Diocesan News
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t a presentation on Thursday 9th November at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Monseigneur Charles Azzopardi launched a DVD edition of the popular local film ‘Jennifer’
The film’s Director, Nina Danino sent a message to say she had wished she had been
Erratum
The front cover of Upon This Rock, Issue 197 November 2017 showed Mgr. George Grima’s dates as 1950 - 2016. The dates should have read 1950 - 2017, we apologise profusely for any distress caused. EuropeAxess Media Ltd.
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NOW
JENNIFER ON DVD
AVAILABLE
The Discalced Carmelites or Barefoot Carmelites is a Catholic mendicant order with roots in the eremitic tradition of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. (Discalced is derived from Latin, meaning “without shoes”.) The order was established in 1593, pursuant to the reform of the Carmelite Order of the Ancient Observance by Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross. The film follows a day in the life of the convent and is centred around Gibraltarian Sister Jennifer del Corazón de Jesus, formerly Jennifer Gomila, who tells her story. She has been a Carmelite nun in Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Ronda for over 30 years. Sister Jennifer was formerly very active with the Catholic youth in Gibraltar. The convent, attached to the church in Ronda, was
able to visit Gibraltar for the event and explained “This DVD follows the film I made of Jennifer which was screened in Gibraltar in April 2016. I want to thank the sponsors of the DVD; Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, the Government of Gibraltar and the representatives of the
originally home to the Order of Mercedarios, and in the early 17th century many wonderful paintings were commissioned by the order, including a set of twelve reliefs from Sevilla depicting the life of San Pedro Nolasco and one of these remains. All apostolic groups try to be self supporting and many famous brand names come to mind where religious orders produce food or wine for instance to sell on the open market. Closer to home, there are frequent pilgrimages to nearby Convents from Gibraltar when people stock up on delicious baked goods. The DVDs, priced at £10, were available to purchase after Mass during November, but if you missed out they are also on sale at the Cathedral Bookshop. All proceeds go to the Carmelite Convent in Ronda.
Gibraltar firms; Valerie Holiday of Hassans and Arturo Capurro of AM Capurro. Also a big thank you to Henry Earle for his support and to Fr. Charles for organising the dissemination of the DVD which is now available to the Gibraltar public. Many thanks, Best wishes, Nina”
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. Cover Artwork: Girolamo da Santacroce, The Nativity.
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Jane Austen A Christian hero on our Currency.
Christian Values
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ith 2017 marking the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, the author, famous for her groundbreaking irony and cynicism in a time of more sentimental writing styles, has the honour of becoming the new face of the Bank of England’s £10 note, the first woman to do so, aside from the Queen.
“Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard, to address thee with our hearts, as with our lips. Thou art every where present, from thee no secret can be hid. May the knowledge of this, teach us to fix our thoughts on thee, with reverence and devotion that we pray not in vain. Look with mercy on the sins we have this day committed, and in mercy make us feel them deeply, that our repentance may be sincere, & our resolutions steadfast of endeavouring against the commission of such in future. Teach us to understand the sinfulness of our own hearts, and bring to our knowledge every fault of temper and every evil habit in which we have indulged to the discomfort of our fellowcreatures, and the danger of our own souls. May we now, and on each return of night, consider how the past day has been spent by us, what have been our prevailing thoughts, words, and actions during it, and how far we can acquit ourselves of evil. Have we thought irreverently of Thee, have we disobeyed thy commandments, have we neglected any known duty, or willingly given pain to any human being? Incline us to ask our hearts these questions, Oh! God, and save us from deceiving ourselves by pride or vanity …”
Her father is quoted as saying of her “Faultless herself, she always sought, in the faults of others, something to excuse, to forgive or forget … She never uttered a hasty, a silly or severe expression”. Also the characters in her novels who experience true happiness, are those who care about others. She wrote into them an esteem of the behaviour and sensibilities of
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which she is known. In ‘Mansford Park’ of Henry Crawford’s attempt to explain Fanny’s character she wrote “Henry Crawford had too much good sense not to feel the worth of good principles in a wife, though he was too little accustomed to serious reflection to know them by their proper name; but when he talked of her having such a steadiness and
Rectory & Letter Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org
Jane was born to Cassandra Leigh and George Austen at the Rectory in Steventon, Hampshire, on December 16th 1775. Not only was her father a reverend, but two of her brothers and grandfather were The Rectory also clergymen. Growing up in this environment imbued Austen with a strong moral compass, something that can be seen as part of the scaffolding on which her
books and letters are shaped. As well as these she also wrote prayers. They are notable in their raw, less lyrical style. They appear to be written not for the enjoyment of others, but in direct communion with God.
Letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra, 11 June 1799 regularity of conduct, such a what Jane Austen was like as high notion of honour, and such a person, as so many of her an observance of decorum as personal correspondence were might warrant any man in the destroyed by family members fullest dependence on her faith in an effort to censor her and integrity, he expressed what forthright social commentary, was inspired by the knowledge and as her religion was more of her being well principled and of a private affair. One can see religious.� that to the author, religion was Although it is hard to get something expressed through a fully rounded perspective of action and example, to be lived.
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Diocesan Events
Treat the Children to Sunday lunch with special guest Santa! Santa will be waiting with a personalised gift for each child. After meeting Santa, a roast meal and children’s menu will be served. In addition we will have a fantastic children entertainer to keep all the little ones entertained while the parents enjoy a relaxing lunch. Starters Cream of Parsnip Soup, Crusty Bread Classic Cocktail of Prawns, Baby Gem, Marinated Tomato, Marie Rose and Bloody Mary Chicken Liver Parfait, Ciabatta Toasts, Apple Jam and Seasonal Leaves Mains Roast Rib of Beef or Turkey, All the Trimmings, Seasonal Vegetables Pan Roasted Salmon, Cauliflower Puree, Butter Bean and Tomato Cassoulet Puff Pastry Mille-Feuille with Butter Nut, Spinach and Parmesan Cream Desserts Christmas Pudding, Brandy Custard, Mulled Berries Eton Mess with a Modern Influence Lemon Posset, Wild Blueberries £29.95 per person (10+ years) £16.95 per child (2-10 years) For bookings and enquiries please contact us: +350 20070500 eliott@ocallaghanhotels.com O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, 2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
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HOMILY OF HIS EMINENCE EDWIN CARDINAL O’BRIEN GRAND MASTER OF THE EQUESTRIAN
ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM GIVEN AT THE INVESTITURE OF NEW KNIGHTS AND LADIES IN THE LIEUTENANCY OF GIBRALTAR
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At the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned 18 November 2017
riends, we gather here with much joy and thanksgiving to receive four Knights, and one Dame, and Bishop Zammit as new members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. We congratulate them as we acknowledge His Excellency, our Lieutenant Charles Sacarello and his colleagues for their considerable efforts in bringing the events of this day to fruition. (I again warmly greet His Excellency, Archbishop Carmel Zammit, and congratulate him on his having been installed as the Grand Prior.) As a result of what we do during this liturgical celebration,
this Lieutenancy for Gibraltar will be further strengthened, our worldwide Order enriched, and the Mother Church of our Catholic Faith, Jerusalem, will be assured of increased prayer and support. Jerusalem… Jerusalem… The site of the Cross and of the now empty Sepulchre… In our special relationship to Jerusalem, we members are offered a special relationship to
Jerusalem! Jesus. What love Jesus had for his city. Consider that Gospel picture that we are all familiar with. For the last time, Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem, his city. The palm fronds celebrating his ecstatic welcome still line the hillside road and for a solitary, poignant moment he stops: “Jerusalem, if only you had known, if only you had known...the time, this time of your visitation.” And he weeps. Like every faithful Jew he loved that Holy City and though he as yet couldn’t bring into view the beloved Temple in the distance, his heart stirred with emotion. Its beauty, its history, its symbolism – for his Father had chosen Jerusalem as His city and loved its very stones. Jesus loved Jerusalem as His Father did – the Father who, century after century sent prophets whose warnings fell on deaf ears. Now, his patience has run out – yes, even God’s patience can be exhausted – and the Father sends the final prophet, his Son, his only Son. And Jesus weeps! On an earlier visit to Jerusalem, we hear Jesus’ lament even more poignantly:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to
gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing (Lk. 13:34) And he weeps!
