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Upon this Rock - A Special Edition
Contents
Fr. Stuart’s Foreword: Walk the Talk................................................. 4 Sarah’s in STITCHES: Update from Australia................................... 6 Life in the Spirit Seminar: A testimony from Amy................................... 8 Following in St. Francis’ footsteps: to Manilva?................................................... 10 Make it Simple! Dom Sebastian’s Roadmap........................ 12 A Cloud Descended: Before the Ordination.................................. 13 Months of Preparation: We hear from Gail Hernandez.................... 14 Fr. Ralph Ordained Bishop: A moving ceremony...................................... 16 The Enthronement: A Joyous Occasion....................................... 18
Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media Ltd, Gibraltar. Editor Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com Cover Photo: Johnny Bugeja / The Gibraltar Chronicle 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.
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.
‘With Him Redemption’: Bishop Heskett’s Arms................................. 21 The Path To Peace: A message from the Vatican........................ 22 ‘700 years’ Short Stories: Book Launch................................................ 23 On Holy Ground the Shrine: One year on................................................... 24 Maruchi Leads the Way: Tirelessly working for justice...................... 26 World Class Music: Thanks to Karel Chichon............................ 28 Francis Imossi’s Oboe Concert Review..... 29 Rotary Club Awards.................................... 31
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Foreword
Walk the Talk
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esus scolds the scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders of the Jews, for their showy practices. In a way they wanted to be good models of observant Jews. See how well we observe all the ritual rules and regulations of our religion! In their misguided zeal for religion they sought respect and honour for themselves rather than for God and for his word. They wanted the people to treat them as great teachers and rulers. They, unfortunately, made the practice of their faith a burden rather than a joy for the people they were supposed to serve. Was Jesus against calling anyone rabbi or father? Or was he just directing this sharp rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees?
Does your practice match your talk? Jesus seemed to be warning both his disciples and the religious leaders about the temptation to seek titles and honours to increase one’s personal reputation and admiration by others. The scriptures give ample warning about the danger of self-seeking pride: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:24) Jerome, an early church father (347-420 AD) and bible scholar who translated the bible from the original Hebrew and Greek into the common Latin tongue, comments on this passage: “No one should be called teacher or father except God the Father and
our Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is the Father, because all things are from him. He alone is the teacher, because through him are made all things and through him all things are reconciled to God. But one might ask, ‘Is it against this precept when the apostle calls himself the teacher of the Gentiles? Or when, as in colloquial speech widely found in the monasteries of Egypt and Palestine, they call each other Father?’ Remember this distinction. It is one thing to be a father or a teacher by nature, another to be so by generosity. For when we call a man father and reserve the honour of his age, we may thereby be failing to honour the Author of our own lives.
One is rightly called a teacher only from his association with the true Teacher. I repeat: The fact that we have one God and one Son of God through nature does not prevent others from being understood as sons of God by adoption. Similarly this does not make the terms father and teacher useless or prevent others from being called father.” [Jerome’s Commentary on Matthew] Respect for God and his ways inclines us to godly humility and simplicity of heart. The word disciple means one who listens in order to learn.
Jesus shows us the way to the Father – the way of peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and true happiness.
He showed us the way by lowering himself as a servant for our sake. He humbled himself, even to death on a cross, that we might be raised up and exalted at the Father’s right hand in heaven (Philippians 2:1-11). What is true Christ-like humility? Humility is true self-knowledge – regarding oneself as God sees each of us. The humble do not rely on themselves, but trust in God and in the power of his love and saving grace. True humility is a servant-like quality which enables us to place our life at the service of God and the service of our neighbour. Do you know the joy of Christlike humility and simplicity of heart?
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This image was used to promote British Council Climate Champions
Climate change affects everyone but it is young people who will inherit the impacts of climate change for many decades to come. The British Council ICC initiative involves young people as they are highly effective agents of change, be it in their schools, homes, or communities. They are a persuasive global generation, can network very effectively, and are skilled at engaging the media and key decision-makers. The project aims to change the level of understanding and awareness of the challenge of climate change among young people. It hopes to do this by engaging people through activities and websites, creating a long term global network of Champions who have multi-lateral relationships, and influencing international agreements on climate change.
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Youth on a Mission on the far side of the sea
by Joanna
Sarah’s in STITCHES...
Sarah tells us about the ‘Godincidence’ that happened to her at the ecumenical Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Sarah Cumming...”... if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast”. Psalm 139:9-10 Sarah tells us about the ‘Godincidence’ that occurred to her at the ecumenical Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. “At the end of our walk with Jesus, we were all given a hot-cross bun and told to go and share it with someone we didn’t know. Reluctantly I did and while I walked around I prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide me to the right group… and boy did he! He just happened to guide me to a Gibraltarian! He belonged
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to St Dominic’s Parish and in this way God answered my prayers to help me integrate into the parish community. This Parish has become a home, a place of peace, growth and grace, where Christ is waiting with open arms. The Dominican Order has a wonderful Charisma, their homilies are always enlightening.” Believe it or not Sarah has now been over 6 months in Australia. She has faced many challenges and also received many blessings. Sarah says she finally feels she is doing exactly what God has called her to do. The verse ‘far side of the sea ...’
from Psalm 139:9-10 continues to be Sarah’s motto and still comes up in prayer. On various occasions Sarah has also received in prayer “Do not despise the small beginnings I have planted in you” Zech 4:10, and she feels the Lord is asking her to be patient and willing to learn, so that she can experience and follow God’s guidance. As part of her ministry she is serving in various groups. One of the groups is a non-profit charity organisation called Operation STITCHES. Their programme teaches community life values and skills such as- respect for
self and others; law and order; self-discipline; honesty; good manners; love of family; and honour of God and country. This is all taught in the most deprived housing estates of Melbourne in an outdoor fun day with an antidrug, anti- violence, anti-crime emphasis. Sarah particularly enjoys the “Kids Club” which is part of Operation STITCHES.
