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A time of testing in We test pilots to see if they are fit to fly in all conditions...
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hat motivated Jesus to spend 40 days and nights of solitude, prayer and fasting in the Judean wilderness? This desert landscape was largely uninhabitable and was full of dangers for anyone who dared to venture in it for long. Danger from scorching heat by day and extreme cold at night, danger from wild animals and scorpions, plus the deprivation of food and the scarcity of water. For the chosen people of Israel the desert was a place of testing, encounter, and renewal. When the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, they wandered 40 years in the wilderness. This was seen as a time of purification and preparation for entry into the promised land. Moses went to the mountain of the Lord at Sinai and stayed there for 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting (Exodus 24:18). Elijah, after he was fed with bread from heaven, journeyed without any food for 40 days to the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:8). Jesus journeyed without any food to the wilderness for 40 days to prepare himself for the mission that the Father had sent him to accomplish. Why did Jesus choose such a barren, lonely place for an intense and long period of sustained prayer and fasting? Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us in their gospel accounts that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. Mark states it most emphatically: “The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness” (Mark 1:12). What compelled Jesus to seek solitude, away from his family and friends, for such a lengthy period? Was it simply a test to prepare him for his mission? Or did Satan want to lure him into a trap? The
word tempt in English usually means to entice someone to do what is wrong or forbidden. The scriptural word used here also means test in the sense of proving and purifying someone to see if they are ready for the task at hand. We test flight pilots to see that they are fit to fly under all conditions, including times of turbulence and poor visibility. Likewise God tests his servants to see if they are fit and ready to be used by him. On many occasions God tested Abraham to prove his faith and to strengthen his hope in God’s promises. Abraham obeyed willingly even when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. When the Israelites were sorely tested in Egypt for more than 400 years, they did not forget God. They kept God’s word and remembered his promise to bring them freedom from their enemies. Jesus was no exception to this pattern of testing. He went to the desert without food or shelter. Adam and Eve had everything they needed in the Garden of Paradise. But they ate of the forbidden fruit out of disobedience because they trusted in themselves rather than in God. They were cast out of Paradise and driven into the wilderness. Jesus freely enters the wilderness in order to regain Paradise for those who lost it. Jesus refuses food to show his dependence on the bread of heaven, the word of God, that would sustain him not only in his physical hunger, but in his hour of temptation as well. When Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus replies with the words of scripture, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (quote from Deuteronomy
Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com Cover: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims at St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Photo: Vincenzo Modica Thanks to Marie Luisa Dalli for lending us her print for the cover. 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 as a not-for-profit project.
To advertise: This magazine is hand delivered 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: 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 reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements.
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Lt. Mike Hunter. Wiki Commons
n the desert 8:3; see also Matthew 4:4). Where did Jesus find the strength to survive the desert’s harsh conditions and the tempter’s seduction? He fed on God’s word and found strength in doing his Father’s will. Satan will surely tempt us and he will try his best to get us to choose our will over God’s will. If he can’t make us renounce our faith or sin mortally, he will then try to get us to make choices that will lead us, little by little, away from what God wants for us. Jesus was tempted like us and he overcame sin not by his own human effort but by the grace and strength which his Father gave to him. He had to renounce his will for the will of his Father. He succeeded because he wanted to please his Father and he trusted that his Father would give him the strength to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way. Luke says that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1).
When tempted by the devil Jesus did not try to fight his adversary on his own human strength. He relied on the power which the Spirit gave him. Jesus came to overthrow the evil one who held us captive to sin and fear of death (Hebrews 2:14). His obedience to his Father’s will and his willingness to embrace the cross reversed the curse of Adam’s disobedience. His victory over sin and death won for us not only pardon for our sins but adoption as sons and daughters of God. How can we overcome sin and oppression in our personal lives? The Lord Jesus gives us his Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26) and to be our guide and consoler in temptation and testing (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Lord gives grace to the humble who acknowledge their dependence on him (James 4:6) and he helps us to stand against the attacks of our enemy, Satan, who seeks to
destroy us (1 Peter 5:8-10; Ephesians 6:10-18). The Lord Jesus is ever ready to pour out his Spirit upon us that we may have the strength and courage we need to resist sin and to reject the lies and deceits of Satan. God wants us to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) with the power and strength which comes from the Holy Spirit. Do you rely on the Lord for your strength and help? God Bless you, especially during this Lent, Fr Stuart Desert photo: www.mountainskills.biz
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Being a Pilgrim
Turin Shroud T
he Shroud of Turin, believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus, goes on public display this spring, at a time when experts are debating new claims about the 14-foot-long piece of linen. Although the Shroud of Turin has been studied from virtually every scientific angle, no one has been able to fully explain how the image was transferred to the linen cloth. Pope Benedict XVI has already made plans to view the shroud during a one-day trip to the northern Italian city of Turin in early May. Many observers are wondering how the pope will refer to the cloth: as a sign, an icon or — as Pope John Paul II once characterized it — a relic. The shroud’s last showing was 10 years ago, when more than a million people lined up to see it in the cathedral of Turin in northern Italy. Officials are predicting similar crowds for the exposition in April and visitors are being urged to book ahead.
