Dear Friends... Editorial selected by Fr. Stuart Chipolina
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his month we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. When we hear the name, “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,” most of us probably think of a statue that appears in many of our churches: the image where Jesus stands with his heart, burning with joy and love for us, exposed to all. Many of us probably do not think any deeper about this statue, and yet we are
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Do you let God love you?
called to more. Pope Francis, in his 2013 homily on the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, said, “It is more difficult to let God love us than to love Him! The best way to love Him in return is to open our hearts and let Him love us.” Every time we see these statues we are reminded to open ourselves to the love of Christ and give ourselves completely to him as he does. He lays his heart open before us as an example of how to live our lives. The readings for the Solemnity also give us great insight into the importance of the Most Sacred
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Heart of Jesus and how we can relate it to our lives. The first reading comes from the Book of Deuteronomy, which means “second law.” The most striking part of this passage is where Moses says, “It was not because you are the largest of all nations that the Lord set his heart on you and chose you, for you are really the smallest of all nations. It was because the Lord loves you” (Dt. 7:6-11). These words are not just a reminder of the covenant that the Lord made with Abraham, but a foreshadowing and reflection on the sacrifice of
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Christ on the cross. Christ literally lays down his life, sets down his heart for us, the insignificant people that we are. Why? Because he loves us. He gives us his whole self so that we, in some small way or another, might experience the love of God more fully. The heart on statues of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is exposed to show us that he is “set[ting] his heart” on us, and it burns with his love for us. John, in his gospel passage 4:7-16, expounds upon this
On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo depicts Adam as only having to lift a finger to receive all the graces God offers and become a new creation; yet this seems too much effort for the languishing figure. idea of love and demonstrates for us how the covenant made between God and Abraham has been fulfilled in the Gospel. He explains to us that God is love and it is through our love for each other that we come to know God and serve him. John tells us about the importance of Christ’s sacrifice, “so that we might have life through him,” and while we have not seen God, he calls us to have faith: “No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.” We are not led blindly into a community of faith, but rather we are given a simple rule, to love others as God loves us. By following this commandment we remain one with God. This is
the message of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast day reminds us that Jesus gave us the ultimate example of love, laying down one’s life for another, and thus he set his heart upon us. It is easy to forget the humanity of Christ, after all he is the Son of God, walked on water, and rose from the dead, and yet he bled for us. When the soldier pierced his side with a spear, out flowed blood and water. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of Jesus’ humanity and the significance of his sacrifice. He suffered, he felt pain, he literally laid down his life and set his heart upon us. It is our turn to pick up what God has given us and share it with the world. Let us open our hearts
and share Christ’s love. This article was first published by Nicholas Shields a graduate of The Catholic University of
America in Washington D.C. and Immediate Past Grand Knight of the CUA Knights of Columbus on catholicapostolatecenter.org
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 Photo Credit: Faith and Light ‘Upon This Rock Community’ Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
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Gibraltar’s Secular Franciscan Community News
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ater this year the Lithuanian Franciscan Family will be organising the 3rd European Secular Franciscan and Franciscan Youth Congress in Kaunas from the 20th to 26th of August. As part of the preparations a competition was held to write music for the Congress Theme Song. Antanas Bluzas OFM, the National Spiritual Assistant of the OFM and
YouFra announced the text in the invitational video: ‘Whoever believes in Me, the waters of living water will flow from within him.” It was our very own Victor Francis, a member of Gibraltar’s Secular Franciscans who wrote the winning theme, and it will be used during the Congress in August. Once again the creative talents of the people upon this Rock have been recognised
in an international venue, where other countries with populations many times our own, many of whom have deep musical roots, have also submitted entries. The invitation can be found by googling “3rd European
Secular Franciscan and Franciscan Youth Congress”. For more information about the Secular Franciscans in Gibraltar contact Christine Frendo, Mobile 58008529
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If you can help call Christine, Mobile 58008529
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n Sunday 13th May, the Order of Secular Franciscans (OFS) from Gibraltar spent a very fraternal and blessed time with OFS Andalucia, at their Pentecost convocation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Rule approved by Pope Paul VI. We received a very warm welcome and were able to catch up with brothers and sisters we had met before and also got to know
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many others. Altogether there were over 80 OFS Members representing their Fraternities. Also very interesting and inspiring words on our Rule by Fr. JoaquĂn, the Guardian of the beautiful Convent of Loreto, (dates from 1500s) which is the Mother House for OFM. Our Fraternity was presented with copy of the Rule. Thanks be to The Lord.
