B i s h o p Ca r m e l : O r i g i n S to r y
Bishop Carmel:
Origin Story Tell us a little about your childhood? I had a normal upbringing as a boy, living in a small village and going to the village school. When I finished school, passing what here was known as the 11 plus, I went to the lyceum. As a child I used to be an altar boy and I would also help out in an early Mass every day, before going to school. I never had to be encouraged to study, since I liked studying and I also liked playing, especially
football. I still have a photo of the school team where I was a central defender. I consider my childhood as quite normal, in keeping with the period at the time. My family was made
Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi. Production Editor: A. Sargent: angela@europeaxess.com. Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project. For Advertisers: This magazine is handdelivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: +350 200 79335 email: angela@europeaxess.com. Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of these parties is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration. The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi. You’ll find exclusive Christian gifts in the WebShop. Cover: The day Fr. Carmel was ordained Priest
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© Anibaltrejo | Dreamstime.com - Santa Marija Assunta Procession In Gudja, Malta.
up of five children, my mother was always at home. I would say I was taught how to share with others, since life was not easy at that time, and you could not afford, on the salary of my father, to have luxuries. I would say we were not poor but nor were we rich. My mother had to make a lot of sacrifices to see us through when it came to feeding us and keeping us clothed. How did your path to priesthood begin?
The Church had a lot of influence on me since I was close to the priests in my parish, I used to belong to a society which was dedicated to teaching children and preparing them to receive the sacraments. In a way I would say that my contact with the priests, who all showed an interest in me and my well being, even offering to help me with my studies, did influence me in my final decision to become a priest. Also at the time there was a lot of tension between the Church and a political party, which caused a rift in the country. Luckily my parents kept us out of this tension. The effects of the tension at that time is
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still sometimes reflected today in what people say about the church in Malta. What was it like when you first came here?
When I came to Gibraltar I was just finishing my studies in Canon Law, and at the time I felt ready to do whatever was required of me. In the seminary life is somewhat sheltered, and one starts really realizing what the world is about when one starts facing the everyday problems people deal with.
Can you give us a brief ‘CV’ of your path to Bishop When Bishop Rapallo invited me to come to Gibraltar, I accepted because I had no fixed ideas about what I was going to do as a priest. For me at that time I just thought that the Church needed me somewhere and I was ready to help out. At that time I had one thing in mind, to do my duty as a priest to the best of my ability and accept whatever resulted after that. I never tried to complicate my life, I just lived my life in as simple a way as possible, conscious always of what was expected of me. I never thought of my life as a priest as a career.
I just lived my priesthood day by day, and whenever I was asked to do anything by my superiors, I would accept, even if at first I would feel that perhaps I was not the best person for the job. At first my main assignments were the comprehensive schools and then two parishes. I had other assignments like dealing with the process for marriage nullity cases, adult religious education, going to the prison and other such ministries. For a long number of years I also would say early morning Mass in the convent or in Mount Alvernia. When I went to Malta, I again was at the disposal of the Archbishop, and I did what I was asked to do.
Mainly I worked in the Curia as a chancellor, and then in the Tribunal. Both assignments were very high profile, but I didn’t choose them, they were assigned to me and I accepted. I was always very close to the bishop under who I used to work, and I think that this did influence me a lot and taught me a lot. How would you describe yourself, in the spiritual sense?
I do not consider myself as a very spiritual person, in the sense that I am more holy than anyone else. I am no mystic, and I consider myself more as a practical and down to earth
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Bishop Carmel: Origin Story
person. I do say my prayers, I celebrate mass daily, and I spend time during the day in private prayer, but I cannot say that there is some particular type of spirituality that I follow, such as Jesuit spirituality or monastic spirituality. How do you see your role now? As the Bishop of Gibraltar, my main task is to be a father to all and to bring the love of God,
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shown to us in Christ, to those who are somewhat lost. I am aware that Gibraltar’s society is a pluralistic society, that the role of the Church in Gibraltar is to put across its beliefs without in any way imposing itself on others. As a bishop, I am bound to teach what the Church teaches, to lead those who are members of the Church, and to celebrate the sacraments for the sanctification of the faithful. I
do not expect others to always agree with me, and I feel that if I am ready to listen to others, others also should pay attention to what I say. Reciprocal respect is part and parcel of our human dignity. I feel that there is no need to quarrel over disagreements and as I said on another occasion, we must be mature enough to agree to disagree. At the end it is only after a lot of experience and the
passing of time, that one’s ideas and beliefs are proven right or wrong. Please expand a little on the nature of this pluralistic society
Secular and spiritual are not exclusive of each other. Spirituality within the secular sphere is not a contradiction. They are distinct, but not opposed to each other. Secular society also needs a moral
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code, and spirituality, which essentially means some religious belief, may supply this kind of moral code. The secular and the religious are distinct, but they can coexist. What is reprehensible is when the secular become secularism, which means that religious beliefs are sidelined and eradicated. Secularism is opposed to religion, it sees religion as something that detracts from the autonomy or man. But one must say that secularism exists where mainly Christianity has formed society, and contributed
to an understanding of the importance of freedom. In a way secularist society is taking on what religion has provided and strengthened and fight religion itself with this acquired freedom. In a way, in a secularist society, religion has become the victim of its own success. And finally, looking forward, what are your plans for the Church in Gibraltar?