Novena in Honour of Our Lady of Lourdes
Scrutinized by science:
Pilgrims come from all round the world to witness with their own eyes what they may have read about or glimpsed on TV. Most go away impressed with what they see: a faint image of a bearded man who appears to have been whipped, crowned with thorns and crucified. So far, no one has been able to fully explain how the image was transferred to the linen cloth, although experts have put forward theories ranging from enzyme reaction to solar imaging. The shroud has been studied from virtually every scientific angle in recent years. Its weave has been examined, pollen grains embedded in the cloth have been inspected, and red stains have been analyzed for haemoglobin properties. One thing is certain, the mystery will continue to keep the Shroud, and our Catholic faith in the limelight when it goes on display in Turin.
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nce again this year from 3rd to 11th February, the ever popular Novena of Our Lady of Lourdes was held at the Sacred Heart Church, the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The devotion to Our Lady seems to grow each year and this year was no exception. It was most gratifying to see the church packed each night. Service of devotions to Our Lady commenced in this Church in 1913 with a Triduum and the following year the first novena was held. This has continued annually to the present day with the exception of the war years. This year, being the year dedicated to the priesthood, and contrary to previous years when a preacher from abroad is invited to attend, an invitation was extended to local priests
to preach instead. Some priests acceded to the invitation and they together with Fr Jonathan de la Santa Cruz, the priest in charge of the Sacred Heart, preached on different nights throughout the novena. All sermons were very well received by the congregation present. Each night was dedicated to different Marian topics. However there were three nights that required the participation of the congregation. One night dedicated to the children when an offering of a rosary made of roses was presented by the children to Our Lady. The other was when the congregation were asked to make an offering of a flower, and an emotive night was the night of the healing service. The culmination of the novena was the now traditional outdoor torch light procession where the statue of Our Lady was carried on a portable platform by ladies through the streets of the upper town to the grotto at Moorish Castle Estate and then returning to the Church where closure of the novena took place with solemn benediction by His Lordship the Bishop Mgr Charles Caruana.
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A New Celebration Venue for Gibraltar
A. Sargent
On Cloud Nine! On Saint Valentine’s Day I had the great privilege of being a guest at a very special party held in the Mons Calpe Suite at the Top of the Rock. We had been advised that access to the party venue was by Cable Car, I am embarrassed to say that in the 17 years (almost to the day) that I have been living in Gibraltar, I had not been on the Cable Car! We found parking easily in Grand Parade and the staff at the bottom station had a guest list and called a Car for us as soon as we arrived. I felt very safe and secure in the large cabin. The staff were friendly, courteous and attentive, our every question about the Car and the mechanism answered. The view across the Bay of Gibraltar is of course amazing, as you rise up above the Alameda Garden trees. It was quite a magical experience. Last summer I visited the Alps and we went up several ski-lifts,
large and small around Mont Blanc, but gliding up the side of the Rock took us to new heights! We were greeted at the top station by the head barman who escorted us across the terrace and into the party venue. We found ourselves in a light airy bar decorated with white orchids and sepia photos illustrating some of the 200 years of MH Blands history, the stylish Mons Calpe herself, and one showing a radio operator tapping out morse code, evoking the grandeur of a bygone era. Contrasting the photo walls the decor is very modern with luxurious, white leather upholstery and elegant stainless steel furniture complementing the stonework, all finished to high specifications. The circular dining-room, with round tables and comfortable chairs, gives breath-taking views over the Rock to the north, the Mediterranean to the East, and the busy Bay to the West with
beautiful sunsets. The visitors from abroad were well impressed. One of our party said, “This is good for Gibraltar, it is totally unique”. There was an open bar and the bar staff saw to it that we were looked after. This was the standard of attention we received all evening, the service was top-notch. “Service second to none!” said one guest. The catering was also to the highest standards. After the main dinner, there was a lull in serving dishes, as people rose from the table and made their way to the bar, terrace or the disco, but then we were further tempted by tasty, titbits, spicy savouries as well as profiteroles, puffed out with whipped cream and chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries, these were brought round regularly throughout the evening. The disco area is in an enclosed
part of the terrace, with the same spectacular views, and the DJ clearly read the mood of the party keeping the guests on their feet with just the right beat and a dazzling light show. It was a memorable evening, and by the time the Levanter rolled in, we were all on cloud nine! Finally we called for a Cable Car and floated homewards under the stars. I bet the families and friends that gathered there will be talking about it for a long time.
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Ruins at Camp Mona. Photo:bridaltweet.com
Spreading the Devotion
Jamaica
Island of sanctuary and welcome.
