Upon This Rock 111 September 2010 by EuropeAxess Media

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Dear Friends

We can’t see into another person’s

heart.

rue disciples of Christ are those who listen to the voice of their Master and who submit to the skilful help of Jesus, the Divine Physician, who heals us and removes the cancer of sin from our lives. If we are to be guides and teachers for others, then we need good vision, both spiritual and moral vision, and a clear map that shows us the right path and destination for our life’s journey. Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life – no one comes to the Father except through him (John 14:6). If our destination is heaven – our true home and union with God – then there is only one way to get there and that way is through the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the

Cross of Christ sin is pardoned and the sinner is made whole, darkness and corruption give way to light and truth, death is defeated and new life in Christ is restored. The Cross of Christ frees us from condemnation and guilt and shows us the way of perfect love and unity with God and with our neighbour. If Christ has truly freed us from guilt and condemnation, then why is judgmentalism Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media Ltd, Gibraltar.

and a critical spirit so rampant today, even among Christians? “Thinking the best of other people” is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty. The Rabbis warned people: “He who judges his neighbour favourably will be

judged favourably by God.” How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually “off the mark” because we can’t see inside the other person, or we don’t have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself. Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you (Mark 4:24). The Lord knows our faults and He sees all, even the imperfections and sins of the heart which we cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skilful doctor He patiently draws us to His seat of mercy and removes the cancer of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in God’s mercy and grace? Ask the Lord to flood your heart with His loving kindness and mercy that you may only have room for charity, forbearance, and kindness towards your neighbour. God Bless you Fr Stuart

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE TO

Editor Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com Cover Photo: REUTERS/ Adrees Latif 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.

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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.

Join us on pilgrimage 24th April - 1st May 2011 Accompanied by Fr

Stuart Chipolina

485per Euros person

Includes: Travel in luxury bus, 1 night in Madrid ‘en route’ in a Four Star Hotel and 1 night in Catalayud on return journey in a converted Monastery/Hotel. Full board in Lourdes staying at Vatican Astoria Hotel. Optional Tours in Lourdes. For more information contact Fr Stuart on 58041000 or Richard Martinez on 54714000

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An Interview with Mario Hook by Anne Mesilio

A priest fro

Sponsored by

A warm tribute to Fr. Grima from one of his closest friends in Gibraltar.

ozo is a small rural island of scenic hills approximately 67sq kms in size, lying in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Maltese archipelago and has been inhabited since 5000BC. This small island has twentytwo churches and one of them is the imposing medieval Basilica of St. George. This one-time Roman soldier has become a saint of legends and traditions, St. George and the Dragon is the most popular among icons. One window in our St. Josephs church is dedicated to the saint. There is little wonder in this when you realise that Fr. Grima is from Gozo where St. George is revered as the protector of the island. It is to this island of his birth on 18th August 1949, the first child of a large family, that Fr. Grima has returned, no doubt to the protection of his beloved saint since illness forced his decision to return. For over thirty five years since his Ordination to the priesthood in Rome by Pope Paul VI in 1975 the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Coronato Grima,

PP. KHS., has walked among us a priest from Malta, living the words spoken by St. Paul who was shipwrecked on Gozo in 60AD: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, be saddened with those in sorrow”. There are many who remember him with admiration and affection and one among those is Mario Hook who responded to my request to share his memories with me. He spoke with such genuine heartfelt sincerity that I found little need to do anything other than listen as he shared his tribute and I have let Mario’s words do the talking on these pages. “My wife, Marie and I were founder members of the Christian Life Movement (1970’s) and when the late Bishop Rapallo saw the great numbers of young people attending he appointed the also young and newly ordained priest Fr. Grima, just months after his Ordination to be the Movement’s Spiritual Director. Later on he was sent to St. Joseph’s Church. I remember approaching Bishop Rapallo with a request to appoint him Parish Priest, and the Bishop had no doubt given some thought to this because in 1981 he was

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om Malta

appointed Administrator and, to our joy, became Parish Priest in 1982. My wife and I and our young family lived next door to St. Joseph’s and we welcomed Fr. Grima into our family. Over the next thirty years he spent almost every evening with us, sharing our meals and watching our children grow up. It was his illness in the latter years which curtailed his activities as he had always been a very active person in Church matters. Thankfully, during these last years there has been a group of very kind ladies who have continuously looked after him; they deserve a very special mention. Fr. Grima was devoted to his call, an excellent priest, dedicated to the spiritual wellbeing of his people, he had an unfailing zeal, always available to anyone and everyone, except perhaps at siesta time,’ chuckled Mario. ‘In fact’ he continued ‘I often admonished him to take more care of himself as his doors were always open to the many who came seeking his help. He helped everyone, he was very charitable and full of faith, he never failed in a commitment, he visited the prison, St. Bernard’s

hospital, Mt. Alvernia, KGV hospital and those ill at home. If he had to see someone, say at 8.30pm on a Wednesday, he never failed, this despite the fact that he did not drive. However, he had a group of retired people who all voluntarily made themselves available, through a rota system to drive him about. He became very well known throughout Gibraltar and I have no doubt, in fact I know, he left us unwillingly, divided between here and his home on Gozo where his mother is now frail and ill, but the catalyst had to be his own illness and my personal opinion is that he would not otherwise have left”. I was listening avidly as Mario continued. “He loved to write, he knew nothing about computers, but he wrote letters all hours of the day and night and he received a huge amount of mail with requests for prayers and advice from those he was in contact with. He is a very devout man, in fact I have no problem calling him a holy man, I have no doubt about this, and I’m not saying this because he was a friend and part of my family, but because I had occasion to be with him a lot, to