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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. Join us on Facebook
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Bishop Carmel Zammit Lenten Appeal: John Newton and Monica Zorita write...
Syrian bishop appeals
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elkite Archbishop Jean Abdou Arbach of Homs, Hama and Yabroud told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need that after seven years of war – and the latest bombing raids on the country – Syrians are tired of the conflict. Archbishop Arbach said: “People cannot take any more. “They simply want to live an ordinary life, to sleep peacefully in their beds and wake and go to work, and not to the sound of falling bombs. “It is enough – it is too much.” The prelate called for everyone around the world to pray for the Syrian people and for lasting peace. He said: “We want and we need peace – please pray for us. “We need prayers, prayers and more prayers. It is the only thing that can bring us unity in this country.” He added that Pope Francis
had also asked for prayers for the situation in Syria. On Sunday 15th April, Pope Francis said: “I am deeply disturbed by the present world situation, in which notwithstanding the instruments at the disposition of
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the international community, it struggles to agree on a common action in favour of peace in Syria and in other regions of the world.” He added: “I pray incessantly for peace, and I invite all people of good will to continue to do
Students from Damascus walk through the ruined city of Homs in Syria, 2018 ©IUST
Following the attacks in Syria earlier this year, one of the country’s leading bishops issued an impassioned plea for peace – saying that the country needs prayer and not further violence.
the same. “I appeal anew to all responsible political leaders, so that justice and peace may prevail.” Archbishop Arbach added: “What was the point of this war? “Everything has been destroyed, there are millions of refugees... If only the politicians of the world would work for peace and not for war.” ACN is helping with projects in Homs including scholarships for 4,000 students and the provision of essential foodstuffs and medicines. The charity is also supporting repair of homes and Church buildings. Archbishop Arbach said that up to 80 percent of churches and catechetical centres in his archdiocese have already been rebuilt. Aid to the Church in Need is a Pontifical Foundation directly under the Holy See. As a Catholic charity, ACN supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in need through information, prayer, and action.
Melkite Archbishop Jean Abdou Arbach of Homs Photo © Aid to the Church in Need
for peace
Sister Annie Demerjan works with the charity ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ in Syria, she described how young families are struggling in war torn Damascus. She explained that because of rampant inflation: “Life has become expensive 100,000 Syrian pounds (£140) is needed for medicine and rent every month. None of the families can afford this – they earn less than half this amount. “It is very difficult for people to find work here and those who do work earn very little. This is especially true for the old people.” The world is largely silent in the face of Christian persecution. The scale of the problem is so great, silence is no longer acceptable. Persecuted Christians need YOU - and all of us! Together our prayers and actions can make a difference. You can PLEDGE YOUR SOLIDARITY by: • Praying ACN’s Prayer found in leaflets in your local Church, or your own prayers for Persecuted Christians in danger. • Sharing this article and Christian Persecution facts with others so that all understand the need.
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Donation Details:
Bishop Carmel Zammit Lenten Appeal for‘Aid to the Church in Need’, Gibraltar International Bank, Account Name: ‘Trustees RCC/CAN’ Account Number: 00812022, Sort Code: 60-83-14.