What love Jesus had for His City. And how shortsighted would we be were we not to realize that he still loves Jerusalem with all that same human tenderness – that was his when he wept over it! He had walked that land, taught in its synagogues, poured out all his energies to heal illness, to preach peace and offer hope to those poorest and most hopeless kindred of his. And does he not weep for them still? Surely, His love continues today for His people and His city. And may I suggest to you members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre that it is this, Christ’s very love for his land, that today breathes grace into our hearts to love those people whom he loves so passionately. And should not his grace from heaven prompt us to weep, if only figuratively, over His Father’s
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Diocesan Events
Chosen Land, when we become aware of the persecutions and denial of human rights, hatreds, plottings, betrayals and even killings that beg a civilized world’s response? But how little response there continues to be! Brothers and Sisters of our Order, dig deep into your heart’s imagination to see, to realize that it is Jesus who inspires and encourages our mission today. And the symbols – as important and central as they are to today’s ceremony and to our identity, the mantle, the spurs and the sword – lay them aside, mentally, if only for a moment – and ask the Lord to encourage in us – new members and old – a deeper personal holiness and a renewed commitment to his Land and his People. One sure, tried-and-true path to renewing such a commitment, as many of you have and will
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continue to experience, is a periodic pilgrimage to that Land: to visit, encourage, and express solidarity with our courageous Christian brothers and sisters. To pray at the shrines that stand in the very soil where the mysteries of Christ’s life are memorialized, shrines still brimming with graces: in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and surely, at the Holy Sepulchre itself. Last fall, my secretary Fr. Bateman and I were on pilgrimage in Jerusalem. On separate mornings there we had the privilege of offering Mass – first at the site of the Crucifixion and then on the very altar of his Resurrection – moments long to be remembered. But that privilege brought freshly to my mind the mystery of the Eucharist – this Eucharist we are celebrating together, for example. Listen to what St. John
Paul II suggests: “The Death and Resurrection of Jesus was so decisive for the salvation of the human race that Jesus Christ offered it and returned to the Father only after he had left us a means of sharing in it as if we had been present there.” Think of it – as singular and privileged was our touching the very soil of Christ’s physical Crucifixion and Resurrection at the Holy Sepulchre, even more spiritually profound is our intimate unity with Christ in his Death and Resurrection at each Eucharist, Sacramentally celebrated! Every Mass is an unbroken identification between the priest’s words of consecration at the altar, Jesus’ words of consecration at the Last
supper and his pouring out of blood on a Roman cross. As we offer the Mass on this day we are entering God’s world, a sacramental world which abolishes time and space and draws us into the very action of the death and resurrection of Christ – as if, (says the Pope) we had been there as it took place. And for us who are uniquely dedicated to that place, the Holy Sepulchre, may this Mass serve as a sacramental pilgrimage to Calvary. As we do so, let there be no doubt that the Christ who then wept over Jerusalem is pleased, indeed takes joy in what we do to keep his presence alive in that City and Land which He loves. May our Mother and Queen of Palestine accompany us on our Pilgrimage.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
The Christian Mission Trust provides local Christians with donations for evangelistic 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.
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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Gibraltar’s ‘Cursillos in Christianity Movement’ Team Leaders write about the Celebrations held to mark their big Anniversary.