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n late 1940, war had cast its long shadow over the Rock of Gibraltar and it became imperative to evacuate the remaining civilians. Heavy air raids had bombarded the Rock and this form of attack could not be endured as there was little space to accommodate the Garrison and the remaining civilian population. The Neuralia would be used to evacuate one thousand five hundred souls directly to the West Indies, to the sun drenched island of Jamaica. One of the many on board was Isabel Borastero, a scared and pregnant, crying twenty three years old, whose husband had stayed behind because he was an essential dockyard worker. This ship sailed across the war torn Atlantic but others before it had taken evacuees to bomb ravaged London, and those more fortunate to the peaceful island of Madeira. Today I can only imagine the cocktail of emotions which accompanied them on this forced exile, and the dull ache of separation which would never leave those torn away from their home land in uncertain war time. When the ship docked, hundreds of Jamaicans had lined the streets to welcome the Gibraltarians, and the local newspaper The Daily Gleaner has recorded the arrival thus; “History was made on the island as the ship steamed in with its human cargo, for it
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was the first close up this island has yet received of this devastating European war……..mainly women and children…….tears trickled down aged faces, and young ones too…..left behind husbands, sons, brothers…..” Despite this warm welcome it was a time of fear for Isabel who had never travelled from Gibraltar and did not speak any English and like many with her had never seen a coloured person. The Jamaican people are a mix of African, European and Asian and live on the lovely sunny, though hurricane prone island in blue Caribbean waters. The following year on the 13th April 1941 Isabel gave birth to a daughter, Lilian. The birth took place at the Victoria Jubilee hospital in Kingston. Her father was telegraphed the good news but would not meet his daughter for three years. She was baptized by the very Reverend Father Feeney, a kindly priest who had befriended the Gibraltarians. “My dream was to return to Jamaica, to see the place where I was born, and my husband Manuel always promised me that when he retired he would take me to Jamaica”, Lilian Gomez was telling me. “And did he keep that promise”? “Oh yes, we went in 1993, on my birthday, it was very special”. Eyes alight with memory she shared with me how emotional this visit had been. “We flew
out, a very different journey to that one in 1941; the Jamaicans were so warm and welcoming and were so amazed to learn I had been born there. I lost count of how many times I had to tell the story”, she laughed. “I loved sampling the food and would always ask for a local dish”. Nothing remains of where Gibraltar Camp had stood at Mona, five miles from Kingston, amid two hundred and fifty acres of a former sugar plantation. It is now the campus for the Univer-
sity of the West Indies where its health services are located at 11 Gibraltar Camp Way. Lilian met up with retired priest Fr. Feeney who was overjoyed to meet her and remembered the Gibraltarians with great affection. “I spent such a lovely time talking with him, it made my visit very special”. She also visited the old wing of the hospital where she had been born and admired the new one. This June, the diocese of Gibraltar is organizing a trip to Jamaica to present a statue of Our lady of Europe to the people of Jamaica. This enthronement has already taken place in London, Madeira and Northern Ireland where Gibraltarians stayed during the war. Lilian and Manuel have been to Northern Ireland as part of this visit in 2005. Manuel was evacuated at age four during the war and returned to the Rock when he was ten years old. It was a poignant and touching trip back for him. Lilian is delighted with this impending visit, “I was afraid Jamaica would get left out, being so far away and though I may not be going,
Anne Mesilio
Our Lady of Europe to Jamaica A
rrangements are in hand to present a replica of the statue of Our lady of Europe to the Diocese of Jamaica by Bishop Charles Caruana. The visit will consist of 7 nights accommodation at a 5 star hotel on full board basis,a visit to Mona Camp, including the University of West Indies which is situated in the camp. A visit to Papin. Optional excursions of the IslandPrice approximately £1250 Persons interested on this trip are requested to give their names at the Catholic Bookshop or contact Mgr. Charles Azzopardi at St. Theresa Church Tel: 20077138 email: rector@ourladyofeurope.net
it is a heartfelt gesture to the wonderful people of Jamaica”. The island was a sanctuary from the horrors of war and the real suffering experienced was one of separation, lack of news and the anxiety about when to return home. That day did come and Lilian’s father, once the ship had docked, scooped his three year
old little girl into his arms for the very first time. “I remember my mother telling me how he would not let me go and how she had to carry the bags”!!!! “The fairest isle that eyes have beheld”, Christopher Columbus declared on ‘discovering’ it in 1494. I think Lilian would agree.
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Stories of the Saints
Anne Mesilio
Saint Patrick’s Bell Saint Patrick had one small bell, but there are many grand tales told about it!