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Sharing the Journey
Faith and Light Upon This Rock Community Lourdes Pilgrimage
Easter Week 2018
Faith and Light was started in 1971 in Lourdes by Jean Vanier and Marie-Hélène Mathieu. Faith and Light are communities made up of persons with an intellectual disability, their families and friends, particularly young friends, who meet together on a regular basis in a Christian spirit, to share friendship, pray together, fiesta and celebrate life. In Gibraltar we are blessed to have two communities of Faith and Light which started in November 1989: Upon This Rock and Covenant of Love. It had been some years since the last time Faith and Light Gibraltar had gone on pilgrimage to Lourdes, and many members of Upon This Rock Community had being wanting to return for some time and many of the new members who had never been
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were also asking to go. The coordinating team also felt a Pilgrimage was needed and we decided on Lourdes. Upon This Rock Community was blessed in spending three days of Easter Week together in Pilgrimage at Lourdes. Here’s a brief summary of our Pilgrimage and how we lived it as a group... On our first day after breakfast and Morning Prayer at the hotel, Fr. Paul showed us around the Sanctuary, explaining to us the history and events of Lourdes. We washed our faces like Mary had instructed St. Bernadette to do; we visited the Grotto together, followed by mass at St. Joseph’s Chapel. Before we had free time to have lunch and wander around the shops, the leaders highlighted the importance of Confession and the opportunity to visit the baths. We came together again for Evening Prayer followed by dinner at the hotel. After dinner we made our way to the Sanctuary to take part in the torchlight procession. It was an inspiring sight to see so many lit candles and everyone joining
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together to pray the Rosary and sing the Ave Maria. On our second day, after breakfast, we all headed to International Mass in the underground basilica of St. Pius X, and to our surprise we proudly witnessed Nicholas Payas read a bidding prayer, Charles Zammitt serving as an altar boy and Fr. Paul concelebrating. After mass we took the usual group photo and said Morning Prayer together opposite the Grotto with singing and dancing (Faith & Light style!). The afternoon was spent visiting St. Bernadette’s house and with free time... some went shopping, others braved themselves to the ice cold baths as an act of faith and some got the cable car to the mountains. Our evening was spent in saying Evening Prayer and dinner at the hotel, some went to the Torchlight procession again and others rested. On our third and final day the group did the Stations of the Cross, it was an uphill challenge for many but slowly in faith, as a group we made it through
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the life-size stations. Fr. Paul explained to us how each station had been donated by different countries. After the Stations of the Cross we made our way to the hotel for lunch and handed in our hotel keys. After lunch our pilgrimage came to an end with mass at the Hospital Chapel. This hospital is run by nuns that dedicate themselves to the care of hospital dependant persons that go on Pilgrimage to Lourdes, and is solely run by donations as they do not charge pilgrims for their stay. Even though we were all on a high and did not want to leave we were ready to make our way back home and nourish our little grotto within each of us.
Overall the trip was a true success. The group as a whole enjoyed themselves thoroughly and each of us was touched in some way. This little family of ours truly is blessed! A big thank you to all those who have made this trip possible. Continued overleaf...
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Faith and Light Upon This Rock Community Lourdes Pilgrimage
Testimonies
Lizzie Ferrary
I remember being told that outside the religious domain there were hundreds of hotels that cater for the millions of pilgrims that visit Lourdes every year and the inevitable shops selling all manner of souvenirs, some more tasteful than others but the sight of this reminded me of something I had read prior to visiting Lourdes; “While one can complain about the commercialism in Lourdes, I think there’s something pleasingly subversive about those endless shelves of knickknacks. I imagine the places where those trinkets are likely to end up, how they will find their way into nursing homes, hospital rooms and bedside tables, into the pockets of chemotherapy patients and the hands of soldiers
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going off to war. Though small and inexpensive, those tokens carry a powerful message: they are a reminder that the broken and wounded will be the first to enter the Kingdom of God, that miracles are possible even when the darkness seems overwhelming, and that the most unlikely among us can receive a life-changing vision of light.”
I enjoyed everything but most of all the torchlight procession which was beautiful at night, the grotto and the basilica of the rosary which is three churches one on-top of each other. I really liked my experience there and also meeting new people.
Vanessa
Rachel & Kenneth Cruz
I was very upset when I saw all the sick pilgrims in Lourdes. I cried because there were no miracles to cure them. Suddenly, I realized that there is a miracle in each of their hearts where the mercy of God exists.
Jane & Peter
We are very thankful to this family of Faith and Light. It was a beautiful pilgrimage to Lourdes which certainly touched our hearts in a very special way.
Ian Ferrary
Lourdes was a fun and joyful experience that I enjoyed spending with my friends from Faith and Light.
Daniella Vinent
At first we were unsure whether Kevin should go to Lourdes due to his medical condition but the wonderful people of Faith & Light gave us such reassurance that it gave us the courage to let him go. This is the best thing that has happened to us as parents, we see Kevin more confident and happy, and he wants to do more things on his own. Kevin is looking forward to his next trip with the Faith & Light. God bless Faith & Light.
Helen & Julian De Las Heras
Julian and I had a fantastic
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time on the trip to Lourdes. We travelled with an amazing group of people who we now consider as friends. Lourdes was an enriching experience which brought us an inner peace. St. Bernadette pray for us all.
Gillian Mena
What can I tell you of my experience in Lourdes: I felt so peaceful like nothing could harm me there; I was surrounded in this cloud of calmness. I felt very emotional, I know that God is everywhere, but I felt like He was just there beside me and that He was listening to all my prayers which I pleaded with all the faith in my heart. It was a beautiful experience and I will treasure it always.