Below: Fr. Grima with Mario Hook and family. Right: Illustration of St. George by Christian Hook.

observe him, the way he prayed, celebrated Mass, he was not on the altar, he was ‘somewhere else’ so entranced was he always. Yes, a holy, holy man, continuously praying. He was an authority on Church Law too, and kept up to date on this. He found time to lead coach loads of people to Medina Sidonia where the Augustinian nuns have a convent. Here the mortal remains of Simy Cohen, a Gibraltarian nun now rest. My wife and Joanna Ressa were pioneers in raising funds and organizing these trips. The funds helped the nun’s bones to be disinterred and they are now held in a specially constructed niche in the church for all to see. There is a process of canonization for Simy and Fr. Grima spoke about her often. These are the things he did, his life was centred on the church, he loved his Church and by this I mean the people, though the church itself is a lovely building, very conducive to prayer. He made sure it was well maintained, a far cry from the adjoining priest’s house where he lived which was in a constant state of disrepair because he simply was not interested in material things, all he ever wanted was a bed to

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An Interview with Mario Hook by Anne Mesilio

A priest from Malta

(continued)

On the 23rd April 2003 H. Em. Mario Francesco Cardinal Pompedda of the Vatican, and Rt. Rev. Bishop C. Caruana con-celebrated a Mass with Mgr Grima at St. Joseph’s Church in the presence of HRH Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies to commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of St George. After which a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the event. rest in at night. My wife would tell him off about his careless attitude towards his health but it never bothered him! He just cared deeply that people who went to see him were cared for. He cultivated an atmosphere of devoutness, prayer and ultimate salvation. He used to tremble at the thought of those who did not believe and was genuinely concerned about this, yet he always felt a great love for unbelievers”. I broke in here to ask Mario how Fr. Grima’s return to Gozo has affected him and his family. His

answer was one of generosity. “Though he is no longer among us, I myself can only be pleased that he is back home, I believe this is where he should be, although when the time came to make the decision we talked long and hard about it, it was

his decision, and only his to make, though he had every right to remain here, having obtained British citizenship, so involved was he in Gibraltar. He had to think about his family as well as himself so I have to be relieved he is back home. We have

lost an integral member of our family, without a doubt, but we are in frequent touch”. Has he left a legacy, or is it too soon to define it as such? Mario did not hesitate: “He would take his faith to others, making sure the Church did not get lost along the way. Many people have come to know Christ through him in a very real manner. Those of us who spent a considerable time with him got a feel for this unselfish man and one of the important things about him was that whenever the church needed anything he would ask for it, and 99% of the time it was delivered with no cost. He would always say, ‘I do not ask for myself, it is your church too’. How will you remember him? “As a very warm person, a family member, without doubt a friend, that his leaving is a loss to us, yes, as above all he was always ready to pray at any one time for you, that was perhaps his raison d’être, to pray for others. He always said, we pray for each other, that was him’ Mario laughed warmly, ‘and you can bet his side would be kept”. The least we can do now is pray that St. George will protect him and his family in days to come and that he finds being home a comfort. I pray that Mario’s tribute will find resonance in the many other people who have cause to remember him, and I humbly include myself in that.

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World Youth Day - Madrid

A Zenit press release sent by Henry Earle

2,000,000 Youth Expected Madrid Mayor says it will be the best World Youth Day ever.

he Archbishop of Madrid signed an agreement of collaboration with the city’s mayor for the hosting of the next World Youth Day, which two million are expected to attend. Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela signed the agreement in July this year with Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardón to stipulate terms of collaboration for the August 2011 Youth Day. Pope Benedict XVI will attend the event, along with an estimated 1,000 prelates. Around 100,000 volunteers are already preparing for the event, the mayor reported. The cardinal noted that since the registration opened earlier this month, “tens of thousands of young people have already

registered from 100 countries and about 400 groups.” Ruiz Gallardón expressed the hope that Madrid will be a “home” for the visitors during those days. During the signing ceremony, Cardinal Rouco Varela affirmed “the human quality of the young people who are going to come, who are going to conquer the heart of Madrid’s inhabitants.” He pointed out that World Youth Day “is an event that expresses the life of the youth of the Church in its liturgical ceremonies” and in living the Word of God. The prelate expressed the hope that this event “will bring the city peace and goodness, in addition to answers that satisfy young people’s hearts.”