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These children receive mail, birthday acknowledgment; are taken on outings; given access to a STITCHES email and chat line; homework club; home visits, and much more. Parents of these children, who are often dealing with many personal challenges of their own, are assisted in many practical ways. They distribute clothing, computers, toiletries, frozen meals and food parcels to show them someone cares and that they are not alone in their time of need. “We offer acceptance, love and hope to all, no matter their race or creed.” After a few months of preparation, Sarah is now a part of the team leading a Catholic focused Discipleship Training School. “This is where I know I come into my own; I absolutely love organising, preparing and setting up these courses. The preparations are like a pilgrimage for me and thanks to my supportive and encouraging leaders, Edwin and Emma, the journey becomes more enjoyable and less intimidating. I am glad and very happy to finally be back in the swing of things with this ministry, I love it and however exhausting and stressful it can be I know it’s what God made me for, I’m sure!” Sarah rose to the challenge of joining the worship team for the Thursday night open evenings, although she hardly knew any of the worship songs. She hopes to play the guitar sometime soon, but for now she is leaving it aside and worshiping freely with her voice, heart and mind. Open evenings are a great chance for the local community to see what is happening at the base, kind of like a prayer meeting in Gibraltar, where there is a time of praise and worship followed by a talk or sharing by the speaker that the DTS has chosen. Sarah loves Friday mornings as she is involved in “Mainly Music” sessions. These are run by church volunteers and provide families with a chance to think about their relationship with God, whilst
they sing and act along to each activity. Parents or guardians are given a wonderful opportunity to have one-to-one quality time with their child, with parents tickling, hugging and singing with their child. Sarah commented that they always leave with beaming faces, a closer relationship and looking forward to the next “Mainly Music” session. Sarah is also the Personal Assistant for the base leader Geena; she spends one day a week helping out in the office. Although she has worked hard and spent many hours in the service of others she has also had a bit of time for leisure. Sarah went on a wonderful day trip to part of the Great Ocean Road; she described it as “a very humbling and beautiful day spent with friends and with the majestic splendour of God. I did really feel his hand upon me here on the “far side of the sea!” Sarah also had the chance to help out with YWAM Ship tour. The theme for the tour was “I WANT TO LIVE” and Sarah said, “It was an inspiring time with over 820 people visiting the ship to see what wonderful medical work they do and to find out about the astonishingly vast needs of Australia’s nearest neighbour Papua New Guinea.” February marked 8 years since she
began her journey with Kerygma Teams and Youth With A Mission, Sarah vividly remembers that phone call that slowly but surely pushed her out into the world of missions. “After three Discipleship Training Schools, I have had the opportunity to listen, share and pray with hundreds of people. I have lived and made friends with countless others. What I have learned in the process is more than words can convey. I know that I am called to be a laymissionary in the long term.” After a lot of prayer Sarah has decided to stay in Melbourne for a further two years. So that she can study and do a Basic Leadership School. A BLS is a two year modular course which will hopefully give her the tools to lead small groups and other projects. What is great about this course is that the she can continue to do ministry work. Sarah said, “I believe this is where God is leading me now, to gain more knowledge, not just in experiences, but in the classroom. This is a huge step for me, very exciting too, so please pray with me for inspiration, wisdom and provision.” Sarah is extremely grateful to all who have contributed in anyway, especially in prayer. Kerygma Teams / Youth With A Mission does not salary its staff, so if you
can, please check her website for details on how to donate www. farsideofthesea.org. She needs £600.00 to complete her annual budget for 2010. Sarah has been reading into the life of Blessed Mary MacKillop, not only because she is about to become “Australia’s first Saint” but because Sarah is living and working in what used to be one of her Order’s orphanages. Blessed Mary MacKillop writes, “Let us all resign ourselves into His hands, and pray that in all things He may guide us to do His Holy Will ... When thoughts of this or that come, I turn to Him and say: “Only what you will, my God. Use me as You will.” Please pray for Sarah as she seeks the Lord’s guidance and plans for her, in order to reach the overall vision for Family ministry that has been very close to her heart for a long while. If you are interested in joining a Kerygma Team you will find all the necessary information at www.kteams.org. STOP PRESS: Since this article was written Sarah sent the following update: ”The DTS has begun, we have 12 students from Indonesia, America, Australia, Fiji, Korea, and Canada.” Blessed Mary Mackillop, pray for us.
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Testimony of someone who has learned she will never walk alone
Life in the Spirit We all go through heart ache in our lives and this leaves us feeling empty, lonely and worthless.
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here is nothing we can do or anyone can say that makes us feel any better. We all ask ourselves over and over, ‘Why me? What have I done to deserve this’?
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Sometimes it is hard to accept God and we often encounter criticism that may alter or cloud our faith. Natural disasters, death of loved ones, health problems, broken hearts all these things
may lead to us losing faith in God and his existence. However the ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminar shows us how precious God is and how he does exist in each and every one of us.
On the first day there was a feeling of uncertainty in the air, we didn’t know what to expect. Did we have to get on stage and speak? Did we have to introduce ourselves to everyone? People
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Amy
Seminar
were looking at each other nervously. We all received a very warm welcome from the helpers, they would hug us and tell us that we were going to have a great time and to relax. We were ushered into the auditorium and from then on the whole experience was fulfilling and enriching. We all felt as if a big weight had been lifted from our shoulders, we no longer carried the burden of our problems. We all realised that God loves us no matter what we do or how we have behaved.
He accepts us ‘warts and all’. The realisation that he died on the cross for us proves the love he has for each and every one of us. We only have to find the time to appreciate him and let him into our lives. He will fill the void and make us feel whole. The ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminar is a great experience, everyone begins to share their stories and
the feeling of loneliness begins to subside. We hear of other experiences and we realise that we are not alone in our feeling of emptiness and worthlessness. A special bond is created between the group members, and together we learn that we are not alone, and no matter what we are going through, with faith and the love of God, we can conquer all.
“We hear of other experiences and we realise that we are not alone...”
“A special bond is created between the group members...”
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A Community on Holiday
Following in the foots St. Francis has never been to Manilva but the Gibraltarian Secular Franciscans have!
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t has been 18 years since the Secular Franciscan Fraternity started going to Manilva on an annual holiday - to live, share and pray together in order to build up their community. At the time they were known as the Divine Mercy Community. During their first visit, which took place in May, the rain
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poured down throughout the weekend, as a result the date was changed to the long weekend in June, and they have enjoyed good weather since… until this year! As the years have gone by they have lengthened their stay. What started, as a long weekend is now 10 days! Two years ago John Paul Ghio’s parents gave him the option of
going on holiday to Manilva or to Orlando, Florida. Amazingly enough, John Paul, an 11 year old at the time, chose Manilva over Orlando, a place that many youngsters dream of visiting. All the children have a great time, there are so many things to do that they don’t even remember their TV or console games! It’s wonderful to see
how all generations love the community life and benefit from it. They stay in bungalows near the Roman Baths. It’s in a valley and the bungalows have the bare essentials, so the Franciscans take everything but the kitchen sink! It is really going back to basics and for the Franciscans a reminder of the simple way of life St Francis promoted. There are 21 bungalows, which means 21 families! The majority are
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Joanna
steps of St Francis
Secular Franciscans but others, who have visited them over the years, really look forward to this holiday and are welcomed by the Fraternity. It is a great opportunity for the Secular Franciscans to share their spirituality and community living with family and friends. Apart from those who stay the 10 days there are also plenty of visitors who come to spend
the day. It is a time for building community but also for quality time with their families, when no one has a busy schedule and all have time to sit together for meals, to listen to each other and to get to know each other better. The tables are placed at the entrance of their bungalows and everybody eats outside. In fact practically everything is done outside. Sharing the cooking on the BBQ results in everyone trying out each other’s recipes and special treats are passed around. Especially popular are the ‘tapitas’ before lunch! During the day, time is setaside for prayer. The Divine Office, morning and evening prayer, accompanied by the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary. Many spend the day by the pool, others go for hikes to a nearby lake or swim in the Roman baths and you will often see many groups playing games, such as dominoes, tablita, cards etc., though their favourite pastimes are sampling the tapas and the siestas!