Contact Info
If anyone is interested in joining one of the communities please follow us on Facebook by liking our page, there you can message - Faith and Light Gibraltar. Or call Natasha Passano on - 54014088
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A MARVELLOUS LOVE
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t all began on the sixth day of creation; “And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them”. Here it all begins, the family of man. Since that day, building community remains central to our spirituality. Genesis tells us it is not good for man to be alone and despite mans diaspora throughout the world we have created a work obsessed consumerist society which often keeps
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us apart from family and friends. Be that as it may, there is a continual searching for community, as modern day technology connects us instantly to anyone anywhere. Yet there is often an emptiness in this.
We can go back to the early 1st century. They were cousins, Jesus and John the Baptist, born within six months of each other. Their mothers had conceived in astonishing circumstances and the younger Mary immediately set off to visit her cousin
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Elizabeth, through the hill country of Judea, an arduous and often dangerous journey. It was kinship in action, this wanting to be with the other and share their joyous news. These days we probably do this through some electronic means and while this does serve families, to share each others news, once the send button is pressed a sense of emptiness might persist for a while.
They had a lot in common as cousins often do. Both their births fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. The Archangel Gabriel announced their conceptions and both their names were divinely given by God. Both their public ministry began at age thirty. Of their early days little is known, growing up far apart where travelling was not easy. I feel it is reasonable to assume that both families would have met at least a few times when they went up to Jerusalem for the yearly celebrations. It was a time for families to meet and catch up on family news, births, marriages, deaths, as happens at all family gatherings today.
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We are in the month of June, named after Juno the goddess of marriage. This is a lovely benign month of warm days and long evenings and is very popular for wedding celebrations. One of it’s birthstones is the Moonstone representing change, new beginnings, and it’s flower the Honeysuckle embodies devotion, love and fidelity. Indeed a month for marriage!
Now, both John and Jesus have marriage in common. John (that man from the desert, “prepare the way of the Lord”) had rebuked Herod for stealing his brothers wife Herodious and she was furious. John had been arrested and thrown into a dungeon where he awaited his fate. It was to be death by beheading, thus he died in defense of the sanctity of marriage. Whilst his cousin Jesus began his public ministry at a wedding in Cana. The sacrament of marriage binds two people in kinship, a relationship bound by biological and social ties. Kinship is not about serving the other, but being with the other, having a place in a warm heart. It is a cultures way of recognising family rules and obligations. Pope Francis; “indeed the good of the family is decisive for the future of the world and the Church”. Prayer is necessary for this as he explains; “praying the Rosary together, around a table (well I remember kneeling on the cold floor as my mother gathered us for this special time), is very beautiful and a source of great strength”. He worries; “everything changes so quickly, nothing lasts long, this mentality leads for many
Anne Mesilio ©Dinesh Valke
preparing for marriage to say “we are together as long as love lasts, all the best, see you later”.
There is a hunger in us to belong which keeps us searching despite broken relationships. It is a deeply rooted desire which keeps us wandering, often unable to settle and often resorting to drink and/ or drugs, as a way of
filling the emptiness. Only love sets us free. “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package” (John Ruskin). Think about that, how very true, as the bible reminds us, “one body, many parts”. We need each other. Simple! It starts with family and this quote always makes me smile; “When my sister Joan arrived, I asked if I could swap her
for a rabbit. When I think what a marvellous friend she has been, I’m so glad my parents didn’t take me at my word” (Maeve Binchy). Our relationship with God and each other is at the heart of the gospel message, “love others as much as you love yourself”.
We talk about love but its essence is in giving and receiving. Love has to be active, a way of being. Man is a spiritual being as well as a social one and spirituality asks us to recognise the presence of God within us. To do this it must entail the breaking down of barriers between us humans and to see God in each other.
We celebrate the nativity of John the Baptist on 24th June. The Birth of St. John the Baptist is one of the most ancient of all the Church’s feasts.
It was the firm belief among the faithful that John was freed from original sin at the moment when his mother met the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1, 45). All over Europe, from Scandinavia to Spain, and from Ireland to Russia, Saint John’s Day festivities are closely associated
© By Aftabbanoori -Wikimedia Commons
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with the ancient nature lore of the great summer festival of preChristian times. Fires are lighted on mountains and hilltops on the eve of his feast. They were an ancient symbol of the warmth and light of the sun which the forefathers greeted at the beginning of summer. Then they pray together to St. John for his intercession that the summer may be blessed in homes, fields, and country. For love to grow it has to be a relationship with God, as we need the grace of his strength, his blessings and mercy for it to grow into a marvellous love.
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