the Retreat Centre, these are being held from the 15th to the 18th of October for women and from the 12th to 15th November for men. If you are interested please contact us on 58008885 or send us an email on cursillogibraltar@ gmail.com and we shall send you the enrolment forms, we look forward to seeing you there.

God Bless.

Cursillo Team of Leaders

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CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL I HAVE COME TO BRING FIRE TO THE EARTH LUKE 12: 49 Continued from page 9 ... during the praise and especially during the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.” In the words of another Gibraltarian “As usual, when one is surrounded by so many people praising and acclaiming the Holy Spirit, His love and peace is so strongly felt, that ones heart appears to be on the point of bursting open. That happiness and strength, directly helps us to continue with our daily challenges and can indeed only come to us from the Holy Spirit.”

The many other highlights of the Asamblea proceedings include the concelebration of the Eucharist by over 50 charismatic priests, and the teaching sessions conducted by the visiting preacher from Peru, Fr. Charly Garcia. Throughout the weekend his teachings are intertwined with sessions of prayer and praise, a presentation by the Charismatic Youth Movement, concurrent sessions of personal intercession and permanent sessions of the Sacrament of Penance.

The South American priest highlights a strong challenge in His Word (Deuteronomy 30:19-20.) This is really the focal point of the Conference in which He sets before us ‘Life and death, blessing and curse’ and encourages us to choose ‘LIFE’. Fr. Charly gives us his preaching in a very precise and clear way. He bases his talks on this Word making us aware that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal should not be watered down and become just a prayer meeting, but that we should ensure it stays true to its calling with the manifestation of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

This of course depends on our

attitudes of letting go of anything that enslaves us, to prevent us living the life in abundance He promises us and to be living testimonies.

The Peruvian priest gives us an emotional personal testimony in respect of his two separate priestly Ministries for Health and for Vocations. The nurses at a hospital had asked him to try and help a terminally ill cancer patient who would scream day and night because of unbearable pain. He asks the patient for her help and to agree to a business deal. He encourages the patient not to “waste” her pain but instead suffer it in silence and to offer it to God in exchange for priestly vocations. He in turn will pray for more priests and for her to have the necessary strength to suffer in silence. On subsequent visits the amazed staff ask for his miraculous remedy for pain because the patient now suffers in silence; but he does not disclose the agreed arrangement.

The inevitable happens and the patient dies but she leaves this message to be given to the priest on his next visit “Tell Fr. Charly that I was true to my word right up to the end”. That year there was a record number of priestly vocations in Peru. Fr. Charly’s voice almost broke as he gave his testimony; there were few dry eyes among those who heard him give it.

Fr. Charly is also a natural comedian and has us all in stitches when he describes how the Peruvians capture monkeys using only a walnut! More importantly, his teachings range from Evangelisation and the need to surrender and abolish any of our physical or mental possessions, that impede God’s Grace flowing in our lives, to

the more historically based final Presentation. This deals with on the original founding of the Catholic Church in Italy, and poses the discussion question of establishing the identity of the actual founder. The participants hang on to his every word and you would have heard a pin drop in the silence that surrounds his inspired delivery.

Each day there is concelebration of the Holy Eucharist, it is a joy and a blessing to see over fifty priests publicly and enthusiastically sharing in the singing, praying and praising throughout the Mass.

The afternoon of the final day is devoted to personal meditation, prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings and graces received. In the evening in our hotel we hold a very fruitful and enjoyable Convivencia or session of sharing food and experiences in which everyone participates.

It allows us all to relax from the intensity of the Asamblea, without losing the newly found spiritual friendship, founded on the joy of selfless sharing with our neighbour. “Evening came and morning came: the fourth day”. (Gn. 1, 19) After a relaxed start to the return journey, we travel back to Gibraltar reversing the outwards trip and our route on the first day.

Mentally we thank God for the many graces we have received and for allowing us all to return home safely; already resolved to return to Madrid, God willing, to reap the blessings of attendance at the 2016 Asamblea. A blessed weekend of sharing and challenge with beautiful music to inspire us.