This valley near Manilva is a great place to get in touch with nature, it is surrounded by beautiful flowers, trees and the children’s favourite - the animals. For the last couple of years Padre Jose Antonio and two of his parishioners, from La Linea, have come along. This year he celebrated an open-air mass, which was very well attended
by young and old. They stayed for supper and enjoyed an evening with the Franciscans. Secular Franciscans started coming with their children and now many of them come with their children and grandchildren!! It is wonderful to sit outside the little bungalows and see how the families have grown and how everyone, Franciscan or not, enjoys every minute. They are definitely times to treasure. The Divine Mercy Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets on a weekly basis and once a month hold their Fraternity Meeting in the Europa Retreat Centre. These meetings are open to all and they welcome anyone who wants to join them. For further information please contact Brian Passano via email bnpassano@gmail.com Photos clockwise: Midnight swim, children playing, evening prayer, pool group, girls chatting.
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Spirituality
by a monk of downside
MAKE IT SIMPLE!
Dom Sebastian Moore recommends a roadmap to our mysterious inner world.
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hat most people today who seriously believe in God are not getting from the churches to which they belong is what might be called a map of reality, the ultimate and the close-at-hand, showing the path from the latter to the former. A chart, or a method. Such a chart is provided by Eckhart Tolle who, in a truly amazing experience, stumbled on ultimate reality on the point of committing suicide. Now if it is possible to have that experience through carefully reading Tolle, then a person would have before him or her the mental charting of the unknown that we must be supremely desirous of. I am a very old monk, long-practised in the ‘way in’ opened by my
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tradition. But my life has been changed by Tolle. For even as a monk schooled for sixty years in Catholic theology, I came upon Tolle as my first ‘map’ of the type I am wishing for all of us. But now I know myself, uncharted and yet undoubtedly existent, deprived of all my habitual landmarks, as the consciousness of the universe, the universe as conscious. It is only at this point that my faith as a Catholic Christian tells me that I am not identically God but am God by participation in the incarnate Son of God. The first thing my faith has to tell me is that I am not God while through the Tolle experience I know myself in God. My faith nuances this by saying I am God by adoption in a way that involves everything about me in the second, to-hand
experience that is mine. That’s a pretty hefty nuance! Now I step back and begin to see how wretchedly impoverished would be my Catholic Christian consciousness were it not for Tolle’s natural, secular opening of my inner door. Tolle opens the door into a deep self, that all the world religions are about and differ about. If you go by ‘the light of Asia’ of Buddhism and Hinduism, the deep self is identical with God. If you are a Christian, the deep self is God through Jesus who is in the ‘second’ world, of the to-hand, as well as in the first. But in the world we live in, in the word we are today, it is of incomparably greater
moment to know hat we have a deep self than whether you believe in a Christian or a Buddhist or a Hindu way.
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
A cloud descended
Did you notice how the Levanter cloud descended and stood at the entrance of the hangar during the Episcopal Ordination ceremony?
Photos throughout the eight pages dedicated to the Episcopal Ordination courtesy of Johnny Bugeja/ The Chronicle and A. Sargent.
Exodus 19:9 The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. Exodus 33:9 Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses.
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r. Ralph Heskett is a member of the Redemptorist order, this fact seems to have coloured the events that led up to his Episcopal Ordination and Enthronement here in Gibraltar last month. For the past two years he has been living at the Redemptorist monastery at Bishop Eton in Liverpool where he has been supervising the formulation of Postulants, as well as preaching parish missions and retreats around the country. Some of the novices he has been working with over those past two years followed him out to Gibraltar to wish him well on his big day.
Bishop elect Ralph Heskett talks to his former novices from his Monastery in Liverpool. One of them, Peter Morris, fielded a question from Upon this Rock, “What does it mean to be a Redemptorist?” Peter explained “The Redemptorists are the men of an Order of the Church, like the Benedictines or Dominicans. The Order was founded by a priest called Alphonsus Liguori in Scala near Naples in Italy. The clergy of Naples had become very comfortable and cultured in the rich society that had developed in the prosperous port, and there was no one to go to preach to the poor outside the city walls.” As the celebrations for the Bishop’s Ordination were moving on Peter recommended one of the many websites that tell the story... “When Fr. Alphonsus became ill in 1730 he was sent with a few companions, to a sanctuary in Scala to rest in the clean mountain air. While he was there saw that the poor people who lived in the mountains had no one to minister to them, they would come to the sanctuary and ask the priests to preach, they were hungry to hear the Word of God. When he recovered, Alphonsus
whent back to Naples, but after much prayer and consultation, he came to understand that he had to return to Scala. Surely there was poverty in Naples as well..., but there were many others there that could help the poor escape from their place as society’s marginalized. In Scala, the poor were alone, with no one to help them...,totally abandoned. During the 1700’s these shepherds and country peasants were the most downtrodden group in society: “they were not
St. Alphonsus Liguori chose to live in the mountains, and preach the gospel to the shepherds and country folk who were hungry for the word of God. His Saint’s Day is the 1st August. considered men as other men..., ” To those of us who know something of the lives of saints, it is a familiar story, as St. Francis turned his back on the rich and comfortable life in his native town of Assisi over 500 years earlier, so did St Alphonsus return to the mountains and a simpler way of life. He cast off the flowery speech and fine ways of the city, adopting a simple dress, and using plain language that could be understood by all. In 1732 the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R.) was founded by St. Alphonsus in Scala. Now, The Redemptorists, as they are commonly called, number 5300 members serving people across the world in 78 countries. The motto of the Congregation – Copiosa Apud Eum Redemptio – means: “With Him there is Plentiful Redemption”. On Saturday the 10th of July, another congregation gathered at the North Front Hangar, under the cliffs of the Rock. Comprising not just of local people, but with
Time to chat to local people in the congregation before the ceremony. many visitors from far and wide. As well as some of Fr. Ralph’s novices, there were many friends from his parish in Liverpool. Kris Reeds and Joan Bamber assured me that while they are used to Redemptorist clergy moving on every few years, they are really going to miss Fr. Ralph. Kris emphasised ‘He is a priest first and foremost, a people’s person.” She went on to say “I’ve known him since I was a teenager when he came to Liverpool to give a mission.” There was no way that even Fr. Charlie could mask the industrial functionality of the Hangar, but large format prints had been produced, depicting each parish in Gibraltar and hung high under the eaves, where the morning
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
Months of preparation
Special Diocesan Choir assembled for the Ordination. sun illuminated them, each with the corresponding saint on the opposite wall, a central dias lifted the circular altar up
where everyone could see and participate in the Mass, and on the West side a large plinth accommodated seating for all the
Left: Fr Charlie introduces the Bishop-elect to the Diocesan Choir, directed by Gail Hernandez and Chris Cortes. Above the Choir with Brother François, cantor from Lourdes in the foreground. clergy. When the Bishop-Elect of Gibraltar, Mgr Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R. entered the Hangar, leaving the swirling Levanter outside, he took time to do a ‘walk-about’. He spoke to the
directors of the music ministry Chris Cortes and Gail Hernandez as the Choir were setting up. Many months of preparation had gone into preparing the music for the event. Gail explained, “Posters had been placed in Photos throughout the eight pages dedicated to the Episcopal Ordination courtesy of Johnny Bugeja/ The Chronicle and A. Sargent.