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hroughout the centuries stories related to Ireland’s national saint, Saint Patrick, have been embroidered and ‘improved’. That’s folklore for you, and all of this only adds to the tradition of myth, which is what gives a country its soul. Now a bell is a simple sound-making device and has featured in history for various reasons and uses. From the ancient Chinese to modern day bell towers, bells have been rung in warning, in war times or as a call to prayer. Saint Patrick had one, small bell, but there are many grand tales told about it. We are told he carried it around the country with him on his mission to convert the pagan Irish, way
bit of a bell! Yet, before he passed away almost the entire Irish race had been converted. Irish folklore has left us with a religious belief in Holy Wells, lots of which once received visits on St. Patrick’s Day. Its been said that once when he visited yet another village full of pagans they asked him to perform some wonder for them, then they might believe in his god. So, nothing fazed Patrick and he drew a great circle on the ground making the pagans stand outside it while he knelt in prayer and to their astonishment pure crystal water filled the circle and they believed and were baptized. No doubt he blessed the well so there was plenty of holy water! His little bell came to his rescue in 441Ad. He had retired to the summit of a hill, (764 metres, 2,510ft) in west Mayo, the one the novelist Thackeray described thus in 1843; “from an eminence I caught sight of not only a fine view, but the most beautiful scene I ever saw in the world”. This is the hill we now know as Croagh Patrick, Patrick’s Hill, where he is reputed to have spent forty days on its summit in fasting and penance. He was attacked by demons, especially the she demon, Corra. What did he do, yes, he started tinkling his
back in 432AD until his death on 17th March 460AD. He would ring it to announce his arrival in the many towns, villages and hamlets to call the pagans so he could preach the word of God to them. Now as I’ve said it was a small bell, about six and half inches with a further one and quarter inches of handle at the top making a grand total of seven and three quarter in height. It is made of two iron plates bent into shape by hammering and dipped in melted bronze. It must have had an exceptional sound for such a tiny
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little bell, the demons fled, Corra fell from her home in the sky, and yes, there is more, he was on a roll so to speak so he banished all the snakes from Ireland while the going was good! This little bell had a moment of glory one June day in 1932. The 31st International Eucharistic Congress was closing in Dublin, and this solemn occasion was marked by the ringing of St. Patrick’s bell. It was then returned to the National Museum in Dublin where it remains one of Ireland’s most revered links to the past, over one thousand five hundred years old. What about the legend of the shamrock? Well, I confess to having no idea who Thelkeld was, but he published a Treatise of Native Plants in 1772 and I quote; “this plant is worn by the people in their hats on the 17th March yearly, which is called St. Patrick’s Day, it being a current tradition that by the three leaved grass (grass! my exclamations), and I love this, “he emblematically set forth to them the mystery of the Holy Trinity”. The tradition lives on as these lines by Mai O’Higgins testify; “A little spray of Shamrock, When comes St. Patrick’s day, Will link the hearts of exiled ones, Wherever they may stray”. To all of you, who like me, have wandered far away, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.
Praying for the future in the NOW
Looking inward Dom Sebastian on the Copenhagen Summit
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ith our future on this planet unmistakably at stake, I am trying to listen to Jesus the pioneer of a new awareness, our true self whose aspirations are beyond the mean wishes of the ego and embrace the generations that are to succeed us on a planet that we are making uninhabitable for many. Such, and no less, are the dimensions of today’s Christmas wishes. To be in Christ is to be in a consciousness no longer threatened by death and so able and willing to build a new life on this planet that we have ravaged. O desire! Desire to desire a new earth for those we love. Let the Spirit activate in us the deepest desire we have, to make life wonderful for another, for others.
For me, as you know, Eckhart Tolle has opened the inner door, of which Jesus speaks, into the kingdom of love and wonder. Remember how the door opened for him: he said “I cannot any longer live with myself” and then something in him said “that’s a funny thing to be thinking. Are there two of me, I, and the self I cannot live with.” Then the voice said “maybe only one of them is real” - and then he was shaken with terror. Why, I have wondered for years, but now it’s obvious, there he was, fully conscious - of nothing, nothing to think about, no landmarks. Then that wonderful injunction: RESIST NOTHING! He obeyed, he let go, and was flooded with total peace for the first time in his life, and he’s
been there ever since, teaching people about it. How I need that story, to animate the tired rhetoric in which we have entrapped the Christmas message. The more I think about what is coming upon us, the more I am drawn inward as he was, into the self that he awoke in, able to look with new eyes upon what otherwise will be a nightmare. Only connect! Jesus says there will be signs of apocalyptic terror, which for us will be the signs of oncoming rebirth. This makes no good sense until we take the inward way into the power of now.
They had to take the planet’s temperature And when they did the doctor shook his head And said, for this complaint there is no cure We have to live another way instead The consequences are already dire But on the whole not for people like us Who thus become increasingly the liar And of humanity now murderous. Yet we are killers of the Son of God Who sends us in the Spirit deep within Ourselves whence we may find no longer odd A life unshadowed by old death and sin. At least to unacknowledged victims pray For their forgiveness just before our day. Photo Above: On the eve of the Copenhagen Summit, concerned citizens gathered outside the seat of government in Gibraltar, for a time of prayer and vigil. They focussed on tiny candles spelling out the symbolic number 350 the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in parts per million.
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St Pauls Pilgrimage to Rome
We went
Pope Benedict XVI spoke at the closure of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to cardinals, bishops, clergy, members of other Christian religions and us.