Cardinal Rouco Varela noted that the event will be a celebration of a “happy, beautiful, fine, joyful and festive” youth. He added that the number that will attend is of a “very great magnitude,” which will make Madrid “not only the capital of Spain but the capital of the youth of the world.” For his part, Ruiz Gallardón pointed out that the celebration of World Youth Day is “an event of exceptional transcendence for the city,” and that its success “requires an equally extraordinary effort on the part of all.” He expressed his joy over the fact that Madrid was chosen to be the venue for the event, noting that “every time we are chosen to host an international meeting we

must be pleased.” The municipality agreed to cede spaces, such as public schools and many sports venues, to house the visitors. Venues will also be made available for meetings of young people and for cultural events. Moreover, the municipality guaranteed the support of the police, in coordination with the other government security forces, to ensure protection for the youth attending the events. The local administration stated that it will install a countdown clock “in a place emblematic of the city.” Ruiz Gallardón affirmed that “not only will Madrid be equal to the task, but it will exceed all expectations to make this the best World Youth Day of those held up to now.” The municipality is not funding the event, though it is participating in the facilitation. The financing of World Youth Day comes from the contributions of the young people attending and from sponsoring businesses.

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Pakistan Floods Disaster

What can WE do to h I

travelled to Nowshera in central Pakistan for an aid distribution. When we went to do a survey a week before there were blocked roads and difficulties getting through. This time we didn’t have problems and traffic was flowing quite freely, but on our way there we did see places where the waters were still up to the roofs of some of the houses. At that moment, it hadn’t rained for two days and the waters were going down in some places. Some people – although very few of them – were going back to their houses. The items we gave out at the distribution were decided upon from the careful assessments we did the previous week. Among them were mattresses, pillows and sheets; hygiene kits that included things such as toothpaste and even nail clippers. Also, kitchen sets containing pans, plates, cutlery and also a “tawa” which is basically a pan in which people can make chapattis. The distribution took place at the parish house where we received 230 families. Some of these families had been staying with relatives, others had been sleeping out in the open. The ones

Reports from aid workers on the ground on CAFOD’s website... August 12, 2010... 4:17 pm Pakistan: Vital aid delivered

who were sleeping in the open air had gone up to higher places or were staying near the parish house. The houses near the river bed had been completely washed away. People are coping at the moment despite having lost so much. One of the big difficulties people are facing is the loss of their jobs. They don’t have money and they don’t know if and when they’ll next get paid. Even if they do get paid, they don’t know if it will be as much as they usually get. Women in that area keep to themselves, but the ones I spoke to told me that for them the big difficulty was not having a home and no longer having a proper family life. I think for the people I met at Nowshera it will take at least a couple of months to get back to any sort of normal life. Posted by Eric Dayal, National Emergency Coordinator, Caritas Pakistan

was offered a glass of the brown river water yesterday, says Lisa Beyl, who works for CAFOD’s partner, Catholic Relief Services in northern Pakistan. “It literally looks like mud. It is the dirtiest water I have ever seen in my life. I can’t believe that people are drinking it, but they are, out of necessity.” As rains continue to pour down on the flooded country, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis have been left homeless. Worse, they

have no access to drinkable water. “We have to drink water from the river but it is so dirty. We have no other options because the floodwaters damaged our water source and washed away our pipes,” says a man in the northern town of Besham whose home and land were swept away. “My family is getting sick. Today, I took my 15-month-old son to the hospital because he has diarrhoea and a high fever. If the water problem is not solved, I

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help?

August 9, 2010...10:55 am People need drinking water do not know what I will do.” Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is getting kits ready that include water purification tablets for thousands of people who cannot access clean water. “We’re telling people to filter water through cloth and then treat it with the purification tablets,” says Carolyn Fanelli, Acting Country Representative for CRS Pakistan. The kits also come with cookware for boiling water, and oral rehydration salts for those who suffer diarrhoea. CRS will also get at the root

of the problem—broken water pipes. We have years of experience building water systems in mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, having helped villages with CAFOD’s support after a 2005 earthquake destroyed pipelines. “About 100 water systems in the regions of Kohistan and Shangla are damaged,” says Carolyn. “We’re in the process of repairing five right now— one is almost fixed.” In coming weeks, CRS engineers will fix more. “Villagers come to the

CRS office daily asking for help to fix their water systems,” she says. CRS has already distributed the kits to hundreds of people in Balochistan. Over the next week, we will distribute over 1,500 shelter and hygiene kits to newly homeless families in the areas of Swat, Shangla and Kohistan. The kits contain plastic sheeting for shelter, kitchen supplies, bed mats, soap, and more, along with the water purification tablets and rehydration salts. Preventing waterborne diseases before mass

outbreaks occur is key. “This dirty water is very dangerous,” says the Besham resident. “The problem is not just for me and my family – our whole community is suffering because there is no clean water.” Posted by Laura Sheahan, Catholic Relief Services

CAFOD has pledged £250,000 to partner organisations in Pakistan which are helping people affected by the floods. Donate to either our Pakistan Appeal or the DEC: www. cafod.org.uk

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Welcoming Fr. Mebratu to the Rock

A Heartfelt Message Fr. Mebratu from Ethiopia visits the Rock to say thank you to everyone who has helped to raise funds for his Mission.