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
n brought together Chris. They started rehearsals in March, weekly on Wednesdays at St. Theresa’s Church. The psalm was given to the choir and Chris decided that Gail should sing this as a solo. Bishop Ralph said he really liked the piece. Although a completely different style of song than those that we sung on the day, the Choir directors thought that it would compliment the liturgy well. Gail went on to say “It has been a great opportunity for people to come together with one purpose - sing and praise God. No matter all churches, and their choir directors contacted inviting participation. A total of forty four members were assembled in the choir representing almost all Gibraltar’s church choirs. It had been a big task to bring all of them together and get them to sing well-known hymns in the same way. Many relatives and work colleagues joined the choir
their level of singing joining the choir has given people a sense of belonging. Chris has shown his high level of knowledge in conducting a choir and many of the songs like the Sanctus and Kyrie have been composed by him. Brother Francois brought his experience as cantor in Lourdes and was invited to be the cantor at the event and take on some solo pieces like the Veni Creator and the Litany. There was also great participation by Phillip Borge who sang the Agnus Dei. “
even though they had not sung before, so the event became an opportunity for many first timers to take part. Both directors have worked tirelessly taking in consideration the different members backgrounds, to bring the music together in time.” Songs were chosen by both Bishop Elect Ralph and Mgr Charlie with the input of Gail and
Gifts of a Gold mitre, Episcopal Ring and Silver Crozier
Bishop Ralph was clearly touched to see so many old friends from his parish in UK as well as familiar faces in the Gibraltar crowd.
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housands of years of tradition lie behind the Rite of Ordination of a Bishop. The venue was humble but the appropriate respect was shown by all. The regalia of the Bishop’s
office were on display before the dais where the clergy were to assemble. The mitre represents the flames of the Holy Spirit of The Apostles - the two tongues of fire.
It is either precious, golden (orphreyed), or simple (simplex). The precious mitre is worn by celebrants, the simple by concelebrants, and the golden by the celebrant at an ordination. The Episcopal ring is a symbol of the Bishop’s marriage to the Diocese, originally it would have been used as a signet ring, impressed on sealing wax and used as a badge of office. Now the ring is most often only used in ceremonial liturgies.
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
Fr.Ralph Ordained Many tears during a prayerful and deeply symbolic ceremony.
The Crozier, the Bishop’s Staff, is a symbol of his mission as shepherd. In the olden days this was made of wood, then wood with a metal head, and from about the 15th century, it has almost always been entirely made of gold or silver. The Crozier made for Fr. Ralph has been hand-made in silver by a silversmith with many years connection with Gibraltar. It bears the central elements of the Seal of the Redemptorists in its head: a cross with a lance and sponge on a pole. It was a gift from the people of Gibraltar to their new pastor and presented by Chief Minister Peter Caruana.
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s the congregation settled down in the North Front Hangar, Bishop Caruana opened the ceremony welcoming everyone present. Then the Rt. Reverend Michael Bowen, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark spoke saying of Fr. Ralph “No doubt many of your brothers will have tears in their eyes at losing you” Gail Hernandez then gave a beautiful and emotional solo rendition of Psalm 139. Michael Bowen spoke again during the ceremony, outlining the duties of a Bishop: to correct error, be a shepherd to the people, to love all: the infirm, and strangers
alike, to give the youth formation and safety. But he pointed out that the Bishop must be aided in his mission by the people, and he should listen to them, and in turn give them encouragement, support and guidance. Archbishop Emeritus Bowen emphasised that with Fr. Ralph’s election to the College of Bishops came extra responsibility. As Gibraltar is a small nation, there is no Conference of Bishops, so his position could be seen to be isolated, but he should be assured that with modern technology he could think and act globally. The Archbishop went on to say that especially during the current crisis there was a need to be concerned for the environment,
the work for justice and peace, and that together, we must all engage in the long term goal to make poverty history. Archbishop Bowen continued to say that the Bishop’s role was also to be concerned for those who are not of our faith, as well as humanists and agnostics, as
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
Bishop of Gibraltar
As he knelt in prayer, each of the Bishops present laid hands on Bishop Ralph. Many people in the congregation were clearly affected by the emotion of the moment, tissues were in high demand.
Photos throughout the eight pages dedicated to the Episcopal Ordination courtesy of Johnny Bugeja/ The Chronicle and A. Sargent.
Bishop Ralph lay prostrate while those assembled prayed the litany of the saints for him led by cantor Brother Francois from Lourdes.
Bishop Ralph knelt while two priests held a bible over his head and Archbishop Emeritus Bowen prayed a prayer of consecration over him.
Chief Minister Peter Caruana brings forward the Crozier, a gift from the people, and Bishop Caruana presents it to his successor they are all of our human family as they are created by God. Here Archbishop Bowen quoted from the English religious poet John Donne saying that “ultimately they are all ‘On a huge hill, cragged and steep’ searching for the Truth where she stands at the top. Archbishop Bowen spoke about the importance of dialogue
between faiths, that we were all as it were on a steep rockface, and alluding again to a difficult climb, said that a Bishop was in a good position to lend a hand to fellow mountaineers with a word of advice in the sure and certain knowledge that it is Jesus that stands at the summit, the Alpha and Omega, the Way the Truth and the Life.
In what appeared to be an inpromptu action in an event otherwise run strictly to protocol, Mgr. Charlie led the newly ordained Bishop Ralph through the hangar to the delight of the congregation who rose to their feet to applaud him.
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
The Enthronement
Bishop Ralph Heskett warmly welcomed by all Gibraltar’s clergy.
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Chief Minister Peter Caruana and Mrs. Cristina Caruana look on as Bishop Ralph Heskett is enthroned. Archbishop Emeritus Bowen is the principal celbrant.
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waiting to capture the moment for posterity and were richly rewarded. After the doors were opened a beaming Mgr. Paul Bear hugged His Lordship, with equal warmth and joviality, Bishop Ralph and all the clergy had come in procession from the City Hall. They had been photographed with Acting Mayor Tony Lombard in the Mayor’s Parlour. (See over.)
The congregation in the packed cathedral, swollen by international press, observed the Gibraltar clergy make what was called their “first obeisance” to the newly ordained Bishop Ralph Heskett,.
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Photos throughout the eight pages dedicated to the Episcopal Ordination courtesy of Johnny Bugeja/ The Chronicle and A. Sargent.
he brand new Crozier was put to good use when the Bishop of Gibraltar, Mgr Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R. approached the Cathedral St. Mary the Crowned, and according to tradition, gave three resounding blows on the closed doors symbolically, asserting his authority over the Diocese. Local photographers had been
Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
Many members of Fr. Ralph’s family were in attendance.
The Redemptorists present sang a special hymn to Mary at the end of the ceremony in the Cathedral, led by their Provincial Fr. McAinsh.
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
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Fr. Ralph Heskett Ordained Bishop of Gibraltar
‘With Him Redemption’ There is a strong tradition in the church of ecclesiastical heraldry, this is the tradition of heraldry developed by Christian clergy.