40 Years working
through and with the Lord
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he day finally came and the Catholic Community Centre was beautifully decorated with colourful balloons, bunting, paper chains and posters. A team of volunteers had worked tirelessly during the week to ensure that the venue depicted the “De Colores” theme and offered a fitting venue for this important celebration. Hundreds of invitations had been sent out
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but there was no measure as to how many people would turn up. The organisers wanted to ensure that they could give everyone attending something to relate to and bring back memories of what they had experienced during their Cursillo in Christianity weekend. There was a display of old photos of most Cursillos which had taken place over the last forty years, especially the early ones. These photographs aroused a lot
of interest from everyone who attended. The event started on Friday evening with an Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Fr. Jonathan with a packed hall of people in attendance. This was followed by some refreshments with His Lordship the Bishop and the new Vicar General of the Diocese, Mgr. Pardo, present. On the Saturday the day started with morning prayers followed by a talk by Fr. Jonathan that focused on the theme “For me, my life is Christ” (Pp. 1:21). It was great to see a full hall of people on both the Friday evening and on the Saturday for the full day event. Members of the original men’s and ladies’ Cursillos were present throughout the event together with other participants
from the early Cursillos, some of which have gone on to dedicate themselves to other groups and movements of the Church and parishes. There were also men and women present who have very recently experienced their Cursillos and it was great to see how the Cursillo has brought so many people together over the years. It was also very gratifying to welcome a group of about 20 people from the Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Cadiz and Ceuta who came to participate in the celebrations. Amongst the participants there were a group of women who had been part of the fourth women’s Cursillo celebrated in Gibraltar over thirty eight years ago. This group of women have been meeting every year on the anniversary of their Cursillo, they go to Mass and then enjoy some refreshments at a local cafeteria. When asked why she had attended the Cursillo so many years ago, one of these ladies stated that she had always believed in God but had always experienced a hunger to know more about Jesus. She confessed that at the time she knew very little about the Cursillo and that before experiencing the Cursillo herself she had even made fun of those that had experienced the Cursillo and used to call them the invaders. It was this
hunger to know more about Jesus that urged her and gave her the strength to take that step to attend a Cursillo weekend. She confessed that the weekend had been a bit of a roller coaster ride for her. The first two days she had found it difficult to get integrated into the group, she saw the other participants talking about things they had experienced and could see a joy in them that she was
not feeling and by the Friday evening she was feeling quite anguished to the extent that she had considered leaving. That evening, when everyone was sleeping, she went out on her own into the patio, prayed and spoke to God telling him how she was feeling. She asked God why she was not feeling what the others were feeling, that she loved Jesus so much and wanted to know more about him. She then had a personal experience, which actually scared her and she ran back in to the dormitory and covered her head with the bed clothes, everyone else was asleep. The next day she told one of her companions what had happened to her the night before and she was surprised to hear that her friend had had a similar experience. From then on the weekend felt totally different and she now knows that what she felt that night was the Holy Spirit touching her in a very special way. This lady went on to say that all these years later she continues to be on her fourth day, that she continues to want to learn more about Jesus, the more you know
about him the more you want to go on learning but that the main lesson she learnt through having attended the Cursillo was love and forgiveness. There were testimonies throughout the day from people who have worked in the Movement and others, who having experienced a Cursillo in Christianity, now work in other areas in the life of the Church. A talk on the history of the Movement and another on the Anniversary theme were also given by lay members, there was also a demonstration of the work of the development of Cursillos in Africa. The dedicated Music Ministry provided hymns and songs throughout the day. As is typically the case in any events organised in Gibraltar,
there was no shortage of food. An excellent lunch was provided by members of the Cursillo Movement together with some delicious cakes. It was wonderful, there was more than enough for the many people that attended. The event ended with a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Mgr. Pardo and concelebrated by Fr. Jonathan. After many months of enthusiastic preparation and hard work by many, God gave us a beautiful gift of a wonderful celebration for the forty years of the Cursillos in Christianity Movement in Gibraltar. A special thanks goes out to everyone who worked very hard to make this event possible. God Bless Cursillo Team Leaders
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Gibraltar’s participation in an International Prayer initiative for Peace
The Rosary on the In October we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, in Portugal.
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CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT 25th, 40th, 50th & 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned on Friday 2nd February 2018 at 7:30pm
Mr & Mrs:___________________________________________ Forenames: Husband___________________________________ Forenames: Wife______________________________________ Née:________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ E-mail:______________________________________________ Home Tel: ___________________________________________ Mobile______________________________________________ Date of Marriage:_____________________________________ Church:_____________________________________________
N.B. If marriage took place outside Gibraltar please produce a copy of the Marriage Certificate when handing in this form.