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n the evening of the 25th January at the Roman basilica of St. Paul’s Outside-the-Walls, the Holy Father presided at the celebration of second Vespers of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The celebration marked the end of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The event was attended by a number of cardinals and bishops, as well as by representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities present in Rome including Fr. Danny Hernandez, Fr. Mark Miles, Fr John Pardo, Fr. Michael Bonifacio and a group of pilgrims from St. Paul’s parish, Gibraltar, led by Fr. Stuart Chipolina. Fr. Stuart had selected a time, one of only three times when the Pope officiates at a service at St. Paul’s Outside-the-Walls. Because of the ecumenical nature of the service this was not a Mass. The congregation was much smaller than at a General Audience. Our group were positioned strategically near where the Holy Father would enter, and as he went to bless the baby, as seen on the front cover, some of the pilgrims were close enough to touch his garment. In his homily the Holy Father explained how the theme for this year’s Week of Prayer - “that is, the invitation to offer a shared witness of the risen Christ in accordance with the mandate He entrusted to His disciples” - is linked “to the hundredth anniversary of the missionary conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, which many consider as a decisive event for the birth of the modern ecumenical movement”.
Pope Benedict talks at St. Paul’s Outside-the-Walls, Rome 25.01.10
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“It is precisely the desire to announce Christ to others and to carry His message of reconciliation to the world that makes us aware of the contradiction of division among Christians”. he said. “The communion and unity of the disciples of Christ is, then, a particularly important prerequisite for a more credible and effective witness”. The Holy Father explained how, “in a world characterised by religious indifference and even by a growing aversion towards the Christian faith, what is needed is new and intense evangelising activity, directed not only at peoples who have never known the Gospel, but also at those among whom Christianity is present and has become part of their history”. “As we journey towards full communion”, he added, “we are called to present a joint witness in the face of the increasingly complex challenges of our time, such as secularisation and indifference, relativism and hedonism, delicate ethical questions concerning the beginning and end of life, the limits of science and technology, and dialogue with other religious traditions”. Pope Benedict continued: “There are other fields in which we must already show our joint witness: protecting creation, promoting peace and the common good, defending the centrality of the human person, and the commitment to defeat the poverties of our time such as hunger, indigence, illiteracy and the unequal distribution of wealth”. And he concluded: “Commitment to the unity of Christians is not just a task for the few, or an appendage to the life of the Church. Each is called to offer
to hear the Pope
Letter to the Editor
I Fr Stuart, umbrella in hand, led us to all the major basilicas in Rome
his or her contribution to help take those steps towards the full communion of all Christ’s disciples, never forgetting that it is, above all, a gift constantly to be implored from God”. he closure for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity marked the start of a week of prayer for a Dry Day by the pilgrims who all got very wet walking around Rome, on what many will now describe as a trip of a lifetime! Fr Stuart, umbrella in hand, led us to all the major basilicas in Rome that still form part of the ‘Fabric of Peter’ that is to say the domain of the Holy See, the buildings on Vatican Hill only being one part of the lands which makes up the Vatican State in Rome. Each new place of worship opened for us a world of art and craftsmanship that did testimony to the greatness of the Roman Catholic Church, now, today, in that these huge structures are living buildings with purpose, and not museums, for we heard Father
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say Mass each day in one of the basilicas, and once in the Catacombs. Their existence is also a testimony to the past when they were built, rebuilt, renovated and restored, a process that is continual, and will continue, by the grace of God and the generosity of the Faithful. There is so much to report from this week in Rome that I would need a ‘Special Issue’ to adequately cover what we saw. I will try to put Upon this Rock on the Internet soon. I’m sure I speak for my fellow pilgrims when I say here how very grateful we are to Fr. Stuart for taking us to Rome, and for making it such a life changing event for so many of us. Special thanks also go to our local guide Stefano for his in depth knowledge of the city, and the Vatican Museum, and the tour company representative María José who accompanied us and was very helpful throughout. Photos: A Sargent
wanted to make people aware how much hard work goes into preparing material for the Upon this Rock magazine and the GBC programme In Him I trust. When we were in Rome I was really touched because I had that blessing of touching the Pope’s arm as he passed us near the back of the Basilica. I felt really blessed and privileged to be there, the man in front of me who had the baby [see front cover pic] moved forward just a little so I could sit next to the barrier, it was just the right time and the right moment. But apart from that, I saw Angela Sargent, Patrick Mifsud and Johnny Harper carrying heavy loads of camera equipment for hours and hours. The Upon this Rock and In Him I Trust are the only local media available about our faith. The programme is very interesting and I learn a lot from it, we watch it every week, and
we grow in faith, we learn from the people who come on the programme by their example and testimony. Sometimes you hear what they say and their words touch you because they help you in your own life. And sometimes they explain things to do with the Church. Explanations of details of the mass, and traditions. Now we no longer learn these things in school so it’s very important for the priests that the people who attend understand why the things are the way they are, sometimes we just take for granted the different colours that appear on the altar without realising the reason. Father Stuart and Peter Cumming work very hard to prepare material each week. I am sure it must take a lot of work to find information and to find people to contribute to the magazine too. Well done to everybody involved and keep it up! Maria Luisa Dalli
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St Pauls Pilgrimage to Rome
The Fabric of Saint
“The Fabric of Saint Peter’s deals with matters concerning the Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles, with respect to the preservation and decoration of the building and behaviour among the employees and pilgrims who come into the church.”