Catholic Church heraldry, and a botouy processional cross with live red stones to represent the five Wounds of Christ. Motto
Or supported by a mount of three copeaux Argent, issuant from the base, a dove displayed of the third, beaked, membered, nimbed and radiant of seven rays
“APUD EUM REDEMPTIO” The words of the motto chosen by Bishop Heskett, “Apud eurn redemptio” are the Latin translation of the phrase .... with Him redemption ..... , taken from the Psalm 130(129), verse 7. This is to recall the Redemptorist family to which Bishop Heskett belongs. A Heraldic description (blazonry) of the Coat of Arms of Bishop Heskett runs as follows: “Impaled. Dexter: Azure, a cross
of the second. Sinister: per fess Gules and Argent three bees set 1 and 2, surmounted by a royal crown Or in chief, on a bend Sable, three sheaves of wheat in base” The interpretation of this description: On the right side hand of the shield (the observer’s left, in the heraldic shield, one needs to consider the right and the left from the perspective of the soldier who, in ancient times, held his own shield). In
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nitially used to mark documents, ecclesiastical heraldry evolved as a system for identifying people and dioceses. It is most formalized within the Catholic Church, where most bishops, including the Pope, have a personal coat of arms. We have reproduced here a description of the Coat of Arms of the H. L. Bishop of Gibraltar, Mgr Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R. In accordance with the heraldic tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, the Coat of Arms of a Bishop is normal1y composed of: • a shield with its charges (symbols) coming from family, geographic, religious and historical meanings and/QI” referred to the name of the Bishop; - a golden processional cross, with one traversal bar, to represent the rank of the Bishop, “impaled” (vertical1y) behind the shield; • a widebrimmed green pilgrim’s hat (galero) with 12 attached tassels, (six on each side, with one in the top row, two in the second and three on the bottom); • a scroll with the Bishop’s motto, written generally in black and appearing below everything. For his coat of arms Bishop Heskett has chosen an English shape shield, frequently used in Roman
the Coat of Arms of tbe Diocese of Gibraltar, we find represented, the Holy Spirit as a Dove with seven rays to represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Below this, the three mountain tops holding the cross, representing the Calvary; (by coincidence, this symbol can be also found in the crest of the Redemptorist family). On the left hand side of the shield there is the “personal” Coat of Arms of Bishop Heskett. The honey, which the bees produce, is symbolic of sweetness and religious eloquence. For this reason, the bees are emblematic of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1153), Patron of Gibraltar, Doctor of the Church known for his eloquence “as sweet as honey”. The crown is to remind us of the Cathedral of Gibraltar, titled St. Mary the Crowned. The black bend, “charged” with the three sheaves of wheat, comes from the Coat of Arms of the Heskett family. The blue (azure) colour symbolizes the separation from the worldly values and the ascent of the soul towards God, and therefore the run of the Celestial Virtues which raise themselves from the things of the earth toward the sky; silver (argent) is the colour of the transparency, of Truth and Justice, fundamental dowries for the Bishop’s pastoral service; red (gules) is the colour of charity, of love, of blood, a symbol of the infinite love of the Father who sent the Son to shed his blood for us, an extreme act of love.
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July 13 - World Day of Peace
The Path to Peace “Religious freedom, the path to peace” is the theme chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for the celebration of the 2011 World Day of Peace.
“The World Day of Peace”, reads a communique on the subject released today, “will therefore be dedicated to the theme of religious freedom. It is well known that in many parts of the world there are various forms of restriction or denial of religious freedom, from discrimination and marginalisation based on religion, to acts of violence against religious minorities”. “Religious freedom is authentically realised when it is experienced as the coherent search for truth and for the truth about man. This approach to religious freedom offers us a fundamental criterion for discerning the phenomenon of religion and its expressions.
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It necessarily rejects the ‘religiosity’ of fundamentalism, and the manipulation of truth and of the truth about man. Since such distortions are opposed to the dignity of man and to the search for truth, they cannot be considered as religious freedom”. The communique recalls words Benedict XVI pronounced before the United Nations General Assembly in 2008: “Human rights, of course, must include the right to religious freedom, understood as the expression of a dimension that is at once individual and communitarian - a vision that brings out the unity of the person while clearly distinguishing between the dimension of the citizen and that of the believer”. The text continues: “Today there are many areas of the world in which forms of restrictions and limitations to religious freedom persist, both where communities of believers are a minority, and where communities of believers are not a minority,
Casualties counted in offertory procession.
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ach Sunday if there have been any casualties in Afghanistan a candle is brought up during the offertory procession to mark each dead soldier at St Michael and St George, the Cathedral Church of the Bishop of the Forces in Aldershot. There were eight candles on Sunday the 27th June; it was a heavy week for casualties. Father Danny Hernandez, himself no stranger to the theatre of operations in war torn parts of the world, has been the Cathedral’s acting Dean for the past six months but has now handed over to Father Donald Cumming.
and where more sophisticated forms of discrimination and marginalisation exist, on the cultural level and in the spheres of public, civil and political activity. ‘It is inconceivable’, as Benedict XVI remarked, ‘that believers should have to suppress a part of themselves - their faith - in order to be active citizens. It should never be necessary to deny God in order to enjoy one’s rights. Full text of the communiqué can be read at www.vatican.va
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Book Launch Anne Mesilio
700 Years in short stories
Last month, amidst a friendly gathering of family and friends at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Joe Martinez launched his book ‘700 Years’.
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wo and a half years after the idea was floated by Fr. Charlie Azzapordi and taken on board by Joe, 700 years became reality. Joe, a local school teacher at St. Anne’s middle school had been taking children to visit the Shrine over a number of years which included a visit to the Exhibition hall where the various exhibits’ tell the history of the Shrine. He decided to ‘flesh out’ the backgrounds and discovered a rich historical tapestry which led him to read various local books on the history of the Shrine as part of his research. The result is to be found between the pages of this work, where
with historical background and imagination, short stories are told with a light touch which makes history interesting and enjoyable reading for children. His son James has written ‘Storm’ which was inspired by the ‘Fedra’ storm of a couple of years ago where history and creativity make an intriguing weave. Both Joe and the Hon Clive Beltran, Minister for Education were keen to point out that this is not a history book but there is a lot of truth in the stories which tell of conflict, a reflection of the Shrine’s past. Tongue in cheek Joe shared with us that he depicted King Ferdinand wearing a bright red tunic, riding
a white stallion as he entered Gibraltar some long ago day. He was the forerunner to Gibraltar adopting red and white as its national colours! Also woven into the stories are four men who have meant a lot to Joe through his life and others who need to look for themselves. Good touch, I liked this. The book ends with a story of the celebrations last year for the 700th anniversary, a fitting end and this delightful book, aptly illustrated throughout, is well worth a read.
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Update from the Shirne
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On Holy Ground
An oasis, offering peaceful sanctuary in a prayerful embrace.