The future of the Church in Gibraltar depends a lot on the ability of the Church to adapt to the new situations that are being created in the Gibraltarian
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society. I cannot say that I have definite plans for the future. What I can say is that I feel we must, as a church, give more importance to preparation for the reception of the sacraments. I would like to see more children who know how to say some prayers, who know what the Eucharist and the Sacrament of reconciliation means. I would like to see more preparation for the reception of the sacraments also in adults, when it comes to confirmation and then marriage. I am not a pessimist, and I know that God works in mysterious ways, but at the same time I also know that God helps those who
help themselves. So my plan, if one may speak of a plan, is to give more importance to the preparation of children for the reception of the sacraments and to follow them as they grow up and continue to offer them the opportunity of learning more, and practice more, their faith. What is sure is that there is a hunger for the divine in one’s life unless we consciously drown this and fight against it. Once one opens oneself to God and meets God, necessarily, other commitments follow, like receiving the sacraments regularly and participating in the life of the Church.
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Text From Vatican Radio... Photo of Pope Francis on the Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as he commenced this address ©AP
Urbi et Orbi Christmas 2016
The Full Text of Pope Francis’ Christmas Message ‘Urbi et Orbi’ - to the City and the World.
DHappy Christmas!
ear Brothers and Sisters,
Today the Church once again experiences the wonder of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the shepherds of Bethlehem, as they contemplate the newborn Child laid in a manger: Jesus, the Saviour. On this day full of light, the prophetic proclamation resounds: “For to us a child is born, To us a son is given. And the government will be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6) The power of this Child, Son of God and Son of Mary, is not the power of this world, based on might and wealth; it is the power of love. It is the power which created the heavens and the earth, which gives life to all creation: to minerals, plants and animals; it is the force which attracts man and woman, and makes them one flesh, one single existence; it is the power which gives new birth, pardons faults, reconciles enemies, and transforms evil into good. It is the power of God. This power of love led Jesus Christ to strip himself of his glory and become man; it led him to give his life on the cross and to rise from the dead. It is the power of service, which inaugurates in our world the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice and peace. For this reason, the birth of Jesus was accompanied by the angels’ song as they proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among
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men with whom he is pleased!” (Lk 2:14). Today this message goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace. Peace to men and women in the war-torn land of Syria, where far too much blood has been spilled. Above all in the city of Aleppo, site of the most awful battles in recent weeks, it is most urgent that assistance and support be guaranteed to the exhausted civil populace, with respect for humanitarian law. It is time for weapons to be still forever, and the international community to actively seek a negotiated solution, so that civil coexistence can be restored in the country. Peace to women and men of the beloved Holy Land, the land chosen and favoured by God. May Israelis and Palestinians have the courage and the determination to write a new page of history, where hate and revenge give way to the will to build together a future of mutual understanding and harmony. May Iraq, Libya and Yemen – where their peoples suffer war and the brutality of terrorism – be able once again to find unity and concord. Peace to the men and women in various parts of Africa, especially in Nigeria, where fundamentalist terrorism exploits even children in order to perpetrate horror and death. Peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so that divisions may be healed and all people of good will may strive to undertake the path of development and