ibraltar is well-known for the charities that abound within our community and for the enormous help, which due to the charitable donations of our people, is used to help others in underprivileged situations around the world. Visiting us this month was a missionary from Ethiopia, Father Mebratu H-giorgiscm who has come to visit friends here, Dilip and Belinda Tailor and Monsignor George Grima. He came especially to thank them for their support and to tell them all the new things it

has been possible to do: a lot of work for his people, thanks to the money that their charity raises in Gibraltar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was actually in Portugal for a conference and thought that it would be the moment to accept the invitation to come and visit, and thank the local population that has given so much for us all back in Ethiopia.â&#x20AC;? Ethiopia is actually the second-most populous nation in Africa and even though most African nations are, in their modern form, less than a century old, Ethiopia has been an independent nation since

ancient times, being one of the oldest countries in the world. There is a lot of poverty still in rural areas of this nation and it is precisely in Nekemte, where Father Mebratu spends most of his days, feeding, teaching, helping and educating both spiritually and academically, the many children, and women who have been widowed who need his help and his support to achieve something better for their future. At the moment there are over 120 children at the Mission.

Tell us a little bit about your life? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was born 32 years ago and I belong to the congregation called St Vincent de Paul. I studied in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, and it was here that I learnt all about theology and philosophy. My family are all dedicated Catholics and living in this environment made me want to become a priest, actually my father was in the same seminary and in the same congregation as the one I chose myself, the influence was very prominent

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by Sonia Golt

of Thanks

because even though my father never finished his studies he always had high hopes that one of his family would continue in his footsteps.” As a young child Mebratu spent a lot of time working around the missionaries there and seeing how things worked and what it entailed to help others worse off than him. He put all these feelings and dedication into his career and is now the Parish priest of “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” (Kidanemhiret). Helping people on a daily basis and keeping the mission functioning so everybody, around 120 children aged between 3 and 7, and the adults who take care of them, can all lead a better life. They can be educated and fed, and learn how to improve things for themselves and their relatives now and in the future. The Mission helps them with housing, spiritual teachings, academic education, and provides daily food for all as

well as other things. “We have a kindergarten to give children an education, as these children do not have the means to go elsewhere to study, and this is a way to teach them the basics so they can cope alongside other children when they go later to elementary school. We are also educating the women and will soon be establishing a farm for them to be able to grow their own vegetables and so on. Many of these women have never been to school themselves. This centre will become self-sufficient in the future and be run by these women for their children! We are giving them opportunities to get a better life.” Although it is run like a Catholic community there are many people of different religions or beliefs within the Mission but they all have something in common – their belief in God! “My people trust in God very much.” How rewarding is your job?

“It is a very rewarding profession, and when I am not with them I seem to need them as much as they need me, I miss them and I have learnt a lot from them too. I am not married but still have 100 children, an extended family and it makes me very happy to be a father to them all.” Father Mebratu, during his few days in Gibraltar has been visiting the apes, had tours inside the caves and tunnels, and has attended the St Vincent de Paul’s Summer BBQ. He says there will be many stories to tell his children when he gets back home and they will all be longing to find out what he has been up to over here. “They will be all ears!” “I am very impressed with the Nature Reserve here and the

tunnels, as well as the charm of the people of Gibraltar whose friendly attitude towards me has made me feel very much at home and very welcome and I take this opportunity to thank them all for this welcome and for their donations. This is the first time I come to Europe and I have loved to see the sea and

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Welcoming Fr. Mebratu to the Rock

by Sonia Golt

A Heartfelt Message of Thanks how it borders this peninsula. I hope to be able to return one day again and bring more happy news about our Mission, thanks to your generosity!” What do the children in your community wish for? “Well because doctors and teachers are much respected in Ethiopia, the children’s aim is to become either a doctor or a teacher, and a smaller percent wants to be a priest. Recently my concept about teaching the children changed due to a small 3 ½ old boy who never wants to go to school and I need to bribe him with fruit or candies to get him to attend, but sometimes even this does not help, he loves the food but not the studies. He is a strong boy and fights with other children so we get a few complaints from the others so one day I gave him a little smack to get him in the school, something I had never done before and it made me think that maybe the child had a problem if he was never willing. So I asked his parents and they told me that they were not his parents, that his real parents had died of AIDS so they had taken him and were taking care of him, still he missed his real parents terribly! This made me realize that I needed to get to know each of the children in my congregation better, and so I have now made files and

have details about our children’s background and family so I can understand why some react in different ways which could be due to their backgrounds – so this little naughty boy has helped me to find another formula for educating the rest by knowing each of them better.” What do the children call you? “They call me Father, they say ABBA!” “I do want to mention that although our country is not poor, we live in poverty and that is why we need a lot of empowerment to use our resources well – so teaching both women and children thanks to the charitable people of Gibraltar and Malta, people who are living in a better economy, we are now able to see a change every day. Children come to us when they are malnourished and we feed and take care of them so soon they are fit and well, thanks to your kind donations. We are very grateful to see the positive changes thanks to the way your people have raised money to help us. Actually, the first kindergarten we had was built with mud and wood and other local materials but it became dangerous and it collapsed and we could not put the children there for two years so thanks to GibMission for Africa and Monsignor George Grima of Malta we now have

a new building and we have improved the lives of many of these children.” A fascinating piece of news came our way that afternoon as Dilip Tailor, who was with us at the interview, explained that Monsignor Charles Caruana had told them both, on their visit to him in hospital that same day, that Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia had actually visited Gibraltar during the Second World War and stayed a few days on the Rock. And with this piece of news we said our farewell to Father Mebratu and wished him all the best for the future.