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ar back in the remotest beginnings of his existence on earth man began to roam across the world as well as setting sail in frail ships with only the stars to guide him. There seems to be something inherently nomadic in man, always searching; does he yet know what he seeks? Peace, happiness, are these illusions which beckon him on, and an even bigger question, are peace and happiness to be found at home? Man is on a hungry quest and maybe since original sin and the expulsion from the Garden of Eden this is a cross to be borne. However, there are places that
offer the peace the soul longs for, places to rest and refresh the weary spirit before travelling on, because travel we must. The European Marian Shrine Network, formed in 2003 where under different titles the Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated, is a link between twenty similar shrines helping to unite all Christians. The shrine of Our Lady of Europe here in Gibraltar is one of these sanctuaries. Sanctuary, a sacred place of refuge and retreat, a place where one is to feel safe, cared for and above all soul nourished. “Be still and know that I am God” - silence is a friend that often needs
cultivating as the clamours of daily life are intrusive, what matters is the time taken to seek this refuge of spiritual renewal. Our Shrine has stood for 701 turbulent years, witness to fame, popularity, sackings, lootings, the fury of destruction, abysmal neglect and desecration and finally restoration. It stands on the same spot on which it was built by Moorish invaders, sometime between 711 AD and 1309 as they poured into Spain intent on conquest. When they choose this spot on the southernmost point of the Rock and on the continent of Europe they could not have known it would become Holy Ground from where devotion to Our Lady of Europe would take root, flourish and become widespread. This devotion was kept alive in the hearts and souls of centuries of Gibraltarians as they suffered with their homeland, especially through WW11 and the evacuation of civilians to as far away as Jamaica. Last year a wondrous observation of the 700years of the presence of this sacred place was a celebration of the staying power of this little shrine, once a mosque, (a place of prayer). Jesus, Prince of Peace was born in a stable, not a palace and our cherished Shrine, of insignificant and humble design is a place to give true homage where, silently through the centuries Mary’s presence with her son has waited to welcome every soul in need. One year on from the celebrations I chatted with Dennis Hook and his wife Elvira. Dennis has become the Administrator
since Lourdes encountered health difficulties which led to retirement. It has become ‘a labour of love’ for Dennis who has retired from the Civil Service as he shows visitors around recounting the history which in the Exhibition Hall is set out in an easy to follow manner with plaques, dates, re-creations etc. (Please see piece on the recently launched book ‘700 Years’ in this magazine). In the courtyard the mortal remains of Fr. Louis Orfila, who died in March this year, having been Rector of the Shrine for nearly forty years, are entombed, a fitting resting place over which a monument is being constructed. Dennis and Elvira made me welcome in their friendly way and both are members of the Secular Order of Franciscans and once organized retreats for young people, ‘so I always had a contact with the place’, Dennis told me, smiling happily. Their devotion to Our Lady is so genuine and open it shines through as they talked to me and showed me round. I followed Dennis into the chapel
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Anne Mesilio
The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe was the venue for the final Mass and presentations after the first academic Marian Congress which was held there earlier this year. And on the 14th September, it will play the central role in an international gathering of the members of the Network of Marian Shrines. to admire the new windows incorporating Moorish design as well as the coats of Arms of His Holiness Pope Benedict XV1 and Bishop Emeritus Caruana. Each Bishop chooses a motto and Bishop Heskett has chosen one to honour the Redemptorist family he belongs to. “Apud Eum Redemptio”, “with Him redemption” from psalm 129/30; 7. The windows are under construction but in their place hang a template depicting the final results. I liked them very much. It was Fr. Orfila who joined our Shrine to the Marian Network and this year in September Gibraltar will host the annual three day Conference and welcome members from sister shrines around Europe. “This really promotes the Shrine at European level which has seen an increased number of pilgrims over the past year”, Dennis was telling me. “Good goods in small packages”, an old adage I suddenly remembered and in relation to the Shrine it seemed very apt. Small it may be but its impact is
immense as it offers a peaceful place to pray, a place to leave the world ‘outside’ in seeking God through his Blessed Mother. Fr. Orfila’s vision has been realized when he took over the derelict Shrine in the early sixties; “the place was empty, drab, very damp and full of cobwebs, quite uncongenial to religious fervour, but in its own humble way, it was an impressive and historic building”. If you cannot visit as often as you would like, visit the website, www.ourladyofeurope.net and click on ‘live pictures’. Here you can follow the Saturday Mass at noon or Wednesday at 7.15pm. With portable laptops these days this could be the answer for people housebound due to illness, those in hospital or even travelling away from home, it’s a great and easy way to keep in touch. We are privileged to have this ‘oasis’ offering peaceful sanctuary and its walls hold the past which we need not worry about, its solitude encloses us in a prayerful embrace, as long as we let it.
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Spotlight on a pillar of the community
Maruchi leads the way
An interview with a prominent woman in our society, tirelessly working for justice and equality. When we talk about Maruchi Risso the first thing that comes to mind is her involvement with disabled adults in the early nineties from the time the Government, together with the Catholic Church, set up the first home for disabled persons “The Dr. Giraldi Home.”
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“I was seconded from Government to run the Home. After a number of years the home was taken over by a company from the UK and I then reverted back to Government service. However I left part of my soul there as I enjoyed the experience of working with disabled persons
tremendously and have many happy and wonderful memories of the staff and residents alike. My next assignment was to set up a “complaints department “by establishing an Ombudsman’s Office, a local Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and a Consumer Affairs Department. Because I enjoy a challenge I was happy to take this up. This entailed visiting Malta, the Channel Islands (who have a similar ethos to ourselves) and the United Kingdom, in order to make the contacts and to observe how they had set up their own entities so we could mirror their ways by cherry picking what we thought would work in Gibraltar.” Maruchi is a hard worker and a very ambitious lady who over the past 12 years has developed
and headed the Department of Consumer affairs with great success. “Gibraltar has been put firmly on the map of the consumer world and we are well respected in this field. We also have a complaints system that we can be proud of. I managed to keep the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the Consumer Office together for some years and eventually I managed to strike a deal with the Citizens Advice Bureau in the UK to establish our own CAB office here in Gibraltar, independent from Government and would be run by a local trust and have a local flavour. It has its own manager and staff and has been functioning for about six years in a very successful way that gives free and independent advice.” Maruchi’s enthusiasm and impetus did not stop here as soon she was setting up the Department of Consumer Affairs - CAS was a tiny office then that was lacking in consumer legislation and recognition within the community. “This little office created in eighties, after the Consumer Office in Gibraltar had been disbanded meant there was nowhere consumers could make complaints. Gibraltar being a trading community needs this so consumers locally and tourists alike could take their complaints to. I have endeavoured to improve this office over the years and nowadays have a full compliment of staff and deal with many hundred of complaints.” With such a demanding job how can you find time to also