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t is such an awesomely huge building I am sure I had lost sight of it as a ‘church’, but of course, St. Peter’s is the ‘Mother of all churches’, H.Q. of Catholics worldwide, and the numbers of faithful are growing. The Holy See says that from 2007 to 2008 Roman Catholics
grew from 17.33%t of the global population to 17.4%. The statistics are included in a yearbook presented on Saturday 20th February 2010 to Pope Benedict XVI. The yearbook says the number of priests rose from 2000-2008, and the number of nuns rose significantly in Asia and Africa over those eight years.
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According to Wikipedia ‘Nations estimated the world’s population to be 6,800,000,000 in 2009’ I’ll leave you to do the maths! Reading these facts, I am again extremely grateful that Fr. Stuart had timed our Pilgrimage when he did, and even the weather helped us as we had St. Peter’s Square virtually to ourselves, we were there early in the day, early in the year, and in the pouring rain. I can recommend this to be the perfect conditions for visiting H.Q. - no queues! The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is located on one of the hills of Rome, Vatican Hill. The name ‘Vatican’ predates the Christian Church and is the Etruscan name for one of the hills on the side of the Tiber opposite the traditional seven hills of Rome. It may have been the site of an Etruscan town called Vaticum.
In the 1st century A.D., the Vatican Hill was outside Rome’s city limits and so could feature a circus (Nero’s Circus) and a cemetery. St. Peter’s Basilica is built over this cemetery, on the site of St. Peter the Apostle’s grave. The picture quality of the photo to the left is poor, but you can just make out Fr. Stuart talking to the Gibraltar pilgrims assembled in front of four huge bronze columns. He is explaining that this structure is called a ‘baldacchino’ and was designed by Bernini and where it stands over the papal altar it is directly above the site of St. Peter’s grave. Standing there, with your head craned back to look up at this huge structure I was touched by the great love and devotion that is manifested in the tiny details of this piece. As a young boy, Gianlorenzo Bernini visited St.
Peter’s Peter’s with the painter Annibale Carracci and said he wanted to build “a mighty throne for the apostle”. He realised his ambition. When he was 31, in 1626, he received the patronage of Pope Urban VIII and Bernini’s first work at St. Peter’s was to design the baldacchino, part of which you can see here. It is a pavilion-like structure 30 metres (98 ft) tall and claimed to be the largest piece of bronze in the world, which stands beneath the dome of St. Peter’s and above the altar. Its design is based on the ciborium, of which there are many in the churches of Rome, serving to create a sort of holy space above and around the table on which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist and emphasizing the significance of the Mass. These structures are generally made of white marble, with inlaid coloured stone. Bernini’s concept was for something very different. He took his inspiration in part from the baldachin or canopy carried above the head of
the pope in processions, and in part from eight ancient columns that had formed part of a screen in the old basilica. Their twisted ‘barley-sugar’ shape had a special significance as the column to which Jesus was bound before his crucifixion was believed to be of that shape. Based on these columns, Bernini created four huge columns of bronze, twisted and decorated with olive leaves and bees, which were the emblem of Pope Urban. The baldacchino is surmounted with curved Baroque brackets supporting a draped canopy, like the brocade canopies carried in processions above precious iconic images. In this case, the draped canopy is of bronze, and all the details are picked out in gold leaf. The baldacchino stands as a vast free-standing sculptural object, central to and framed by the largest space within the building. It creates a link between the enormous dome which appears
to float above it, and where we stood at ground level. St. Peter’s Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people and is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites. It has been described as “holding a unique position in the Christian
Angela Sargent world” and as “the greatest of all churches of Christendom”. Many of us returned to St. Peter’s on our free afternoon, in small groups or as individuals, to spend time in the silent chapel of adoration there, in the company of Bernini’s angels.
Lord
Take us with you Lord Small as we are To the standing mountain That lies afar. To roses that bloom So beautifully together To flowers that grow In all kinds of weather.
To flowing rivers Winding their way downstream To stars in the sky Shining as in a dream. To valleys of old Fine pastures of green To the warming sun That above is seen.
And finally to your heart Whose door is always open For those little lambs You yourself have chosen. Lawrence A. Bellotti
NEW ROTARY WEBSITE
The Rotary Club of Gibraltar launched its new internet website on the 22nd February 2010. The Rotarians include on their interactive site many details of the organisation and illustrated reports on current projects and activities.
www.rotaryclubofgibraltar.org
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St Pauls Pilgrimage to Rome
Rembembering the
You can look round the Colosseum with an air of the interested tourist, until you lay eyes on the simple crucifix in memorial of the Christians who fell there.