His final word was “Asmasaggonallaw”… “Thank you”- as they say it in Ethiopia, GibMissionAfrica works to help individuals, families and communities become more self-reliant and prosperous, and strengthening communities to work together to combat the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and economic hardships.

Anybody wishing to help this Mission can send donations by contacting Dilip or Belinda Tailor on 200 78714 or by email info@ gibma.org

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Youth on a Mission on the Far Side of the Sea

Sarah Cumming

“Nature: a design of love and truth”

“... I still haven’t seen a koala or a Tasmanian Devil...”

months in Australia goes by pretty fast when you’re kept busy… I still haven’t had the opportunity to see a Koala or a Tasmanian Devil due to the schedule of it all and because I am stubborn and wanted to see them in the wild not in the zoo. However as my endeavours to see Australian wildlife in the wild has failed miserably (two Great Ocean Road trips and Tasmania), I have resigned myself to the fact that I must go to the zoo. So that’s what I’ll be aiming to do in one of the coming weekends. Tasmania Back from co-leading a two week “outreach” to an extremely cold Tasmania, I am thankful to the Lord for the ways He has shown His faithfulness and His love for us. Despite all the ministry work we did there, what made the most impact on my time in Tasmania was, what an artistic and intricate God we have, who cares about every little detail of His creation. Even in the business of everything you just didn’t have a choice but to pause, take a breath and stand in awe of the beauty surrounding you. (Look at the new photos posted on facebook) In his encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” (Love in Truth) Pope Benedict XVI writes in paragraph 48: “Nature expresses a design of love and truth. It is prior to us, and it has been given to us by God as the setting for our life. Nature speaks to us of the Creator (cf. Rom 1:20) and His love for humanity.” And that speaks true of our two weeks in Tasmania, with such

a backdrop we were constantly reminded of God’s love for us and therefore, we brought God’s love and compassion to the elderly and sick at a nursing home, we walked and prayed over the land of the city of Hobart and the tiny town of Geevestone. We shared testimonies of Christ’s redeeming love in our lives to church meetings; we brought our enthusiasm and joy for life to a small community and got our hands dirty by helping start up a vegetable plot for them and fixing, organising and sorting things in the church, we danced and prayed, lived and loved with purpose. I am very thankful to the Lord, for giving me His extraordinary strength and health to lead the outreach. It seemed that He was holding me up and pushing me forward day to day and showing me what potential I have in my life with Him by my side, following His call. Due to my bout of ill health, sadly I won’t be going on outreach to the Middle East with the rest of the DTS. This means that my work with this current Discipleship Training School ends in September. It was a hard decision to make, I have always wanted to go to the Middle East and see the work that my friends have started there. After praying and seeking both medical and leadership advice, it is a decision that I am at peace with. This gives me the opportunity to continue to start putting plans into place for next year with Kerygma Teams Australia and YWAM Melbourne. Also to do Phase 2 of the Certificate 4 course which

I started in May. Christmas: I will be coming home in November for two months…to rest, catch up with all of you, and share with you what 2011 will entail, (which already looks to be a busy year). However, most of all I am looking forward to meeting my new niece or nephew (due to be born next month) and spend good quality time with you and family. So if you would like to meet up do let me know so that I can space out the time and give you the time for the feedback, fellowship, prayer that you deserve and not a rushed conversation. With this I’ll leave you till next month with another quote from Benedict XVI in Caritas in Veritate : “In nature, the believer recognizes the wonderful result of God’s creative activity, which we may use responsibly to satisfy our legitimate needs, material or otherwise, while respecting the intrinsic balance of creation. If the vision is lost, we end up either considering nature an untouchable taboo or, on the contrary, abusing it. Neither attitude is consonant with the Christian vision of nature as the fruit of God’s creation.”Till next month, Be Blessed, Love and prayers Sarah <>< Posted In : Melbourne 8.07.10

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An Appeal for support for Special Olympics

Blazing a Trail

Who will wear the laces to support Gibraltar’s Special Olympic athletes?