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be the Chairperson of the Gibraltar Business Network and the Women’s Corona Society? “I am a great believer in raising the profile or women both in Gibraltar and elsewhere. There are only three women’s organizations in Gibraltar. These are; The Gibraltar Business Network, The Women’s Corona Society and the Gibraltar Women’s Association. I happen to be the Chairperson of the Network and the Corona Society.” The Women’s Corona Society is one of the oldest associations and charities in Gibraltar and is geared towards the older and retired woman who still wants to be active and dynamic and is still interested in being involved in the life of the community and do her bit especially on the fund raising side. The Gibraltar Business Network has now been functioning around fifteen years, and it gives support to women who are not working as to those in employment. “We hold a yearly reception in the splendour of the gardens of the Mount. This is very well
attended and includes local dignitaries, members of the Network and guests from both sides of the border as well as very many women from all walks of life in Gibraltar and the Campo area. We also have good links with Layounne in south western Morocco and we fly the “Gibraltar flag” and raise the profile of Gibraltar abroad. Currently the Network is running a networking and showcasing opportunity with our counterparts in the Spanish surrounding area and we will be holding an International Women’s Day in March next year in Spain.” Maruchi was also one of the first women to serve on the bench as a Justice of the Peace in the Magistrate’s Court. She was also accepted as a Freeman of the City of London. Maruchi is married and has two sons; one is a barrister and the other the current Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. She has a very supportive husband. “Louis is also very supportive as I could not have done or do all I do without his support. He
always says that he will support me but that he doesn’t want to be involved directly. My two sons are very close to us and we are a strong family unit. This is one of the great things of living in Gibraltar. Families are really close and important. And being a grandmother to my Cristina, Patrick and Sophia is something I love.” Maruchi do you think you will ever retire? “Eventually, I will retire but I suppose that I will be involved in doing things in the community for quite a while. There have been women who have gone before me who are now in their eighties who are still active within the community. One thing I will always do is lobby for Gibraltar, whatever I do. I think Gibraltar has come a long way and has now very good standing internationally. I will continue to do my bit for Gibraltar in the fields where I move. I will also continue with my hobbies, I
Sonia Golt
have a few, and as a reader at St. Theresa’s Church on Saturdays as my faith is very important to me and keeps me going.” “I am very happy that at long last the Government will be recognizing the women of Gibraltar and their contribution to Gibraltarian society, both in the past and now, by erecting a statue to women at the entrance to the town. In the same way that the Rock of Gibraltar is the first thing that people look at when visiting our town, the statue to the Gibraltarian woman standing proudly in defence of our town and children will also be the first and the last thing that visitors to Gibraltar will see.”
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Muisic News and a Reveiw
World Class Music on the
Karel Chichon strategically placed to continue bringing top performers to delight Gibraltar music aficionados.
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ocal conductor Karel Mark Chichon has been appointed Chief Conductor of the SWR Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern. His contract will start by covering three seasons, running until July 2014 with an option of further renewal after the first year. He will conduct a maximum of 12 weeks with the orchestra every year. The SWR Deutsche Radio Philhamonie (DRP) is one of Germany’s leading radio symphony orchestras. It’s previous Chief Conductors have included some of the greatest names in conducting, such as Myung-Whun Chung, Marcello Viotti and Gunther Herbig. “Signing on a young, promising and passionate Principal Conductor like Karel Mark Chichon, who sets high creative standards and has great international experience, marks an excellent development for the DRP. The orchestra has also taken on a new challenge with this Chief Conductor,” according to Dr. Hans-Günther Brüske, the Programme Director for Saarländischer Rundfunk (Saarland Broadcasting) and Dr. Simone Sanftenberg, Regional
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Director of SWR in Rhineland Palatinate. During the press conference held in Mainz last Friday 11 June, which was attended by more than thirty members of the German regional and national media, the press department of the orchestra stated that Karel is hailed by the international press as a “conducting prodigy” and as a “conductor of genius” and that his conducting was distinguished by “his spirit, passion and musicality”. Following two extremely successful concert engagements with the orchestra in the past one and a half years, Karel is now looking forward to a more in-
depth and lasting collaboration. During the press conference Karel commented “I feel very honoured and proud to have been asked to become the new Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie and I accept this invitation with great pleasure and responsibility. The DRP is an orchestra with a great musical tradition and artistic excellence and I look forward to upholding this tradition and making it stronger. I have every confidence that together with Benedikt Fohr and the wonderful musicians for the DRP we can continue to uphold the DRP’s reputation as one of the leading orchestras of Germany where,
above all, all those people who come to our concerts will feel part of an unforgettable musical experience. I want this region to have more than just an orchestra – I want our orchestra to become the region’s most important ambassador throughout the world.” The musicians of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie also relish the prospect of working with Karel Mark Chichon: “One of the most outstanding projects undertaken recently by our orchestra was the 2008 New Year’s Eve concert in the Baden-Baden Festpielhaus Hall under the baton of Karel Mark Chichon. Maestro Chichon knew in a moment how to prepare the orchestra, so that this evening, which would be broadcasted on television, would be a triumph for everyone. As a result of this success, the members of the DRP wanted to continue collaboration with Maestro Chichon. Barely a year later, he introduced himself to our audiences with a symphony programme ranging from Rossini (“William Tell Overture”), through Rodrigo, Dzenitis and Stravinsky (suite from “The Firebird”). Not only the audience and the critics at these concerts reacted with enthusiasm, the orchestra itself knew that it had gained a brilliant conductor with Maestro Chichon who could take this orchestra to new performance heights. It would therefore be only logical that the musicians of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie should wish to have him as the successor to Professor Christoph Poppen. We are all very pleased that Maestro Chichon will already be available to lead the
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Rock orchestra for the 2011/2012 season. His musicality, his skills as a conductor, his versatility will all contribute to raising the level of our orchestra in the long term.” Yesterday evening Karel personally commented “this appointment came at the right time and so I accepted it with great joy and satisfaction. As of 2011 I will be the Chief of both a major German Radio Orchestra and the best orchestra in the Baltic States (Latvian National Symphony) and I will be sharing my remaining time with guest conducting appearances at the Vienna State Opera, Berlin Deutsche Oper and Munich Bavarian State Opera where I shall be a guest
From the Philharmonic Orchestra and Francis Imossi until at least 2013 – this is stuff one dreams of. Of course the responsibility of heading two orchestras is enormous. Each orchestra gives some 75 concerts each in one season. I am essentially responsible for the choice of conductors and soloists for all the concerts of two orchestras whose collective budget is in excess of 6 million euro, let alone the administrative responsibilities that go with the job such as attending auditions for new orchestra members, the choice and programming of concert repertoire, rehearsal planning, recordings, touring, press relations, meetings with musicians unions and artistic boards, etc. But responsibility has never been a problem before and I cannot imagine that it will be now, when the oven is nice and warm!”.
Albrecht Mayer is one of the many exciting musicians who have played for Gibraltar music lovers this year.