sharing, preferring the culture of dialogue to the mindset of conflict. Peace to women and men who to this day suffer the consequences of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where there is urgent need for a common desire to bring relief to the civil population and to put into practice the commitments which have been assumed. We implore harmony for the dear people of Colombia, which seeks to embark on a new and courageous path of dialogue and reconciliation. May such courage also motivate the beloved country of Venezuela to undertake the necessary steps to put an end to current tensions, and build together a future of hope for the whole population. Peace to all who, in different areas, are enduring sufferings due to constant dangers and persistent injustice. May Myanmar consolidate its efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and, with the assistance of the international community, provide necessary protection and humanitarian assistance to all those who gravely and urgently need it. May the Korean peninsula see the tensions it is experiencing overcome in a renewed spirit of cooperation. Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism, and to those who have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities. Peace – not merely the word, but a real and concrete peace – to our abandoned and excluded brothers and sisters, to those who suffer hunger and to all the victims of violence. Peace to
exiles, migrants and refugees, to all those who in our day are subject to human trafficking. Peace to the peoples who suffer because of the economic ambitions of the few, because of the sheer greed and the idolatry of money, which leads to slavery. Peace to those affected by social and economic unrest, and to those who endure the consequences of earthquakes or other natural catastrophes. Peace to the children, on this special day on which God became a child, above all those deprived of the joys of childhood because of hunger, wars or the selfishness of adults. Peace on earth to men and women of goodwill, who work quietly and patiently each day, in their families and in society, to build a more humane and just world, sustained by the conviction that only with peace is there the possibility of a more prosperous future for all. Dear brothers and sisters, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given”: he is the “Prince of peace”. Let us welcome him! To you, dear brothers and sisters, who have gathered in this Square from every part of the world, and to those in various countries who are linked to us by radio, television and other means of communication, I offer my greeting. On this day of joy, we are all called to contemplate the Child Jesus, who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth. By his grace, let us with our voices and our actions give witness to solidarity and peace.
Merry Christmas to all!
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20th Anniversary
Secular Franciscan Order - Divine Mercy Fraternity & YouFra
of the First Professions in Gibraltar
1996 20 Years Ago
On 16th November 1996 seventeen candidates, having done two years of formation, were the first in Gibraltar to profess into the Secular Franciscan Order. Fr. John Hooper, OFM (Spiritual Assistant), Shirley Richards OFS (Formation) and Tony OFS our Jerusalem Tour Guide (MinisterForest Gate Fraternity), all came from UK, the latter professing us into Forest Gate Fraternity, London Region as the Fraternity in Gibraltar had still not been
2016
canonically established. Bishop Caruana was always our Spiritual Director locally and he was always very encouraging as were other local priests. Six priests concelebrated the Mass at these Professions including Mgr. Caruana, Mgr. Orfila, Mgr. Grima, Fr. Pardo, Fr. Hooper and another Spanish Friar. A group of Secular Franciscans from Spain also joined the celebration. Eventually on 22nd
November 1998 the Fraternity was canonically established. Fr. Simon Simmonds OFS (Spiritual Assistant) signed the documents in the presence of Bishop Caruana and Judith Caplin OFS (Regional Minister) who acted as witnesses. Bishop Caruana placed the seal on the document in the presence of Fr. John Pardo. Fr. John Hooper OFS was also present as were two local Secular Franciscans Rene Williamson and Merche
Vasquez who had professed years before. Rene in Tangiers and Merche in Spain. Merche had prayed for many years that there would be a Fraternity in Gibraltar. On the 21st November 1998, eight new Candidates were professed. It was very joyful as some other members of the OFS from UK came for the occasion including Merle O’Driscoll OFS, the then National Minister. The start of the OFS in Gibraltar!!
The four Sisters, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary from UK, led us in prayer and shared their
insight of St. Francis’ journey, helping us to delve into our personal journeys and also into
our journey as a community. “So let us begin again my brothers..” (St. Francis).
25th-27th November
We praise and thank the Lord for an inspiring and soul searching Advent Retreat, including the Professions of 7 new brothers and sisters on the 26th in St. Bernard’s Church, presided by Bishop Carmel and concelebrated by Fr. Victor Ghio and Fr. Piotr Gasiorek. A truly joyful occasion. During these days there was prayer, meditation, Adoration, group sharing, dancing and the celebration of three birthdays!