t was clear to Special Olympics founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, that she had a vision that could and would capture global attention. Forty-two years on that is surely still the case as the Special Olympics athlete, the reason for the Movement in the first place, is seen as representing the best on the field of sports, emulating their oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”. Their bravery has helped break down barriers of prejudices and limited views as one by one they have overcome personal and often community fuelled misconceptions, to emerge as winners, both in their own lives and on the field of sport, the one fuelling the other. Special Olympics provides sports opportunities for individuals

with intellectual disabilities and research has shown the significant improvement in the athletes’ sense of self and the acquiring of social skills due to participation in Special Olympics. The spirit of Special Olympics, which encompasses skill, courage and the sharing of joy transcend all boundaries of geography, political philosophy, gender, age, race or religion. Eunice Kennedy Shriver blazed a trail where millions have followed and in 1981 the Law Enforcement Torch run began in Kansa, USA. There was perceived an urgent need to raise awareness for Special Olympics and it has become the largest grass roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics around the world. It was started in Gibraltar in 1988,

the first European country to do so, and has raised awareness and funds for Special Olympics Gibraltar and every year at our games they have carried the “Flame of Hope” around the Rock culminating in its arrival at the Victoria Stadium where the cauldron is lit by an athlete. What is the “Flame of Hope”? It is the symbol of Special Olympics and is used in much the same way as the Olympic flame at the Olympic Games. Special Olympics is the only sporting body which is sanctioned by IOC to use the flame at opening ceremonies. The “Flame of Hope” is lit from the rays of the sun during a special traditional ceremony in Athens, Greece, in the weeks running up to World Games. It is then relayed on foot by Law Enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from around the world. It is a powerful representation of the Movement which burns brightly, bringing hope and

peace and light to those who have none. In September this year it will blaze a trail across nine European countries ahead of this year’s 2010 European Games in Poland. It will be carried in a series of relays through Greece, Turkey, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Gibraltar and on to Poland for the Opening Ceremony of the Games. It will arrive here in Gibraltar on the 9th September and as in every city it is visiting a “Welcome the Flame of Hope” ceremony will be held. It is too early to give details of this as I write (August 10th) as plans are being finalized but please watch out for information as it appears in the media and then get behind this honour for our country and welcome the international Law Enforcement Torch Run to our city. Two local officers, Francis Williams and Guillermo Mascarenhas will be taking part. This year’s Torch Run is intended to inspire people and ignite communities as it passes through.

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Special Olympics Gibraltar is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and in the Year Book, produced to coincide with our national games several local torch runners shared their thoughts on what being part of the Torch run means to them. Examples; “A privilege and honour and something very special”, “It means the world to me” “You are being thanked by individuals who are constantly facing challenges”. “All of the planning…both the run and the games…culminates in that wonderful occasion where the athletes can shine….” At its most basic the Torch Run is an actual running event in which its officers and athletes run the “Flame of Hope” to Opening

Ceremonies, and with the other named countries Gibraltar is privileged to be part of what is known as the Final Leg, running the “Flame of Hope” to the Legia Stadium in Warsaw, Poland to light the cauldron for the Opening Ceremony of the European Games (18th-24th September) By turning out to welcome the “Flame of Hope” to Gibraltar you will pay tribute to our athletes who will be taking part in athletics, they are; Francis Mauro, Miguel Rubio, Sallyanne

Mauro and Malcolm Miel. According to Mary Davis, Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia; “The trip of the “Flame of Hope” across Europe is symbolic of our mission to deliver inspiration and hope to Special Olympics athletes and their families, break down barriers to equality and create awareness for social change in every community”. Running (pun intended!) alongside the Law Enforcement Torch Run we will see the launch of the “Wear the Laces” campaign where fans of Special Olympics will be asked to show their support by purchasing the specially designed shoe laces. Are you ready to wear the laces and support our athletes and the over 1,600 others who will attend the Games in Poland? By wearing the laces you are helping to celebrate the unity of sport and its powerful ability to unite communities, capture attention and inspire goodwill. Polish athlete Dominika Nurkiewcz; “by wearing the

by Anne Mesilio laces you are telling me that I am important, that my dreams matter, and that I can inspire others”. It is the ethos of Special Olympics that sports can unite a community and ultimately the world in celebrating the belief and joy that generates respect and acceptance, helping create a world free from bias and prejudice. Help us celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities. Please help us to continually challenge the world to recognize the gifts of these beautiful people. The 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run is being supported by the European Commission. Progress of the Torch Run can be tracked online by visiting: specialolympics-eu. org/2010torchrun There is an invitation to all, community leaders, law enforcement officers, corporate sponsors, civic groups, schools, families of athletes, friends and fans of Special Olympics, the public, all are welcome to join the run in our city and share the spirit of Special Olympics.

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Womans Health

by Dr Monique Risso

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome Learn more about your body and how to avoid the worst effects of its monthly cycles.

PMS: What is it?

Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition in which a number of symptoms begin, four or more days prior to the start of the period. It occurs cyclically, can be debilitating and a lot of women suffer greatly as a result. We are unable to determine the actual number of women with this condition. Usually it has been thought to be a progesterone deficiency condition. Progesterone is the dominant hormone in the postovulatory, after ovulation, phase of the cycle. However, over the years, progesterone deficiency studies have been conflicting. There are other studies that show links with decreased betaendorphins (another hormone). NaProTechnology™ has shown that women can be virtually cured of these symptoms with the use of Cooperative Progesterone Replacement Therapy (CRPT).

Symptoms: See above.

These symptoms can also be present at the time of ovulation and again during the early days of the menstrual cycle. There are at least 150 to 200 different symptoms which are thought to be exacerbated during the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. Mild symptoms that occur a couple of days before the menses (period) can be considered normal and are not included in the definition of PMS.