This form should be handed in at the Cathedral bookshop as soon as possible and not later than Friday 19th January 2018, alternatively, e-mail above detail/form to duos@gibtelecom.net -Please keep the details below for your information-
After the church service celebration, couples are cordially invited to the Catholic Community Centre for refreshments, along with four guests. This is due to the limited space available. Couples should arrive at the Cathedral on 2nd February 2018 no later than 7.15pm For further information or queries contact Denise Duo on Home no: 20043386 Mob no: 57021000 email: duos@gibtelecom.net
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his Event is very important for many believers around the World because the words of Mary seem to have perfect timing. Someone once said that there can never be too much prayer, especially in this time when we experience many dangers. Many people suffer war, conflict, and unfortunately there are many places that stand at the edge of war today. There are many iniquities that offend God’s love and goodness—this is our world. But the same Mary as once came
in 1917 is coming to us now, because this apparition is not just history. She is crying to us, “Pray for peace in the world and do penance.” Spiritual effort alone is able to propitiate God and rescue our globe before war and hatred. No weapon, no equipment of armies will win against the power of prayer, because God’s power is infinitely bigger. The response to this request and appeal of Mary, came on the day of the 7th October, 2017, feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, when the lay people in Poland created the project “The Rosary on the Border”. The intention of the action was to pray for peace and faith in the world. Incorporating the 100th Anniversary of Fatima and responding to the request of the Mother of God, over 1 million people on the west, north, east and south were praying for Poland and every other continent too. First, they attended Holy Mass, and then, standing on the border, prayed the 20 decades of the rosary. Many people also prayed in Europe, and around the world, even in Asia. We also joined with the people of
Border
Poland. Despite being 3000km away, we gathered in the Hospital Chapel in Gibraltar to pray also. The event started with Holy Mass for the sick and aged, which is a local, weekly custom on Saturdays. In fact, the Mass was a visible sign that our prayer was in unity with Jesus Christ and with the Holy Trinity where Mary stands with her Son.
After the Mass, around 30 people prayed the Rosary, praying the 20 decades: The Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries. Our intention was to ask for blessings for Gibraltar and for the whole World. It was a beautiful community of prayer that was concerned for our land, Gibraltar, but also for the whole of humanity. I would
like to emphasize that it was not a uniquely Polish initiative, but rather it concerned the fate of the globe. In public media there appeared accusations that the prayer had a xenophobic character aimed against particular groups of the people supporting nationalism and populism in Poland. Proving this accusation false, many groups of people, outside of the Polish border, even in Gibraltar too, were gathered in the name of God, praying for the World. We want to entrust to God, through the intercession of Mary, our life and the fate others. Thanks be to God! Fr. Peter Gasiorek
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Christian Unity
Throughout Christian history there have been numerous models used to express the nature of the Christian life.
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O
King, Priest,
ne of those influential models has been the focusing on three parts of Christ’s ministry, his roles as; king, priest, and prophet. The Christian life will always be more than these three roles, but these roles are fundamental. The latter is of particular interest,
especially in the confusing and misleading times we live in (though that is not to say other times were any less confusing or misleading). The role of a prophet is, in itself, a large and complex role. That being true, one thing we can point to is that prophets are truth-tellers.
Whether it is to give hope like Isaiah or to condemn the corruption and sin like Jeremiah; prophets are defined by their ability to speak truth when we most urgently need it. Prophets are those who speak truth and do so to the people they love (apart from Jonah, only God loved the ones that Jonah spoke to). So this leads me to an important question: where are our prophets today in the Gibraltarian churches? In considering this question, I want to take a note from my favourite modern prophets, the American theologian and philosopher, Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr is still to this day a man whose legacy has great influence, as his thoughts and ideas (and even his voice many years after his death) are still spoken about by some of our most respected leaders in the Church and in positions of secular power. One of his thoughts that stuck with me is this: “The final test of any true prophet is whether he has a word of God spoken against his group and not merely for it.” For Niebuhr, speaking truth to our own teams, tribes, or families is not only an option; it’s an imperative. For as St. Paul says: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rm. 3:23). Strangely, this verse can be both a hard truth and a balm. The doctrine of original sin is the great equaliser, it forbids us to fall into the false pretence that any of us can have the upper hand over anyone else. Therefore, our group is not immune to error or perfect, and it