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hen it gets personal, we were there very early in the morning, it was first up on our day’s itinerary, well into our pilgrimage, and we were all in high spirits. But the lighthearted banter masked a deeper reaction as our guide led us through the dark history of the site where thousands of Christians were martyred during the early days of the Chruch. In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was not regarded as a sacred site. Its use as a fortress and then a quarry demonstrates how little spiritual importance was attached
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to it, at a time when sites associated with martyrs were highly venerated. It was not included in the itineraries compiled for the use of pilgrims nor in works such as the 12th century Mirabilia Urbis Romae (“Marvels of the City of Rome”), which claims the Circus Flaminius — but not
Christian Martyrs
One of a series of Crucifixes which form the Stations of the Cross around the Colosseum.
the Colosseum — as the site of martyrdoms. At that time part of the structure was inhabited by a Christian order. It appears to have been only in the 16th and 17th centuries that the Colosseum came to be regarded as a Christian site. Pope Pius V (1566–1572) is said to have recommended that pilgrims gather sand from the arena of the Colosseum to serve as a relic, on
the grounds that it was impregnated with the blood of martyrs. Later by Fioravante Martinelli, listed the Colosseum at the head of a list of places sacred to the martyrs in his 1653 book Roma ex ethnica sacra. Pope Clement X to closed the Colosseum’s external arcades and declared it a sanctuary, though quarrying, that is the removal of stones for use in other buildings, continued for some time. At the instance of St. Leonard of Port Maurice, Pope Benedict XIV (1740–1758) forbade the quarrying, and erected Stations of the Cross around the arena, which remained until February 1874. St. Benedict Joseph Labre spent the later years of his life within the walls of the Colosseum, living on alms, prior to his death in 1783. Several 19th century popes funded repair and restoration work on the Colosseum. Every Good Friday the Pope leads a Via Crucis procession to the amphitheatre.
The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1883).
Pope Benedict reflects during the Via Crucis procession in Rome last Easter. (REUTERS: Max Rossi ) References for Rome articles: Wikipedia
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HOPE: a local charity
A Special Blessing
This blessing for expectant mothers is becoming more and more popular.
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wice a year, on the Feast of the Annunciation, and again on the Feast of St Gerard Magella, a special Blessing for Expectant Mothers is held during the evening Mass at the Sacred Heart Church after Holy Communion. The ceremony is simple and yet very moving, as everyone present prays for these tiny lives that are receiving such a beautiful and special blessing. For the blessing, the mothers are asked to come up to the altar. They are each given a single rose which represents their baby,
and they kneel to receive the blessing. But the blessing also recognises the family and both parents are encouraged to come up to the altar together, and if they already have other children, they too are asked to join them, where they will also receive a special blessing as they thank God for their new brother or sister who is already very much a part of their family. Sometimes, circumstances beyond their control mean that some mums-to-be cannot attend the Mass, so they are welcome to ask someone to stand in for them and receive the special blessing in their name. Afterwards everyone goes up to the Altar of the Unborn, to dedicate the children to God, symbolically expressed in the roses which
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are placed at the foot of the altar. This simple and very special blessing is becoming more and more popular, and has become
a family affair, as it is a great way to acknowledge the value of those little lives being carried in the womb.Â
Geraldine Finlayson
The next Blessing will be held on 25th March during 7 pm Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.
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he Blessing for Expectant Mothers is also a happy occasion for HOPE, as it is a joyful aspect of the work that we do, for HOPE is also the support group for parents who have lost a baby either through miscarriage or stillbirth. Everyone knows that miscarriages happen, but no-one ever thinks it will happen to them. Miscarriage often comes as a shock. We are very lucky in Gibraltar that we have a strong sense of family, and that we can rely on a support network of friends and family, but after a miscarriage it is usual for women to feel that they have to protect their love ones who are, no doubt, also grieving. They may find that their friends are uncomfortable and do not know how to treat them, and simply do not know what to say. Or they may get the feeling that
they are expected to have got over the miscarriage, when all they are feeling is empty and an overwhelming sadness. These feelings of grief and loss are common. They can be intense and long-lasting and while others may not understand, HOPE provides support, comfort and friendship from women who have gone through it themselves. Sometimes, mothers keep thinking that they must have done something wrong, perhaps eaten the wrong thing, or that they have been responsible in some other way. Miscarriage is rarely explained and this can lead to guilt and confusion. It also often means that subsequent pregnancies are fraught with anxiety.
HOPE recognises these special anxieties and offer support during pregnancy It’s not only mothers who are affected. Fathers often feel that they have to be strong and supportive, and that no-one seems to realise that they too are grieving. Anyone who needs to contact one of the HOPE volunteers can leave a message on Tel. 200 41718. All calls are treated confidentially.
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OPE also maintains the Altar of the Unborn Child at Sacred Heart Church at which prayers are regularly said for parents who have suffered the loss of a child, or are experiencing difficulties in conceiving, or during their pregnancy. A few years ago, HOPE installed a memorial to all lost babies at the entrance to the Gibraltar Cemetery. Since most miscarried babies are not able to receive formal burial, this Memorial provides a focal point for parents to visit in remembrance of their lost little ones. Here they can say a prayer or
leave flowers, just as they might do at a graveside. A Service of Remembrance is also held every year at the Memorial, on November 1st, Feast of All Saints, when a rosary is said in memory of all babies that have been miscarried or stillborn. HOPE is a non-professional service run by a group of volunteers many of whom have themselves lost a baby and who want to help others through their painful experience. If you are interested, know anyone who might be, would like to help, or send us a donation, please give us a ring on 200 41718 or write to P.O. Box no. 37. Registered Charity No 116
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International Catholic College for Catechesis, Theology, Philosophy
Maryval Where can ‘ordinary folk’ get to up-date skills and knowledge with which to help spread “the divine message of salvation”?