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Advent Retreat
Some comments from members of YouFra and the Fraternity about the retreat
A truly inspiring retreat! So much joy and so much peace! Thanks to the lovely sisters and all who have contributed in making this retreat such a success! Peace and Good to all. Liz Best start to Advent ever! Charles
Thanks to the sisters for giving us such a wonderful retreat. I also want to thank the team for all your hard work and for arranging everything so flawlessly. It has been a truly blessed weekend full of joy, love and peace. I thought it was a beautiful retreat filled with love, peace and joy which if you think about it, is the true meaning of Christmas. I also got further insight into the social pressures St. Francis was under which makes his journey even more special to me. We all need to find our ‘caves’ and cherish them, and have sincere, searching and open hearts to discern the Lord’s will for us and teach us how to rebuild his Church. God bless. Karenza Thanks to all my brothers and sisters for such a beautiful ceremony for our profession and a lovely retreat. Thank you for all who took part in all the arrangements it was really appreciated. God Bless you all. Yvonne
who worked so very hard in preparing everything. Marilou It has been a very inspiring and truly soul reaching retreat due to the four sister’s gentle and profound guidance. Thank you so much Sisters for your patience and perseverance. Many thanks too to all concerned with the smooth running of the retreat especially to all the cooks and helpers who worked nonstop throughout the three days. Oly
Thanks to all the young people who came and for your participation. It has been great to share this experience with you and I look forward to seeing the fruits of this retreat. Prayed for those who couldn’t join us. Joanna Beautiful retreat! Remember sincere, searching open hearts! Michael
The peace, joy and love of the four sisters is wonderfully contagious. Having our Bishop, Fr. Victor and Fr. Piotr for the Professions felt like the whole Church was embracing us. Praying for the newly professed, YouFra and those new members still to come. Natasha Feeling so blessed to belong to this family. Vivian Beautiful retreat, thank you for a wonderful weekend full of prayer, love and warmth. Rosanna A lovely retreat led by four lovely sisters from Cold Ash. Peace and Good. Nicole
It has been a really special and blessed retreat and I thank God for our new brothers and sisters, thank you all
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Vaccinating Against Internet Pornography
VACCINATING AGAINST
INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY L
CH
et’s say there existed a really powerful and addictive drug. It came in small, very easy to take pills, and the pills were absolutely everywhere. Would you consider it a gigantic moral failing if someone in your family tried one? And would you consider it a gigantic moral failing if the person in your family then became addicted? Maybe. But you might also recognize that eventually, enough curious people might develop a problem, that the issue wasn’t so much with the people. It was with the drug itself. We have such a drug in our society today. It’s
R ISTI A
called pornography. Specifically, internet pornography. And for far too long, we’ve addressed it like a moral failing. And here’s the thing. We weren’t wrong to do so. Jesus tells us pretty clearly that to lust after a woman in our heart is to commit adultery. Doesn’t get much more black and white than that. But here’s the other thing. Pornography isn’t only a moral failing. With the ease of use afforded by “internet everywhere” with nearly ubiquitous 3G and Wifi and with internet capable devices in almost every person’s hand, I would
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MIS
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argue that pornography is closer to a drug epidemic or even a disease epidemic. And when a disease becomes such an epidemic that it threatens to overwhelm a society, one of the steps society takes is to vaccinate the population. And that’s why I argue we must start now and vaccinate our population against pornography. What do I mean? Well, I don’t mean outlaw it. We have such a robust culture of freedom of speech, especially noxious speech, that pornography isn’t going anywhere. But would it be helpful to outlaw certain kinds of pornography? Certainly. The women involved in pornography are used and abused and that kind of thing should absolutely be
curtailed wherever possible. But as long as there’s some level of money to make in the internet pornography industry, plenty of it will continue to seep through. Nope, what we need is a cascade of families who stand together and say, “enough is enough”. We need to stand together and try and slow this thing down. And just convincing people that viewing pornography is wrong isn’t going to cut it. Oh, sure, having a well formed conscious
We invite applications for funding from anyone who wishes to launch an evangelistic initiative or who needs support for an existing Christian missionary activity. Please write to: The Chairman, Christian Mission Trust, 4 South Pavilion Road, Gibraltar.
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editorial selected by Dr. Monique Risso from Pope Paul VI Institute Newsletter
Pornography:
a Major Epidemic Statistics on pornography vary, but they all point to its widespread use. Covenant Eyes, for example, which produces filtering software, noted in its 2015 annual report that 55 percent of married men admit to watching porn at least once a month, and 70 percent of unmarried men (along with 25 percent of married women and 16 percent of unmarried women). is necessary when given an opportunity to do the wrong thing. Being well formed will help somebody exert their will over a particular temptation. But what we really need to do as a society, is make this temptation much, much more rare. How do we do that? Through vaccination. It starts with men
and women all across our nation standing together and admitting that pornography is terrible and we need to slow it down. Then it means those same men and women doing everything they can to protect all of their internet capable devices with the latest in internet filters. Then it means men and women leaning on each
other to continue to update their devices to keep them protected so that as little pornography can get through their filters as possible. Getting every device protected with robust filtering technology is like vaccinating every single person against a disease. Does that solve the problems associated with pornography? Nope. But it is a necessary and important first step. Men and women everywhere, even those not convinced that this is a big deal for themselves, should at least agree that using pornography is a very big deal and very destructive for millions of other people out there. We should
stand together in brotherhood and sisterhood to try and protect our devices from allowing pornography through. After that, we need to work the moral side of the problem. Absolutely. But as a first step? Massive adoption of internet filtering on all devices is an essential step. So let’s do it together. No matter how old you are, protect your device. This isn’t about whether you have a problem. This is about vaccinating a population, and protecting your devices is an essential part of the equation. So don’t delay. Protect your devices today. Get an accountability partner to help you. Stand together. Stand strong.
CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT 25th, 40th, 50th & 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned Friday 27th January 2017 at 7.30pm Mr & Mrs:___________________________________________ Forenames: Husband___________________________________ Forenames: Wife______________________________________ Née:________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ E-mail:______________________________________________ Home Tel: ___________________________________________
LITTLE ANGELS PLAY GROUP
JOIN US FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS, SINGING AND STORIES 4-5PM EVERY THURSDAY AT THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTRE ‘BOOKSHOP’
Work Tel:____________________________________________ Mobile______________________________________________ Date of Marriage:_____________________________________ Church:_____________________________________________
N.B. If marriage took place outside Gibraltar please produce a copy of the Marriage Certificate when handing in this form This form should be handed in at the Cathedral bookshop as soon as possible and not later than Friday 6th January 2017 You can e-mail above detail/form to duos@gibtelecom.net -Please keep this part of the form for your informationAfter the church service celebration, couples are cordially invited to the Catholic Community Centre for refreshments, along with four guests. This is due to the limited space available. Couples should arrive at the Cathedral on 27th January 2017 no later than 7.15pm For further information or queries contact Denise Duo on Home no: 20043386 Mob no: 57021000 email: duos@gibtelecom.net
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Cursillo Team Leaders
How WELL Do We KNOW
God?
G
od is so immense that we can never get to know enough about him no matter how much we read and study. In the Cursillo Movement we work towards deepening our knowledge and understanding of God but when we speak about study, we are not referring to a “knowing” or “to know much” but rather experiencing a Christianity that is living and intimate based on some precisely known truths. Living a life with Jesus Christ at our side requires
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a progression, a personal growth through the simple and sincere usage of our intelligence in order to know and assimilate the Gift of God and to project this into all things. In spite of this, the point of Christianity is not to know much, but rather to love much. It is clear that it is necessary to study, but we should not give it more importance than what it is. No one should just study for the sake of studying. Study is only a means and should not be made as an end. Like a doctor who studies a series of things, not to know
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How well do we know God? them, but to cure illnesses, to weekend retreats we run. We save lives and make a living, we needed to ensure that the content want to study to resolve all the remains current and relevant. problems in our lives in the light The weekend commenced on of our Christianity. Actions are Friday evening with prayers what give form to our Christian and sessions of meditation and lives. If we are to convince personal reflection. The evening anyone about the benefits of ended with some tea and biscuits living a Christian life we need and a briefing of the agenda for to be very clear about what this the following day. means. In any environment the The events on Saturday started seller of a product must possess quite early at 9,30am with a good knowledge of the product prayers at the chapel and during he is selling and in order for our the course of the day there were actions to be effective, we must talks run by various members of know Christ and the people the team. It was quite a unique we want to opportunity spread His for the men We must know Christ message to. to hear talks By knowing presented by more about Christ, we are then the female members of the team better able to serve the Lord in and vice versa with the women spreading His message to them. experiencing talks presented by We can say that an hour of study the men. The normal weekend is an hour of prayer. Cursillos are not mixed, men As the Cursillo team of and women have their weekend leaders we apply this criteria to events separately and therefore ourselves since no matter how it was a rare event that everyone long you have been involved in enjoyed. The weekend was the movement there is always a made even more special by the need to renew and update your participation of Fr. Jonathan who knowledge. Recently the team has been asked by His Lordship, organised a weekend retreat the Bishop, to accompany the at the Europa Retreat Centre Cursillo Movement in this new to review the content of the chapter of their existence. Fr.