If anyone would like to savour another experience in the Power of the Holy Spirit, why not join us on the weekend 9-11 October!!

‘Taste and see that the LORD is good’ Psalm 34:8

A FEW TESTIMONIES “I feel that with the grace of God, it has been confirmed to me that I have been freed from a very heavy burden after many years of prayer. Very great experience, very happy that I went. Very powerful and much joy especially when the Blessed Sacrament appeared.”

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“Finally after many years of wanting and needing to let go of certain things, I believe that God has given me the strength to leave my worries in his hands. I have never felt so much at peace.”

“The example illustrating the difference between the hen that lays an egg as her donation to breakfast, and the pig who has to die to make his contribution, touched my heart in respect of forgiveness and commitment.”

“When listening to the music ministry, the flute and violin touched my heart.”

“On the first day, the entrance of the Blessed Sacrament, exposed in the monstrance and carried on high by the priest who never tired of lifting it, elated the whole assembly.

Never have I experienced how the people never tired of praising the Appearance of our Lord in our midst for that length of time. The praising was intense and everyone was touched to the heart.”

“The reaction of the crowd, when the Blessed Sacrament was brought into the auditorium, reminded me of the scripture where Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the jubilant crowd greeted him with tears of joy, singing and praising. “

“Lo de las perlas que a que sacar todo lo viejo que hay dentro de mi La presencia del Señor en el Santísimo cuando esta bajando el sacerdote me impacto muchísimo. Cuando las dos mil personas echamos nuestras quejas, angustias, ansiedades etc., escrita en un papel, y el sacerdote comento el Señor se a llevado todo!”

“Cuando venia el Santísimo me emocionaba muchísimo y la multitud alabando y glorificando a Jesús era un gran jubileo.”

“I could visualise the Lord walking down with his white gown.”

“A mí me impacto mucho que el primer día cori con un grupito para coger sitio donde sabíamos que pasaba el Santísimo pero no estábamos junto al grupo y en obediencia nos movimos y proteste porque estaba cerca de los altavoces pero cual fue muy sorpresa... el sacerdote bajo y tuve el Santísimo delante de mi... que bueno y grande es mi Señor!”

was that if anybody had a little bit of doubt about the existence of our most high Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, they just had to look around and see everybody else praying and be convinced that everybody else could not be wrong”

“On the fist day of the conference (asamblea) after the worship and praise, the Adoration started. As He appeared in the hall, all those present raised their hands towards JESUS. There and then I had a very clear understanding that He is the KING of kings, HIS MAJESTY could be felt in the air and what is most touching is that, being the KING of kings, HE comes to us as the GOOD Shepherd, full of LOVE, COMPASSION and MERCY. I could feel the depth of HIS LOVE, for me, an

unworthy sinner. I also felt the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT, as HE bathed me in HIS LOVE, when we sang in tongues with the music ministry.”

“The priest crying when he was moving around the sick with the Blessed Sacrament. One lady in a wheelchair got up and slowly walked towards the monstrance whereby the priest covered her with the Humeral Veil and she came out dancing and praising.

Praise and Glory to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament!”

who has abundant mercy for all who humble themselves before Him. A blessed weekend of sharing and challenge with beautiful music to inspire us.

On the Sunday when all the priests were called to the stage, there were about 100, the whole assembly prayed for them.

The ‘Our Father’ was really touching when over two thousand people joined hands.

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here was a moving ceremony of liberation on Saturday. During this, many took the brave step of coming forward. They offered up whatever was preventing them from letting His Spirit work in them, so they could give their ALL and persevere in their journey with a God

“If anything struck me most, it

“Praying after receiving Holy Communion I saw the Lord in a very bright, white shining light in front of me. The light came from His Sacred Heart into which I came closer, until I was totally immersed in this brilliant white light. A feeling of immense love was over powering.”

“When the Blessed Sacrament was taken around the auditorium and I looked back and saw the all 2000 people praising God, praising in tongues and men crying it really touched my heart.”

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