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hen Jesus instructed the Apostles to go and teach all nations, He laid the foundation for the Church’s Magisterium, the teaching office of our Church tasked with giving us the authentic interpretation of the word of God. Through and within this continuing authority, structure, and discipline, lay Christians have a duty to seek the kingdom of God “by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s Will ..” (Lumen Gentium) By virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the “right and duty, individually or grouped in associations, to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all men..” (Catechism 900) In the modern world of communication technology, of television and internet, perhaps the most difficult thing to do, often, is actually to communicate. In terms of Scripture and religion, there are so many distortions doing the rounds, heavily disguised as “facts”, whether on the historical Jesus, or on Church teachings. The
sleekness and professionalism of presentation often masks the paucity of evidence, the illogic inconsistency of statements. Nevertheless, this same skill is expected by modern audiences, young or old. Lay Christians involved in some kind of teaching, whether formally in schools, with prayer or adult groups, catechetics or study groups; all know this. For a long while, therefore, there has been a need for an institution offering accessibility to ‘ordinary folk’ to up-date skills and knowledge with which to help spread “the divine message of salvation”. The Marivale Institute, in Birmingham, is such a place. Maryvale is both a place of worship and a specialist Institute, which provides teaching and learning opportunities in Catholic Theology, Catechesis, Philosophy, Ministry and Religious Education at every level from short, informal courses to BAs, MAs and research degrees. In pursuance of this the Institute provides opportunities for Catholic formation and education through courses across a wide range of subjects
The Gibraltar Counselling Service
Marriage Care Tel: 20071717 18
and Religious Education
Compiled by Julio Alcantara
le Institute and levels. Maryvale offers courses for all. It can help whether you are faced with the challenge of assisting in the parish, instructing a parish Confirmation group, or looking to extend your academic experience Situated in a house rebuilt in 1752, and once lived in by Cardinal Newman, Maryvale has a well-equipped library, where internet access and computers are available to students, together with multi-media and audio-visual resources. The House can accomodate up to 150 people on a day basis in its lecture, conference and seminar rooms, and has study bedrooms to accomodate 40 students. The Bridgettine Sisters welcome guests and maintain a regular cycle of prayer in the Chapel. For the mature Christian student it provides a unique academic environment. The spirit of Cardinal Newman, hopefully soon to be canonized, breathes in every corner. The Shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a popular place of pilgrimage. The grounds include a Rosary walk with Stations of the Cross, ample car parking, and easy access to numerous sites of historic interest, Oscott College, the Birmingham Oratory and Birmingham City Centre. And what better way to “check it out” than through the experiences and comments of Gibraltar students: Joe Garcia “After years of soul searching,” is well into the B.A course in Applied Theology. “Any anxiety I had was immediately dispelled
by the warmth of welcome from both fellow students and professional staff, I was ashamed by how little I knew of my Faith, I have enjoyed the reading and preparation, it has brought the liturgy alive, particularly at Christmas and Easter. I have found the background readings to the essays deeply illuminating which has encouraged a deeper prayer life. I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the weekends and look forward to them.” At the other academic end, Julio Alcantara is into the twoyear Course in New Testament Studies. He smiles when he remembers first telling his family and friends, “they were convinced I had finally ‘flipped’. At 70 there are those that go into brain-training exercises, perhaps this is more meaningful.’ Like Joe, he was a bit ashamed by how little he knew about his Faith. “The commitment and expertise of the teaching staff is
impressive, as is the warmth of their tutoring. The supporting Handbook and Study Workbooks are the obvious product of many years of experience and an absolute blessing to those whose brain muscles are aching back into serious activity. This centred focus on Sacred Scripture affects one’s spiritual life deeply. It is such an enhancement of personal prayer and understanding of Liturgy”. Richard Martinez experienced “a soul searching Cursillo and Charismatic encounter which gave him a hunger and yearning for God, he truly believed that one could live the Law of God more fully by understanding Scripture better, guided by Fr Stuart, this led to the BA degree in Divinity at Maryvale.” In his 2nd year he “has no regrets and would gladly encourage anybody who is thinking of doing so, to do so, it is very demanding,” he admits; “but the feeling of satisfaction is ever more noticeable, the
staff are extremely dedicated and always at hand to assist in any matter whatsoever. The residential involves living a life of prayer with the Bridgettine Sisters, whilst at the same time having the best lecturers that any Pontifical University may likewise provide.” He is happy to chat with anyone thinking of joining a Maryvale course. There’s also Gerard, a teacher, who obtained his degree there; as is Sister Victoria, Brian Passano, and Joe Duarte, Peter Cumming knows it too, Speak to them, quiz them if you want to. But don’t hesitate ! Take the plunge ! Look at the Maryvale prospectus. You’ll be amazed at the number of courses offered, and yours is there – waiting for you !! You won’t regret it. www.maryvale.ac.uk enquiries@maryvale.ac.uk
General Building Contractors 95B Harbour Walk, The New Harbours, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 20043621 Fax: (+350) 20041272 Email: management@profield.gi
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