Symptoms

The presence of the following symptoms seven to ten days before the period is called PMS:

• Irritability • Weight Gain • Headache

Treatment:

• Breast Tenderness • Teariness • Fatigue

Women learn how to chart their own cycle using the Creighton Model Fertilitycare™ System. NaProTechnology™ trained Doctors can target the postovulatory phase of the cycle with an adequate hormonal evaluation. The Creighton Model Fertilitycare™ System and NaProTechnology™ have taught us how to measure these hormones during the course of the menstrual cycle, thus targeting the cycle at the right time to determine whether the hormone level is normal or abnormal. In

• Bloating • Depression • Insomnia

women who have premenstrual syndrome, both progesterone and oestrogen levels, along with beta-endorphin levels, are decreased late in the cycle. “Once that diagnosis is made, then a programme of treatment can be implemented, which is also used in a way which properly targets the cycle. The most common treatment now used at the Pope Paul VI Institute is a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). This treatment is given during the post-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. It stimulates the production of

Marriage Care

The Gibraltar Counselling Service Tel: 20071717Ba

both progesterone and oestrogen from the ovary during that phase of the menstrual cycle, correcting the underlying hormonal dysfunction. In addition, there is a hormone called beta-endorphin, which has also been shown to be decreased in these women. A medicine called Naltrexone has been shown to be very helpful in this group of patients. The overall success rate of the Pope Paul VI Institute’s treatment programme for Pre Menstrual Syndrome is in the 85 to 95 percent range. In some cases, it is almost miraculous as to the type of recovery that women experience.” Quote by Dr Thomas W. Hilgers. M.D. taken from: “In Their Own Words Women Healed”. Published in 2004, this book includes testimonies of women (and their husbands) whose lives have been enriched by the medical care, education and research efforts of the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. It is edited by Jean Blair Packard with Physician Comments by Thomas W. Hilgers, MD. www.naprotechnology.com /womenhealed.htm The following quote is also taken from this book: “Charting is a tool in evaluations and treatment of PMS” Susan Loughnane My message to all women is to be informed and empowered. Learn to respect and appreciate your fertility with the Creighton MODEL FertilityCare™ System. Have hope that NaProTechnology™ will continue to provide answers for reproductive issues that you may deal with in your lifetime. The charting is an excellent medical record and can be a valuable tool in the evaluation and treatment of PMS among other things.” The Creighton Model System™ and NaProTechnology™ are offered by Dr Monique Risso at the Valmar Clinic. For an appointment or further information please call +350 20078202 or email: mrissofertilityspice@hotmail.co.uk

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Gibraltar Astronomical Society

by Kevin Desoiza

Gazing at the Heavens

“The stars will come falling out of the sky” - Mark 13.25

he Perseid meteor shower has been observed for about 2000 years and traditionally referred to as the “Tears of St. Lawrence” since they occur near the date of his martyrdom on the 10th August. It is visible from mid-July each year until mid-August, with the peak in activity being on the night of the 12th – 13th. Meteors start off as meteoroids, grains of rock left floating in space by a melting comet as it orbits around the Sun. The region where they appear to radiate from is in the constellation of Perseus, hence the name Perseids. In this case the debris comes from 27km diameter Comet Swift Tuttle which has been orbiting for a few thousand years at least and last neared the Earth and Sun in 1992. It has a period of 133 years so it is next due in 2126. As the Earth flies into this stream at 108,000 kph, (kilometres per hour) the particles, which themselves are travelling at 150,000 kph come into contact with the upper atmosphere and the resulting friction causes the debris to burn and emit light. They are also called shooting stars even if they are not stars.

This occurs only 80 kilometres above our heads and the sonic boom generated can sometimes be heard as a cra-a-a-ack). Most Perseids are yellow white in colour but other colours can also be seen depending on the metals present: green – copper, blue – cobalt, red – potassium. Debris bigger than a grain of sand, up to a pea size, tend to burn up in a very spectacular manner and are known as fireballs. Pieces larger than this can survive entry through the atmosphere and fall to the ground, but they are very rare and are then called meteorites Members of the Gibraltar Astronomical Society again met to observe this event as they have done most years since around 1985 together with friends and visitors. This year we met by Lathbury Barracks parade ground and around 30 people attended. Seeing conditions were good in that there was no interference from the moon but there was a mist that did not allow the fainter meteors to be seen. The more persistent observers (or those that did not have to work the next day or did not care) stayed until around 3.30 am and were rewarded. We saw quite a few brighter

The constellation of Perseus can be found in the top left, North East quadrant of this star map. than -2 magnitude and after the Earth). The next one that 2am there was a sighting every we hope to meet for are the five minutes. At times we even Orionids on 21st October and got two together, and also one the Leonids on 17th November. which fragmented towards the We will post further information end. Also a few ionisation trails on our facebook page. were seen where the molecules “The glory of the stars of the air behind the meteor makes the beauty of the sky, glows for several seconds after a brilliant adornment of the the meteor has disappeared. Lord on High.” Ecclesiasticus Had the sky been darker, the air 43:9 cooler and without the humid haze we would have seen many more as in other better sites they were observing around 90 per hour. There are about 70 regular meteor showers a year (adding about 60,000 tons of mass to

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News

Johnny Gomez National Day Mass at to give a the Shrine series of talks. 7.00pm 10th September

After a good number of years absence from Gibraltar, Johnny Gomez from Costa Rica shall be visiting to take part in a retreat for the youth groups.