Mayer displayed highest calibre control
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arlier this year Francis Imossi wrote the following review of an oboe recital organised by the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, and held at The Convent Ballroom in Gibraltar on the 18th March 2010. Lovers of classical music were treated to a fantastic display of artistry at the Convent Ballroom, as one of the world’s top oboists, Albrecht Mayer, joined forces with his chamber music collaborator pianist Alexander Schmalcz for an evening of enchanting music. The programme for the evening consisted of the following works: Oboe Concerto in C major, K.314 (W.A. Mozart); Fantasy No.3 in D minor, K.397 (W.A.Mozart); Concerto for Oboe d’Amore BWV 1055 (J.S. Bach) Fantasiestücke, Op.12 – Des Abends, Aufschwung, Warum, Grillen (Robert Schumann); L’Horloge de Flore (Jean Françaix). And so, the shimmering spectacle began, with Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C major (K 314); a cornerstone of the instrument’s repertoire, this is a work which Mr. Mayer explained, prior to performing it and with exquisitely warm humour, was very important for oboists because it is the piece with which
one gets the job…or doesn’t. Mr. Mayer glided effortlessly through the first movement; very impressive scale runs and a silkysmooth tone throughout worthy of the oboist of the highest calibre that he is. The cadenza here was a real treat. Of course, a large part of the oboist’s art lies in his or her control of the embouchure and air pressure, through which the player controls dynamic expression, timbre, and even intonation. The second movement was a real test of this; this movement one of intense beauty, of perfectly executed trills, and of wonderful ‘hanging’ notes which were somehow suspended in the air, seemingly destined never to fall. Later on in the work, another thing caught my attention – Mr. Mayer’s faultless arpeggios. This first work of the evening showcased his vast depth of musical understanding and virtuosic abilities; Mr. Mayer really showed why he is considered amongst the top oboe players in the world. It was interesting to hear the oboist taking breaths and the key noise from the oboe, elements which, rightly or wrongly, are so often edited out or subdued by recording engineers in the studio in their pursuit of a ‘clean’
recording. There followed a piece for solo piano, the popular, but demanding, Fantasy No.3 in D minor composed by W.A.
Mozart. Mr. Schmalcz gave us a very beautiful rendition of this unfinished Mozart piece which is believed to have been completed by one of Mozart’s admirers.
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Muisic Review
Next up, was J.S. Bach’s piano/ harpsichord concerto BWV 1055, but ‘recycled’ for the Oboe d’amore. Mr. Mayer explained that musicologists had studied the tessitura of the concerto’s score, and speculate that this was an indeed a concerto intended for the Oboe d’amore. It is also known that J.S. Bach wrote many pieces for the Oboe d’amore, a fact which adds further support to the argument. Mr Mayer experienced ‘water problems’ with the Oboe d’amore just before the second movement of the Bach, caused by condensation. An interesting fact is that the Oboe d’amore
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is an expensive instrument – prices can be in the region of £6,500-£7,000, which means that Oboists frequently do not own their own Oboe d’amore but instead rent an instrument when their work demands use of this instrument. After the interval, four piano miniatures were performed from Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op.12 set of 8 pieces: Des Abends (painting a gentle picture of dusk), Aufschwung (a passionate piece), Warum (a piece with a reflective and questioning feel), and Grillen (an unusual and fanciful piece). The last programmed work was
Francis Imossi Jean Françaix’s L’Horloge de flore; neoclassical in style, this work was charmingly executed – the intense interplay between the two instruments was a joy to listen to. For the encore, Mr. Mayer once again addressed the audience to advise that someone suggested to him that he play the piece Gabriel’s Oboe by composer Ennio Morricone (from the soundtrack of the 1986 film The Mission). Mr. Mayer explained that he did not know the piece from memory, nor did he have the music, so that, regrettably, he could not perform it. Nevertheless, the encore piece which he was to perform that night was also a gem: the aria from Act II of George Frederic Handel’s Italian opera Rinaldo entitled ‘Lascia ch’io pianga’. Mr. Mayer told the audience of his first encounter with the piece (and with a certain composer called G… F… Handel) when he bought an arrangement of the piece at a London music store for just a few pence. Always with wonderful comic timing, Mr. Mayer was quick to add that this had happened when he was
a kid, a mere “ten years ago”. With a mesmerising performance of Lascia ch’io Pianga, and with a rapturous applause immediately afterwards, the recital unfortunately came to an end. Ah, the oboe…having such a richly penetrating quality of sound, and yet so wonderfully warm-sounding in the hands of a master. Allow me please to recommend to you a very noteworthy intervention in film music of solo oboe which serves as a perfect companion to the preceding description – if you can, please listen to the theme Across the Stars from John Towner Williams’ soundtrack for Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (the oboe appears very early on); a real gem, in my opinion. I am sure that I am not alone when I say that I hope that Mr. Mayer’s and Mr. Schmalcz’s will be returning to Gibraltar for another concert soon: maybe to give us that sought-after rendition of Gabriel’s Oboe; or maybe even for a performance of Across the Stars for oboe and piano?
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Community Action
Lyanna Armstrong-Emery
Rotary Club Awards Ceremony
Over 100 young people take part in Ceremony after completing community projects during the year.
T
he Rotary Club of Gibraltar has held its second annual presentation of the Rotary Junior Community Award at the Rock Hotel. Her Worship the Mayor of Gibraltar, Mrs. Olga Zammitt and the Minister for Culture, Sport and Heritage, the Hon. Edwin Reyes joined guests from the St John Ambulance, the Environmental Agency, the churches and Bayside and Westside schools. The event was to honour twentyone students who received the Award and parents, Rotarians and the youngsters themselves swelled the numbers present to well over one hundred. Each young person was presented
with a framed certificate by the Mayor and a lapel badge from thePresident of the Rotary Club, Raju Alwani. This followed nine months of hard work (additional to their school work) concentrating on community activities of various kinds. This included public service projects, physical recreation, the development of their own personal skills and a series of activities in the community that required them to become involved with public commemorations, meetings, religious and cultural issues and an appreciation of the Arts. Excellent work was displayed by the students and was enjoyed by many of the guests, including the Mayor and the Minister.
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During the past year, senior students from both schools also gave assistance to their younger colleagues, and, to recognise the time and effort given, they too received framed certificates from the Mayor and the Rotary Club’s President-Elect, Julian Risso. The Rotary Club expressed its appreciation to The Mayor for her speech of welcome and congratulations to both the students for their endeavours and to the Rotary Club for running the scheme. The Mayor, the Minister and all the guests were thanked for their support of the scheme. In particular, the St John Ambulance Brigade, the Environment Agency and the Methodist Church were thanked for their co-operation with the community projects required of the scheme. The Head Teachers of the two schools were thanked for their tolerance of the intrusion of the Rotary Club into their already busy lives, but hoped that the scheme would run on into the future as the Club continued to forge the link between school and community. In particular, Mr Colin Skinner and Ms Belinda Bautista were thanked
for their assistance in organising the running of the scheme within Bayside and Westside schools, respectively. Rotary President Raju spoke of some of the other activities organised by the Rotary Club, including their Awards to Gibraltar citizens, the Morocco Project, the street collections for the Haiti earthquake relief and for the eradication of polio worldwide. He also thanked the Rotarians who had operated the Award scheme over the year which included organisers Geoff Morgan and Sylvia Leay. In conclusion, Mr. Morgan himself pointed out that while the certificate and the lapel badge represented the tangible outcome of work over the past three terms, the real value of the scheme was in the confidence and personal knowledge gained by the students, and the benefit that came from having succeeded in achieving the award. The young people were charged to wear their badges with pride and to encourage next year’s entrants to the school to take up the challenge as they had.
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