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Jonathan presented a couple of the talks himself and during the day made himself available for confessions but the icing on the cake was a beautiful session of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament towards the end of the day. On the Sunday the day began with the team getting together for coffee and churros early in the morning. There were further presentations during the day with opportunities for group discussions and the day ending with a beautiful Mass with Fr. Jonathan. All in all a very intense but rewarding few days that has enabled the team of leaders to bond together and re-energise, looking forward to a full calendar of events during 2017. What man calls conversion is often only the discovery of
the Great Friend Jesus Christ. What man calls religion is the knowledge of the Great Friend. What man calls holiness is the imitation of the Great Friend. If you would like to have this Great Friend as part of your lives, the Cursillo Movement offers you an excellent opportunity to do this through our three day Cursillo Weekends. The next Cursillo weekends are being held at the Retreat Centre from the 30th March till the 2nd April 2017 for women and from the 18th till the 21st May 2017 for men. If you are interested in attending please contact us on 58008885 or send us an email on cursillogibraltar@ gmail.com and we shall send you an enrolment form, we look forward to seeing you there. God Bless Cursillo Team of Leaders
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SUFFERING IN THE SHADOWS Anne Mesilio
SUFFERING IN THE SHADOWS
H
appy New Year!
The bells ring out, fireworks shatter the midnight sky, glasses are raised amidst singing and general jollity as we greet the New Year. This year as yet unknown, untried, lurking in the shadows but about to unfold around us. January is named after the two faced Roman god Janus, for his ability to look back and forward at the same time. At the tolling of the bells we too stand between the years, letting go of the past and looking forward. Looking forward often means making resolutions to address some aspect of our lives we are disappointed with. This happens every year and I believe every resolution made is made with good intent. However, the reality is we fall by the wayside very quickly and this failure can lead to self loathing and even depression. This can
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and must be avoided because even if made in an alcohol fuelled moment of euphoria, there is often a basis for these resolutions. Resolutions are born out of addictions, yes addictions, think about it, you may want to stop smoking, gambling, shopping, drinking, playing video games or even to eat more healthily. All addictions are not the ingestible kind, for instance being addicted to sex or video games are pleasurable but can become compulsive and interfere with work and relationships. Looking at the meaning of addictions more closely we can use the word in different ways. There is physical addiction when the body becomes tolerant to a drug used over time and that drug no longer has the same effect. Either a higher intake is needed or a different one is tried
in a circle w h i c h becomes debilitating. People who become emotionally stressed often overreact and resort to gambling, shopping and other distractions, in a futile
attempt to take some action as a result of this stress. Now, I believe that addiction, of whatever nature, has nothing to with a persons morality or strength of character. It is a human weakness, a trap easily fallen into in the mistaken belief it will help tide us over until such time as the present situation is resolved. Unfortunately, hitting the bottle because of redundancy becomes a spiral into despair and before long problems are being caused for others, usually the families. Addictions are no respecter of class or position in society and sadly addicts are often stigmatized as their addiction is perceived as self inflicted. This often stops people seeking help and they suffer in the shadows. “Drug abuse is a scourge in our society, which traps many people in its nets, they are victims who have lost their freedom in exchange for this slavery, the slavery of a dependency that we might define as chemical. It is certainly a new form of slavery, like many others that plague man today, and society in general” (Pope Francis). He goes on; “It is not surprising that so many people fall prey to drug dependency, because worldliness offers us a wide range of possibilities for achieving ephemeral happiness,
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Suffering in the Shadows which eventually becomes poison, which corrodes, corrupts and kills. The person is destroyed, along with all those around him. The initial desire for escape, seeking momentary happiness, becomes the devastation of the person as a whole, with repercussions at all social levels”. The Pope said it is important to understand the scope of the drug problem, the “networks that enable the death of a person ... immense and powerful networks, that entrap responsible people in society, in government, in the family” and recognise that it is no easy task. Underlying the New Year celebrations is a sober new day of introspection and in setting resolutions, it is well to be realistic. First of all, tell someone who will become your champion and help and encourage you and hold you when you slip, and remind you this is not a fall. Be sensible, do not confuse fantasy with reality. A lot of cynicism exists around making New Year resolutions where a positive supportive attitude would be more welcome and helpful.
The Holy Father reflected on the causes that lead people to drug dependency, saying that no single issue can be blamed, but that many factors intervene, “including the absence of family, social pressure, propaganda by traffickers, the desire for new experiences, and so on.” If you have made a resolution, good for you, but you could be getting into a cage of self destruction which will have the opposite effect of what you want to achieve. Our expectations of ourselves are often way too high but we mean well. If every resolution you consider making seems unrealistic and unachievable, then it probably is. It can be time to consider making changes because keeping doing what you always do... will get the same results! So, if hitting the re-set button seems daunting why not ponder on the Serenity Prayer; “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”.
The Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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