Knowing that he was a very popular person especially in his ability to deliver very meaningful and above all very memo-

rable talks, the RSC together with Henry Earle have managed to arrange a number of talks to be held over three weeks culminating in a weekend retreat. The weekly talks shall be delivered at both the New Life Prayer Group in the Catholic Community Centre on Thursdays at 9pm on the 2nd,9th & 16th September, and at the Christ The King Prayer Group in the Cathedral on Tuesdays at 8.30pm on the 7th & 14th September. The retreat is planned for Friday 17th at 8.30pm and Saturday 18th at 9am at the Catholic Community Centre. Please below, and above all please spread the word. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!!

For some of us, the most important event on National Day is the Mass of Thanksgiving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe.

nly a few weeks ago I found myself fogbound returning to Gibraltar after a day’s crewing with the yacht’s owner and guests on the Costa Del Sol. They had been enjoying the hot afternoon, having fun with the jet boat and inflatable donut, and by the time they had disembarked we knew we would not get back to Queensway Quay in time. We tried to find other ports to spend the night in, and Queensway Quay Marina would be closed off with a barrier across the entrance at 9.00pm. But everywhere was full up. There was no berth for us any-

Photos in the collage above were taken on 10th September 2002. Will you be there this year? where, so we had no choice but to make for Marina Bay, where the visitors’ pontoon is open all night. It was not long before we realized something was amiss. Our course was true, but the Rock had disappeared as dusk fell, we scanned the horizon as we sailed south, checking our instruments, straining to see the Pillars of Hercules. There was a full moon, we could see it clearly above and behind us and we realized as we got closer that the Rock was shrouded in fog,which was soon reaching its damp cold arms out to embrace us in the dark. We inched forwards very slowly using the radar. Even the bows of the yacht I was sailing were becoming indistinct in the mist. By the time the areas of brightness we could see, that grew in size as we approached them, became the ships at anchor we were passing, they were huge shapes looming above us. As we threaded our way blindly between them

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I was never more relieved to hear the Europa Point foghorn. I stood on the deck and pointed towards the sound holding my arm outstretched, correcting the direction every few seconds, updating our position relative to the sound as it blasted from the lighthouse. This combined with the flickering images on the radar helped the skipper safely navigate round the foot of the cliffs at Europa. We were also blessed by the full moon that night which helped immensely, reflecting off the water and giving us an indication of how many feet visibility we had in the fog. After we sailed into the Bay of Gibraltar, the mist cleared suddenly and we would have had a clear run to our normal berth in Queensway, but as this was not available to us, we had to continue up to the head of the bay, and back into the fog which was drifting round the North Face and blanketing the approaches to Marina Bay. For centuries sailors have been giving thanks to the beacon at Europa Point, and readers may be surprised to learn that even in this day and age, a foghorn has a valuable role in the safe guidance of mariners. Metaphorically also, little has changed since the times of Hercules for the modern world often leaves us in a fog of uncertainty and doubt, full of fear and anxiety, wondering what hazard may be just ahead as we sail blindly into the future. And so it is a great comfort to have the guiding light of Faith, for with

the eyes of Faith we can see ahead, and know that no matter what danger we are to encounter in the fog of the future, we will rise above and beyond. That surely is the clearest guidance the beacon of the Resurrection gives us, calling out incessantly across the years. For that we are eternally grateful, and look forward to coming together at every opportunity to express our thanksgiving as a community. We also give thanks for the protection and intercession of Our Lady of Europe, not just for ourselves, but for all of Gibraltar, and not just for our Nation, but for the whole of Europe. Mass at the Shrine will be held this National Day, 10th September at 7.00pm. The Shrine is now being run by a team of volunteers and more are needed for either a morning or an afternoon a week. Mass is held at noon on Saturdays and on Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm again, after the summer break, as of this month.

From Nashville, Tennessee

iselle Lavarello and Vivien Risso upon hearing that Maureen Gomez, a former member of the diocese, was making a lightening visit to the Rock, organised a coffee party in her honour at the Eliott Hotel.

Maureen is the daughter of Charles and Dinorah Gomez

and together with her husband and children live in Nashville. The first Gibraltarian to move to the capital of the state of Tennessee and the world home of country music was her brother Dr Paul Gomez. He was followed by his parents and then Maureen.

The Shrine opening hours are: Mon 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 6.00 Tue 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 6.00 Wed 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 6.00 Mass at 7.15pm Thu 10.00 - 1.00 (pm closed) Fri 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 6.00 Sat 11.00 - 1.00 (pm closed) Mass at 12.00 noon Sun Closed.

The day was clear and sunny when we set sail towards Europa Pt.

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