Jeremy Gomez
and Prophet is most certainly in need of truth to be spoken. The balm comes in knowing that all other groups and individuals are the same. We are not as great as we think ourselves to be, but thankfully we are not alone in that harsh humbling. So where are we missing the mark and need to be told or where are we standing in disobedience and need to repent? Where are the prophets to lead us and to help us? The universal Church is a bride waiting to have her blemishes removed, we are not there yet, but one day our bridegroom will wash our scarlet sins away and give us the purest of white robes. In the meantime, there is one blemish that has remained persistent for the last millennia. We are a Church divided and we have been for far too long. In Gibraltar particularly and with a heavy heart, there are many tales of splits, isolation, and arrogance. Worse so, we cannot
point to one type of church that has done this, we have all been complicit. The Protestants have been complicit. The Catholics have been complicit. I have been complicit. We now need to be honest with ourselves, and others that we love in our groups and churches. From the beginning of the Church, the Lord has been clear on his desire for his bride: “that they may be one” (Jn. 17:22). The apostles, too, amongst greater difficulty than we experience within the Church, were unanimous on this issue: “anyone who hates a brother and sister is in darkness and walks around in darkness” (1 Jn. 2:11). Historically, and even to this day, we have done our best to try to rationalise or evade these commandments and warnings when considering the brothers and sisters who are very different to us; but those arguments have failed . The Calvinist Theologian Karl
Barth puts it succinctly: “we should not try to explain the multiplicity of churches at all. We should treat it the way we treat our own sin and those of other: as sin.” There have been great steps in the right direction over the last century; the Second Vatican Council gave space for much improvement and we can still see the fruits of it to this day. However, though we have come a long way, we are still a long way off. Perhaps to a point, where we cannot envision how to get to our destination. This is why we need prophets, they energise our imaginations and call us back to our true goal. Furthermore, the eminent Roman Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar wisely notes that a true reconciliation can only be carried out by the perfecter and founder of our faith, Jesus. But he continues, “what could be more Christian
than to hear out what one’s fellow Christian has to say?” As a Protestant Evangelical writing an article for a Roman Catholic magazine, that sentiment rings loudly and fills me with great hope for the Hand in Hand conference that will take place early next year. For even though we cannot see how to get to the point that we should be, we can walk in faith knowing that many great journeys to unforeseeable places, begin and end by taking the next steps in front of us. My prayer for the churches of Gibraltar is that we would take those next steps together.
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Anne Mesilio meditates on the Mystery
THE BIRTH OF
OUR LORD
“She gave birth to her first born and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the place where travellers lodged”.
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(LK 2:7)
imple words which have echoed through the ages, ones we repeat at this time of Christmas, but I wonder have we ever really plumbed their depths? On the face of it just another woman giving birth in troubled times of upheaval and uncertainty. Caesar’s first century decree to take a census of the entire Roman world caused people to pack and travel far from the security of home to different places and this saw hundreds of families vying for scarce shelter in the
middle of Winter. Among these were Joseph and Mary, heavily pregnant, who had travelled for days. Nine months earlier an astonishing event had changed their lives when the “Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Ghost”. Now, here they were, tired and travel weary, a birth imminent and no place to stay. Even today, in our thoroughly modern society, this scenario would be cause for concern. We know the story, she gave birth and Jesus Christ, Prince of peace was born to the world.
Since then, what? Look at it this way, Mary was a young girl who, in innocence and complete trust, had accepted the Angels declaration with the words: “be it done unto me according to thy word”. Phew, that’s mind boggling trust and in modern parlance I find it difficult to get my head round it! I ask again, since then what? Pope John Paul II offered this beautiful Christmas message in 1991: “Behold, I announce the
Midnight. From the depths of Bethlehem’s night, which is the night of all mankind, a gift has been given. ‘The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all men’ (Titus 2:11). Where is the peace we were gifted with that cold night long ago? Have we missed, misheard, misunderstood what really happened here? I suppose the answer is yes in a world filled with mans inhumanity to man. Do we feel we have immunity from the horrendous acts perpetrated against our fellow man? Where is the kindness and compassion which emanated from that stable long ago? Yes, Mary was young, this first century Galilean woman who submitted to God’s plan with obedience, and to whom he had committed “the treasury of all good things” was full of kindness and compassion. This was evidenced by her spontaneous journey to spend time with her cousin Elizabeth who was in advanced age and pregnant. An act of kindness is a spontaneous gesture of goodwill towards someone, kin or stranger and no doubt Joseph and Mary would have welcomed this goodness in action on that night. Mary did not moan or complain about her situation, just did the best she could and there is a lesson there for us today. As was the custom at that time, she wrapped her son in swaddling clothes, but was also wrapping him in kindness and love as she cared for him. We live in a world full of problems both global and personal that cause immense emotional pain which can, and so often does, make lives
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miserable. We seek solutions, and while problem solving has its merits, these difficult times can often be a chance to give ones life depth and meaning. Life cannot always be about changing, fixing, adjusting or even making better. If we are held, or can hold someone in kindness and compassion during these times, surely that is love in action. This is so true for those who suffer from mental illness and often feel isolated and alone and this goes for carers too. The burden of dealing with a chronic and severe illness within a family is an enormous stress and the feelings that arise are often
conflicting. Pope Francis: “Many times we are tempted to think that holiness is reserved only for those who have the possibility of detaching themselves from ordinary concerns so they can dedicate themselves exclusively to prayer,” he said. “But that’s not true.” Holiness, the Pope said, is a gift God offers to everyone and a response to his grace. It is the result of hundreds of little steps and gestures each day. And they will be different for each person depending on the circumstances of one’s life”. Substitute kindness for ‘holiness’.
Kindness is in a smile, a thank you, helping an elderly neighbour, offering your seat on the bus, at work, make the tea or coffee, there are hundreds of little ways that can make a difference to
someone’s day. There is no doubt technology has helped us keep in touch, through social media for instance, but it cannot ever be a substitute for the personal touch. I moved house recently and was inundated with the kindness of my friends who spared no effort in the enervating heat of August to make sure all went well. Others too whose helping kindness will hold a special place in my heart came forward to help make my life brighter and encouraged me to live joyously. “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food, if one of you says to him, go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (Jm. 2;15 ). Kindness is love in action. Let it flow from our hearts, not just at Christmas, rather let it be the river that carries us all through the year. I wish you the special Blessing of this lovely season.
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An Advent poem by Derek Panayotti who passed away earlier this year.
This photograph was taken some 10 years ago by the local photographer Mr Hanglin. It was Derek’s favourite photograph of himself.
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R. I . P DerekPanayotti
Derek Panayotti was a Gibraltarian who was a fairly well known character among the older segment of the Gibraltar population. When he was in school he took the part of Coriolanus in Shakespeare’s play of that name, this took part in the theatre in Macintosh Hall around 1965. Of late he used to sit smoking his pipe outside the Horseshoe restaurant/pub, he used to live above it. Occasionally passers by who knew him or people who were frequenting the restaurant would have a chat with him.
ADVENIT PAX CHRISTI (The Peace of Christ comes)
What if this were the World’s last night? With dawn would men betake themselves to flight? Or turn to stare upon the thorn-crowned God Whom they did kill on a squat hill-top Near Jerusalem ? Irrelevant the choice. Cast are the dice of individual lives. For now the judge is come To weigh on scales, assign to each The punishment of Hell Or the eternal Joy to those Who served Him faithfully and well. Now too the Day of Resurrection Is finally at hand, When graves shall yield their dead, Loved ones restored to those who mourn, And tears of bitter sorrow Changed into tears of Joy !
Derek’s school leaving report written by Brother D’arcy in 1966
For now - at last - is Peace come to the World! After Man’s long history of sanguinary wars God’s children left on earth can slumber now To nature’s tranquil songs, All care cast aside, Wake to the twittering of swallows in the skies...
Derek taught in the Grammar school, in St. Jago’s school and in the boys’ Comprehensive in Gibraltar. I knew him a little when we were both in school, he was a year and nine months older than me. We became friends when I returned from living in London in November 1994. He has a younger brother who now lives in Gibraltar, he came back a few years ago after having lived in Scotland, and is an active member on the Gibraltar heritage pages of Facebook. His two daughters came to Gibraltar from Brighton to attend their father’s funeral in early September. They both have young children. Gibraltar television showed a photo of him shortly after his passing away, in the background of ‘What’s on in Gibraltar’, one of the blackboards that are placed at different locations giving details of what’s coming soon was part of the picture. Derek was 69 years old, he was close to his seventieth birthday which was due on the 21st of September. Tony Chiappe
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